“Hi Mom. Is that all you are going to wear from now on?” – Little Boy
“What do you mean? What’s wrong with what I’m wearing?” – Mother. Mother looks at herself.
“I miss you being the other moms. You used to wear different clothing everyday. You looked different.” – Little Boy
“Other moms? What other moms? What are you talking about?” – Mother
“Well, you used to be Work Mom. You know, the mom who got ready in the morning, dropped me off at school, and went to work” – Little Boy
Work Mom
“Oh. I’m still Work Mom, but I don’t really get ready for work like I used to. What other moms are there?” – Mother
“Casual Mom. She is the mom who runs errands, hangs out with friends, and does things with Dad and I on the weekend” – Little Boy
Casual Mom
“I miss Casual Mom. We aren’t able to leave the house because we are housebound. Is that it? Is there another Mom I should know about?” – Mother
“Yeah. The Mom we get to see all the time now, Bum-Around-the-House Mom. She wears a pajamas and a robe most of the day and sometimes puts on some sweats when it’s time for dinner”. – Little Boy
Bum Around the House Mom
“I didn’t realize you liked the other Moms so much. I suppose I could change into Casual Mom for today. However, if Casual Mom returns maybe you could bring back Casual Son, instead of Bum Around the House Son.” – Mother
Recently, while searching for a new exercise video on YouTube, I stumbled upon a video series called 73 Questions. 73 Questions are videos, filmed in a single shot, of personalities (mainly celebrities), asking 73 questions about what they like, hate, and know. They make the videos appear random, like someone happened to stop by and do an impromptu interview, and ask a few questions. However, the videos are obviously scripted and practiced. They are still fun to watch. I started with Nicole Kidman (her Australian house is amazing), and ended with James Corden. Check them out for yourself here.
I thought it would be fun for me do something similar for my blog. However, I have no interest in doing the video portion of the interview or for 73 questions. I decided to create a list of 37 1/2 questions I’ve been asked regarding my upcoming move to Italy. Since announcing my decision to move with the family, I have been bombarded with tons of questions.
Here we go.
1) How did this happen?
I’m not sure I understand the question. How did what happen?
2) How did you decide to move to Italy?
Oh. I accepted a job to work over there.
3) No. I mean…how did you even think of applying for a job in Italy?
Well, 20 plus years ago I worked overseas in London, England. It was a great experience,and I’ve always wanted to live overseas again.
4) Did you talk about applying for the job with your family?
Of course.
5) How did they respond?
Indifferent at first. They knew it was my dream to live overseas, but didn’t think it wouldn’t really happen.
6) Were they surprised to hear you got the job?
Yes and no. I’d been talking about applying for jobs for a while, but the fact I got a job offer was a surprise.
7) How did your family react?
Mixed. Husband was proud, excited, but nervous. Older boys were fine, as long as they could stay at their current schools. Little Boy cried.
8) Was it hard to have Little Boy cry?
Yes. Before I accepted the job, we had several family discussions. There were a lot of questions, and emotions during those conversations.
9) Is Little Boy still sad?
I’m sure he is, but he also is excited. We all are.
10) What’s the hardest part about making decision to live overseas?
Making sure everyone needs are being met. Years ago, when I lived overseas I was a single person. Now I am married, with three kids, own a home, and have aging parents. Making sure we had a plan how to make it work was crucial prior to accepting the job.
11) What work will you be doing?
I will be the Director of Child Youth programs on an US Military base.
12) Will you live on the US base?
No.
13) Do you speak Italian?
No.
14) Have you been to Italy?
No.
15) Is everyone moving to Italy with you?
No. My husband and youngest son are coming with me, but two older boys will remain in the United States. They want to finish high school and college in the US.
16) Did you offer for them to come with you to Italy?
Of course. The older boys have friends, and connections in the US. They are also ages 18 and 20. They are old enough to decide what they want to do for the future.
17) Are you sad to leave them?
Yes. It’s hard to think about, but they will visit and they will stay with us during vacations and summer. We are a close family. We will make sure to stay connected.
18) How long will you live overseas?
Three years.
19) Can you stay longer?
Possibly. It depends on a lot of factors.
20) Is your husband supportive?
Yes, very.
21) Was he always supportive?
Yes and no. At first, we didn’t have all the details worked out. It was a complex process to see how we could support three boys, three schools, own a home, and two careers. I’m the dreamer in the family. He’s the practical one. His practical side needed to be fulfilled, prior to accepting the job.
