Ian has a great memory for places. The post is full of non-descript, crumbling, tan colored buildings. He recognizes the turn for pool and you can't see the pool from the turn. In fact, the turn is easy to miss. We have only been to the pool a few times (3 I think). He also recogizes the Pet Care Center as soon as we pull into the lot that we park in when we go there. The Pet Care Center is on the other side of the fence from the lot and again, it is not noticeable. Another example, we parked in a lot where Curt had a meeting and waited for him outside. Ian saw a cat in the bushes. That was the first time we ever went there. The second time, as soon as we pulled into the lot, he pointed to the bushes where the cat had been and said,"Tat!"
He certainly didn't get this ability from either of his parents!
Monday, June 30, 2008
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Ian Sings Again!
When Ian took Kindermusik, Ms. Shelly would sing a very simple clean up song," x away. x away. Time to put the x away."
It seemed to have an effect on him so I kept singing it.
Last night, I was putting away all the shoes that Ian took off the shoe shelves when he came in, picked up his sandals and sang,"Sandals away. Sandals away." Th tune was perfect. then he picked up some shoes and said,"Shoes away. Shoes away."
I wasn't singing the song, he did it on his own.
It seemed to have an effect on him so I kept singing it.
Last night, I was putting away all the shoes that Ian took off the shoe shelves when he came in, picked up his sandals and sang,"Sandals away. Sandals away." Th tune was perfect. then he picked up some shoes and said,"Shoes away. Shoes away."
I wasn't singing the song, he did it on his own.
Cursed Electronics
Recently:
1. Ian knocked the table over with Curt's work laptop (Dell). He had just moved everything off the server b/c of server problems and hadn't backed it up, yet (within hours of moving things off this happened). Both heads on the hard drive are destroyed so it had to fall just right. They sent it out to see if things could be saved. I don't understand this because if you commit a crime, they can recover anything, but if you are a regular person it is impossible.
2. Curt's Apple laptop went on the fritz. It is better since Curt removed the nickel Ian shoved into the disk drive. We think there might be more in there.
3. Curt's ipod is shot. We even took it to the authorized Apple retailer in Seoul and they said it was impossible to fix and very expensive to try.
4. The Apple G-5 desktop just went crazy. It showed the Apple gray screen of death and loud fan whirling. I tried several things to fix it but just made it worse as the archive and install option disappeared. I then just tried to re-install Leopard and it said I had to erase and install. It wouldn't even let me do that:"Installation failed". I think we lost some video of Ian on that computer, but I think I have most of the pictures that were on it. I don't know if we should try to take it to the Apple people in Seoul and struggle with translation or send it to the States to a Mac guru. Of course, we didn't have things backed up either. Hadn't gotten around to it.
My precious MacBook had better survive. I need to do regular backups to an external hard drive. Hope the computer lasts until I can do that.
Trying to let all this go.
1. Ian knocked the table over with Curt's work laptop (Dell). He had just moved everything off the server b/c of server problems and hadn't backed it up, yet (within hours of moving things off this happened). Both heads on the hard drive are destroyed so it had to fall just right. They sent it out to see if things could be saved. I don't understand this because if you commit a crime, they can recover anything, but if you are a regular person it is impossible.
2. Curt's Apple laptop went on the fritz. It is better since Curt removed the nickel Ian shoved into the disk drive. We think there might be more in there.
3. Curt's ipod is shot. We even took it to the authorized Apple retailer in Seoul and they said it was impossible to fix and very expensive to try.
4. The Apple G-5 desktop just went crazy. It showed the Apple gray screen of death and loud fan whirling. I tried several things to fix it but just made it worse as the archive and install option disappeared. I then just tried to re-install Leopard and it said I had to erase and install. It wouldn't even let me do that:"Installation failed". I think we lost some video of Ian on that computer, but I think I have most of the pictures that were on it. I don't know if we should try to take it to the Apple people in Seoul and struggle with translation or send it to the States to a Mac guru. Of course, we didn't have things backed up either. Hadn't gotten around to it.
My precious MacBook had better survive. I need to do regular backups to an external hard drive. Hope the computer lasts until I can do that.
