13 years ago....I was teaching half time, my husband worked out of a cubicle, and our home had barely seen the transformation it has today. I was a young mother to Perry. My days were spent learning and transforming myself into his 'mom-mom.' This was, unfortunately, met with much resentment, as I fought daily between my old/new self. Our lives quickly transpired from one child to three in a short smattering of time. I was barely educated enough to have one child and in quick revelations, I had three car seats and a van. As the house transformed, so did our lives, our careers, our outlooks, and our perspectives. I was no longer resentful and my head was in the game. Mothering was to be a serious commitment and not to be taken lightly. My stepping stone children were either going to thrive or falter under my guidance...it was a heavy load to bare (and still is in present day).
16 months ago....I was homeschooling my children, my husband was building a new kind of office and our home lived through the noise of nailing 2 x 4s, drilling, cementing, knocking down, and adding on. I am aging through this mothering process but my vision is not as muddled as it was when I was young.
This week, I have had the experience of being a single mother to a single baby. The other three have been away and will be returning sometime tomorrow afternoon. I have enjoyed without drudgery, I have experienced without resentment, I have laughed and lifted and twirled without force. I think back to when it was just Perry and me and i wonder, "What was all the drama about? How hard would it have been to enjoy it? Why did those years slip into the next without the attention and examination that is clearly present today?"
hmmm. No closing, simply examination.
Thanks for listening.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Thursday, July 1, 2010
That's Right, I Was!
Today, after entering the house at 5:00, my oldest says, "I'm going to my friends house, I will be back by dinner!" I reply, "No, stay home for a bit. You have been gone all day." and the great come back is: "Ya, so.....so have you." I tell him that I had no choice in the matter and he argues that I do. I *do* in fact have a choice in the matter. I guess that is true.
Here are my choices from morning until now
1. Should I take my aspirin with my coffee or at the end of the day after all the driving and incessant beeping of road construction trucks backing up in my neighborhood all day long. Hindering any kind of easy transportation in and out.
1A. Do I sit with oldest child that is doing summer school in home and help guide him through - teaching him the basics of spelling and writing and math, or do I take my coffee on the deck and close the door on all children.
2. Do I take child to swimming before or after I lay down the crabby baby for his nap.
3. Do I spend simon's 35 minute swim time running to shops to make sure the little sister has gifts to open tomorrow - as she will be away on her birthday, so we will celebrate it tomorrow - or do i wait until 9pm when all are asleep.
4. Do i drive down *this* street that is blocked by construction crews; not allowing me into my street, or should i drive down *that* street that is blocked by construction crews, not allowing me into my street.
5. Do I wake up sleeping baby before or after I take second child to swimming lessons and how is it that I am going to fit in third child's piano lesson again?
6. Should I spend 35 minutes of my precious day talking to a T-Mobile tech support guy or should I just let my broken phone sit on the table without anyone being able to get ahold me me
7. Which mall should I go to, to pick up my 'loner' cell phone. the one that is 4.5 miles away or the one that is 5.2 miles away. Wow, this day really *was* packed with choices.
8. Should I walk all the way back up to my house (car is parked on a different street) after i forgot a very important piece of paper? or run the risk of salesperson not being able to help me because I dont have the piece of paper?
9. Should I leave the baby in the car or should I bring him with me, all the way up the street on a very hot day? (ended up taking jeep into street and parking quickly at neighbors house - engine running, katie running, you get the point.
10. Should I take the little girl so proud of her "Summer Reading" accomplishment to Barnes and Noble now for her reward (as she is begging), or maybe another day when things aren't as hectic.
11. What should we have for dinner?
So, I have plenty of choices - my oldest was right.
Here are my choices from morning until now
1. Should I take my aspirin with my coffee or at the end of the day after all the driving and incessant beeping of road construction trucks backing up in my neighborhood all day long. Hindering any kind of easy transportation in and out.
1A. Do I sit with oldest child that is doing summer school in home and help guide him through - teaching him the basics of spelling and writing and math, or do I take my coffee on the deck and close the door on all children.
2. Do I take child to swimming before or after I lay down the crabby baby for his nap.
3. Do I spend simon's 35 minute swim time running to shops to make sure the little sister has gifts to open tomorrow - as she will be away on her birthday, so we will celebrate it tomorrow - or do i wait until 9pm when all are asleep.
4. Do i drive down *this* street that is blocked by construction crews; not allowing me into my street, or should i drive down *that* street that is blocked by construction crews, not allowing me into my street.
