We finally got the pictures up from our weekend in London. Jason Mann, a friend of ours from UGA, was a wonderful host. He has been living there for a year and a half, so he really knew his way around. We had perfect weather and really enjoyed hearing English all the time. Hope you enjoy!
To view our pictures from London click on the link below:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=121a73ha.t8trzmq&x=0&y=-v8a10g
Friday, April 29, 2005
Thursday, April 28, 2005
Dad's Visit to Belgium
Dad came over for a quick five days, but we fit so much in, the time felt like much longer. I have put together an Ofoto album, but be warned that there are lots of photos! I have tried to group the ones with people in them together, but you might still have to click through lots of flowers to get there. I will write more detail about the trip tomorrow.
To view the pictures of Dad's trip click below:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=121a73ha.12dxsk6i&x=0&y=9yjjb8
To view the pictures of Dad's trip click below:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=121a73ha.12dxsk6i&x=0&y=9yjjb8
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
Bluebells
Today was a great day of weather, adventure and friends. Sam, James, Aletheia, Kelly, Sonny, Poppy and I ventured into a different part of the forest to see the bluebells. The flowers are only in bloom this time of year and were just beautiful! You could smell them throughout the entire forest. Afterwards I went down to the market and bought some fresh veggies and felt very European.
To see photos of the bluebells click on the following link:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=121a73ha.9i1a0ey&x=0&y=-gy45ol
To see photos of the bluebells click on the following link:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=121a73ha.9i1a0ey&x=0&y=-gy45ol
Monday, April 25, 2005
Thursday, April 21, 2005
Dialing a foreign phone number
I was trying to call Kyle last night in London and was confused by the long string of numbers, dashes, and plus signs in the phone number. I did a search of which numbers to include in my dialing and came up with this link. It is really helpful in both how to dial and how to properly write out a phone number. This might seem trivial until you are stuck trying to figure out what combination of 10, 12, or 15 numbers you dial.
In case of an emergency, our cell phone numbers are:
( + denotes "whatever the country you're calling from's international prefix is")
Emily +32 484 966 946
Kyle +32 486 548 007
http://paulm.com/how_to/write_a_phone_number.html
In case of an emergency, our cell phone numbers are:
( + denotes "whatever the country you're calling from's international prefix is")
Emily +32 484 966 946
Kyle +32 486 548 007
http://paulm.com/how_to/write_a_phone_number.html
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
Intuition
In case you don't feel like reading this all the way through, here is my message--
Women: Listen to your intuition and act on it!
I just had a great dinner with 6 other girl friends at a local mexican restaurant. Throughout the night I kept having a voice in my head saying, "Is your purse in an ok spot? Is it safe? Should I move it?" Well, rather than doing anything about it, I kept thinking, "I am in a nice restaurant. People are here to eat, not to steal. I shouldn't be so distrustful."
My friend Julie had been sitting next to me all evening. Well I must have been living under a lucky star because as we got up to leave, she realized her purse was gone, but somehow mine was still there. Hers had even been on strapped on her chair underneath her coat, but somehow two girls got it. We know it was two girls because another purse was also stolen while we were there. Apparently the girls came in and were looking around. When a waitress asked if she could help them, they just said they were looking for someone and left immediately. They seemed suspicious to alot of people, but since no one wanted to be mean or rude, we all gave them the benefit of the doubt.
All this to say, I was extremely lucky when I probably shouldn't have been. What I should have done was listen to my intuition and move my purse to between my feet. If my purse had been stolen, I would have been locked out of my house with no keys (because they were in my purse and Kyle is in London.) I wouldn't have known his phone number because it is just programed into my phone as #2 (and I don't have it memorized) and I would not have had any money because my cash card was in the purse. So I am saying my prayers of thanksgiving tonight and hoping that I have learned my lesson.
This whole incident got us to talking about how women are too trusting. A woman at our table told us that just recently she opened the door to a complete stranger because he was black and she didn't want to seem racist. He reached inside of the door once it was open and grabbed her arm. Luckily she was able to rip it away and slam the door. I think as women (and maybe sometimes men too) we don't want to seem rude, mean, racist, or sterotypical so instead we put ourselves at risk in order to seem nice.
Women: Listen to your intuition and act on it!
I just had a great dinner with 6 other girl friends at a local mexican restaurant. Throughout the night I kept having a voice in my head saying, "Is your purse in an ok spot? Is it safe? Should I move it?" Well, rather than doing anything about it, I kept thinking, "I am in a nice restaurant. People are here to eat, not to steal. I shouldn't be so distrustful."
