Sometimes I watch Jackson's antics and I wonder just what he's thinking.
Last night we were getting ready for dinner so I started giving Jackson some instructions on what to do (clean up toys, try the potty, wash hands...). I guess he must have gotten tired of hearing me give instructions for the umpteenth time in the one hour we had been home because he covered his ears and turned his face away from me. When he took his hands of his ears, I asked him what he was doing? No answer. So I started repeating my instructions. He immediately covered his ears again and watched me for my response. I was in a silly mood so I started just silently moving my mouth in an exaggerated fashion. He looked baffled for a minute, then uncovered his ears (I guess to check my speaking volume). As soon as he took his hands off his ears I returned to my normal speaking voice. So he covered his ears again and I went to silent mode. This time, I got a laugh from him and we went back and forth a few more times.
Later in the evening, I had propped Kiran up on the sofa so she could watch Jackson playing. He suddenly jumped on the sofa. It looked like he was grabbing her head and getting a little too close to her face for my comfort. I immediately jumped up to protect the poor babe from her overzealous brother. When I got closer I saw that he was mouthing nonsensically to her. The hands were actually just covering her ears. I had to crack up. I've been cracking myself up all day long at the memory of him covering the baby's ears and mouthing silently to her. I just don't know what he's thinking sometimes. Between the moments of frustration at dealing with his "two-ness", come moments like these that are just pure delight.
Clarice
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Pleasant Little Girl
Kiran's been such an easy baby...that is, once she made it through her week 6 fussy period. She doesn't cry much - only if we get really messed up with our planning and leave her hungry more than 15 minutes. Such a content baby. Here she is talking to her little friends who circle her head on her mobile.
Clarice
Clarice
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Business Travel
I love traveling. I love seeing the diverse terrain and cultural environments of this world. Whenever we travel, I can't stand staying in. I want to see as much of each new city as I can.
I just got back from a trip to Dallas. I was there to take a Board Exam. I flew out Sunday afternoon and came back last night. I was gone only 38 hours. Besides a walk to get lunch at a sandwich joint half a mile away and a shuttle ride to the testing center a mile away, I never left the four walls of my room.
That was my second trip to Dallas this year. The first was in April for a dental meeting. I only left the hotel once - to go on a guided tour to Baylor Dental School.
Business travel holds little pleasure for me. I didn't even want to explore more of the city. For me, something as fun and enriching as travel must be a shared experience. But, oh boy, is traveling a challenge with two little ones. So we'll have to wait a few more years before Ian and continue in our goal to visit all 50 states and 6 of the 7 continents. Here's our progress so far:
create your own personalized map of the USA
or write about it on the open travel guide
create your own visited country map
Clarice
I just got back from a trip to Dallas. I was there to take a Board Exam. I flew out Sunday afternoon and came back last night. I was gone only 38 hours. Besides a walk to get lunch at a sandwich joint half a mile away and a shuttle ride to the testing center a mile away, I never left the four walls of my room.
That was my second trip to Dallas this year. The first was in April for a dental meeting. I only left the hotel once - to go on a guided tour to Baylor Dental School.
Business travel holds little pleasure for me. I didn't even want to explore more of the city. For me, something as fun and enriching as travel must be a shared experience. But, oh boy, is traveling a challenge with two little ones. So we'll have to wait a few more years before Ian and continue in our goal to visit all 50 states and 6 of the 7 continents. Here's our progress so far:
create your own personalized map of the USA
or write about it on the open travel guide
create your own visited country map
Clarice
Monday, September 15, 2008
Jackson loves Kiran
He always wants to kiss her. I should be thankful, but he's so much heavier and stronger than she is.
It's still pretty cute though.
Clarice
It's still pretty cute though.
Clarice
Flying with a toddler
Jackson has become quite a traveller. If he had a frequent flier number, he would have already earned himself a round trip ticket. People often ask us how he does when he flies. Most of the time quite well, but it does take some advance planning. Here are our tips:
1. Fly during nap time. That kills around 2 hours.
2. Run him up and down the aisle of the airplane. He can burn off some energy and we get to meet some interesting people.
3. Let him actually drink juice. That's a big deal for the poor child of a dentist.
4. Bring movies...and ration his TV watching prior to the trip so it's a real novelty again.
Here's Jackson watching Little Einsteins on my iPod.
Clarice
1. Fly during nap time. That kills around 2 hours.
2. Run him up and down the aisle of the airplane. He can burn off some energy and we get to meet some interesting people.
3. Let him actually drink juice. That's a big deal for the poor child of a dentist.
4. Bring movies...and ration his TV watching prior to the trip so it's a real novelty again.
Here's Jackson watching Little Einsteins on my iPod.
Clarice
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Remembrance
Thursday was a memorable day. Since 2001, September 11 has been a significant date to me. Something in me woke up after the events of that momentous day. But over time, I've begun to forget the overall impact just a bit every year.
