Adventures of a Family

My lovely Michael researched and figured out where to buy a used piano while I was in Portland. So I got to come home to just being able to go try it out, tell the sellers which one I wanted, and then a few days later have it delivered to my door. Of course there was  little more to it then that. For some very strange reason, the pianos where being displayed and sold from the former wine room in a Ranch 99 Market. (What?!!).  I'm pretty sure that the sellers thought I was a big spender, even though by US standards, these were pretty cheap ($3,500), because they gave me chocolates, followed me around Ranch Market with a basket while I shopped (VERY briefly because it was so freakin' weird to be followed around while someone held my shopping basket for me), drove me home, and then offered to take me out for dinner that same night. When the piano was delivered, there was huge excitement among the security guards, and one in particular who took photos and stayed around for most

What a fun day. I find myself, during the last week or so, feeling a little more settled. Getting a tiny bit better grasp of where I am, and where I fit into the scheme of things. Knowing that probably I'm wrong and all of it will change. Understanding that this place feels safe, the kids are really happy, and it's ok to be a mom and not be running around 12 hours a day and just barely feel like you're keeping up, like I used to do in the US. It's ok to enjoy a book, and REALLY know that it's ok to relax. To be able to fall asleep in the afternoon should I want, and not have that voice telling me there's a million things to do, waking me up over and over again. So back to today. I had a wonderful morning with some new friends. Yenni, Christina, Teak. One Indonesian, one Chinese Indonesian, one Korean. All speaking English when normally they would speak Bahasa together. (How awesome to have that choice!). Fun, silly, happy ladies. An innocence and pea

So we'd been here about 4 weeks when my amazing Dad passed away. I still can't believe it. It doesn't seem possible that he is no longer on this Earth. It is a staggering, take-your-breath away experience that I am just starting to go through. This meant, of course, that I had to fly back to the US after barely getting over the first round of jet lag. Pretty rough, I thought. And in many ways it was, but in many ways it was a huge blessing. Even though the funeral wasn't scheduled until Sept 27th, I flew back a month early, thinking my mom would need help and company. But when I arrived, she didn't want anyone to stay with her. She just wanted peace and rest after the stress of taking care of him for so long. So, unexpectedly, I started couch surfing in Portland. I stayed with Heidi and Joe, Claire and Jed, Deb and Svatia, and eventually ended up in a beautiful apartment all by myself right on the Willamette river. It was a great place to gather my thoughts whil