We spoke about hiking and travel, two of my favorite things. Home made peda was delicious, and Mumbai misal was finger licking good.
2) So today a friend called and asked about how we like living here. My turn to give an unbiased opinion. It has been 2 months and it has been good.
How are the schools? How is dotter liking the school?
- We like the school. The teacher and principal seem very nice and respecting. No rude arrogant staff.
- There is one Indian boy other than dotter in class. First I felt a little bad for her but she seems to be doing well. She has her usual friend issues but mostly she seems a happy child playing with everyone in class.
- She has never said she is bored in school. In after school yes but not in school. They pick apples, they observe and paint sunflowers, did I share it here? They mix colors, and playdoh and what not. No reason not to have fun.
- Curriculum is not as 'advanced' as private schools but what is the hurry? Once a week homework to write F ten times and write words that start with F. Easy enough. This year will be repeat for her so I will focus on her extra curriculars, piano apparently needs to be practiced everyday ;--S and looks more of a homework for parents than students. Let's see how that goes.
How is the community? Do we feel alienated?
Community does feel elitist. Events look posh and yes it does feel like this town lives in its own world, in a good way. People are not arrogant or cheap. I have felt respected wherever I go. People smile. Like how it usually is in rest of US! We don't feel alienated so far. In fact we like the international community, families from Australia, UK, Norway! Etc. everyone is trying to fit in.
Best part about living here, apart from the commute is the libraries and parks. And the bike friendly community.
There is so much more to explore! So many restaurants and cafes to try out.
3) we went to an Arts and Wine Festival today.
Dotter got lots of compliments. It was like when we were in Germany/Austria ' I love her hair' 'She is so pretty!' ' I love her eyes'. Etc etc. One lady even went on to drop a compliment towards me and my hair too! ' I love the hair on both of you!'
JSK goes ' why does everybody say I am pretty, I am not pretty' I said ' why would they say that to a stranger kid if they really didn't mean it, you are pretty'
She is becoming classic mommy and now I understand. Friday when I asked her to wear a dress to go to friends place for Pooja she said ' mom don't make me look pretty in a dress because I am not pretty. I am not pretty ok?!' Was my logic for not wearing earrings, bangles, mascara and all that jazz, why try to be pretty when I wasn't. To my eyes she looks extremely pretty, even with her unruly hair and dark skin. Sigh!! Hope I can help her understand so she can really appreciate what she has before she looses them to middle age.
4) Lazy Saturday morning, sliced oranges straight from tree to plate, some projects, mullangi sambhar, dessert and a short cuddly family nap.
5) Okie weekends are happy, especially with Malai Kulfi!
