A Day of Surprises

Today in Dutch class we had our first test. After two weeks of repeating the same questions and answers I was fairly confident in my knowledge. When I arrived in the classroom I saw many of my classmates studying from the textbook or notes. I was surprised to see them studying information I was under the impression would not be on the test. I quickly began studying these unfamiliar phrases. Luckily, they were not on the exam, and I think I did pretty well!

While waiting for the bus home I saw another line, which I learned yesterday will also reach my finally destination, arrived before mine. It takes a completely different route around the other side of the city. I enjoyed discovering this new part of Gent, with beautiful parks and architecture.  I am looking forward to better weather to explore this new area.

I took a nap in the afternoon and awoke to my alarm, reminding me to pick up the kids, and rain. I pulled on my boots, and raincoat, and grabbed a couple of umbrellas for the kids, and started on my trek to the school. About half way there I noticed a cold squishy feeling in my right heel. Upon inspection I discovered a hole between the sole and side of my boot. A sad day for my awesome whale wellies.

Because it was a rainy day the kids had a lot of energy.  Thomas was chasing me and Marie around the kitchen; the pirate trying to capture two escapies.  While turning the corner his stockinged feet slipped on the tiled floor, and he ran into the cupboards. Instead of crying, like I thought he would, the "f" word popped out of his mouth.  I froze.  After inquiring whether it meant the same thing in Dutch as in English, I tried to figure out where he learned that word, and impose upon him the importance of never using it again. At this point the crying began.

At six o'clock, like every night, the children sat down to watch some television before dinner. I sat down to watch with them, and enjoy some relaxation. As I watched, and listened, I was pleasantly surprised to notice that I could follow what was happening, and even being said! I guess I am actually learning something after all!

Stel jezelf voor!

Ik heet Michaela, en ik spreek een beetje Nederlands (I am Michaela, and I speak a little Dutch).  This is one of the few phrases that I learned in my first Dutch class yesterday.  Most of what we learned was how to introduce ourselves.  Our name, home land, current home, and how we got to school were among topics of conversation.  We learned how to greet each other, at different times of day, and inquired into each others well being. 

There are about 10 people in my class, of which I am one of the youngest.  Most seem to be within ten years of me, but we have a few older students as well.  They come from Eastern Europe, Russia, and the Middle East, with one other student from the US, Michigan.  My teacher, Dirk, has a lots of energy, and likes to pick on the students who try to stay hidden.  Luckily, he speaks English and French, as well as Dutch (obviously) so he can answer questions, but he tries to speak in Dutch the whole time.  Most of the learning is done with pictures and big gestures to help get the point across.  A lot of Dutch sounds similar to English, so it hasn't been too difficult yet, but it was only the first day. 

The second I picked up the kids from school, they started pelting me with questions about what I had learned.  "Can you speak Dutch now?"  Thomas asks, expecting me to now be fluent.  Anytime I use Dutch they ask if I learned it in my class, even if I have been using that word, or phrase, for weeks.  Marie asked me what my homework was, and if she could help, and was appalled when I informed her that I didn't have any homework, not yet at least. 

To close I will do as the title asks...introduce myself!

Mijn voorname is Michaela (My firstname is Michaela).

Mijn familienaam is O'Neill (My lastname is O'Neill).

Ik kom uit de Verenigde State (I come from the United States).

Ik spreek Engles (I speak English).

Ik woon in Merelbeke (I live in Merelbeke).

Ik kom met de bus en tram naar school ( I came by bus and tram to school).

Hoe is 't (How are you)?

Goed (Good).

Dank u wel (Thank you very much)!

Ok, I hope that is a good introduction to what I have learned, and will keep you up to date on my knowledge!

Growing Up

Today is my baby sister's 18th birthday.  I wish I could say that I had some advice to give her, on this her official first day of adulthood, but sadly I am without.  The one thing I do know is that even though she is technically an adult today, she will always be my baby sister, and will have to put up with names like "Boo-face," "baby girl," and "child" for the rest of her life.  I love you babe!  Welcome to a time of responsibility and decisions.  Just because you are an adult doesn't mean you can't ask for help.  And remember, "never lose your childish innocence.  It's the most important thing."  Happy 18th Birthday Brenna Elizabeth Marie O'Neill!!!!!

