perspective

Time is going fast. We came to the realization that we've been here almost one month. Wow. We are settling in to our new life here and becoming accustomed to everything.

My days begin with Maya, are filled with Maya and end with Maya. We go to the shops down Holloway road often to stock up on food and other necessities. She's always a trooper and loves all the different people to look at and try to make friends with. On a nice day we make our way to the Heath and enjoy the trees, ponds and ducks.

Brett's days begin with homework, are filled with classes and seminars and end with homework. He is working very hard and usually comes home to Maya and me in the kitchen making dinner and pulling faces at each other. I've never seen a happier face than hers when he walks through the door...priceless.

The building our flat is in was supposed to have access to a laundry facility, but due to some leaky roofs, it has been down. Now, we are being told that the repairs may be too expensive to fix. Well, with a baby and two of us, you can imagine the pile of laundry that grows exponentially every day. So we had to do something about it. Our neighbors told us about a plastic washing machine that they bought, so we researched. We found one for 60 pounds and decided to go for it. It is called a twin tub and has two sides: one for washing and rinsing, and another for spinning. It's not the most ideal way to clean your clothes, but it gets the job done and has been a huge relief from the pricey launderette.

I've been thinking a lot about perspective. How my perspective of our flat, neighborhood, and even London in general has changed dramatically from when we first arrived. I realized that things are not so foreign, the streets not so confusing, our flat not so drab and plain. I'm starting to feel more at home and a lot more comfortable. I don't know if it is from time, from some simple decorations we picked up on our long journey to IKEA, or just having a better attitude, but I'm glad that my perspective is changing.

Our IKEA adventure

There have been four things on my mind that have helped with the transition. 4 lifesavers.

1. Skype...I love being able to talk to my family and friends whenever I want. It is amazing how close you can feel being so far away. It's even better than a cell phone...we can actually talk face to face!

2. Baby Jogger...we invested in a really nice, easy to fold, somewhat lightweight stroller (or buggy) before we left. All I have to say is that one standing-room only, crowded bus with 3 other buggies made me so grateful that I was able to unbuckle Maya, fold up the stroller, squeeze my way off of the bus, unfold the stroller and buckle her back in-holding her and the diaper bag the whole time. GENIUS!

3. Surf The Channel...I can keep up on all my favorite shows from home as well as seasons and seasons of older ones-(as long as you know the tricks)

4. The Heath...a place where I can feel like I'm in the beautiful outdoors hiking, yet see the city skyline and watch the ducks and geese with Maya.

The Somerset House

Recently...we visited Trafalgar Square and the Somerset House (on Last Chance Harvey...see it if you haven't) and Covent Garden, again. I also took Maya and registered with a GP (general practitioner). You can imagine my face when they didn't ask for my insurance card, a co-pay, or any form of money whatsoever. I sort of just stood there, confused, until the lady finally said, "that's all, you can leave." This week we were very grateful we were registered when Maya broke out with a rash and a fever. I called the office, the doctor called me back promptly and told me to come in. She gave Maya a prescription for antibiotics, which I received in 5 minutes...again, with no payment, insurance or any information other than my address. The doctor said she probably has strep. Poor girl...still so happy and smiling. Oh we love her!

(for the grandmas)