I'm on a roll...

Last night despite hunger pains I got back on the yoga mat and cranked out another full practice. Two days in a row - woo hoo! I think my plan is going to be two home practices with all my extra's added in and three days at the studio.

So hard to leave Juju and Mooshi in the mornings. They just follow me around the house, up and down the stairs, back and forth, wherever I go. They are definitely get more settled in. Mooshi still goes on his rants every once in awhile, but he did that back in our home in Portland too. Juju is definitely much more quiet; but she has found her new spots in the house too - she like to sit at the top of the stairs and the purple chair in the dining room which is her favorite spot when I'm in the kitchen (she can easily see me) and after her meals.

Ugh - I'm having such a hard time to focus here at work. I am getting done what I need to; but let's face it I want D to get here. He should be at the house around 2pm Saturday afternoon.

All right need to get back to work - an RFI edit awaits... oh joy!

Home yoga practice

I left work last night and made it on my mat by 7pm and managed to do my full yoga practice. This is a major accomplishment for me. I am going to try and do the same tonight. The one positive thing about a home practice is that I can do prep poses or add in a few poses where I feel like it. I even had an audience with Juju and Mooshi.

I am staying focused day to day and doing my best not to count down when D arrives. But now that I hit hump day I feel like I can kinda count down. He arrives Saturday afternoon - so only three more full days!

a cat (or two) on my lap

This morning after our morning breakfast I made some tea as I had a couple of hours beofre yoga class. Was drinking my tea on the purple chair that I moved to the dining room and decided to read part of yesterday's Guardian. Mooshi jumped up and wanted to join. He loves it when I put my legs up so that he can stretch out on what I call the bridge. So, pulled up another chair - put my legs on it and sure enough he walked out onto the bridge. Juju wanted in on the action and promptly found her spot laying on my chest (all 11 pounds of her). In minutes they were out. After my tea and a bit of reading, I decided to join them. It would have been a great photo, the three of us.

Yoga was simply great. I thought I'd be more sore after taking two weeks off and doing my full practice yesterday. It just took the Surya Namaskara's to warm up and I was fine. After weeks of not putting my feet behind my head I was suprised that the left leg went behind so easily for Supta Kurmasana. Once it was planted there I tried to get my right leg back there, but cannot figure out how to balance on my sit bones to do so. Y came over and stuck it back there for me. I can lower down just fine and grab my hands behind my back; but love it when she squeezes my elbows in - I can almost get a wrist behind (not quite - but close). I need to work on keeping the ankles crossed when I lift out of it; I uncross them as I lift up and then jump back.

But the big suprise was Kapotasana - while I'm not grabbing my toes yet, the pose is feeling less scary; plus I can push up with my hands for the second half of the pose. Y still has to bring me up as my legs just turn to jelly; but am completely suprised that I could do this without practicing it for four weeks. (I should note that I am sure I do not look like the girl in the photo's) My teacher in Portland doesn't let me do the pose yet, so didn't practice while in Ptown and then the two weeks off.

I do wish I could add in the handstand practice in between navasana - but Y is very much by the books. I do like that in some ways as I don't get away with squat - no extra breaths between poses - just go.

Backbends felt better today. I did assisted drop backs and she told me there is no reason I can't drop back on my own. Ummm, yea there is - it's called fear. I will conquer it though.

Enough on the practice report.

Stopped at Unicorn before heading home, so once home I was starved - it was 1:30 and all I had was a banana, a few bites of yogurt and some tea and raisins. Made scrambled eggs, added the left over salmon to it and had some amazing cherry tomatoes on the side; two pieces of toast, with butter, honey and cinnamon sprinkled on top and a pot of smokey green earl grey tea. The cats enjoyed their lick of butter too.

After cleaning up it was already 2:30.

The rest of the afternoon was spent getting the cats orientated to other parts of the house. I managed to set up a barrier so that they won't go up to the 2nd floor (that would be the 3rd floor inthe states; in the UK the 1st floor is Ground or 0; the next floor up is 1st, etc). Closed all the doors to the other bedrooms and the bathroom and just left our bedroom door open. Mooshi was first to explore. Juju finally did a few hours later. But after every exploration they kept coming to the back of the house where they've been living for the past couple of days.