5. Do I wake up sleeping baby before or after I take second child to swimming lessons and how is it that I am going to fit in third child's piano lesson again?
6. Should I spend 35 minutes of my precious day talking to a T-Mobile tech support guy or should I just let my broken phone sit on the table without anyone being able to get ahold me me
7. Which mall should I go to, to pick up my 'loner' cell phone. the one that is 4.5 miles away or the one that is 5.2 miles away. Wow, this day really *was* packed with choices.
8. Should I walk all the way back up to my house (car is parked on a different street) after i forgot a very important piece of paper? or run the risk of salesperson not being able to help me because I dont have the piece of paper?
9. Should I leave the baby in the car or should I bring him with me, all the way up the street on a very hot day? (ended up taking jeep into street and parking quickly at neighbors house - engine running, katie running, you get the point.
10. Should I take the little girl so proud of her "Summer Reading" accomplishment to Barnes and Noble now for her reward (as she is begging), or maybe another day when things aren't as hectic.
11. What should we have for dinner?
So, I have plenty of choices - my oldest was right.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
DEXTER
I am involved with another man. His name is Dexter. He is a fictitious character produced by Showtime TV. John is away for the week and that means that Dexter and I have some alone time.
Blood Pathologist by day, Serial Killer by night. I am drawn to his intriguing and cerebral reality. His writers are keen and insightful and they too, live within the passion and picture of words.
Dexter is a Logophile, such as my self-proclaimed self. Each night, i sit upon the couch with my notebook and I listen intently to the words - the slow and penetrating sound of his text. I listen and copy down my favorites. Here are a few:
FAVORITE DEXTER QUOTES
He taught me how to think like one; he taught me how to cover my tracks. I'm a very neat monster.
My sister puts up a front so people won't know how vulnerable she really is. Me? I put up a front so people won't know how vulnerable I'm not.
The worst thing about finally putting together a puzzle is finding there are missing pieces. He came back and left nothing behind but a message: come find me, and I will.
There are no secrets in life, just hidden truths that lie beneath the surface. (Favorite thus far)
Harry taught me that death isn't the end. It's the beginning of a chain reaction that will catch you if you're not careful. He taught me that none of us are who we appear to be on the outside. But we must maintain appearances to survive. But there was something Harry didn't teach me. Something he didn't know, couldn't possibly know. The willful taking of life represents the ultimate disconnect from humanity. It leaves you an outsider, forever looking in, searching for company to keep.
I love Halloween. The one time of year when everyone wears a mask … not just me. People think it's fun to pretend you're a monster. Me, I spend my life pretending I'm not
Some people might call me a fraud. ...I prefer to think of myself as a master of disguise.
Harry was the only one who saw me, really saw me. So he taught me to hide and that's what's kept me safe. But sometimes I'm not sure where Harry's vision of me ends and where the real me starts. If I'm just a collection of learned behaviors, bits and pieces of Harry, maybe my new friend is right. Maybe I am a fraud.
"Be prepared" – that's my motto. The Boy Scouts and I have that in common. Of course, there's no merit badge for tonight's outing.
Blood Pathologist by day, Serial Killer by night. I am drawn to his intriguing and cerebral reality. His writers are keen and insightful and they too, live within the passion and picture of words.
Dexter is a Logophile, such as my self-proclaimed self. Each night, i sit upon the couch with my notebook and I listen intently to the words - the slow and penetrating sound of his text. I listen and copy down my favorites. Here are a few:
FAVORITE DEXTER QUOTES
He taught me how to think like one; he taught me how to cover my tracks. I'm a very neat monster.
My sister puts up a front so people won't know how vulnerable she really is. Me? I put up a front so people won't know how vulnerable I'm not.
The worst thing about finally putting together a puzzle is finding there are missing pieces. He came back and left nothing behind but a message: come find me, and I will.
There are no secrets in life, just hidden truths that lie beneath the surface. (Favorite thus far)
Harry taught me that death isn't the end. It's the beginning of a chain reaction that will catch you if you're not careful. He taught me that none of us are who we appear to be on the outside. But we must maintain appearances to survive. But there was something Harry didn't teach me. Something he didn't know, couldn't possibly know. The willful taking of life represents the ultimate disconnect from humanity. It leaves you an outsider, forever looking in, searching for company to keep.
I love Halloween. The one time of year when everyone wears a mask … not just me. People think it's fun to pretend you're a monster. Me, I spend my life pretending I'm not
Some people might call me a fraud. ...I prefer to think of myself as a master of disguise.
