At the beginning of the school year the local boy scout leaders came to the school and led an assembly for the boys. They got the boys all hyped up about scouting and the wonderful times of campfires and camping that they would enjoy. @ came home on cloud 9 about scouts. "All the boys are going to be scouts, Mom." After checking his backpack for a note about the scouts and finding nothing, I asked how he knew all about scouts. "Oh, they had all the boys come to the gym and they told us about." and he rattled on about the wonders of scouting. Jonathan and I chatted about it and Jonathan, who had a good scouting experience as a boy, said maybe, we'll see. A day or two later we got a packet about the scouts and when the information meeting would be. So the boys went and @ came home a scout. It wasn't expensive and Jonathan said he had made it clear we wouldn't be selling anything (Jonathan and I aren't into kids selling stuff because it normally is parents selling stuff). We went around to the boy scout store and bought the uniform and generally enjoyed looking through the store. And I kind of sold myself on the wonders of scouting- envisioning father son camping trips back home in Asia.
Over the months scouting has been fun for @ and a constant source of mystery for me. I put scouting under Jon's responsibilities knowing that come a new baby my memory for extracurriculars would be gone. So I've never really kept track of the meetings or the details of scouts. Jonathan is in charge of scouts. I've sent the cookies and the drink and gone to a few pack meetings. That has been nice.
Last weekend they organized a bowling trip. Jonathan and I were really pleased because that was something we had meant to take @ on while we were in the states and had forgotten. @ and Jonathan had a great time bowling and we agreed we'd do it again before we left the states. The troop leaders wanted the boys to go to a radio station. The radio station they wanted to visit didn't return phone calls and they wanted to get it done before the awards banquet. Thursday we went out and the boys got a tour of a small town radio station. Fortunately Jonathan's brother had worked in radio during High School and College so Jonathan asked some leading questions to extend the tour to 15 minutes. The boys liked making there voices sound funny.
Our troop leaders are two moms that are exceedingly kind and patient. They've organized good lessons for the boys while not entirely understanding the details of scout structure. Scout structure seems to be and enigma to everyone except that insurance and scouting rules mandate lots of strict training for parents- to protect boys from predators. Those are good rules but they can be a little confusing to follow. We have a den where the dads are always able to be with their son and so the rules are a bit easier to follow.
The thing I haven't loved about scouts is the by products of being in a testosterone fueled environment. @ has learned to be crude. Fart jokes and burping. I know that sounds like a mom, doesn't it? And @ was bound to learn those things anyway, maybe, maybe not. But scouts certainly seems to encourage it. Oh, and my favorite thing he could learn, how to objectify women. The first pack meeting I went to, for the entertainment portion, the Webelos had a top ten list of boy scout pick up lines. No kidding. 8 yr olds with pick up lines. Most were light hearted fun. The stand out of the evening "I know 100 ways to tie knots." think about it a minute. @ didn't get it, he didn't get any of them fortunately but I don't want to explain that to my 6 yr old.
So last evening was the banquet. I'm a little confused why the end of the year banquet was in February but not a big deal. @ got his belt loops. He has done fairly well. This morning as we were going through the belt loops he had earned we saw the good manners belt loop. For the most part @ has Good Manners but the last week he's been a bit of a creep so Jonathan and I held back the Good Manners belt loop. We told him he has to earn that one back. The creepy behavior really has nothing to do with scouts, just being a 6 yr old checking boundaries. Still if we can use scouts to rid the house of creepiness, so be it.
Living with a kind husband and 2 bewitching smaller people. Remembering everyday what it is to be blessed beyond measure.
Showing posts with label cultural adjustment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cultural adjustment. Show all posts
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Thursday, November 11, 2010
the postpartum files: Kids
I'm going to be processing this life change for awhile and since its my blog and you can go elsewhere, I'm feeling free to do my processing here. You see, its been said that I might not be the most flexible person on the planet and having a newborn again after 6 years is kind of the definition of needing to be flexible.
I should mention at this point that I'm really doing fine but realizations have been sweeping over me quite a lot lately. Not bad ones, just things I hadn't thought of.
Kids. The word "kids" got me the other day. "Children" too. I have kids. Plural. I have children. Again, plural. We've long been a family of 3. I had one kid. "My son is 6." "You just have the one child?" "Yes." Now I have kids. And so that changes. A few weeks ago we went around to the Children's Muesuem here in Indianapolis. We decided to buy a family membership figuring that it would pay for itself if we went as a family 3 times. Then we remembered that soon we would need to add a child because we would have kids. And that was strange to me.
I put in the new car seat late last week. We have car seats in the car for our kids. We talked about the best location for the each kid's car seat. See before it didn't matter, @ could sit anywhere. We put him on the side with the automatic sliding door. He's going to stay there because he can take care of getting himself in and out. Its nice having a kid that doesn't need car seat help. Baby ! goes behind the driver because there will be times when no one else is in the passenger seat and the driver doesn't want to walk around the far side of the car to get ! out. This isn't a big deal thing, just something we thought through that intrigued me. It was one of the things we didn't think about the 9 months we were waiting for her. We'll make lots of decisions like this in the days and weeks ahead. They aren't big deal things but they are the little things that remind me that our lives have changed.
I should mention at this point that I'm really doing fine but realizations have been sweeping over me quite a lot lately. Not bad ones, just things I hadn't thought of.
Kids. The word "kids" got me the other day. "Children" too. I have kids. Plural. I have children. Again, plural. We've long been a family of 3. I had one kid. "My son is 6." "You just have the one child?" "Yes." Now I have kids. And so that changes. A few weeks ago we went around to the Children's Muesuem here in Indianapolis. We decided to buy a family membership figuring that it would pay for itself if we went as a family 3 times. Then we remembered that soon we would need to add a child because we would have kids. And that was strange to me.
I put in the new car seat late last week. We have car seats in the car for our kids. We talked about the best location for the each kid's car seat. See before it didn't matter, @ could sit anywhere. We put him on the side with the automatic sliding door. He's going to stay there because he can take care of getting himself in and out. Its nice having a kid that doesn't need car seat help. Baby ! goes behind the driver because there will be times when no one else is in the passenger seat and the driver doesn't want to walk around the far side of the car to get ! out. This isn't a big deal thing, just something we thought through that intrigued me. It was one of the things we didn't think about the 9 months we were waiting for her. We'll make lots of decisions like this in the days and weeks ahead. They aren't big deal things but they are the little things that remind me that our lives have changed.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
I don't know how to be an American parent and other insecurities
What really strikes me since coming back to the states is that I don't know how to be a parent of child in United States. @ has never really had many friends before. We've tried but somehow it just doesn't seem to work out. So this whole idea of @ going out to play with the boys up the way, I just don't know what to do. And honestly it isn't trying to over mother him, its really I don't want him to be in the way of the other mom. And he probably isn't but I don't want to be that mom that is always dumping my kid on someone else. They're welcome to play here but they always seem to wander there way up there. So that is kind of my thing. @'s really, all in all, for a 5/6 yr old boy, very trustworthy- and he isn't a gifted liar, his nature is honest so he's easy to see through. And the mom is a nice lady but I haven't had a chance to visit with her much so that she will know that I'm not that lady from some other place that is a moochy mom. How is non-moochy momness communicated in United States?
Actually I think that is the only thing I'm feeling insecure about at the moment.
Actually I think that is the only thing I'm feeling insecure about at the moment.
Monday, May 10, 2010
civic order
Something you should know from the outset: I get oddly excited about all things related to proper civic order. When governments and institutions work according to the prescribed guidelines- it just makes my heart flutter. Its enough to set me happy for days on end. So when I saw the adverts that our nation would be having a national census the month of May, I was hopeful and a little doubtful all at the same time. I didn't get counted in the US and I wasn't sure that they would count us here either- as we are foriegners.
Tonight I came down from putting @ in bed and saw Jonathan sitting on the front porch. I went out to investigate- we don't sit outside at night with the light on because that is a good way to get moquito bites, and what's more the season finale for The Amazing Race was on, he shouldn't be sitting out front. He was talking with 2 census takers. He was just finishing giving them each of our names and so I sat down to join the fun- also thinking that 2 heads thinking through the language of the questions is always better than 1. Our names, birthdate,our religion, city and country we were born in, our tribe, where we lived in 2005, our schooling completed, job held- those were the questions for both of us and for @.
The questions at the end were a bit different: fuel we use for cooking, the source of our drinking water, and access to internet. These reflect a national conversation that seems to be in constant flow. The government is trying to switch people from kerosene and wood cooking to natural gas- its been a costly switch frought with headaches. Use of safe drinking water is making good advancement throughout more urban populations but it has a ways to go. Safe drinking water is becoming more affordable though, slowly but surely. There is a push for more access to internet and getting the public sector online to speed along government. They're doing a good job overall but change is slow.
There is a push away from corruption here. They are trying so hard and in a lot of ways they are making real strides. So when I see nice, polite, courteous, efficient census workers, well, I do back flips. The 2000 census was plagued by problems and the official results have never been released to the public. There is a lot of nay-saying that the 2010 census will suffer the same fate. It might. But at the moment I'm hopeful. Only problem, I didn't grab my camera while they were here!
Tonight I came down from putting @ in bed and saw Jonathan sitting on the front porch. I went out to investigate- we don't sit outside at night with the light on because that is a good way to get moquito bites, and what's more the season finale for The Amazing Race was on, he shouldn't be sitting out front. He was talking with 2 census takers. He was just finishing giving them each of our names and so I sat down to join the fun- also thinking that 2 heads thinking through the language of the questions is always better than 1. Our names, birthdate,our religion, city and country we were born in, our tribe, where we lived in 2005, our schooling completed, job held- those were the questions for both of us and for @.
The questions at the end were a bit different: fuel we use for cooking, the source of our drinking water, and access to internet. These reflect a national conversation that seems to be in constant flow. The government is trying to switch people from kerosene and wood cooking to natural gas- its been a costly switch frought with headaches. Use of safe drinking water is making good advancement throughout more urban populations but it has a ways to go. Safe drinking water is becoming more affordable though, slowly but surely. There is a push for more access to internet and getting the public sector online to speed along government. They're doing a good job overall but change is slow.
