7/3/08

Learning the balancing act

As I'm writing today's post, I'm waiting for an email from the travel agency with a possible itinerary for our China flights. After two days of dithering around, trying to get in touch with various people at various offices, I suddenly realized today that we're about to head into the long holiday weekend, and I can't waste any more time with this. Flights are devastatingly expensive right now, what with the Olympics and the skyrocketing gas prices, and they're only going to get more expensive. It's time to get this thing done. So I made a flurry of rather stern calls this morning, and am now waiting for information so that I can send it from one agency to another, wait for approval, and back again.
The pictures below our of our brunch yesterday morning at a local breakfast joint. We rode our bikes over through a perfectly lovely summer morning. But, naturally, no sooner had we slid into our chairs but my cell phone rang and it was the agency, telling us we were going to have to make a large round of urgent calls to the FBI and various immigration offices, chasing down our fingerprints, which had yet to arrive in China.

After the initial flurry of panic, writing down case numbers and office numbers on napkins, we were actually able to relax (at least somewhat) and enjoy a leisurely breakfast with mum. It's a whole new balancing act for us, learning to portion out the stress and enjoy life in the in-between moments. For someone like me, who is lucky enough to work from home in my very own, usually pretty stress-free environment, this is a skill I have not yet mastered.

I will be a more competent, more efficient, and (dare I hope?) perhaps even slightly more organized person when this process is over with, skills that will serve me well as I segue into motherhood!

I'm looking forward to meeting the new me!

7 comments:

Fliss and Mike Adventures said...

I have faith in you Maia... you can do it... you can handle the stress... I do think that when the time comes... it will all fall into place... hugs to ya...

Vivian M said...

Maia, you will find your *new* balance in time. I think you will fourish in motherhood, and will soon learn all those new skills you mentioned. Flynn will turn you into a soccer mom yet!
Hope all the paperwork stress is over soon. ((Hugs))

Snowflowers Mum said...

dude, I wish you luck with the travel agencies, we didnt bother with them, their costs were so much more than online booking...did you look on orbitz or the airlines web specials?

You're gonna do great, I'm pretty sure in six months we'll all be jealous of how 'together' you'll be while we'll be wearing unmatched socks and sweats to the market.

Heather said...

I'm sorry this last minute INS stuff is causing you all unneeded extra stress. I hope it all gets worked out quickly. Ask Yoli about her experience with USCIS.

Yoli said...

Maia, this is a rough time my dear. As much as we try to relax, there is always something last minute that unsettles you. I hope your finger prints are found. Lovely breakfast you had there with your lovely Mom.

Tish said...

if you become more competent, efficient and organized after flynn comes home, you better write a book and share your secrets!!!

Juliette said...

I already love you, I can't wait for the new you!