Ethiopian Friends

When I was offered my position to teach overseas I inquired if there were any other Ethiopian children at the school. I was told, no but that there were South African and Caribbean and Namibian and adopted children and single moms but no, no Ethiopians. He reassured me that although there are no Ethiopians there are so many people from so many different places that no one feels like an outsider. I'm sure that's true but we will both really, really miss the Ethiopian community here in DC and our Ethiopian friends.

Almi spent one more night with her teacher. I got these photos of them going to church. Ms. E said she was very well behaved in church and loved wearing the green dress. She also told me she started speaking to her in Amharic and that Almi was starting to understand. "In one year she would've be fluent," Ms. E shared with me. Yeah, I cried on the drive home thinking about that one.


Another sad thing is Almi won't get to grow up with all the Ethiopian children adopted by friends of mine. It would have been such a great thing for Almi to be included in this group, not to mention so many of these kids are also children of single moms. Dinknesh, Asfaw, Isley, Maddie, Rebekah, baby Dawson, Daniel, Jewel, Amara and others would have become very special friends. We did at least luck out and get to meet A in the knick of time. D just brought A home from Ethiopia a few weeks ago and we got in one playdate at the local park.

Our new home doesn't even have any Ethiopian restaurants but I did pack some berbere powder and I will be teaching the cook how to make doro wat, tikil gomen and other Ethiopian dishes. If I can find the right ingredients and pan, I will even ask her to try her hand at injera (or "ah-JEW-ah" as Almi calls it). Almi loves herself some ahjewah. I also downloaded some Ethiopian music onto my computer and packed some Ethiopian clothing, jewelry and art to decorate our new home that I picked up in Addis. And who knows? Maybe after this contract I will be offered a job to teach in Ethiopia? But for now we will make do with what we have and I will do my part to keep our connection to and love of Ethiopia alive in our home and in our hearts. We may even have enough money to visit one day soon. In the interim, we are off to become citizens of the world. We leave in three days for our Asian adventure.

Five Hours

That is how long I was at the hair salon. Yes, FIVE HOURS! Far too long. But at least my hair looks good and I can pass for being ten years younger (my #1 goal no matter the price)!

Five hours is also how long I hung out at my going away party. I am going to miss everyone so much!!! We had a great, great time.

Summer Goings On (When I'm Not Packing)

Celebrated my birthday again (sans kiddo). We had so much fun!!! I heard about this restaurant, Coco Sala, on the Food Channel and just had to go. They are known for their chocolate desserts.

And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. Mmmm, rich chocolate-y yumminess!
Yard Sale'n it again.Yes, everything was $1. I was just going to pack up my car and take it all to Goodwill but I figured I could sit outside and enjoy the gorgeous weather for a few hours and see if I could make a few bucks. It was very easy to set up and the weather was absolutely perfect. I sat outside with my coffee and croissant and read The New York Times. After reading the wedding section cover to cover (the woman's sports page) I went on to other sections. Did you know that Judge Judy makes $45 million dollars a year and only works 5 hours a week?! That's what I'm talkin' about! I need to put that out into the Universe (though I was happy with the $60 I made!)
A good friend was in town from Cali and I went over there for dinner a couple of nights. Fun times and, again, perfect weather! I think this is DC's gift to me, all this lovely weather. :)

(thanks for the green dress mom, I love it!)

Oh, and I had a date. Since I didn't ask him if he wanted to be on the internet I'm only going to post this photo from the evening. He's cool but I'm moving 8,000miles away so I guess that's that! LOL
Ok, enough photos and procrastinating!!!!! Gotta get back to this:


Oy vey.

It's Been a Very Busy Few Days

This week has been jam packed! I haven't done a thing towards our move because there was so much else going on. Every day was busy! Every single day. I have had very little sleep.
The week started out with celebrating her birthday. And we had family in town. And then there was my surprise going away party for me at work. And report cards were due. And her end of the year awards ceremony. Whew! It's been crazy!

When her birthday finally rolled around, she was an old pro with blowing out candles and singing her age and all of that! Here is my cutie pie on her way to school with the cookies for her friends. I'm lovin' the Mary Jane's, tiara and band aid!I think I can show three fingers, Mama.

Yes, there. I'm three!

Grandma really wanted to come into town to celebrate her youngest grandchild turning three. It was so sweet seeing them together. She insisted that Grandma sit in the backseat with her and hold hands. Awww...

