Changes

There is a lot going on.  That should be in caps...A LOT.  I think I've been in a bit of denial about the move.  The excitement of all we will get to see and do is overwhelming...I've learned we'll be TWO HOURS away from London!  Talk about a dream!  This incredible Army network has introduced me to several people already on the ground in Belgium, and after a very long, fun and informative conversation with a friend of a friend, (see, we will be able to talk on the phone, family!) I now know that we can drive a car onto a train that takes us through the Chunnel.  And that I could accidentally find myself in France as we'll be about twenty minutes from the border.  The Garmin is on it's way, already programmed for Europe thankfully.  Ryanair...I've heard the tales but had to look for myself online, and yes, it's true...our entire family can fly to Dublin (or Milan or Barcelona or Marrakesh...) for around 150euro round trip!!!!  In fact, the above mentioned friend flew to Milan for the day.  What the what?  Thankfully the schools follow all Catholic holidays, so there is more than enough vacation time (thank you Saints!).  So incredibly exciting.  Those that know me know that I have a serious travel bug, I've even been dubbed "The Gypsy Child" in the past.  BUT...something about having a family, maybe, just maybe has squashed that bug a bit.  I'm craving roots.  I want stability.  I love, love, love my home.  I love being on the same coast as my family, in the same time-zone and a car ride away.  I love that we have great friends here and can go anywhere and see familiar faces.  I love that the kids can go out front and ride scooters and bikes and have friends come over to join them.  I love that I know the kids' teachers and lots of kids in their classes.  I love that I have friends to help with the kids, and friends I can help.  I love that I have a book club, a running group, and great trails to run on and beaches to run to.  I love ishushi...that fabulous little restaurant even gave me a $20 gift certificate for my birthday!  Life here is ideal.  I am getting sad.  The sadness is hitting, hitting hard.  It is so bittersweet.  We are so blessed all around, having had time is such a great place, and so much that lays ahead.  I wish I could just pick up life here and move it all to Europe.  Overall though I am aware that we have the opportunity of a lifetime, and we plan to take full advantage of this once in a lifetime opportunity.  I urge you friends and family to come visit.  Mainly because we want to see you but also, please use this as your opportunity to explore.  We will provide the beer and chocolate.