Thanks for this. Shortly after our move to Portugal, I took my my cleaning mania to another level. My husband noticed it first and I obviously denied it. After reading your blog post, I am willing to admit that moving to PT last year was more stressful than anticipated. Bless my little heart...
Just so you know, I think I invented the sweeping as meditative hobby after the 2016 election, but I'm happy to know others have found the satisfaction that is corralling of the dust bunnies and wall grit. Then RGB died and I needed something more powerful - enter ShopVac. And now this latest dumpster fire that continues to spread and devour the US feels beyond sweeping and sucking and so I turn to long walks, deep breaths, belly rubs given to my pup, and doing everything I can to get my affairs in order so I can make the move to Portugal as soon as possible.
You have a life, an amazing life, and I love learning about it!
You're right. It is terribly difficult to refrain from political comments when we see the country of our birth going through such convulsions. Being an expat does not - despite what some "patriots" say - make one a traitor. On the contrary, most American expats in my experience are deeply concerned and still wishing for the best for the USA. Most of the time, my reaction to the latest and greatest news atrocity is mixed - anger and sadness. I feel some of my friends and family still in the US are deluding themselves by saying that "Well, it's not what I see out my window:." Like some of the other commenters, I am glad that I'm not back there these crazy days.
OMG ! I relate to this so much. My aunt Margie, my fathers much younger sister, used to really enjoy cleaning. In fact when I visited her after I was there quite a while she would go into the kitchen and clean off the appliances. With me, its the laundry. I really enjoy doing the laundry and feel so satisfied afterwards. I think its a control thing for me. I feel like at least its something I can control in these days where everything is out of control. While I watched our famous Macys fireworks last night I just could not celebrate the 4th of July. In fact I really felt like is was a distraction but so many Americans just love a distraction over dealing with reality. :(
Very grateful for the political insights. I awaken everyday with gratitude for my new Portuguese home, the people, and culture. My daily news habit affirms my decision to reside here while also filling me with sadness for my former American home and the ever widening abyss fueled by wealth concentration, media consolidation, false patriotism, corruption and willful ignorance. Thank you for having the courage to express yourself Shanna!
After our exploratory trip to Lisbon, Cascais, Albufeira, Portimao, and Porto last year, we settled into a flat here in the Parque das Nacoes area last October. We love it here -the proximity to Lisbon airport, the Oriente train/metro/bus hub, shopping, restaurants, and the local Fitness Hut. Grateful for you and your insights Shanna!
Completely agree with your observations about the U.S..
It's frustrating, horrible and anxiety provoking but sadly not surprising at all nor novel as you point out so well when we look at history and human behavior. You can also just step one big toe into the country and the feeling of anger and aggression as a whole is overwhelming and impossible to ignore.
Yeah, we're not remotely okay. The stress is so bad, I've developed mules on my skin.
I became a daily meditative sweeper because of cat litter. I have one of those small brooms with a matching dustpan on a long handle, and that's my fave combo ever. (Hmm.. That set *would* fit in a suitcase...) I'm also a fan of meditative ironing, although that's more of a cool-weather practice. Works best on flat things like napkins and hankies.
1. What are you doing to take care of yourself? I am limiting my time on Twitter, going to yoga in the park each Saturday, getting back off the booze for an undetermined timeframe, doing a nightly meditation before bed, eating lots and lots of fruits and veggies and enjoying the summer sun
2. What are you doing to help your community? Donating our things to charity and schools in anticipation of our move to Portugal. Not driving and texting.
I couldn’t agree with you more about the state of the US. Stick a fork in it, it’s done. Sad to watch, but glad I escaped, and am so concerned for those I love there. Unfortunately when it goes down there will be worldwide consequences and a new world order will shift. Hard to predict what that will look like. We can see how bold Russia is and how China is quietly manipulating. I enjoy “menial” tasks as well and find its comforting to accomplish small things within my control. Chop wood, carry water.✌️
That's my biggest worry - the US ruled by nutjobs, with a huge arsenal that will allow them to throw their weight around, just as Russia is doing now. And then there's the possibility of Russia/U.S. collaboration.. It doesn't bear thinking about.
