Soooo... it's been kind of a long week. I almost didn't want to blog tonight because I was afraid it would sound complain-y, but I have some good stuff to talk about too... and the truth is that sometimes in life you have a "down" week, so I will try to be okay with that.

I'll start out with good: Brian and Christine are awesome! And their daughter Abby is the most adorable 2-year-old ever, so it has been so much fun getting to know them and helping them get settled here in England. I think Brian and I are going to work really well together in the flight. They are still working on finding a house, car, etc., so he probably won't be in the office much until after the 4th of July weekend, but I'm really looking forward to having him and his family around.

Today was a frustrating day because I am on standby this weekend, so when we got word on Friday there would be flying today, there went my Saturday. I wasn't too upset at first because the weather was going to be bad anyway, so better to be stuck inside today than Sunday. Well, after 9 hours at work and delay after delay... the entire plan was postponed. So guess what I am doing on Sunday? Yeah... another 9 hours at work, on what is supposed to be a gorgeous day. Needless to say, I am not a happy camper at the way this is being handled. I hope that when I am in a position to affect more people than I am now, I don't waste other people's time just because it is an easier route for me to take. But enough about that.

Time for something else good: Martin and I booked our Mediterranean cruise!!! It is in November after he gets back, and we have an amazing itinerary, awesome ship, great cabin location, and I am SOOOO excited!!! I can't wait to spend time with Martin again. :-D Here's a peek at the places we will visit:

Since booking the cruise was probably the high point of my week, I guess I should now mention the low point. I was still at work on Wednesday just after 6pm when my cell phone rang, and it was my landlord. She dropped the bombshell that they have just made plans to sell the house... so they need me to move out by October. Apparently the house was for sale for a while before they changed their minds and put it up for rent, and then I moved in. Now someone who looked at the house before has made them "a very generous offer", and their financial situation has declined so that they really need the money.

I was very calm on the phone with her, I think mostly because I was in shock and wondering if it was even legal. We signed a 2-year contract last August, so I thought I was settled until I leave next July. I re-read the lease later and the wording on the issue is slightly confusing, so I will have to go talk to the housing office to get clarification on my rights. I don't think I have it in me to fight them on it, because even if I was right, what would I win? Ruining a good financial opportunity for a single-income family with 3 small children in a tough economy? Is that something I want to do? Not really. It just makes me sad because I feel like I am losing my home, as much as I tell myself that a house doesn't make a home.

I don't know what I am going to do yet. They said October, but I am not sure if I find somewhere to move earlier, if I am allowed to do that or if I have to wait until October. It seems to me that if the landlords are the ones who say they want to break the lease, that I should have the right to move when it is convenient for me, not them. If I have to move in October, there is no point in looking for a new place now, because no one would hold a house for me for 4 months. If I can move whenever I want, I guess it will be time to start looking at new places. I will have to see what the housing office says.

Well, I can't end with being a Debbie Downer, so here is my Good List:
1. Martin. And the very sweet letter I got in the mail from him this week :)
2. My OCF friends. I love having people in my life who I never feel like I have to impress or pretend to be someone I am not. They are like a breath of fresh air and always remind me what is really important.
3. Under Armour cushion running socks. Best. Socks. Ever. Where have you been all of my running life?
4. Sintra pictures posted! (From the trip with Martin in May) http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150683606885002.698913.701905001&l=5b64662d93

5. Pop Secret 100-calorie bags of Kettle Corn. Possibly the best food invention since the peanut-butter-and-banana sandwich.

6. 4th of July plans. Travel buddies didn't work out for a longer trip, so I'm driving down to Brighton Beach for the weekend to stay in an awesome B&B (a block from the beach), relax, and explore the popular seaside getaway town. I'll even be back in time to enjoy the 4th of July party at Feltwell!

7. Paninis made on the George Foreman grill.

8. New laptop! My amazing fiance designed one on a build-your-own website and I ordered it last week. My current laptop has been a faithful friend for 4.5 years, but that is ancient in computer years and it has earned its retirement.

9. Two OG softball game wins this week!

10. Slippers. (Yes, it is still cold enough at night to wear them here.)