Latest Manhattan update

I often wonder when I actually became so in tune with the universe and its very mysterious ways.

When I was younger I would set my mind on something or someone (always boys that would break my heart) and I would do everything in my power to attain them. I would fall, dust myself off and then continue on the same path. It never even occurred to me that maybe that was not my path? I don’t know if its age or simply the fact I just had enough that I came to make peace with the universe. I do not consider myself to be religious. I think the many years of a catholic education and seeing the hypocrisy of the so call devout Christians made me have very little belief in something I never really believed in anyway. The universe and a high power is something that I truly believe in and I always have faith in the path it leads me in.

I know sounding very deep and meaningful however I wish I could have been this emotionally and spiritually mature in my 20’s and 30’s. Regardless I am happy to find myself in a peaceful place and that I know I am were I need to be.

Hugo and I are also in a place where we feel very settled and content. Hugo and his work are great and career wise I feel he is achieve some wonderful goals. I am very proud of the fact he is very good at what he does and yet so humble at the same time.

We are waiting for them to complete renovating another apartment in our building which is bigger and has a proper size kitchen. We hope to move into that one when that is done.

The girls are doing great at school. Annika was selected out of 400 applications to attend Pre Kindergarten at Isabel’s school which is commencing in September 2012. This is an amazing opportunity and one we are truly grateful for. So she will be attending full time!

This then leads me to my new role as a Local Childcare Coordinator for Cultural Care Au Pair. 

I have taken on a new role which I plan to do side by side with my Travel Service. I am basically looking after  Au-Pairs and their host families that I am assigned here in my area. I am involved in monthly Meetings that I have to keep the Au Pairs updated. I also have to ensure they and their families are abiding to the regulations that govern this type of cultural exchange program. I am also involved in interviewing and qualifying potential new families. I am also be trained as a mediator to help when things may not go to plan. Regardless I love the challenge and embrace this new chapter in my working career. I also will have more time to focus on my work as both my girls will be at school in September. Anyone that is interested in the Au Pair program my website can be accessed via the link on the top of this page.  Just click on the Cultural care logo.

Swan Lake by The Australian Ballet Company.

Sunday was father’s day. I am still adjusting to the different time of the year it’s celebrated here in the US. We took Hugo out for brunch which is a Manhattan institution. New Yorkers love Sunday brunch!

What is even more enticing is that the brunch menus often include unlimited mimosas or Bloody Marys. Isabel and I then headed to the world famous Lincoln centre for our much anticipated performance of Swan Lake by the Australian Ballet Company.

On arrival we noticed that the David Koch theatre was buzzing with people also anticipating this performance. As we proceeded to our seats I was overwhelmed by this magnificent theatre that was specifically designed for ballet performances.  Isabel and I sat down and straight away browsed through our playbill to read about the dancers and the company itself. There was a lovely elderly lady who was sitting behind us who started a conversation with us. She was a New Yorker who heard our accents and was of course very interested to talk to us. She was obviously very knowledge about ballet and asked if Isabel actually studied ballet. She explained to us that in her opinion the Australian Ballet Company was outstanding in their technique and followed the British way of technique. It sounded all very interesting however not being an expert on the subject I politely just nodded and agreed.

 Suddenly the lights dimmed and the performance began...................

Isabel and I sat through what I can only describe as spectacular. The dancers and the music were just absolutely phenomenal. It’s been many years since I have been to a ballet performance. Watching this performance now as an adult gave me a new and amazing perspective I had not experienced as a child.. The pure emotions that I felt throughout this sad story I could identify with.  I too have been betrayed by a man. I too have been in love with a man who was in love with another. I too have had a man love me even thought I knew it could never be. Swan Lake by no means is a “happily ever after” story.

The performance received a standing ovation and Isabel and I clapped with delight and so much Australian pride. Bravo Australian Ballet company bravo!

Another Summer in Manhattan

Well we have another two weeks of school and the summer break officially starts. I really enjoy the not running around and just taking things slowly. We have had a taste of the heat recently however the temperatures are back to what is expected this time of the year.

This morning we got the acceptance email from the NYC department of Education to inform us that Annika was accepted into the Pre Kindergarten program. This is such wonderful news as these positions are so hard to get and she will be attending the same school that Isabel attends.  It’s a full-time program so 5 days a week. Annika is so ready for this and I feel really ready for the next step in her education.

I am still in the process of finishing my training in my new role as a Local Childcare Coordinator here in Manhattan and I am really looking forward to being able to work with both the au pairs and the host families. It will be such an interesting role where I hope my experience in dealing with so many cultures over the years will help me be able to help the families and au pairs adjust to these amazing exchange programs.

We have also finally booked a trip to Atlantis as it’s been so high on Isabel’s to do list! We will be going down to the Bahamas in the last week of August which will be so much fun. I have so many families ask about this resort so I am glad for my business I finally get down there and have first hand experience.

I have added some photos of us in Central Park last week. I just love the different seasons there and summer is definitely my favourite!

Mommy Master for June

Well this is now the crazy part of the end of school year. There is countless parties, presentations and plenty of juggling. One thing I wanted to share is I have be chosen to be "Mommy Master" for the month of June.

I am very excited and honoured! Please feel free to visit and read the article below.

http://www.mommymasters.com/2012/06/june-mommy-master/