Thank you for these reflections. The final week of rulings in this session by the U.S. Supreme Court both anger and deeply sadden me. Not only did the court strip away a woman’s right to choose the destiny of her own body, they also rejected sensible gun regulations, and weakened environmental protections. And this reactionary court is not done yet. I implore your readers to vote in the U.S. mid-term elections this coming November if eligible.
Though I am looking forward to living in Portugal for many reasons, not the least of which is the regression (and suppression) currently taking hold in the U.S., I intend to do what I can from afar by making regulation donations to non-profit organizations and political campaigns which work in support of activities and causes which I believe in and value. U.S. citizens living outside the U.S. are legally permitted to make donations to political candidates and campaigns.
My one-way flight from the U.S. to Portugal is this coming September, and I have no doubt that I have made the right decision. Your reflections and writings have given me many insights about living in Portugal, and I very much appreciate your generous spirit in sharing them.
Thank for this Shanna - thought provoking as always - in the mad maelstrom of the world, creating a sense, even if only small, of control in our lives, is so important. As you say the satisfaction of being able impose order, even if only temporary by sweeping up sand, is analogous to many other hobbies that seek tame unruliness - mine is patchwork - sewing random scraps of fabric into patterns - vaguely useful, but ultimately far more about the process than the product:-)
Despite your total lack of understanding of the Constitution, I still very much enjoy you and your writings! I’m not going to discuss politics but I do love your new hobby! It’s sounds like something I would do!
I wish I was back in Portugal and away from the insanity here in the USA!
Have a wonderful day and keep doing what you do do well!
Finally! Since no conversation is complete until a man steps in and points out a woman's "total lack of understanding of [SOMETHING! ANYTHING!]," I'm grateful you rose to the occasion! And with a rose emoji, nonetheless! Have a wonderful day!
Thanks for this. Shortly after our move to Portugal, I took my my cleaning mania to another level. My husband noticed it first and I obviously denied it. After reading your blog post, I am willing to admit that moving to PT last year was more stressful than anticipated. Bless my little heart...
Bless your little heart is right, Maria :) It IS stressful, making the big move--but it's so rewarding. Plus added benefit? Super-clean house! :)
Just so you know, I think I invented the sweeping as meditative hobby after the 2016 election, but I'm happy to know others have found the satisfaction that is corralling of the dust bunnies and wall grit. Then RGB died and I needed something more powerful - enter ShopVac. And now this latest dumpster fire that continues to spread and devour the US feels beyond sweeping and sucking and so I turn to long walks, deep breaths, belly rubs given to my pup, and doing everything I can to get my affairs in order so I can make the move to Portugal as soon as possible.
You have a life, an amazing life, and I love learning about it!
You're right. It is terribly difficult to refrain from political comments when we see the country of our birth going through such convulsions. Being an expat does not - despite what some "patriots" say - make one a traitor. On the contrary, most American expats in my experience are deeply concerned and still wishing for the best for the USA. Most of the time, my reaction to the latest and greatest news atrocity is mixed - anger and sadness. I feel some of my friends and family still in the US are deluding themselves by saying that "Well, it's not what I see out my window:." Like some of the other commenters, I am glad that I'm not back there these crazy days.
OMG ! I relate to this so much. My aunt Margie, my fathers much younger sister, used to really enjoy cleaning. In fact when I visited her after I was there quite a while she would go into the kitchen and clean off the appliances. With me, its the laundry. I really enjoy doing the laundry and feel so satisfied afterwards. I think its a control thing for me. I feel like at least its something I can control in these days where everything is out of control. While I watched our famous Macys fireworks last night I just could not celebrate the 4th of July. In fact I really felt like is was a distraction but so many Americans just love a distraction over dealing with reality. :(
Very grateful for the political insights. I awaken everyday with gratitude for my new Portuguese home, the people, and culture. My daily news habit affirms my decision to reside here while also filling me with sadness for my former American home and the ever widening abyss fueled by wealth concentration, media consolidation, false patriotism, corruption and willful ignorance. Thank you for having the courage to express yourself Shanna!
