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!
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