In 2010, we struggled wth building permit, we went through tough times with our architects, we fully renovated our new house with a great constructor, we spent far too little time with the kids, we moved, and tried to get everything back to normal. We learned to trust no one in a complete renovation, but that help and nice gestures often come from corners you did not expect and that a good lawyer is always a good thing to have.
If I had know how - beforehand - much time, effort, stress, energy this renovation would demand from us, I do not think I'd taken the plundge. There were times we were ready to sell on and stay put where we were. It has taught me a lot about me and Mich, a rock in the whole process. It has also taught me a lot about mankind in general. That some can be nice beyond belief and others can just be so mean and nasty, you would not believe. It kind of frightenend me to have to prepare my kids for such people. They do exist unfortunately and can make your life miserable.
3 months after the move and we are loving every minute of this new house. It turned out exactly the way we hoped, and so far everything still works!!! LOL.
In 2010, I ran my first half marathon, thanks to my sister, who definitely believe in me more than I do. I loved every minute of it because I never thought I'd ever finish one, especially one that goes up for 10K. I felt proud and gave me much time to think about what we are achieving with this house. It is no secret that living abroad is not always easy and this was a much needed step in the right direction.
In 2010, I watched my kids grow up leaps and being interested in what's happening in the world. I watched the boys make choices for themselves and living with the consequences. I watched Manouk teaching herself to read so intensely.
I spent great times with our friends who now live in America. And I spent some lovely moments with my mother and the rest of my family. I made new friends and let go of some. But the true ones always stay and that's always comforting.
It's been tough at times but surely worth it.
I am wishing for more peace in my life in 2011 and more time with the kids. I am hoping to finally graduate. To be honnest I'm kind of done being a student and longing for something else. Here are a few things, I'm hoping to achieve in 2011:
- Run the Rotterdam 10km and achieve a decent time (TBD!!)
- Run another half-marathon
- Graduate
- Play tennis with Maxim at least once a week
- Read more with Manouk
- Be ready for business in October 2011
- Do more crafts with Nathan
- Re-introduce "wish day" for the kids on a monthly basis
- Play more board games as a family
- Publish our 2007, 2008, 2009 photo books
- Start a new template for the 2011 photo book
- Do something special for the boys for their 10th birthday (probably a summit in Chamonix)
- Take more photos of us 5
- Try to be (and stay) in harmony with the feel/want/do
- Introduce the giving jar idea of Jamie. Do that every month
- Our thankful journal was a success and we are doing this again this year!
- Focus on the family essentials
- Let the rest be!
My word for 2011 would be "let it be". 3 words actually but never mind.
9 januari, the 3 kids took the tree down. Always a sad day here to put Christmas in a box!