After our exploratory trip to Lisbon, Cascais, Albufeira, Portimao, and Porto last year, we settled into a flat here in the Parque das Nacoes area last October. We love it here -the proximity to Lisbon airport, the Oriente train/metro/bus hub, shopping, restaurants, and the local Fitness Hut. Grateful for you and your insights Shanna!
Completely agree with your observations about the U.S..
It's frustrating, horrible and anxiety provoking but sadly not surprising at all nor novel as you point out so well when we look at history and human behavior. You can also just step one big toe into the country and the feeling of anger and aggression as a whole is overwhelming and impossible to ignore.
Yeah, we're not remotely okay. The stress is so bad, I've developed mules on my skin.
I became a daily meditative sweeper because of cat litter. I have one of those small brooms with a matching dustpan on a long handle, and that's my fave combo ever. (Hmm.. That set *would* fit in a suitcase...) I'm also a fan of meditative ironing, although that's more of a cool-weather practice. Works best on flat things like napkins and hankies.
😄 Yes, hope to see you in Setúbal!
How do you listen to news? I want to listen to the same news as you. Like minds.
You posed two questions to your readers-
1. What are you doing to take care of yourself? I am limiting my time on Twitter, going to yoga in the park each Saturday, getting back off the booze for an undetermined timeframe, doing a nightly meditation before bed, eating lots and lots of fruits and veggies and enjoying the summer sun
2. What are you doing to help your community? Donating our things to charity and schools in anticipation of our move to Portugal. Not driving and texting.
As always, a beautiful reflection.
I couldn’t agree with you more about the state of the US. Stick a fork in it, it’s done. Sad to watch, but glad I escaped, and am so concerned for those I love there. Unfortunately when it goes down there will be worldwide consequences and a new world order will shift. Hard to predict what that will look like. We can see how bold Russia is and how China is quietly manipulating. I enjoy “menial” tasks as well and find its comforting to accomplish small things within my control. Chop wood, carry water.✌️
That's my biggest worry - the US ruled by nutjobs, with a huge arsenal that will allow them to throw their weight around, just as Russia is doing now. And then there's the possibility of Russia/U.S. collaboration.. It doesn't bear thinking about.
I sympathize and agree, Shanna. I like the Zen approach. Thanks.
absolutely
Hi Shanna,
Thank you for these reflections. The final week of rulings in this session by the U.S. Supreme Court both anger and deeply sadden me. Not only did the court strip away a woman’s right to choose the destiny of her own body, they also rejected sensible gun regulations, and weakened environmental protections. And this reactionary court is not done yet. I implore your readers to vote in the U.S. mid-term elections this coming November if eligible.
Though I am looking forward to living in Portugal for many reasons, not the least of which is the regression (and suppression) currently taking hold in the U.S., I intend to do what I can from afar by making regulation donations to non-profit organizations and political campaigns which work in support of activities and causes which I believe in and value. U.S. citizens living outside the U.S. are legally permitted to make donations to political candidates and campaigns.
[https://support.actblue.com/donors/contributions/im-a-u-s-citizen-living-abroad-how-can-i-donate/]
My one-way flight from the U.S. to Portugal is this coming September, and I have no doubt that I have made the right decision. Your reflections and writings have given me many insights about living in Portugal, and I very much appreciate your generous spirit in sharing them.
Thank for this Shanna - thought provoking as always - in the mad maelstrom of the world, creating a sense, even if only small, of control in our lives, is so important. As you say the satisfaction of being able impose order, even if only temporary by sweeping up sand, is analogous to many other hobbies that seek tame unruliness - mine is patchwork - sewing random scraps of fabric into patterns - vaguely useful, but ultimately far more about the process than the product:-)
Hi Shanna !
Despite your total lack of understanding of the Constitution, I still very much enjoy you and your writings! I’m not going to discuss politics but I do love your new hobby! It’s sounds like something I would do!
I wish I was back in Portugal and away from the insanity here in the USA!
Have a wonderful day and keep doing what you do do well!
Bill ❤️🌹
Finally! Since no conversation is complete until a man steps in and points out a woman's "total lack of understanding of [SOMETHING! ANYTHING!]," I'm grateful you rose to the occasion! And with a rose emoji, nonetheless! Have a wonderful day!