Who's Your Granny?

For those of you who have met my grandmother, you can attest to the following.  On most days, you will find her going to the doctor's office, coming back or getting ready for the appointment.  She is a spiritual woman who often prays for her family and incessantly worries about each member.  There's no mistaking her religion.  She loves pork too much. 

So, when I got the following photo from Waldo stating that this Yemenese woman was my "protesting" grandmother, I saw absolutely no resemblance and noted that she would be the last person to protest the U.S. government, because it has given her a better life than what she would of led under a communist regime. 

Have you had any mistaken identity experiences?

Not Yet Groundhog Day

Do you remember the movie Groundhog Day with Bill Murphy where he was made to relive the day?  Well, we are still two weeks away from Groundhog Day, but I've already relived it three times!

Saying goodbyes more than once can get old, but not easy.  What is better?  Receiving intermittent visits, which are welcomed, but hard on everyone or not seeing the person at all until he/she is back on a more permanent basis?  I have yet to figure that out. 

Alas, I find myself at the airport bidding another goodbye.  The negative effects of a parent being away often are apparent on kids that don't grasp what is happening.  This was clearly evident today.  Overall, G appeared unfazed and in her own world.  However, Toddler S had a different reaction.  After saying "Da Da" once Waldo was no longer in view, she understood what I said, which was something like "he's gone, but will be back." A high scream was heard, followed by tears running down her chubby cheeks.  Once she stopped, I guess G thought it was probably a good time to throw in a "fake" cry just to add her soundtrack.  The gloomy ambiance changed once I stated that we will get a visit soon, which will not only be a surprise, but it will also be filled with surprises. 

The day had some peak moments, though.  Rewind a few hours, where you will find the adults patronizing the local Panera sharing a few last moments.  Waldo made sure to enjoy some of his favorite treats, because according to him, "you can't get this stuff in Yemen."

One Less Animal on Death Row

This was certainly not part of the agenda during Waldo's brief home visit, although I had brought up the possibility of adopting another animal.  We certainly don't need more action at home and I don't need more work.  There goes my logical point of view.   

 

Shelter Viewings




Toddler S


Saxon is officially now part of our clan, and in my mind, he is one less animal that could of possibly faced euthanasia.  He is a JRT (Jack Russell Terrier) mix we found at the Hillsborough County Animal Services where we adopted Yobi in 2008.  There are scant details about his background other than he is a 1.5-2 year old thin, shy stray who is "full of energy and ready to go home" as stated by one of the staff members.  I can now personally attest to this abundant energy level.  Wow, comes to mind!  Note to self, diapers must be kept out of reach of dog.

In the few days chez us, Saxon has fully integrated himself into the family to the point where he and the cat sleep near each other.  G & Toddler S love their new friend and he is gentle and non-aggressive towards them.   



Saxon



Waldo & Saxon

 


G & Saxon




Girls & I

 

Girls & I

The Humane Society reports that approximately 3-4 million pets are euthanized yearly.  If you are considering adding a pet to your family, that's one more reason to adopt from a shelter or rescue.  Purchasing from a pet store encourages puppy mills.  What is a puppy mill?

Je ne sais que?

I thought it would be a propos to address the topic of learning a second language as a follow-up to the recent post titled  There's a World Outside, where I discuss how to introduce new foods and expand palates.  Both topics go hand-in-hand and can be used in combination to having a more well-rounded child. 

The question of how to avoid finding oneself in a "je ne sais quoi" situation comes to mind.  Learning a foreign language allows a bridge to be laid between your world and the world of another person.  Good bye to that feeling of cluelessness!  By the way, the mismatched post title was intentional. 

Unless you've decided to move to India where you may need to learn one of its more than 1600 dialects, give your choice of language some thought.  Mandarin is the most widely spoken language in terms of the number of native speakers with Spanish coming in as second.  However, if you live in the United States, it would be useful to learn Spanish.  According to the 2009 census, there are over 35.5 million speakers and the U.S. has the second largest (after Mexico) Spanish speaking community in the world. 

If the reason of camaraderie is not enough for such an undertaking, then read on to find out other beneficial gains.    

• higher test scores
• bigger native language vocabulary and advanced reading skills
• greater opportunities in college and careers (more "mula" in the workforce)

Now, if you are ahead of the game and I've just bored you to death with the above, how do you feel you've benefited?  Personally, I have more foreign friends than only-English speaking friends and find that I can relate to the foreigners better due to similar life experiences.

New Beginnings

If you’ve managed to write a page’s worth of New Year’s resolutions, then I hate to play the devil’s advocate.  The probability of following through is low.  The key to maintaining the momentum throughout the year is to choose a couple of goals and keep them basic. 

Here are some simple, New Year’s resolutions that involve the entire family.

• Talk to your children about God or make time to worship Him.

Benefits:  improves sense of self-worth and harmony in the home, and lowers rates of illness

• Walk or do some other form of exercise.

Benefits:  reduces stress, improves sleep, and reconnects the family

• Decide on a social cause/charity and support it.

Benefits:  improves the lives of others and increases your family’s social and relationship skills

My best wishes to a great start to 2011!