You don't know how much I've been enjoying watching your progress through the house, and school, work and your adventures with LF this summer. It's almost like reliving a part of my life twenty some years ago and I can relate/relate/relate. I was doing all four things at once then too and know what even a break of ONE WEEK can mean. It's not that you are doing it, but you are doing it WELL.

I also find it very telling how you chose to spend the time. Cleaning your things out and putting them in order. LOLOL. I sometimes wonder if most men 'get it' when women get into this mode of putting things right. It's like reclaiming semblance into your life and your own identity.

I know we don't usually respond to each other's journals, but I just felt moved to. You really go, girl.

Sounds like you're moving right along Robin and it is smart of you to take some time off to be you.

The remodeling of an older house is a daunting task but
in your case you and Ed have saved thousands of dollars
by doing the work yourselves. That is a big plus believe me.
It is also a big plus not to have someone other than family
being in your home everyday for months.

I've called a halt to everything around here including the
lady that cleans for me. So what if the house has more dust than usual and the bathroom cabinets still don't have any doors, or the upstairs needs some more paint. It's just the three of us here now and I'm calming down just a bit more every day and I can sleep late if I want to.:0)

Calliope and Rob's comments about Bulgaria in my patio thread got me thinking I should talk about what I know of the country and the trip before I go, and this is probably the most appropriate thread in which to do so...

We are going because we have a lot of Bulgarian friends, and we have a priceless opportunity to see a new place in the company of insiders. We will be staying with a good friend who is a naturalized American but still keeps her apartment in Sophia. Also traveling with us is another native who now has an American passport, his wife (who's from ND, so you know she's cool!), and their 18 year old son. We'll also be visiting my girlfriend's parents, whom we've met before and who live in an apartment in the same building, and the wife of my girlfriend's brother. The brother is also a good friend of ours. He has a green card, so can't be out of the US for more than 6 months... and the wife is waiting for her green card and can't come here until she gets it... oh, and she's about 8 months pregnant.

My friends promise to introduce me to a wide circle of family and friends. Most don't speak English, but my friends will translate... plus I understand I'll be able to converse with some friends in French... and I do speak a bit of Russian, if they'll forgive me for communicating in the language of a former oppressor. If all else fails, I'm a dang good mime. I'm actually surprised at how much Bulgarian I'm able to understand, and I can read the alphabet.

We're planning on spending some time cooking together, some time visiting historic sites, like Rila Monestary, and some time at the Black Sea. From what I am told, these are some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. I suggested we hit Greece, since we'll be so close, but I was met with disdain (and Bulgarian pride), after all, Greek beaches are horrible pebbly places, while Bulgarian beaches are beautiful and covered in sand.

Bulgaria was dominated for centuries by the Ottomans, and there are lots of residual Turkish influences. Lots of Greek and Russian influences too. They are proud people, and while they have adopted many of the foods and customs of people who have dominated them over the years (they seem to be gifted at choosing the losing side in wars), they can be a bit touchy about the whole thing and are quick to point out All Things Bulgarian. For instance, Bulgarian doesn't use the Russian alphabet, Russia uses the Bulgarian (Cyrillic) alphabet.

Bulgaria is part of the EU, but they haven't converted their currency yet. They produce most of the world's supply of rose oil, a component in nearly all perfumes. I was disappointed to learn the rose farms will not be in full bloom, because areas of the country feature valleys full of roses as far as the eye can see, and the scent is supposed to be heavenly.

Oh, and nodding the head = "no" and shaking the head = "yes". Apparently this is the source of much confusion with outsiders. I have been told that this is because Bulgarians are largely comprised of three tribes of horsemen, and this body language emulates that of horses... (they nod when agitated) but I don't know whether or not that's an apocryphal explanation...

We're leaving this week and will be gone for a while. I promise to take lots of pictures and post stories when I'm back and over my jet lag.