Pretty Much Adjusted

A question I often get is "How do you like it there?"

Tough question to answer...I normally answer with "I'm adjusted to living in Belgium."

I just was reading a new friend's blog about their move and experiences in Belgium. I can relate to sooo much of what she is saying! Only I didn't blog as much about it as she did (she doesn't have family living here that can be offended ; P) I really enjoy reading what she has posted and it made me think about a few things. First, that I have THIS blog to write about MY Belgian experiences and secondly that so many things are 'normal' for me now, that I forget it is not typical-American until you see someone else struggling with it or have visitors. So you can expect some more updates coming up.

I decided once again that I like blogging just for myself. I used to journal, but since getting married and surely having babies, you have less alone-time-to-think-and-write time.

SO? What did my typical Belgian day look like today?

Last night was a big deal around here. The Belgian soccer team, De Rode Duivels (red devils) played in the World Cup.  I am adjusted to the fact that it is a big deal around here, but I still find it soooooo boring to watch. The guys make fun and say that baseball is more boring to watch, but I disagree. Since it was such a big game (that started at 10!), it made for a late night and a rushed morning.

Supporting the team

I quickly got ready and wrote the card for the teacher's gift (it is normal to give a little something the end of school) in DUTCH! I wanted hubby to do it, but he was still sleeping. I still always use Google translate to check what I want to write. The teacher seemed to understand, because she came and thanked me after.

I dropped Mateo at school (They start at 2.5 years here),

After that I quickly ran to the grocery store. Had to take advantage of the last chance in a while to go shopping without Mateo. Then since I didn't actually buy anything perishable and already had my toys loaded in the car I headed to the speel-o-theek. Translation? Toy Library. A suuuupper fantastic idea. Every time I go (this was my 3rd or 4th), I get all giddy about what a great idea it is and am all excited for Mateo to be excited about 'his new toys.' I found out about it from an expat group I'm in on FB. In short, you pay €2/year/kid and every time you go you can borrow 2 toys and they have an amazing selection! From Playmobil to mini drum sets, to puzzles and games to bathtoys to an outdoor slide, you-name-it.

 

I had a nice chat with other mommies. Hubby always comments when I say stuff about expats. He reminds me that I am not an expat. I explain that I know that, but that it is sometimes nice to not feel obligated to speak Dutch and especially to be able to talk to an American!

After racing back to get M from his last (half) day of school, I stepped into the house to see his birthday suitcase in the entry! I then raced back to the school hoping the teacher was there. We move in a month and I don't want any extra stuff! Thankfully she was there. Wheuf.

This is the crown he made with the teacher and the special suitcase they get to take home on their birthday.

 

We loaded up the car and headed to my American (used to be neighbor) friend. I had tons of clothes and a baby swing to drop off. We are always exchanging baby goodies. Now my SIL is getting in on the action (baby boy is due Nov 19th).

Then off to the next stop. I guess the concept came from America, but has been adopted here also. FREECYCLE. I love it.  Look it up.  Not that I have received much or given much away (so far), but the idea is great. I know there are other ways to do it, but I am on 3 groups on Facebook. Someone was asking for baby things I said I had some girl stuff, but they needed boy. Someone else contacted me and it seemed I had things she needed. I had a very full baby bath of items. She met me at my SIL's and I was very happy to get rid of some more things!

I picked up my niece who will be here for the weekend. It is moving weekend for her family and these little folks can make an already difficult job even more difficult.

Then back to (deleted for privacy reasons LOL)

Dinner was frozen pizzas, canned greenbeans and yummy smoothies.  Something about sick hubby, 3 whiney kids, and rain that makes you want to eat NOW!

I finally got some of that quiet time after the 3 kids were in bed...sure was nice to post something.