22) What has been the response from family and friends?
Mixed. Sad, excited, shocked, and happy. We feel all the same emotions.
23) What has been the most unusual response to the move?
Silence.
23) What will you miss the most when you move?
The people.
24) What will you miss the least?
Nothing. I love where I live, my family and my friends.
25) Why leave then?
Five years ago my husband and I talked about our future. We both love to travel, and both want meaningful careers. This job opportunity offers us both things. Leaving doesn’t always mean you are unhappy. Sometimes we leave to experience something more.
26) What will happen to your house?
We will rent it out.
27) What about all your belongings?
We will take most of our things with us, and store the rest.
28) Are you scared?
No.
29) Really?
Yes, really. I have concerns, but scared…no.
30) I’ve never heard of someone taking a job overseas. Isn’t it unusual?
Not really. Military families move overseas all the time. This experience has given me great appreciation for US military families who move frequently and to overseas locations. The process is daunting when you have a family.
31) Do you like Italian food?
Is this a real question?
32) Do you worry about crime in Italy?
Not more than I do in the US.
33) What happens if you get homesick?
It will happen. We will get homesick, but we will support each other. This move is different from my previous one. There are many more ways to stay connected. We will also travel back to the US at least once a year.
34) What would you say to someone considering working overseas or following a dream?
Do the research. It was not an easy process for this to happen. Take time to research how it can happen, and begin the process. If you really see something in your future, you have to take the steps to make if happen.
35) Anything else?
Stay positive. Many times I’ve been discouraged because things didn’t go as quickly, or as smoothly as I wanted. Surround yourself with positive people who support you. You will need their encouragement.
36) Regrets?
No, not yet.
37) Final words?
I’m grateful for this opportunity. It’s happening because of many people who believe in and support me. Timing and luck had a lot to do with it too. I get to do valuable, meaningful work, see the world, and be with my family. It doesn’t get much better than that.
The other night at dinner Tall Boy sprung the news to my husband and I his school had an open house the next night. My reaction wasn’t one of joy.
“Mom, open house for school is tomorrow.” – Tall Boy
“Really? I don’t remember seeing the email. That’s too bad.” – Mother
“You always say that, Mom.” – Tall Boy
“Say what?” – Mother
“Say, that’s too bad”. – Tall Boy
“No, I don’t”. – Mother
“Yes you do”. – Tall Boy
“You do, Mom”. – Little Boy
“You have a bunch of things you say all the time. You repeat the same sayings over and over.” – Old Boy
“What are you talking about? What do I say over and over?” – Mother
For the next half hour at dinner the family proceeded tell me quotes I use on a daily basis. Every mother has a few quotes to be remembered by, but apparently I have more than the average mom. This morning when I woke up my husband kindly (or not so kindly) left a list of my quotes for my on the counter. Ten quotes isn’t too many is it?
That’s too bad.
I say this one a lot. It’s used when I’m not happy.
“Mom, Dad said to tell you the washing machine is broken.”
Stop talking.
This quote is used when my boys won’t stop talking. It’s self explanatory.
Stay calm.
When I feel frazzled I use the quote to remind myself what I need to do. I used this excessively teaching the teenagers to drive.
Unfortunately.
This is another quote to show my unhappiness for a situation.
“The guys will be over soon for a sleepover, Mom.”
Stop bothering those people.
This wonderful quote isn’t an original of mine. My husband overheard a mother saying it to her annoying son while waiting in line at LEGOLAND. I use it to remind my boys to be good in public. Not sure who “those people” are though.
The thing is…
Here’s another stolen quote. This one comes from my older sister. She says this all the time to explain a situation. I use it to explain things too.
“The thing is…money doesn’t grow on trees. Dad and I don’t have money to hand out when you waste your money on new muscle shirts.”
Focus.
All mothers say this quote. This one is used mainly for my little son. I remind him to stay on task and get the job done.
Hubble up.
A morning routine saying. This one means, “Hurry up people or we’ll be late again.”
What’s happening in the land of ___________ grade?
I like this quote. I say it instead of the usual, “How was your day at school?” It has a fill in the blank section that makes it easy to say for multiple children.
Don’t forget about trash and recycling.
This quote is said everyday to Old Boy. It’s his job to take out the trash and recycling and he never remembers. I do a daily reminder for him. He hates this quote, but if he did his job I wouldn’t need to remind him.