There is a push away from corruption here. They are trying so hard and in a lot of ways they are making real strides. So when I see nice, polite, courteous, efficient census workers, well, I do back flips. The 2000 census was plagued by problems and the official results have never been released to the public. There is a lot of nay-saying that the 2010 census will suffer the same fate. It might. But at the moment I'm hopeful. Only problem, I didn't grab my camera while they were here!
Tuesday, May 04, 2010
guest speaking
The plan for today was for me to sleep until noon- something I have never done in my life, but the last few days have been busy and full. Last night as I was watching TV with @, Jonathan and I talked about that Wednesday I have nothing on my schedule (just an airport pickup) so I could sleep till noon. And I told @ that I was sleeping till noon and that he should too. He may have taken me up on it because it past 7:30 and he hasn't stirred from his upstairs nest.
A few weeks ago, a lady I dance with asked if I would be available to be a guest speaker at a conversation club at another university here in town. She had asked Jonathan and another American colleague and neither of them really had time in their schedule but Jonathan suggested that I might do it. My thought was a visit a time or two with a conversation club would be fun for me, so I agreed that she could give my phone number to her friend at the other university. A few weeks went past and finally the university contact sms'd and we set up a time for us to meet. I thought it would be sometime to talk about the club and to set a time. I sat down to meet with the dean, the head of the department and 2 other english teachers. We visited for awhile and they had lots of questions about obtaining information from the US Embassy to get an American Guest Instructor- a subject I really know nothing about and was quick to share with them. The first meeting did not establish a schedule so much as it established a week that I could be available for the club. I was understanding that the club coordinator wanted to make sure she chose a time that would work for the students so that they would be able to attend. But still I was clear that once maybe twice would be all would be all I could meet with the club.
A week or so went by and my contact called me again (Ms. N). In her sms she said that it would be better to meet to set up a schedule because it was too much to sms about. I understood that, sms-ing for lots of information can become wearisome. So I went in and we began talking about the schedule. She got out her laptop and showed me a week's listing of classes. CLASSES! How is that anything like a CLUB? And I reeled and said "These are classes. We had talked about a conversation club. Not classes. That's different." We had also talked about the fact that I was available in the afternoon because Jonathan teaches in the mornings and we have a son at home. But these were largely morning classes. So I looked at the schedule and told her I could do those classes when Jonathan was available for being home, Tuesday and Thursday afternoon. And Ms. N whined. So I looked at the morning classes on Monday and remembered that our friend Marilyn and @ were wanting to have a movie time together and thought that might cover me for the Monday morning sessions. I wanted to be helpful even if I knew I was being a bit walked on. So I agreed to the Monday morning sessions too. Then she came at me with another schedule from the other faculties (departments) at the University that wanted a native speaker. So I looked at the schedule: a Chinese class and a Japanase Literature class. I said a very FIRM: NO. And I laughed at the idea of why anyone would ask an english speaker to guest lecture in a chinese or japanese lit class. When Ms. N whined, I explained to her that isn't what I do. We were in the english teachers office, and sensing Ms. N was loosing, 3 english teachers rushed to her aid, to bulster her illogical desire to have an english speaker come talk to the chinese and japanese lit classes. The chinese class wasn't actually a "language class", its an IT class. Still I argued "a subject I know nothing about". We did this for a while and I finally wore out. Thinking I can entertain myself with a Chinese and Japanese Lit class. And they are in the afternoon, so I'm available.
So the Monday morning arrived. I was there on time and the instructor for the course was too. He was ready and waiting and he was also the dean I had met with some weeks ago. So he initiated me into the theory he has embraced. Something about Natural Language Acquisition through Listening. I tried to be agreeable although the theory seems full of holes. I really don't know alot about theories of Second Language Acquistion and decided to look past the holes to the teacher who really desires to teach well- a trait that is hard to come by in the University teaching professions. After hearing the theory, we went to class- Speaking 4. I did an introduction of myself and how I got to living here and then left it to questions. And the students did a lovely job peppering with question for the next hour. They asked a lot about language and culture learning so I was able to have them help me with some of my language and culture questions. It was nice to let them think about their language and flesh out some of the complexities of their language in english. And they did a nice job. I went on to Speaking 2, the students were younger (freshman) and it showed. Less of a stirring conversation/ Q&A period but still good enough. Monday and Tuesday morning were lovely.
Tuesday afternoon brought Chinese IT and it went as expected. The class was 25 boys and 1 girl. I've never felt so bad for a girl in my life. The coordinator, Ms. N, had suggested that their english will be lower so perhaps this short You-Tube video and a little discussion would be a better fit. Yeah, it wasn't. They were at a low rumble of laughing through the whole thing and when prompted towards discussion they raised the tember of the of their lauging and talking to one another. After 10 minutes of really nothing about the video, I switched tacks. The introduction/ Q & A idea seemed like it may work way better. And it did. I had about 6 students engaged in questions and conversations during the remainder of the time and these students were troopers because they had to put up with alot of jeering and laughter. I was able to quell it some, I have a stellar scolding teacher look.
The best outcome of the hour was my conviction that I wouldn't be coming for the Japanese Lit class. No way! and no amount of whiny or gang whining was going to change that. So I was fully prepared for telling Ms. N "never again" but fortunately I found her apologetic and embarrassed. She was ready to cancel my Thursday speaking classes too. I told her I was happy to come for the speaking classes but they needed to do a better job preparing the students before I came back for the other faculties. Come to find out, these were freshman too. I encouraged them that this might be a better plan for older students.
All in all, its been an ok week. And I've enjoyed the students and interacting with them. And I've learned alot and I like that too.
A few weeks ago, a lady I dance with asked if I would be available to be a guest speaker at a conversation club at another university here in town. She had asked Jonathan and another American colleague and neither of them really had time in their schedule but Jonathan suggested that I might do it. My thought was a visit a time or two with a conversation club would be fun for me, so I agreed that she could give my phone number to her friend at the other university. A few weeks went past and finally the university contact sms'd and we set up a time for us to meet. I thought it would be sometime to talk about the club and to set a time. I sat down to meet with the dean, the head of the department and 2 other english teachers. We visited for awhile and they had lots of questions about obtaining information from the US Embassy to get an American Guest Instructor- a subject I really know nothing about and was quick to share with them. The first meeting did not establish a schedule so much as it established a week that I could be available for the club. I was understanding that the club coordinator wanted to make sure she chose a time that would work for the students so that they would be able to attend. But still I was clear that once maybe twice would be all would be all I could meet with the club.
A week or so went by and my contact called me again (Ms. N). In her sms she said that it would be better to meet to set up a schedule because it was too much to sms about. I understood that, sms-ing for lots of information can become wearisome. So I went in and we began talking about the schedule. She got out her laptop and showed me a week's listing of classes. CLASSES! How is that anything like a CLUB? And I reeled and said "These are classes. We had talked about a conversation club. Not classes. That's different." We had also talked about the fact that I was available in the afternoon because Jonathan teaches in the mornings and we have a son at home. But these were largely morning classes. So I looked at the schedule and told her I could do those classes when Jonathan was available for being home, Tuesday and Thursday afternoon. And Ms. N whined. So I looked at the morning classes on Monday and remembered that our friend Marilyn and @ were wanting to have a movie time together and thought that might cover me for the Monday morning sessions. I wanted to be helpful even if I knew I was being a bit walked on. So I agreed to the Monday morning sessions too. Then she came at me with another schedule from the other faculties (departments) at the University that wanted a native speaker. So I looked at the schedule: a Chinese class and a Japanase Literature class. I said a very FIRM: NO. And I laughed at the idea of why anyone would ask an english speaker to guest lecture in a chinese or japanese lit class. When Ms. N whined, I explained to her that isn't what I do. We were in the english teachers office, and sensing Ms. N was loosing, 3 english teachers rushed to her aid, to bulster her illogical desire to have an english speaker come talk to the chinese and japanese lit classes. The chinese class wasn't actually a "language class", its an IT class. Still I argued "a subject I know nothing about". We did this for a while and I finally wore out. Thinking I can entertain myself with a Chinese and Japanese Lit class. And they are in the afternoon, so I'm available.
So the Monday morning arrived. I was there on time and the instructor for the course was too. He was ready and waiting and he was also the dean I had met with some weeks ago. So he initiated me into the theory he has embraced. Something about Natural Language Acquisition through Listening. I tried to be agreeable although the theory seems full of holes. I really don't know alot about theories of Second Language Acquistion and decided to look past the holes to the teacher who really desires to teach well- a trait that is hard to come by in the University teaching professions. After hearing the theory, we went to class- Speaking 4. I did an introduction of myself and how I got to living here and then left it to questions. And the students did a lovely job peppering with question for the next hour. They asked a lot about language and culture learning so I was able to have them help me with some of my language and culture questions. It was nice to let them think about their language and flesh out some of the complexities of their language in english. And they did a nice job. I went on to Speaking 2, the students were younger (freshman) and it showed. Less of a stirring conversation/ Q&A period but still good enough. Monday and Tuesday morning were lovely.
Tuesday afternoon brought Chinese IT and it went as expected. The class was 25 boys and 1 girl. I've never felt so bad for a girl in my life. The coordinator, Ms. N, had suggested that their english will be lower so perhaps this short You-Tube video and a little discussion would be a better fit. Yeah, it wasn't. They were at a low rumble of laughing through the whole thing and when prompted towards discussion they raised the tember of the of their lauging and talking to one another. After 10 minutes of really nothing about the video, I switched tacks. The introduction/ Q & A idea seemed like it may work way better. And it did. I had about 6 students engaged in questions and conversations during the remainder of the time and these students were troopers because they had to put up with alot of jeering and laughter. I was able to quell it some, I have a stellar scolding teacher look.
