Feeling Organized

In my head, I've been getting all geared up to write a post about how sometimes, it can be lonely to move to a new place.  I'm sure, any of you that have ever moved know exactly what I'm talking about.  Friendships are built over time and until you spend some time someplace, you can't make friends.  In our cultural training, we discussed that there will will good days and bad days and we just need to allow ourselves to feel all of the feelings that we have.  We'll make it through.

So, I was heading down that loneliness path and trying to think about what I could do about it.  I finally submitted my application to join the American Women's Association.  I RSVP'd for the Girls Night Out that the moms from school are putting together (it's in 2 weeks).  I emailed some of the contacts that I had been put in touch with prior to leaving the states (thanks friends!).  I don't feel helpless in my loneliness, maybe the word is more impatient.

However, yesterday was a good day!  I spent the morning cleaning our home.  It doesn't sound like fun, but it was the first time I've really cleaned it.  We had another delivery from Ikea this week that gave me a place for everything.  I've been itching to just put things away and wipe off the counter.  So, that's what I did.  I even mopped!  The floors here get dirty quick.  I find that I need to sweep/vacuum everyday.  The good news is that I can clean the floor of our entire home in about 15 minutes.  It's really nice to have a small enough place that I can clean the entire thing fast!  Top to bottom, all said and done, it only took me 3 hours.  Not too bad!  My home was shiny! :)

I've gotten off track...  Madeline, Wyatt and I went up to the school to pick up Lily.  I pick her up outside of her classroom door.  It's nice, because there are all the other moms gathered there with the younger siblings and it gives me a chance for some conversation.  Yesterday, in those moments when I was waiting for Lily to come out, I was invited to join in a playgroup that meets on Friday mornings after drop off.  Yeah!

I think the universe must have heard the loneliness in my heart...  After Lily came out and got her stuff together, we headed out towards home.  As we were approaching the stairs, I hear somebody call my name.  It's the mom (or should I say mum?) from one of the families that live in our condo.  She invited us to get an ice pop (Popsicle) at the canteen and play on the playground.  Wonderful!  She had a 6 year old named Lily and a 4 year old named Alice.  Our daughters get along great!  On the playground, Alice and Madeline dug a big hole in the sand and filled it with water and then sat in it.  Perfect.  The two Lily's both got a little dirty and both came over to us to complain about how their little sisters got them dirty.  So funny!

We played for over an hour and then walked back home.  We each went to our homes but then met up again at the pool a little while later.  It seemed like everybody that lives here (in our condo) was out last night.

I feel like I made a friend (or at least started to).  Lily and the other Lily palled around for hours.  I think Lily has made a friend.  Lily's mum was telling me how excited she was to see her Lily making a friend.  We were both so happy!  They've only been here about 6 months.  Madeline, Alice and another little 4 year old (I don't remember her name) were playing and splashing and climbing to the top of the jungle gym.  Wyatt was mesmerized by a pack of boys that brought down race cars and tracks.  He was too shy to play with them, but it won't be long.

It was a good day!  I feel so lucky to be in this community.  Everyone is friendly and happy to have us join in.  Some have been here a long time and some have just arrived.  Everyone is welcome.  I think we can make some friends here.

Here are some pictures of our bedrooms and some of the organizing that I've been doing:

A new bookshelf for the kids books.

Kids beds.

Each of the kids have a under the bed box for their personal treasures.

An organized kid's closet!  It makes me happy.

My bathroom counter.  Everything in its place (for the moment).

Our bedroom.

Our guest room!  Now, all it needs are guests!