It is time to be blowing the trumpets; time to boast; time to remind you...Christmas is close at hand!
So...what do you give an ATCK (Adult Third Culture Kid) for Christmas? Well...seems part of that solution is right here on the internet - specifically at the Interaction International website - where you can order a full years' subscription to the Among Worlds magazine - online!!!
Shocked you, eh? :-) Well...we are attempting to "keep up with the times" and offer to all our current subscribers and future (hint, hint) subscribers the ability to renew your subscriptions online, order new subscriptions, or give a gift subscription...all online!
Where do you do this? Well...glad you asked.
Go to: http://www.interactionintl.org/shop.asp and then right click on the image that says "Among Worlds".
Remember - this is a GREAT way to give a wonderful gift!
Sunday, December 09, 2007
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
The Sister Connection
A couple of weeks ago, I discovered another TCK who is involved in a project/organization; one which helps the widows of Burundi, Africa.
Denise Patch has written book reviews for the 'Bookworm Review' section of Among Worlds magazine. Anyway - while on the phone with her, I discovered why I had not heard from her in a long time! She has been spending a lot of time, effort and money putting together the "Sister Connection".
If you know of other TCKs who are involved like Denise is, please pass that information on to me (along with the website). I find it a privilege to be able to shine the "light" on their endeavors!
OK...OK...I admit it...I am envious of what she is doing, and her being able to travel to Burundi!
So without further ado, here is her website.
http://www.sisterconnection.org/index.php
Denise Patch has written book reviews for the 'Bookworm Review' section of Among Worlds magazine. Anyway - while on the phone with her, I discovered why I had not heard from her in a long time! She has been spending a lot of time, effort and money putting together the "Sister Connection".
If you know of other TCKs who are involved like Denise is, please pass that information on to me (along with the website). I find it a privilege to be able to shine the "light" on their endeavors!
OK...OK...I admit it...I am envious of what she is doing, and her being able to travel to Burundi!
So without further ado, here is her website.
http://www.sisterconnection.org/index.php
Monday, November 12, 2007
TCK Writing Contest
I have been asked to post this announcement because it pertains specifically to YOU, a TCK! Come on everyone, join in - participate - engage your writing and story-telling skills!
**TCK Writing Contest**
To enter, simply write a story. It can be on your cultural identity, your life as a TCK, relationships, or an interesting or funny experience you have had. You can be funny, poignant, witty, etc.; it is, after all ... your story.
The winner will receive $100!!!!!
Deadline is 25th November!
To participate and for more details, you can register at, and send your stories to, http://tckid.com or email tckproject@gmail.com
**TCK Writing Contest**
To enter, simply write a story. It can be on your cultural identity, your life as a TCK, relationships, or an interesting or funny experience you have had. You can be funny, poignant, witty, etc.; it is, after all ... your story.
The winner will receive $100!!!!!
Deadline is 25th November!
To participate and for more details, you can register at, and send your stories to, http://tckid.com or email tckproject@gmail.com
Monday, October 29, 2007
Some Discoveries
I have made a very profound discovery...it is HARD to maintain/keep up/continue blogging on a regular, steady basis. I am sure that, for those of you who DO check in here, this fact has been more than apparent - it has been flagrantly obvious!
Mea Culpa! Busy-ness gets in the way, it is easy to procrastinate (I'll do it later, tomorrow, next week, etc., etc.), and easier still to justify (wow...not posted in over a month...well...I can wait another day/week/month).
So...here is my post for the month of October (can you believe that November is almost upon us?).
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
There are 2 people (who have written for Among Worlds magazine) to whom I would like to give special mention.
Scott Sutton:
PR News Magazine, an international public relations trade publication, has chosen Scott to be one of their "15-to-Watch Best Young PR Stars" for 2007. This annual honor goes to 15 "rising industry stars under the age of 30." Two of his former professors at UNC Chapel Hill nominated him for the award based on his work "on the clock" with Progress Energy and "off the clock" raising awareness about the crisis in Darfur.
If you are interested, the UNC press release can be found on www.jomc.unc.edu.
Amy Wielkoszewski:
I had never hear of the "Scholar Ship" until Amy told me about it as she was preparing for her position on board the ship. Yes....an actual ship! Amy is a member of the staff, serving as "Intercultural Resident Counselor", working with all the students who are on board for this adventure.
If you are interested in learning about the "Scholar Ship", check it out at: http://www.thescholarship.com/
Anyone else out there we should mention on this blog? If so, please let me know!