The best outcome of the hour was my conviction that I wouldn't be coming for the Japanese Lit class. No way! and no amount of whiny or gang whining was going to change that. So I was fully prepared for telling Ms. N "never again" but fortunately I found her apologetic and embarrassed. She was ready to cancel my Thursday speaking classes too. I told her I was happy to come for the speaking classes but they needed to do a better job preparing the students before I came back for the other faculties. Come to find out, these were freshman too. I encouraged them that this might be a better plan for older students.
All in all, its been an ok week. And I've enjoyed the students and interacting with them. And I've learned alot and I like that too.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
nesting but not really
We couldn't be happier about expecting baby #2 sometime in the fall. Really, we're very happy. But we have a problem. We've kind of forgotten about babies.
We had @ in Aug 2004 and returned to what we thought was going to be our permanent home for years to come. We brought stuff with us so that @ could grow up there. Not expecting to return to the States for probably 4 years. So we brought along baby stuff, toddler stuff and even some young boy stuff. No kidding, when @ was a new born I bought him one pair of pajamas in every size up to 5T (by the way, I should start out with, I'm kind of nuts and I like to have a something like a plan). He just started wearing those 5T pajamas. After our idea was closed down in Dec 2005, and we returned to the states we were sad. Sad. And to some extent I especially went inside myself and mourned the loss of our home and our dream and our family. And I wondered how we could be a family without our home because I couldn't imagine ever really finding a home like that again.
But time and life went by. We picked up what we had and pulled together and our family was still our family, just different than we had imagined when @ was born. And I learned that home really is where you make it and it can be remade. Home is where my boys are, and we've made a nice one here. And we're thankful. There isn't a day that goes by that we don't sit at our dining room table and say "I love our home". We have friends again and people who care about us. There are crazy neighbors and kids to play with and a garden to weed and a laundry line (I love laundry lines). By no means is the house perfect. The street floods and the roof leaks but still its where we are happy.
Now that we have been here 3 years, we're getting ready to take some time to go home. Jonathan is going to switch jobs and we'll need new visa etc. so its a good time to go back to the states and catch up on our family there. Its all very exciting. We have 3 nieces at present that we need to meet and there is another niece/ nephew yet to be determined arriving just about the time we arrive home (yes, that did help us choose when to come home). My mom's accidentally remodelled her house while we've been gone. All of these things. And in looking at our full life and the happiness that we have been given a second time, we thought maybe we could have a second baby to fill life even more. And God was gracious and we're 3 months in. All good and all wonderful but there is a fly in the ointment. We don't know anything about having a baby.
We return to the states in just over 2 months as a family of 3. When we return here sometime next spring, it will be as a family of 4. So I'm cleaning and sorting and organizing our house for the person who will live here in the meantime and I'm realizing a hiccup. The baby doesn't come for a long time (1st of November is really a ways away) but the baby comes HERE just as soon as we do. So I need to leave this house with some readiness to have a baby in it. Does that make sense? Probably not. I'm not worried about the baby stuff for the states- we have loads of time once we get back there to figure that out. But the baby stuff we need here, I need to do/ get now so that its ready when we get back here. I know it sounds like I'm creating a mountain out of a mole hill. I know. And I think its the idea of going back to the states is more the problem than the baby. We've never re-entered the states nicely. When we re-entered the states last time it was as this huddled sad mass of sadness. I think having the time to think ahead and plan has probably made me a little addled.
All of this to say, if you can think of something I should have ready in my home for 6 month old baby, would you let me know? I've got "crib, sheet, bumbers" on my list. Oh, and that's the other problem, I'm trying not to bring everything and the baby sink in a suitcase back from the states- that's going to get spendy, fast.
We had @ in Aug 2004 and returned to what we thought was going to be our permanent home for years to come. We brought stuff with us so that @ could grow up there. Not expecting to return to the States for probably 4 years. So we brought along baby stuff, toddler stuff and even some young boy stuff. No kidding, when @ was a new born I bought him one pair of pajamas in every size up to 5T (by the way, I should start out with, I'm kind of nuts and I like to have a something like a plan). He just started wearing those 5T pajamas. After our idea was closed down in Dec 2005, and we returned to the states we were sad. Sad. And to some extent I especially went inside myself and mourned the loss of our home and our dream and our family. And I wondered how we could be a family without our home because I couldn't imagine ever really finding a home like that again.
But time and life went by. We picked up what we had and pulled together and our family was still our family, just different than we had imagined when @ was born. And I learned that home really is where you make it and it can be remade. Home is where my boys are, and we've made a nice one here. And we're thankful. There isn't a day that goes by that we don't sit at our dining room table and say "I love our home". We have friends again and people who care about us. There are crazy neighbors and kids to play with and a garden to weed and a laundry line (I love laundry lines). By no means is the house perfect. The street floods and the roof leaks but still its where we are happy.
Now that we have been here 3 years, we're getting ready to take some time to go home. Jonathan is going to switch jobs and we'll need new visa etc. so its a good time to go back to the states and catch up on our family there. Its all very exciting. We have 3 nieces at present that we need to meet and there is another niece/ nephew yet to be determined arriving just about the time we arrive home (yes, that did help us choose when to come home). My mom's accidentally remodelled her house while we've been gone. All of these things. And in looking at our full life and the happiness that we have been given a second time, we thought maybe we could have a second baby to fill life even more. And God was gracious and we're 3 months in. All good and all wonderful but there is a fly in the ointment. We don't know anything about having a baby.
We return to the states in just over 2 months as a family of 3. When we return here sometime next spring, it will be as a family of 4. So I'm cleaning and sorting and organizing our house for the person who will live here in the meantime and I'm realizing a hiccup. The baby doesn't come for a long time (1st of November is really a ways away) but the baby comes HERE just as soon as we do. So I need to leave this house with some readiness to have a baby in it. Does that make sense? Probably not. I'm not worried about the baby stuff for the states- we have loads of time once we get back there to figure that out. But the baby stuff we need here, I need to do/ get now so that its ready when we get back here. I know it sounds like I'm creating a mountain out of a mole hill. I know. And I think its the idea of going back to the states is more the problem than the baby. We've never re-entered the states nicely. When we re-entered the states last time it was as this huddled sad mass of sadness. I think having the time to think ahead and plan has probably made me a little addled.
All of this to say, if you can think of something I should have ready in my home for 6 month old baby, would you let me know? I've got "crib, sheet, bumbers" on my list. Oh, and that's the other problem, I'm trying not to bring everything and the baby sink in a suitcase back from the states- that's going to get spendy, fast.
Monday, January 04, 2010
the culture of swimming lessons
Some months ago we had talked about putting @ in swimming lessons. He's so assured that he can do it by himself that he really won't let us help in the water for more than minute. The problem was that we were anticipating a trip out for visa work and then as the visa work dragged on it took a life of its own. Swimming lessons floated to the background.
We spent a day at the pool with some friends and @ really wanted to swim with the big boy. He borrowed goggles from friends and tried everything the big boy did. He continued to talk about it the next several weeks so for christmas, @ got goggles with swimming lessons tucked inside. We've been talking about swimming lessons since christmas with the idea that after the new year we'd go around to some of the local pools and find out details.
Understand I knew things wouldn't work like traditional summer swimming lessons in the states. I think with that you sign up at the pool. Its so many mornings/ week in the summer. They put the kids in the class based on age and ability. And its a set cost, paid upfront.
There is no real summer here. There is the end of school break in June/July but kids don't take lessons then, they go on holiday. Kids take lessons all during the school year. For all kinds of things. For swim lessons, you go to the pool of your choice (we have 3 within a mile of us) and find out the details of when the swim teacher comes. I checked into 2 different pools. At Royal Family (its the name of the housing complex, we'll come to the funny at another time), you pay the entrance ticket to the pool and then you pay the swim teacher/ month. At SMG Beautiful (translation), its the same deal. But any arrangement for the lesson is made with the instructor, not with the pool.
We decided on SMG Beautiful. They have a better pool for lap swimming, it provides some shade, and its a bit cheaper of entry. We watched a young man give lessons for about 30 minutes. He was kind, got involved with helping child position his body, gave feedback as the child went along. Mostly, he seemed to have a kind happy face. We spoke with him for a while in Local language and found that he was able to respond a bit in english. A definite plus as @'s language is still very basic. And @ will begin swimming lessons next monday afternoon at 3:30. Swimming lessons are always in the afternoon here. Locals would never swim in the middle of the day- too hot, too sunny. Lessons are always after school, normally starting around 3 or 4 and kids will take lesson into the evening hours 7 or 8.
Thus the culture & language lessons of swimming lessons
We spent a day at the pool with some friends and @ really wanted to swim with the big boy. He borrowed goggles from friends and tried everything the big boy did. He continued to talk about it the next several weeks so for christmas, @ got goggles with swimming lessons tucked inside. We've been talking about swimming lessons since christmas with the idea that after the new year we'd go around to some of the local pools and find out details.
Understand I knew things wouldn't work like traditional summer swimming lessons in the states. I think with that you sign up at the pool. Its so many mornings/ week in the summer. They put the kids in the class based on age and ability. And its a set cost, paid upfront.
There is no real summer here. There is the end of school break in June/July but kids don't take lessons then, they go on holiday. Kids take lessons all during the school year. For all kinds of things. For swim lessons, you go to the pool of your choice (we have 3 within a mile of us) and find out the details of when the swim teacher comes. I checked into 2 different pools. At Royal Family (its the name of the housing complex, we'll come to the funny at another time), you pay the entrance ticket to the pool and then you pay the swim teacher/ month. At SMG Beautiful (translation), its the same deal. But any arrangement for the lesson is made with the instructor, not with the pool.
We decided on SMG Beautiful. They have a better pool for lap swimming, it provides some shade, and its a bit cheaper of entry. We watched a young man give lessons for about 30 minutes. He was kind, got involved with helping child position his body, gave feedback as the child went along. Mostly, he seemed to have a kind happy face. We spoke with him for a while in Local language and found that he was able to respond a bit in english. A definite plus as @'s language is still very basic. And @ will begin swimming lessons next monday afternoon at 3:30. Swimming lessons are always in the afternoon here. Locals would never swim in the middle of the day- too hot, too sunny. Lessons are always after school, normally starting around 3 or 4 and kids will take lesson into the evening hours 7 or 8.