Harry was the only one who saw me, really saw me. So he taught me to hide and that's what's kept me safe. But sometimes I'm not sure where Harry's vision of me ends and where the real me starts. If I'm just a collection of learned behaviors, bits and pieces of Harry, maybe my new friend is right. Maybe I am a fraud.
"Be prepared" – that's my motto. The Boy Scouts and I have that in common. Of course, there's no merit badge for tonight's outing.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
The Allure of Secrets
Last night, we were at a family gathering. Grandpa was turning 80. When all are gathered around the table, the pinball action of conversation is at times, hard to follow. It is great, educational, loud, comical and heartwarming.
Last night, a man was turning 80. The past of this man is filled with an array of colorful chapters. We sat and listened with fascination as he talked about his life as a child. Across from him, sat his mother-in-law; a woman on the verge of turning 90. Earlier that week, she had lunch with 10 or so alumni of her high school class. The yearbooks were brought out, the memories were recharged and again, the conversations were as quick as a well orchestrated jitterbug.
The daughter, acting as Chaperon, retold of the experience of taking her mother to her luncheon on school grounds. She captivated me. The daughter found herself reading through her mother's yearbook, all the friends who had signed - memorializing a moment that was brought back in this evening's conversation. We found ourselves laughing at the trend of the word, but more than that, we openly questioned her on those who had signed themselves into history. "What did he mean by that, Mom?" "Did you ditch class that often?" "Why would she say *that*?" "Tell us what happened that night, Mom?"
The Matriarch of the family played coy - batting her head back and forth - her mind, competing over the memory of her time, spoke: "I don't know what you are talking about," she said simply and repeatedly.The secrets were solid and locked.
In a day of Facebook, Twitter, Blogging and the almost forgotten, My Space, there are no secrets. We are an open book, literally. Conversations take different direction now - segmented with interruption, "Oh yeah, I saw you did that on Facebook," or, "That's right, you wrote about it in your blog." "I see, by your Twitter update, that you were able to go see that movie yesterday."
There was a freshness to last night. We (or I), was an invited guest to an 80 year old man's filled and challenging life and to an almost 90 year old woman's alluring past. The attractiveness is strong and I desire change without my own communication. I do not wish to be an open book, as if modeling my wares in storefront window for all to see.
I close this post with a new direction.
Thanks for listening,
Katie
Last night, a man was turning 80. The past of this man is filled with an array of colorful chapters. We sat and listened with fascination as he talked about his life as a child. Across from him, sat his mother-in-law; a woman on the verge of turning 90. Earlier that week, she had lunch with 10 or so alumni of her high school class. The yearbooks were brought out, the memories were recharged and again, the conversations were as quick as a well orchestrated jitterbug.
The daughter, acting as Chaperon, retold of the experience of taking her mother to her luncheon on school grounds. She captivated me. The daughter found herself reading through her mother's yearbook, all the friends who had signed - memorializing a moment that was brought back in this evening's conversation. We found ourselves laughing at the trend of the word, but more than that, we openly questioned her on those who had signed themselves into history. "What did he mean by that, Mom?" "Did you ditch class that often?" "Why would she say *that*?" "Tell us what happened that night, Mom?"
The Matriarch of the family played coy - batting her head back and forth - her mind, competing over the memory of her time, spoke: "I don't know what you are talking about," she said simply and repeatedly.The secrets were solid and locked.
In a day of Facebook, Twitter, Blogging and the almost forgotten, My Space, there are no secrets. We are an open book, literally. Conversations take different direction now - segmented with interruption, "Oh yeah, I saw you did that on Facebook," or, "That's right, you wrote about it in your blog." "I see, by your Twitter update, that you were able to go see that movie yesterday."
There was a freshness to last night. We (or I), was an invited guest to an 80 year old man's filled and challenging life and to an almost 90 year old woman's alluring past. The attractiveness is strong and I desire change without my own communication. I do not wish to be an open book, as if modeling my wares in storefront window for all to see.
I close this post with a new direction.
Thanks for listening,
Katie
Monday, June 21, 2010
The Reality of My Reality
This evening, after dinner conversation and all were excused from table; i began to clean up. The 15th month old was getting his hands full of whatever exciting bacteria lives within the opened dishwasher, the 3 remaining dispersed to their chosen place of being and as the husband picked up the 15th month old, my mind happily took me back to Europe. My eyes traveled from soapy sponge to my already 'back in America' trend of Capris pants and tank top and I spoke aloud, "John, after this is cleaned, I am going to take a few quiet moments to write...I don't need to go anywhere, but maybe I will close the door and take in some solitude." Husband's response (with good intention), "Let's put this one (baby) down first and you can have all the moments you want."
