09.06
A day of fun creativity, memorable moments, and learning - in other words, because I let the days get away from me, I cannot remember anything that happened on this day. The days seem to be running together a lot.
09.07
This morning the girls and I went to a playgroup. An email was sent out starting up the old playgroup because most people are back or coming back from their repat vacation. We went, to get out and see some old friends, but we won't be able to continue a Wednesday group because Madeline will be in pre-school on Wednesdays starting the week of the 25th. Honestly, I don't know that I would want to continue with this particular arrangement and group. I struggled last year with going because Madeline never had a good time, would always get hurt, and the group was too large. I have really loved getting to know these women and their children, but I think we are more interested in a smaller group. I have never enjoyed the chaotic, all over the place, zoo-type playgroups where the Moms sit around chatting and drinking coffee while their children fight over toys and tear someone's home apart. There just has to be another way. I think this year we are going to focus more on play-DATES with one or two other moms at a time and just getting out of the house to the park on our down time. Again, it is nothing personal toward any mom or baby/toddler individually - just our style preference.
This morning there was only me and three other ladies, and one of the lady's little boys, who is much younger than Madeline and still learning about sharing and who lives in a house with older siblings, was being quite aggessive and mean to Madeline. The "last straw" for me was when he whacked her up the side of the head really hard with a tennis racket. It was about time to leave anyway, so we said our goodbyes.
One thing I have learned from these playgroups is you can't get along with everyone. Some parents have different parenting styles. I understand how even the most perfect parent on the planet could be put in an uncomfortable situation because of their child, who is learning to share and interact with others, acts out, screams, or hits another child. Believe me, I have been there. Made.line went through a screaming phase that was pretty embarrassing and uncomfortable, not to mention physically damaging to all ear drums within 100 ft. That's why it is important to get to know people and find the friends who are right for you and your little ones.
After playgroup we came home and had some lunch and did some playing. When Paul got home we ordered out for dinner - nice - and then while the girls and I watched a movie, Paul went to the airport to welcome a new employee and his family who are new to Dhahran. He was gone late - home around midnight. Apparently this family has lived in the Middle East before and this man has worked with Aramco before in Abqaiq - another Aramco camp here in Saudi Arabia. Paul felt like he didn't really contribute much to their arrival, but he did his job and welcomed them. He has another person he is supposed to meet on Friday night. I guess it's good they're getting new people and that Paul is such a devoted and professional worker. That's one thing I have always admired about him. He is very professional and humble when it comes to his work. He has always been well thought of, admired, and liked by his co-workers and superiors. And he makes it look really easy too, which is even cooler.
09.08 (The weekend)
Our weekends are pretty routine - grocery shopping, working out, movies, getting things done. Today we did all those things. We made a trip to Zamils - the only craft store here that I know of - because I wanted to get a few things for the birthday playgroup I am doing here at the house on Sunday. While we were there we finally found plastic! For YEARS we have been admiring, thinking about, looking for and wanting a thick plastic clear table cloth for our dining room table. My grandmother always had one; Paul's Mom has one; it just makes sense for someone who has children at their table on a regular basis. It also eliminates the need for placemats and coasters. I am ecstatic. I am SO happy and excited.
I tried to load some pictures but blogger is being a fart face. So I will try later.
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