Margie
Mea Culpa! Busy-ness gets in the way, it is easy to procrastinate (I'll do it later, tomorrow, next week, etc., etc.), and easier still to justify (wow...not posted in over a month...well...I can wait another day/week/month).
So...here is my post for the month of October (can you believe that November is almost upon us?).
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
There are 2 people (who have written for Among Worlds magazine) to whom I would like to give special mention.
Scott Sutton:
PR News Magazine, an international public relations trade publication, has chosen Scott to be one of their "15-to-Watch Best Young PR Stars" for 2007. This annual honor goes to 15 "rising industry stars under the age of 30." Two of his former professors at UNC Chapel Hill nominated him for the award based on his work "on the clock" with Progress Energy and "off the clock" raising awareness about the crisis in Darfur.
If you are interested, the UNC press release can be found on www.jomc.unc.edu.
Amy Wielkoszewski:
I had never hear of the "Scholar Ship" until Amy told me about it as she was preparing for her position on board the ship. Yes....an actual ship! Amy is a member of the staff, serving as "Intercultural Resident Counselor", working with all the students who are on board for this adventure.
If you are interested in learning about the "Scholar Ship", check it out at: http://www.thescholarship.com/
Anyone else out there we should mention on this blog? If so, please let me know!
Margie
Thursday, August 16, 2007
TCK Entry/Re-entry Seminar
Wow....that is all I can say. I just spent a week in Colorado (just outside of Divide, CO) with 53 TCKs and 11 staff (of which 5 were themselves TCKs) - and it was WONDERFUL!
The seminar was centered around the 53 TCKS - and was all about transition. For some, it was their first transition to the US, for others the transition was just another of many they had already been through. Interaction International puts on these seminars 2x a year - one in New York, the 2nd in Colorado. This was the first one I have had the privilege of being a part of, and I hope to do it again next year.
While there, I was also trying to put the finishing touches on the next issue of Among Worlds - which happens to touch on transitions! Cell phone communications are poor way up there in the "wilderness" - but wifi was available for our laptop computers! Go figure! :-) I had to take one day to spend on meeting my deadline so didn't get to have a "fun" day with the group - for which I am truly sorry for missing! It sounds like they had a blast...without me! :-(
One thing that really hit me in the memory-department was how much the area reminded me of where I grew up. Temperatures were hot during the day, but cool at night - the breeze seemed to start in the early evening and the sounds of the wind in the trees, the smell of clean air, the huge billowing clouds over the mountains surrounding the camp...all kept hitting that "memory" in my mind and heart. At one point the rememberance was so strong it took my breath away.
Best part of it all was getting to know those who came for the conference. What a great group of teens! I am so very blessed to have had the chance to share part of their lives during that week.
Great time...truly!
Margie
The seminar was centered around the 53 TCKS - and was all about transition. For some, it was their first transition to the US, for others the transition was just another of many they had already been through. Interaction International puts on these seminars 2x a year - one in New York, the 2nd in Colorado. This was the first one I have had the privilege of being a part of, and I hope to do it again next year.
While there, I was also trying to put the finishing touches on the next issue of Among Worlds - which happens to touch on transitions! Cell phone communications are poor way up there in the "wilderness" - but wifi was available for our laptop computers! Go figure! :-) I had to take one day to spend on meeting my deadline so didn't get to have a "fun" day with the group - for which I am truly sorry for missing! It sounds like they had a blast...without me! :-(
One thing that really hit me in the memory-department was how much the area reminded me of where I grew up. Temperatures were hot during the day, but cool at night - the breeze seemed to start in the early evening and the sounds of the wind in the trees, the smell of clean air, the huge billowing clouds over the mountains surrounding the camp...all kept hitting that "memory" in my mind and heart. At one point the rememberance was so strong it took my breath away.
Best part of it all was getting to know those who came for the conference. What a great group of teens! I am so very blessed to have had the chance to share part of their lives during that week.
Great time...truly!
Margie
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Transitions
First off - my apologies to everyone who may stop by this blogsite - I have not had (or made) time to devote to creating new entries. I hope to remedy that. Please be patient with me - and remember...time is NOT my friend!
Transition - one of those dreaded words. It is also a word that means something new, a change, something different. Seems we are always in transition, or everyone else around us is - making changes, moving, changing jobs, changing status (engaged, married, separated, etc., etc.).
