My last post was in April during the time I was preparing to relocate back to the states. I didn't plan for so much time to go by, as I enjoy posting to my blog and making bloggy friends, but sometimes life just happens and something's gotta give. This is a "catch-up" post of the last five months all rolled into one!
I'm happy to be home and near loved ones again, but it's bittersweet. My time in Haifa, serving at the Baha'i World Centre, holds a very Special Place in my heart along with the many friendships and memories made. I miss it often.
Onward! (For fun I've added links. I'm not paid for anything, I'm just sharing information)
Since April...
1. I left Israel in early May and made a side trip to Ireland. I loved Cork City! Will post more later, with photos, even though it's old news there's lots to share about this beautiful country.
| The River Lee runs through Cork City |
2. Got caught up in all the relocation stuff that happens, and since I came back with very little I had to shop for clothes, shoes and a car...didn't mind the clothes shopping, disliked car shopping. I was happy without a car for almost three years and didn't miss it at all.
3. As soon as I had wheels I went on the road to visit family up and down the Colorado Front Range and as far south as Raton, NM. It felt so good to see everyone in person instead of Skype! But sure glad to have had Skype while in Israel.
| Raton Pass |
4. After the first month I found a place to live in a small town, with a roomie! Sure cuts down on the cost while unemployed and it's relatively private.
5. Unpacked a storage unit (more like a big closet) and still felt like I had way too much stuff. Completely overwhelmed and still in the process of letting go. It helps to read stories about simplifying. My favorite is Miss Minimalist.
6. Job hunting!! Oh yes, this takes tons of time. All those websites, signing up and filling out each and every application and attaching resumes and hoping it sticks. Sometimes it doesn't.
7. I signed on with a professional temp agency and started my first assignment the first week of July and that just ended last week. I learned a lot but it was very stressful. I was an office support person for a substance abuse and mental health crisis center, an area I have never Worked in before. I want to add that the staff I worked with were very dedicated to the clients and worked very hard. I was amazed. I don't know how they did it.
8. My 10 year old niece and sister organized a Cousin Camp over 4th of July weekend. It was a hit with everyone, and it's a big family so the fun never stopped! And what a way to bring the younger generation closer together, deepen their bond with each other and give them lasting memories! (The adults set up tents in the front yard, filled a swimming pool in the back yard and supplied pizza makings for "make your own pizza" night and so much more.)
| And this isn't all the cousins! Maybe next year... |
9. I had plane tickets to Seattle the following week to see my daughter and grandchildren! My grand-daughter (and BFF) celebrated her 6th birthday while I was there. We went to lunch at the Queen Mary Tea Room, just her and I, where they served a special children's lunch for the birthday girl. She was in heaven and that made me happy.
| Birthday tea with bunny |
10. I've spent a few hours exploring my new neighborhood, but need to do more before the snow comes! I'm close to designated open spaces, nature reserves, rivers and reservoirs, prairie grass and wide open sky. Lots of water and prairie birds to watch. Whoot!
| Northern Colorado prairie |
That brings me to the present. I'm setting up a small work area for jewelry making and re-opening my Etsy shop. Last but not least, I plan to spend time catching up with old friends and stay in touch with new friends across the sea and will keep them and all Israeli's in my prayers for a peaceful end soon.
Memories of a special time in a special place tug at my heart and remind me to be grateful for everything I experienced.
It's good to be back.
PS...If you are interested here's a link to all my Israel posts. I lived in Haifa for 2 1/2 years. It was my first time living overseas and was quite an adjustment. I'm so glad I did.