Before going into the daycare to sing Happy Birthday to her and share the cookies with the her classmates, Grandma came into my classroom to read one of her books to my Kindergartners. They were so excited to have a real author visit!

Then we headed down the hall for the birthday celebration. I think Almi was overwhelmed with seeing Grandma in her daycare cause she had a meltdown. Seeing her with her classmates and hearing them sing to her was cute, but I admit, was quite disappointed that she wouldn't sing 'I'm three years old' for the video. Which leads me ask this question. Does turning three mean you officially stop listening to your parents and your teachers? Seriously. I'm just wondering cause it has been downhill ever since.

After school we went out to dinner: Almi, Grandma, her Godmother Ayanna, and I. She wanted pizza for dinner so we that's what we did. Her lovely behavior continued in the restaurant. Sigh. She was not listening. Again. Luckily, when she had her pizza she calmed down and was happy. She even proved to us she can sing how old she is. Loudly. Very, very loudly. LOL



After dinner we went home. There were more presents.

And a cute card where Almi knew which bunny she was and which were Grandma and Grandpa.

Then there was more cake. This time an ice cream cake from Baskin Robbins. She (we) loved it!



Later on in the week Uncle C was here to see the munchkin. Love seeing them together!

And last night my colleagues threw a surprise going away party for me! Man, they are really awesome. We had a ball. We had dinner and wine and lots of laughter. They even surprised me with two awesome gifts. A gift card for the Apple Store and iTunes for me and an adorable backpack filled with toys and games to entertain her on the flight! How incredibly thoughtful is that?!

Tonight was her award ceremony at school. I cringe with embarrassment thinking about it. Let's just say the drama there deserves its own post. Can I tell you how glad I am that Friday is here?! Mama needs a big goblet of wine!!!

Weekly Menu

After breaking out in a rash on my arms last week, I have tried to eat more home cooked meals, do some restorative deep breathing and take some time for some fun amidst all the chaos and stress that is my life right now. All this stress is taking a toll on my physically, not to mention I am gaining weight! The rash is still there but it seems to be clearing up. I'm just grateful it was contained to one area and not terribly obvious. What a wake up call.

We went to the Farmer's Market again today. I think we will go every weekend until I leave. Aside from the wonderful produce, I like chatting with the farmers and I always run into someone I know! This trip we picked up two heads of lettuce, some mint, a loaf of sourdough, a banana muffin (we ate it there), and 4 Snickerdoodles. I also bought some iced tea and a grass-fed burger for lunch. I plan to make some tea with the mint and eat salad every meal until I use up all the lettuce. I may make some croutons out of some of the sourdough.

Menu:
1. Monday is a holiday so we may go to a BBQ or we'll eat leftovers and fruit
2. Salad and spaghetti
3. Salad and hamburgers on the George Foreman
4. Tunafish salad
5. Salad and veggie burgers on the GF grill

We went to a BBQ on Saturday night and I had so much fun. I hardly get out anymore and miss it! I told the hostess that I'd love to come but I didn't have a sitter. She told me to come and bring Almi so I did. I kept her out a bit too late but I needed some time with friends and my miniature social butterfly had a great time. Here are a couple of pics from the night.

Man, do I miss going out!! I kind of forgot how much fun it is (ok, not really). It was just really great to spend time with friends I have known for such a long time. I am going to miss them! And it was really nice to hear what kind things people were saying about me and my daughter! Compliments about Almi included:

She is so independent
She is so mature
She is so adorable

The things said to me were a bit overwhelming. I felt like I was at my wedding or something the way people were being so complimentary. I don't know why I am posting them but I guess I don't hear such nice things very often. It's amazing how far kind words can go in making someone's day. Those wonderful people were saying sweet things like:

You are beautiful
You have a great body
(I mention these because I have felt anything but beautiful and in good shape lately. In fact, I have spent a lot of time lately focusing on my shortcomings and flaws. They were really nice to hear even if they were said to question why I don't have a man. LOL But seriously, it was nice to hear them from women because coming from a man you kind of roll your eyes and wonder what their motives are; coming from females they just seem sincere. And yeah, why don't I have a man?! Who knows! I think he is across the ocean waiting for me to arrive. But I digress. Back to the compliments).
Then one friend went on to say that she was impressed by me and that she "worships me". Seriously. She said she is so full of admiration for me because I go out and do what I say I am going to do and get what I want out of life. She said each time she heard I was going after a new job or moving or buying property she was impressed. But now, she says, it's on another level with having adopted and now moving overseas.