Some of those transitions are easy to take in stride. Other times, those transitions seem to take a hefty toll on us - whether that toll is on our emotions, money, time, and friendships. Is there a healthy way to face these transitions as they pop up in our lives?
The latest issue of Among Worlds magazine (September 2007) is centered around "Transitions" and we have several new authors contributing their thoughts and ideas. While I won't give away the great content we have to offer you (the subscribers to Among Worlds), I would like to hear from those who do read our blog. How do you approach an upcoming transition? Do you "think destination" should it be a move or job change? Do you take what transpired in a past transition and apply the good part of it to your next transition? Do you continue to stay in touch with those who have moved away (or when you did the moving)?
Just a few questions/thoughts here. I would love to hear what you have to say!
Margie
Transition - one of those dreaded words. It is also a word that means something new, a change, something different. Seems we are always in transition, or everyone else around us is - making changes, moving, changing jobs, changing status (engaged, married, separated, etc., etc.).
Some of those transitions are easy to take in stride. Other times, those transitions seem to take a hefty toll on us - whether that toll is on our emotions, money, time, and friendships. Is there a healthy way to face these transitions as they pop up in our lives?
The latest issue of Among Worlds magazine (September 2007) is centered around "Transitions" and we have several new authors contributing their thoughts and ideas. While I won't give away the great content we have to offer you (the subscribers to Among Worlds), I would like to hear from those who do read our blog. How do you approach an upcoming transition? Do you "think destination" should it be a move or job change? Do you take what transpired in a past transition and apply the good part of it to your next transition? Do you continue to stay in touch with those who have moved away (or when you did the moving)?
Just a few questions/thoughts here. I would love to hear what you have to say!
Margie
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
"Good" News?
Atlanta seems to be making the news a lot - in both positive and negative ways. The positive, for example, is about the high school where the seniors took on Darfur as their "cause" (see http://www.11alive.com/news/article_news.aspx?storyid=98456).
The negatives are 1) the lawyer from Atlanta who has TB, and 2) the CDC which not only didn't stop the lawyer from traveling to Greece for his wedding, but has also lost over $22 million worth of equipment.
There is always plenty of negative news in the media - but the story on the highschoolers who took on the cause of Darfur is very uplifting. Can you add any other items of news which are positive/affirmative/beneficial, etc., etc.? How many can we find in one week?
Come on - contribute!!!!! :-)
The negatives are 1) the lawyer from Atlanta who has TB, and 2) the CDC which not only didn't stop the lawyer from traveling to Greece for his wedding, but has also lost over $22 million worth of equipment.
There is always plenty of negative news in the media - but the story on the highschoolers who took on the cause of Darfur is very uplifting. Can you add any other items of news which are positive/affirmative/beneficial, etc., etc.? How many can we find in one week?
Come on - contribute!!!!! :-)
Monday, May 28, 2007
The Shack
First time for everything, right? This will be the first time that I endorse a book prior to having it reviewed in the Among Worlds magazine. But...can't keep quiet on this one.
Below is a notice sent out by the author (a childhood friend). I've held off posting this on the blog because it is still "prior to the general release of the book in September", but decided to go ahead and promote the book. So...here is my "part" in the marketing for the book (and it is well worth the read!!!!!).
Me
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A pre-release publication was printed on May 1st, and is to be followed by a General Release publication in September (rumor as of today is that the September release will also be in Hard Bound - this first printing is paperback).
To get your first peek (some of you have been peeking already) at the book and "What Others are Saying" go to our new website for the book : www.theshackbook.com
This is a celebration!!! Let me tell you now, that this book is way bigger than me, so like you...I am just along for the ride.
Thank you to so many of you who have played a part in all of this! As things develop, including a possible major motion picture, I will keep you posted through the website. It will have a blog link soon to my own 'author's website'. There will be links on the website to purchase the book. Please feel free to let anyone/everyone you know know about the website and the book. You can even use all or part of this email if you like. We are not going through the 'usual' channels to market this book, but decided to see what viral marketing ('word of mouth and relationship') can do for the book. We are also looking for more comments and endorsements as people read the book. I will have an email related to the book that people can contact me through: wpy2007@gmail.com
This is all an adventure of grace!
Paul Young (author)
Below is a notice sent out by the author (a childhood friend). I've held off posting this on the blog because it is still "prior to the general release of the book in September", but decided to go ahead and promote the book. So...here is my "part" in the marketing for the book (and it is well worth the read!!!!!).
Me
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A pre-release publication was printed on May 1st, and is to be followed by a General Release publication in September (rumor as of today is that the September release will also be in Hard Bound - this first printing is paperback).
