Thursday, January 3, 2013

The Last Blog - Very Final Thoughts

The last time I wrote was mid April. Sorry, no Christmas letter either. Been waiting to see how time worked its way with us and my words. I will likely do a Christmas letter next year. Until then, this is it! Final thoughts on our adventures, our re-patriotization, and ending the year 2012.

For quite a while after arriving 'home' we felt awkward and wondered if it would ever feel normal again. Give it time we were told. At least 6 months. It took some understanding to accept the two gear gap we were missing.  And we missed the things we had gotten so used to in Europe.  Most of all that 'missing' is faded now.  We are up on local events and have re-engaged friendships and such. We're not as sad about 'missing' the things we left, but think about it more fondly.

So what have we been up to since April?
A glorious vacation for one. After school finished we beat a path up North to Canada. It was exactly what we all needed.  We did nothing but spend time with my Mom and Dad while relaxing and having fun at the lake. I've been going there since I was a little girl.  For me, it is my happy place. It's comfy, relaxing, remote, and totally not fancy. This year it was a return to center. Kind of back to default factory setting. NOTHING ever changes here. In the whirl of change in our lives, this vacation was a refreshing beacon. A compass pointing North ?? ha ha ha, couldn't resist.  
From fresh water to salt...from Canada to the New Jersey Shore we went, where Bob spent summers growing up.  Bob had to work remotely for a week, but we still had lots of fun in the sun, water, and sand.  Grandmom and Grandpop Pascucci joined us for our last week to celebrate the July 4th holiday. It was fun watching fireworks and an awesome moonrise on the beach while playing Jedi warriors with glowsticks.
Coming home from vacation was pretty exciting too.  We came home to a new puppy!
Peeka (Peekaboo)
We had talked about a new dog. Researched breeds. We were split on rescuing or buying from a breeder. While still in New Jersey, I woke up early with a horrible dream about surrendering Snuggles to the golden retriever rescue again.  It was such a painful memory. I decided there had to be a dog out there for us to rescue, so with coffee in hand, I spent several hours digging on the internet.  I found Petfinder.com and plenty of pups needing help.  We found 3 Havanese puppies were being rescued from their breeder who had a stroke. We were soon home and so was Peeka.
She's grown a lot now and we've enjoyed learning about each other. The boys adore her. She is very true to her breed standard.  Havanese were bred for companionship and she is a lap dog.  She is eager to please, smart, playful, and rarely barks.  Best of all, she is a good point of focus for us.  She has served to bring our attention home and give us good reason to enjoy it and keep developing a family environment and comfy home. She makes us smile and feel good. I missed that so much while 'dogless' and I feel like we've come full circle now. 

The boys went back to school in late August, Andrew in 3rd grade and Carter in a 1st grade enrichment class. They are positive, having fun, and their grades have been spectacular!  They began reading like crazy this summer, which we are so happy to see. They also decided to give Cub Scouts a try.  So far they really enjoy it and have been camping once, complete with archery and BB shooting (oh dear).

I've been enjoying starting many of my weekdays at the YMCA (gym). I love the variety of people there, all fitness levels, ages, and backgrounds.  There is a caring and supportive atmosphere and it's close to home - perfect. At home we've redone the boys rooms and our own too, as well as a new living area/tv space.  Up next - kitchen and dining area. Then eventually, my bead making torch to dig out. Overall, I've spent enough time now emotionally caught between two continents. I've had to learn to settle back home with all my fond memories and new Facebook friends. Happily, I have enough scrapbook material to keep me busy for years. And my camera batteries stay charged.
 
Bob has been busy with two trips to Disney's Aulani resort in Hawaii, a clean-up trip to Germany, and efforts involving the planned re-fit of the Magic. How was it returning to Germany? He said it's just not the same, so no use missing it. Good point I guess. 
 
So, our final thoughts to wrap up this blog?  Hah, let's see how many times I rewrite this section!
 
For starters I have to share a funny quote from the German shipyard.  We received a lovely holiday gift from Meyer Werft, a book highlighting the building process of the Dream and Fantasy. It's filled with great photos, and my favorite part, the introduction.  We've spoke volumes on our thoughts, but what did the Germans think of the Disney experience? My favorite comment: 'The construction of the two ships,...presented the shipyard with completely new challenges and created new dimensions in the otherwise very tranquil Papenburg.'  Crack me up!! Well, we (the whole team) were quite a handful and rowdy bunch at times, true.  And that was a very polite way to say so!  I'm sure it also refers to the amount of commerce and extra visitors the ships brought to the area.  No doubt Papenburg is too quiet now - they probably miss us (Disney team) terribly!
 
