The day of the big hair cut finally came. This is a Mongolian tradition which was never explained fully to me. As you can see, the little one has gone for the shaven look on his mighty dome. He took it well, once he realized he wasn't at the dentist. Good news for him is a continuance of the tradition means no more hair cuts until he goes to school, in Mongolia anyway.
In other news, Erdene and my wedding anniversary is tomorrow and Monday, depending on which side of the International Dateline you reside on. Last year, we both forgot and didn't realize until the next day. As luck would have it, we had a fine day together and treasure the memory of not needing reminders to make every day together a special day. This year we are apart, but are happy knowing it will be the last. Pumpkin is well, but his mom is missing my support. Disobedient, willful, and headstrong seem to sum up his two and a half year attitude towards life. Happy and curious are also in the mix, so all is not lost, but I miss the chance to contribute. Erdene is hanging in there and hasn't lost her cheerfulness. As our friend, Captain Tom, is want to say; the only thing sweeter than her smile is her disposition. Sorry honey, but I have a few years to make up for my abscense in these trying times. Below is a picture from Erdene. She and the lad are managing well in Erdenet. Spring has sprung and Alan Amara participated in the running of the goats at Dad Mashbatt's countryside home last weekend. Much as I miss him, I envy him the chance to be two and free of the city.
Above is a picture of Erdene and I after our first real date. From the sunburns, you might quess we were at the beach all day. Inthe shopping bag is some aloe after sun lotion which was much appreciated. This is also the day, we realized that we might just be in love. And below, our wedding, five months later at Mayor Tudela's office. A happy day for all.
Without a doubt, these two pictures represent our happiest day together so far. The little one has always been a joy. A trial and tribulation at times, but at the end of the day. What joy.I can only think of one more day which will join the above as big days in our memories. That will be the day of my dreams, when I meet them at LAX baggage claim.
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4 comments:
The shaved head ordeal, wow, didn't realize that about Mongolians... Congrats on your anniversary, even though thousands of miles apart,your writing expresses you are in one heart and therefore aside from yearning to be next to each other physically, you are there mentally and emotionally. Great photos depicting your lives as you all have transoitioned to your lad today on his traditional head shaving experience.
Folk traditions are a fascinating study, I've always been an observer and I was a bit shocked to learn one of my wife's friends slept with a butcher knife under her and the baby's bed for the first month in case a spirit should show. After learning that little factoid I wasn't too shocked to learn Erdene and the baby weren't going to leave the house for the first month after the baby was born, minus the doctor's visits. And a journey to a bhuddist priest for a ritualistic horoscope or a shamanist purification ritual. I did learn most Mongolian traditions are rooted in common sense and self-preservation, so I roll with the strange not only out of respect for my wife's family and their culture.
Otherwise, it's tough, Wayne. I love them and want so much to have them with me, but I have to put my fears and desires way down deep or I would surely go insane. At the end of the day, It isn't like any of us are in a war zone, so perspective helps.
Erdene sent me some new pictures Sunday and we talk nearly every other day, so I can't bitch too much. Tell you what though, San Diego is a fine place to live, but I really miss living a little closer to the edge in Mongolia and to a lesser degree (of edginess) Saipan. Yeah, you might think you are isolated as opposed to stateside life, but MN is another world removed. All the same, I do miss the genuine enjoyment of everyday Mongolian life. Thanks for the word. Enjoying the election campaign?
Happy anniversary to you and Erdene! The Pumpkin sounds so much like Connor...he has me on ignore most of the time and today I watched in horror as he took candy from another kid. I love Pumpkin's new 'do. The only reason Connor's is so long is because he freaks when I get near him with the scissors. It is a progressive hair cut...always in the works, a little snip here, a little snip there.
Missy, I'm looking forward to the day Conner and the Pumpkin go head to head. I think either you and Erdene or I and the BTH will run our lungs out keeping up with them, while keeping the woods safe for bears.
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