For the very first time

We had no idea, you had been longing to go on a holiday with a friend for such a long time. You have been working hard in school and you didn't skip any classes. Being a responsible daughter and completing chores without us asking, is a great bonus. So it was pretty obvious we decided to give it a shot and let you book your first vacation without your parents. Despite the fact that Egypt was canceled, we did manage to book another destination. You just texted us that you had landed in Italy. A Jetair hostess would be waiting for you and your friend, to bring you to the hotel. It will be late by the time you get there and you won't have the chance to take a good look around, but I can assure you: it will be wonderful!

Your dad, your sister and I took you and Axelle to the airport. It was as exciting for us as it were for the two of you. We scented that same holiday feeling, although we had to leave you behind and head back to the parking lot to go home. I'm sorry to say so, but I am relieved you're not going to Egypt. I'm sure you understand. It's just not that safe for two young and beautiful ladies. I'm more at ease knowing that you're in Italy now. Too bad Ilaria can't come visit you. Bari is at least 400 km off...

I can only say: enjoy, enjoy, enjoy..

Jump out of your seat

You're a busy and energetic girl. There are always activities to attend and outings to plan. By no means one could call you a couch potato. It's just how you are: full of life and enthusiastic to do things and make life interesting.

You were away on camp, you came home to wash your laundry and pack for the next camp. Still exhausted, you were copying more than 1500 photographs that you have taken from the youngsters you guided on camp. Their parents will be very pleased with the result. Are you sure you don't want them to order copies of those snapshots? I know I would want some!

Yesterday morning, 6:30 AM, your dad and I got up to kiss you goodbye and wish you a great stay in Merksplas on your Krinkel Kamp. You're not much of a morning person and you like to be left alone that early. So we left you to it and didn't bother you too much.

A kiss and a big hug and off you went. Tanned legs, red socks pulled up all the way to your knees, short Chiro skirt and the blue blouse that holds your very special whistle. You didn't look back, but we didn't expect you to. Saying goodbye is always difficult, even at the age of 18. We won't be hearing much of you, since you won't have access to electricity. So no phone charging, no Internet. You'll manage. I'm sure there won't be time for social media. I was told 3000 youngsters would be present to attend this summer camp! That's quite a lot! It'll be a one of a lifetime experience for you and I'm happy you and your friends subscribed. College will start before you know it. Have a ball, sweetheart! You are writing history and stories to be told by the campfire later on.

A ticking timebomb

Will it be postponed, or will they let us take that plane to Hurghada?

 Our oldest daughter and her friend were planning their first holiday abroad together. It took them some time to find the perfect destination for what they had in mind. They wanted sun and fun and far away and lazy time by the pool. So they ended up with a beautiful hotel in Hurghada, Egypt. All summer long, they were looking forward to their vacation and tanning their skin before college starts. Lana and her friend will be attending the same college education in Bruges this fall and going on a holiday together was going to be the perfect start. Never did they expect problems in the country they planned on going to.

Things haven't been going well in Egypt lately. There's just too much commotion going on and the turmoil is not calming down yet. Jetair has cancelled its flights up until the end of October. Lana and her friend booked their trip with Thomas Cook. Now they have to wait until the last day of August, before they will know whether their plans are still in the running or not. After all, they would be leaving September 2nd, so that's not that far off.

What does one do? Do you take chances and decide to go to Egypt besides all the negative comments on the News?
Do you cancel your trip, loose your money and try to book some other vacation with a different agency?
Or would you postpone your vacation and go some other time?

It's never easy. But the most painful part of all, is that many innocent people in August are being terrorized by this awful situation. They have lost their beloved ones, their home, their jobs and their income. Tourists cancel their visit and spend their money on a different location. They are the true victims here. We are lucky to be able to pick Egypt as a holiday destination. We don't have to live there. The turmoil is not part of our daily life.. 

Paris s'éveille

Il est 5 heures, Paris s'éveille..

There is a small chance that you will wake up this early to slip outside to take pictures of your

Photo Thijs Penny

favorite city Paris. You have been given the unique chance, to spend a week in Paris with one of your classmates and his mom. Completely excited and thrilled to go, you packed your bags and got a train ticket to complete this wonderful journey. The sun will be out all week and there won't be the need of getting that umbrella out of your backpack. Thanks to the Internet, you were able to look into finding great spots to visit and plan the week with your friend. He's a great guy and the two of you are hilarious together. He makes you laugh and his laughter is so contagious it brings tears to my eyes.