This Thursday morning started out just like any other day. We woke up, washed up, and I packed Jackson into my car to begin our journey to day care. We did our normal routine, pointing out the ambulances waiting outside the local hospital's ER, the tow trucks near the auto repair shop, the taxis parked outside the Four Seasons Hotel. Then we started approaching Jackson's favorite location on our journey to school - the fire station. As I do every morning that I drive him to school, I peered ahead to see if there would be a fire engine in the front drive of the fire station rather than tucked away in the garages. I saw the flash of red that told me that Jackson was going to have the rare treat of seeing a fire engine in plain sight. I knew he would be so excited. But when the engine came in full sight, I couldn't join Jackson in his joyful celebration of fire trucks. There was a ladder truck parked in the driveway. The firefighters had extended the ladder to full length and had draped an American flag at the top of the ladder. They were honoring their lost fellows-in-arms. And I remembered again the horrible actions of those who hate our country and our way of life, who consider it an act of heroism to perpetrate violence against America. And the somber tone that has marked most of my September 11's since 2001 returned again.
But the afternoon brought a redemptive moment to this date. As Ian has blogged, he was sworn in as a citizen of the US. It was such a remarkable experience. There were probably way more guests than there were inductees. People sporting video cameras, still cameras, and celebratory flowers. There were guests and brand new citizens bearing American flags and wearing red, white, and blue apparel. The sense of excitement and pride was really, really moving. And I realized that I was in a room full of people who wanted to be American, who worked hard to become American.
There really is something special about America. The freedom and democracy that the founders set into motion draws people from all over the world, some of whom give up amazing careers to start all over again in this country (some day I'll blog about the conversations I've had with the international students at UCLA Dental School). But that very same freedom inspires such deep hate, the kind of hate that compels people to take their own lives and the lives of others with them.
So now September 11 is not only the date that terrorists attacked the US, but now it is the date that Ian became a citizen. And although I'll always remember the terrible attacks, I can now remember that this is the date that my American-raised husband chose to become a citizen, choosing to celebrate the very aspects of this country that others hate. I will remember that we are incredibly blessed to be in this country.
Clarice
This Thursday morning started out just like any other day. We woke up, washed up, and I packed Jackson into my car to begin our journey to day care. We did our normal routine, pointing out the ambulances waiting outside the local hospital's ER, the tow trucks near the auto repair shop, the taxis parked outside the Four Seasons Hotel. Then we started approaching Jackson's favorite location on our journey to school - the fire station. As I do every morning that I drive him to school, I peered ahead to see if there would be a fire engine in the front drive of the fire station rather than tucked away in the garages. I saw the flash of red that told me that Jackson was going to have the rare treat of seeing a fire engine in plain sight. I knew he would be so excited. But when the engine came in full sight, I couldn't join Jackson in his joyful celebration of fire trucks. There was a ladder truck parked in the driveway. The firefighters had extended the ladder to full length and had draped an American flag at the top of the ladder. They were honoring their lost fellows-in-arms. And I remembered again the horrible actions of those who hate our country and our way of life, who consider it an act of heroism to perpetrate violence against America. And the somber tone that has marked most of my September 11's since 2001 returned again.
But the afternoon brought a redemptive moment to this date. As Ian has blogged, he was sworn in as a citizen of the US. It was such a remarkable experience. There were probably way more guests than there were inductees. People sporting video cameras, still cameras, and celebratory flowers. There were guests and brand new citizens bearing American flags and wearing red, white, and blue apparel. The sense of excitement and pride was really, really moving. And I realized that I was in a room full of people who wanted to be American, who worked hard to become American.
There really is something special about America. The freedom and democracy that the founders set into motion draws people from all over the world, some of whom give up amazing careers to start all over again in this country (some day I'll blog about the conversations I've had with the international students at UCLA Dental School). But that very same freedom inspires such deep hate, the kind of hate that compels people to take their own lives and the lives of others with them.
So now September 11 is not only the date that terrorists attacked the US, but now it is the date that Ian became a citizen. And although I'll always remember the terrible attacks, I can now remember that this is the date that my American-raised husband chose to become a citizen, choosing to celebrate the very aspects of this country that others hate. I will remember that we are incredibly blessed to be in this country.
Clarice
Ian's U.S. Naturalization Day
I finally got a letter from INS to appear at the L.A. Convention Center on Thursday 9/11 to swear in as an American Citizen.
The fact that it was at the convention center should have clued me in to the demand for naturalization in California, the world's seventh largest economy, but just a few months ago I had attended my sister's nice, small swearing-in ceremony in Atlanta. The new citizens went in first to process in and verify that no changes to a person's marital or criminal status had occurred since the approval interview. Then the guests were allowed in to wait in a large room for an hour and entertain the restless toddlers. Finally, we filed into the district courtroom for a very nice ceremony that included hearing each name and nationality. There were 75 total new citizens and 50 countries represented.
Contrast that to my experience. There were 6,121 new citizens and no chance to be called by name or learn the demographics of the room. I noticed plenty of spanish and asian origin and one tall white man from eastern Europe. It was a cattle call. I was able to make brief contact with my wife and children so they could look in my general direction. After group oath-swearing, the pledge of allegiance and a video address by President Bush, all six thousand of us traded in our green cards for our proof-of-citizenship certificate, which surprisingly took less than an hour.