So, wanting to take in and process present reality; i am shifted. Baby does not go down easily as planned. I find myself singing, and reading books to this little one, thinking, "You are taking me away from my needed transciption of where i am, where i was, and affects. I am with you instead."
At end of routine, i walk down the hall, pick up my lap top and say " I will be out in back."
Taking in another attempt --- but really, an attempt at what? Words? Words to give body and depth? To what? A hurried desire?
Sitting on a chaise upon the lawn, swatting at mosquitoes on a humid evening, taking in sound of baseball game across the street, a ringing telephone, a neighbor's laugh and a weed whacker finishing off this orchestral symphony; playing my song.
I ask for a moment to digest reality; but in truth, this IS my reality. It's fleeing, too quick to grab a hold, it's lost. Baby cries in the distance. Time to be *in* and take center stage in reality.
Thanks for listening
So, wanting to take in and process present reality; i am shifted. Baby does not go down easily as planned. I find myself singing, and reading books to this little one, thinking, "You are taking me away from my needed transciption of where i am, where i was, and affects. I am with you instead."
At end of routine, i walk down the hall, pick up my lap top and say " I will be out in back."
Taking in another attempt --- but really, an attempt at what? Words? Words to give body and depth? To what? A hurried desire?
Sitting on a chaise upon the lawn, swatting at mosquitoes on a humid evening, taking in sound of baseball game across the street, a ringing telephone, a neighbor's laugh and a weed whacker finishing off this orchestral symphony; playing my song.
I ask for a moment to digest reality; but in truth, this IS my reality. It's fleeing, too quick to grab a hold, it's lost. Baby cries in the distance. Time to be *in* and take center stage in reality.
Thanks for listening
Thursday, June 17, 2010
And They Lived Happily Ever After.....The.....End
I have taken it all in and therefore, my mind has grown from the experience; Europe ignited my senses.
I sit, weary with heavy eyes, wondering if i am capable of completing the next sentence, but drawn to finish off this last chapter.
Yesterday, I sat in a coffee shop in Iceland. Today, I sit at the head of the dining table in my existence of home.
PARIS: She takes the role of the oldest sibling; confident, serious, respected, scholarly and reliable. We arrived in Paris with a desire to learn from her and she did not disappoint.
Random Mind Spree: gelato, Seine, walking, narrow streets, crepes, smile on children, espresso, chocolate croissants, writing, naive, clarity, parks, untouchable, cuisine, architecture, family - cousins reunite.
STRASBOURG: The grandfather who quietly sits in the corner, listening to the conversation filling the room, but lost in memory of times past. Strasbourg has seen it all, and without pretense, unobtrusively immerses you within the experience. Telling a remarkable story, if willing to listen. Strasbourg is wise, unassuming, and solid.
Random Mind Spree: Napoleon, Emperor with no shoes, writing on steps of the cathedral, building with green windows, finding hat for Simon, Martin Luther, Reconstruction, reminds me of The Giving Tree, two hotel rooms, john and I have an evening alone with kids next door (sid with us), high school students 'hanging out' after class on Cathedral steps.
GUNZBURG: This is the crazy relative that no one really mentions, but kids have connection. Nobody visits Gunzberg unless they are out of gas, lost, on the verge of a mental breakdown, or have an inkling to visit Legoland! Unfortunately, Gunzburg is also the birth place of Dr. Joseph Mengele : chief medical officer in Auschwitz.
Random Mind Spree: Legoland, Legoland, Legoland. First beer in Germany at food stand in the "Pirate" themed section of park. 10am to 6pm. Kids saw it all. tacky hotel. Bad breakfast. 80's music playing on speakers all night long.
FUSSEN: The emulated relative no one really knows, but craves conversation, appreciating and identifying a gain within relationship.
Random Mind Spree: Alps, Neuschwanstein, Mary's Gorge, Hike up to Castle holding Sidney, drinking beer, talking to john, feet up on deck, sweatshirt, view, swimming pool, lake, Seespitz hat for john, "He's the boss!", Bavarian dress, trying to find Kul Kaffe, buying Sidney's backpack for Iceland trip, would have come in handy during hike (sans stroller) up mountain the day earlier.