The kids agreed to help me celebrate your birthday with a Belgian version of the birthday song.  They sing, "Happy Birthday to you.  In the field stands a cow.  And the cow says, 'I love you.'  Happy Birthday to you."

P.S. Their cards are in the mail!

Back to routine

This week the kids finally went back to school.  I have been able to complete most of the things on my to-do list, despite the rain.  I even got out for a nice walk in the neighborhood!  

I had my first adventure on the bus system yesterday.  After my hopes being dashed for a few days I was finally able to get into Ghent for a hair cut.  Getting into the city was the easy part.  I bought my ticket, for the whole day, from the bus driver and got off at the train/bus station.  On there website I had read that I would be able to get a map of the city with all of the bus/tram lines.  Of course, when I went to the information desk I was informed that they were out, and would hopefully get more in next week.  Since I didn't really know where I was going I couldn't ask which bus to get on.  I started walking towards the center of town, hoping to spot a salon on my way.  Luckily three blocks in I found just such a place.  After a short wait, and a long time getting my hair dyed and cut, I was ready for a few hours of exploring.  I decided to head out to Ikea, because I knew which tram line to take.  I had a good time walking through the showrooms, wishing I had more money, and a more permanent residence to decorate.  I did buy a soap dish, some candles, and lovely vine to decorate my room.  By the time I left it had started raining, and no, I didn't have my boots or an umbrella.  I reached the tram with a layer of water droplets on my coat and wet socks.  Unfortunately the tram did not leave right away, and as we pulled up the train/bus station I watched my bus drive away towards home.  Yep, that's right.  I missed my bus.  The last one before the kids got out of school.  I was able to catch a different line 40 minutes later, but had to walk a ways to the school.  I was half an hour late to get the kids.  Luckily, Marie was the only one that noticed.  They have a system at the school where all children who are left after the bell get to stay and play under supervision, for free.  I never appreciated it more.  After that adventure I am staying in today, finishing my to-do list, and just relaxing. 

Below are some pictures of the kids in one of their favorite activities; dress-up!  Enjoy!

Thomas and Marie, both in dresses!

Princess Marie

Kung Fu Thomas

Princess Camille

Thomas the Tiger with passenger Zwarte Piet Camille

Sticky Buns!

On the final day of Christmas I was able to fulfill a family tradition.  Sticky buns were made with the kids.  They were up early in anticipation of the exciting baking day.  Marie kept asking when we would start to make the cake, because breakfast buns are not found in Belgium.  A cake was as close as she could understand sticky buns before we finished them.  Before the baking could begin ingredients needed to be translated and found.  The one ingredient that was not found was corn syrup, which is necessary for the sticky topping of the buns.  Luckily we found a replacement in brown sugar syrup. 
Baking began with ingredients piled on the table with bowls and measuring cups (luckily with US measurements as well as metric!).  The kids all crowded around and took turns adding ingredients to the bowl.  I was in charge of the electric mixer.  A short recess was taken during the first rise.  The kids were confined to playing the kitchen, because the cleaning lady was upstairs.  After I had rolled out the doubled dough the kids gathered around again to help spread on the center sweets.  I asked who wanted to get messy, intending to divide the final three ingredients between them, like in my family.  Neither Marie or Thomas showed any desire to get dirty, so Camille was brought to the front to help with the butter.  When I slopped the semi-melted butter onto the dough and squished Camille's hands through it, the other two wanted to get involved.  We continued to share spreading the final ingredients over the dough.  I finished the process while the kids were given a treat; to watch television.  I was left to clean up my mess before the cleaning lady finished in the kitchen.
The smell of baking sticky buns brought back so many memories.  And even though Thomas is the only child who has tried, and liked, the sticky buns, I enjoy the delectable sweet that is my childhood Christmas favorite!

Camille, Thomas, and Marie with the sticky buns before their final rise.

