Showing posts with label Daily Routine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Daily Routine. Show all posts

Monday, March 1, 2010

Happy To Be Living In Croatia



I have everything I need. I do my best to show my appreciation for what my in-laws have done for us. I know they want us to feel comfortable and happy. And although there are days I feel sad and isolated, I try to remain positive. Do you ever feel this way? Conflicted, because you miss your previous hectic-life in spite of having a relaxed and stress-free lifestyle?


Then I tell myself, "what are thinking crazy woman, enjoy your free-time, the minutes you share with your daughter are priceless!"

Since our apartment in Znjan is minutes away from the beach we try to spend our mornings outdoors: walks along the beach or throwing rocks in the sea.


Afternoons we prepare fresh fish from the market. These are langostines or large prawns.


Beli called them, "skapi" (scampi).

Late afternoons are spent outdoors weather permitting or sometimes we visit one of the many museums in Split. This past Sunday was my first visit to Poljud Arena to see the local soccer team Hajduk play it's first match of the season. Fan club Torcida was ecstatic because the team scored, G-O-O-O-L!!!!!!!!


Evenings are spent with friends at one of the many small cafes in the Diocletian Palace.


Since both hubby and I are stay-at-home parents and unemployed we schedule our day around Beli's needs. How can we afford this lifestyle you might ask? Well, we anticipated that finding a job would be near impossible, with recession and all, therefore prior to moving from Colorado, both of us worked long hours, saved as much as possible and when we left the States we were debt-free. We also have the full support of my husband's family. His father found us an apartment fully furnished,(rent-free). My brother-in-law has business partners in Italy exporting fish and once a week he is allotted a tray of fresh fish. His Mom works in a children's department store and we receive discounts when we make purchases for Isabela. All in all, we are blessed. Fortunate. Happy.

Monday, September 28, 2009

Today marks progress

It has been 4 months today since we left the States for the relaxed and easy-going lifestyle of Croatia. So how have things changed for me you might ask?
  1. I can say I feel Content. Happy. Stress-free(work-related), Relaxed.
  2. Slowly integrating into Society (learning the language is a key factor).
  3. With the help of technology (Skype) I can call my mother and sisters on a daily basis, (just like we did when I lived in the states).
  4. I miss commodities such as dishwasher and dryer for your clothes.
  5. Still feel uneasy about health-care(due to language barrier)but thankfully haven't had need to see a doctor. (except that 1 time to the ER for Isabela's cut..scary day)
  6. Still getting used to how money just flies out of your pocket and don't know how families manage(average salary for Split residents is about 900 dollars/monthly).
  7. But then again you don't have people using credit cards left and right, most purchases are cash only, So if you can't afford it you don't buy it.
  8. I now buy what I need Not what I want or like (and it is such a relief! so much more simple, no new clothes hanging in the closet with the tag still attached)
  9. I miss driving, but won't risk safety of my family (because drivers here are very territorial about their space..dare NOT pass them in the city!)
  10. Love accesibility for traveling within Europe. We are planning a few trips in the upcoming months. Italy is one of them...... Grazie, Per favore, Ciao, Arrive derci (Can you tell I am practicing my italian common phrases?)
  11. And I don't need to state the obvious, LOVE to spend 24/7 with my precious girl, Isabela
  12. A blessing to have HER in my life.
  13. I can probably go on and on.
  14. But bottom line, YES I miss my parents, sisters, nephews TERRIBLY, but I know when I look back at this experience (in years to come) there will be no Regrets!!
  15. Love you all !!!!(You know who you are)

Thursday, August 27, 2009

TWO DAYS in a ROW

Why I think she will be left-handed
. After a full day of playing..Guess who has to pick up all those toys????????????

I "registered" for classes by writing my name and phone number and the teacher will be contacting me once she gathers 6 more names to start her class in October. SO I figured I will start now and went and bought a croatian grammar book and maybe, just maybe I can be in the second level instead of first level once classes begin...Wishing thinking..MY lessons are quite easy.....I am on lesson three and saying things like Kako Ste? Dobar Dan! Laku Noc, Dobro Jutro! ( all this I already know).
Went to the beach..for two days in a row, TWO...will tomorrow be the third?
Isabela is getting over the fear of the cold sea temperature, she even walks into the sea to catch up with Daddy.
I spoke with Mama and she tells me Ethan started first grade on monday. He was very excited. He is still in Tae Kwon Do, couldn't give it up for soccer, until he gets his black belt. David is getting potty-trained. And what Dominik did?? TOO funny.....(a two-year old pushed Grandma's sewing machine which was in its storage bag, flying down the basement stairs) HA,HA, who knew 2 year olds could be so strong! Roman is 4! FOUR! starting preschool!!
Went to see "My Life in Ruins". Takes place in GREECE.. I liked it and give it a THUMBS UP!



Tuesday, August 25, 2009

READING



Today I am thinking of all the things I should complete by the end of the day,ie: laundry, Iron (again), arrange the closet etc.etc.. but I rather play with Isabela ALL day long. She is now enjoying "reading" books! She grabs a book and points to the dog and says wua,wua, or MEDO (bear) or KOKA (chicken) or sho (shoe). Naturally I want to go to the bookstore and buy ALL the children's books available.

Did I tell you how EXCITED I AM TO GO TO "SCHOOL?".... Registration started yesterday for Croatian Lessons at the Prokurative (area in the palace where classes will be held). I can't wait to go and buy the books, notebooks, pens, highlighters. Ah reminds me of my college days!

Later in the day:.......went to register and walked around the Palace when we ran into a sign that said burritos?nachos? HOMEMADE TORTILLAS?? where are the mexicans?where? I thought I was dreaming!!!!

Then we went to the park across Palace....nice evening overall..Sadly to report I did not complete my "to do list". Tomorrow maybe??

We shall see!
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