Hibernation Central

Lots of news. I feel like we doing well, but lately not so good at communicating with the cyber world. So, let's see....

Rowan is learning to use the potty. He is doing great at home. At daycare, it is not really happening, but that is to be expected. It is kind of messy for Rob and I, but I am excited for a life with no diapers, so we will think good thoughts that this process will go smoothly.

Saniya is really into whispering. Also, she is into saying, "I can do whatever I want". This is kind of good and kind of becoming backtalk. The elusive; when to punish and when to appreciate a sign of independence dilemma.... hmmmm. Oh, and she has discovered that reading and writing letters and numbers is cool. She loves to write names, especially hers. She is obsessed with cutting, drawing and making letters and packages for people. And, she makes her own envelopes, usually with an entire role of tape.

I am doing ok. I am forcing myself to be more social. All I really want to do is hibernate, but I have started attending cooking classes in the building. It is great to get authentic recipes of traditional foods from around the world from the people of that country. Next week we learn to make croissants from a French woman. Last week was Hungarian Goulash. I learned that it is pronounced "gooyash" in Hungarian. Who would have thunk? Also, there is a Master's program in Real Estate Management. I am considering taking a few classes in January. It is strictly to own and manage our own property, not to be a realtor. We will see though, I am off to go talk with department today. Oh, and also, I just began teaching English to a friend. We are going to exchange babysitting for the lessons. This is actually better than money for us right now.

Rob is working constantly. He is applying to lots of positions. It is a slow process. Recently he applied for a position in France, London and San Diego. I think neither of us are considering any as a possibility until he is further in the process. So, we will see. His research is not working lately and that is stressful as well. I sound negative, but it is all part of the game, that is science and job search... and life, really.

The weather here is great. We are getting daily light dusting of snow in the last week or so. It is so beautiful. It is not too cold, just at freezing. The sun is out during most days. It is dark early. I think it is dusk at 3:30 now. I can't say this really bothers me. Maybe by Jan. or Feb. it will suck but for now it is good.

One last note, we just watched "The Inconvenient Truth", a documentary by Al Gore. It won the Nobel Peace Prize this year. I am feeling really good about our level of consumption as a family after watching this. I think resale buying is a great way to recycle. As well, I have begun giving Saniya environmental related chores around the house. Her "jobs" are to turn off all the lights when we leave, and to refill the trash can liner when the trash is emptied. Both of these tasks are feasible for her, but also begin the conversation of "what is energy and what is trash (vs. recycling) and where does it go". These are good questions to consider about our planet. I hope to develop this as she ages so that when it is appropriate we will visit a land fill and a power plant. Also, in a holiday related way, we are considering how we can have a "green Christmas" this year. One idea is to make our own wrapping paper. We are going to propose it to Saniya and then decide together as a family a few things that we can do that will be fun but sustainable. To have this topic as a conversation I feel it is my duty to teach both kids the value and responsibility to this earth. I hope this helps other parents to consider some basic chores their kids can do that will help them understand where we live.
Ok, signing off for now.
Yasmiene