Thus the culture & language lessons of swimming lessons
Sunday, December 27, 2009
moving to a tropical island paradise
"Its record setting freezing outside. There's a foot of snow in the driveway. The wind is blowing 50mph. Not sure if the electricity is going to stay on. Man, that Amanda must have it made living on a tropical island. I wish I could move to a tropical island." Kids, moving to a tropical island ain't all its cracked up to be.
This is the one where I explain in whining detail that the grass is just as green on this side of the fence.
So the clouds came in dark and nasty. Fine, something about Christmas day marks the get nasty point of the rainy season. Only draw back- our roof started leaking Christmas Eve (happy christmas to me!). Our landlord is sending a guy around on monday. We've hooked up a tarp system to run the water to the drain and i have buckets and rags on stand by. 5p.m. Jonathan position tarp and @ yells "The water is going down on my shower." I making dinner. Jonathan finishes the tarp and goes to check @'s issue. In fact their is no pressure. I check the kitchen sink and Jonathan check the water pump. No water going to the roof- which is how we get pressure into the house. I bring in a bucket. @ dries off. Jonathan begins opening the housing for the pump. Break for dinner. Rain turns from sprinkles to crazy downpour.
Resume activity after dinner:
@ begins yelling and running- storm fever. Jonathan turns off the shut off to the toilet. I reposition rags/ buckets, sop up water from the floor then bucket wash dishes. Jonathan continues to labor on the pump- getting no where because his tools are upstairs cordoned off by tarp systems catching the bucket loads of rain coming in. While working on the pump the electricity goes out. Now we have no running water in the house, no electricity, flood water rising in the street and a leaking roof. Give up on pump. Light candles. Shut off very noisy battery back up to the computer. Reposition/ Sop up water with buckets and rags. Child is given stern warning that death awaits running, yelling children (death would probably result because of mom and dad spontaneously compusting).
Once family is settled in with the electricity off- Jonathan grading quizzes (mindless activity), @ sitting with Ipod watching old Grinch (God Bless the nice people who made the Ipod), I decide to shower- with my trusty bucket of water.
After getting out of bucket bath by candlelight, lights begin to flicker. Rain is slowing. I check the buckets and rags, wring/reposition/sop. No one moves to turn things on or off for 5 minutes after the power comes back on, don't want to jinx these things.
Good news:
-There is a man supposed to be coming tomorrow to look at the roof.
- After rain stopped, Jonathan went up for his tools. Got the rusted cap off the pump. Primed it- we'll have running water soon.
- Electricity is back on so the AC is cooling off bedrooms- Praise God for AC and beds.
- This is all fairly typical but fortunately it all happened before we went to bed, much better than when you're really at the end of the day and want the AC
- Child calmed down with the end of the rain. These claps of thunder and lightening can be so loud it gets everyone on edge- even otherwise nice children.
This is the one where I explain in whining detail that the grass is just as green on this side of the fence.
So the clouds came in dark and nasty. Fine, something about Christmas day marks the get nasty point of the rainy season. Only draw back- our roof started leaking Christmas Eve (happy christmas to me!). Our landlord is sending a guy around on monday. We've hooked up a tarp system to run the water to the drain and i have buckets and rags on stand by. 5p.m. Jonathan position tarp and @ yells "The water is going down on my shower." I making dinner. Jonathan finishes the tarp and goes to check @'s issue. In fact their is no pressure. I check the kitchen sink and Jonathan check the water pump. No water going to the roof- which is how we get pressure into the house. I bring in a bucket. @ dries off. Jonathan begins opening the housing for the pump. Break for dinner. Rain turns from sprinkles to crazy downpour.
Resume activity after dinner:
@ begins yelling and running- storm fever. Jonathan turns off the shut off to the toilet. I reposition rags/ buckets, sop up water from the floor then bucket wash dishes. Jonathan continues to labor on the pump- getting no where because his tools are upstairs cordoned off by tarp systems catching the bucket loads of rain coming in. While working on the pump the electricity goes out. Now we have no running water in the house, no electricity, flood water rising in the street and a leaking roof. Give up on pump. Light candles. Shut off very noisy battery back up to the computer. Reposition/ Sop up water with buckets and rags. Child is given stern warning that death awaits running, yelling children (death would probably result because of mom and dad spontaneously compusting).
Once family is settled in with the electricity off- Jonathan grading quizzes (mindless activity), @ sitting with Ipod watching old Grinch (God Bless the nice people who made the Ipod), I decide to shower- with my trusty bucket of water.
After getting out of bucket bath by candlelight, lights begin to flicker. Rain is slowing. I check the buckets and rags, wring/reposition/sop. No one moves to turn things on or off for 5 minutes after the power comes back on, don't want to jinx these things.
Good news:
-There is a man supposed to be coming tomorrow to look at the roof.
- After rain stopped, Jonathan went up for his tools. Got the rusted cap off the pump. Primed it- we'll have running water soon.
- Electricity is back on so the AC is cooling off bedrooms- Praise God for AC and beds.
- This is all fairly typical but fortunately it all happened before we went to bed, much better than when you're really at the end of the day and want the AC
- Child calmed down with the end of the rain. These claps of thunder and lightening can be so loud it gets everyone on edge- even otherwise nice children.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
meal planning, homeschooling and the feast of the sacrifice
I made a meal plan this week and we stuck to it just fine. Only thing is that it was very short and constituted eating whatever would get in the way of the defrosting turkeys in the fridge. The good news is that I had plenty of room because i've been thinking ahead- good on me.
Presently I'm trying to remember what I did last year with the whole cook a turkey and travel 1 1/2 hrs thing because it worked terrifically. Only problem is that I don't remember exactly how I did it. So I'm a little up in my head about the whole thing. Just harrangued Jonathan about finding an empty rubbermaid so that I can wash it out tonight. We have some newspaper and I remember the fleece Illini blanket being involved along with the motherload of foil. I have the same Large Cooking Bags. Problem is that this year's turkey is substantially bigger...hmmm...
@ had school this week. We weren't real fussy about the whole thing. Monday - Wednesday we did all subjects. Today we held back and just got in the Bible, History and Reading bits. We made a few turkey crafts too. Including a crazy turkey hat for the crazy hat dance that is something of a tradition amongst our friends (its a rather odd story, surely I'll come to it). We also made a rather complicated turkey can but no link because it took too much modification to make the link worthwhile. And we'll do some more pilgrims and indians stuff tomorrow as we are in the car.
And tomorrow, while we celebrate thanksgiving, our across the street neighbors will be celebrating Eid Al Adha, the feast of the sacrifice. Tonight while I was making dinner, I heard a vaguely familiar wail in front of the house. A little like a man dieing but maybe not. Sure enough, the goat was being delivered. I took note of the fact that my neighbors aren't home, their house staff is. My guess is they will be at prayer most of the evening, not sleeping, but also not enduring their goat. While I am at home, also praying, but for sleep, while enduring their goat. The goat has settled down a bit with night fall but he's still a bit skittish. Painting a picture in my head presently of a grumpy me awake in the morning while my neighbors, who have by then sacrificed their goat, sleep. I need to raise the turkey myself next year.
Presently I'm trying to remember what I did last year with the whole cook a turkey and travel 1 1/2 hrs thing because it worked terrifically. Only problem is that I don't remember exactly how I did it. So I'm a little up in my head about the whole thing. Just harrangued Jonathan about finding an empty rubbermaid so that I can wash it out tonight. We have some newspaper and I remember the fleece Illini blanket being involved along with the motherload of foil. I have the same Large Cooking Bags. Problem is that this year's turkey is substantially bigger...hmmm...
@ had school this week. We weren't real fussy about the whole thing. Monday - Wednesday we did all subjects. Today we held back and just got in the Bible, History and Reading bits. We made a few turkey crafts too. Including a crazy turkey hat for the crazy hat dance that is something of a tradition amongst our friends (its a rather odd story, surely I'll come to it). We also made a rather complicated turkey can but no link because it took too much modification to make the link worthwhile. And we'll do some more pilgrims and indians stuff tomorrow as we are in the car.
And tomorrow, while we celebrate thanksgiving, our across the street neighbors will be celebrating Eid Al Adha, the feast of the sacrifice. Tonight while I was making dinner, I heard a vaguely familiar wail in front of the house. A little like a man dieing but maybe not. Sure enough, the goat was being delivered. I took note of the fact that my neighbors aren't home, their house staff is. My guess is they will be at prayer most of the evening, not sleeping, but also not enduring their goat. While I am at home, also praying, but for sleep, while enduring their goat. The goat has settled down a bit with night fall but he's still a bit skittish. Painting a picture in my head presently of a grumpy me awake in the morning while my neighbors, who have by then sacrificed their goat, sleep. I need to raise the turkey myself next year.
Saturday, November 07, 2009
never good to turn up on BBC
Last week while flipping channels on a very hot afternoon we came across a program on BBC called Hot Cities. Last week's program was on Bangladesh and the rising number of climate migrants flowing into already crowded urban areas, thus decreasing the quality of life for everyone. They promoted the next week's city- our capital city. You don't want your capital city to turn up on the BBC, nothing good can come of it. Well we happened to catch a portion of it again this week. It was fun to hear the professionals being interviewed because we could understand them without the subtitles at the bottom. They were only echoing things we had been percieving in our city also. The rains maybe starting later but they are also coming at odd times throughout the year. And the tide is getting higher and things that were once percieved to be safe and high enough, aren't anymore. All of this just spells disaster on the health front. Dengue Fever (here called Blood Fever) and Malaria are occurring at times in the year that never used to be possible and at elevations that used to be safe. All very discouraging news.