I took down the air mattresse in the conservatory and put that room back together. Did a few loads of laundry. Walked to Waitrose (grocery store) to get some fish to make for Juju, but forgot they close at 4, missed it by about 15 minutes. Walked home.

Had a glass of wine and a piece of marzipan and watched the cats explore.

Made Mooshi some more chicken, sauteed some kale in raw coconut oil for me (so yummy) and made my lunch for tomorrow. I tried to sit in the living room and watch some TV, but the cats had nothing to do with it. They would walk around all corners of the room and then back to their comfy places in the dining room and conservatory. So, we hung out in the conservatory reading the paper and listening to podcasts - The Splendid Table and This American Life - some of my favorites.

It's 9pm Mooshi is stretched out on me asleep - shaking the way he doesn when he's super relaxed and Juju is on her purple chair. I do believe she owns that chair now.

One week of work and D comes. :)

Spring forward - again?

I listen to BBC4 all the time; basically it's replaced NPR for me. Not once this entire week did I hear any report about clocks springing forward this week-end. A co-worker from the states informed me; so I gooogled it and sure enough Sunday night we spring forward here in the UK.

Lucky me, I get to spring forward twice this year!

Week-end plans:

- back on the yoga mat! For two weeks straight back in Portland I was up at 5am and got my practice in starting at 6. Of course it was great to be back in Jason's class. At the same time this was when I was going through a very intense time at work and preparing the cats and D for the move. This past week back in the UK, I have no excuses. Seriously I need to look at my lack of discipline when it comes to a solo practice.
- organize the closets so that D actually has some space when he arrives. Not only have I taken over all the closets in our bedroom but the spare room too.
- in the mood to cook something - going to look through my 'Food of Life' cookbook and make something.
- spend time with the kitty's of course!

AGA stove

Can I just say how much I love the Aga stove that is in this house? Wow - seriously, it makes food taste better.

Today I baked two pieces of Wild Alaskan salmon - they came out perfect! I want one of these stoves when we go move back to the states.

Friday night and I decided to open a bottle of wine and enjoy a glass. Juju remains sleeping under the blanket - she did come out to enjoy some of that salmon. Mooshi has his bouts of complaining and then he's quiet; I'm sure he misses D's rub downs. I try, but I know it's just not the same. He is eating like a little piglet, which is actually good as he's too skinny. His highlight of the day was playing in the fireplace. While the fireplace is clean, his golden coat was completely dusted in ash. That was fun to clean up.

After two weeks of literally no yoga and my body feeling like crap I am going to go to class in the morning. Looking forward to it!

Mooshi & Juju - the arrival

Mooshi and Juju arrived promptly at 3pm. The driver that drove them up from London couldn't have been nicer. And what a patient guy he was. He had the cats in the backseat in their individual carriers - Mooshi was crying, apparently he cried the entire three hour drive. Juju didn't say a word. So odd! Juju has always been the talker.

My plan was to keep them in the conservatory. One room nice and sunny. The only problem was that the gardner just happened to be working (totally not planned) and was mowing the back yard and using the blower. Of course the additional noise didn't help matters. Even with the blinds drawn my two babies were completely freaked out. Mooshi was crying so loudly - he wouldn't stop; Juju came out of her kennel and went and sat inside Mooshi's kennel.

I didn't know this but apparently as part of the customs and import processing they completely clean up the animals and the kennels. When they arrived they didn't look as if they had traveled for the last 24 hours.

By night time both had relatively calmed down. We slept together on the air mattress, reunited at last. Up at five due to Mooshi crying (hungry) plus the morning light was streaming in. Juju finally ate this morning and everyone seems more relaxed (including me).

In another week D will be here and finally after living here for almost seven months we'll be all together.

Mooshi & Juju - leg 2 Newark to London

Last night was very nerve wracking!

