Wednesday, February 28, 2007

Apartment Found!

I started this blog to document my experiences and adventures in Brussels…all of it, the good, the bad, and the very ugly. This is probably one of the bad moments…and I am sure it will get to the ugly status soon as the move gets closer. I realize the wonderful opportunity I have been granted and blessed with; however, I am human and although this is a wonderful opportunity, it does not mean do not have emotions to express. As a reader of this blog, you will see it all….the fun, the complaints, the emotions, etc…so please bare with me though it all...especially the upcoming months!

As I sit here on the plane heading back to Memphis from Brussels, I wonder what the next 2 years will look like. I had an overwhelming experience while in Brussels apartment hunting last week. When we landed in Amsterdam on our way to Brussels, the reality of the move set in and the tears started flowing. I felt like a total “freak” crying so much, but someone once told me that it was ok to cry. It has to come out! I am truly excited about what these next 2 years have in store for me, but I am also going to tremendously miss home and my family and friends. This is a very overwhelming and huge move for me. I had dinner one night while in Brussels with Lindsay and I cried over pizza and beer…now how sad is that???

It is hard to describe the feeling I have about this move and when I think about it…all I can do is cry right now! All I have to say is to all those wanting to come see me….please come SOON! The first 6 months are suppose to be the worst (and I can see that now) so I need all of the familiar faces and hugs from home as I can get! I am hearing that lots of wine will help get me through…so I am going to drink up!!

The most exciting part about my trip was the apartment I found! I absolutely love it! I told the relocation company I wanted an apartment with European character but also with updated/renovated furnishings. And I got it! The apartment building is sort of the “brownstone’ type apartments like you would see in New York City! It is located in a very active and nice area which is centrally located close to a lot of shops, restaurants, markets, metro, etc. The best part….the ‘garden’ (better known as a yard in the US) for Maxie! I was really concerned about finding a place where I could let her take care of business without me having to walk her many times a day. Also, for those of you who have been to my house know my desire for a ‘new’ kitchen! This apartment was recently renovated with a completely updated kitchen! I am so excited!!! Tons of cabinets!

I will attach pictures but not until after my party! I want everyone to see it then, but if you are out of town and interested, please let me know and I will send you the link.

Also, over the weekend Mom and I went to Paris which is only 1.5 hours away from Brussels by train and 2.5 hours by car. It was incredibly easy and very quick! We had a ball! Mom has never been out of the country so it was great for her to see where I will be living as well as experience Paris! It was awesome! We definitely covered a lot of ground over the weekend seeing and going up in the Eiffel Tower; touring the Louvre and seeing the Mona Lisa, Winged Victory, and Venus de Milo; shopping down the Champs-Elysees; visiting Notre Dame; Sainte-Chapelle; cruising down the River Seine, and more! I love Paris! I cannot wait to go back!

More later!

Monday, February 5, 2007

Save the Date - March 10th!

Bon jour! Teresa is throwing me a “Bon Voyage” party on Saturday, March 10th. Evites will be sent at a later date, but I wanted to get the word out so you can mark your calendars! I am scheduled to move on March 19th (contingent upon my work permit and Visa). Yikes…that is only 43 days from today!

Mom and I are heading to Brussels Feb 18th – March 2nd to find an apartment and get to know the city a little more! I am sure I will have lots of stories to tell once I get back!

I hope everyone is able to make my little get together before the big move!

Have a great week!

P.S. for you out-of-towners…I would LOVE it if you could make the party, but certainly understand if you are not able!

Au revoir!!