I’m sorry to hear about that.
Another one of my “I’m not happy to hear that” quotes.
“Mom, we are out of toilet paper again.”
Mom’s are supposed to have famous quotes. Years from now when I am gone they’ll have happy memories of their mother’s sayings. At least I hope they’re happy memories. If they don’t that’s too bad.
A conversation between a mother and a teenage son.
Boy is sitting at computer. Boy calls to mother to come near him.
“Mom. Mom, can you come here?” – Tall Boy
“I’m cooking dinner right now. Can you wait?” – Mother
“No. It’s important. I want to show you something.” – Tall Boy
“How important? If it’s one of those motorized car videos I will pass.” – Mother
“No, it’s something else. Come on, Mom.” – Mother
“Okay. Jeez. ” – Mother
Mother walks over to son. Mother looks at son.
“Well?” – Mother
“Look.” – Tall Boy
Son points to computer screen. Mother looks at computer screen.
“Are those your grades?” – Mother
“Yes.” – Tall Boy
“Wow. That’s amazing. Good for you.”- Mother
“Thanks, Mom.” – Tall Boy
“I want you to know your Dad and I are very proud of you. You’ve come a long way. Things weren’t always easy for you or for us, but now look at you. We support you 100%. Well, almost 100%. I guess it’s more like 95%, because if you get arrested and go to jail we won’t support you. We expect you to stay out of jail and be an honorable citizen. So, don’t screw up. Stay the path you’re on now and things will be fine. Better than fine. They’ll be great. Super great. College is coming soon, so do your best. Do you understand what I’m trying to say?” – Mother
Mother kisses son on the head.
“Um…thanks, Mom. I think. Next time I show you my grades could you just say well done and leave it at that?” – Tall Boy
“Momma, I’m tired. Would you carry me?” – Little Boy
“Aren’t you a little too big to be carried around? You were fifty pounds the last time we weighed you.” – Mother
“Fifty pounds isn’t that heavy. You work out. You’re strong. You’re an ox, Momma.” – Little Boy
“An ox? Thanks…I think. I may be strong, but you are a big guy now. You’re seven years old.” – Mother
“Seven isn’t that old. I can’t drive a car or watch Harry Potter films.” – Little Boy
“I know you aren’t that old, but still won’t you feel strange having your mom carry you around in the store?” – Mother
“No.” – Little Boy
“No? Really?” – Mother
“No. When you carry me around I get to rest for a bit and I am closer to you. It makes me happy. What’s more important than making your son happy?” – Little Boy
Mother is silent for a moment.
“Come here.” – Mother
Mother picks up little boy in her arms.
“See. it’s not so bad, right?” – Little Boy
“My arms hurt. You’re heavy.” – Mother
“The pain won’t last forever, Momma. Someday you’ll miss being able to carry me around in your arms.” – Little Boy
A conversation between a mother, a father, two teenage boys, and a little boy.
Mother walks in to kitchen and sees teenage boy looking for food in pantry and little boy at kitchen table. Little boy is pouring water into several containers.
“What are you doing?” – Mother
“Getting something to eat.”- Tall Boy
“Not you. Your little brother. What is going on with all the water containers? What are you doing?” – Mother
“I’m being a scientist. I am seeing what kinds of things can freeze in water.” – Little Boy
“Oh. Being a scientist is good, but it sure is messy. Here’s a towel to wipe up some of the water.” – Mother
Mother hands towel to little boy.
“It would be really cool is if we could freeze different types of liquid. I bet we could freeze pee.” – Little Boy
“Eww.” – Tall Boy
“Why would you want to freeze pee?” – Mother
“Because it’s a liquid, Mom. We have to see if all liquids freeze.” – Little Boy
Old Boy walks into the kitchen.
“What are you guys talking about?” – Old Boy
“Freezing pee.” – Tall Boy
“Ha, ha. You guys are weird. If you freeze pee you could make ice cubes and serve them in drinks when friends come over to visit.” – Old Boy
“Yeah. You could tell everyone it’s lemonade, if you add a little sugar.” – Tall Boy
“Ha, ha.” – Old Boy, Little Boy and Tall Boy
Father walks into the kitchen.
“What is so funny?’ – Father
“The Y chromosome you added to our children is acting up again.” – Mother
Insanity of Motherhood 