8 # 365

we have an office!

7 # 365

home. And kitchen done.

6 # 365

I say it's a sign. It's the UK saying "Welcome!"

The meerkat report # 2

Sixth day in the UK. Today's cloudy and sunny (it kinda changes back and forth every twenty minutes or so). Am loving the experience so far. Me and the wolf are still in the process of making this house ours. Bathroom and bedroom are done and perfect for us. Today, if all goes well, we'll start and finish the kitchen. Since we only have one more week before he goes back to work, we'll start taking care of red tape matters really soon too. ...

It just occurred to me that these reports so far must look incredibly dull and "housewife-y" to most people. But you see, to me this is all fascinating. It's the first time I have a house of my own (or the closest thing to it), and so it's a complete new adventure. So keep calm and enjoy the ride or, as it was recently said in one of my favourites shows around here, "shut up [...] and get in the cupboard!"

5 # 365

years of dreaming, and I finally have a yellow lamp. Hurrah!

4 # 365

... and then there was colour where once a white wall had been...

3 # 365

some nice little shopping spree in Brum

Today's heroes

The meerkat report

It's raining outside on my third morning here. So far life has been amazing. There's been loads of sunshine, squirrels and Indian food and life together has been close to perfect. Yesterday, after a delightful day of rest, we started cleaning the house top to bottom. The bathroom is now spotless and suits both our needs. It's our bathroom. Today's the kitchen. Might not be such a peaceful event, but we'll keep our fingers crossed and talk it over when we start to clash. Haven't been much exposed to life outside yet, but I'll come to that soon enough. Right now I can't wait for this place to become our place. And, one room at a time, it will. Time to put the yellow rubber gloves on and start today's quest. Stay tuned, kids! I'll keep you posted :)

2 # 365

bathroom with room for everyone, humans and daleks alike

1 # 365

I can already feel I'm somewhere special :)

The ressurection of project 365

Yes, I'm giving it another go. Since I'm starting a new chapter in my life, I thought it'd be a neat idea to try and post a new picture every day for a year. Ready? Here we go then!

The quiet before a big change

The dog days are truly over :)

So long, farewell*

Leaving is a deeply emotional business. People with whom you have different kinds of bonds come up to you and hug you, wish you luck and tell you they'll miss you. And even though I was expecting it, the extent to which is has happened took me completely by surprise. I feel so blessed. For the people, the words, the hugs, the smiles, the memories. I leave in peace with a smile and a bittersweet tear on my face. Thank you all. I'll keep you all posted on my meerkat adventures in a (not so) far away place. And to most of you, we'll meet again soon :)

*The Sound of Music

A fresh new life awaits

Starting now it's gonna be my turn*

Time feels like sand between my fingers. It keeps slipping away faster than I can catch it. People keep asking me whether it has already fully dawned on me that I'm actually moving to another country. Yes and no. I've been so focused on all the red tape-like issues that I've had little time to myself and what small breaks I have I use them to relax and enjoy the city and be with family and friends. I think that only when I wake up the next day after arriving will I realise Oh my gosh! I've made it this far! I'm finally here! At the same time, yes, I'm thrilled about it and I feel completely ready for this next chapter. It's been such a tough year, filled to the brim with new experiences and also with a few trips to help me prepare for this that now I don't feel scared at all. It saddens me a bit that there's so much I won't be able to do, so many people I won't have time to say goodbye to, but at the same time I can't wait to finish packing, to get on the plane, get home (truly, home... our home) and start fresh and on my own. And isn't that a great reason to smile?

*Gypsy

House arrest

These days are not fair. I have been indoors for months now, seldom ever leaving and only for a couple of hours. It's summer. It's hot and sunny. And I'm leaving in less than two weeks. For almost a month now I have been on babysitter-duty (the duty bit still a bit foggy in my brain, but that's a whole different story) for the tenth year in a row. I'm tired. I need air. I want to go outside, be with people, say goodbye, laugh a bit and talk a lot. I want to swim in the sea, to stroll around the city and go out to dinner. I'd love to enjoy a week of holidays, with time for myself. To relax and enjoy the city once again. Alas that's not to be. With only one week of freedom, I'll be huffing and puffing, running around like a headless chicken, trying to make as much as I can. And honestly, I deserved better.

Wisdom in a nutshell

Another celebration

We're reaching "one year since..." a lot now. Last week it was the dinner party where everything started to change. Today it's the first and only sort of date we had (we're that good). It was a saturday, we were going to a Star Wars exhibition thingy with friends, but decided to meet a few hours earlier, just the two of us, just to talk. A few hours afterwards we were walking hand in hand for the first time, strolling down Parque Eduardo VII. We said goodbye at the entrance of the underground, we hugged, we nearly kissed. And I arrived home with the biggest smile on my face and a glimpse of a great future. It's hard to believe that year has passed since that day. And what a year it has been :)

D month

This is it! A full year has gone by and it's time to start thinking about packing and saying my goodbyes for the next few months. Only 22 days to go! Yaaaaay!!! :)