The Kids Are Awesome

We had parent teacher meetings last Friday. Lillian is still of an age where its pretty much all about developing social skills, but because we had to skip him straight up into Senior Kindy Thomas is another matter and I was eager to find out how he was coping with a more structured day and its academic components. Likewise, Jane was concerned with how he was doing socially in a class where 75% of the other pupils are boys. Older, bigger boys at that.

Turns out, all is well. Very well even. The teachers are extremely happy with every aspect of his academic efforts, and he is also doing well socially. The only thing they said was that he is easily distracted (except during art). He is four years old, so that is to be expected.

Meanwhile, Lillian's teachers couldn't say enough about how much they enjoy having her in the class. So social and happy, with so much personality and energy. However, she is apparently sometimes stubborn. She is two years old, so that is to be expected.

So when all is said and done the kids are awesome. Of course I already knew that, but its always nice to have a less biased opinion as opinions of one's own children always seem to be formed in a 'forest for the trees' situation.

And I would also like to say a few words about my newest baby, courtesy of 'Black Friday'. The Friday after USA Thanksgiving is THE biggest shopping day in North America. It is insane. If we were going to be here for another year I would start setting aside money now to buy as much 'stuff' as possible during next years sales. Basically, everything is at least 25% off, and stuff they really want to move goes for as much as 75% off. Even online retailers get in on the action.

Anyway, I did my research and when the 'Black Friday' sales hit and prices dropped by 30% I swooped, getting an early Xmas prezzie, a Samsung n220 netbook. Slim of profile and deep green in colour. This baby enables me to suck down coffee and fee wifi at my local coffee shop while waiting for the mechanics to finish with the car. Which, not coincidentally at all, is the way I wrote & posted this blog entry. The real God-send will be the coming trip to Australia. One thing about the n220 is that it has an amazing battery life, up to 11 hours depending on the type of use. On the flight over, I suspect its going to see a lot of use playing Wiggles and cartoons for the kids.