Reading Update

A couple of weeks ago, I mentioned that I was reading a few books. I am going to take today and update you a little on everything.

"I'm Chocolate, You're Vanilla"--I am learning so much from this book. I have only read the toddler/preschooler section so far but it is still very helpful. I realize that kids at a young age don't recognize race and skin color the same way that adults do. Children are so innocent and it is the job of parents to make sure they stay that way. Children don't form judgements about people based on the color of the skin the way that adults do. In fact, most children don't even realize that their skin color won't change throughout life. Some black children said they wanted to be white because they like vanilla better than chocolate. That statement has nothing to do with race, it is about a young child's perception that they can change their skin color and that their skin color doesn't define them. How awesome is that, to be so free to not have judgements and to not form opinions based on race or skin color?

"Nineteen Minutes" by Jodi Picoult--Still reading my book club book. It is a long one. I am really enjoying it. It is however a little controversial as it centers around a high school shooting and bullying and all the players involved from the families of the victims, the judge, the shooter, the family of the shooter and the survivors. It really makes me realize that time is precious and that we should make the most of it. You never know what might happen so appreciate those around you and pay attention to your kids. It is a heavy topic. Parents have a responsibility but at the same time you can't always know what your kids are doing. There has to be some trust there but in this book that trust is shattered. It all started with kids picking on the smallest, and presumably weakest kid in the class and now 10 years later he has fought back and killed 10 people and injured others. I am at the trial stage of the book. It is just creepy to read as we all remember Columbine, Virgina Tech, Northern Illinois, and all the rest. You always hope that something like this won't happen where you live but you just never know.

Amharic phrasebook-- It is a small book with tons of info so I started with food and family sections. Why those? Well, I want to know what I am eating before I eat it so for example I will no be ordering Duleut (tripe, liver, beef cooked in spices). I will however order my food Alecha (not too spicy). I will be drinking lots of Bunna (coffee) and probably some Bira (beer). As for family I have learned that Enat means Mother and Abbat mean Father. Hesan mean baby and Lej means child. I am sure my pronunciations are off but I am trying. I really want to learn some basic words so that I can try and use them while in Ethiopia and I want my child to learn some basic words as well.

Well back to Tivumayeut (watching TV).