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Thursday
Jun192008
I was just drenched in a torrential monsoon rain in about ten seconds of a scooter ride
June 19, 2008
Since I'm guessing that you don't want to hear about the power outs last night when we were try in the crazy humidity, when Chinua and I lay on our backs staring at the ceiling fans, listening to the barking dogs outside... well, you've heard it all before, so maybe I'll tell you about this conversation instead.
The kids come clambering onto our bed, obviously distraught.
Kid A- "Mooom, YaYa's making everything wrecked!'
Me- "What's she wrecking, honey?"
Kid A- "Well, it's both of our birthdays today, and SHE'S trying to take the first bite out of ALL the cakes, and that's not fair, because I want the first bite.
I stare at him for a minute.
Me- "But don't you think it makes sense for each of you to have your own cake, and then each of you can have the first bite of your cake? Since you're both having your birthday?"
Kid A- "I want to do that, but everytime I try, she just CHOP CHOP CHOPS (quick slashing motion with his hands) it UP, and then she takes the first BITE, of ALL the cakes!"
Me- "Soooo, why don't you make sure that both of you have your own cake, and then YaYa can chop hers up? And both of you can have the first bite?"
YaYa- "I just want a taste of his. It's coconut blackberry."
Kid A- "NO NO NO, you shouldn't take MINE!"
YaYa- "C'mon, Kid A! Let's go get another coconut blackberry one..."
They run off, leaving me shaking my head over the fact that I have perfectly regular conversations sorting out arguments about invisible cakes made of AIR.
And then there was the moment, today, when YaYa, touching the back of her knee, said, inexplicably and jubiantly, "Oh! Your knee pits help you walk!" like she had solved what had long been a mystery to her.
Oh these kids. Treasure.
The other day my Superstar Husband came home with this:
When I opened it up, I found this:
A garland of jasmine, which smelled like pure heaven, because there is nothing on earth that smells like jasmine other than, well, jasmine. And don't you hate how they never really get it right, when they try to put it into soaps and stuff?
Details and cooking adventures (last night I mistakenly tried to make chicken soup from something that turned out to be a lot like chicken spam) and homesickness aside, it's perfect to be able to buy a garland of jasmine wrapped in a banana leaf from a man walking down the street.
The kids come clambering onto our bed, obviously distraught.
Kid A- "Mooom, YaYa's making everything wrecked!'
Me- "What's she wrecking, honey?"
Kid A- "Well, it's both of our birthdays today, and SHE'S trying to take the first bite out of ALL the cakes, and that's not fair, because I want the first bite.
I stare at him for a minute.
Me- "But don't you think it makes sense for each of you to have your own cake, and then each of you can have the first bite of your cake? Since you're both having your birthday?"
Kid A- "I want to do that, but everytime I try, she just CHOP CHOP CHOPS (quick slashing motion with his hands) it UP, and then she takes the first BITE, of ALL the cakes!"
Me- "Soooo, why don't you make sure that both of you have your own cake, and then YaYa can chop hers up? And both of you can have the first bite?"
YaYa- "I just want a taste of his. It's coconut blackberry."
Kid A- "NO NO NO, you shouldn't take MINE!"
YaYa- "C'mon, Kid A! Let's go get another coconut blackberry one..."
They run off, leaving me shaking my head over the fact that I have perfectly regular conversations sorting out arguments about invisible cakes made of AIR.
And then there was the moment, today, when YaYa, touching the back of her knee, said, inexplicably and jubiantly, "Oh! Your knee pits help you walk!" like she had solved what had long been a mystery to her.
Oh these kids. Treasure.
The other day my Superstar Husband came home with this:
When I opened it up, I found this:
A garland of jasmine, which smelled like pure heaven, because there is nothing on earth that smells like jasmine other than, well, jasmine. And don't you hate how they never really get it right, when they try to put it into soaps and stuff?
Details and cooking adventures (last night I mistakenly tried to make chicken soup from something that turned out to be a lot like chicken spam) and homesickness aside, it's perfect to be able to buy a garland of jasmine wrapped in a banana leaf from a man walking down the street.
Reader Comments (13)
Snorting with laughter about the invisible coconut blackberry cakes and breathing deeply the smell of jasmine from across the world. Rae, you are amazing. I feel as though I'm right there in India with you. Peace.
Mmmm, the jasmine. There really isn't anything like it. I, too, regularly have to settle arguments about imaginary things. Huh. No wonder motherhood changes people so much! Love to you all!
Reminds me of Laura's jubilant discovery at about the same age...that if this (pointing appropriately) is your arm pit, isn't this (pointing under chin) your neck pit? They are just so doggone smart, aren't they? Very cute. And the jasmine...mmmmm. Missing you, Rae.
That is so sweet!!
I miss you guys.
Bringing your wife a garland of jasmine? I'd give that a 9.8 on a 10 point scale for romance. Mmmm.
seriously though, could i gobble you all up. you are all so adorable.
Now they've got me craving coconut blackberry cakes! My mouth waters!
Sooo, when in a monsoonal downpour on a sticky-hot day...is the rain warm??
When riding a scooter in a downpour... do you have to turn your head to breathe, like swimming?
Things I just gotta know! mark
Jasmine, hmmmmm.
Hey, I know this is the really boring stuff, but I'd like to know how you're blogging from there. Are you going to an internet cafe? When you move to the jungle how will you blog from there? Will there be an internet connection? Is it wireless or hardwired? I'm just interested in this boring stuff.
sweet superstar husband:)) nice surprise
it's good that your husband is romantic. wish you the best jasmine!
so so sweet,
usually garlands are for guru's or dieties in temples, you must be god-like for him,
i read your blog after making jasmine flower garlands in califronia for our srila gurudev, jasmine is his favorite flower,
there's just something about you two that smells like love all over!
best wishes with the family and muffin...
I think the same thing. Far from home and feeling homesick but then again I'm eating bananas from my tree outside and I can buy a whole octopus at the store if I want to. Not that I'd want to - at least not just yet.
BTW I added you to my reader. I just updated firefox and the capabilities lagged a little. So that problems solved. Looking forward to reading about your adventures!
I got to the air cakes and lost it. Hilarious! I've had to break up fights about pretend dragons in the park. So glad to know I'm not alone.
I love your writing voice. Having spent six months in Uganda before the kids came along, I can relate to some of your experiences. You make me hungry for more international travel with my little shadows.