I always write a reflection on the past year on this day, New Year’s Eve. 2008 began with my acceptance of a contract offer from the International School of Belgrade, in Serbia. After 6 years in Anaco, we decided to leave. At this time last year, we had many questions and concerns about the move. It was the first time we had to move with children. All three kids were born in Venezuela. Nadia also turned down a grade 3 teaching position. We were first worried if we could make it financially without Nadia working. Then in May a Kinder teaching position opened and then we worried about finding a nanny. Nadia also had a negative impression of Serbia from observations from leaving expats. I was concerned if I had taken a step down moving from Director to Principal. The photos of the house were also not pleasing. We were worried if we made the right decision.
Now, a year later and six months into our new life in Serbia, we feel we made the right decision. We found Vera Tutuš, who turned out to be a hard-working, trustworthy nanny for Ocean and our home. She not only watches Ocean, but does a majority of the domestic chores. I am renewed with the challenges of a new, larger school. I was getting stale in Venezuela. We also were pleasantly surprised at how nice Belgrade and the Serbians turned out to be. It is a safe country with plenty to do for children.
All three children are growing up, too fast! Ocean is now walking and saying a few words. She is strarting to show her personality and Nadia and I are enjoying learning how to raise a girl. Oliver is speaking much more clearly and is cute as a button. He drives Nadia crazy because he doesn’t eat and he does require a lot of patience, but we love him so much. Same goes for Owen, who has gone from todddler to a little boy.
Nadia has also grown quite a bit this year. She is working hard at being a great teacher and learning the IB system. We are both taxed with three children and a very busy school life. The pace certainly has picked up from our fiefdom in Venezuela. The move has done both of us good. I admire her for being a fulltime teacher and mother of three children.
In reviewing the major events of 2008, it was a sad goodbye to Escuela Anaco. It was a good time to leave however, and I don’t miss our lives there. It was also nice that I spent the first half the year with my brother Andy. He worked for EA from October 07 to June 08. I got to know him as an adult. I am 5 years older than him, and was always on the next step while we were growing up. He is a good guy and it was also special that he got to know Owen and Oliver.
We renewed our bonds with my parents during the summer holiday. My mother is battling diabetes and the long term effects on her body. She and my father celebrated 46 years of marriage this week. Quite an accomplishment and I am happy that they have each other. Hopefully 2009 will bring better health to her. My father is still doing well and very healthy. That is the one thing I don’t like about our international lifestyle, being away from my family. We do plan to spend the summer holiday once again in Michigan.
Regarding family, the year ended with Nadia’s father, sister, nephew, and Ale’s boyfriend Brad coming to visit us in Belgrade. Ale and Sebey are doing well in Bahrain and it looks like Alejandra will find love again with Brad. He would be a good guy for her and would make a good brother-in-law. We had a nice time together, although it was too short.
My new year’s resolution will be to begin to focus on entering a healthy stage of life. I will turn 42 years old in 2009 and want an active, productive old age. After seeing my older relatives I see things from their perspective. When you are older, health takes over from wealth and material things in importance. My cholesterol levels were high when they were tested over the summer. I plan to eat less and eat healthier and exercise a bit more.
Over all it was another wonderful year for me. I am very blessed and lucky to have such a beautiful family, fulfilling career, and so much happiness in my life. I wouldn’t change a thing! What will 2009 bring? After two tumultuous years – a child in 2007 and a new country/job in 2008 – we are looking forward to a little less change. I will focus on enjoying each day and laughing as much as possible.
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