First, thanks for your sympathies. Although I know I wasn't exaggerating, I think complaining about it probably augmented my irritation. But I'm comforted to hear that some of you deal with similar frustrations wherever you live.
Second, yes, we did create another user account on the computer containing bare bones applications and limited access. It's the one the kids use now, so Isaac can't create, rename, and delete our files "accidentally".
Finally, there's been a pattern in my married life: just when I'm getting too involved, too frustrated, and too tired of my situation, we move. We average about a year in one location. It's really sad for us as many of you know, but sometimes very convenient. It's worked really well for me in the past. ("I know you need a babysitter 40 hours a week and I'm home all day, so it seems like a match, but we're relocating to a new town next week. Keep in touch." or "I'm sorry, I can't help out with your divorce court case, I'm moving to a remote Pacific island in a month. Good luck.")
I know some day I'll have to learn to "deal" with problems and "solve" my issues like a big girl. But running away from them hurts less.
The previous post was an obvious cry for change, and lo and behold, change is coming. We are moving houses! Only about a mile away, but it's far enough. Our new neighbors are wonderful. (Our current neighbors are wonderful as well, and we will miss them. Well, most of them.) And the new house is newer, bigger, more remote, and it's surrounded by beautiful gardens.
In American Samoa, there's no such thing as a perfect house. Every house has some issues: ants, roaches, termites, rats, cats, dogs, leaks, noise, rust, dust, mold, or whatever. So although we know this new house won't be perfect, it's a palace compared to our house now.
And I can put off becoming a "big girl" for another year or so.
5 comments:
Classic. I totally understand the previous post. At the risk of offending mainland posters, there was an obvious difference between those who had lived in Hawaii and those who hadn't. Still, Samoa seems even more that way. I think moving a little but further out of town is a great compromise. Password protected computer is also good. I'd feel okay about setting limits too. I think they'd be surprised if you didn't. Especially with kids. We kind of expect people to impose them on themselves, or parents to impose them on their own kids, but I'm going to guess that it's ok for you to impose them on people younger than you that come over to visit. Enjoy it too. I can count on one finger the times any Japanese friends came to our house in Japan. You won't be there for ever.
Glad to hear you're running from your issues like the rest of us do. I'm happy that I'm not the only one. At least I can tell myself that I last 2 years in each location. And usuallly the first thing I tell people is how I "hate" kids. Of course, it is a bit harder to say that now that I have one of my own.
Wow, I totally was feeling for you during both of these past posts. And I'm very happy for you to be having a little change in scenery! You are super amazing, Meli, and you make me smile. Thanks for sharing all you do.
And about the little one moving inside of you, did you hear that I can feel our little baby move now? Of course right now, it's really soft. A friend at church is due about the time you are, and testifies that it can get quite painful! Wait, does that mean you'll be moving right about the time the baby's born? Talk about change all at once! Keep us posted! Love you!
HOORAY!!! I'm excited for you. That does seem like the perfect solution. BUt if you ever happen to move near me, can't you just stay?
Sounds like an answer to prayer, not an avoidance of problems! Hooray!
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