Last month they started lifting another road about 6 blocks down from us. They are raising the road in front of the church we attend and the pharmacy we go to, a meter. That's 3 feet. The parking lot to our church has a 3 foot wall bordering the street. The church will be 3 feet below the road 12 feet away. I stopped in at the Pharmacy yesterday. All they can do is given a weak smile and sigh. They have no idea what they are going to do.
We've been hearing rumors since the close of last rainy season that there was a plan in the works to raise roads and install new pumps and deepen the canals. They've only really just started on some portions of the plan. We live 2 blocks from a major Artery Road that loops around the city and they've already raised that road on the other side and there looks to be a deepened canal and pump. I have no idea where the water that will be pumped will go as the neighborhoods are still lower. This week we got a for sure verification that the main street 2 blocks from us that is our connection to town, will be raised in the next month. They are planning to raise it a meter, 3 feet.
The last few months as we have seen these projects begin we've had a little sense of anxiety creep into the back of our minds. Our contract on the house we are in runs through Jan 2011 and we have every intention and desire to stay in this house. We love our landlord. We have a terrific house and yard at the world's most ideal price. We have neighbors and friends. But the house in our neighborhood don't sell, they barely get renters. Everyone knows it floods but the question is how much deeper will the water be when the raise these main roads. No one believes the pump installations will help. They can pump whereever they want but it doesn't change the fact that the lowest guy will still get water when the canals they are pumping into are filled.
So we have been sighing a fair bit lately. We know there is a limit to the amount of time we will stay in this house. The demands of Jonathan's job location will inevitably pull us away. But the thought of having water come into this house that we've made into our home... its happened to our friends and watching their sorrow was impossible. Sigh... and we're powerless against it.
But we find ourselves waiting for rainy season, if only to confirm or but to rest our concerns. Either way, we'll ride it out. We're still in a good position to help and encourage our neighbors. But sitting in this crazy heat makes me wonder what's to come...
Monday, November 02, 2009
adding to the mayhem
Its been a bit of a day and its not quite noon yet. Feel free to skip because really this is a long winded sigh...
The electricity has been spotty in the kitchen for a day or two. A friend clued us into the possibility that its probably just the circuit that is dead- not the wiring for the house going bad as I had feared. After snap, crackling and popping at me this morning after Jonathan had gone to class, I shut off the electric to the whole house- when in doubt, better not to burn down the house. Jonathan came home from work today, he found an electric shop open, bought a new circuit and got it installed. So far, so good, the electricity is staying on and there is no more snap, crackle, pop. That's good, because it is wicked hot and the fan is doing its best but still its just blowing around warm air.
On another front, realization has been setting in that @ and I don't have paperwork from Immigration and our last extension expires tomorrow. Probably that means something should be done. Thing is we are waiting on the national level office to click 3 things for each of us in the computer before the local office can complete our visas. Its been like 10 or 12 days and they haven't done it so I'm not counting on them finishing before tomorrow when our extension keeping us legal, expires. So I got out to the local office to see what needs to be done. I tell them that we aren't clicked yet but my extension expires tomorrow. Funny thing, they are in a quandry too. There is no procedure or rule for this kind of thing. So they check the computer, just to double check our statuses, not that they don't believe me, just they too are hoping against hope. Well it seems that sometime in the last hour the national office did a little work- I have my clicks from the national office, now I'm just waiting on one click from an office across town. So they give me the phone number and name of that guy in the office across town- this shouldn't be a problem they say. Then they check @'s status from the national office. Seems the national office quit work after all that hard work clicking my name and they haven't done anything for the 5yr old. So the question remains, but now its taken on a real element of the ridiculous, tomorrow does the 5 yr old need to leave the country alone because he doesn't have his paperwork/clicks from the national office? Should we petition the justice dept for another extension for the 5yr old? Because we are out of extension technically according to the immigration office, we would now have to ask justice for special permission to extend longer. Do you see how ridiculous this is? After only 10 months this is how far we've come...
SIGH...
Good news: I have a houseworker who makes this awesome crazy addictive fried chicken. I was smart enough to have her make it while Jon was doing electric and I was doing immigration. Very good decision on my part.
The electricity has been spotty in the kitchen for a day or two. A friend clued us into the possibility that its probably just the circuit that is dead- not the wiring for the house going bad as I had feared. After snap, crackling and popping at me this morning after Jonathan had gone to class, I shut off the electric to the whole house- when in doubt, better not to burn down the house. Jonathan came home from work today, he found an electric shop open, bought a new circuit and got it installed. So far, so good, the electricity is staying on and there is no more snap, crackle, pop. That's good, because it is wicked hot and the fan is doing its best but still its just blowing around warm air.
On another front, realization has been setting in that @ and I don't have paperwork from Immigration and our last extension expires tomorrow. Probably that means something should be done. Thing is we are waiting on the national level office to click 3 things for each of us in the computer before the local office can complete our visas. Its been like 10 or 12 days and they haven't done it so I'm not counting on them finishing before tomorrow when our extension keeping us legal, expires. So I got out to the local office to see what needs to be done. I tell them that we aren't clicked yet but my extension expires tomorrow. Funny thing, they are in a quandry too. There is no procedure or rule for this kind of thing. So they check the computer, just to double check our statuses, not that they don't believe me, just they too are hoping against hope. Well it seems that sometime in the last hour the national office did a little work- I have my clicks from the national office, now I'm just waiting on one click from an office across town. So they give me the phone number and name of that guy in the office across town- this shouldn't be a problem they say. Then they check @'s status from the national office. Seems the national office quit work after all that hard work clicking my name and they haven't done anything for the 5yr old. So the question remains, but now its taken on a real element of the ridiculous, tomorrow does the 5 yr old need to leave the country alone because he doesn't have his paperwork/clicks from the national office? Should we petition the justice dept for another extension for the 5yr old? Because we are out of extension technically according to the immigration office, we would now have to ask justice for special permission to extend longer. Do you see how ridiculous this is? After only 10 months this is how far we've come...
SIGH...
Good news: I have a houseworker who makes this awesome crazy addictive fried chicken. I was smart enough to have her make it while Jon was doing electric and I was doing immigration. Very good decision on my part.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
back to the immigration saga
So for the most part we've left immigration to handle itself. It became apparent that going out to the local immigration office was unprofitable- they are waiting on the national office to finish their work and send it to them for the next step. No amount of hassling at the university has seemed to work- turtles can only move so fast and they are waiting on the national office too. So what can we do? nothing. Once a week Jonathan's checked in to see if they need anything or if they've heard anything. The first of October we heard we had permission from Manpower and they were sending that to national immigration. Then a week and a half ago we heard that national immigration had approved but weren't finished with the appropriate documents.
We'd been thinking on a vacation but we had been waiting on the process. Not wanting to be out of town when they called and said they need a signature or a stamp or some obtuse piece of paper. This last week I had had enough and felt that it was time for us all to get away for a few days. We decided to leave on Saturday and be back on Monday (just in case they called). Lovely time was had by all and no calls came regarding immigration.
Finally this morning, we got a call - Go out and get pictures and fingerprints done at immigration! This was great news. This was the call we'd been waiting on that really signals that they are nearly done. So we went - ready to pay for @ and I and they said "Jonathan's paperwork is ready. It seems Amanda and @ haven't been cleared by national office." WHAT?! WE'RE DEPENDENTS! A 5 yr old and a housewife. So Jonathan proceeded. He'll have his final work permit card on Monday. @ & I, well we're a risk, I suppose. But what was fabulous- The immigration officer gave us our Computer ID #'s for the immigration system. He gave us the website and when I asked "How will we know when its ready? Should I call or just come out (30 min drive)? " He said "No, just check online. When you see that you are check marked to #16, we're ready for you to come here." How cool is that! So he walked me through the website and when I got home I checked it out here. No kidding, it works!
New favorite thing = checking my immigration status
Immigration officers thought is that it was a clerical error and so we expect to be moving along in the system in the next few days.
We'd been thinking on a vacation but we had been waiting on the process. Not wanting to be out of town when they called and said they need a signature or a stamp or some obtuse piece of paper. This last week I had had enough and felt that it was time for us all to get away for a few days. We decided to leave on Saturday and be back on Monday (just in case they called). Lovely time was had by all and no calls came regarding immigration.
Finally this morning, we got a call - Go out and get pictures and fingerprints done at immigration! This was great news. This was the call we'd been waiting on that really signals that they are nearly done. So we went - ready to pay for @ and I and they said "Jonathan's paperwork is ready. It seems Amanda and @ haven't been cleared by national office." WHAT?! WE'RE DEPENDENTS! A 5 yr old and a housewife. So Jonathan proceeded. He'll have his final work permit card on Monday. @ & I, well we're a risk, I suppose. But what was fabulous- The immigration officer gave us our Computer ID #'s for the immigration system. He gave us the website and when I asked "How will we know when its ready? Should I call or just come out (30 min drive)? " He said "No, just check online. When you see that you are check marked to #16, we're ready for you to come here." How cool is that! So he walked me through the website and when I got home I checked it out here. No kidding, it works!
New favorite thing = checking my immigration status
Immigration officers thought is that it was a clerical error and so we expect to be moving along in the system in the next few days.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
acclimation
I like flannel pajamas. I'm not picky about my flannel pajamas in general. I'll take shirt and pants or floor length nightgown. It was a point of some humor while I was in college that I still wore a floor length flannel nightgown to bed. It was very little house on the prairie, so much so that my friends borrowed it as part of their Ingalls family costume. My body temperature plummets at night and I'm always cold without flannel pajamas. Since moving here that hasn't been so much a problem because my city is a bit like living on the sun. Its silly hot, really all of the time. And then we add in humidity of living on the coast. Nice.
