A very special Christmas memory - an orphan, stockings, and joy. This story came from my son involuntarily forcing me into remembering the past and sharing. Thanks for being a teen and challenging me on a near daily basis my boy!
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There are so many kind Expats out there. Never shy away from a spontaneous invitations and for by all means chat with strangers. This is the advice you normally don't give to people but I would have missed out on a lot if I wouldn't have started convversations with random passer-bys.
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Do your kids have their phones in their rooms? Do you stress about their online behavoir? Here are three reminders about raising kids with the internet. Even though it is hard, it's manageable.
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Moving to a beautiful village on the hills above Montreux was a dream come true. I spoke French, I love to ski...Life was good! Or was it? I made a classical human mistake. I became arrogant and didn't do my homework which lead to ...... well some stress with the local school.
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Does this picture remind you of your kids fighting over something; butting heads over the silliest of dramas. You just want to scream, "Stop this!" My Mom and Dad shocked us one night with a special lesson on fighting. I will never forget this lesson and it helps!
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It happens to me all the time. This is one of many stories about people assuming things about me which are totally false. It happens to everyone and we are all quilty, but as an expat it seems to be more extreme.
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No, my sister wasn't adopted at McDonald's but my brother was! The amazing truth of the way people see things. Deep thoughts about interracial adoption.
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One of my favorite holiday dinner stories. As an Expat grocery shopping is a challenge. This goof up is classic and if your are and expat or have lived in a foriegn country you will feell with my friend and laugh at the same time. Happy Thanksgiving!!!!
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Playing in the snow after a Thanksgiving dinner. Some of the best Thanksgivings. I loved goofing around with my siblings and roughhousing. Even though we have fun together we are all opinionated and a serious discussion might erupt. If your family has been in heated discussions over the last week you are not alone. It's just part of the fun. Debate on.
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If my French would have been better I would have written to the papers. Dealing with Police officers and administration in a foreign country can be a delicate matter. Learn the rules and don't cross the line.
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Having five adopted siblings helped me understand how hurtful comments could be at a young age. My parents not only taught us to use our words carefully but to show zero tolerance when others were not thinking; coaching them gently to understand their own use of words. Don't underestimate the power of words.
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Lessons learned from my German Law Professor. I will never forget his touching WWII story and how he made me feel the day he shared it. I thought of his story watching the election news unfolded and as I was coming to grips with the results. Kindness is never forgotten!
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