FRANKFURT: We really did not see much of Frankfurt, as we were just outside in city called Kronberg - my sister lives in Kronberg. An etch in time with family. Visiting with cousins and sister. We went to the zoo in Kronberg one day and then rode the train the next day into downtown Frankurt for ice cream, shopping and World Cup viewing.
Randon Mind Spree: swimming, chandeliers, marble stairs, baby Sidney, birthday cake, trampoline, lots of laundry, hotel down the street for John, Sidney and I, Frankfurt Airport, Europcar and gas.
ICELAND: The uber cool teenager, content, grateful, talented, unique. Iceland impacted my senses and complicated my views.
Random Mind Spree: GPS Unit, roundabouts, rock, moss, waterfall, vikings, laws, hiking, cool, sun not setting, expensive, trying to reason.
We are now home, we are all in bed, the chapter to this book is now coming to a close and as we turn to the very last page, the author pauses with intended significance and slowly puts forth the sentence all desire to hear, "And they all lived happily ever after."
Thanks for listening.
I sit, weary with heavy eyes, wondering if i am capable of completing the next sentence, but drawn to finish off this last chapter.
Yesterday, I sat in a coffee shop in Iceland. Today, I sit at the head of the dining table in my existence of home.
PARIS: She takes the role of the oldest sibling; confident, serious, respected, scholarly and reliable. We arrived in Paris with a desire to learn from her and she did not disappoint.
Random Mind Spree: gelato, Seine, walking, narrow streets, crepes, smile on children, espresso, chocolate croissants, writing, naive, clarity, parks, untouchable, cuisine, architecture, family - cousins reunite.
STRASBOURG: The grandfather who quietly sits in the corner, listening to the conversation filling the room, but lost in memory of times past. Strasbourg has seen it all, and without pretense, unobtrusively immerses you within the experience. Telling a remarkable story, if willing to listen. Strasbourg is wise, unassuming, and solid.
Random Mind Spree: Napoleon, Emperor with no shoes, writing on steps of the cathedral, building with green windows, finding hat for Simon, Martin Luther, Reconstruction, reminds me of The Giving Tree, two hotel rooms, john and I have an evening alone with kids next door (sid with us), high school students 'hanging out' after class on Cathedral steps.
GUNZBURG: This is the crazy relative that no one really mentions, but kids have connection. Nobody visits Gunzberg unless they are out of gas, lost, on the verge of a mental breakdown, or have an inkling to visit Legoland! Unfortunately, Gunzburg is also the birth place of Dr. Joseph Mengele : chief medical officer in Auschwitz.
Random Mind Spree: Legoland, Legoland, Legoland. First beer in Germany at food stand in the "Pirate" themed section of park. 10am to 6pm. Kids saw it all. tacky hotel. Bad breakfast. 80's music playing on speakers all night long.
FUSSEN: The emulated relative no one really knows, but craves conversation, appreciating and identifying a gain within relationship.
Random Mind Spree: Alps, Neuschwanstein, Mary's Gorge, Hike up to Castle holding Sidney, drinking beer, talking to john, feet up on deck, sweatshirt, view, swimming pool, lake, Seespitz hat for john, "He's the boss!", Bavarian dress, trying to find Kul Kaffe, buying Sidney's backpack for Iceland trip, would have come in handy during hike (sans stroller) up mountain the day earlier.
FRANKFURT: We really did not see much of Frankfurt, as we were just outside in city called Kronberg - my sister lives in Kronberg. An etch in time with family. Visiting with cousins and sister. We went to the zoo in Kronberg one day and then rode the train the next day into downtown Frankurt for ice cream, shopping and World Cup viewing.
Randon Mind Spree: swimming, chandeliers, marble stairs, baby Sidney, birthday cake, trampoline, lots of laundry, hotel down the street for John, Sidney and I, Frankfurt Airport, Europcar and gas.
ICELAND: The uber cool teenager, content, grateful, talented, unique. Iceland impacted my senses and complicated my views.
Random Mind Spree: GPS Unit, roundabouts, rock, moss, waterfall, vikings, laws, hiking, cool, sun not setting, expensive, trying to reason.
We are now home, we are all in bed, the chapter to this book is now coming to a close and as we turn to the very last page, the author pauses with intended significance and slowly puts forth the sentence all desire to hear, "And they all lived happily ever after."
Thanks for listening.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
If You Love Something, Set If Free
(the following section was posted in Minnetonka, MN. We are home. It is 10:00pm MN time and 3am Icelandic time. Off to bed.)
