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.
Dear Wendy,
ReplyDeleteWe cannot thank you all enough for remembering Mike Mahendran. That's so kind of you. It's a wonderful blog. We wish You Bob Andrew Carter and Peeka the very best. God bless you all.
Kindest regards,
Manoj Mahendran