It's no secret that our family loved our European experience a great deal. And it's not that we dislike our country but, there has been some struggling to get back into our old life for sure. More than we expected. Somewhat due to the effect of our experiences. Our perspective is shaded differently now. Not better or worse, just different. I think if we came back exactly the same as we left, what would have been the point?
 
Personally, I struggled being 'settled' for quite a while. Yeh, there is a bit more dullness to life now. There was a rush before, travel, challenge, conquering, learning. We had two years to squeeze in as much as we could. It suited me most days, even if tiring. We went in with a good attitude and openess to experience it all - the good and the bad. I left in tears. I'm sure a few of the build team left whistling with joy, don't misunderstand! But, we are proud to have conquered a huge learning curve (ok, except for language). We met diverse and amazing people, and traveled to unique places. But, our adventure is past and I look around and say 'Now What?'  Is there anything else to save for? to look forward to? to accomplish?  I sure hope so.
 
As for Bob, the office is not the same as he remembered. After working in a smaller close-knit group and focused on a project that offered a sense of completion and reward, coming back to the enormously slow churning buracracy of 'big company' is challenging.  Some of the others in the shipbuild group have been struggling with the changes also.  I think everyone was questioning their role on return.  Out of sight, out of mind?  Would anyone truly understand or appreciate the accomplishments made? Now what? It is sometimes complicated and unclear. Decisions take time and then waver. He is tired of the games, corporate buzz words, and no substantial challenges or opportunities.  But, older, wiser, and with new perspective, he is not the man content to let it fester. He is a problem solver.
 
Here it comes.  Next Adventure!
 
Today Bob is delivering his resignation to the Walt Disney Company.
 
After 16 years (9 of them at Cruise Line), the pixie dust has worn off and run out. He has accepted a new and exciting challenge as Director of Information Technology with Smokey Bones Bar and Fire Grill located in Orlando.  Smokey Bones, formerly part of the Darden family, struggled for a while before being sold from it's parent.  For the last few years, under new management, it has been busy re-inventing itself and turning into a profitable and growing company with 60+ units and hopefully new ones soon.  The management office doesn't even call itself that - the group of 40 people are referred to as the Restaurant Support Team. 
 
His decision does not come lightly or hastily. He invested in a resume updating service over a year ago and has had his ear to the ground for some time.  He learned a lot about his style of management and the environment he excels in while we were away.  He is looking forward to this new challenge!  And so am I.  I'm proud of him and have faith that he will excel in this different environment.  It will be a bit odd in some ways. Still essentially newlyweds, we moved to Florida for Disney.  It's been a big part of our life and mostly in a positive way. We've had great experiences and made several life long friends. We told the boys last night and they didn't seem too concerned.  You know, that they will just be normal guests now.  (I'm chuckling here folks). Yeah, we are good with it. 
 
Soooo, sorry folks, we don't have park tickets.  We don't have a Silver Pass.  We don't have merchandise discounts.  We don't even have free parking. We will just have to do what the natives here do - get an annual pass! But, I can tell you, it will be some time.  I hear there is a Univeral Studios Park in Orlando. We've NEVER been....mmmm.
 
Thank you to everyone who has followed this blog. I am always amazed when people tell me how much they have read and enjoyed our goofy stories. It contains 224 posts over 3 years, with 11,546 views to date from 10 different countries.  I began blogging as a way to save my thoughts to scrapbook later and to stay in touch with friends and family. Now we have a cherished collection of memories that are a book in itself. 

Thank you also to everyone who assisted us every step of the way.  Not only the love and support of family, but also those people who smoothed out the rough spots.  You know who you are - making travel arrangements or helping us with translation or doctor appointments. Our adventures could have been much more challenging for sure! We appreciate you all.
All our love and best wishes to everyone.  May God bless you on all YOUR adventures wherever they may take you,

Wendy, Bob, Andrew, Carter - and little Peeka
 
This blog is dedicated to Mike Mahendran, DCL Hotel Director. Mike, a driven and inspired build team member, made us smile and laugh through it all. He shared our challenges and helped support us every way he could, 110%.  Mike fainted shortly before the sailing home of the Fantasy.  He passed away a few months later after an extended illness.  He is, and will be sadly missed by many. 






Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Getting it in Gear

I've been meaning to post for a while now, but just don't seem inspired.  We are still getting it in gear.  We mostly have a groove now, but some things still feel strange. 
The boys seem to have it all together.  They have the school routine down tight.  They had their first soccer - er, football, -er, whatever!  game this past weekend.  They play on different teams and both won!  They are not super assertive kids on the field yet, not even Carter.  But, working on it.
Carter was having a great time over with the snacks and the girls though.  Showing them 'his moves' no doubt.
He has some moves ON the field as well when he is on offense.  As a defensive player, he needs a little work on actually watching the game.  BUT, they both LOVE playing, practicing, and wearing the gear.  As Soccer Mom, I have been toting chairs, drinks, snacks, camera, and kids.  Check.  Life is good.

Bob seems to be in groove, though hard to tell exactly. His group is still ironing out their own game plan, so we will see how it goes.  In the meantime, he is not crazy busy for once and that is pretty nice!  This weekend was also his wardrobe overhaul.  He made me go through all his dress shirts and pants.  It was a little like the show 'What Not to Wear' with me tossing a lot of stuff in the bin.  Too bad we didn't get one of those Visa cards the people on the show get, we could have used it.  Into the closet went NEW shirts and pants.  Now every morning there is a fashion show and he cruises around looking for praise on how he looks.  Bob says that no one at work tells him he looks sexy.  So, Alan, Blaine,...I dare you!!  LOL, that should fix him.

The rest of life is moving along at a more relaxed pace around the house.  No exciting things like new cars or movers.  Just toting kids around, doing laundry, going to the gym and the store.  Maybe that is what has me a little down.  Things were SO busy at first that I didn't have time to think much about missing things.  Call me sappy, but I don't let go easily.  And fitting back in is still taking time and I still feel awkward at times. 

Example - did spin class for first time again yesterday. Totally new bike to fuss with and get right and then I had trouble remembering how to open the fastener on my bike shoes.  Push, don't pull.  Got it.  At the supermarket I have been enjoying the grocery baggers and carry out service.  Got to love that Southern hospitality.  However, last week after I proudly handed over my reusable bags to the check-out lady, a roach the size of Texas goes scooting across the counter.  The check-out lady thankfully didn't scream too loud, but the manager nearby immediately encouraged her 'you better get that quick or we'll have to call it in!'  Which she then replied (quite loudly in my opinion), 'it came out of HER bags!!!'  Welcome to home to Florida. 

Other things are more subtle.  Like talking to people I haven't seen for a long time. After struggling to remember their name, there are the same questions, same answers....blah, blah, 'it was challenging at times, but a great opportunity, we loved it, but it's great to be home'.  As soon as you stray past those quick general phrases you loose them.  A friend prepared me about this and I understand it now.  Who really wants to hear about our trivial stuff that they can't relate too?  But, I've got nothing else interesting to share.  We haven't been here long enough to have much going on and I think most people would think I was nuts if I told them how excited I was to find some of our favorite beer imported at Total Wine.  So, I  stick to asking questions about THEM and it IS interesting to see and hear about changes. But, I have an honest interest and can relate.  This is just a phase. 

Day to day we are finding ways to balance and integrate things concerning our 'Euro Life' with 'Back to Life'.  I'm trying out some cooking we did in Germany while still celebrating the return of MEXICAN, Boar's Head, and Sandwich Thins.  Thank you Jesus for chipotle black bean burgers....I really mean that. Still missing Greek and Turkish....will work on that.  Coffee - there is hope.  We decided to keep the Keurig, but we clearly favor the dark roasts, and no foo-foo flavors.  We are enjoying cool evenings out on our deck with snacks and ouzo or limoncello.  Even found a sparkling water at Costco to love - Perrier, who knew?  We still shop at big box Costco, but taking time to do 'needs analysis' before shoving half the store in the cart.  At the gym, it's back to pounds.  I'm sure I look funny trying to think about kilo conversion early in the morning.  Math, ouch.

