Packing Up Is Hard To Do

You’re probably thinking at this point that perhaps Andrew is some secret military operative. We’re moving again; by now we’re pros. Although we went through a massive downsize moving across the pond, it’s amazing at the crap you can accumulate. European living has helped us keep things to a minimum, but it’s still time to purge.

Closets. Oh sweet mother, cleaning out the closet. Here’s some of my rules I’m living by:

1. Ditch anything that’s 2 years or older. It should be one year, but let’s be realistic. Fabrics fade and stretch out. Be okay with parting with items. I have given my old clothes to friends or charity and I’m happy to see these items make new friends and get a good home.
2. Dudes Rule. Seriously, Roo is amazefest at keeping things tidy. A bit “Sleeping With the Enemy” now that I think about it. He has no problem dumping old things he doesn’t wear frequently, because it makes room for new duds. I like this rule.
3. Go through things a few times. I have been going through wardrobes once a week for the past three weeks. I started putting things in order of things I wear a lot, a little, and never. The never is a column that’s hard to admit. Each week I get a better perspective of things I want to keep. It makes the piles of clothes easier to digest and not feel overwhelmed that you’re getting rid of clothes. I was holding on to Forever 21 things like they were Chanel.

Ask yourself these questions: Do I love it? Is it flattering? Is this the style I want to project? If it’s a “yes” to all three, then it’s a keeper.

A Beautiful Mess has some amazefest tips as well – Remember, it’s taken you years to accumulate this stuff, and you’ll need time to let it all go.

These Are The People In My Neighborhood

So much I want to tell you, and nowhere to begin.

My brother once asked me if I thought that my ambiguous postings made me feel cool.

I am serious…and don’t call me Shirley.

I go back and forth with how much I want to share and post, and that might be the reason that a lot of this blog doesn’t make sense. My words, my rules. Let’s be honest, it’s best to read this crapola when you’re waiting in line, bored to tears.

There has been a ton going on lately, which is why I’ve been posting more pretty pictures than words, and I guess now is a good of time as ever to spill it.

[I tried a few jokes here about quitting jobs and travelling across Europe, but I'll be serious for once.]

Things are about to get bat sh*t crazy. When Ryder and I came back into the country we had the pleasure of meeting with the Department of Immigration. Nothing like being up for 24+ hours and having to answer questions about your munchkin’s passport.

Note to self – immigration doesn’t appreciate humour. Ryder’s second passport stamp included a special message:

So, there’s that.

You have questions? I have questions. It’s a mess and we’ve been dealing with visa people and the Embassy. I knew we should have gone with American Express.

The inevitable timeline of moving to the states moved up when I flew back with Rye. Dramatically, fair to say.

It’s no surprise to those close to me know that I have been looking forward to coming back to the states – eventually. Understand that in order to move back to the U.S., it is a lot of time and work (and did I mention expensive?). Add a baby to the mix, and this beautiful European vacation has changed. It’s something we’ve had to think about.

It’s a heavy decision that has taken many turns and different directions. Many late(r) nights, many glasses of wine. Loads of prayer. I know my friends and even my family question what we are doing, including living abroad. Andrew and I have lived in multiple cities, and it’s hard to explain to anyone the experience of living away from close friends and family unless they have done the same. Every move we make is as a couple and now a family. I’m fairly opinionated and trust me, I’ll voice my concerns. I’m surprised Andrew hasn’t been knighted.

You have to weigh the whole of a situation, and it can often be daunting. As parents, suddenly you are acutely aware of making sure you aren’t doing anything screw up your kid. Please law don’t let me mess up my kid!

The next journey is sure to be as exciting as the last, and I will embrace all the changes it comes with. We do love our lil illegal alien.

And this is where the Back to the Future “to be continued’ image comes flying through.

#endscene

Weekend Snapshots

The weather for bank holiday weekend was glorious. I’m tan. Did you hear that?! Only took two years. A dear friend remarked that I had freckles. Ah, bless.

We filled the weekend with BBQ with mates, hiking (more like a flippin BOB advert), and soaking up the glorious sun.

Yes, what an exciting update. Sorry this giant ball of orange goodness has me all sorts of distracted.

Ps – Suppose to rain tomorrow.

Good Day, Sunshine

Dear England,

Thank you very much for the absolute most perfect sunny, springy day ever.

I’d appreciate it if you make sure we get these every once and awhile. Something tells me we just had the first and last day of summer.

Enthusiasm is the most important thing in life.

Best part about dad’s business trips are the presents.
Dinner parties are a riot.
Babes on a schedule are a dreamboat.
I’m an adult, but I have homework.
My friends are freaking amazefest. #building
Good coffee and patio weather make for a beautiful afternoon.
London friends have all the fun.

Bless This Pep Talk

When you can’t say it any better yourself:

Gratitude While You Wait.
Pep Talk: Waiting to hear important news can be very stressful. So it’s a good time to remember how fortunate you are. You have a strong support system of people who love you. You have the guts to try new things and be yourself. You have the strength to support and encourage others while pursuing your own dreams. You’re adaptable enough to bounce back from anything. Whatever the outcome, you’re going to be fine. Always have been, always will be.

Today remind yourself: Gratitude while I wait.

And if you feel just like a tourist in the city…

Sometimes it’s nice to entertain, because we are forced to find new things to do.

Heading to Wales never disappoints. We were a BOB advertisement. Can’t tell Andrew…

And for the record, I brought this amazing weather with me. You hear that, England?!

March In Like A Lamb, Out Like A Lion

We are thawing out from a cold, snowy weekend. The past couple weeks have been busy, but it shows signs of only getting busier.

Not sure how much updating I’ll get around to, but need to spend some of my time on other things right now.

xx

Weekend Shenanigans & Pinterest Problems

I seriously have a Pinterest problem. I did not one, two, but three Pinterest activities. It reminds me of being addicted to Michael’s craft store when I was a kid.

Pardon the pics, I am clearly not a foodie or craft blogger. eesh.

St Patty’s Day Gift Bottles: Or home decor. Not a big fan of Skittles so this rainbow is still around the house.

Baked Banana Blueberry Oatmeal Recipe: OK this was really good. Great fuel for our morning run. It was a big family weekend around here.

Mini Omelet Muffins: Not a big fan of eggs but this is one way to get me to eat them.

And you won’t see a pic of the St Patrick’s Day Rice Krispie Treats because they turned out the colour of camo and looked like German war paraphernalia. We will leave it at that.

We had rain, snow, sun, the works. Thank you, England. The sun, when it did participate, was relatively warm and we enjoyed an impromptu picnic in the park.