Katie called once she arrived in Singapore and said she hadn't seen any of the other students yet and that she was eating a bowl of fish ball soup. Hmmm? Interesting!
She either called or texted Daniel when she arrived in Denpasar so we know she is there! WooHoo! I had one text from her this morning and I was hoping it would be a detailed text, but all is said was "I miss you!" Not exactly what I was hoping for, but I'm sure once she's settled a little we'll be Skyping.
Yesterday was not quite as difficult as Monday but still rough on Ken and me. I guess knowing she was still in route to Indonesia makes the waiting harder on those of us left behind. But this morning, knowing she was there eases my mind tremendously.
Hank is doing well, although obviously missing Katie. He's been attached to my side like glue. Poor little puppy zoomed into Katie's room when we got home from work yesterday to look for her, only to sulk back and pout for hours. He misses his mommy.
Just when I start feeling homesick for Katie, I remember she's in paradise and what a lucky girl to have this experience!
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Inside Susan's World, Chapter 1
This is my first attempt at blogging, so bear with me.
So much is going on that blogging might be the way to let everyone know in lieu of posting on Facebook. Sometimes it feels as if Facebook is a way for people to beg for compliments, or any other emotion and it's beginning to irritate me.
As you all might know, Katie left yesterday for a semester in Indonesia. It was a very difficult day for me even though I know this adventure could easily be the best experience of her life and one she might always say was her favorite, EVER. And who wouldn't want to spend four months in Bali, which I've heard is the closest to paradise that is out there.
My difficulty with her leaving began 22 years ago when she was born. As you parents understand, letting go can be unbearable. And for me, a single mom raising my only child, the "letting go" is probably much harder. Then to put Katie's cancer and surgery a few weeks ago on top of sending her off to Indonesia for 4 months, only makes my saying Bon Voyage that much more difficult. BUT, on the up side, Ken has been overly patient and loving which has eased my separation anxiety.
Waking up yesterday knowing I would have to wave Good Bye without tears at the airport was stressful. And quite honestly, I didn't succeed although I'm hoping she didn't see me. And once I closed the door at the car, the tears flowed. There was a definite leakiness in my tear ducts all night.
Katie was so excited and so mature in her departure. She had the biggest smile on her face and a somewhat different stride. I absolutely witnessed her step into independency and she was so ready. A little bittersweeet for me, but the pride I felt was much more powerful.
My mom would have been so extremely proud of Katie. Katie and Mother have the same dispositions and personalities. Mother would have jumped at the chance to travel halfway around the world at 22 years old, all by herself. She was an adventurist, as is Katie. She loved people, as does Katie. She made friends easily, as does Katie. Hopefully my mom is there with her and will remain with her throughout her time in Bali.
Katie called me at 4:10AM to let me know her flight to Moscow had arrived and she was in a holding area waiting to board for her flight to Singapore, where she will meet up with other students and travel together on their last leg into Denpasar, Indonesia. I do wonder, however, about the baggage Katie has and her ability to get it around the airport and into the various housing. She has 1 large bag, 1 medium bag and 1 small bag, but they are all on wheels and can be piggybacked. Hopefully she didn't overpack, but only she will know that.
I will update her progress as soon as I know. Think positive thoughts for Katie and her semester in Bali. I know time will ease my anxiety as well. She also is starting a blog showcasing her Bali experiences, and once I know what her blog name is I'll share a link.
For now, I am focusing on the upcoming weekend cooking chili in Kemah, and hope that will keep my mind busy and off Katie not being here.
Katie's 4 month old puppy, Hank, is now living with us. He's really a good little puppy and I'm trying to get Ken to understand that he's still just a pup and will act like a pup for a while. Ken was so used to Charlie and his calm demeanor, that Hank's "puppiness" isn't easy for him to grasp. But Hank is an extension of Katie, so I'm happy to take care of him!
And by the way...just 106 days until Katie's home!
So much is going on that blogging might be the way to let everyone know in lieu of posting on Facebook. Sometimes it feels as if Facebook is a way for people to beg for compliments, or any other emotion and it's beginning to irritate me.
As you all might know, Katie left yesterday for a semester in Indonesia. It was a very difficult day for me even though I know this adventure could easily be the best experience of her life and one she might always say was her favorite, EVER. And who wouldn't want to spend four months in Bali, which I've heard is the closest to paradise that is out there.
My difficulty with her leaving began 22 years ago when she was born. As you parents understand, letting go can be unbearable. And for me, a single mom raising my only child, the "letting go" is probably much harder. Then to put Katie's cancer and surgery a few weeks ago on top of sending her off to Indonesia for 4 months, only makes my saying Bon Voyage that much more difficult. BUT, on the up side, Ken has been overly patient and loving which has eased my separation anxiety.
Waking up yesterday knowing I would have to wave Good Bye without tears at the airport was stressful. And quite honestly, I didn't succeed although I'm hoping she didn't see me. And once I closed the door at the car, the tears flowed. There was a definite leakiness in my tear ducts all night.
Katie was so excited and so mature in her departure. She had the biggest smile on her face and a somewhat different stride. I absolutely witnessed her step into independency and she was so ready. A little bittersweeet for me, but the pride I felt was much more powerful.
My mom would have been so extremely proud of Katie. Katie and Mother have the same dispositions and personalities. Mother would have jumped at the chance to travel halfway around the world at 22 years old, all by herself. She was an adventurist, as is Katie. She loved people, as does Katie. She made friends easily, as does Katie. Hopefully my mom is there with her and will remain with her throughout her time in Bali.
Katie called me at 4:10AM to let me know her flight to Moscow had arrived and she was in a holding area waiting to board for her flight to Singapore, where she will meet up with other students and travel together on their last leg into Denpasar, Indonesia. I do wonder, however, about the baggage Katie has and her ability to get it around the airport and into the various housing. She has 1 large bag, 1 medium bag and 1 small bag, but they are all on wheels and can be piggybacked. Hopefully she didn't overpack, but only she will know that.
I will update her progress as soon as I know. Think positive thoughts for Katie and her semester in Bali. I know time will ease my anxiety as well. She also is starting a blog showcasing her Bali experiences, and once I know what her blog name is I'll share a link.
For now, I am focusing on the upcoming weekend cooking chili in Kemah, and hope that will keep my mind busy and off Katie not being here.
Katie's 4 month old puppy, Hank, is now living with us. He's really a good little puppy and I'm trying to get Ken to understand that he's still just a pup and will act like a pup for a while. Ken was so used to Charlie and his calm demeanor, that Hank's "puppiness" isn't easy for him to grasp. But Hank is an extension of Katie, so I'm happy to take care of him!
And by the way...just 106 days until Katie's home!
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