To get your first peek (some of you have been peeking already) at the book and "What Others are Saying" go to our new website for the book : www.theshackbook.com
This is a celebration!!! Let me tell you now, that this book is way bigger than me, so like you...I am just along for the ride.
Thank you to so many of you who have played a part in all of this! As things develop, including a possible major motion picture, I will keep you posted through the website. It will have a blog link soon to my own 'author's website'. There will be links on the website to purchase the book. Please feel free to let anyone/everyone you know know about the website and the book. You can even use all or part of this email if you like. We are not going through the 'usual' channels to market this book, but decided to see what viral marketing ('word of mouth and relationship') can do for the book. We are also looking for more comments and endorsements as people read the book. I will have an email related to the book that people can contact me through: wpy2007@gmail.com
This is all an adventure of grace!
Paul Young (author)
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Puzzle Answer
Twiga: Wish I could say that you are correct, but I cannot say that!
Want the answer?
Here it is:
Answer: In all of the words listed, if you take the first letter, place it at the end of the word, and then spell the word backwards, it will be the same word.
Did you figure it out? Even if you didn't, don't worry--> just send it to your friends and stump them; then you'll feel better! :-)
Want the answer?
Here it is:
Answer: In all of the words listed, if you take the first letter, place it at the end of the word, and then spell the word backwards, it will be the same word.
Did you figure it out? Even if you didn't, don't worry--> just send it to your friends and stump them; then you'll feel better! :-)
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Word Puzzle
I received this from a fellow TCK...
To those who love word puzzles: What do these words have in common?
Banana
Dresser
Grammar
Potato
Revive
Uneven
Assess
I hope you have not already given up!
Give it another try.... You may kick yourself when you discover the answer. Go back and look at them again; think hard.
Answer will be here tomorrow!
:-)
To those who love word puzzles: What do these words have in common?
Banana
Dresser
Grammar
Potato
Revive
Uneven
Assess
I hope you have not already given up!
Give it another try.... You may kick yourself when you discover the answer. Go back and look at them again; think hard.
Answer will be here tomorrow!
:-)
Sunday, May 06, 2007
Who am I...really?
There are times when I find myself staring off into space and realize that I am still questioning (in my subconciousness) just "who" I am.
This question is sort of weird - because it doesn't come out of NOT knowing who I am...but from wondering how much of who I am has been molded/formed by living in the US. It is a rhetorical question - because I believe I would still be "me" (those you know me personally and have done so over a period of time would have to be the ones to ask).
Maybe that paragraph isn't clear. So I'll try this angle...would I be the same (as I am today) if I had spent the greater part of my life (since leaving my *home* overseas) living in, say, Holland?
Don't you wonder about those things? The question pops up...would the parts of me which I call "strengths" be "challenges" in a different locale? Would I have different views on the US, on Europe, etc.?
Weird, eh?
Margie
This question is sort of weird - because it doesn't come out of NOT knowing who I am...but from wondering how much of who I am has been molded/formed by living in the US. It is a rhetorical question - because I believe I would still be "me" (those you know me personally and have done so over a period of time would have to be the ones to ask).
Maybe that paragraph isn't clear. So I'll try this angle...would I be the same (as I am today) if I had spent the greater part of my life (since leaving my *home* overseas) living in, say, Holland?
Don't you wonder about those things? The question pops up...would the parts of me which I call "strengths" be "challenges" in a different locale? Would I have different views on the US, on Europe, etc.?
Weird, eh?
Margie
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Topic, anyone?
I haven't quite figured out how so many folks maintain a *daily* blog entry. Time, subject matter, relevancy of topics, etc., etc. - how do fellow bloggers do all this?
I do have one very relevant question for those who read the Among Worlds blog - and your response(s) would be greatly appreciated!
What topics do you feel need to be addressed by the authors who contribute to the magazine?
I do have one very relevant question for those who read the Among Worlds blog - and your response(s) would be greatly appreciated!
What topics do you feel need to be addressed by the authors who contribute to the magazine?
I feel it is very important to hear back from others as to what topic YOU feel needs to be critiqued/written about. If you are not yet a subscriber to the Among Worlds magazine, your voice about topics is also important - so don't allow that to hold back your ideas! :-)
While you are cogitating over your response, I am going to make a post office run (what a strange expression - "make" a post office "run"? - yet many folks employ this phrase!).
Later!
