July Oh July!

We knocked out a big item off our to-do list by buying our new car on the last day of June. But still, July is going to be terribly busy for us.

- The car needs some basic accessories. Example: all-weather mats, wheel locks, etc. We need to buy the parts, then give the car to the dealer for few hours for installation.
- Kiddo turns two early next month.....her birthday party needs to be planned. Cake and theme are done, return gifts are bought, and I think I just settled on the venue today. There's still lots to be done. You might be thinking why am I spending so much or making such a big deal about her birthday...how much does a 2-year old understand? So....the reason for us is - every year, we like to invite everyone we know here locally - what we call our family in this foreign country - and treat them to a nice meal and fun gathering. We are truly blessed with wonderful neighbors and friends, who are always there for us whenever we need them. We like to give back to them in a small way by hosting one event a year. Before the daughter was born, we used other occasions like a house warming party, or birthday to invite everyone. Now, the kiddo's birthday gives us an opportunity to gather everyone and celebrate.
- I have a painful wart on my right foot....it's been there for a couple months now, and I've tried all topical treatments, none of which have worked. I finally took a dermatologist appt for later this week to take care of it. Liquid nitrogen freeze - here it comes!
- Doctor appointments with the OB will now be bi-weekly, instead of monthly. Few other tests - some of which are painful and uncomfortable - will have to be endured as well.
- Ma n Pa will hopefully be here this month - I can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!!! But, I need to get their room ready and empty the closet in their bedroom before they arrive. Oh, and I need to clean the refrigerator, stove, kitchen cabinets, empty the freezer.....coz they are perfectionists and atleast when they arrive, I need to live up to their expectations! Then they take over and I chillax :)!
- My master bedroom closet is in a utter mess. Actually, most of my clothes are out of the closet....they are lying neatly folded on the bed in our guest bedroom. It's the kiddo's stuff that has raided all the space, and created a havoc. I managed to clear half of it sometime last week....the other half needs attention ASAP. Once that's done, I need to make space for the second kiddo's stuff!
- I need to apply for all the different kinds of leave that I will be taking soon. Online applications, paperwork, and explaining to agents over the phone - it's a process that needs to be smooth but it never is.
- Lots of mail - most of which is junk - needs to be sorted and shredded. And some filing of paperwork needs to be done....this is another chore after laundry that I hate taking care of!

This list could be endless {it's the nesting instincts}....but let's see how much I get done this month. July Oh July, please be kind to me, please be productive for me!!!!

While I tackle my list, here's a collage for you from this morning's July 4th parade in our community - it's a yearly tradition that our neighbors follow, and we join them!