Lucy and Schroeder

I wrote this the week before Christmas on my iPod.  Due to technical complications it hasn't been publish until now.  Enjoy!

I have been trying to get into the Christmas spirit by listening to my favorite Christmas music. The children do not find this particularly inspiriting because they don't recognize most of my music. The one song they do know is Jingle Bells. The other day we were eating snack, and listening to Christmas music, when Marie requested Jingle Bells. I obliged, and turned on Bing Crosby. Marie listened for a moment then concluded that it wasn't right. I went on to play ever version of Jingle Bells that I have; from Jim Brickman's piano version to Mannheim Steamroller to Barbra Streisand. Nothing would satisfy her. At this point her father had come home to witness this exchange. He explained to Marie that there are variations on songs and every one does not sound that same. We learned that she was looking for the most basic version that she could sing to. I realized I have my very own Lucy to make sure Christmas is done right.

Time to recover

I have been neglecting my duties as a blogger.  And I could give you many different excuses as to why I have done so.  Some are valid, but others are just excuses.  I will try to make up for it now, with an overview of the last few weeks, and resolve, as many people do this time of year, to do better in the future.

Over the weekend of December 11 I was fortunate enough to visit Paris with the family.  It was an amazing experience.  We visited Montmartre, the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and walked along the Champs Elysees.  On Sunday morning we had brunch by the Centre Pompidou before the family headed back to Belgium.  I was lucky enough to stay for an extra day.  I spent my Sunday afternoon and evening at the Notre Dame and walking the Latin Quarter, which soon became my favorite area.  On Monday morning I visited the Arc de Triomphe, climbed the Effiel Tower (not on foot), and got a free visit to the Louvre before heading home on a delayed train.  It was an amazing experience I would repeat over and over again.  Though next time, some warmer weather would be nice.

The following Saturday was Marie's birthday party with the family.  Both sets of Grandparents as well as all her aunts, uncles, and cousins flooded the house.  It was a long day of constant flowing Dutch and children's screams, and lots of cleaning up after they all were gone. 

The week before Christmas I spent indoors due to bad weather and a bad cold.  Luckily, I was able to get all of my Christmas shopping done in one morning and spend the rest of the afternoon recuperating before the kids got home from school.  The children had a lot of energy, and were constantly looking for more presents under the tree every time they got home.  I was lucky enough to receive a few gifts from family and friends which made my bad week brighter!

Christmas Eve was spent at Fabienne's parent's house with her entire family.  She has two siblings who also have young families.  I was not feeling well, and spent part of the night lying down in a room upstairs.  My Christmas Eve Dinner consisted of jam on bread, and a few carrots, because my stomach was not up for anything else.  That night we drove to the seaside.  Kurt's parent's own an apartment right on the beach, which was perfect for a holiday getaway.  Most of the vacation was spent reading, walking on the freezing beach, playing with the kids new toys and games (of which the American card games from my mom were a favorite), and eating.  We took a trip to Brugge, and walked along the cobblestone streets and over the many bridges, which give the city it's name.  The last night of our stay at the seaside was brought down quickly by a stomach flu which kept me up most of the night.

Due to my illness, I spent a day in the hospital, making sure my symptoms were only a virus and nothing worse (which they are).   My one consolation was the handsome ER doctor who spoke enough English to be assigned to my case.  The following day I was confined to my bed feeling very tired.

Despite my illness, I helped to prepare for the festivities of New Years Eve.  Three couples, and their kids, brought another episode of screaming children and babbling Dutch to the Baes home.  I was lucky enough to check out when the kids were put to sleep at 9pm, and spent the rest of 2010 watching 'Chocolat' and talking to my family on skype.  I rang in the New Year with noise makers from the California end of the conversation and fireworks outside my window.

I have been lucky enough to spend the last two days relaxing; catching up on energy and TV shows, and with my friends.  Kurt and Fabienne have two more days of holiday before their return to work, and my return to full time child care.  I am desperately awaiting the children's return to school next week, but hope to a least fulfill one final Christmas tradition of making sticky buns with them before the holidays are complete.

I hope everyone's holidays were full of friends, family, and fun.  Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!