Most things are really going well, no complaints. The house is much tidier and the sunroom is full of items for donation (we felt the tax benefit was better and easier than a yard sale).  New neighbor seems nice and is quiet. Got soft well water (my hair is very happy now).  Enjoying a decent sofa, while some other home improvements are on the way.  Love the Iphone, but spell check needs to learn some German.  LOVE, SUPER LOVE the new car!!  It was painful trying to decide between Volkswagon Tiguan and the Honda CRV.  I had no idea the Honda was as nice as we found it to be.  We stopped to look at it just for comparison sake.  I think Bob still liked the Tiguan better, but he kept saying 'it's YOUR car'.  So, despite my guilty feelings over dissing Das Auto...I went for the Honda.  I'm proud to say I weighed out a long list of features, costs, practical needs, and advice from our cherished mechanic.  Result - a great car I'm totally smitten with :-)

On our horizon - updating the boy's bedrooms. Bob heads back to Germany in May for office clean-up.  Then off to Canada and Jersey Shore in June. VERY excited about this relaxing vacation! Later this summer we promised Carter we will look into a dog.  ONE, SMALL, DOG. He wants to name it 'Boots' (like Puss in Boots), while Andrew and I are liking 'Gromit' (like Wallace and Gromit).  We'll see!

Still blogging, for now.
Cheers,
Wendy

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Double Whammy Easter

We were a little worried going to bed last night....we feared the Easter Bunny and Tooth Fairy might crash into one another while busily going about thier duties.  Whew.  All was well this morning.  No fairy dust spilled, no rabbit pellets laying about.  Just one USD laying under Drew's pillow and one Golden egg laying on the kitchen table.
The Golden Egg had a clue in it towards finding the hidden Easter Baskets.  The clues each led to the next egg which held another clue, sending the boys on a crazy goose chase throughout the house and outside. The last clue was buried in a carrot shaped egg in the garden.  The Easter Bunny had a fun time setting up the chase and the boys had a great time following the clues to find their baskets.  Will post some video clips later.  The baskets ended up being hidden in the trunk of the new car ;-)

We sincerely hope all our friends and family throughout the world are enjoying a lovely Easter.  Groningen, I hope that little frost or dusting of white stuff on the ground fades quickly!!  Yikes!!  This is a bitter sweet Easter for us.  Two years ago we arrived in Germany on the eve of Easter.  We were welcomed by the neighbors burning the traditional bonfire and sharing beer and schnapps with one another.  Really missing this, but later today we will enjoy spending time with some long time friends that we haven't seen for a while.  Really looking forward to it!  More later this week on how things are going.  For now, a blessed Easter to all!!

Cheers,
Wendy, Bob, Andrew, and Carter


Monday, April 2, 2012

Back to Work!



DH Bob is back to work today at the Celebration office where all our adventures first began.  It may not sound like a big deal, but really, it is probably very odd for him.  After being involved in the ship build for years, his scope is changing and he has to find a new groove.  He looked so cute this morning all dressed up sporting his goatee - which is now permitted by Disney for cast members.

We are all finding a new groove really....I chased him down as he left BEFORE us to give him his coffee. He had to start the day by getting a new ID to even get into the office building. Last night I stared at infinite pages of Iphone 'bumpers' on Amazon.  No idea which one to choose.  The boys are getting used to seeing me at school in car line with the new car - and I'm getting used to driving it (much more fun than bumper shopping).  My parents are enroute for home in PA as well.  We will see them again in Canada.   And today - I am the homemaker holding down the fort by myself.  Goal for day - painting a wall and organizing my nook of the office. 

Best wishes for a great week to all!
Cheers,
Wendy



Thursday, March 29, 2012

Back to School!

Yeah! After a several week break, Andrew and Carter are back to school!  They began on Monday as Pandas at Pleasant Hill Elementary, a whopping 2 MINUTE commute from our door.  YIPPEEEEE!!!!  This makes me so happy, I could do cartwheels across the front lawn.

Andrew is in 2nd grade and is liking it very much so far.  He immediately made a friend with Cody, who recognized him from the kindergarten class they shared 2 years ago.  He is recognizing a few other faces, like his art teacher, which is making the transition a lot easier.  Academically, I think is doing on par with the others.  A worry after being overseas.  It's only been 3 days, so we will see.