We have air conditioners in our rooms for sleeping. We turn them off during the day but it would be hard to sleep without an AC at night. Everyone has a magic number that they sleep at. @'s room we set at 25 C- something like 76F. We've tried to find the number for him that he can sleep but get too use too the cool. For us, we sleep at 23C (72F). We can sleep at 24 or 25 but I like to have a sheet. Jonathan sometimes still finds 23 isn't low enough for him. When we have guests that stay upstairs we encourage them to not set the AC any lower than 24. The guest room upstairs is well sealed and the room gets rather cold at 24. I should say our bedrooms downstairs are not well sealed. We have screen vents over the doors and our windows don't shut tight (wood and humidity don't mix) so we loose a bit more cool air. Our friends are 24s. We have some guests that have turned their AC down to 18C but they leave their bedroom door open too much.
Recently I wasn't sleeping well. I was rolling around at night. Pulling the blanket on and off. Too hot, too cold. And in evaluating my problem I realized my pajamas were the problem. Here I have never slept in flannel pajamas. Touching flannel is too hot. The thought of touching flannel is too hot. I sleep in a tank top and shorts. Maybe you've seen some pictures of me. My residual self image now only wears tank top and shorts. The lady who goes out of the house wears capri pants and t-shirts but the minute I return home I change back to tank top and shorts. But with the cold and hot problem I realized the problem was the pajamas. I tried out a shirt with short sleeves. Still too cool. And then I knew. It was time to get out the flannel pajama pants. I have adjusted to the climate here enough that 23 is cold. Jonathan is still the same and so we're keeping the temp at 23 but for me that means wearing flannel pajamas again.
I walked out of the bedroom the other morning in my flannel pajama pants. I made the coffee. Sat down at the computer. Realized I was warmish. Turned on the fan. Still not cool exactly. Realized still wearing flannel pajama pants. Changed in to tank top and shorts. Perfectly cool and lovely. Checked the house temp. 82F before humidity at 7a.m. Ahh, life on the sun...
We have air conditioners in our rooms for sleeping. We turn them off during the day but it would be hard to sleep without an AC at night. Everyone has a magic number that they sleep at. @'s room we set at 25 C- something like 76F. We've tried to find the number for him that he can sleep but get too use too the cool. For us, we sleep at 23C (72F). We can sleep at 24 or 25 but I like to have a sheet. Jonathan sometimes still finds 23 isn't low enough for him. When we have guests that stay upstairs we encourage them to not set the AC any lower than 24. The guest room upstairs is well sealed and the room gets rather cold at 24. I should say our bedrooms downstairs are not well sealed. We have screen vents over the doors and our windows don't shut tight (wood and humidity don't mix) so we loose a bit more cool air. Our friends are 24s. We have some guests that have turned their AC down to 18C but they leave their bedroom door open too much.
Recently I wasn't sleeping well. I was rolling around at night. Pulling the blanket on and off. Too hot, too cold. And in evaluating my problem I realized my pajamas were the problem. Here I have never slept in flannel pajamas. Touching flannel is too hot. The thought of touching flannel is too hot. I sleep in a tank top and shorts. Maybe you've seen some pictures of me. My residual self image now only wears tank top and shorts. The lady who goes out of the house wears capri pants and t-shirts but the minute I return home I change back to tank top and shorts. But with the cold and hot problem I realized the problem was the pajamas. I tried out a shirt with short sleeves. Still too cool. And then I knew. It was time to get out the flannel pajama pants. I have adjusted to the climate here enough that 23 is cold. Jonathan is still the same and so we're keeping the temp at 23 but for me that means wearing flannel pajamas again.
I walked out of the bedroom the other morning in my flannel pajama pants. I made the coffee. Sat down at the computer. Realized I was warmish. Turned on the fan. Still not cool exactly. Realized still wearing flannel pajama pants. Changed in to tank top and shorts. Perfectly cool and lovely. Checked the house temp. 82F before humidity at 7a.m. Ahh, life on the sun...
Friday, May 08, 2009
the last 2 weeks
I've been a little scattered over the last two weeks. Last month really. We've been waiting for our visa paperwork to come through. It was supposed to all be renewed by 9 April but as that day approached we had no paperwork from dept. of higher ed so we had to apply for an extension on our current visa. That sounded much more scary and uncertain than it actually was. We just had to fill out some paperwork (easy stuff) and then get some signatures. Really easy in the scheme of things and it didn't even turn out to be a question of if. Really a nice change. And so we had an extension for 30 days and our contacts were assuring us that wouldn't be a problem, we'd surely have our new paperwork to file for a new visa within 30 days. Great.
So as the end of our extension approached, we became desperate again. We need paperwork! One of our contacts said it looks like it'll be a little longer, i'll call ahead to immigration, another extension won't be a problem. So again we went to immigration, filed the super easy paperwork and then brought it to the lady who normally ushers us to the next signature. Instead of sending us on to the next signature, she sent us to the office of the guy over her. We needed to have something explained apparently. Immigration man very kindly explained that he could give us another 30 days without a problem but we HAD to have our Higher Ed. paper work or we would have to leave at the end of this 30 day extension- there wasn't another extension that he could give us. Sigh...
Jonathan went to his office and explained the situation, something has to come through or I can't finish teaching. We got a call later in the day from his office, it seems that all of our paperwork expired with Higher Ed back in Febuary. They can't really do a renewal on something that has been expired. And without their paperwork, we can't have paperwork from another office, because that paperwork has also expired. At some point, someone in charge of handling our papers missed a deadline in February and no one really knows what to do about renewing expired papers. Sigh....
Which leaves us planning to make a short trip out the first of June because we're pretty sure this isn't going to be a problem they (2 different offices) can figure out a solution to AND get us the paperwork in 3 weeks so that we can take it to immigration. Sigh... And actually its ok. We've settled ourselves down to the facts of life and we have a stopgap solution, not a great solution but it buys time and we can stay here after a short trip out.
The problem I can't find a solution around is that our driver's license expires next week. We can't get a new driver's license without a new visa from immigration. I have all of the letters except the new visa to show them, without that, there's is nothing they can do. The nice thing was that they were apologetic about it.
And honestly all of these rules makes sense. Immigrations has granted us 2 extensions, but really, if we can't come up with some new paperwork after 60 days, they can't just let people extend indefinitely. Without showing that you are legal to be in the country for the duration of the driver's license, why should they give you a letter saying you're legal to drive? In truth, I'm glad they didn't bend that rule for my downcast, sweet looking face. This is a country that is digging itself out of a terrible reputation for corruption. They are in between two major nationwide elections that they've tried desperately to make fair and honest. They are sure to have problems and some inaccuracies, but for real, who doesn't? But the fact that the policeman, tried to think of another legal avenue for me to obtain a driver's license and couldn't, and respectively and politely explained the rules, THAT'S FABULOUS!! He's doing his job with integrity and I applaud that.
Truth and Integrity just happened not to swing in my favor and I can live with that. But I'm still pretty down.
So as the end of our extension approached, we became desperate again. We need paperwork! One of our contacts said it looks like it'll be a little longer, i'll call ahead to immigration, another extension won't be a problem. So again we went to immigration, filed the super easy paperwork and then brought it to the lady who normally ushers us to the next signature. Instead of sending us on to the next signature, she sent us to the office of the guy over her. We needed to have something explained apparently. Immigration man very kindly explained that he could give us another 30 days without a problem but we HAD to have our Higher Ed. paper work or we would have to leave at the end of this 30 day extension- there wasn't another extension that he could give us. Sigh...
Jonathan went to his office and explained the situation, something has to come through or I can't finish teaching. We got a call later in the day from his office, it seems that all of our paperwork expired with Higher Ed back in Febuary. They can't really do a renewal on something that has been expired. And without their paperwork, we can't have paperwork from another office, because that paperwork has also expired. At some point, someone in charge of handling our papers missed a deadline in February and no one really knows what to do about renewing expired papers. Sigh....
Which leaves us planning to make a short trip out the first of June because we're pretty sure this isn't going to be a problem they (2 different offices) can figure out a solution to AND get us the paperwork in 3 weeks so that we can take it to immigration. Sigh... And actually its ok. We've settled ourselves down to the facts of life and we have a stopgap solution, not a great solution but it buys time and we can stay here after a short trip out.
The problem I can't find a solution around is that our driver's license expires next week. We can't get a new driver's license without a new visa from immigration. I have all of the letters except the new visa to show them, without that, there's is nothing they can do. The nice thing was that they were apologetic about it.
And honestly all of these rules makes sense. Immigrations has granted us 2 extensions, but really, if we can't come up with some new paperwork after 60 days, they can't just let people extend indefinitely. Without showing that you are legal to be in the country for the duration of the driver's license, why should they give you a letter saying you're legal to drive? In truth, I'm glad they didn't bend that rule for my downcast, sweet looking face. This is a country that is digging itself out of a terrible reputation for corruption. They are in between two major nationwide elections that they've tried desperately to make fair and honest. They are sure to have problems and some inaccuracies, but for real, who doesn't? But the fact that the policeman, tried to think of another legal avenue for me to obtain a driver's license and couldn't, and respectively and politely explained the rules, THAT'S FABULOUS!! He's doing his job with integrity and I applaud that.
Truth and Integrity just happened not to swing in my favor and I can live with that. But I'm still pretty down.
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
rotten mom's meal plan
Sunday evening I was writing up a meal plan for the week when Jonathan and I began talking about our long anticipated visa renewal. His plan was to start the week howling at his dept chair and secretary about the need to get this ball rolling if we are to get the renewal done on time -24 April. So he looked at the visa and we realized that who cares about 24 April, we need a visa by 9 APRIL! THURSDAY! So our game plan changed from howling to pounding on desks and I put aside the meal plan.
Monday we spent the day going back and forth between the university and the immigration office- both on different sides of town from one another. I scratched out a meal plan with the idea that after clearing up some confusion at the bank I could take @ with me around to the store to shop for groceries. @ and I sacrificed real lunch for ritz crackers and peanut butter with the promise of a trip to the A&W for cheeseburgers when we got to the store. We got into the bank (window, desk, window, desk, check the atm) and somewhere in between window, desk the heavens let loose a torrent of rain. I left the umbrella in the car down the block...sigh...@ and I waited about 10 minutes, me desperately praying it would let up. Finally I asked @ if we could make a dash for it. So we RAN down the block and I threw the child in the car and realized, I can't see out the front windshield. So we waited for a few minutes soaked to the bone in the car. Then came the realization- I must get home or plan to stay on this side of town until the water recedes. We drove through foot deep water but made it home. With no groceries- Ordering pizza.
