Back in the Saddle

True to my character, I have been away from my blog for a while.  The fall in Sri Lanka, just as fall in the States, has been a busy one.  The main reason for my busy this time is the arrival of our HHE (Household Effects).  It was a wonderful day getting to see some of the items I have missed!  And I wrote about all the feels that came with that here.

Today, I want to write about how I am finding our new normal.  I guess to help give you an idea of why it's important to find our new normal, I should give you a little preview of what I consider abnormal.  I plan to document some of the quirkier Sri Lankan customs soon.  But for now, I will just on the differences that have made the most impact on us.

First we now have a housekeeper/nanny.  This has been a lifesaver!  Tilaka is a blessing to our family, she keeps our home tidy and helps with George while I homeschool Anna.  I had no idea a school day could be so efficient when you aren't pausing every ten minutes to entertain your toddler!  This has been a bright spot in our move to Sri Lanka.

Second is the complete lack of any convenience food.  Dinner takes at least an hour or more to prepare because there is no opening a can of cream of mushroom soup and throwing that and some chicken in a crock pot.  The chicken comes on the bone, and if you want boneless skinless breast... then get out your knife and get ready to use those mad skills.

Third is the decision we made as a family no to buy a car.  Cars here are very expensive and driving here is crazy, so we have decided to rely on Uber, Tuks and Pick me.  It isn't bad, but requires a little bit of planning and thought process when you decide to head out for errands.

Fourth is ding ding ding... Language Barrier! English Broken English is widely spoken in Sri Lanka, but there is a major communication gap.  Especially in a Tuk Tuk.  It makes getting from here to there or asking questions, or even understanding "the way things are done" a little more difficult.

So, how are we adjusting to our new normal?  One day at time.  The most important part for me right now is finding my new normal.  Establishing set routines,   making the most of my days, not being afraid to try - to try to cook new dishes, to try to go someplace new, to try my hand at a new teaching style for Anna.  In a way it's extremely overwhelming, but in a way, it's a slower pace. I have set my quiet time, my "special George" time, I have set a lesson planning time.  I haven't gotten into my blogging groove, yet, but I am not going to let that stop me.  I need this.  I need to look back on our time in Sri Lanka and think "Wow, I did that!  We survived, and even thrived."

I look forward to sharing as we go!

Until then,

Ayubowan,
Jennifer