children
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How to Get a Dog in England
This is less a “How To…” and more a cautionary tale. In November, we were tricked into getting a puppy by the 12-year-old and a very compelling Power Point presentation assuring us she would be the best dog mom on Earth. Obviously, she was lying but, as many schmucks parents have before us, we fell…
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What Is It Like Raising Children Overseas?
Exactly what I was hoping would happen is happening. My girls are becoming understanding and empathetic towards others. Yesterday, my youngest told me she would be fasting today. When I asked her why she said it was because her friend had been trying to fast for Ramadan but had broken the fast twice. In other…
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How to Vaccinate Children in England
Here’s something I find to be absolutely delightful, living in England. The National Health Service (NHS) offers vaccinations in school for children. I was never vaccinated in school in the U.S. though both of my parents were and, for some odd reason, my sisters? Anyway, I used to jokingly wish the U.S. would bring back…
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Lost in London
There are a few things that I am good at. I am good at writing. I can carry a tune and, provided it’s not an advanced class, I am good at ballet. I can ride horses and have only had one speeding ticket. I can also whip up a 30-minute meal in just under an…
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Traveling in New Zealand
Nearly 10 years ago Marcus came up with a plan to travel from where we lived on the coast of North Carolina to Minnesota, a 1,337-mile journey. The girls were all of 2 years old and 10 months old, respectively, and there wasn’t enough Zanax in the world that would have convinced me it was…
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How to See Taylor Swift in Singapore
It’s me. Hi. I’m the one who doesn’t write like she should, it’s me. Taylor Swift mania has come and gone in Singapore. It was a long time coming as tickets went on sale what feels like forever ago and the chaos that ensued was, well, chaotic. Luckily, neither of my girls were huge fans…
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Parenting Singaporean Style
What I’m about to say, please don’t take as a blanket statement for all Singaporeans. Just like Americans don’t want to all be labeled as gun-toting child killers, I’m sure Singaporeans don’t all want to be labeled as blasé parents. But recently, a real-life Singaporean (I point this out only to say these were his…
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What It’s Like Living in Singapore
Riddle me this: At every ATM you can make a withdrawal but not at every ATM can you make a deposit. And not every deposit can be made with commemorative notes and how to tell the difference between a regular note and a commemorative note has yet to be discovered. What am I? (Answer: Extremely…
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Sheer Brilliance
Marcus called me the other day (he’s away on travel) and said, “I was thinking, what if, when we travel, we do things that involve animals? I think that would get the kids more excited about going places.” “That’s such a great idea! I never thought of that,” I replied. For your viewing pleasure, all…
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Tips for Traveling in Vietnam
I have a few tips for traveling in Vietnam. This may pertain to other countries but for this particular write-up it only applies to Vietnam. Also, as with much of what I write, this is neither thorough nor comprehensive and in no way researched and verified. If you find yourself buying a bunch of crap…
The Traveling Tepaskes 