April 20th, 2017

It’s 10:50, the moon is high and the stars are twinkling in the Grey black sky. My eyes should be heavy with sleep, but the sandman has yet to find me. My brain is working overtime, but yet I don’t get paid.

Today I received messages from 2 friends. One was from a friend who had read one of my Diary blog posts (not including yesterdays because I hadn’t posted yet). She was honestly concerned for me and wanted to bolster my spirits, remind me that she is always there for me. That she thought it was cool that I was “owning all the highs and lows”. I appreciated her message immensely since sometimes being far away from close friends and family can feel a little alienating. And well my posts were a lot about the “lows” of this journey up to this point.

The other friend was replying to a birthday message I’d sent her and asked me a most thought provoking question in return. She asked me to tell her something new and enjoyable that i had discovered this week. Her question caused me to pause. I don’t think she had read my posts but it really got me to look at the last 2 weeks and see what was hiding in the recesses of my mind, something caught in the spider web of activity that has been happening.

Her question made me realize that when I am writing I am documenting thoughts of our challenges but somewhat neglecting the amazing things unfolding before me. What came to mind was a mix of “things” that were good. The journey’s tapestry was being woven with a fabric comprised of so much positivity as well. Both messages I’d received reminded me of that; indirectly.

I’ve shared some of my inner most feelings about this move. Many can be seen as challenges, difficulties. If any of you know me, I’d like to think you’d agree that I take these times in full bull fashion, head on! I am a Taurus (yes, eye rolls acceptable) so makes good sense that I am determined and bullish (no, not stubborn). But with these challenges are also moments and memories of smiles, laughs, amazement, astonishment at so much.

Today though I want to share the ‘Glad Game’. These are the things I shared with my friend. Note she only asked for 1 thing and I provided a barrage of gladness for her consideration.

• The most impressive is how well Chloe is adapting to her new life. She still wears pants and long sleeved tops but her new wardrobe (thankfully) now includes shorts and t-shirts. Massive applause acceptable. Don’t fret however, her back bubble, bunny ears and various other “accessories” (i.e. a serious winter toque from Canada, different one from the one in this photo) have made an appearance as well.

• She taught herself (without actually practising) how to use chopsticks. Just picked them up, told us to watch and BAM!

• This morning I mentioned that her pull ups have been fairly dry lately. I asked her why, thinking it was dehydration. Her reply, “I’m practising!” Huh!!!!? Ummm for what? “To wear underwear at night time!” She is growing up so quickly and quietly mastering skills. It is like she is blossoming.

• There is a part of her that is more open to new things, such as sushi! And she likes it!!!
• Another amazing thing here. The food! I love it ♡

• The train system is incredible, the cleanliness, and how courteous people are.

Really I am not a facebook fraud after all, those smiles were and are real. It is important to me that I share all sides of the journey; good and bad, easy and challenging, fun and boring, lonely and overwhelmed at the lack of privacy (primarily when I am trying to use the toilet. Parents, you know what I’m referring to).

So, the short and sweet, and much is sweet, I am enjoying myself. And this is fun, I like it.

“Everything always works out. Always!”

Rachelle C Foo

That’s it for the positivity for the day. I need to rest so when tomorrow arrives I have fresh eyes to view the world from and find new and exciting things to take my breath away.