Margie
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Stress and Recovery
When last posting, I was in the middle of working on the next issue of Among Worlds magazine, helping to care for my mom (who had been through some major trauma of her own with her heart overbeating), doing the usual house-maintenance, being a full-time mom to a teenager, etc., etc.
After I sent in the completed works of the magazine this morning, I felt elated that all was now well. That lasted for about 10 minutes, and then it was on to other work (the next 2 issue of the magazine, calling or emailing folks about their subscriptions, taking calls, etc.). About 2:00 this afternoon I suddenly felt dizzy - and then, BAM - a migraine!
Now...it's been while since I have had one of those nasty head-busting, brain-hurting head-aches! So this one caught me unprepared.
Yet...I should have anticipated that my body would respond in this manner...after all, stress usually creates physical (and mental) problems. It is usually after the stressful time that we suffer some kind of retaliation from our bodies.
So...any ideas on how to be better prepared? [and yes, I am feeling much better now - thanks for asking :-)]
Margie
After I sent in the completed works of the magazine this morning, I felt elated that all was now well. That lasted for about 10 minutes, and then it was on to other work (the next 2 issue of the magazine, calling or emailing folks about their subscriptions, taking calls, etc.). About 2:00 this afternoon I suddenly felt dizzy - and then, BAM - a migraine!
Now...it's been while since I have had one of those nasty head-busting, brain-hurting head-aches! So this one caught me unprepared.
Yet...I should have anticipated that my body would respond in this manner...after all, stress usually creates physical (and mental) problems. It is usually after the stressful time that we suffer some kind of retaliation from our bodies.
So...any ideas on how to be better prepared? [and yes, I am feeling much better now - thanks for asking :-)]
Margie
Thursday, April 05, 2007
April already?
Ok - Time really, really did fly this time! I got to fly with it (on a plane - that counts, doesn't it?) but the flying was short compared to the days that flew by...zing...zip..wheeeee!
For those who have been following this blog site, you will remember the P.R. I put in about the FIGT (Families in Global Transition) conference. Well, the conference is now in past tense for the year 2007...but what a great conference! Got to meet some really great folks - all working in areas that directly impact families who are either going overseas or are returning from overseas. I also got to meet some great authors (Robin Pascoe, Jo Parfitt are two) and chat with them. In fact, Robin has given me excerpts from her most recent book to use in the upcoming issues of Among Worlds magazine!
One of the best experiences I had was not at the conference, but after the conference. I had the chance to meet up with some folks who graduated from the same boarding school I attended. We really DO change a lot over 30+ years, and oh, the fun of catching up and looking at old photos!
It was such a great feeling to see C.H. and Y.C. plus the others who joined us at a Malaysian restaurant there in Houston. And the stories we told - on each other!
Then came the hard part - saying our farewells. Yet I left still feeling elated - because we didn't really say "good-bye", but more of a "talk to you on the phone, email, etc." - as though we aren't truly leaving each others' presence anymore!
Reunions are great...and I know some of you have been to reunions this year - or are planning to attend one later this year.
Until I catch up with myself,
Margie
For those who have been following this blog site, you will remember the P.R. I put in about the FIGT (Families in Global Transition) conference. Well, the conference is now in past tense for the year 2007...but what a great conference! Got to meet some really great folks - all working in areas that directly impact families who are either going overseas or are returning from overseas. I also got to meet some great authors (Robin Pascoe, Jo Parfitt are two) and chat with them. In fact, Robin has given me excerpts from her most recent book to use in the upcoming issues of Among Worlds magazine!
One of the best experiences I had was not at the conference, but after the conference. I had the chance to meet up with some folks who graduated from the same boarding school I attended. We really DO change a lot over 30+ years, and oh, the fun of catching up and looking at old photos!
It was such a great feeling to see C.H. and Y.C. plus the others who joined us at a Malaysian restaurant there in Houston. And the stories we told - on each other!
Then came the hard part - saying our farewells. Yet I left still feeling elated - because we didn't really say "good-bye", but more of a "talk to you on the phone, email, etc." - as though we aren't truly leaving each others' presence anymore!
Reunions are great...and I know some of you have been to reunions this year - or are planning to attend one later this year.
Until I catch up with myself,
Margie
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Musings
The English language is a strange conglomeration of words from everywhere (or so it seems). There are times when the words seem to not make a lot of sense/cents. Why do we have so many words that either are spelled the same, but pronounced different from each other [read which sounds like reed, or read which sounds like red] or are spelled different, but pronounced the same (see example just given)?
