Dear diary I am tired. I spend my mornings sending out hundreds of emails and my evenings racing my fingers on the keyboard while listening to stories in my headphones. Every morning I wake up hoping that today’s sunshine will last longer, that I will find at least one reply to yesterday’s emails, that my stories aren’t boring, that this day will be better, that I will stop...
First day of high school. A lot of new faces, a lot of smiles and handshakes. I sit in front of my classroom door thinking I do not want to step into this new world full of new acquaintances, new dramas, new friendships that will most likely end badly. I take a deep breath, put a fake smile on my face and open the door. Everyone is loud. All the teenagers inside look like displaced ants trying to...
Today I have managed to get a job, to enjoy an afternoon with friends and to get my daughter to the emergency room. All in one day. I woke up this morning and let me tell you the world looks different at 6 am. It’s really strange to see a seaside of humans in the tram or the bus, being very quiet and wobbling like penguins while waiting to get at their bus stop. Well my bus stop was far...
My daughter is a cute midget who is growing up too fast. I sometimes am amazed of her progress and the choices she makes for herself. For instance her language choice is at least weird when you hear about our situation. For almost half a year now, she only wants to speak English; maybe because all of our friends are English speaking people or because she hears me speaking English a lot throughout...
I love the first day of March. It’s a special day for me ever since I was a kid. In my country, traditionally, everyone gives out a particular gift today, especially to girls. The gift consists in a small brooch, tied with a red and white string that you have to wear the entire month. Ten years ago I started taking off the brooch, but never stopped wearing the string on my wrist. This is...
I fell in love with Florence long before I became one of its residents. In time my reasons have changed and the touristy ones are long gone and left behind now. So, how does Florence manage to keep us trapped into its spiderwebs? These are six of my reasons: 1. In less than a month you are already experiencing Florentine feelings. Every single expat friend I have talked to has told me how much...
Today my daughter decided that it’s pointless to take a nap. My first thought: “There goes my work schedule.” as I always use those two hours to try and get things done. Instead of panicking, I took her out of bed and took her into mine. I figured if she doesn’t want to do something it’s fine as long as she plays quietly in my bed while I work. Toddlers have their...
Documentaries, welcome back into my life! Why have I ever let you go? I’ve missed you so much, please stay forever! To explain myself. I used to be a documentary freak. Back home our TV was always on National Geographic Wild or on one of the many Discovery Channels. I devoured them, went to bed watching, woke up in the morning and watched them again. At some point I had memorized all the...
I always go on and on about children being individuals and not our property. But today isn’t about that, it’s about respect. The new theories about parenting say you should not punish your child in any way, but in the same time they talk about discipline. I must say I am against any kind of punishment, but I do believe in time-outs. Sometimes we need a break from each other, the same...
10 am. I have some free time today. I just need to plan my lesson for tonight and that’s it. I should enjoy it, the weekend looks like it’s going to be awfully busy. Ephia is in her bed, playing with a pillow, waiting for me to show up. I always start with a song that makes us both laugh: Good morning, good morning/ Good morning to you./ Good morning mister rooster,/ Cock-a-doodle...