Monday night @ woke up crying with a toothache, necessitating a trip to the dentist after he got out of school. Our dentist has afternoon hours and no one answers the phone in the morning. I went and bought groceries and asked our houseworker to make a nutritious dinner because I was planning to spend the afternoon at the dentist. @ and I stopped for KFC and rice and went to the dentist. Sorry can't get you in until monday but we'll call if something opens up, which looks impossible because Thursday is election day and friday is a holiday- sorry kid with the sore tooth. As I'm setting the table for the healthy nutritious meal prepared by the houseworker, the dentist office calls, can you come now? Off we go to the dentist's office and sit, waiting for an opening... 2 hours later, we're in. @ has an abcess on the dead tooth. 10 minutes later, we're done. But its 7:45 by time we get home and I'm able to talk @ into eating an apple pancake. Forgoing the nutritious dinner.
Now its Wednesday. I've just returned from sitting at immigration. I have 15 minutes before picking up @ from school. And we are having the nutritious meal planned for 24 hours ago for lunch.
Part of the new meal plan will be coming home to eat the meal.
Wednesday noon: gado-gado, rice, fried tempeh
Wednesday dinner: snack meal with friends at a holiday party
Thursday noon: Herb Garlic Beans & Chicken
Friday noon: Beef w/ Spinach, Naan
I have a fabulous plan to make Sweet Potato Waffles, Cookies and Whole Wheat Bread. But I also have a plan that we can run up to the Japanese noodle take out place and the BBQ Chicken place. If this week has taught me anything it is to take a picnic with us everywhere because the next office maybe on the other side of town.
Monday we spent the day going back and forth between the university and the immigration office- both on different sides of town from one another. I scratched out a meal plan with the idea that after clearing up some confusion at the bank I could take @ with me around to the store to shop for groceries. @ and I sacrificed real lunch for ritz crackers and peanut butter with the promise of a trip to the A&W for cheeseburgers when we got to the store. We got into the bank (window, desk, window, desk, check the atm) and somewhere in between window, desk the heavens let loose a torrent of rain. I left the umbrella in the car down the block...sigh...@ and I waited about 10 minutes, me desperately praying it would let up. Finally I asked @ if we could make a dash for it. So we RAN down the block and I threw the child in the car and realized, I can't see out the front windshield. So we waited for a few minutes soaked to the bone in the car. Then came the realization- I must get home or plan to stay on this side of town until the water recedes. We drove through foot deep water but made it home. With no groceries- Ordering pizza.
Monday night @ woke up crying with a toothache, necessitating a trip to the dentist after he got out of school. Our dentist has afternoon hours and no one answers the phone in the morning. I went and bought groceries and asked our houseworker to make a nutritious dinner because I was planning to spend the afternoon at the dentist. @ and I stopped for KFC and rice and went to the dentist. Sorry can't get you in until monday but we'll call if something opens up, which looks impossible because Thursday is election day and friday is a holiday- sorry kid with the sore tooth. As I'm setting the table for the healthy nutritious meal prepared by the houseworker, the dentist office calls, can you come now? Off we go to the dentist's office and sit, waiting for an opening... 2 hours later, we're in. @ has an abcess on the dead tooth. 10 minutes later, we're done. But its 7:45 by time we get home and I'm able to talk @ into eating an apple pancake. Forgoing the nutritious dinner.
Now its Wednesday. I've just returned from sitting at immigration. I have 15 minutes before picking up @ from school. And we are having the nutritious meal planned for 24 hours ago for lunch.
Part of the new meal plan will be coming home to eat the meal.
Wednesday noon: gado-gado, rice, fried tempeh
Wednesday dinner: snack meal with friends at a holiday party
Thursday noon: Herb Garlic Beans & Chicken
Friday noon: Beef w/ Spinach, Naan
I have a fabulous plan to make Sweet Potato Waffles, Cookies and Whole Wheat Bread. But I also have a plan that we can run up to the Japanese noodle take out place and the BBQ Chicken place. If this week has taught me anything it is to take a picnic with us everywhere because the next office maybe on the other side of town.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
sex sells cigs
We live in a rather reserved country. At least that is what I'm supposed to believe. But slowly we're seeing reserve be thrown out the window in favor of the modern and the material. Today I went to the grocery with @ and in the "busy corner booth" between the escalator and the grocery was the Marlboro display. And already you're saying "They can do that?" Yes, they can. Cigarettes can still advertise on billboards, print ads, and booths with no limits.
This booth is no coincidence. Its very strategic and purposeful. Recently a major representative group announced that smoking was not appropriate in public for its male members and not ever appropriate for women and children and that men should not smoke near women and children. Now there have been smoking bans from cities for many years but they are definitely not inforced. The organization's announcement has met with a great deal of criticism as it is seen to be dictating on details but not concerned with larger matters. And my surprise has been that this is considered a detail. Smoking is not a big deal. Smoking is what we all do, even though large numbers of the population would say they follow the decisions of the organization. This decision has made LOTS of people angry. Tobacco growers, smokers who are members and tobacco companies.
I happened to have my camera with me today and so I snapped a few shots (I didn't really stop moving, thus the blur). The young lady thanked me for taking the picture. I gave a little inside giggle because this young lady is clueless as to what her job represents and what it says (in this culture) about her.
Friday, February 06, 2009
first aid
I have a basic understanding of first aid. Over the years, I've taken a few different first aid classes and probably on and off had certification through Red Cross. But growing up we learned the basics. Things like apply pressure, wash thoroughly in soapy water before putting on antiseptic, then maybe a bandage. And so when @ gets the falls and bumps of childhood we know to apply ice for the swelling, elavate to slow bleeding. And when people come to work around our house we try to be cautious of them. If we see they're hurt or have a scrape we make sure they wash it up and we check back to make sure its healing, etc.
Today we had our houseworker's husband come and dismantle the overhang in our sideyard. He's been out of work for a few months and I thought that the morning of work and the opportunity at the scrap (easily sellable for recycling) would be a day of income he might wouldn't otherwise have. So this morning he came around with his neighbor who had a bike cart to dismantle the thing. As they were working with this rusty metal and scrap wood, they both got cuts. The first was just a simple cut on the finger. But the second was a good scrape of skin from the forearm. So after a little haranging at them, I sent them to wash it up WITH SOAP. Then I made them let me wash it out again with an antiseptic wipe, put some neosporin on it and wrap it with a band-aid. The whole time I'm doing this, they are watching wide eyed. They asked if we were doctors. Uh, no. No one has ever talked to them about first aid before. So as they left, I sent them band-aids and the tube of antiseptic and instructions on how to wash it twice a day WITH SOAP, dry it, put a little antiseptic on then a band-aid. He double checked the directions.
And so today, I'm thankful for first aid. I'm not like a nurse, I'm not even the first choice in most circumstances but I maybe the best choice for first aid on my street. So now I'm off to fill the first aid kit a little more thoroughly...
Today we had our houseworker's husband come and dismantle the overhang in our sideyard. He's been out of work for a few months and I thought that the morning of work and the opportunity at the scrap (easily sellable for recycling) would be a day of income he might wouldn't otherwise have. So this morning he came around with his neighbor who had a bike cart to dismantle the thing. As they were working with this rusty metal and scrap wood, they both got cuts. The first was just a simple cut on the finger. But the second was a good scrape of skin from the forearm. So after a little haranging at them, I sent them to wash it up WITH SOAP. Then I made them let me wash it out again with an antiseptic wipe, put some neosporin on it and wrap it with a band-aid. The whole time I'm doing this, they are watching wide eyed. They asked if we were doctors. Uh, no. No one has ever talked to them about first aid before. So as they left, I sent them band-aids and the tube of antiseptic and instructions on how to wash it twice a day WITH SOAP, dry it, put a little antiseptic on then a band-aid. He double checked the directions.
And so today, I'm thankful for first aid. I'm not like a nurse, I'm not even the first choice in most circumstances but I maybe the best choice for first aid on my street. So now I'm off to fill the first aid kit a little more thoroughly...
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Tempeh
Apparently I've caused something of a tempeh stir in the midwest. So I thought it might be good to answer some of the questions all at once because I'm getting a lot of the same questions.
First: Understand that tempeh is a soybean product but it is different than tofu. Tempeh is hulled soybeans, cooked and pressed until they are fermented. Tempeh has a visible bean, nutty texture and flavor. Tempeh has a light nutty flavor but does take on the flavor of what it is cooked with. Its easily grill-able, and its rough texture is going to be more palatable to average midwesterner. Tempeh is pictured below on the left. Tofu is on the right.
Tofu is a little like cheese made from soymilk curds. Tofu looks a little like a soft cheese and for the most part tofu has no real flavor of its own. Its brilliantly adaptable to whatever its cooked with. From what I know about tofu, the more it marinades the more flavor it takes on. Most often in Asian cooking its light flavor complements the other light flavors of soups. If you are look for big flavors of curries, spice or heavy food, tofu is going to taste bland. But if you are into delicate flavors, well, you're going to like tofu. Now this is just me, but if you are average midwesterner, tofu is probably not going to be a natural love; its going to be an acquired taste thing.
Let me tell you what I know about tempeh because I'm finding that my house likes it. Tofu not so much, maybe I'll get older and I'll love but for now, not so much.
Tempeh is good for you. Its a legume fiber protein. Good for your gastric/ colon health because its a fiber. Good for your body because its a protein that doesn't involve fat and cholesterol. I don't know a lot about health but I know that if I can get a protein not from red meat, that's good. And who doesn't have a better day when they've had a proper amount of fiber.
