Passin Time in Fiji

I am not sure when we really knew that Tropical Cyclone Winston (TC Winston) was going to be hitting Fiji, but I became acutely more aware of the imminent threat on Friday morning.  I was at school/work trying to tie a few things up for the week ahead when I started to realize that we may not even have school in the week ahead.   The principal sent out an email advising all staff to leave when the students left so they could go home and prepare their home for the storm.  I let some friends from home know that the cyclone was coming and it looked like a category 4 (which later increased to a category 5).   They gave me honest reactions...but definitely made the whole thing seem a lot more real.  Everyone surrounding me (minus Warren) seemed relaxed about the whole thing...but my friends and family from home were really freaked out.  They said I should evacuate...but all planes were grounded so that was not an option (don't think I would have anyway).  ...

Because the girls and I couldn't make it to Virginia for Glen's memorial service, we really wanted to do something here in Fiji to honor Glen.  Andie actually came up with the whole idea.   On Sunday, Valentines Day, we honored and remembered Glen/Dad/Papa in the best way we knew how. We planted a lipstick palm tree in the front yard with a painted stone - "In Memory of Papa".   On three smaller stones, we each drew or wrote a word or picture that reminded us of Glen.   The stones had pictures of hearts, donuts, smiles, and Papa and words like Father, wise, our biggest fan, sandwich king, funny, and Love. After the tree was planted, Warren played music (George Harrison's  Give me Love ) while we all placed our stones around the tree, patted down the soil, and watered the tree.  Everyone was quiet....  the moment felt somber, peaceful, and beautiful.  I am so glad we did it.  The girls are now checking on the tree every time we walk past i...

It's really really hot right now in Suva.  SO HOT.  And, it's basically 100% humidity every day.  The air is thick. I usually run at 5:30 am and it's still pretty sticky at that time.  I have never sweat so much in my life during runs.  I come home and it looks like I've jumped in the pool with my shoes on.  I am dripping.....drenched with sweat.   Even my socks and shoes are soaking wet...squishing like I have walked in a puddle.   It's pretty gross. I've mentioned before that my running has been terrible lately.  I am not sure what's going on exactly...but I just cannot run at the same pace that I ran in Atlanta.  Maybe I'm just getting older...or maybe it's the climate...or maybe it's both.  It hasn't stopped me from trying.  Every weekend I attempt a long run and I usually just shuffle my way through it.   I feel good after I do it at least!   The views also make it worth it. Random- but also check o...

Love this!

Well, it's been a week since I wrote and I am sitting here blank.  There are things I could write about...but nothing feels interesting.  Life has just been moving along.  Work is super busy and I love that. I am so glad I am there 2 days a week.  I feel excited to be back in the profession and really passionate about getting things done there.  I finally set up my work website today.  Mom (since you are the only one who will probably actually click on link), check it out here .   I have been helping out an orphanage for the past 6 months or so and that is ready to start back up again.  Also, I just helped out with a mobile pre-school yesterday.  It felt good to be involved in the community and more a part of things.   I am excited about all the opportunities ahead. The girls have had a lot of questions about death and why people die lately.  If I can find a small tree to plant,  we will be holding a memorial service in our b...

Love that tuna sashimi is a regular snack for kids.  Went in under three minutes!

I am a total dork and just have to document the rare occasion that I make a well balanced, yummy, appeasing lunch for the girls!   It is definitely not the norm (thus my documentation and overly inflated sense of pride!). 

Beginning on January 1 we started a new commitment...at least for 6 months.  We were inspired by our friends Ken and Uli to try to go for an extended period of time without buying anything new- "Buy Nothing New" or otherwise known as BNN.   Warren's recent trip to the states reconfirmed the commitment as he noted how crazy the consumerism is there. (Although, while he was in the states he broke BNN and bought a few items we would never be able to get here - running gear mostly).  Otherwise, we've had a completely successful go at it.  I can see it is going to be tough in some ways though.  So far, I've wanted to buy goggles, an umbrella, a french press, a super cute dress, and a bucket. The girls' have lost a pair of goggles and wear them daily in the pool.   I am having them share a pair and we have a pair that doesn't work too well as well.  It's always tempting to buy another pair....but I won't.   The umbrella is no biggie because who care...

My parents left on Tuesday and Warren arrived home on Tuesday.   I was feeling emotional about all of it.  I am so happy Warren is home.  I am so happy our family is together again and I can just wrap my arms around Warren after a completely emotional and draining two weeks.  I know the grief journey is a long one and it has just begun for him....for all of us.   Again, if anything has really stuck with me since we got the terrible news, it's that I am just so grateful we had Glen in our lives when we did.  Warren is such an amazing dad and husband, largely due to his dad's example. My parents left after a pretty great 30 days.  I am extremely touched that they chose to get out of their comfort zone and fly all the way across the world to see us. I know the journey is not easy or cheap...but I think we all are so happy they did it.  The kids thrived with them being around and definitely feel their absence now.   While some may think it...