The east coast was having very bad weather, lots of fog and in ice according to the flight tracker. But the flight took off, delayed by about an hour - but hey, they were on their way to London.

Landed in London 7:30ish local time!

Mooshi & Juju - the Newark, NJ layover

Our two babies arrived safely in Newark. All afternoon, while trying to work, I was tracking flight #CO485 as they traveled from one coast to another. Needless to say, it was challenging to stay focused.

I came home and went to the grocery store to by a chicken breast for their arrival tomorrow. I had to ask the butcher where the chicken was; for some reason all the chicken is wrapped and just out in the open - I was looking at the meat counter. Anyway, the nice guy showed me where they were. When I asked if I could just buy one (they came in packages of two) he told me I could just freeze one. Of course I had to explain they were for my cats. He was dumbfounded! Seriously, the guy thought I was crazy - his eyes about popped out of his head. I had a good laugh.

Still have to set up their cat litter and get the conservatory room prepared. Will wait to set up the air mattress tomorrow. Want to see what kind of shape they are in when they arrive.

I just can't imagine what they are experiencing. Such an extreme change from their normal every day lives.

Departure is set for 19:15 - Newark time. They are due to arrive in London at 6:20am. Approximately seven hour flight.

Leg 1 - Mooshi & Juju take-off

Email just received from John at Pet Travel:

Hi Liz,

Mooshi and JuJu have departed PDX and are on their way to EWR (Newark).

This was a relief as the person that picked the cats up from the house this morning didn't have a clue. For starters, he thought he was picking up a dog, and then he didn't think he needed to take any of the paperwork. Who was this person???

I spoke with John (Pet Travel) and he was suprised as I was. Not a good sign considering how much I'm paying this company. But, it is what it is and I'm not looking back. All I can think of is little Mooshi and Juju flying to Newark, NJ.

I just shared the email with a good friend at work, he replied with the following:

OMG - the piece that was missing was:

"Mooshi and JuJu purchased their duty-free and spent a relaxing hour curled-up in the business class lounge sipping milk. After arriving in their assigned seats they ordered a glass of Cotes Du Rhone and are now stretched-out, totally pissed (drunk) snoring loudly."

My fingers are tightly crossed for a safe trans-Atlantic crossing.

I am fortunate to have such good friends that can make me smile.

Mooshi & Juju - the journey, part 1

In just a few hours, Mooshi and Juju will begin their long journey from Portland, Oregon to Wilmslow, Cheshire. I couldn't be more nervous for our two babies. I'm most concerned about Mooshi, he's older (15'ish) and set in his ways. Plus, he just had a time of it at the vet's the other day. Juju, less concerned, as she's just a feisty furry ball and I think she should be okay.

They are due to arrive Thursday afternoon. John, from the Pet Travel Company who has arranged all of this, has promised to send me updates through-out their journey. How I wish they would have a web cam in each of their kennels!

It's going to be a very long 36 hours...

Mooshi & Juju

Yesterday D took our two cats, Mooshi and Juju, to their last vet visit for their tick and worm treatment. This treatment has to be given 24-48 hours in advance of their flight. Since their departure is Wednesday at 7:35am with a pick up at our Portland home at 4:30am, we made the vet appointment for Monday at 5:00pm. I spoke with D this morning, apparently they were at the vet for two hours reviewing all the paperwork to ensure everything is in order. Poor Mooshi was terribly upset the entire time and didn't make it easy for the vet. Meanwhile, Juju, who is normally the little terror was completely chill. Not sure what was up with the role reversal.

Here's their itinerary:
CO485
07:35 PDX Departure
15:40 EWR Arrival

CO28
19:15 EWR Departure
06:20 LHR Arrival

After their arrival in London and once they make it through customs, we have a driver that will be driving them directly to our home in Wilmslow. They are expected to arrive sometime in the afternoon.

I am nervous!

mixed emotions

Made it back to the UK this afternoon and did my basic routine. I think I can call it a routine since this is the sixth trip I've done in the last six months, either from the US or from Amsterdam.