I'd love to post a picture of my Certificate of Naturalization, but since; "It is punishable by U.S. Law to copy, print or photograph this certificate, without lawful authority," I'll just show you the letter I received from President Bush.
Meanwhile, my family waited patiently outside, entertained by light-hearted heckling between the Republican Party and Democrat Party voter sign-up booths. I got my picture taken with a life-size cutout of McCain. Then we went out to dinner with some friends to celebrate.
Despite the impersonal aspects, I found myself in serious and grateful contemplation throughout the experience. I've been in America since I was nine and don't remember feeling any allegiance to my home country Canada. I've always cared for American interests and issues ever since the Reagan presidential campaign. I've only paid taxes here and I registering with the Selective Service when I turned eighteen. In 1990, while working as a co-op student for McDonnell Douglas Helicopter, builder of the Apache attack helicopter, the first Gulf war began and there was talk of a possible draft. I knew I was eligible and I was willing to fight for America back then. In fact, during my oath-swearing ceremony, about a hundred new citizens were recognized for serving in the armed forces to expedite their citizen process. Nobody forced them or me to care this deeply for America.
America is a great nation that for the most part shares my values. There is great opportunity here for personal advancement and service to mankind. American principles and ideals are worth fighting for and I'm proud to be an American.
Ian
The fact that it was at the convention center should have clued me in to the demand for naturalization in California, the world's seventh largest economy, but just a few months ago I had attended my sister's nice, small swearing-in ceremony in Atlanta. The new citizens went in first to process in and verify that no changes to a person's marital or criminal status had occurred since the approval interview. Then the guests were allowed in to wait in a large room for an hour and entertain the restless toddlers. Finally, we filed into the district courtroom for a very nice ceremony that included hearing each name and nationality. There were 75 total new citizens and 50 countries represented.
Contrast that to my experience. There were 6,121 new citizens and no chance to be called by name or learn the demographics of the room. I noticed plenty of spanish and asian origin and one tall white man from eastern Europe. It was a cattle call. I was able to make brief contact with my wife and children so they could look in my general direction. After group oath-swearing, the pledge of allegiance and a video address by President Bush, all six thousand of us traded in our green cards for our proof-of-citizenship certificate, which surprisingly took less than an hour.
I'd love to post a picture of my Certificate of Naturalization, but since; "It is punishable by U.S. Law to copy, print or photograph this certificate, without lawful authority," I'll just show you the letter I received from President Bush.Meanwhile, my family waited patiently outside, entertained by light-hearted heckling between the Republican Party and Democrat Party voter sign-up booths. I got my picture taken with a life-size cutout of McCain. Then we went out to dinner with some friends to celebrate.
Despite the impersonal aspects, I found myself in serious and grateful contemplation throughout the experience. I've been in America since I was nine and don't remember feeling any allegiance to my home country Canada. I've always cared for American interests and issues ever since the Reagan presidential campaign. I've only paid taxes here and I registering with the Selective Service when I turned eighteen. In 1990, while working as a co-op student for McDonnell Douglas Helicopter, builder of the Apache attack helicopter, the first Gulf war began and there was talk of a possible draft. I knew I was eligible and I was willing to fight for America back then. In fact, during my oath-swearing ceremony, about a hundred new citizens were recognized for serving in the armed forces to expedite their citizen process. Nobody forced them or me to care this deeply for America.
America is a great nation that for the most part shares my values. There is great opportunity here for personal advancement and service to mankind. American principles and ideals are worth fighting for and I'm proud to be an American.
Ian
Friday, September 12, 2008
Ian's latest jobs
Hey,
A few links of my work have finally come online.
Here's a link to a music video I just stunt coordinated for Autralian singer Lenka called "The Show."
Also, the trailer is finally up for the movie I stunt coordinated in Jordan earlier this year called The Stoning of Soraya M.
And here's a link to Acts of Violence, the feature I helped produce two years ago, using our house as four locations.
Ian
A few links of my work have finally come online.
Here's a link to a music video I just stunt coordinated for Autralian singer Lenka called "The Show."
Also, the trailer is finally up for the movie I stunt coordinated in Jordan earlier this year called The Stoning of Soraya M.
And here's a link to Acts of Violence, the feature I helped produce two years ago, using our house as four locations.
Ian
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Coming out of the political closet
That's who we're voting for. There...I did it. I've admitted our political leanings. I've personally been wanting to blog about politics for a while, but realized that not everyone knows where we stand. It's particularly interesting to be McCain/Palin supporters (and I'm a registered Republican) when you work in academia and Hollywood. Both Ian and I are scorned minorities. But both of us feel that this coming election is extremely important. And both of us have become political junkies. So instead of cluttering our personal blog with the political, Ian has started a new blog. If you're interested in politics, navigate over to hoteyre.blogspot.com. We look forward to some interesting interactions.
Clarice
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