Mia,
I can imagine right now you are yearning for a piece of true Americana, a slice of that sun-soaked ideal life in the quintessential American town...
I really think there's nothing more American than this glorious human interest story on the local news in Alabama:
Enjoy!
Katy
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Little Kites (YOU!)
Hopefully by now, you've all received my email. If you haven't, let me know, and I'll make sure you're added to the list. I was listening to the song below, Kite Song, today while continuing the endless process that is unpacking. Kites are apparently very important to Afghan culture, and I'm looking forward to a kite festival that supposedly happens once a year. But, the song doesn't have as much to do with that as with little kites--you are all my little kites, and I hope I send some little kites in your direction once in a while too. And in case it answers the "why in God's name is she always running off to the weirdest places," well...maybe my kites fly better here.
Kite Song
Patty Griffith
Patty Griffith
The Sunday after there was laughter in the air
Everybody had a kite
They were flying everywhere
And all the trouble went away
And it wasn't just a dream
All the trouble went away
And it wasn't just a dream
In the middle of the night
We try and try with all our mights
To light a little light down here
In the middle of the night
We dream of a million kites
Flying high above
The sadness and the fear
Little sister just remember
As you wander through the blue
The little kite that you sent flying
On a sunny afternoon
Made of something light as nothing
Made of joy that matters too
How the little dreams we dream
Are all we can really do
In the middle of the night
The world turns with all of it's might
A little diamond colored blue
In the middle of the night
We keep sending little kites
Until a little light gets through
Everybody had a kite
They were flying everywhere
And all the trouble went away
And it wasn't just a dream
All the trouble went away
And it wasn't just a dream
In the middle of the night
We try and try with all our mights
To light a little light down here
In the middle of the night
We dream of a million kites
Flying high above
The sadness and the fear
Little sister just remember
As you wander through the blue
The little kite that you sent flying
On a sunny afternoon
Made of something light as nothing
Made of joy that matters too
How the little dreams we dream
Are all we can really do
In the middle of the night
The world turns with all of it's might
A little diamond colored blue
In the middle of the night
We keep sending little kites
Until a little light gets through
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
You wanted mundane...
Well Marie, it's been a week since you left and we are all wondering how you are adjusting to life in Afghanistan. We will have to come up with a nickname for Afghanistan, because it is too long to spell out all the time and you have to really think about the spelling. So if anyone has any ideas, I am open to them!
I know summer is in full swing here because Basil got his annual summer ear infection. Yes, you got it. That means daily ear drops and cleaning followed by excessive bouts of snarfing. Also, we went strawberry picking on Sunday which is a sure sign of summer around here. We've already attended one of three graduation parties so we are off and running for the summer!
Good news! Keith and Lauren are coming up for the weekend for a wedding, so it will be great seeing them. I'm not sure how your family can go so long without seeing you, because the 3 months since we've seen Keith seems like a long time. We will see them again when we go down in August, so it won't be too long after that.
Other than that, it's been same old, same old. But that's ok, I like routine. I guess I'm not like some people who are always looking for someplace exotic to go! :) Wonder who that could be?
Anyway, hope all is well. Keep us posted!
Love, Aunt Ann
I know summer is in full swing here because Basil got his annual summer ear infection. Yes, you got it. That means daily ear drops and cleaning followed by excessive bouts of snarfing. Also, we went strawberry picking on Sunday which is a sure sign of summer around here. We've already attended one of three graduation parties so we are off and running for the summer!
Good news! Keith and Lauren are coming up for the weekend for a wedding, so it will be great seeing them. I'm not sure how your family can go so long without seeing you, because the 3 months since we've seen Keith seems like a long time. We will see them again when we go down in August, so it won't be too long after that.
Other than that, it's been same old, same old. But that's ok, I like routine. I guess I'm not like some people who are always looking for someplace exotic to go! :) Wonder who that could be?
Anyway, hope all is well. Keep us posted!
Love, Aunt Ann
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Welcome to Kabul...
