The youngest of minds, the biggest of imaginations

Ok, if you had have mentioned to me that I’d be writing a post about children then I would have knocked you over the head, but here I am and here it is.
Strange subject for me, yes.
I grew up as the youngest child – with an older brother and a few older cousins. Whenever we’d have family get togethers I’d run and hide behind the couch. I remember one birthday at mums old house I was going through a ‘no photographs of me’ stage, and when they surprised me with the flash I ran to my room and locked the door. I wouldnt let anyone in and I wouldnt come out. Mum had to entertain 5 girls by herself until the time came for their parents to pick them up. Looking back now I feel bad for mum but I did what I did – and if thats the worst of my rebelling then I was a saint!

Anyway, my point is that I didnt really grow up around young children. My only real experience with kids as an adult was when I’d see my cousins children at christmas or randomly meet a friend of a friends children. And so I find myself staying with a family that has a soon to be 5 year old boy. Needless to say I didnt know what to expect! To be completely honest I didnt know what to say or how to act. I’m learning too.

I dont know how my mum went and became a nanny overseas – to a family she didnt know and a language she was only learning. That’s brave!!

Kylan is a well rounded, spirited, funny and friendly little guy. In my time here I can only count on one hand the number of tantrums I have been witness too, so I think thats pretty darn good! Georgia and Tim, Kylans parents, are doing a great job. They instill in him important core values and they encourage him to be himself, they play with him and let him know he’s special. The funny thing we have worked out is that most of those tantrums have come after watching tv. Everything is great and then BAM out of nowhere comes an episode of alien kylan! It’s interesting when you get to see a child like that. Their whole body shakes, their little eyes run over with tears, they scream and scream and they thrash around like there’s something alien inside them. “I DONT WANT TOOOOO” or “ONE MORE CARTOON MUMMY”. It’s hard being an outsider in that situation – is there something I can do to help? Probably not. But I feel bad for the parents! I know they are doing everything in their power to turn the situation around but sometimes it doesnt work. Then, suddenly when you thought there was no hope left the tears dry. The Alien disappears and the old Kylan is back. He is happy and seeing fairies on the trail. “You know, your mood swings are kinda giving me whiplash.” Appropriate quote! hahaha.
On days when there’s no tv he is a happy helper. Very strange indeed.

I really fear for children in these times, growing up with body issues and blatant sexuality and societys weird obsessions. I think when the time has come for me to have children we’ll live somewhere away from everything. I really wonder how you can protect them from so many bad things about society when you are living in the thick of it. I think kids should get to be kids until they hit 16, then they can start to slowly grow up. There is no way I’d let my future child wear heels or makeup or name brand clothes. I never want them to lose their imagination and grow up too quickly!! I guess it’s an issue wherever you go.

What do you think?

Dont worry about me, I’m in a new part of town

Alrighty!! I am all moved in and unpacked, and to look at my wardrobe I really dont know where it all went! I’m glad I packed two big knit cardigans though (probably explains some of the space) as I can wear them now! It’s amazing when you think of your life in a suitcase (or two) – and you unpack and think about everything you have brought along and whether you made the right decision or not. I think I did- overall. I’m just going to have to do more washing than I’m used to – but I can work with that.

My homestay family are really nice! I’ll admit that I was a little worried (as per normal I suppose) but they have been lovely and welcoming. Georgia introduced me to the food cupboards and living with a chef has its benefits I must say!!!!!!! You dont have to worry mum, I’ll be eating very well. Snacks included!! They have a little dog who is a bit hyper – but I’m ignoring her in the hopes that she will calm down soon. She hasnt bothered me in my room so thats half the battle!

Speaking of my room – wanna see some photos? Yeah I know you do.

Decorated already? Me? Yeah you can count on it!

Apparently that is satelite tv, but I need to ask how to use it as I cant seem to figure it out.

The taps are weird over here, and the toilet bowls seem to be a LOT bigger. Wider but shorter. They seem to hold a lot of water and then they flush weirdly too. All the water completely goes and then it fills back up again.

I’m not going to show you a photo of the toilet!

This is my soaker tub and shower

After I’d got settled I went out the back of my place and down the green belt.
I saw my first squirrel!!! He was too quick for me to get a photo.

North Vancouver is a beautiful place, and it’s a lot closer to the city than I thought. I dont know how I’m going to go in winter here though, I’ll be honest. Even though the sun was out today and it wasnt windy there is this cold in the air that almost takes your breath away. It’s a little bitter. Maybe I’ll grow into it!

I went down to the local superstore supermarket thingy. It’s like a combination of big w and the old bilo supermarkets. You should see the size of the small toothpaste – its like family size! They certainly do things a lot bigger in North America!!

I still havent seen the two aisles of chocolate bars though – maybe thats just in America. Probably a good thing, dont need to be tempted! Hehe. I’m still finding it a little strange being in another country. It’s been a week since I’ve been home now and you’d think I’d be used to it. I find myself walking along and I’ll see a big yellow school bus and I’ll do a double take. It’s like I have to open my eyes again as things start to blend in. I can see someone walking along and then when they speak in a Canadian accent I have to do another double take. It’s like I have to keep telling myself ‘hang on, you’re not at home here. You’re in Canada! Things are different.’ Its unusual I know, but maybe it’ll be different in time. Then again I AM unusual so maybe it’s just right hehehe.

A bit later the babysitter came around (not for me, for their 4 y.o son) and we got to chatting over dinner. She was so lovely and even though she is only 14 I think I made a friend. One down, several more to go!
Lovely!

Masquerade me

Ever have one of those moments where you think "this isnt just a coincedence, this was meant to happen!" ?? Well I did, on Saturday.

I was at a Masquerade party (which was cool in itself) and I met a couple who had lived in Vancouver for 3 months a year or so ago. They were so enthusiastic about the country and my trip and it just gave me a buzz. They gave me great insight into an Aussie's side of things and I learnt some valuable info.

I am now at the single digit stage, just about 9 weeks until I leave! Time is flying past and I am trying to run with it. I havent slept much the last few days, I have so much on my mind. I am trying to organise my homestay experience and that is proving harder than I first thought, but I'm still going! Dont count me out yet.

It's Australia Day today! Yay! I wonder which country I will be in next Australia Day??!