There will be so many stories to tell. Every now and then we get a text message from you or an update on your Facebook profile. It's good to hear where you are and despite the burning sun, you are having a ball. Enjoy your vacation pumpkin. It'll be a week to remember.

A victory dance

In 6th grade, you felt so big and "grown up", ready to go to High School in a different, bigger town, far away from the little ones. You were so tiny though, compared to the older kids in High School and the buildings seemed so enormous and breathtaking.

Photo Eva Joos

Last night, we were invited by your principal to go to school. Graduation party, with all your friends and their parents. We were so excited to hear, that you passed for all of your exams. Finally, no more High School for you. You are so ready to spread your wings and fly away. Not before September, but your new school and your student's room are waiting for you and we are looking forward to spending some time off together. We realize your time in our household is very precious. Experience tells us, we won't be seeing much more of you once you will have left for college. We will welcome you in our house as often as you like and maybe we'll surprise you with some unexpected visits in Bruges. It is time to start leading your own life now. You're ready. We're ready. And we are proud of you. Congratulations sweetheart. You have worked real hard and you have deserved that diploma!

Totally last minute

There is so much left to do. Clothes need to get ironed, lunch boxes have to be filled. She's spending some extra time in the bathroom, not knowing when her next shower will be. I can tell she's getting nervous. She has been looking forward to this trip all year. As a sixth grader, it will be a wonderful way to say farewell to highschool and her classmates. It will be an exciting trip. It will be a whole lot of fun but emotional at the same time. Them kids will have to spend long hours on the bus but they won't get bored. They will have a good time, I'm sure of that.

Italy is a beautiful country. Lana wanted to go there as an exchange student. Things didn't work out as expected though. We have welcomed an Italian exchange student into our home and it was a great experience. There is a small chance Lana and Ilaria will unite again next week, in Milano. Wouldn't that be great???

We were invited to discuss the program of this trip. I wish I were 18 again.. these students will have the time of their lives. Knowing Lana is fond of art and history, she will take extraordinary shots of her stay in Italy. Her pictures will keep the memories alive. She will cherish those moments in her later life, looking back to her time as a student in highschool. Have a wonderful journey sweetheart. You have worked so hard this year. You truly deserve some time off with your friends. Have fun!

Growing up

Tapas Bar Catala - Photo by Lana Joos

The girls are getting taller as we are getting older. One will leave for college in September. Only our little one (who's going to be 16 before we know it) will stay at home for a couple more years. We are lucky that at least one of the girls is still going to live with us. The house would be really empty without children and I will even miss the argy-bargy between the two of them.

7 bridges - photo by Eva Joos

We have done quite some traveling as a family so far. We started to realize that maybe those vacations together are coming to an end. The girls have their own activities and they have friends to do fun things with. Summer holidays also means time to find a job and make some money of their own.
We decided to take the girls on a city trip as a Christmas gift. We both knew they were looking forward to going Amsterdam. There were so many things we wanted to do, but the main goal was shopping. After all, three out of four are ladies.. sorry hubby...

Anne Frank - photo by Lana Joos

Amsterdam was wonderful. Hubby had planned the trip and everything went just well. The hotel was in the center of Amsterdam, giving us the chance to stroll down the Kalverstraat as often as we wanted. Visiting the House of Anne Frank was on our list too. We did see the house.. well.. that is, we saw the facade but we didn't go in. Although all four of us were curious about this historic monument, the line waiting in front and around the corner was just way too long. It was cold and dark and not exactly pleasant to stand there for a couple of hours. We were running out of time.. It was good that hubby already got tickets to do some sightseeing by boat. Yes, I am deeply ashamed that I fell asleep on the boat.. Too much shopping, way too many low diabetic episodes and sore shins made me doze off to another world. I missed most (read: all) of the explanation since I didn't use the headphone.. Sorry! I'm glad you all filled me in on the tour and the meaning of the crooked houses along the canal.

photo by Lana Joos

We had a pleasant stay in this wonderful city with its hundreds of shops! Nevertheless, we took the train to Zaandam to shop some more (the girls just had to go to Primark) and we didn't regret fleeing the bustle of the city for a couple of hours.
If you ever get the chance to visit Amsterdam, grab a bite at Tapas Bar Catala or endeavor a juicy Argentinian steak at Cau. You won't regret the visit. 

