We've been busy lately. We have moved to a smaller, 3 bedroom apartment in our same complex. It's taken some time and extra energy because it looked pretty thrashed and needed some help to turn it from ghetto-like to home-like. There are some things I will miss about our first apartment, but this new one already feels like home. And we are pretty excited that we are paying about 60% of what we were paying at our other apartment.
We are still in school here until the end of June, which makes it hard for me to read all of your school's out activities you are involved in. The bbq's, campouts, picnics, hikes, boating excursions, etc. all make me pretty jealous. Or perhaps "homesick" would be a better word.
Meili has switched to half days of school because she has a perpetual "tummy ache" about going to Chinese school. It makes me sad; I'm not sure how to help her. We've tried to emphasize that she is just going to make friends and not to worry about learning Chinese, but Taiwan's school system is just so serious; I mean she already has homework every night! She has to be in school now or they won't accept her into elementary school... Any ideas on how I can help her?
Something else that is new is that I have started writing for an online web page at www.examiner.com as their National Living Abroad Examiner. My home page is here and I write about what it's like living abroad. It's a lot of fun for me and the hours are perfect for a busy mom (ie whenever I have a minute). They are hiring other examiners who write on a topic for their city or nationally. You should check it out. Plus, if you are hired on by June 30th, I receive a little bonus! Sweet!
Snow, snow go away!
9 years ago
6 comments:
Poor Meili. I have no clue what the culture is like there, but do her teachers have any suggestions? Is there anyone else in her class in a similar situation, or another student who could be her buddy who maybe speaks a little bit of English? Again, it may depend on the culture? So hard to see little ones' self confidence and comfort at school struggle.
That's awesome about your writing job! I wish I lived abroad so I could participate!
WOOT WOOT! Way to join the Examiner crowd. I'm sure your articles will be MUCH more enticing than mine are....
Sidra! I'm sorry to hear Meili isn't enjoying her school there. I wish I had some suggestions for you...
If you will give me your email address (mine is carley.tall@gmail.com) I wish email you some pictures I took of Meili back at the Y. I just found them on my computer, they're pretty cute.
Hey do you get paid to write for them? Email me, I might want to do it too! Also, as for the schools, we had a similar situation and I moved Olivia to another school just this week (we are on day two). I have to drive to another town but so far I think it was a good idea.
Congratulations! I can't wait to read your posts for the examiner! You need to put the link on facebook so we can access it easily. Poor Meili! I'm sure it will get better for her. Since Sam hasn't entered kindergaten yet I have no advice to offer!
I'm sure it is easy to get homesick, but if it is any consolation we are jealous if your adventuers abroad! You guys seem to be havnig such an amazing experience.
What is Scott going to do when the school year ends?
It's so fun to read your examiner articles! And I'm glad your new place is working out well.
So sad for Meili---what a huge transition! I wonder if there is any way you could volunteer to spend time in the class with her once in a while (do they do that in Taiwan?). I'm sure getting babysitters would be difficult, but it might help you get a better idea of specific situations she's struggling with and might help her feel more comfortable. ???
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