My friend Julie had been sitting next to me all evening. Well I must have been living under a lucky star because as we got up to leave, she realized her purse was gone, but somehow mine was still there. Hers had even been on strapped on her chair underneath her coat, but somehow two girls got it. We know it was two girls because another purse was also stolen while we were there. Apparently the girls came in and were looking around. When a waitress asked if she could help them, they just said they were looking for someone and left immediately. They seemed suspicious to alot of people, but since no one wanted to be mean or rude, we all gave them the benefit of the doubt.
All this to say, I was extremely lucky when I probably shouldn't have been. What I should have done was listen to my intuition and move my purse to between my feet. If my purse had been stolen, I would have been locked out of my house with no keys (because they were in my purse and Kyle is in London.) I wouldn't have known his phone number because it is just programed into my phone as #2 (and I don't have it memorized) and I would not have had any money because my cash card was in the purse. So I am saying my prayers of thanksgiving tonight and hoping that I have learned my lesson.
This whole incident got us to talking about how women are too trusting. A woman at our table told us that just recently she opened the door to a complete stranger because he was black and she didn't want to seem racist. He reached inside of the door once it was open and grabbed her arm. Luckily she was able to rip it away and slam the door. I think as women (and maybe sometimes men too) we don't want to seem rude, mean, racist, or sterotypical so instead we put ourselves at risk in order to seem nice.
A weekend of fun
We returned from Atlanta on Wednesday and already had a pretty full weekend ahead of us planned. On Friday night we went out with some of Kyle's co-workers for drinks. I think there just sometimes has to be a woman around to get the conversation going. Kyle (keep in mind he is a reporter) has worked next to these people for the last five months and basically knew their first names. In 10 minutes I had already learned about how one of them was contemplating moving in with her boyfriend, how the other one got married in a drive thru wedding in Vegas, and all of the places the other one had lived for her entire life. Granted Kyle is in a work setting with them, so this kind of conversation would not be as appropriate there, but it still makes me laugh.
Saturday evening we went down to Waterloo (yes, we live only 20 minutes from the original Waterloo). It is a town where many American expats live because the two international schools are down there. A friend of mine from the American Women's Club was hosting a wine tasting party. We all brought appetizers and had a great time. It was nice for Kyle to finally get to meet some of these people he has heard so much about. It has also been really interesting for us to hear about the various relocation packages everyone receives. There is a wide variety of options--some get cars, but no living expenses, while others can only bring over 500 lbs. of things (basically your clothes) but then have a company car to drive around and live in a furnished apartment. We feel much more aware of the things you could negotiate in a relocation package now, although we have no complaints about ours.
Since we didn't get in until 2am on Saturday, we slept in Sunday and tried to clean up the house from being away for two weeks. Kyle had to work (he has to work one Sunday a month from home), but was able to take a long enough break to watch the "He's just not that into you" episode of Sex in the City. I have known many girls that don't want to accept the fact that the guy just really doesn't like her. I have also known a few girls who, when it was suggested that they read the book replied, "Oh no, that book is not about me! Really, he is just busy with work, which is why he hasn't called." So I have a new idea for the publisher...Since people are hesitant to actually tell someone they should read this book--allow people to order the book and send it to someone anonymously with a note that says, "From a concerned friend--Yes, believe me, you REALLY need to read this book and it really is about you."
Sunday eveing we had drinks and dessert with our friends Jessica and Jarno. Jessica used her fine china, which is from Finland and is just beautiful. I think it was Erma Bombeck that wrote about how if she had life to live over again she would use her fine china more for everyday events. It really does make someone feel so special to use it and adds a touch of elegance to just a regular Sunday evening. We are going to Finland in August with them and can't wait. Jarno is from Finland, so we will be lucky to have a 'local' show us around.
Tuesday I met with friends for a two hour coffee that turned into four hours because we were having so much fun. There has been a group of us from the American Women's Club that have been getting together at each others house once a week for coffee. It has been great to get to see other homes and other parts of Brussels. It has also been really nice to make new friendships since all of these women have been here for about as long as I have.
Today I am going to attempt to make a trip to IKEA. They have built another one a little bit closer to town, so I will only have to take a tram and the subway to get there, rather than the one that takes an hour to get to by bus. Kyle left for London today. He is covering their elections and needed to do a few interviews. Tonight we are having a girls night out at one of the only two Mexican restaurants in Brussels. Lots of people have gotten babysitters, so I think all these moms will be very excited to see a few margaritas!