Then, of course, you also have different ways of spelling the same word (color vs. colour). To further mess the language up, we then have folks who speak these words with an "accent" (a-lu-mi-num vs. al-yu-mihn-yum). Often *how* we pronounce words will give the listener a strong clue as to where we grew up or received our education.
So why am I bothering to talk about this? Well...it was on my mind because I heard a lot of different uses of English words today, some of which I didn't understand because of how the words were being pronounced. If I, as a person who speaks American-English, cannot understand, how do others (for whom English is NOT their first language) understand? How was I to know that "Soopy-doopy" meant "Super-Duper"? :-)
Just some musings about language...
Margie
Then, of course, you also have different ways of spelling the same word (color vs. colour). To further mess the language up, we then have folks who speak these words with an "accent" (a-lu-mi-num vs. al-yu-mihn-yum). Often *how* we pronounce words will give the listener a strong clue as to where we grew up or received our education.
So why am I bothering to talk about this? Well...it was on my mind because I heard a lot of different uses of English words today, some of which I didn't understand because of how the words were being pronounced. If I, as a person who speaks American-English, cannot understand, how do others (for whom English is NOT their first language) understand? How was I to know that "Soopy-doopy" meant "Super-Duper"? :-)
Just some musings about language...
Margie
Friday, March 02, 2007
Magazine Topic: Affirmation
By now, you should have received our latest issue in your mail box.
This issue's articles:
This issue's articles:
- Dreams Come True? - Amy Wielkoszewski
- Where Is My Place In This World? - Kent Hori
- Blue, The Colour of Desire - Lisa McKay
- The Paradox of Affirmation - Ruth E. Van Reken
- Affirmation: An Essential Log in Building Your Transition RAFT - David Wickstrom
- Affirmation for TCKs - Esther Schubert, MD, FAAFP, FAPA
- Affirmation: A Guide to Our Inner Voices - Lynn Anderson
- All Shall Be Well - Vicki Ray
Monday, February 26, 2007
Hello....good-bye
The March issue of Among Worlds magazine has been mailed out! Yeah!!!
It so happened that I had company the weekend of the appointed mailing. Now...that shouldn't be a problem except that it created a lot of stress for me. How do I get the magazine mailed out to all the subscribers/readers and not have that deter from the time I wanted to spend with my friend who was visiting?
You remember from one of the Star Treks movies the scene where Spock says "The needs of the many outweigh the need of one"? Well...I didn't follow his example. Yeah...I admit it, I was selfish. I spent that weekend enjoying the company of my friend, going to the mountains, spending an entire day shopping at Asian stores (ahhhh...the memories that 'smell' can evoke from some of those stores!), talking, laughing, and just enjoying our time together.
On the last evening of the visit, my friend helped me get the magazines ready for mailing. We joked and laughed and talked some more - all while we were stuffing, labeling, sealing, stamping and sorting. So in the end, the needs of the many were met...and the need of the one (me) was also met.
The hardest part of the visit was, of course, the farewell. I know that you who read this will nod your heads in agreement. Is there a general "correct/right" way to say goodbye or is it something that is very individual? I like to think the Indonesian expression of "Sampai Ketemu Lagi" [Until we meet again] is a good one.
How can we handle farewells in a way that is healthy? Ideas, anyone?
Margie
It so happened that I had company the weekend of the appointed mailing. Now...that shouldn't be a problem except that it created a lot of stress for me. How do I get the magazine mailed out to all the subscribers/readers and not have that deter from the time I wanted to spend with my friend who was visiting?
You remember from one of the Star Treks movies the scene where Spock says "The needs of the many outweigh the need of one"? Well...I didn't follow his example. Yeah...I admit it, I was selfish. I spent that weekend enjoying the company of my friend, going to the mountains, spending an entire day shopping at Asian stores (ahhhh...the memories that 'smell' can evoke from some of those stores!), talking, laughing, and just enjoying our time together.
On the last evening of the visit, my friend helped me get the magazines ready for mailing. We joked and laughed and talked some more - all while we were stuffing, labeling, sealing, stamping and sorting. So in the end, the needs of the many were met...and the need of the one (me) was also met.
The hardest part of the visit was, of course, the farewell. I know that you who read this will nod your heads in agreement. Is there a general "correct/right" way to say goodbye or is it something that is very individual? I like to think the Indonesian expression of "Sampai Ketemu Lagi" [Until we meet again] is a good one.
