These Days

We had Thanksgiving dinner with our very small Filipino community here in Atlanta. Even though three of us work in the same office, it has been weeks since we gathered together so this was the perfect occasion to do so. Thank you, Sally, Agui and Anne for hosting!

We miss the long Christmas celebrations in the Philippines, which is why it pleases me to see that the Christmas spirit and elements are showing up earlier in the US as well. It's no longer unusual for people to be putting up Christmas trees even before Thanksgiving. In our apartment, we did not even bother taking down the capiz lantern. It just hung by the window the whole year. For me, it's an all-season decoration. =) Last weekend, there were several Christmas tree lighting events but we attended the one that was closest to the apartment. It was soo cold that afternoon and we were underdressed so we stayed for ~30 minutes. Still good to get out and participate in a neighborhood event.

I stayed in the apartment all of Saturday and Sunday morning. We planned to all go to church but Ela slept as we were getting ready AND it was cold so I stayed home with her. The temperature was higher in the afternoon so we felt it was ok to go out. Good thing, too, because I was starting to feel restless being cooped up indoors all weekend. We went to Abernathy Greenway after a quick stop at Starbucks. It's a  playable art park  that we see on the way to church but have never visited before. We had fun checking out all the installations. The Big Imagine Dragonfly It's You and Me, Kid Whimsy Wall

We met with Neil's homeroom teacher, SPED teacher, counselor and speech specialist at school last week to discuss his progress and talk about his new IEP (individualized education plan). Goals were set for him last year when he was in first grade and they have been monitoring him throughout the year. Now it's time to evaluate and set new goals. Rich and I observed that he has improved in many areas but it's great to hear confirmation from school as well. One of them said that he's a joy to have in class and had so many positive things to say -- he engages with teachers and classmates a lot more, has helped a classmate with some schoolwork, he plays with the rough-and-tough kids and sometimes by himself, he can focus on his work if he's interested, likes getting praise but does not seek it. The teacher also praised his handwriting and wished that all kids wrote like him.=) He likes Math and can work out word problems by himself and is reading at 4th grade level.

At the start of the year, I set a goal to read 20 books. I'm happy to report that I completed it, as of this week. For someone who rarely sets goals (or sets and forgets), this makes me feel accomplished.=) Here are the last three books to round up my 20. Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates . This is written as a letter from a father to his son about growing up and life as a black person in America. I think it was from an Instragram post that I first encountered this book. I don't recall who it was but the person suggested that if you think you don't have anything in common with the author, that's more reason to read the book. It gave me a glimpse of what it is like to be black in a country that continues to wrestle with racism. The subject itself is heavy but Coates writes so beautifully and in a very thoughtful manner that it feels like a sentimental poem or song. Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling . I don't

Last Thursday was STEM Night at Neil's school. There are different stations where schoolkids can learn about the STEM fields in fun and engaging ways. Neil participated in a math quiz. A mobile planetarium Building a paper rocket.

Last Saturday, we went to the Villacortas for a party with other Filipinos and trick-or-treating at their neighborhood. We did the same last year, too, but a different and bigger group this time. Neil is Captain America this year and Ela is a pumpkin, sort of, bought last minute. We actually got her a very cute owl costume but the 6-12M size was still too big. I planned to take it in but did not have time because of too much going on with work, so we're saving it for next year. Hopefully, it won't be too small by then.=) Neil enjoyed trick or treating around the neighborhood. He joined a group of kids, with Richard tailing them. He almost filled his bucket. We counted 84 in all and set aside some to donate to his school for 'thankful baskets.' Thank you, Mavic and Noel for hosting! A very rare family picture that's not taken by timer.=) More photos at home.