Trying to let all this go.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Coex Aquarium
Last week, we went to the Coex Aquarium at the Coex Mall. It has a good variety of species and some interactive kid areas where little ones can run around. I had to chase Ian backwards through the exhibit. He was on the run! Like many places in Korea, you can get strollers for free from customer service/information. We used them to stroll the kids through the mall before we went to the aquarium and during lunch, but left them outside when we went to the aquarium so the kids could see better.
Here are the rules for the touch exhibit:
Ian has been in a throwing phase, so I had to keep a close watch on him:
Afterwards, Ian fell asleep:
and we had Beef Shabbu Shabbu for lunch:
Thinly sliced beef:
That you could for a few seconds in soup that is boiling on your table:
Here are the rules for the touch exhibit:
Ian has been in a throwing phase, so I had to keep a close watch on him:
Afterwards, Ian fell asleep:
and we had Beef Shabbu Shabbu for lunch:
Thinly sliced beef:
That you could for a few seconds in soup that is boiling on your table:
My Disorganization Saved Me from My Disorganization
Ian and I went to Karuna's 2nd birthday party today at the indoor pool on base. Traffic was terrible. I had to wait through three cycles of the light to turn. Just as I was making progress, Curt called to say that I left the birthday and swim bags at home. There was no place to turn around until I got to the base and by that time it was almost 2:30pm (the party started at 2pm). Luckily, I already had my bathing suit on and I left the pool bag from our last time to the pool in the car so I didn't have to go back to the house. I didn't have time anyway. We were a half hour late and still the first ones there! Even the birthday girl was late because of traffic. (Reason for bad traffic: rain).
Ian played in the pool for an hour and a half. The water comes to my waist so I had to get in and help him. He jumped off the side and went underwater about 50 times in a row before he switched to swimming after a ball and finally, climbing the stairs and jumping off. I had to drag him out kicking and screaming. Even with his wetsuit, he was shivering, but he did not want to leave the pool.
"My pool! My Trina! My pool! My Trina!" he wailed.
He has a hard time with "K" sounds. The other day when we were with Karuna, he said,"Krina", but today he was saying,"Trina". He really likes Karuna. He even tried to blow bubbles in the water after she did it.
After the pool time, we had pizza, hummus, fruit, veggies and cupcakes. The gift bags had a bar of dark chocolate and a little book. (Ian and Karuna love dark chocolate). There were a couple other kids there and two other couples without kids. It was a very relaxed, laid back party.
On the way in, we saw Ian's friend and modeling associate, Caroline, with her mom and sister. At the party, one of the guests we met at the ACS Playgroup. It seems big at times, but is a small community.
I am thinking that we will do Ian's 2nd birthday at the bowling alley, but I haven't decided, yet.
Ian played in the pool for an hour and a half. The water comes to my waist so I had to get in and help him. He jumped off the side and went underwater about 50 times in a row before he switched to swimming after a ball and finally, climbing the stairs and jumping off. I had to drag him out kicking and screaming. Even with his wetsuit, he was shivering, but he did not want to leave the pool.
"My pool! My Trina! My pool! My Trina!" he wailed.
He has a hard time with "K" sounds. The other day when we were with Karuna, he said,"Krina", but today he was saying,"Trina". He really likes Karuna. He even tried to blow bubbles in the water after she did it.
After the pool time, we had pizza, hummus, fruit, veggies and cupcakes. The gift bags had a bar of dark chocolate and a little book. (Ian and Karuna love dark chocolate). There were a couple other kids there and two other couples without kids. It was a very relaxed, laid back party.
On the way in, we saw Ian's friend and modeling associate, Caroline, with her mom and sister. At the party, one of the guests we met at the ACS Playgroup. It seems big at times, but is a small community.
I am thinking that we will do Ian's 2nd birthday at the bowling alley, but I haven't decided, yet.
What Should You Look for in a Yoga Class?
Cairo Connie asked me to post about the above topic and answer the following questions:
* What should I look for in a yoga class?
* Questions I should ask an instructor before signing up?
* What do the different styles incorporate in regards to aerobic, muscle training, flexibility, etc.