Mucha Marcha in Madrid

A city full of life and entertainment. Who wouldn't want to go? Exactly.. Our bags are packed and our hands are holding the tickets . I'm really looking forward to this city trip. Although hubby has to work on Monday, we will have two days to spend together in this vibrant city. While the rest of the family is staying at home, we will be enjoying the weather (27°C!), the scenery and the company. I packed comfortable shoes for I heard there's a lot of walking to be done. It's kinda weird to put skirts, tank tops and shorts in that suitcase, since fall in Belgium is in full swing. It will do us good though, to feel the sunbeams on our faces and have some quiet time. Our girls have their own plans for the weekend and the dogs will spend their vacation with their canine friends in Holland.

Hasta la vista!

Packing

Last night, you were stressing out. Packing your suitcase to go to Poland, you were deciding what to wear, which shoes you should bring along. Were you allowed to bring a razor blade if you had nothing else but carry on luggage? How about shaving foam?

You don't like to travel alone. It makes you as nervous as a schoolkid on a field trip. The palms of your hands were all sweaty and you were running around like a chicken. Only 2 days, but still stressed out. Two colleagues are joining you and I'm sure you will do well. No need to worry. I wish I could have come along too. I wouldn't mind visiting Warschau. Sounds exciting to me. Don't forget to tell me all about your trip. Looking forward to the stories! Have a safe journey, hubby.

Quite remarkable

The more reviews I read about La Sultana, the more I long for this trip. It sounds very exciting, relaxing, welcoming, inviting.. So many people that spread the word on their fabulous stay in this hotel. After having read the Wiki information on Marrakech, we could do with some good news. Apparently, the Marrakech locals are not that honest when it comes to money. They like to rip you off and empty your pockets as soon as they get the chance. Offering you the best price ever and then charge you more in the end. I was not looking forward to such a kind of treatment. I don't like it when you pay 480 MAD for something that costs no more than 40 MAD. We are not very good at bargaining, so we'd better not even go there. The locals will immediately know we are tourists and easy targets. But we have done our research and are aware of the prices. We hope to get some help from the hotel management in booking excursions and taxis. That would be very helpful. I'm glad their shuttle service will come pick us up at the airport. The cost is higher than expected, but getting ripped off by a local taxi driver at the arrival is too much. We want to get to La Sultana in one piece, without bargaining or making a fuss. We hear the staff is very helpful and willing to bend backwards if they could. I have seen pictures of the rooms at the hotel and I believe we won't be disappointed..

It's about time to get the suitcases stowed away in the trunk of the car. I hope we have packed whatever we need. It will be hot in Marrakech - 40°C is not a temperature we are used to. Maybe this time I will use sunscreen after all.. Let's keep our fingers crossed that my insulin will survive the heat and that my insulin pump will not refuse action. My nurse provided me with insulin pens, just in case.. but I truly hope I won't need them. Our mini bar will be stacked with diet coke - that's another bonus of this hotel. I'm looking forward to strolling around the Medina, to smell the food and spices, to inspect the leather "maroquinerie", to take as many pictures as possible..

There is free wifi throughout the complete hotel, if you know what I mean. Yes, we'll keep you posted. I hope to upload some pictures every now and then, and let you know about our adventures..

Girls, we will miss you.. you will be in our minds. Hope to talk to you on Skype every now and then. Be good and keep safe...

There's always room for improvement

When my nurse asked me to enter this clinical study, I didn't hesitate one bit. There's always room for improvement and I'm happy with the people that are willing to devote their time to diabetes and diabetes treatment. After all, they are the ones who come up with new treatments to make our life with D better. So why not participate and help them gather information?

This clinical study is on the importance of keeping close contact with your diabetesteam. Is it helpful to email your numbers to your nurse? Do you expect them to respond within a certain period of time? What's reasonable for you? Within the hour? Within a day of that same week? What do you expect from your team? Do you make your own adjustments or do you need a hand from your nurse? Does close contact help in getting better numbers?

I need to have my blood work done this afternoon. That's part of the study. I don't mind, although I have this minor suspicion my HbA1c will be slightly higher than last time's. I have had quite some highs and even more lows and those fluctuations don't do me any good. They wear me out to the point that you drag yourself through the day. My nurse has offered her help, but there's not much she can do right now. I have kept my diary for the week and I must admit there's no constant in my numbers. There's no pattern, no line to follow. So maybe I should just forget about this week's diary. We're leaving for Morocco soon and things will be completely different there as well. The heat will lower my BG, I will sleep late and eat differently. Not really a good moment to make alterations worthwhile, I would say. I'll keep poking my fingers 8 times a day and make adjustments if my BG is too high. I will eat 26 biscuits if that's what's necessary to keep going. Things will come back to normal, eventually. Because that's what they always do..