"...the local temperature is 118 degrees. For those of you making a connecting flight, we think that's a good choice. If Kabul is your final destination, and we can't imagine why it would be, please follow the yellow camel signs downstairs to ground transportation. We ask that you stay in your seats with your seatbelts securely fastened while we taxi to the gate. We will disembark as soon as the goat moves off the runway. We know you have a choice when you fly, and we appreciate you choosing Afghani Airways."
Welcome home, Rooms :-) I miss you already.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Farewell Mia!
I'm so glad everyone can keep up with you (and you with us) in this fashion!
News of the day for me: I have now become part of an elite group of people to have had a sifaka jump on their head.
I was observing 6 month old Matilda when her big brother, 1 year old Charlemagne, sitting in a tree next to my head, decided jumping on me would be a lovely way to play.
So now I have learned techniques to keep the young'uns off of me. Although to be honest, it's a fun club to be a part of!
News of the day for me: I have now become part of an elite group of people to have had a sifaka jump on their head.
I was observing 6 month old Matilda when her big brother, 1 year old Charlemagne, sitting in a tree next to my head, decided jumping on me would be a lovely way to play.
So now I have learned techniques to keep the young'uns off of me. Although to be honest, it's a fun club to be a part of!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
The Run-Around
**This post is a work of pure fiction. Any resemblance to actual persons, places, agencies, or organizations is strictly coincidental, and most unfortunate.**
Unity State Postal Service: You should certify that very important envelop.
Embassy of Atlantastan: Hello Dear *Mia*! We are to send your visa now!
Tracking Attempt #1: No information. Please try again later.
Embassy of Atlantastan: Oh yes! I am remind you! We did send your visa Tuesday.
USPS: Oh...well, maybe the DC post office forgot to scan it? Call us tomorrow.
Higher USPS: Hmmm...not really much can be done. Those DC offices are overworked.
USPS: Why did you certify? That's not trackable.
Consumer Affairs USPS: Wow. Atlantastan, really? Well, did you try calling the embassy?
Wayamalocity.com: We can't change your ticket without charging you a million dollars $$$$$.
Department of Redundancy: A new passport? Why don't you just come in person today?
Uniting Airways: No standby for international flights.
Me: But it's a domestic leg.
Uniting: No standby for international flights. And we think you pick your nose.
English Planes: No, you can't skip your first leg to go to DC & get a passport. Blimey.
Me: Since I told you ahead of time, couldn't you just mark me "present?"
English Planes: No. But, like a spot o' tea, luv?
**Short tea break later**
USPS: Oh, honey. Nothing. What was it you said you were waiting for?
Atlantastan: You do not have? Oh...this is not good for you. We sent with UPS, like we said...
Unitarian Package Society: A USPS package? Could be sitting in our sorting room.
Wayamalocity: Cancel and rebook? Let me put you on hold to think of 50 ways to jerk you around...
AREU: Huh. Usually this happens after you've already gotten to Atlantastan. Go figure.
DoR: Come to DC! Pay easy installments of $ARM + $ LEG for a new passport!
Result:
I'm still in the country! Call me! I'm trying to call you!
New departure date and time: 19h18 17 June 2008
Unity State Postal Service: You should certify that very important envelop.
Embassy of Atlantastan: Hello Dear *Mia*! We are to send your visa now!
Tracking Attempt #1: No information. Please try again later.
Embassy of Atlantastan: Oh yes! I am remind you! We did send your visa Tuesday.
USPS: Oh...well, maybe the DC post office forgot to scan it? Call us tomorrow.
Higher USPS: Hmmm...not really much can be done. Those DC offices are overworked.
USPS: Why did you certify? That's not trackable.
Consumer Affairs USPS: Wow. Atlantastan, really? Well, did you try calling the embassy?
Wayamalocity.com: We can't change your ticket without charging you a million dollars $$$$$.
Department of Redundancy: A new passport? Why don't you just come in person today?
Uniting Airways: No standby for international flights.
Me: But it's a domestic leg.
Uniting: No standby for international flights. And we think you pick your nose.
English Planes: No, you can't skip your first leg to go to DC & get a passport. Blimey.
