Jon and I had a little discussion yesterday that finally made me realize all the little compromises two people have to make when they're from different countries. Especially when they're raising children. This will sound really weird, but while we were eating dinner yesterday, we realized that we use two different sets of table manners. My parents taught us excellent table manners (it's not their fault we didn't always use them!) according to the British/European style, or "continental" style as Jon informed me it was called. Jon's parents were equally diligent in teaching him the American style. So, which hand will our children hold their fork in? Which side of the plate does the napkin go on and how is it folded? Where does the glass go in relation to the plate? Do we use a spoon to roll our spaghetti or just cut it in pieces? Whose system do we use? Jon made the point that most American kids will look at our kids funny if they use the "continental" style; I made the counterpoint that most American kids will look at our kids funny if they use table manners period. (No offense intended). Table manners are not really a big issue. In the end, we decided to use our respective systems and let our kids choose.
However, the table manner question raised a number of other questions in my mind concerning our children. I love my country, and Jon loves his. Will our kids choose to speak French or Spanish if they learn a second language? Will they phone someone, or call them? What if one of my boys decides to fight in the military? Can I accept potentially losing a son for a country that is not my own? Can I enroll my kids in an educational system I don't believe in? I'm sure that I can when it comes right down to it, so I guess my question becomes whether or not I should just let my kids be Americans or whether I should fight to preserve elements of my own heritage and the country and culture I love.
3/22/10
Where has all the honesty gone?
Jon and I were slightly depressed to read that the Obama administration passed its health care reform bill. I agree that providing health care to more people, along with reining in insurance companies is necessary, but can our economy really afford to spend yet another near trillion dollars during one of the worst recessions in history?
After hours spent reading news articles and expert opinions, I must say I'm more confused than reassured about the health care bill. Most Democrats laud it while all Republicans and some Democrats condemn it. Experts say it will eradicate billions of dollars of deficit over the next 10 or 20 years. Other experts say there are no caps on costs, so costs will spiral out of control. Premiums will go up; premiums will go down. This is an historic step forward; this is a governmental party out of control. How is the average American (or permanent resident) supposed to find out the truth amongst all the smoke and hype? And so I reiterate and add to my question...where has all the honesty gone? Why is it almost impossible to find politicians who don't have a personal agenda? Why can't we work together instead of pointing fingers and calling names? What happened to doing what's best for the country even when it's hard and will make people mad?
After hours spent reading news articles and expert opinions, I must say I'm more confused than reassured about the health care bill. Most Democrats laud it while all Republicans and some Democrats condemn it. Experts say it will eradicate billions of dollars of deficit over the next 10 or 20 years. Other experts say there are no caps on costs, so costs will spiral out of control. Premiums will go up; premiums will go down. This is an historic step forward; this is a governmental party out of control. How is the average American (or permanent resident) supposed to find out the truth amongst all the smoke and hype? And so I reiterate and add to my question...where has all the honesty gone? Why is it almost impossible to find politicians who don't have a personal agenda? Why can't we work together instead of pointing fingers and calling names? What happened to doing what's best for the country even when it's hard and will make people mad?
3/15/10
Great News!
Jon and I have been fretting a little bit about his finals schedule. Jon's program doesn't require a thesis paper (thank goodness!). Instead, they require a week of comprehensive finals covering all his classes (including last semester). Following that harrowing week, he has a week of regular class finals. Can anyone see where I'm going with this? You guessed it. Baby B is due April 30th. Jon's week of comprehensive finals (lovingly termed Comps.) starts on May 3. Needless to say, we, or at least I, had nightmares of him studying for a final while trying to hold my hand in the delivery room (effective studying? Probably not)
Now for the good news: Comps. got canceled! The professors here at U of I decided they didn't like grading a stack of Comps and a stack of regular finals while still trying to teach classes. The university now officially requires a portfolio from each grad student, which can be handed in early. Baby B has an extra week of leeway, although I would still prefer he come early rather than late! :)
Now for the good news: Comps. got canceled! The professors here at U of I decided they didn't like grading a stack of Comps and a stack of regular finals while still trying to teach classes. The university now officially requires a portfolio from each grad student, which can be handed in early. Baby B has an extra week of leeway, although I would still prefer he come early rather than late! :)
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