What to do if you're new to tempeh? Try to have it by someone who really knows how to make it first. If there is a restaurant that you go to and you love the food and they have tempeh on the menu, give it a go. Now if you are average midwesterner, you scoff at that because you're local restaurant may not know anything about tempeh. Granted. So here's your next option. Go to your grocery and start looking in the produce section for tempeh. Its dicey if it will be there but look amongst the vegetarian/ vegan refrigerated produce section. Surprisingly it maybe on the pricey side- Why? Because the store doesn't sell that much of it. Decide that this could be part of your entertainment budget. You're going to crack up your family anyway with the experience and how is that not entertainment? Here's a recipe to try.
**this is VERY LOOSELY adapted from 101 Cookbooks
8 ounces tempeh (how much you bought and you want)
3 tablespoons soy sauce
3 tablespoons maple syrup
1 teaspoon rice vinegar (i used cider vinegar)
2 cloves garlic, peeled, crushed and chopped
1/2 teaspoon powdered chipotle (or a couple pinches of cayenne)
Slice the tempeh in thinnish slices. Thick enougth to hold together and not fall apart. Set the tempeh aside while you make the maple marinade by combining the soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, garlic, and chipotle powder in a small bowl. Reserve a few tablespoons of the marinade to use later as a drizzle.
Place the pieces of tempeh flat in a large baking dish. Pour the remaining marinade over the tempeh. Make sure the tops and bottoms are coated and marinate for anywhere between 30 minutes and 2 days, flipping occasionally.
Grill the tempeh on a medium hot grill for a few minutes on each side. I used a George Foreman type griller but I think you could use a hot lightly oiled skillet. Brush with the marinade remaining in the bottom of the baking dish. When the tempeh is a toasted, deep, maple-y, golden brown remove and enjoy on a sandwich, over rice, or however you like.
Place the pieces of tempeh flat in a large baking dish. Pour the remaining marinade over the tempeh. Make sure the tops and bottoms are coated and marinate for anywhere between 30 minutes and 2 days, flipping occasionally.
Grill the tempeh on a medium hot grill for a few minutes on each side. I used a George Foreman type griller but I think you could use a hot lightly oiled skillet. Brush with the marinade remaining in the bottom of the baking dish. When the tempeh is a toasted, deep, maple-y, golden brown remove and enjoy on a sandwich, over rice, or however you like.
I suggest making a pot of rice and some stir fried veggies with a little of the leftover marinade thrown about on top of the veggies while cooking.
Give this a try. Its worth the experience and you'll have something to talk about with your girlfriends. You're coolness factor is going to go through the roof.
This is the site I used for the Tempeh picture and I'm going to be poking through for the next few days. We're still getting around tempeh at our house too but its one I'm finding success with. Last evening we had BBQ Tempeh on baked potatoes. Jonathan sat back from the table and said "I really enjoyed that meal". That's huge praise for Tempeh coming from Jonathan and he's given the green light to proceed with the experiment. Now if your family doesn't say that, don't force the issue with them (unless they are crazy picky eaters and then its time for them to stop). But enter with an open mind, not an EWW attitude. Most likely you don't know if you like it because you've never had it.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
We know we're annoying
but take this food box and its ok, right?"
Since we moved to this house our across the street neighbors have been in the process of remodeling. I thought it was taking a while to finish as we've been here nearly a year (Jan is 1 yr) and they are just now getting to the final finishing touches. Talked to a my neighbor Bu L. and in fact they've been remodeling and lifting the house for over 2 yrs. Judging from some of the materials in their garage they still aren't completely finished. But today finally they had their house blessing. Finally. Culturally you have everyone come over after prayers and they bless your house according to your faith. These neighbors are from a majority faith and so the girls showed up in their best head scarves and the young boys in their nice felt covered black hats and sorongs. Very nice looking. They toured the house a few minutes and then lined up outside to wash before they began the blessing. A little play at the water faucet for a few minutes and then the louder chat of call and response scripture reading began. We were worried when the 3 van loads showed up thinking this could become quite a thing but it wasn't too loud, we could still hear our sunday sermon on ipod. And the van of women and food showed up when they were into prayers about 45 minutes. We went on up the street for lunch and to buy fruit and when we came home the festivities were completed. When the neighbor saw us, he came around with food boxes and we thanked him and congratulated him on finishing. It doesn't sound like they are really done though. It'll be curious to see what tomorrow brings and if the workman return to inch along on more projects. At first I thought the workmen were annoying but they've become good "neighbors". They don't steal, aren't noisy, are respectful and courteous and have more than once helped with language confusion. We've chatted about their work and our work. Over the last few months, when I thought they HAD to be getting close, I realized I'm a little afraid of someone actually living there. I like the workmen. They know not to smoke anywhere near our house and even their noise doesn't bother me much now. But real neighbors will be there more than just 8 to 4, 6 days a week. They might want to LIVE there. Oh, the horror! 
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
A trip to the DMV
Yesterday I took my friend to the DMV to get her cycle license renewed. Foriegners only get a one year license and the license tends to be about double what nationals pay for a 5 yr. license. But that's how it is done and why not. My friend is a single woman and a lot of times she gets the run around from men in offices. I get it too but it tends to be to a lesser extent because I normally have Jonathan in tow- he's the guy with the job. They like to strut their stuff and show what they know. Power is sexy and they have power. She's gotten use to this song and dance for the most part and in the end the job gets done.
She proceeded up to the window with her file folder of copies and pictures and signatures to get the renewal. I sat in the waiting chairs. And as expected without fail the song began "Foreigners can't have a cycle license. Only one month. Only issued in tourist city. You must have forged this. You must have bribed someone." The refrain being from all 6 officers that came to the window "foriegners can't have a cycle license". Well that just can't be true because she's been getting a cycle license every year for like 9 years. Anyway they decide to start the process, nevermind the fact that they insist she can't, and they send her around to the health clinic. Now the health clinic is a new step and mostly its a color blindness test and a blood pressure check. No problem. She takes the papers back to the window hoping they've changed their minds and decided to be cooperative. But of course they haven't and insist she needs to take a written and practical driving test. Nevermind the whole time still saying foriegners can't have a license. So as the written test comes up I'm sitting in the back of the room thinking I really need to know what is on this test. My friend has excellent language skills and so she is unphased by the language but a little concerned as to what exactly this test is going to cover because this is the first we've heard of driving rules existing here. Traffic is manic at best. So she tries her best on a really confusing computerized test where the questions aren't clear as to which of the 3 cycles driving you are supposed to be judging. She gets a 60%. Sadly she needs a 70% to pass. They usher her to another room and explain a few times that she isn't allowed to take the test again for another 2 weeks. And she's accepting of this. Then they have her go back in and take the test again. Again telling her the whole time that she isn't allowed to take the test for 2 weeks but they insist she take it again. She passes with a 90% this time and the proctor explains some of the rules of the road to her after which she found very insightful. Then 12 more officers come in and explain that foreigners can't have cycle licenses and she isn't allowed to retest and now we want you to take the practical driving exam. Again she hasn't asked for special treatment. But she proceeds to the driving range. And again 12 officers encircle the driving area and begin taking pictures of her with their mobile phones during the driving exam. She knows she didn't get everything 100% on the driving portion but it sounds like she did a fair job of meeting their expectations.
In the end she gets her new cycle license but she finds out that the reason they insisted on the exams was that instead of a renewal, they processed her for a new license entirely because they couldn't believe that she had gotten a real license before. She also got the new license for a more reasonable price. No idea why that happened but thankful it did. She did pay for it quite heavily in her pride. Jonathan and I were thankful that she took one for us. Now we know what could be coming in May when we renew ours. It'll be curious though because Jonathan will be with me and I'll probably bring @. It could be that the one Y chromosome is better than 4 X's.
She proceeded up to the window with her file folder of copies and pictures and signatures to get the renewal. I sat in the waiting chairs. And as expected without fail the song began "Foreigners can't have a cycle license. Only one month. Only issued in tourist city. You must have forged this. You must have bribed someone." The refrain being from all 6 officers that came to the window "foriegners can't have a cycle license". Well that just can't be true because she's been getting a cycle license every year for like 9 years. Anyway they decide to start the process, nevermind the fact that they insist she can't, and they send her around to the health clinic. Now the health clinic is a new step and mostly its a color blindness test and a blood pressure check. No problem. She takes the papers back to the window hoping they've changed their minds and decided to be cooperative. But of course they haven't and insist she needs to take a written and practical driving test. Nevermind the whole time still saying foriegners can't have a license. So as the written test comes up I'm sitting in the back of the room thinking I really need to know what is on this test. My friend has excellent language skills and so she is unphased by the language but a little concerned as to what exactly this test is going to cover because this is the first we've heard of driving rules existing here. Traffic is manic at best. So she tries her best on a really confusing computerized test where the questions aren't clear as to which of the 3 cycles driving you are supposed to be judging. She gets a 60%. Sadly she needs a 70% to pass. They usher her to another room and explain a few times that she isn't allowed to take the test again for another 2 weeks. And she's accepting of this. Then they have her go back in and take the test again. Again telling her the whole time that she isn't allowed to take the test for 2 weeks but they insist she take it again. She passes with a 90% this time and the proctor explains some of the rules of the road to her after which she found very insightful. Then 12 more officers come in and explain that foreigners can't have cycle licenses and she isn't allowed to retest and now we want you to take the practical driving exam. Again she hasn't asked for special treatment. But she proceeds to the driving range. And again 12 officers encircle the driving area and begin taking pictures of her with their mobile phones during the driving exam. She knows she didn't get everything 100% on the driving portion but it sounds like she did a fair job of meeting their expectations.
In the end she gets her new cycle license but she finds out that the reason they insisted on the exams was that instead of a renewal, they processed her for a new license entirely because they couldn't believe that she had gotten a real license before. She also got the new license for a more reasonable price. No idea why that happened but thankful it did. She did pay for it quite heavily in her pride. Jonathan and I were thankful that she took one for us. Now we know what could be coming in May when we renew ours. It'll be curious though because Jonathan will be with me and I'll probably bring @. It could be that the one Y chromosome is better than 4 X's.
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