A few thoughts from Nigel

It's been a good few days.

Last week I finally left my twenties as I turned 31 (I had been arguing that each decade ends with the multiple of ten...). It was a really great day, despite being at work for much of it. Partly I was stoked I managed to find a place to deliver some pavlova to my colleagues for the customary morning tea shout, introducing it by email as 'good kiwi kai' - I enjoyed the howls of protest from the Australians on staff about stealing 'their' national dish.... But mostly it actually felt like a notable event because my two daughters were so excited about having a birthday to celebrate and their enthusiasm was infectious. Joanna had spent some time with them making cards and wrapping little presents so we played pass the parcel, opened the presents, ate some cake and generally had a birthday party. It was nice to go out after they went to bed to do a little music shopping - its been a long long while since I listened properly to anything new.

All good.

I reached something of a milestone today as well. My first conversation that went for more than a few phrases in Tagalog! What a great feeling that I could actually handle a basic, normal conversation for a number of minutes with a friendly taxi driver who was very patient with my mangled attempts to use his language.

And we have gotten even closer to arrival day. Joanna's suitcase lies ominously ready in the bedroom, reminding me that I am flying solo next week... now it is my turn to be grateful for Jenalyn, our helper, who will be doing a lot of the kid-minding while I am at work.

Being here I get reminded so often about how interconnected the world is. At work this week, the net has washed my way with uncanny timing. First I became aware of the Loose Change doco on 9/11, at the same time as a strangely comprehensive confession from the main 9/11 bomber was publicised. Secondly, and on a less political angle, this week has seen me trying to convey to my students the way that for advanced mathematicians, maths can be an elegant, beautiful thing. Unbeknownst to me until a random group email, that very day was International Pi Day, celebrated by those who love Pi around the world. And people say there's nothing to coincidences...

Well, there's another little snapshot of our life. We put it out there to stay connected with you.

Those of you in NZ - see you soon :-)

Zoe's playgroups

Zoe and I (Joanna) belong to a MADS (Mothers and Darlings Support group) here in Manila, which exists specifically for expat women and their preschool children. Zoe enjoys her twice-weekly playgroups, which rotate around people's houses, and sometimes includes activities at other places. I've got involved on the committee by volunteering to be editor of the bimontly magazine. We have a membership of close to 250 families here in Manila.

Here are a few shots of zoe enjoying herself with her friends.

These two girls below are probably Zoe's closest friends. Daniela is British/American, who spent her first 2 years of life in Brazil (diplomat kid). Rysha is Indian, and lives just across the road from us, so we often carpool together to the playgroup activities.

Here is a fairly recent shot of our playgroup. Our group is one of about 8 that exist in the organisation (grouped by ages and locations around the city). The mothers in the picture come from all over! Check Republic, Korea, America, Germany, India, Philippines, Japan, and of course New Zealand!
...And this is what Zoe often looks like after lunch on a playgroup day...

A house helper with a "J" personality...

I've always known we had a good househelper. We've been very pleased with her since we first arrived, but I'm appreciating her more and more. I keep hearning stories from friends & colleagues about problems they've had with their household help. One BSM family here was recently deserted by their helper. She didn't even wait till the next pay day, she just left! A friend from playgroup has had about 4 different helpers since I've known her - which is only about 7 months. Each time, there was a good enough reason to fire the helper. Her new one seems to get on well with her daughter, but is "fresh" from the province, and so speaks limited English, and needs to be taught how to use a washing machine.

Our Jenalyn is truly a God send. Not only does she get along well with our children and keep the house in good order, she's started taking her own initiative in looking after us. We ran out of cereal the other morning, and when this has happened in the past, either Nigel or I have made porridge or toast. Last week, we woke up to a big steaming pot of fresh porridge! She's also helped keep our grocery shopping on track. The list I left for her last week was clearly missing a few key items, and as I had left her plenty of money, she went ahead and bought those necessary goods anyway.

Today, however, I really appreciated her personality afresh. Nigel was looking for some small money for his Monday morning taxi ride to work, and I suggested he look in our little "change" basket. I routinely put my coins in there, and use them as necessary. As he was opening it, I said "But it might be hard to find the bigger coins amongst all the little tiny ones that I never use. When he opened the lid, we both got a big surprise. Jenalyn had sorted out all the coins, and sello-taped them together in lots of 10. So it was that both of us realised that Jenalyn's personality is a definite "J" on the Meyers-Briggs scale. Her order-keeping around the house is not only because we pay her to keep us in line, but because it comes naturally!

Both Nigel and I are very grateful that SOMEONE is keeping order around here!