Carter is in kindergarten and is also liking it so far.  BUT, I am concerned that is he academically not being challenged.  He has come home with a special hat for knowing all is letters and their sounds.  Uh-huh.  HELLLLOOOO!  He can read! And I mean more than 'See Jack run'.  I keep asking if he has actually READ anything yet to his teacher. No, not yet. Uh-huh.  Ok, we will give this another few days.  Emotionally and socially however, he is probably in the right spot. Always some challenge with this one.

Meanwhile, our house looks like a bomb went off.  The movers came early last week and the shipment was in great condition.  Woo hoo!  We have been very fortunate on both sides of the move to have great movers and no breakages.  Now, organizing this mess is another story.  It would have been easy to move into an empty house.  But, here we have years of old junk to sift through first and upgrades to make. Some days it seems like we just move the piles of stuff around to new spots. It was very slow going the first week by myself, but Bob has been home for almost a week now and we have really accomplished a lot I think.

We have installed some new closet organization, new office furniture, got new Iphone, water treatment system is being installed as I write, and later today I should be driving home a new Honda CRV.  Bags of rubbish are still being dragged out the door daily.  Our garbage collectors must be in shock after passing our home for years with nothing.  We are recycling what we can - again, thank goodness for a truck.  Our county is working on curbside recycling, but for now we are taking what we can to a local drop-off. Luckily, they take cardboard (boxes), which makes most of our big bulk. It frustrates me though to see what still goes out in the trash that we could previously recycle in Germany.  We recycled just about everything there.  We put out HALF a trash container on the curb EVERY OTHER WEEK.  Now we are generating this amount in just a few days.  Our sunroom is also filling up with old furniture and goods for donation or yard sale.  As much as I don't want to, I think a yard sale will be needed. Blah.

The boys are anxiously looking forward to having their bedrooms finished.  That is right after painting the wall behind the new entertainment center.  Soon to be followed by a new sofa.  Good-bye smelly 15 year old 'dog bed' sofa!! woo hoo!!  Seriously, this sounds like a lot of stuff, but we have not done much to the house since adding on in 2004.  Much our of furniture came from Pennsylvania.  This house has been sitting and waiting for love for a while.

Aside from all the work, I am happy to say that we have enjoyed a few moments on our back porch with candles, some wine, and fresh warm breezes.  Ahhhhh.  Right before we fall into bed and pass out!

A special shout out goes to my friend Gus and her family in Groningen....good luck on your move to Seattle!  We are super excited for you!  Will pray that all goes smoothly.  Big hugs!

Cheers to All,
Wendy

Monday, March 19, 2012

Tired and Sore

Sorry no photo today, though I should, as several rooms of this house are the cleanest they may ever be for a while.  Surely, a 'Kodak moment'.  For 3 days now I've cleaned, scrubbbed, disinfected, and purged junk. Assisted with the purchase of a new Dyson at Costco, yippee!  I love how it sucks the dust off the blinds.  If it maintains it's suction like advertised, I will be a very happy camper.

Grandma and Grandpa Gabos have been SUPER helpful in spending time with the boys.  They are all having a grand time and I get to work in peace.  Nice deal. Bob is still on the ship this week.  This works out well.  He'll never even remember owning those Kim Wild and Tiffany cassette tapes.

So, I have to tell you what amazed me today - items I discovered in the kitchen. I am very suspicious now of plastics leaching.  I know my Tupperware friends don't want to hear this, but my silicone baking mold looked like it had been sprayed down with a sticky cooking spray. I mean, it glistened. The roll of plastic wrap left sitting in the drawer - also greasy feeling.  My Dad even unrolled several feet of it, still slimey.  And you know those little plastic bumpers on the drawers and cabinets that keep the doors from slamming?  Our's are gummy globs.  A few have even disintegrated, they look like some sugary candy mess.  To be fair, I have plenty of plastic containers that seem fine, whether Tupperware brand or Glad, or Ziploc. Maybe the house was kept a bit too warm or too humid for two years, but I haven't found any mold or mildew issues. Dunno, but it makes me wonder.

And I'm not finished yet, I still have the master bedroom, rec room, and office to go (not to mention the outside of the house).  I feel accomplished though.  LOTS of bags of trash, recycling, and donations. And the priorty areas are ready to receive the movers tomorrow!!! Then more work.  But, fun work.  I hope.

Cheers,
Wendy