How can we handle farewells in a way that is healthy? Ideas, anyone?
Margie
Monday, February 12, 2007
Survey on International Life
I received an email this morning from a fellow TCK, Estelle Toomey, whom I had the pleasure of meeting while at the FIGT conference in 2005 (remember that I mentioned the joy and pleasure of meeting fellow TCKs?). She is a super lady - and very on-the-ball when it comes to delving into greater understanding of who we are as TCKs.
So...here is her request - I hope all of you will participate!
Margie
*********************** EMAIL to forward ****************************************
Hello everyone. As part of an international study I am conducting from Oxford University and as a 3rd generation expat myself, I am interested in your views on international life. Would you please consider doing my online survey at your earliest possible convenience? I would also be grateful if you would forward this note to any of your 'internationally mobile' friends or colleagues (here and abroad). Many thanks to everyone who can help; every additional participant is very important. Just copy and paste this link into your web address line and hit go - http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=615703210206
Many thanks,
Estelle Toomey
globaltransit_ions@yahoo.co.uk
***********************End of EMAIL ****************************************
So...here is her request - I hope all of you will participate!
Margie
*********************** EMAIL to forward ****************************************
Hello everyone. As part of an international study I am conducting from Oxford University and as a 3rd generation expat myself, I am interested in your views on international life. Would you please consider doing my online survey at your earliest possible convenience? I would also be grateful if you would forward this note to any of your 'internationally mobile' friends or colleagues (here and abroad). Many thanks to everyone who can help; every additional participant is very important. Just copy and paste this link into your web address line and hit go - http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=615703210206
Many thanks,
Estelle Toomey
globaltransit_ions@yahoo.co.uk
***********************End of EMAIL ****************************************
"Lost People"
Earlier this month, Cuiabana wrote:
"How about this for contraversy? I once had a man explain to me how all the TCK's he knew (he was speaking specifically about MK's) had a terrible sense of pride--pride not about money they had made but about countries they had visited, good deeds they had done, educational goals they had achieved. He called them "the lost people" (not spiritually lost, but emotionally lost because of their inability in relationships.) "
Which raises several questions (for me): How does having pride (I would disagree that this is applicable to all TCKs or even all MKs) about the countries visited/lived in, good deeds done, goals achieved, etc. make TCKs "lost people"? What is he using as a comparison? Are monocultural folks who show the same pride (there are many who travel overseas on their vacations, etc.) in the items listed above also "the lost people"?
Inability in relationships seems to be a common enough occurance among all peoples - regardless of their background. Yes, I do think TCKs can, and do, encounter certain relational challenges that are not common to non-TCKs, but again...how is that part of the definition of being a "lost person"?
Another question - why does a statement such as the one made above - bother me (and maybe you too)?
I look forward to hearing your take on this!
Margie
"How about this for contraversy? I once had a man explain to me how all the TCK's he knew (he was speaking specifically about MK's) had a terrible sense of pride--pride not about money they had made but about countries they had visited, good deeds they had done, educational goals they had achieved. He called them "the lost people" (not spiritually lost, but emotionally lost because of their inability in relationships.) "
Which raises several questions (for me): How does having pride (I would disagree that this is applicable to all TCKs or even all MKs) about the countries visited/lived in, good deeds done, goals achieved, etc. make TCKs "lost people"? What is he using as a comparison? Are monocultural folks who show the same pride (there are many who travel overseas on their vacations, etc.) in the items listed above also "the lost people"?
Inability in relationships seems to be a common enough occurance among all peoples - regardless of their background. Yes, I do think TCKs can, and do, encounter certain relational challenges that are not common to non-TCKs, but again...how is that part of the definition of being a "lost person"?
Another question - why does a statement such as the one made above - bother me (and maybe you too)?
I look forward to hearing your take on this!
Margie
Friday, February 02, 2007
Ok, Ok...I know it has been over 10 days since I last posted. Like I said before, time flies - and it makes a funny *shwoooosh* sound as it flies by me!
I don't know how many of of you are interested in attending conferences, but I want to shine the spotlight on one coming up the end of March. The conference is called 'Families in Global Transition' (FIGT) and will be held March 29-31 at the Houston Marriott Westchase in Houston, Texas. If you go to their website (www.figt.org), you can find out information on the folks who will be speaking, leading workshops, etc. It is a very good conference - believe me! I attended the last conference and just meeting other TCKs there was great...can you imagine all you can learn and pass on to others by also attending the workshops and meetings! So...sign up and I'll see you there!!