* Are there differences in styles with regards to goals - ie. I'm not interested in weight loss as the primary goal.. yes, it would be nice.. but I would prefer the focus be on whole body health.
While I am not an expert in yoga, I have dabbled in many classes (due to frequent moves) and have formed some opinions that might be helpful.
Yoga in India involves much more than exercise and in fact, the asanas (poses) are preparation for meditation. In the west, yoga focus on the physical in its many variations of Hatha Yoga. Goals can range from purely physical weight loss to more spiritual meditation and study. Most classes fall somewhere in between. "Hatha" is a very generic term that could mean anything in that range. It is probably the most common name for a class. If the class has a very specific name you can be more certain of what to expect.
Most class work on strength and flexibility, but some classes are more aerobic and some have more focus on meditation, balance and pranayama (breathwork).
Ideally, you can do a little reading and choose a class that theoretically fits your goals and start your yoga exploration there. However, in some places, like Cairo where Connie lives, there isn't much selection, so you may just have to try what is available and see if you like it.
1. What should you look for in a yoga class?
*Choose a class that matches you goals, if you have the luxury. If you don't, keep an open mind, "go with the flow", "commit to the process" and give it a chance. You may be surprised.
*Choose a teacher that you feel comfortable with. Yoga should be non-competitive, meaning that they don't compare you to other students, they work with you where you are. Yoga should be a positive experience, if you don't feel comfortable with the teacher for whatever reason, you won't get the full experience.
*Choose a teacher with training. A teacher does not need to have studied in India for 10 years to be a good teacher, but to ensure proper alignment, prevent injury and give modifications to postures to deal with your fitness level, existing injuries, pregnancy, etc., you need a teacher that has been trained.
2. Questions to ask an instructor before signing up:
*What style do you teach?
*What is the focus/goals of the class?
*Where did you train?
*Can you make adjustments for ___________ (whatever issue you have)?
*Sometimes, you can do a drop-in class or free trial class before making a commitment to a package. Ask about this.
3. What do the different styles incorporate in regards to aerobic, muscle training, flexibility, etc.?
See this Yoga Journal article for a listing of styles.
4.Are there differences in styles with regards to goals?
Yes. I enjoy a variety of styles, some are more athletic than others. Some are designed for fitness, yet still have pranayama and relaxation incorporated. I do not like classes that you don't feel a burn. In a good class, you will know that you have been there, no matter what the style.
A few other random pieces of advice:
1. Surrender to savasana(corpse pose). It is a relaxation/meditation pose. It is amazing how well it works. When I first started doing Bikram, I thought savasana was a waste of time, because how could you recover yourself in such a short period of time (between difficult poses), but then I started to give into it and it was truly amazing. It made my final savasana (10-15 minutes) much better as well. I also appreciate classes for a stronger emphasis on meditation after learning this lesson in Bikram (a very athletic style).
2. Chant. If they chant in the class, do it. Don't be afraid to use your voice. You will be helping others by committing to it and chanting loudly.
3. Try a class at least three times before making a decision. If you are very reluctant, you can drop in once, but I really recommend trying at least three classes. The first time I did Bikram, I thought I was going to die. The second time was better. I didn't go back for a third time because I got busy. So I tried again and went three days in a row. I loved it.
4. Go (or practice) at least 3 times a week to see a real benefit. You will see/feel a difference even if you only go once a week, but to get physical results (weight loss, increased strength, increased flexibility, improved meditation), I think you need to do it three times a week. that said, you don't need to start three times a week.
5. Develop a personal practice. Do sun salutions or pranayama every day at home. I don't do this, but wish I did.
For Connie, they had classes at CSA, though the teacher I had is now gone. There is also an Indian Cultural Institute in Cairo that offers classes and there was an instructor that I found online but didn't try who taught out of her home. Some classes are offered at gyms and the popular dance studio in Maadi, but again, I didn't try those.
As a mom, one of the most important factors is finding something that fits your schedule and you can get to on a regular basis, that is why I went to CSA (I could walk).
* What should I look for in a yoga class?
* Questions I should ask an instructor before signing up?
