November 17, 2010

• Referendum Play Date

  I hear the happy sounds of children playing at the dining room table with Judah’s Playmobile horse stable and gas station sets. He rarely plays with it on his own because, i think, he forgets how fun it really is. Nothing like children who dont have Playmobile at home to make your own toys look fantastic again! Fanja’s children are over to play this afternoon because today is the referendum vote for the country of Madagascar, hence a day off for everyone. I like when they come over because our house is full of children speaking a mixture of French, English and Malagasy and our toys all get a good workout.

  I will not make any comments about the referendum because my opinions will just get me into trouble. haha.

  Yesterday, in addition to giving up Facebook, i decided to also give up commercial shampoo and deodorant. I’ve got the ingredients for the shampoo and rinse, but not for the deodorant yet so… haha. I happened upon a blog i like to visit (it happens to be the one i got the shoulder bag tutorial from and i like her blog also because she lives in the southern hemi and talks about summer when i have summer, you know what i mean) and she wrote about d.i.y. cosmetics. I followed her links and one thing led to another and now i’m using baking soda to wash my hair and apple cider vinegar for a rinse. At first i was skeptical that this idea would work on my hair since its terribly yucky in the morning and i cant go a day without washing it… but upon first day trial i was convinced that i had stumbled upon a great thing! Wowzers. Not only was my hair clean, but shiny, soft and it didnt smell like vinegar at all. Anyway, so now i’m thinking i need to investigate how much these things cost in Mada before i think i’m going to switch 100% because if baking soda is impossible to find in bulk and more expensive than shampoo… well.

  I found it funny though that many of the bloggers discussing these d.i.y. cosmetics were worried at being seen as “dirty hippies”. I suppose i can understand that sentiment, but i haven’t any such qualms. (unsurprisingly to those who know me from Canada, heehee) First, because i come from Winnipeg where there are many proud ‘dirty hippies’ haha, because i worked at CMU where smelly commercial products are forbidden due to their scent free policy (http://www.cmu.ca/pdfs/blazer_winter06.pdf), and because i currently live in Madagascar where deodorant is… optional, shall we say. I’m doing this because i can understand the fact that commercial beauty products are potential dangerous to your health and i like the idea of being less ‘chemical’ in my own home. If i could find borax in this country i would also make my own laundry soap. One step at a time i suppose.

  Today the photo of the day (haha, as if i do that anymore) was this one:
  
  which i took for my dear old dad who asked me what packing bins we normally use when coming from Canada to Madagascar. They’re planning to use the same ones for when they come in 19 DAYS!! (ok, actually 18 days until they arrive, but 19 until Judah sees them – that’s what the countdown chain is counting down at our house). I look at that photo and think to myself of all the Christmassy goodies that will arrive in it. Chortle, chortle! I am also thinking about the fact that i have 18 days until i have to have the house all ready for 6 extra adults to stay. haha. And before that there are two boys’ birthdays to plan/execute (the parties need to be executed, not the boys) and i’m already stressing about my own expectations for the birthday cakes. ACK! I have only invited the Malagasy people who work in our compound for Asher’s apres-dejeuner cake party. They’re the ones who spend the most time with him anyway… well, i may spur of the moment have some others over, but we’ll see how i’m feeling. Judah’s party, i’m debating, will happen either on his birthday Dec 3, or after my parents arrive sometime during the week of Dec 5. We’ll see. Popular vote now: fondant or no? Any theme suggestions? Judah has no brilliant ideas. I was thinking fish. …i should really steep in some of those party blogs i was on a few weeks ago… although i wonder if that wouldnt heighten my expectation/stress quotient. haha. arent moms of small children silly?

  Judah’s puking has stopped (knock on wood). Apparently it could have been due to worms crawling up his esophagus in the night while he lay horizontal, thereby tickling his tummy and causing him to puke. That would explain why he was fine during the day and only puked at night. Anyway, we’ve given him another dose of vermox and hopefully the worms will leave him be. We’ve had enough of sleepless nights.

  Anyway, i should go do something that doesnt involve a computer. Watch the children play outside maybe. My supper is simmering in the slowcooker, so i neednt do anything in the kitchen (smug smile).

  ttfn
  

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  Since i wrote the above blog entry there has been another coup, or so they say. There was some ‘action’ here on our side of town between our house and the airport – burning cars and whatnot. Josh had to go the long way around to get home from his flight. Apparently now the fuss is all over in our neighbourhood, although we’ll stand by to see what develops as it’s unclear whether there has been a military takeover or only an attempt…

  • 7:29 am
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