1. A quick walk around the house for a bit of an inspection - I'm not sure what I expect to find. Though I'm generally suprised that lights still come on, the fridge is on, etc. (btw - on one return the fridge had cut off). Today's report - all in working order except for the stove light and the hood fan.

2. Walked over to Waitrose to get some groceries. Was pleasantly suprised to see fresh produce - sometimes the pickings on a Sunday afternoon are not the best.

3. Back home, groceries put away, I started to tackle the two overstuffed suitcases. This is my least favorite part of my routine. Mid way through I stopped to enjoy a pot of tea and some dates. After the tea I was really quite tired. So, took out the worn out blanket that I packed and took a nap. (we've had this blanket for years and it has just the right amount of being worn and super soft from all the washings; plus Juju and Mooshi love it too)

4. Back to the bags - unpacked the remaining items. Including Mooshi and Juju's little bed, some of their favorite cat food and cat nip. Also brought some more of our tea cups. It's those little things that make this place feel more comforting.

5. Changed the sheets on the bed and took a shower. Started the laundry.

6. Made my typical dinner after a return flight. Steamed veggies - carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, sweet potatoe with olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, chopped ginger and sprinkled with generous serving of sea salt and black pepper. Very simple, but the veggies tast really good after flying. Plus, made enough for lunch tomorrow.

And now here I am. Waiting for D to get on line so we can skype.

The last couple of days in Portland weren't easy for me. I don't know what I would do without D, I am truly the luckiest person. I was so up and down emotionally. It started when we got his passport with his visa on Friday morning. I was relieved and thrilled. This meant that he could fly out on the 25th and arrive here on Saturday. The cats will be arriving on the Thursday before, so was happy to think that in a week we'd be finally together.

Later that afternoon I was looking at his visa to make sure there were no mistakes and that is when I noticed the 'Valid from' date. For some reason, they marked it April 1 and not the date that when they gave him the visa (like mine). Long and short of it, he will fly out on April 1 and be here on the 2nd. Just a week longer, I know, I know. Still disappointed. The cats will still be here on Thursday afternoon and D will move to a hotel in downtown Portland until he leaves.

On Saturday went for a very long walk with D, before my flight. We had such a good talk. I don't want to write about it yet, maybe it's something for my journal. I'll just say it balanced me and I was much better when I had to say good bye at the airport (again).

By the time D gets here I'll have been here for almost seven months. Through it all it has gone amazingly fast, considering.

Mixed emotions to say the least.

D went to bed before I did!

As this only happens maybe three times a year i thought it should be documented.

RTP

Nike loves its acronyms. Something I will not miss one day.

I don't know what happened to me, but I have completely lost all discipline this week. For the last two weeks I've been up at 5am and on my yoga mat at 6 for a two hour yoga practice. It felt great. And then this past Monday - I skipped. It's been a slippery slope every since. It doesn't make sense. My monkey mind does not shut up and I just give in even though I know better. And what's weird? I've done 80% of what I needed to do for the move - the rest is easy or not a priority. So, what the hell happened to me?
D, of course has been nothing but sweet, and has tolerated my mood swings due to my lack of yoga (yes, I can be quite the big b when I skip multiple practice days).

Add to the no yoga practice I've been eating like a freakin' pig.So lets see, no exercise, not drinking enough water, and I'm over eating = gross, pretty much sums up how I'm feeling about myself. Before I start sounding too pathetic, I do recognize that this too shall pass so in the meantime I'm enjoying my little pig out!

Taking tomorrow off and swearing off all mobile devices for the day. Will see how long I last this time.

RTP = resource the plan. It's FY budgeting time; I swear I will be so happy the day I do not get an RTP email from Miquel (even though he is a very nice guy).

Japan

Compared to what the people of Japan are going through I have not felt much like blogging. The few remaining items that I need to deal just seem trivial. It is really hard to understand the level of devastation that country and the people have experienced. And now the nuclear reactors... It's hard to listen to the news coverage at the same time I want to know.

I've skipped yoga the last two mornings.
Not sure why as my mind (and body) could have used it.
Tomorrow morning I'm back on the mat - I only have three practices left with Jason.