Margie
I don't know how many of of you are interested in attending conferences, but I want to shine the spotlight on one coming up the end of March. The conference is called 'Families in Global Transition' (FIGT) and will be held March 29-31 at the Houston Marriott Westchase in Houston, Texas. If you go to their website (www.figt.org), you can find out information on the folks who will be speaking, leading workshops, etc. It is a very good conference - believe me! I attended the last conference and just meeting other TCKs there was great...can you imagine all you can learn and pass on to others by also attending the workshops and meetings! So...sign up and I'll see you there!!
Margie
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Escape of Time
Wow, time has somehow escaped! How can it already be January 20th? Where are all the those deep, insightful, thought-provoking posts that I planned to have on this sight?
Well...I do have one plausible excuse - taking time to finish working on the contents of the next issue of Among Worlds magazine. Now Joy, the wonderful graphic artist who makes it look so professional, has the contents to do her magic on!
I do appreciate the comments folks have been leaving - and my apologies for not answering them - just keep running out of time. No wait...time keeps running out on ME!
Keeping friends is somewhat like keeping time...they too will slip away too fast. In the article titled "Taking friendships with you", by Nora FitzGerald (see http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/11/24/news/afriends.php), she specifically touches on how to hold on to your friends/friendships - because time, and memory of friends, all too often slips away and we lose momentum and contact, but experience much regret.
How do you maintain the friendships you have made over the many schools/countries/languages/experiences that are (or have been) a major part of your life? I would love to hear your "solutions".
From my heart to yours,
Margie
Editor, Among Worlds magazine
Well...I do have one plausible excuse - taking time to finish working on the contents of the next issue of Among Worlds magazine. Now Joy, the wonderful graphic artist who makes it look so professional, has the contents to do her magic on!
I do appreciate the comments folks have been leaving - and my apologies for not answering them - just keep running out of time. No wait...time keeps running out on ME!
Keeping friends is somewhat like keeping time...they too will slip away too fast. In the article titled "Taking friendships with you", by Nora FitzGerald (see http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/11/24/news/afriends.php), she specifically touches on how to hold on to your friends/friendships - because time, and memory of friends, all too often slips away and we lose momentum and contact, but experience much regret.
How do you maintain the friendships you have made over the many schools/countries/languages/experiences that are (or have been) a major part of your life? I would love to hear your "solutions".
From my heart to yours,
Margie
Editor, Among Worlds magazine
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Resolutions...shmezolutions
The new year, 2007, has already begun. Seems here in the US (is this done in other countries also?), the tradition is-on New Year's Eve-to write down or state your "resolutions" for the new year. These are supposed to be things you wish to accomplish, goals you are going to set in order to meet, etc.
I must confess...I did not make any resolutions. It is not an activity which I indulged in while growing up (I remember the adults conversing about this) and is something I find rather nebulous today. I just could not envision myself, sitting out in the wild, untamed, jungles of my former homeland, making promises to accomplish or reach goals when everything around me appeared so uncertain. I did set seeking to gain knowledge of certain activities (like making a native carrying net), but that was something I wanted to do anyway!
Besides, personal resolutions seemed too much like relationships - apt to be broken, soon to be parted from, and never quite the same when trying to start back up again.
What are your thoughts on this? Did your family/community embrace this as part of their passport-home traditions, carrying them out in a foreign land somewhere? Was this something done by the indigenous people you lived with?
Do you make resolutions now?
Well...back to the editing table to continue working on the next issue of Among Worlds magazine! I know each of you who subscribe will enjoy what all the authors have to say.
Margie
Editor, AW
I must confess...I did not make any resolutions. It is not an activity which I indulged in while growing up (I remember the adults conversing about this) and is something I find rather nebulous today. I just could not envision myself, sitting out in the wild, untamed, jungles of my former homeland, making promises to accomplish or reach goals when everything around me appeared so uncertain. I did set seeking to gain knowledge of certain activities (like making a native carrying net), but that was something I wanted to do anyway!
Besides, personal resolutions seemed too much like relationships - apt to be broken, soon to be parted from, and never quite the same when trying to start back up again.
What are your thoughts on this? Did your family/community embrace this as part of their passport-home traditions, carrying them out in a foreign land somewhere? Was this something done by the indigenous people you lived with?
Do you make resolutions now?
Well...back to the editing table to continue working on the next issue of Among Worlds magazine! I know each of you who subscribe will enjoy what all the authors have to say.
Margie
Editor, AW
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