It is 10:50am and I told my family I would be back by 11am. We are departing again today – we are departing for home. I have escaped for a few and have taken my lap top to the streets of Reykjavik. Me, and my Kaffe besides look out onto a quaint one way in a section of what I can only assume was once a bustling shipping village. The town is beginning to swell in modern growth.
This place is out of reach. I sit from afar in a tiny Icelandic coffee house and with longing, look down the streets. This town calls to me, tantalizing me in every way, almost looking past me in conversation, implying, “You can’t have this.” Ironically, the soundtrack from Garden State is playing – an eclectic movie depicting those in need of finding their way.
People dress up here in Reykjavik – if saying, you are a guest in my house and I welcome you, I have put on my best dress. No one mimics my jeans, walking shoes and hoodie attire. Window shopping brings a second layer of what is not to be – cute hats, scarves, sweaters are well over hundreds of dollars. This does not bode well for someone on a ‘’clearance rack’ budget.
I teeter in range of emotion, knowing I am to leave this love behind. I am enamored, jealous, intrigued by people and culture, yearning to be educated and hopeful for another encounter.
Iceland and Family:
My time is cutting short; but here it is
1. Arrive to cute “IKEA-esque” apartment. Two bedroom, on cusp of walking to shops, bakeries, coffee houses, shipping yard, etc
2. Get a good night’s rest and in the morning head out to:
a. Crater Lake
b. Thingvillr – Viking parliamentary place (http://www.thingvellir.is/english)
c. Geysirs
d. Gullfoss – largest waterfall in all of Europe – glacier fed (http://www.vulkaner.no/n/gullfoss/egullfoss.html)
e. Beautiful Lake where kids and I build stone statues out of rocks.
f. Blue Lagoon – enticing mineral geothermal spa – huge.( http://www.bluelagoon.com/)
3. Home around 10:45pm…sun does not set and so it feels like 4pm.
4. Today – leave for home. Will walk same streets I have walked alone. Historical Church to educate ourselves and take typical pictures. (http://www.sacred-destinations.com/iceland/reykjavik-hallgrimskirkja)
5. Souvenir shop with kids
We are at the end of a magnificent journey. One last sip of my espresso, one last look down the street, one last glance at a world I am not to be acquainted with, one last moment typing these words on this keyboard..and…stop
It is 10:50am and I told my family I would be back by 11am. We are departing again today – we are departing for home. I have escaped for a few and have taken my lap top to the streets of Reykjavik. Me, and my Kaffe besides look out onto a quaint one way in a section of what I can only assume was once a bustling shipping village. The town is beginning to swell in modern growth.
This place is out of reach. I sit from afar in a tiny Icelandic coffee house and with longing, look down the streets. This town calls to me, tantalizing me in every way, almost looking past me in conversation, implying, “You can’t have this.” Ironically, the soundtrack from Garden State is playing – an eclectic movie depicting those in need of finding their way.
People dress up here in Reykjavik – if saying, you are a guest in my house and I welcome you, I have put on my best dress. No one mimics my jeans, walking shoes and hoodie attire. Window shopping brings a second layer of what is not to be – cute hats, scarves, sweaters are well over hundreds of dollars. This does not bode well for someone on a ‘’clearance rack’ budget.
I teeter in range of emotion, knowing I am to leave this love behind. I am enamored, jealous, intrigued by people and culture, yearning to be educated and hopeful for another encounter.
Iceland and Family:
My time is cutting short; but here it is
1. Arrive to cute “IKEA-esque” apartment. Two bedroom, on cusp of walking to shops, bakeries, coffee houses, shipping yard, etc
2. Get a good night’s rest and in the morning head out to:
a. Crater Lake
b. Thingvillr – Viking parliamentary place (http://www.thingvellir.is/english)
c. Geysirs
d. Gullfoss – largest waterfall in all of Europe – glacier fed (http://www.vulkaner.no/n/gullfoss/egullfoss.html)
e. Beautiful Lake where kids and I build stone statues out of rocks.
f. Blue Lagoon – enticing mineral geothermal spa – huge.( http://www.bluelagoon.com/)
3. Home around 10:45pm…sun does not set and so it feels like 4pm.
4. Today – leave for home. Will walk same streets I have walked alone. Historical Church to educate ourselves and take typical pictures. (http://www.sacred-destinations.com/iceland/reykjavik-hallgrimskirkja)
5. Souvenir shop with kids
We are at the end of a magnificent journey. One last sip of my espresso, one last look down the street, one last glance at a world I am not to be acquainted with, one last moment typing these words on this keyboard..and…stop
Monday, June 14, 2010
Where Did I Put My Garlic Necklace?