Mooshi and Juju's flight itineraries are booked. The pet travel company has confirmed that all the airports and the UK Border Agency are expecting one orange and one calico cat departing March 23rd.

Fingers are still crossed that D's visa arrives this week.

Meanwhile I'm setting up all of our bills to be paid online. Yes, we're probably one of the last few people on earth that didn't do this before.

Mio Sushi

Lunch today at 3:00 at Mio Sushi off of NW 23rd. We used to go there all the time and then stopped. Not sure why, I think D got tired of it. Anyway, after running around all day today (again!) we finally stopped for lunch at our old stomping ground. Three rolls later we were quite happy and content. Came home, D made a pot of tea had some dates and then it was time to take a nap - with Mooshi on my chest - that cat is such a love boy. I love taking naps and wish I could take one every day.

Backing up - earlier in the day, completed the paperwork and payment for the cats. Picked up their travel kennels, complete with doggie pads.

Paid an additional $280.00 bucks for express service for D's visa (going through an agency), this on top of the $565 visa application and another $150.00 for express service with the UK border agency, plus FexX fees. But hey, if we can get his visa back by end of next week, it's all worth it.

Before that we visited Basco's - and looked at furniture appliances. We agreed on the cobalt blue Viking stove with hood. But cannot agree on the fridge and dishwasher. D cannot stand stainless steel and that's all they come in. Well, they also come in white - but I refuse to go that route. I really want to get the 50's style Smeg color fridge - but D says it's too small. So, going to do some research on the internet and ask Charlotte (our designer) to see if she can come up with some thing. She totally gets us and recommended the cobalt blue stove - so am hoping she can come through for us on the fridge.

Before that had breakfast at St. Honore and before that I actually made it to Yoga Pearl at 6am for my simple Primary practice - it felt good. Dedicated my practice to D for his ability to remain calm through it all - something I still aspire too. But managed to breath relatively calmly through most of the practice.

Week end is here and I'm going to chill. I want to get a pedicure - it's been months and let's just say the toes and feet are feeling neglected and not looking their best. Need to get ready for spring.

Oh, and we both want to go back to Mio Sushi.

dare I say progress?

D has said all along, "at some point things were get easier". Perhaps our time has come.

Met with our design duo, Kevin and Charlotte, and settled on the new home design. If any family members are reading this - you cannot say anything to anyone about this (and yes that includes mother). We are both very excited as it will totally open up living, dining and kitchen areas.

After our design meeting, we dropped in at the government's finger printing agency to see if D could get his visa fingerprints done today and not tomorrow. Suprise, suprise, they let him in! After that, drove across town and got the official copy of our marriage certificate, over to Kinko's and I got my passport photo done (required for his application), then to the bank to get copies of my passport and visa notarized, and then over to FedX to overnight the whole package down to LA! Finally ate lunch at 4 today. I was completely shocked.

Tomorrow must do's: get the kennel for the cat's sorted out. Secondly, off to the design center to pick our kitchen appliances. Current thinking is a cobalt blue Viking range and maybe (if I can convince D) a lime green SMEG fridge.

Oh, and I made it back to yoga this morning after taking yesterday morning off. My back was a bit cranky, so I did a ton more backbending at end of practice and it seemed to work itself out.

And maybe the biggest shocker of the day? I managed to call mom on her birthday, I was the last kid (out of ten, mind you) that called her. I think she was more happy that she spoke to all her children rather than actually having a conversation with me. Oh well, nice I can make her that happy.

what a difference a day (or two) makes

Maybe I've turned a corner?

D's visa paperwork is almost done. Waiting for the cover letter from the UK, supposed to arrive tomorrow AM. Only need to get his visa photo's done and the finger printing. Apppointment for the finger printing is on Friday, but hoping they might let him do it on Thursday so that I can send the package off on Thursday. Every day counts!

Drove down to Salem yesterday and now have Mooshi and Juju's (the cat's) paperwork stamped by the USDA. Just need to find the kennel's to ship them in and pay the Pet Mover's fee and we're all set there.

