In short, YES, life has its own plan for us, the problem is I can't figure out what it is and I have no idea where it's taking me 😂
I too have fond Chef Boyardee childhood memories, I'm also a sucker for Kraft Mac and Cheese, but that stuff is so bad for you. I still have some every time I return to the US.
I also love delis and good sandwiches. I'm in the UK now and I love the wide variety of supermarket sandwiches (including the all-day-breakfast!) but nothing beats a good NY or, in my experience, Boston subs, especially those ridiculously long Italian or steak and cheese subs.
Dining alone? Oh yes, I love it.
My daughter is 7 so I should have some good advice to offer, but my advice would be to ask her what she wants to do and let her guide you. Otherwise, as you mentioned in reply to Lee, creative stuff and painting is always a good idea. I'm with my family now, and my childless sister and my brother-in-law just involve their niece in their usual every day stuff, kind of treating her like an adult, we go to lots of pubs and typical English stuff.
Thanks, Daniel! I'm a sucker for Kraft Mac and Cheese, too! Nothing like a sub! Now I want a Philly Cheese Steak. haha!
So far, I've been asking what my niece would like to do, or I throw out a few options and then tell her to pick. She loved the idea of writing some options on pieces of paper and then picking from the pot each day, so I'm glad that was a hit. On the first day, we went straight to the dollar store to buy art supplies, and that has kept her very busy. Otherwise, my brother and I are bringing her along. I just feel bad when I occasionally need to work, but I think she gets it.
Very helpful! 🙏
P.S. Yeah, I have no idea where my life is taking me either. Just when I think I have an idea, it's like nope, just kidding, not going that way anymore. But the not knowing part is getting more and more fun, at least I think so!
Glad I got to read this and know what's going on with you. I wondered if you were there seeing your mom. We'll have a lot to catch up on when you get back. xo
I just came here to say that I love your writing! And to say that I totally hear you - my husband and I always talk about the things we miss about Canada. Apart from the obvious (the Rocky Mountains) it's little trivial things like Ketchup chips, Wendy's (never thought I'd say this) and one or two of our favourite restaurants.
Thanks, Katharina! Appreciate your kind words. It’s funny that we miss the trivial things, but also makes a lot of sense to me because they are the simple pleasures. :)
Funnily enough, I miss the broodje shops, they have them in Suriname too and they were my fav. Vietnam has a broodje concept too, called BANH MI. It is nice to go back where we are from and enjoy things we never thought we'd miss :)
I hope you make the most of it. The airbnb looks heavenly.
My grandmother had Alzheimers and when my mom was visiting, she would bring along one of my books, which I'd dedicated to my grandparents. Every time she showed it to my grandmother, it was a lovely surprise.
Our kids are younger, so I'm not sure about 9yo activities. But that's a really fun age. They're basically like little adults in a lot of ways. Maybe you can involve her in your own day-to-day stuff. Plan recipes, then cook together. Or discuss some outdoor activity and agree on something that you both want to do. You could maybe even see if she wants to write her own articles about topics that interest her.
That's so sweet about your grandmother. I agree, she's like a little adult. We're at the library now, and she's working on an essay of her own while I work on client projects. So cute. Yesterday we went to the store and bought paint supplies and canvases and did that together. Very fun and also exhausting! hahaha Big props to all the parents. lol
Lovely post (as always)!
In short, YES, life has its own plan for us, the problem is I can't figure out what it is and I have no idea where it's taking me 😂
I too have fond Chef Boyardee childhood memories, I'm also a sucker for Kraft Mac and Cheese, but that stuff is so bad for you. I still have some every time I return to the US.
I also love delis and good sandwiches. I'm in the UK now and I love the wide variety of supermarket sandwiches (including the all-day-breakfast!) but nothing beats a good NY or, in my experience, Boston subs, especially those ridiculously long Italian or steak and cheese subs.
Dining alone? Oh yes, I love it.
My daughter is 7 so I should have some good advice to offer, but my advice would be to ask her what she wants to do and let her guide you. Otherwise, as you mentioned in reply to Lee, creative stuff and painting is always a good idea. I'm with my family now, and my childless sister and my brother-in-law just involve their niece in their usual every day stuff, kind of treating her like an adult, we go to lots of pubs and typical English stuff.
Sorry, probably not very helpful, is it?
Thanks, Daniel! I'm a sucker for Kraft Mac and Cheese, too! Nothing like a sub! Now I want a Philly Cheese Steak. haha!
So far, I've been asking what my niece would like to do, or I throw out a few options and then tell her to pick. She loved the idea of writing some options on pieces of paper and then picking from the pot each day, so I'm glad that was a hit. On the first day, we went straight to the dollar store to buy art supplies, and that has kept her very busy. Otherwise, my brother and I are bringing her along. I just feel bad when I occasionally need to work, but I think she gets it.
Very helpful! 🙏
P.S. Yeah, I have no idea where my life is taking me either. Just when I think I have an idea, it's like nope, just kidding, not going that way anymore. But the not knowing part is getting more and more fun, at least I think so!
Glad I got to read this and know what's going on with you. I wondered if you were there seeing your mom. We'll have a lot to catch up on when you get back. xo
Would love to do that! <3
I just came here to say that I love your writing! And to say that I totally hear you - my husband and I always talk about the things we miss about Canada. Apart from the obvious (the Rocky Mountains) it's little trivial things like Ketchup chips, Wendy's (never thought I'd say this) and one or two of our favourite restaurants.
Thanks, Katharina! Appreciate your kind words. It’s funny that we miss the trivial things, but also makes a lot of sense to me because they are the simple pleasures. :)
So true!
Funnily enough, I miss the broodje shops, they have them in Suriname too and they were my fav. Vietnam has a broodje concept too, called BANH MI. It is nice to go back where we are from and enjoy things we never thought we'd miss :)
I hope you make the most of it. The airbnb looks heavenly.
It sure is nice! I love the broodje shops in AMS too, but it’s just not quite the same. I’ve never been to Vietnam, but I would like to go!
My grandmother had Alzheimers and when my mom was visiting, she would bring along one of my books, which I'd dedicated to my grandparents. Every time she showed it to my grandmother, it was a lovely surprise.
Our kids are younger, so I'm not sure about 9yo activities. But that's a really fun age. They're basically like little adults in a lot of ways. Maybe you can involve her in your own day-to-day stuff. Plan recipes, then cook together. Or discuss some outdoor activity and agree on something that you both want to do. You could maybe even see if she wants to write her own articles about topics that interest her.
Hope you guys have fun!
That's so sweet about your grandmother. I agree, she's like a little adult. We're at the library now, and she's working on an essay of her own while I work on client projects. So cute. Yesterday we went to the store and bought paint supplies and canvases and did that together. Very fun and also exhausting! hahaha Big props to all the parents. lol
This made me nostalgic for some of those USA comfort foods. I could definitely go for a big greasy breakfast sandwich on Texas toast…
I had to Google Texas toast because I'm not sure I've ever had it. Looks amazing!!! I can see why you miss it.
Nice and interesting piece! At least your dad made you exercise before feeding you Chef Boyardee!
Hahaha. Great point, Dad! 😜