The Avenson family has shared some exceptional moments within our European journey. However, our dependency upon transportation has hailed upon us with significant hits of bad luck.
1. Arriving in Paris airport, luggage is no where. 2 days go by before we see clean clothing.
2. Luggage arrives in 2 days at 1:45am. Stroller arrives, but back axle is bent, so back wheels have a slight twist to them when navigating the road.
3. Leaving Paris, John picks up rental vehicle (Mercedes Vito...large van). The rental place (Europcar) is not ready for john and the vehicle they give us just came back into the store front. It is trashed inside with a half a tank of gas; but we are on a time schedule, we need the car, we take it.
4. Arrive in Strasbourg, France. On our travels across France, the brake light continues to go on and when driving down incline, the breaks squeak. The next day, we stop by another Europcar facility; they tell us they do not have a replacement car, but they have one at the airport - 20 kilometers in the opposite direction of travel. We arrive, and while investigating the vehicle, we see the tires are basically bald and would not be safe on the rode. Get in new car and take off. Tank is full at this time but this has taken a huge chunk out of our travel time.
5. Last day of travel. New car has suited us well. Arrive in Frankfurt Airport with half tank of gas -- Europe is not forthcoming about any of their rules and regulations. Becuase we picked up car with half tank, we simply assumed. Pull in garage and maintenance guy says, "Oh, no gas? This is really going to cost you." Get luggage, car seat, stroller, backpacks, baby backpack and kids all into Europcar Office and they tell us to fill the tank (1/2 way), it will cost us 170.00 Euro (208.00 US Dollars). After 40 minutes of talking to this guy and that guy and this guy and that guy; none of which took an ounce of responsibility, we get through to some guy in Hamburg. He very reluctantly agrees to let us pay for a half tank of gas at regular gas price. Imagine 3 kids tired, sitting on a car rental office floor, sitting patiently and one 15 month old 'holding it together' for just so long.
6. Arrive in Iceland. It's raining with gale force winds. We are transported to rental car facility and as we walk into small shop, the front entry door swings open with such force, it bangs up against shop edifice. With great strength, I grab hold of the doorknob and close the door. This does not seem to be uncommon, as others have done the same, including those working in the shop and the metal wall adjacent to the door is dented from force. A driver brings our car around and parks it in close proximity to another rental. As john is going around with sales associate, marking off specificity of vehicle, the slightly opened back passenger door quickly swings open and bangs right into the side of the neighboring car. The rental car company now wants to nail us with the cost of fixing the near by car. 30,000.00 kronars (234.00 US Dollars). Again, we sat, fighting our case, talking to this guy and that guy and this guy and that guy - convincing them that we did not place the car in it's spot and we did not damage the car, the wind did and we did not even have the keys to the car at this time - it wasn't even in our possession. We are let go with hand shakes.
So...tonight, as we consider driving possibly over a hundred miles tomorrow in our drive through Iceland, one has to wonder....was it really a black cat i saw, crossing my path, when i accidentally broke the mirror inside the house while trying to escape the owl looking at me through the window as i ducked under the ladder to avoid being hit by the opened umbrella that knocked over the salt jar? Not sure.
thanks for listening.
Katie
1. Arriving in Paris airport, luggage is no where. 2 days go by before we see clean clothing.
2. Luggage arrives in 2 days at 1:45am. Stroller arrives, but back axle is bent, so back wheels have a slight twist to them when navigating the road.
3. Leaving Paris, John picks up rental vehicle (Mercedes Vito...large van). The rental place (Europcar) is not ready for john and the vehicle they give us just came back into the store front. It is trashed inside with a half a tank of gas; but we are on a time schedule, we need the car, we take it.
4. Arrive in Strasbourg, France. On our travels across France, the brake light continues to go on and when driving down incline, the breaks squeak. The next day, we stop by another Europcar facility; they tell us they do not have a replacement car, but they have one at the airport - 20 kilometers in the opposite direction of travel. We arrive, and while investigating the vehicle, we see the tires are basically bald and would not be safe on the rode. Get in new car and take off. Tank is full at this time but this has taken a huge chunk out of our travel time.