D convinced me to ask for an extension and stay in Portland for another week. Wasn't sure how I was going to ask for it without sounding like a whiner. In the end, I got it. I'm here in Portland for another week. Me so happy!! I have a very understanding and compassionate boss in the UK.

So, am feeling a huge relief. I'm hoping that when I do go back that D will be able to follow me in a week. Even if it's two weeks that's okay. But the idea of going back this week-end and living solo for three weeks was just about more than I can deal with. I knew that I'd be living on my own for the first six months of my assignment. But I've done it and I am done with it. I'm not signing up for anymore of that.

What a difference a day makes; or in my case two.

so not worth it

This is basically how I feel. So much paperwork and back and forth with the lawyer offices in London, the work office in Cheadle and me here in the states just to get my husband's visa sorted out. All of this could have been avoided if I was told to do this month's ago while he was waiting it out with the cats. But no, we didn't think he would have to get a visa, only to be told later that's not the case.

So now I'm on hold with the CIBT visa services to see if they can expedite his application process. Meanwhile, have to wait another day for the London office to okay his application, wait two more days until the Cheadle office can airmail the application letter on company letter head, plus who knows how long he'll have to wait to make his appointment for fingerprinting.

I decided to move the cats flights by a week too. As I'm still sorting through the paperwork for those two monsters. Plus, I can't find the right international kennel to ship them in. On top of it all the company that I'm paying so much money to make sure they get over there okay is now telling me conflicting information. I have to drive to Salem to have the USDA approve some of their forms - I thought it was the APHIS form, but now they're telling me no, just the EU journal. But the APHIS form can only be dated ten days in advance of their departure by our vet - otherwise the airline won't take them. So, another trip to the vet. Which I was going to have to do anyway as I looked at how they completed the EU journal and found several errors - including incorrectly spelling my name and not entering the dates correctly (day/month/year). Is it really that hard to fill out a form?

Back to my husband's visa - I just spoke to someone from CIBT and explained the situation. Of course they told me more conflicting information. According to them, my husband doesn't qualify for visa. This makes no f'ing sense. I highly doubt the law firm in London is having me complete all the paperwork to get his visa. wtf - now what? I guess I'll email the London office again and find out what to do.

In addition the external hard drive that I got for D's Mac at home to back up everything isn't working. Trying to use Time Machine and it backs up 272GB but then stops. I've followed all of Apple's recommendations. Not sure what to do - maybe I'll partition it as it's a 2TB drive. I've been trying to get this to work for the past four days.

On top of that, while I was in the UK, our internet service went down. So D had a friend come over and set up our new internet connection. The only problem is that we have no idea what the password is. This friend just happens to be in Iran on holiday. I've emailed him so I'm sure I'll hear back soon. But for now I had to come into work (even though I'm supposed to be on PTO). So far, I managed to stay undetected, thanks to a friend who is letting me hide out in her office.

But wait, there's more. It's called work. I can officially say that I am burned out. My list of things to do is feeling impossible, my inbox has 269 emails in it, 51 of which are unread, and probably another 100 that probably requires some action on my part.

I was going to try and complete my expense report - but I can't even do that. As D forgot to give me his receipt. wah, wah, wah - can you hear me?

And even though I've managed to get up at 5 this morning and do my yoga practice, I have lost my ability to cope with all of this. More than once I've had to hold back the tears. Which I know is really stupid as in the big scheme of things this is really nothing. I mean crap, D had cancer and we survived that. This should be a piece of cake.

But right now my only feeling is that this is so not worth it. I wish I was staying in Portland. Am I pathetic or what? And no M you don't need to answer that.

For the record I should also add that I'm feeling terrible that I haven't connected with family members, friends or even called my mom. Just more things I can't deal with.

I just read this entire post and I can't even stand myself.