Good old fashion fun

It's great to have friends over. So I didn't mind the message you sent me: "Mom, is it okay if both my girlfriends stay over tonight? They would bring their tent and we would sleep in the backyard.
P.S. They would love to try out your cooking skills!"

I had to hurry up and get the preps done for dinner. I had something in mind, but as usual my plans changed just a little bit. Adding more and more side dishes to the original plan, I had some more errands to run. Your friends took the bus over to our place and the three of you were so happy to see each other. It had been a while, I must say. There was summer camp for you and then your friends went abroad with their parents. It won't be too long before school starts and both your friends will take different subjects. It's a shame they will no longer be in your class, but that doesn't mean you can no longer be friends.

I loved the smile on all of those faces and the chitchatting in the house. Daddy had to help out with the tent, but he shouldn't have. It started to rain and you stayed in your room. One of the girls fell asleep right away, for she had slept no more than 2 hours the night before, coming home from France. But you and your other friend couldn't stop chatting. I heard it was 4:30 AM before your heads touched your pillows.. zzzzzz

A plan!

July 23 1992. Twenty years ago.. The day I crossed the ocean and started a life of my own..

On my way to Portland, Oregon, I was taking a deep breath on that huge airplane, thinking about what I had got myself into. Making the decision to go live abroad for 13 months, is not something you do overnight. It took me several months of preparation and hard work, to earn the money and pluck up courage for this major adventure. Without any help but an add in a local newspaper (no Internet back then), I found Au Pair Homestay USA in Overijse. This was the organization that would help me live my dream. How friendly and kind they were and the information they gave me was making my heart tick even faster. Meeting up with former au pairs, was so exciting, that I wanted that July 23rd to be there asap.

Once I was given the documents and files on my au pair family, the dream started. I was going to Portland, Oregon!!! My host family had a 3 yo girl, by the name of Natalie Scott. They lived on Southwest Brae Mar Court, on top of a hill, seeing out over downtown Portland. Looking through the pictures they had sent me, I realized this dream was really going to be reality in no time. I had to finish College first and make sure my grades were good. I was a good student though I didn't foresee any problems of that manner. It was good to discuss my plans with one of my teachers. He knew exactly what I wanted to do and he gave me his full support. I graduated and packed my bags, leaving the student behind and welcoming the adult I had become.

Meeting up with the other girls at Brussels Airport was thrilling. I was surprised though, to see so many of them in tears. Why were they crying? They were about to experience the best year of their life? They were hugging their parents and handkerchiefs were wet with tears. My family stood there. We didn't hug. We didn't cry. I was very impatient and couldn't wait to hop on that plane and leave. The relationship with my parents was not of that order, that we were so close we couldn't miss one another. I must even admit it was a relief to get out of the house and become independent. Too many rules and not enough love, made me run off. By the time I got on that plane, Belgium left my head to make room for the US. It was one of the best decisions I had ever made. It sure changed my life dramatically.. My childhood was over. I was ready to live my own life..

A smitten kitten

You are coming home today... It's been too long. Not hearing anything from you was really weird. I'm not used to not talking to you and you couldn't even bring your cell phone along. That was a hard one. Not only for us, but also for your boyfriend..

Last night, I was just typing a note for him, to ask if he wanted to join me to come pick you up at the railway station. All of a sudden, the door bell rang. Not expecting anyone, I opened the door and to my surprise, your sweetheart stood on the sidewalk. He asked me if it were okay if he would pick you up at the train station. That was so sweet of him! I could've hugged him! I told him about the message I was sending him an instant ago. What a coincidence! 

Of course he can pick you up. He is so in love with you.. and you will be so happy to see him. I'm sure you will want to take a shower, but he'll take you to MacDonald's first. That's what he promised and I just know you will be very happy to go. I hope to see the two of you somewhere in the afternoon. He's more than welcome, you know that. It'll be good to have you home honeybun xx

On the road

It's your turn. You're leaving for summer camp too. Your sister has been gone for a couple of days. The house will be empty and quiet (and clutter free too) without you girls. We are keeping our fingers crossed that the weather will be with you. Daddy has tuned up your bicycle so it's all ready to bring you to your destination. It will be a very long ride, 116 km to be exact. That is, by car. The actual bicycle ride will be around 155 km. Your bottom will be very sore by the time you get there, but you will persevere. It's not in your nature to give up and nag over things you can't change.
We got you a new backpack. A real one! A good one and you will take good care of it. You are good at packing your things all by yourself. I'm sure the goodies and candy won't be forgotten.