* What do the different styles incorporate in regards to aerobic, muscle training, flexibility, etc.
* Are there differences in styles with regards to goals - ie. I'm not interested in weight loss as the primary goal.. yes, it would be nice.. but I would prefer the focus be on whole body health.
While I am not an expert in yoga, I have dabbled in many classes (due to frequent moves) and have formed some opinions that might be helpful.
Yoga in India involves much more than exercise and in fact, the asanas (poses) are preparation for meditation. In the west, yoga focus on the physical in its many variations of Hatha Yoga. Goals can range from purely physical weight loss to more spiritual meditation and study. Most classes fall somewhere in between. "Hatha" is a very generic term that could mean anything in that range. It is probably the most common name for a class. If the class has a very specific name you can be more certain of what to expect.
Most class work on strength and flexibility, but some classes are more aerobic and some have more focus on meditation, balance and pranayama (breathwork).
Ideally, you can do a little reading and choose a class that theoretically fits your goals and start your yoga exploration there. However, in some places, like Cairo where Connie lives, there isn't much selection, so you may just have to try what is available and see if you like it.
1. What should you look for in a yoga class?
*Choose a class that matches you goals, if you have the luxury. If you don't, keep an open mind, "go with the flow", "commit to the process" and give it a chance. You may be surprised.
*Choose a teacher that you feel comfortable with. Yoga should be non-competitive, meaning that they don't compare you to other students, they work with you where you are. Yoga should be a positive experience, if you don't feel comfortable with the teacher for whatever reason, you won't get the full experience.
*Choose a teacher with training. A teacher does not need to have studied in India for 10 years to be a good teacher, but to ensure proper alignment, prevent injury and give modifications to postures to deal with your fitness level, existing injuries, pregnancy, etc., you need a teacher that has been trained.
2. Questions to ask an instructor before signing up:
*What style do you teach?
*What is the focus/goals of the class?
*Where did you train?
*Can you make adjustments for ___________ (whatever issue you have)?
*Sometimes, you can do a drop-in class or free trial class before making a commitment to a package. Ask about this.
3. What do the different styles incorporate in regards to aerobic, muscle training, flexibility, etc.?
See this Yoga Journal article for a listing of styles.
4.Are there differences in styles with regards to goals?
Yes. I enjoy a variety of styles, some are more athletic than others. Some are designed for fitness, yet still have pranayama and relaxation incorporated. I do not like classes that you don't feel a burn. In a good class, you will know that you have been there, no matter what the style.
A few other random pieces of advice:
1. Surrender to savasana(corpse pose). It is a relaxation/meditation pose. It is amazing how well it works. When I first started doing Bikram, I thought savasana was a waste of time, because how could you recover yourself in such a short period of time (between difficult poses), but then I started to give into it and it was truly amazing. It made my final savasana (10-15 minutes) much better as well. I also appreciate classes for a stronger emphasis on meditation after learning this lesson in Bikram (a very athletic style).
2. Chant. If they chant in the class, do it. Don't be afraid to use your voice. You will be helping others by committing to it and chanting loudly.
3. Try a class at least three times before making a decision. If you are very reluctant, you can drop in once, but I really recommend trying at least three classes. The first time I did Bikram, I thought I was going to die. The second time was better. I didn't go back for a third time because I got busy. So I tried again and went three days in a row. I loved it.
4. Go (or practice) at least 3 times a week to see a real benefit. You will see/feel a difference even if you only go once a week, but to get physical results (weight loss, increased strength, increased flexibility, improved meditation), I think you need to do it three times a week. that said, you don't need to start three times a week.
5. Develop a personal practice. Do sun salutions or pranayama every day at home. I don't do this, but wish I did.
For Connie, they had classes at CSA, though the teacher I had is now gone. There is also an Indian Cultural Institute in Cairo that offers classes and there was an instructor that I found online but didn't try who taught out of her home. Some classes are offered at gyms and the popular dance studio in Maadi, but again, I didn't try those.
As a mom, one of the most important factors is finding something that fits your schedule and you can get to on a regular basis, that is why I went to CSA (I could walk).
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