Saturday in Portland

D and I just came back from walking the Fairmount loop. It's just under a four mile walk from our home that takes you around our little mountain - Council Crest. I love the walk for many reasons, one it's a loop and not an out and back and since it's near the top of our little mountain it has great views of the city, river and hills. Plus I like to notice all the changes, what homes are for sale, who's remodeling, and I love all the foliage. Many of the shrubs are just beginning to bud.

It's only 10am and the whole day is ahead of us. A few things on the agenda but nothing too major. I've had a hell of a week at work. It didn't help that I went back to the office last night at 6pm and worked for a couple of hours. Today is going to be a blackberry and iPhone free day. I'll see if I can do it. I really need a mental break.

I really wanted to do a vinyasa class at YogaPearl but it's cancelled due to a yoga workshop going on today. I took yesterday off as it was a moon day, so will have to do a bit of restorative yoga later today.

Okay, enough rambling about absolutely nothing! Time to shower and head out.

Wine & making decisions

Not sure if it was the wine or what; but D and I sat down toasted to a glass of wine and made some decisions.

1. Not renting the house
2. Go ahead with re-modeling
3. Not shipping any house hold items from Ptown to England;
except for his computer.

Let's see what other decisions we make after more wine. The night I still very young.
Cheers!

Tired....

I cannot get over my jet lag. I actually slept rather well last night, but I am so tired today. Of course it doesn't help that I'm stuck in a windowless room for an all day meeting.

Fortunately I still made it to yoga this morning. I'm on a roll for a full week's practice. Of course Friday is a moon day, but I still may go to the led class Friday night. Will see how I feel. I just want to soak up all the classes that I can while I'm here.

I'm completely debating the Mexico yoga retreat in April - have to make a decision soon.

Tonight - D and I have to make the list of all the crap we have to do to close up our Portland house and do the final move. No wonder I woke up with a headache this morning.

Portland!

Made it back to Portland Saturday afternoon. So incredibily surreal to walk back into our home. Since D hasn't moved, the house is just like it was when I last left. It's almost like I have to remind myself that I have this life, job and home in the UK. Very strange feeling, which has made for some bizarre dreams - most of which I don't remember. Saturday laid around the house - felt lousy with a crappy head ache.

Sunday went back to Yoga Pearl. I didn't tell anyone that I was coming back, fun to suprise my yogi friends. Since this trip is all about the family move back to the UK (and work!) I didn't want to share the news to too many people. I just don't have time to see everyone. After yoga we ate at Prasad. Love that place! Plan to eat there at least every other day - and maybe more than that. I devoured the: FEISTY TOSTADA (raw) - jalapeno cashew cheese, fresh spinach, avocado, sun-dried tomatoes, scallions & green chili sauce on pumpkin seed pesto raw crackers, served with a side of hot sauce & a small green salad with garlic tahini dressing, downed it with their Melody juice (greens, apple, lemon, and ginger). I crave that after yoga.

Sunday night - D made a great dinner of fish with chopped up tiny roasted veggies. Sorry if this is all about food; but you have to remember living alone I have an incredibly simple diet. So my taste buds are having a great holiday with all of this wonderful food. Later that afternoon we went to our favorite French bakery - St. Honore for their flour less orange cake and a cup of black coffee - perfect combination.

Attempted to watch the Oscars Sunday night, but I found them to be a complete bore - so putzed around the house instead. Didn't sleep well at all, woke up at 1am hungry so ate some cereal with a banana, popped a melatonin and woke back up at 4:15. Got up at 5:15 and made it to yoga. I'm thoroughly going to enjoy each and every practice over the course of the next couple of weeks.

Not even going to talk about work - lot going on. Not all great, will be interesting to see how the rest of this week unfolds.

Cat update - looks like we're getting all the paperwork in order, will be driving down to Salem (state capitol) on Friday to get their EU journal notarized by the government.

Met with the design team for the house this morning. So many options - will be fun to lift the roof and do a redesign of our kitchen, dining and living rooms. We just need to figure out when we're going to do it. Which really depends on the length of my expat assignment and if we're going to rent the house or not, etc. Too many unknowns.

Okay realize this post is a bit of everything; but I'm tired and not thinking very coherently. So going to stop now.