Many people ask what I do all day to fill my time. When I first got here I met a woman in my same situation (newly married with no kids) who had been here for a full year. In awe, I asked her what she did to keep busy for a whole year with no kids and no job. As I pass the six month mark for living here in Brussels with no job, I can tell you what she and I both do---lots. Since you never do the same thing two days in a row, I will take today as an example of how I fill up just a random day.
8:40--Wake up and quickly get dressed.
9:12--Briskly walk 3 blocks to catch the bus to the American Women’s Club
10-12:30—There is a book sale taking place, so I purchase a few books. Then I wander around the club and look at the upcoming activities that I might be interested in. I am at the club today to try out a Needlework Group. It ends up just being 3 other women sitting around doing their own needlework (cross-stitch, knitting, and rug weaving.) I have a nice time talking to them about their experiences and even pick up a few good knitting tips. We all have lunch together at the club. I talk to another woman about some volunteer opportunities there.
12:32—As I am catching the bus, Kelly calls me and invites me to the park with them. Since it is the park right by Sam’s house, I call and let Sam know where we will be if she wants to meet up.
1-3pm—I play at the park with Sonny, James and Poppy while catching up with Kelly and Sam. We have a nice time eating waffles and talking about Sam’s possible return to the States, the possibility of Kelly joining a health club, and the upcoming jazz festival this weekend.
3:00—Sam and James head to pick up Luke while Kelly, Sonny, Poppy and I head to the market. Sonny has a bit of a tantrum because she didn’t get a nap today so Kelly and I end up talking about discipline etc.
3-4:30—We stroll around the market. I decide to splurge and buy myself some tulips (20 for $10). I get my fresh veggies, quiche, cheese, and bread. While there I call Jessica and Julie to try to arrange our plans for tonight. We usually go to the market and then have a drink together, but if life gets busy, we just skip the market and go straight for the drink.
5-7:00—Kelly and I part ways and I head home. I am actually ready for some alone time. I am in two book clubs, so I get busy trying to finish one of the books. I arrange my tulips and clean up around the house. We get 40 TV channels, so I debate turning on the television, but then I remember that only 6 of them are in English and the chances of anything good being on are slim, so I decide against it. The Vonage phone rings with a surprise call from my UGA friend Deb Allen. We have a great time catching up. At times I might be saddened by a call from the States because of the memories it bring up, but in light of seeing how hard it is for Sam to leave, I am realizing just how precious the time over here is and how much I should enjoy it all.
7:00—Kyle calls and we try to decide if we should throw a party this weekend in conjunction with the Jazz Festival. We decided to just have a casual get-together.
8-10:00—Jessica calls. She had to work late, so she missed the market so we just head over to her house for some wine and cheese.
10:30--I get home just as Kyle arrives home from watching the new Star Wars (I opted out of that one). Catch up on e-mails and head to bed.
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