I don't mention these things to brag or draw attention to myself. I am simply putting them down in print to remind myself that I should continue striving to live the life I want to live, to go for the goals I have set, to be proud of what I have accomplished thus far and to look at my future as being positive and bright. I have a decent amount of self esteem and confidence in my decisions, but honestly it really felt good to not only have the compliments heaped upon me last night but to have the decisions I have made affirmed by people whose opinions matter. Hearing that they are impressed with what we are doing has given me the extra push I so desperately need right now to look at this overwhelming and stressful time in the most positive of ways. We are down to the final stretch of this move and I still have an incredible amount of things to do in a very, very short time. I know there is a beautiful, bright light at the end of this tunnel but right now I can't see it. I know it's there so that is keeping me going but the details are heaped so high that it is blocked. June is going to be really, really crazy busy with the school year ending and Almi's birthday along with me needing to wrap up some very important details like her readoption, getting the house rented and getting our stuff shipped. I know I can do it, but all positive thoughts are welcomed!

Ok, I must get back to work! I hope you are having a wonderful holiday weekend.

Fun With Friends

I swear, this has been the busiest three months of my life! School is finally out (longest six weeks ever!) and I now will have time to post about all the things we have been getting into. My poor, neglected little blog. Oh, how I've missed you! In the meantime, here are some shots from the last couple of months. Naomi has had many visitors and has seen a lot of new things. One thing I can say is she is not. shy. at. all. She loves to interact with new people-- adults and children alike. We love you Titi, Stuart, Ayanna, Dawn, Deborah, Tigist, Helina, El-Shaday, Ruthie, Abraham, Rebekah, and everyone else who visited when the camera wasn't around. Please come again! You are always, always welcome!!

Tick Tock

I invited some friends to join me for one last single-woman-without-children dinner and to celebrate my life changing event. We broke bread injera together at Almaz Restaurant. It was a nice gathering. Everyone is so excited about my Almaz!

(me with the owner, Mimi)

I have done so much in the last few days. I have worked practically non-stop. I should be done. I feel accomplished. Thing is, there are still many VERY IMPORTANT items left and I am almost out of time!!!! ARRRRRGGGGHH!!!!!!

* install carseat
* firm up ride to and from the airport
* organize paperwork
* organize donations
* pack
* set up the nursery
* clean (i.e. move all things from her reach)
* babyproof (outlets, cabinets, baby gates, window guards, etc.)
* make her doctor's appt.
* color my hair (sounds unimportant until the greys come in and then it's critical!! lol)

Wow. Clearly, it's not getting all done. I am going to just focus on the top five and if the rest get done before travel, great. I totally advise all of you in the paperchase and the waiting phase to do some of these things now!! It seems so far away, like you have all the time in the world but you really do. not. Ok, you are all probably very organized and efficient and good at delegating. I am the only dufus who is trying to do everything herself and then waits til the last possible minute to get it all done. That works when you are trying to write a paper in college but it does not work when you are trying to adopt a child!!!! (Note to self for the next time).

OK. Well, I am going to back to my to do list now. Have a good evening.

NYC

I took a quick trip to NY this weekend to check out a Broadway play. Fela! was playing at the Eugene O'Neil Theatre. I read a review of it in the NY Times over Christmas and thought it sounded fantastic. Yesterday was showtime so I drove up. I love NYC!

The drive wasn't bad (though the $50 in tolls about killed me! What's up with that?) In tolls alone I paid more than the $36 bus would have been--not to mention gas, wear and tear on my car, and the fact I couldn't sleep or be productive on the trip up. Definitely won't drive next time. But it was so worth it. What an amazing performance! After the play we went to grab a drink. I look straight up Ethiopian in this picture. Don'tcha think?!

I love how NYC makes me feel so alive! I feel like I am living on the pulse of American life. I love how the clubs don't get going til after midnight and you can order sushi at 3 in the morning if you feel like it. I love how you can walk and walk and walk and still be in a commercial area with shops and restaurants. I love how you will never be able to eat in all the restaurants or have a drink in all the bars. I love how beautiful and unique the people are and how incredibly diverse it is. I love the brownstones and the shopping and the artsy scene. I just love NY! Man, if I could get a job there making six figures I'd move back in a heartbeat! It may not be the best city in the world to raise a child, but I still hope I can live there again one day...