My List

There are days when I miss certain things in my daily routine, I guess it happens to everyone from time to time, so here is a small list of why I'm grateful for what I do have. It helps to keep life in perspective don't you agree?

WHAT I MISS............................WHAT I HAVE

Microwave.....................Fresh Organic Produce

Starbucks...................... Endless cups of Brazil coffee right at home

Dryer............................ Clothes last longer

Driving................... Walks on the beach

Career....................Beli calling me MAMA,MAMA and I could not have a better BOSS

Friends......................I am working on making friends here and so far so good

Parents................My In-Laws have given me endless love and support they are my 2Nd parents

Sisters...................Have a wonderful Brother-in-law

Nephews............. .Beli is making new friends as well so I'm busy planning play dates

English................. Learning Croatian (classes begin in a few weeks!)

And I could continue but Beli just woke up and now back to Mommy duty.

(I wrote this list last year but now there are a few updates)

About the driving part; I'm more secure about driving around the city, all though the motorcyclists still scare me, they come around the corner so fast! AND I no longer miss the microwave.

Since moving overseas I have met many good friends which I'm very grateful for. They cheer me up when I'm having one of those days. (I took this picture at a children's birthday party, and I just thought it was so adorable that the little boy was trying to hug the birthday girl.)

And today is corner view "school" in Spain, hosted by Jane so I invite you to stop by and say hello! Even though Beli is not in school she does love to read books. Apparently in Spain children start attending school at 2 years of age!

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)