Me: Since I told you ahead of time, couldn't you just mark me "present?"
English Planes: No. But, like a spot o' tea, luv?
**Short tea break later**
USPS: Oh, honey. Nothing. What was it you said you were waiting for?
Atlantastan: You do not have? Oh...this is not good for you. We sent with UPS, like we said...
Unitarian Package Society: A USPS package? Could be sitting in our sorting room.
Wayamalocity: Cancel and rebook? Let me put you on hold to think of 50 ways to jerk you around...
AREU: Huh. Usually this happens after you've already gotten to Atlantastan. Go figure.
DoR: Come to DC! Pay easy installments of $ARM + $ LEG for a new passport!
Result:
I'm still in the country! Call me! I'm trying to call you!
New departure date and time: 19h18 17 June 2008
Mia
Mia nice to see you sporting a Kabul or Bust tee the other day at the farm. I do hope that you are planning on bringing the Americans love of clever graphic tees over to Afghanistan. I feel they would be a hit over there. I got your next idea, "My other car is a camel." Pure gold. That idea is free for you cuz, you're welcome. Anywho, give me a call if you are delayed on your departure. I would like to hear from you before you leave. And enjoy that 39 hour flight.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Great Idea!
Hey Mia!
I truly appreciate the picture of you and your cousin reading Highlander books. Excellent choice. Are you bringing anything equally saucy to Afghanistan? I have been back in California for a week now. Given my unemployed state, I am happy that Stacy is encouraging posts about very mundane things. I look forward to telling you about my process of unpacking, how 
many resumes I send out, and how many hours I spend watching my cats nap. No, seriously, I thought it would be at least July before I started to panic about the job search, but actually the time is right about now. One week was about as much relaxing I needed!
many resumes I send out, and how many hours I spend watching my cats nap. No, seriously, I thought it would be at least July before I started to panic about the job search, but actually the time is right about now. One week was about as much relaxing I needed!Good luck and have fun! I'm sure I'll see you out here again soon! (And love to all my fellow Sanfordites on this blog :)
Au Revoir!
Dearest Mia,
What a great idea - I'm so glad to share my random posts here to bring you a smile. By the way, have you seen that crazy break dancing kid who was on "So You Think You Can Dance?"
I know that you're going to have an amazing adventure Afghanistan, and I can't wait to see your pictures and hear your reflections about all you're learning. You'll be in my thoughts, and I will say a specific prayer tonight that all of this travel mess sorts itself out!
Em L
What a great idea - I'm so glad to share my random posts here to bring you a smile. By the way, have you seen that crazy break dancing kid who was on "So You Think You Can Dance?"
I know that you're going to have an amazing adventure Afghanistan, and I can't wait to see your pictures and hear your reflections about all you're learning. You'll be in my thoughts, and I will say a specific prayer tonight that all of this travel mess sorts itself out!
Em L
Bon Voyage
Farewell Mia!! Or...not.
You are supposed to be leaving tomorrow, however it appears that the world has other plans for you. Visa + Passport are floating around in the US Postal system, British Airways apparently has something against you, you've called umpteen billion people and alas it appears that you will be hanging with us in Upstate NY for a few more days. Guess you busted out your "Kabul or Bust" T-Shirt a little prematurely, huh? Way to count your Afghan Snowfinches before they hatch ;-) Well, in case you are looking for a satisfactory way to pass the time until you are qualified to leave this country, you know what to do...
(P.S. - have you considered the possibility that your mom swiped your passport out of the mail box?)
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Mia Buys a MuuMuu
Brian: "Nice outfit!"
Marie" Thanks! It covers up my butt so I can move to an Islamic country!"
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Post #1
Well Rooms, off you go to Afganistan. But you have to know you're leaving behind quite a motley crew (and by motley, I mean quirky and adorable). We all love you and will miss you terribly, and when you feel homesick, you can visit us here. That's right, I started a blog, which you know goes against every fiber of my being. Way to bring out the inner blogger in me. But you'll never get me on Facebook! Anyway, enjoy and visit often!!
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