We'll write you kiddo. And if others are willing to do the same, just grab a pen and a piece of paper and send Lana some news:

VZW KLJ-Eel - Den Bouw
Chiro Ekyrpak - Lana JOOS
Eelstraat 4
2380 Ravels - Eel

Just smile and be happy

Photo by Lana Joos

You're all set. You packed your bags last night, all by yourself, like you have done for years. Totally excited about this summer camp, you sent your last facebook messages for this week. In Durbuy there will be no Internet. So used to that way of communicating, but now you will have to go back to basics: just talk to each other, without a computerscreen or keyboard. Your world will be a bit more narrow than you are used to, but that's more than okay. Old friends, new friends, friends to be.. plenty of fun and hopefully some sun to brighten up the days.

Have fun sweetie pie. Enjoy your summer camp, have a ball and meet up with peers. There will be so many stories to tell and I'm looking forward to hearing them. See you in a week!

PS If you would like to make her happy with a written letter or a more modern email:


La Petite Merveille
Eva Joos
Rue comte Th. D’Ursel 51
6940 DURBUY
or
info@lpmforkids.be (write her name where the subject should come)

Cucina principessa

That's what you call me... cucina principessa..

I love to spend time in my kitchen. Whenever the smell of food mounts its way to your floor, you rush down the stairs to see what's cooking. You love to eat and it's wonderful to see you enjoy a good plate of home made food. Your sister has this special sense for recognizing herbs and spices. As soon as she opens the front door, she can tell what I'm cooking or what ingredients I'm using. I find that very interesting and it keeps amazing me. I'm glad both of you are interested in cooking and food and both you girls know how to cook simple but tasty meals.

We have been away for 3 days and you girls were home alone. No parents, no dogs, just the two of you. And you did well, cooking your own meals and washing up afterwards. I'm proud of my ladies.

Take your time

Take your time to grow up... Life is full of excitement and challenges are peeking around the corner. What more could you wish for, than spend the last couple of days in London, UK? You were so excited about this school trip, that you have talked about it for months in a row. It felt kinda awkward though, to let you get on that bus to Calais, where you and your school mates would catch the train to the UK. A bus full of young children crashed in a tunnel in Switzerland, just this week. No less than 22 school children and 6 adults lost their lives. It's devastating and scary.. The whole country is mourning and the pain in our hearts is not even bearable. But life and love is about letting go. We must have faith that you will be okay. There's not going to be any accident or awful news. You will come home and tell us all about your journey abroad. That's what we promised ourselves..

Happy birthday sweetie. You turned 17 today. That seems like a very long time, but then again, it's like it was only yesterday when you entered this world. So pure, so innocent, so perfect. You have become a wonderful young lady. We love you honeybun. xx

Just a few more hours..

We spent three days in 's Hertogenbosch, Holland, with our friends. The weather was bearable and the company was exquisite. We like to hang out together and we have fun. Of course there was plenty to talk about and too many shops to visit. We didn't starve either and although we nearly ran out of money, we came home with a carload of shopping bags.

We texted quite a bit. Just to keep in touch. It is unthinkable not to check the Internet. The idea of turning off my cell phone, is just not acceptable. I would really be lost without. I just wanted to keep in touch and enjoy our friends at the same time.

Just a few more hours and I'll be right home to you..
You kept me busy. I was a bit concerned, but at the same time confident that you were okay. It's not the first time we go away and you always seem to cope well.

Nevertheless, it's good to be home. We had a great time and as always, we enjoyed each other's company. But all good stories know an ending and this trip had to come to an end as well. It's been good. Now it's time to come back to reality and enjoy your company..

Yo hablo español

Was I 14 or maybe even 16 at the time, I don't recall the exact age. I know that I took Spanish classes for a couple of months or maybe a year. It was a great way to get out of the house and have a good time with friends. The classes were at night. I don't even remember where the classes were, but that's not important. The thing was: I loved the words, the pronunciation, the way the teacher taught us about the Spanish culture. I don't recall much from my Spanish classes, but some phrases keep coming back.

You are being given the opportunity to learn Spanish in between classes in school. I'm so happy you decided to sign up. Languages are important and they help you understand other cultures and customs. I hope your teacher will be enthusiastic to make the classes worth following. It will be a good preparation for you to go abroad. Because that's what you want to do next year. You applied for a student exchange program. Spain, Italy, Luxembourg. There was a motivation letter that gave me goose bumps. We keep our fingers crossed for you, so your application will be accepted. It's keeping them long to decide. It would be a wonderful experience for you to fly out and discover a totally new country. A chance to be more independent - although you're already doing real well - and indulge yourself in a different world. Good luck sweetie. You'll get there.