I went through the past few months of this blog and realized I have done a pretty good job making it seem like we're basically on a year long vacation, although that was never my intention. I try to stay positive here because I plan to turn this blog into a book for the girls when we get home, but for the sake of keeping things real I'm going to be a little more transparent from now on (and no, I don't really think Beth Moore reads my blog). Here it goes...
It's hot here. All the time. I haven't been cold, or even cool for over three months. I've never, ever driven without the air-conditioning on, not even at 7:30 am when we have to leave for school.
Ah, school... Have I written about our commute here yet? Let's just say driving to school during rush hour traffic on a busy 8-lane highway can be a little stressful. Don't get me wrong, I love my time with the girls in the morning. But EIGHT lanes? (and there are a couple of stretches where it extends to 10 and 12 lanes) Oh how I miss the straight-shot, two lane street that leads to our school in America!
My hair. Sweaty, tangled mess. All of the time.
We caught a gecko in our house the other morning.
I was pulled over not too long ago for making an illegal u-turn and the officer suggested I look into driving school.
I miss my mom. A lot. (I miss you too, Dad!) But there's just something about a girl and her mom that can't be replaced.
Walking the dog. Neither of us had any idea what an adjustment it would be to have to take Daisy for a walk three times a day. It's the kind of commitment I can sort of compare to nursing my babies. Except there isn't any joy in doing it at all, and it's not acceptable to bring along your huge dog with you everywhere you go. And I basically hate poop.
Once again, I am in the land of no Dr. Pepper! I miss zipping through Sonic after spending the day shopping with my mom and sister. Truth be told, I actually tried to make my own Dr. Pepper. It didn't turn out well.
I miss family. In the US we live minutes away from both sets of siblings, grandparents, cousins...
Making new friends is not always easy. I'm so thankful for the incredible group of ladies I've gotten to know here, but I miss the history I have with my girlfriends at home. It's easy and safe.
Good grief, please leave if this is a big downer for you. I'm finding it really theraputic!
Lets face it ladies, anybody out there like the idea of wearing a bikini year round? At least in America "swim suit" season only lasts for a few months. If I were home I'd no doubt be in my favorite jeans by now and possibly thinking about pulling out my sweaters...
And speaking of the weather cooling down in the US...
I was laughed at the other day when I asked the Starbuck's barista if they would be getting Pumpkin Spice this fall. Oh, yeah. No seasons when you live on the equator. And no Pumpkin Spice. Sigh...
I seem to cry a lot more here.
How do I explain the amount of patience and energy it takes to go to the grocery store...
There's the parking garage (find the parking garage, wait to even get IN to the already full parking garage, pay to park), walk to the store, and finally purchase your unbelievably overpriced items (more on prices later). Our home is on the 7th floor. Take a moment and think about what a pain it is to open up the trunk of your car and carry your groceries all the way from your garage to your kitchen... Can I just say how much I hate unloading groceries in this country?
I never leave the condo without my "cart". And I have to say that I am lucky to have three excellent "helpers" when it comes time to unload groceries. :)
There are some definite disadvantages to living in one of the richest countries in the world. You wouldn't believe the prices of things here compared to the US. It would blow you away. Here are a couple of overpriced items that come to mind as I write this:
hamburger: $18.00 per lb. (I'm getting really creative with Taco Tuesday)
12.5 oz box of cereal (the small size): $10.50)
canned pumpkin: $7.25
Pumpkin Cream Yankee Candle $49.99
(I'm really missing Fall, by the way)
...and it costs $170 to have Daisy groomed. Gulp.
Ever load everybody in the car only to forget you left something on the kitchen counter? It has to be really important for me to even consider unloading the girls and going back up.
I get my feelings hurt easier here.
I almost stepped on what looked like an iguana yesterday.
There are snails the size of my fists around here and it really creeps me out.
And finally...
...like I have time for this in my life.
lol. :)
Take care,
Jen