Dad is coming for a visit tomorrow and I am so excited. I have tentative plans of touring through a few towns in Belgium and then doing a bike tour in the Netherlands, but we will have to see how the weather cooperates. I'll keep you updated!
Saturday evening we went down to Waterloo (yes, we live only 20 minutes from the original Waterloo). It is a town where many American expats live because the two international schools are down there. A friend of mine from the American Women's Club was hosting a wine tasting party. We all brought appetizers and had a great time. It was nice for Kyle to finally get to meet some of these people he has heard so much about. It has also been really interesting for us to hear about the various relocation packages everyone receives. There is a wide variety of options--some get cars, but no living expenses, while others can only bring over 500 lbs. of things (basically your clothes) but then have a company car to drive around and live in a furnished apartment. We feel much more aware of the things you could negotiate in a relocation package now, although we have no complaints about ours.
Since we didn't get in until 2am on Saturday, we slept in Sunday and tried to clean up the house from being away for two weeks. Kyle had to work (he has to work one Sunday a month from home), but was able to take a long enough break to watch the "He's just not that into you" episode of Sex in the City. I have known many girls that don't want to accept the fact that the guy just really doesn't like her. I have also known a few girls who, when it was suggested that they read the book replied, "Oh no, that book is not about me! Really, he is just busy with work, which is why he hasn't called." So I have a new idea for the publisher...Since people are hesitant to actually tell someone they should read this book--allow people to order the book and send it to someone anonymously with a note that says, "From a concerned friend--Yes, believe me, you REALLY need to read this book and it really is about you."
Sunday eveing we had drinks and dessert with our friends Jessica and Jarno. Jessica used her fine china, which is from Finland and is just beautiful. I think it was Erma Bombeck that wrote about how if she had life to live over again she would use her fine china more for everyday events. It really does make someone feel so special to use it and adds a touch of elegance to just a regular Sunday evening. We are going to Finland in August with them and can't wait. Jarno is from Finland, so we will be lucky to have a 'local' show us around.
Tuesday I met with friends for a two hour coffee that turned into four hours because we were having so much fun. There has been a group of us from the American Women's Club that have been getting together at each others house once a week for coffee. It has been great to get to see other homes and other parts of Brussels. It has also been really nice to make new friendships since all of these women have been here for about as long as I have.
Today I am going to attempt to make a trip to IKEA. They have built another one a little bit closer to town, so I will only have to take a tram and the subway to get there, rather than the one that takes an hour to get to by bus. Kyle left for London today. He is covering their elections and needed to do a few interviews. Tonight we are having a girls night out at one of the only two Mexican restaurants in Brussels. Lots of people have gotten babysitters, so I think all these moms will be very excited to see a few margaritas!
Dad is coming for a visit tomorrow and I am so excited. I have tentative plans of touring through a few towns in Belgium and then doing a bike tour in the Netherlands, but we will have to see how the weather cooperates. I'll keep you updated!
Monday, April 18, 2005
Our Atlanta Visit
We had a great time in Atlanta this past week. Kyle was there for a full 8 days and I was able to stay for 11. The first weekend we went to Amy Mulkey and Trey McGowan's wedding in Gainesville, GA. Even though there was a power outage at the church, everything went smoothly and we all thought it was supposed to be a candlelit service all along!
During the day on Saturday we went by the lake house and got to visit with Moa, Carol, Kenny, Dad, and Sarah Kathryn. We returned to Dalton for a few days and while there got to visit Jessie and Pete (Burt's mother and brother) and Nanny (Sherrie's mom). Kyle stayed up there while I went to LaGrange to visit Beth Laney (it was a good halfway point between Columbus and Atlanta) and then lunch in Atlanta with Anna Copeland. Kyle took Sherrie to her 6th of 8 chemo treatments. She is doing great and looking great too! After her chemo will have a few follow up treatments this summer. This past week was her last week of teaching for the year. 20 second-graders running around is exhausting for anyone, but especially if your body is using all of its energy to heal you.
Friday afternoon I got a 'European haircut.' I was tired of looking so American over here with my big brown football helmet hair (like in Steel Magnolias). My hairdresser was raised in France and I told him I wanted to look more European. He told me that the reason I always looked so American was that I brushed and styled my hair too much--that I just needed to let it be more free and not worry about it so much. So it is pretty short now, but I acutally really like it. I am trying to dress in more European colors (ie: black) although I feel ugly and dreary lots of the time, but I definitely fit in more!
