From the time Darian was around 4 until around 6 almost every one of his jokes ended with "There's a piggy on your head."
Knock, knock.
Who's there?
Sam.
Sam who?
Sam, there's a piggy on your head.
Why did the chicken cross the road?
Because there's a piggy on your head.
20 November 2009
19 November 2009
Thursday's Thought
Went for a hike today and talked to an Aussie friend about Christmas time. He mentioned how he had seen all of these movies of a cold, white Christmas and he would love to be in the States during that time. He asked if we really roasted chestnuts, sang carols (they also do that here in Australia), and other various Americana type of Christmas things.
It got me thinking how hard it will be this Christmas time. I cannot wait until we are on the beach, have some prawn, or a barbie at our house, or any of the other great traditions here in Australia. But the first time I walk into a store that has "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas," I suppose I will not be thinking happy thoughts. It is part of the culture shock process, but it is also because of the lack of media on Christmas stories for the southern hemisphere.
I cannot remember seeing one Christmas movie that made reference to a 35 degree (90 f) or hotter day on Christmas Day. Unlike my friend I have absolutely no reference to draw from, no framework for my imagination and logic to grasp what the holiday season will be like. I know I will enjoy the new part of my journey, but I also know I will long for the familiar cold Michigan/Pennsylvania days with the possibility of some snow.
It got me thinking how hard it will be this Christmas time. I cannot wait until we are on the beach, have some prawn, or a barbie at our house, or any of the other great traditions here in Australia. But the first time I walk into a store that has "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas," I suppose I will not be thinking happy thoughts. It is part of the culture shock process, but it is also because of the lack of media on Christmas stories for the southern hemisphere.
I cannot remember seeing one Christmas movie that made reference to a 35 degree (90 f) or hotter day on Christmas Day. Unlike my friend I have absolutely no reference to draw from, no framework for my imagination and logic to grasp what the holiday season will be like. I know I will enjoy the new part of my journey, but I also know I will long for the familiar cold Michigan/Pennsylvania days with the possibility of some snow.
18 November 2009
Wordless Wednesday
(Borrowed form Kendra, who borrowed the idea from Karla...not sure where she got the idea...)
17 November 2009
Terms and Conditions Applied
Terms, phrases and cultural cues my American self is learning in Australia...
Whinging - complaining in an annoying way (whinger, to whinge)
Whinging - complaining in an annoying way (whinger, to whinge)
16 November 2009
Monday's Mayhem
Darian and Brenna are amazing. They have courage, authenticity and uniqueness that I could have only dreamed of when I was their age. On Saturday the kids had their third week at the life saving club. Kendra and I want them to learn how to handle the ocean waters. Instead we see them learning how to be a person who is comfortable with themselves. Darian did not swim the allotted distance in the specified time needed to get into the water this past week. While he was not thrilled, he was proud of his achievement and wants to practice for next week. The past couple weeks Brenna has wisely tested herself and did not push herself past her own limits. This week she went the distance and was out in the water as far as any of the other kids becoming comfortable with her new surroundings.
It will be hot this week. Our family has not experienced a summer in over a year (August 2008). We are learning how to keep the house cool during the day, but we can only keep it so cool. For those in the States, there is no AC or central heating/air…at least not for most Australians including us.
Oh, and what is up with the Steelers losing to Cinci? In a game with ALL field goals…yikes…
It will be hot this week. Our family has not experienced a summer in over a year (August 2008). We are learning how to keep the house cool during the day, but we can only keep it so cool. For those in the States, there is no AC or central heating/air…at least not for most Australians including us.
Oh, and what is up with the Steelers losing to Cinci? In a game with ALL field goals…yikes…
15 November 2009
Sunday's Reflection
Well after 18 months of waiting, a few weeks ago we received a visa to stay in Australia for 2 years. It is kind of funny that we have waited almost as long as the duration of the visa itself. But this freed up our emotional hang-ups of attachment to Australia and its culture. We saw ourselves as visitors and not participants. That has changed.
This past week we (Kendra and I) spent a great deal of time at Brenna's school listening to kids read and helping some who struggle. It was a fun process, challenging at most of the time, but fun. My gift set is certainly not teaching/ helping K-2 kids, but the kids and teachers are very gracious. The best thing is I learn from the kids more than they could learn from me, mostly grammar and culture, but even about life.
Today I have been reflected on one specific life lesson that I have been learning throughout the week: learning and growth. I, myself, am at the same stage of growth in some facets of my life as these kids are in their reading. In this past week I have seen day dreamers focus, scared kids have the courage to call out an answer, and stuck kids wrestle to become unstuck. This has given me encouragement and energy to look past the things which stop/block my progress and move forward to growth and rejuvenation. So I am thankful for the kids teaching me about life.
Looking forward: this week should be a big week for my involvment at the Cancer Council.
This past week we (Kendra and I) spent a great deal of time at Brenna's school listening to kids read and helping some who struggle. It was a fun process, challenging at most of the time, but fun. My gift set is certainly not teaching/ helping K-2 kids, but the kids and teachers are very gracious. The best thing is I learn from the kids more than they could learn from me, mostly grammar and culture, but even about life.
Today I have been reflected on one specific life lesson that I have been learning throughout the week: learning and growth. I, myself, am at the same stage of growth in some facets of my life as these kids are in their reading. In this past week I have seen day dreamers focus, scared kids have the courage to call out an answer, and stuck kids wrestle to become unstuck. This has given me encouragement and energy to look past the things which stop/block my progress and move forward to growth and rejuvenation. So I am thankful for the kids teaching me about life.
Looking forward: this week should be a big week for my involvment at the Cancer Council.
06 August 2009
It's the small things...
SO we have found this great little donut shop in the local mall (mall is where you go shopping for everything, including groceries). Coffee is fairly expensive here. You pay Starbucks prices just about everywhere. But this little shop has a daily deal: 2 hot drinks (we get a cappuccino and a hot choclate) and 4 cinnamon donuts for $3.50 (AUD). Love it. Donuts for the kids and a little pick me up for Kendra and I.
We also went whale watching on Thursday. Had a blast. Saw several humpbacks. There were all kind of dolphins and seals. It was a good day out and the Mullins family came out with us.
Finding little bits of enjoyment is so important in culture adjustment. There are so many things I tend to get irritated by because of culture shock, but these little things are little rays of light as we navigate through this adjustment period.
We also went whale watching on Thursday. Had a blast. Saw several humpbacks. There were all kind of dolphins and seals. It was a good day out and the Mullins family came out with us.
Finding little bits of enjoyment is so important in culture adjustment. There are so many things I tend to get irritated by because of culture shock, but these little things are little rays of light as we navigate through this adjustment period.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
