It's been eons...

since I last posted. November 2007? Really? We were in Singapore for 15 months. Mike was laid off by his company on December 2008 as the world economy spiraled downward. We returned to the U.S. with our tails tucked between our legs. From the logistics of packing up yet again to finding Noreen another employer who needed to be an expat family rather than a local one, to extending our home rental another month and a half so that Mike can explore other possible options so that we can remain in Asia in some capacity, our family weathered each situation like pros riding the waves on the beach. Each wave of circumstances kept coming and coming until one night I bolted up in the middle of night (jet lag in system) to realize I was in the guest room of my in laws. They also weathered our chaos with supportive encouragements and good grace. They even allowed Rex and Fiona to stay at their condo knowing full well they would not be able to face the children who will silently blame grandma and grandpa for sending the dogs away to a kennel.

I began looking into applying for a position to my old school. On my way home from the interview, as I crossed the GW Bridge, I called my parents. They were in shock about our situation but willing to offer any support they can. It had been a full year since I had spoken to my mom. We had a falling out during our home visit the prior year. But she embraced me fully and expressed joy we were back. Nonetheless, my parents proved that the bonds of family cannot be severed. All grudges were forgiven and we began the process of rebuilding an even better relationship.

Fast forward another 2 years...we are living in a beautiful home in Princeton. The children attend the local elementary school via bus each day. We have five dogs, an acre of land and a pool to keep us busy during the hot summers of the east coast. Mike is working at a company nearby, his commute is 25 minutes door to door and we are loving life.

I have decided to change the format of my blogging. From this point on, I will be writing letters to my children about all the things that happen in my mind when daily discussions and decisions are being made on their behalf. I reasoned that during the heated moments at times, they may not understand the whys and hows due to their ages but if I put down these thoughts into words, they may be able to visit my blog in the future one day and revisit the incidents that may have impacted them in some way but will at least have a better understanding of their mom and why she may have been at times, so dismissive, brusque and diminishing.