Friday night I was back in Dalton to eat at Tijuana's with Burt and Sherrie's group of friends. It is their Friday night tradition and always a great time. Saturday we went to the G-Day game in Athens. Man I love that town!!!! We had lunch at Son's with Tom and Dan Ludlam and Taylor, Kate and Alex Patterson, Rebecca, David(my cousin) and Bonnie and then we walked to the game. After the game we returned to Son's to visit with the same group and Benjamin Smith was able to join us too. We had dinner at Kate and Alex's beautiful house and then headed downtown to have drinks with Chris and Ali. It is so much fun to see Rebecca and Benjamin having as much fun as I always did in Athens.
Sunday I took Kyle to the airport and then headed up to Roswell to visit with the Harney family. A hotdog has never tasted so good as when Jack cooks them! Since we were already up GA400, Dad and I went up to Lake Lanier to see my new brother. Yes, dad has gotten a used pontoon boat that he refers to as my 'brother.' He definitely loves this thing and has lots of good ideas of how to refurbish it.
Before I headed back to Brussels on Tuesday I was able to have breakfast with Moa and lunch with mom at her office. Moa taught me how to knit, so hopefully the scarf I am attempting will turn out by next winter.
All in all it was a great trip. I have realized that there are pros and cons to all places, and for the past 25 years I have been able to enjoy Atlanta's pros and cons. But now I have the great opportunity to enjoy Brussels for awhile. We have made some great friends here in Brussels and always seem to be have something going on to keep us busy. The thing I miss most about the States is friends and family, but even if I was there I wouldn't get to see everyone as often as I would like. So even though I don't get to see all of you often, know that I think of you lots and miss you tons!
Click below for pictures of Amy and Trey's wedding.
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=121a73ha.qeo84dm&x=0&y=l0k2lu
During the day on Saturday we went by the lake house and got to visit with Moa, Carol, Kenny, Dad, and Sarah Kathryn. We returned to Dalton for a few days and while there got to visit Jessie and Pete (Burt's mother and brother) and Nanny (Sherrie's mom). Kyle stayed up there while I went to LaGrange to visit Beth Laney (it was a good halfway point between Columbus and Atlanta) and then lunch in Atlanta with Anna Copeland. Kyle took Sherrie to her 6th of 8 chemo treatments. She is doing great and looking great too! After her chemo will have a few follow up treatments this summer. This past week was her last week of teaching for the year. 20 second-graders running around is exhausting for anyone, but especially if your body is using all of its energy to heal you.
Friday afternoon I got a 'European haircut.' I was tired of looking so American over here with my big brown football helmet hair (like in Steel Magnolias). My hairdresser was raised in France and I told him I wanted to look more European. He told me that the reason I always looked so American was that I brushed and styled my hair too much--that I just needed to let it be more free and not worry about it so much. So it is pretty short now, but I acutally really like it. I am trying to dress in more European colors (ie: black) although I feel ugly and dreary lots of the time, but I definitely fit in more!
Friday night I was back in Dalton to eat at Tijuana's with Burt and Sherrie's group of friends. It is their Friday night tradition and always a great time. Saturday we went to the G-Day game in Athens. Man I love that town!!!! We had lunch at Son's with Tom and Dan Ludlam and Taylor, Kate and Alex Patterson, Rebecca, David(my cousin) and Bonnie and then we walked to the game. After the game we returned to Son's to visit with the same group and Benjamin Smith was able to join us too. We had dinner at Kate and Alex's beautiful house and then headed downtown to have drinks with Chris and Ali. It is so much fun to see Rebecca and Benjamin having as much fun as I always did in Athens.
Sunday I took Kyle to the airport and then headed up to Roswell to visit with the Harney family. A hotdog has never tasted so good as when Jack cooks them! Since we were already up GA400, Dad and I went up to Lake Lanier to see my new brother. Yes, dad has gotten a used pontoon boat that he refers to as my 'brother.' He definitely loves this thing and has lots of good ideas of how to refurbish it.
Before I headed back to Brussels on Tuesday I was able to have breakfast with Moa and lunch with mom at her office. Moa taught me how to knit, so hopefully the scarf I am attempting will turn out by next winter.
All in all it was a great trip. I have realized that there are pros and cons to all places, and for the past 25 years I have been able to enjoy Atlanta's pros and cons. But now I have the great opportunity to enjoy Brussels for awhile. We have made some great friends here in Brussels and always seem to be have something going on to keep us busy. The thing I miss most about the States is friends and family, but even if I was there I wouldn't get to see everyone as often as I would like. So even though I don't get to see all of you often, know that I think of you lots and miss you tons!
Click below for pictures of Amy and Trey's wedding.
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=121a73ha.qeo84dm&x=0&y=l0k2lu
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
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