Theres twelve more days until Big Son goes away to university. This makes me sad. Because I will miss him desperately of course, but also because then I will be stuck with all these other children - as my very bestest babysitter in the universe runs away to a life of independence and freedom from… Continue reading Countdown to Independence Day
Tag: Samoa
Lets Punish Pregnant Teenagers in Samoa
I'm angry - about schools that expel teenage students who get pregnant. Access to education is a necessity for every child, and a young woman in this situation has an even greater need for education as she is about to become a parent and teacher to her own child. A pregnant teenager needs a supportive… Continue reading Lets Punish Pregnant Teenagers in Samoa
Return to Paradise: Marketplace Memories
A trip to the market took me on a meandering journey to my childhood. Food especially does tend to have that effect on me... Crisp, tangy green vi fruit. We would smash these on the cement driveway to get through the hard skin to the crunchy white insides. In vi season when the tree across… Continue reading Return to Paradise: Marketplace Memories
Sometimes, Samoa Sucks.
It took fourteen days for it to happen. For me to cry/freakout/meltdown/puke and rage - and ask, myself...the universe...the three legged dog on the side of the road...the uncaring blazing sun...the hot-as-hell little car with horribly useless air conditioning: WHY THE HELL DID I MOVE BACK HERE???!!! WHY DID I LEAVE MY NICE CAVE IN… Continue reading Sometimes, Samoa Sucks.
Dangerous Thrilling Nights
I love to dance. Specifically at parties, dances and in nightclubs. A long time ago, I would go out dancing a lot. But having lots of children and work and getting older'er and tired'er really cuts down on one's oportunities (and one's energy) for dancing. But Samoa is a fantabulous place for going out dancing… Continue reading Dangerous Thrilling Nights
Marital Dischord in Paradise (Or, When Your Partner Gets On Your Nerves)
Today marks one week since we arrived in Samoa. And its taken exactly one week for the Hot Man to conclude what I suspected he would... "Its kind of stressful having you all here. And expensive!" he said in exasperation. "When its just me I can work and train without worrying about other people.… Continue reading Marital Dischord in Paradise (Or, When Your Partner Gets On Your Nerves)
A Day in Samoa
This is the hill right outside our driveway. Its my early morning nemesis because I'm trying to avoid dying an early lazy-writer's death - by going for an energizing walk every day. I walk to the top and then feel like puking. I walk down and up the next hill, then feel like puking. Perhaps… Continue reading A Day in Samoa
There’s Samoans everywhere.
So we've officially moved back to Samoa after a three year stint living in New Zealand. (Although its a bit misleading to say we have lived in NZ all this time because in actual fact the Hot Man has still been working in the hot, humid land. And Ive been home so many times that… Continue reading There’s Samoans everywhere.
Return to Paradise: The Dread
There's a massive shipping container parked outside my house. We're packing. It's really happening...we're moving back to Samoa. And as I shift through piles of junk, sorting the useful from the useless, the reality of what we're doing is slowly starting to sink in. Along with a bit of apprehension. Because even though moving home… Continue reading Return to Paradise: The Dread
When a Man Beats a Woman
The idolization of rugby players should never come at the cost of the women in their lives. We place these athletes on a pedestal and our adulation props up a sporting culture which seems inextricably linked with alcohol and violence. Our rugby players have helped 'put Samoa on the map' and there are those who… Continue reading When a Man Beats a Woman
Lani Wendt Young 