No, not my dancing groove. In fact, I dance now more than I used too. The Munchkin likes no LOVES to dance and so we do, Daily! IT is my blogging groove that is missing. I have been back and forth so much between the village and town, then with the PMS from hell and trying to balance my new summer life… I am all out of sorts.
This is a big holiday weekend back home, the kick off of summer and the big working season at the beach where I used to live for the last 20 years. (Enter Cha-ching cash register sound here!) I think that has a lot to do with my mental state. I miss my job, friends and my old life in general.
At the same time, the work on the farm here has picked up. I have written about most of the work I have done, NOT MUCH. I go with the intention of working. Millie throws a fit and all agree I should stay with her. 😦 It is frustrating. I am used to working for the family, providing, now I just babysit. though I guess it isn’t babysitting when it is your own child. But it leaves me feeling useless. unproductive. confined. IT Sucks!
People here in Serbia say it is the best job there is. I think I have even heard that at home too. but I would agree to disagree. I want a job that makes money.
On the other hand, people here ask me when I will put her in Preschool. and I think, “WHAT?!” she is only 15 months old and I don’t have a job. Why on Earth would I let someone else raise her? What a juxtaposition of thoughts, huh?
Furthermore, Consternation in my marriage is dismaying. We had agreed we would work on the farm. My lack of work there is the problem for both of us really. and my desire not to go to the village is also a problem. But as I wrote above, often I end up staying with the munchkin in the cold village house. unable to help. This means more time with the blessed in-laws who I don’t dislike. It is just exhausting.. more than most in-laws because we don’t speak the same language. Even though I am not technically working, it is stressful and I get so tired. (So, why bother even going to the village?)
Compounding the difficulty of going to (not) work in the village, we don’t return home when the work is done, we STAY for dinner. The food is getting repetitive and not what I want, in spite of my mother in law trying her hardest to please me… It is also what the hubby has been missing for years. HE is in hog heaven, literally as most of the food is PORK!. for me it is just more time stuck in the cold village house. I think to myself, “What did I get myself into. How long can I do this?”
The time in the village is nice (imagine the italics is a sarcasm font). but when we have a day “off” in town. it is a day to work for me. laundry, cleaning, fitting in coffee with friends if I don’t just sit in the apt recuperating from over stimulation. I think it is all getting a bit too much. it is affecting my desire to write sadly. The writing is my life therapy. my link home. and I am slacking.
Am I complaining? or am I just a complaining? lol Maybe I just need a kick in the @$$. Mea culpa. Adjusting to a new life takes so much time! Damn this Culture shock.
These are my consolation prizes (for my living here and your reading this rant). The vistas on the way to the village are pricele$$.
Now that spring has turned the hills all green and flowery, the entire drive is eye candy.
Lush greens, purples, and reds so vibrant you can taste them.
And fields of poppies that are like a painting providing the calm of opium. (strictly metaphorically speaking obviously or I wouldn’t have had to write this post!)
Hopefully this will work as an enema to work all the crap out of my brain and get on with my life. Bring on the sunshine!
Happier posts to come soon.
Dobar Dan
Chronicles of Serbia 
Hang on in there, girl. Why don’t you try leaving the munchin with your inlaws, even if it’s just for an hour or two, to get a bit of time either for yourself or to help out your hubby? Quality grandparent time and all that jazz.. It seems a bit early for preschool, but it doesn’t mean she has to be physically with you all day every day; it’s a good age to learn that the umbilical cord isn’t there any more. *interfering, unasked-for advice mode turned off* Hiugging solidarity from another mum who can feel your frustration…..
Please leave your Advice mode turned on for me all the time. I welcome your words. Will give it a shot with leaving the munchkin with the Baba. I do need that time with the hubby. and Millie girl really needs to learn I am not the only one for her. Thanks for the wise words. you are a sweet as an M&M. 🙂
… and as nutty as an M&M, too 🙂 Take it from me girl, you both need time away from each other-give it a go! THey usually hate you to hell and back the first couple of times, but they soon come round to the idea that Grandparents can be indulgent sources of food and entertainment. Good luck!
PS. Thank you, thank you, thank you. You know what I’m getting at 😀
🙂 happy to read more about your expat discoveries.
I’m sorry for your frustration; I wish there was something I could do. Just know that I love you and am sending virtual hugs your way.
Jen, Thanks for your support. You can see how expat life has it’s challenges! Don’t give up on your dreams. I hope to someday read a blog about your travels!