A little about the B family

I first had the idea of starting this blog to help keep family and friends up to date on the FS process and ultimately our new life in whatever country we end up in. But lately I’ve been noticing the community of mostly female State dept bloggers that is connecting across countries and I hope to become a part of that, too. I’m still too chicken to make my blog public, though. It seems too early to introduce it to my family, since we MIGHT get on the register by the fall and it’s only March. And I’m a little afraid of putting myself out there. But I think I will do it. Any day now.

So, a little about me and my family. I work in NYC and live outside the city in a sweet little house that is now worth much less than we paid for it. Enter FS worry number 5 out of 3,139,349 (give or take a few). I’m a healthcare administrator, a job I used to love but no longer do. My current position is unstimulating and unsupportive and I’ve been looking for a new job, closer to home, for more than 2 years. I know I am lucky to have a well-paying job. So many others are suffering so much. But I can’t help feeling frustrated that I can’t seem to change something I want to change. I have a Masters in Public Health and used to absolutely adore working in this field. I will always have a special place in my heart for public health, and plan to volunteer abroad in health related areas, but I don’t have a problem with pursuing a new career field.

My husband D works in television and also used to love what he does. But lately he finds it frustrating and doesn’t see himself doing it forever. I never thought this would happen 7 mos ago, but he is now totally excited about becoming an economic officer. He takes his OA in a few weeks. I am on pins and needles. On the one hand, having gone through the OA myself, I don’t think it’s insurmountable anymore. If he doesn’t make it this year, he can try again and will surely make it the next time. But on the other hand, I so want him to make it, for his own pride and self-confidence and so we can do this together. So you know, we’ll see.

But let’s get to one of my favorite subjects: my delectable children. I realized today that I love playing with L, my almost 2yo girl, just a teensy bit more than M, my almost 4yo boy, because playing with L just involves her sitting on me or snuggling me and me being able to kiss her over and over again and tickle her and have her shriek, “Oh, that tick-le!”. Oh she is just the yummiest baby girl ever. Playing with M involves Thomas the tank engine and friends….yes, I bet you know Thomas if you have boys at all because apparently he’s been around for like 30 years. And we have been playing with trains for 3 years, ever since M was about 1. Which is a long time. Currently he’s obsessed with James so the game involves James pulling different freight cars and us having discussions and trades. Fun stuff, I’m telling you. He’s not yet 4, so I still do get to kiss and hug him a fair amount, especially when he sing-songs, “snuggle time for mama, snuggle time for mama!” but it’s not quite as much as it used to be. Yes, we’re a snuggling family. And I’m coming to the realization that my snuggling access will probably decrease as the kids get older. No fair. I do love both of their ages, though. It’s nice to actually have conversations with M and be able to explain things to him. And L is just exploding with cute expressions and new words (yesterday, she spotted a cat across the yard through the window. “Look, a kitten! Bye bye, kitten! See’y soon! Have good day!”).

Ok. This is probably enough for one day. I do have work to do.