5. Last day of travel. New car has suited us well. Arrive in Frankfurt Airport with half tank of gas -- Europe is not forthcoming about any of their rules and regulations. Becuase we picked up car with half tank, we simply assumed. Pull in garage and maintenance guy says, "Oh, no gas? This is really going to cost you." Get luggage, car seat, stroller, backpacks, baby backpack and kids all into Europcar Office and they tell us to fill the tank (1/2 way), it will cost us 170.00 Euro (208.00 US Dollars). After 40 minutes of talking to this guy and that guy and this guy and that guy; none of which took an ounce of responsibility, we get through to some guy in Hamburg. He very reluctantly agrees to let us pay for a half tank of gas at regular gas price. Imagine 3 kids tired, sitting on a car rental office floor, sitting patiently and one 15 month old 'holding it together' for just so long.
6. Arrive in Iceland. It's raining with gale force winds. We are transported to rental car facility and as we walk into small shop, the front entry door swings open with such force, it bangs up against shop edifice. With great strength, I grab hold of the doorknob and close the door. This does not seem to be uncommon, as others have done the same, including those working in the shop and the metal wall adjacent to the door is dented from force. A driver brings our car around and parks it in close proximity to another rental. As john is going around with sales associate, marking off specificity of vehicle, the slightly opened back passenger door quickly swings open and bangs right into the side of the neighboring car. The rental car company now wants to nail us with the cost of fixing the near by car. 30,000.00 kronars (234.00 US Dollars). Again, we sat, fighting our case, talking to this guy and that guy and this guy and that guy - convincing them that we did not place the car in it's spot and we did not damage the car, the wind did and we did not even have the keys to the car at this time - it wasn't even in our possession. We are let go with hand shakes.
So...tonight, as we consider driving possibly over a hundred miles tomorrow in our drive through Iceland, one has to wonder....was it really a black cat i saw, crossing my path, when i accidentally broke the mirror inside the house while trying to escape the owl looking at me through the window as i ducked under the ladder to avoid being hit by the opened umbrella that knocked over the salt jar? Not sure.
thanks for listening.
Katie
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Oh Ya, We Went to Austria, Too!
Driving and navigating roads within the marked unknown brings a sense of heightened awareness to mind. It's not that we have been lost, necessarily, we have simply missed our mark on several occasions. It has been fun, laughable, stressful and arguable as to what street (that is not clearly marked) we should turn. So, today, on our way into Fussen, we went a bit too far, went through a mountain and ended up in Austria. We didn't stay long; we were off 'the map' and turned around, back into Germany.
Present Occupation:
A wooden deck, comfy chair, cold beer,lake view, cool breeze and Alps straight ahead. It is shameful we are leaving this picturesque postcard early tomorrow morning. We are in an apartment with two bedrooms, living room, kitchen and DECK with an uncompromising view of tree lined hills, pristine lake and Alps in the surround. Lovely, peaceful, simple.
Finishing off this compliment; discussion, historical perspective, food, writing, and connection to something that surpasses the smallness of my world.
Tomorrow we will make all attempt to visit Dachau - a Nazi Concentration Camp. This will be our lasting attraction before reaching Erin's home. I somber closing to a magnificent journey.
The chirp of the birds in conjunction with the gale of warm wind divert my eyes from screen to lake. Etching the sole perfectness within my cognitive layout. When I am old and gray and my days are unremarkable, I shall visit this place. Familial conversation will transpire around me, but my gaze will be fixed and my mind will bring me back to here....this place. A cow moos to make it's presence known - to make certain it does not exist without my notice. Perhaps 40 years from now, the sound of a cow will elicit a responsive gesture...a remembrance of Fussen.
Thanks for listening.
Present Occupation:
A wooden deck, comfy chair, cold beer,lake view, cool breeze and Alps straight ahead. It is shameful we are leaving this picturesque postcard early tomorrow morning. We are in an apartment with two bedrooms, living room, kitchen and DECK with an uncompromising view of tree lined hills, pristine lake and Alps in the surround. Lovely, peaceful, simple.
Finishing off this compliment; discussion, historical perspective, food, writing, and connection to something that surpasses the smallness of my world.
Tomorrow we will make all attempt to visit Dachau - a Nazi Concentration Camp. This will be our lasting attraction before reaching Erin's home. I somber closing to a magnificent journey.
The chirp of the birds in conjunction with the gale of warm wind divert my eyes from screen to lake. Etching the sole perfectness within my cognitive layout. When I am old and gray and my days are unremarkable, I shall visit this place. Familial conversation will transpire around me, but my gaze will be fixed and my mind will bring me back to here....this place. A cow moos to make it's presence known - to make certain it does not exist without my notice. Perhaps 40 years from now, the sound of a cow will elicit a responsive gesture...a remembrance of Fussen.
Thanks for listening.
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