school

Tayler has been having trouble at school still.

Two days in a row, the boys haven't let Tayler play football (soccer) with them because she is a girl. But she is really good, so it's really hurting her feelings.

Today when the teacher tried to intervene to let her play, the boys dropped the ball and left the field and left her by herself.

Tyler was at school one day when they were drawing body parts on the white board.

They drew breasts on a woman body, and when one of the boys wanted to draw a penis on the boy, he was told he wasn't allowed.

Tyler, who has assimilated to Swedish culture, was shocked. Breasts but no penises! What?

It makes me mad when people say I turned and ran like a scared rabbit. Maybe it was like an angry rabbit, who was running to go fight in another fight, away from the first fight.

- Jack Handey, Deep Thoughts

Tayler came home early yesterday because she had a really bad day at school. On Fridays, the kids in the preparatory class go to to the class they would normally be in and spend time there.

Yesterday she was outside at recess, and a gang of boys cornered her and called her names, pushed snow in her face and made fun of her for not speaking Swedish.

The ironic thing is that Tayler is pretty good at Swedish. And everyone likes Tayler. She's never had this sort of thing happen before. She did the right thing and found a teacher, but I couldn't help but feel terrible about the whole thing.

I was going to walk her to school to talk to her teachers about what happened, but she said that the teachers had helped her and did all they could for her. I'm going to call this afternoon after school instead.

Tayler is having second thoughts about going to school near the new apartment. I think she might be feeling nervous about making friends.

I am broke until the end of this week. I paid for an expensive grocery bill last week with the remaining cash I had.

I have to go to take a loan from the bank to pay for the two months of rent required to get the apartment. I have to wait until I get paid though. I hate this not having any credit because I am starting over, but I know it's good for me too.

Tyler talked with Scott through Gizmo today. I think it was good because I know the girls miss him.

If I get up with the kids, I can walk them to school and get a nice morning walk. The school is not too far, and the girls decided to walk with me today.

It'a a nice walk along a paved path, and when we got to school they were just opening the doors. The kids get to go outside rain or shine twice a day so I had to make sure they had umbrellas and rain coats for the weather. Today it is a little chilly.

So far as I know there has been no crime here. That's why the bank robbery was such a big deal and had the news crew there.

Aside from the bank robbery I think this neighborhood is very safe. The playgrounds always have kids on them after school and each building in the neighborhood has a playground either behind or in front of it.

There is no air conditioning in the apartment because its frankly not needed, but when it gets too warm, we open the windows in the back room that has lovely picture windows you can slide all the way across.

The thing you notice most about Scandinavian countries is that they are very kids friendly. The airports have child play areas in the waiting areas before boarding the plane, the mall has statues for the kids to play on, and everywhere you go there are walking paths for parents and their children.

This morning after applying for all of the jobs Micke found online, Micke and I went over to pick Jesper to take with us to the grocery store. I think I've never had such a good time at a grocery store (sober that is). Micke and Jesper are really funny.

Then we received word that school ended a little earlier than we thought. 2. I was anxious to see how it went. Oh, you won't believe it!

I picked up the twins and they were a little angry because I was a little late, but Tyler said school was excellent. Tayler loved it as well.

They are in prep class before beginning regular class to get caught up on Swedish and Swedish history. They get to work at their own pace.

Tyler got frustrated during the beginning of class, and the teacher came over and asked her what was up. Tyler said she couldn't get it, would never get it (whatever IT was), and the teacher said yes you will, because I will help you/explain it to you until you get it.

I dropped the kids off at school today. I almost walked in with my shoes on. (That's right they take off their shoes at the door.) The twins seemed nervous but excited. They rode their new bikes.

Now I am looking for jobs. There are 24 jobs so far that fit my experience. And that's just in Malmö. Lund is very close, and so is Copenhagen. Both are close enough to drive to or take the train to.

Last night I was up very late on CommunityofSweden.com trying to find people in my area to meet. Although I have been introduced to a few of Helena and Micke's friends, I need more, because if you know me, you know I am an extrovert who LOVES people.

Right now I feel pretty lonely. The hardest part about coming to Sweden is that it is hard to find friends because people are a bit shy or cautious about meeting new people.

Yesterday's visit with the teacher ended up taking 2 1/2 hours. She was very nice, seemed very dedicated to her work and very open minded. I liked that she emphasized bullying was not permitted in school and that she would always listen to the girls if something happens where they are picked on.

She invited the twins to see the school today, and we toured it this morning. It is a very nice school, small but nice. There is soccer field, and a playground, and the class that the twins will be in to prepare for Swedish classes is small and has three other girls their age.

The library is an interesting design with shelves around the outside of a space in the hall, and inside, many nice computers for the kids to use.

The cafeteria has a salad bar and serve yourself food. Recycling bins of course.

The kids have swimming on Monday, and gym on Tuesday. They are to shower after gym and there are no private shower stalls. Tayler is very upset about this.

We met the principal, who is a young guy with high ambitions to make the school one of the best in Sweden.

Everyone was very welcoming and wanted to shake our hands. The twins are the first American students to come to the school.

The girls are apprehensive about their first day on Monday, but I think once they start, they will be fine.

Wednesday night the girls and I met their friends and their friends' families at La Hacienda Real, and had a fantastic meal. Not only did the waitress do separate checks for all families, and keep everything straight but the food was great and the company was wonderful.

These are parents from the school the twins go to, and they are amazing. Supportive, loving, great conversationalists, and most of all huggy. I was getting hugs all over the place.

The twins spent time with their friends, made several announcements, and Tyler saw a boy she really hoped would come to the party from outside the school community.

We are so lucky to have such warm and sincere families and their support here. If it doesn't work out in Sweden, I know they will welcome us with open arms.

After dinner we invited everyone to join us at Dairy Queen for ice cream. The twins just didn't want to say goodbye so sleepovers were arranged. Playdates were scheduled.

We are booked all the way to Monday when we take off for Sweden.

So, I'm passing this first "academic readiness" class at the University of Phoenix by a nose. Me and this teacher, we don't jive. Scott says not to let it upset me, but usually stuff like this does.

Job is good. I like the people, the work seems challenging, and I get to wear jeans. On the down side, I do have to walk through a revolving door every day. I remember when I interviewed I thought that would be a problem. I don't like revolving doors.