I'm now officially quite sure, Angelina and Brad's kids would definitely put mine to shame in the "knowing-about-the-country-you-came-from" category. Wow.
I said, "Of course I know that song honey-- it's called the 'Star Spangled Banner'; though, I did think your name for it was very awesome too." And then, I did what any other really wacky parent would do... I busted out in an unusually loud and dramatic rendition of our national anthem. And it wasn't pretty--- though it was quite fun. So fun in fact, that in my tiny bathroom with tiled walls, I must have sang it eight or nine times. Did I mention it was loud?
Anyway, we ended up googling the lyrics (which there were a few I was unsure of) and singing along to them until bedtime. Needless to say, I'm sure my husband wanted to kill me-- and I'm guessing our neighbors would have helped.
On a completely different topic, living here in Australia has given me a new perspective on so-called bragging-rights. I never was shy about telling people how awesome my kids were-- until I finally realized that that's not the way most people do things here.
Instead of the mentality I grew up with, which was along the lines of-- everyone is good at something and if you've got it flaunt it.
So you can take Florida Girl out of America, but you can't take America out of Florida Girl, so that being said... I feel like showing off my little guys once in a while, and I'm going to right now...
My seven year old is an amazing tennis player if I do say so myself. Here's proof:
And my little guy is a creative sponge and plans on "being famous" when he grows up. I figured I'd give him a head start here... can't hurt, right?
It's as if the talent in our house is seemingly endless...
So don't be hatin' or cuttin' down these poppies, mate.
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14 comments:
My favorite word in the SSB is "dawnzerly", as in "the dawnzerly light". Lady Mondegreen taught me that one.
My favorite rendition of the SSB was Steve Tyler of Aerosmith, Opening Day at Fenway Park, 2002. It sounded just like "Walk This Way"!
When teaching the lyrics to your boys, I hope you included the last two words of the SSB: Play Ball!
That's what my husband said... can't wait to take him to an American sports event.
Okay, starting at 8am tomorrow morning, we are raising the flag, saying the Pledge of Allegiance followed by My Country Tis of Thee and The Star Strangled, I mean, Spangled Banner. Thanks for the heads up! :)
That is some impressive tennis playing! Well done!
Aussie guy in Florida,
Well long time for not posting for me - obviously been reading your posts - but this one certainly hit a cord with me.
My now 15 year old daughter who arrived in the USA from Australia when she was 7 now calls her self American, OMG (Not that there is any thing wrong with being American unless you are not American).
I have been giving here pop quizzes on all things Australian - with her reaction of "Dad I am not at school I don't answer questions out of School".
Bows head - America won.
Jenny- Thanks! And are you in London yet?
Aussie Guy- Well I feel better that I'm not the only one neglecting to teach originating country heritage. haha
They can't help but be awesome, with their genetic code.
Marvin- Agreed.
OOH - I can't STAND the whole tall-poppy crap. I was actually told by my first boss here that one of the reasons I got the job (this was in advertising) was because I WAS American and he knows that they persevere until an answer is found - which is exactly what he needed. Yeah, I'm bragging.
Love the dog show - especially the Aussie-American accent. My daughter is developing that as well and loves to "take the piss" with me - calling me Mummy or exaggerating the "O" and saying "Maaaaawwwwwmee".
BTW - Olivers giving Ruby the tall-poppy by having her acknowledge she's proud of herself :)
Taskers- We are having reverse cultural experiences-- soo funny! Maybe your kids will say they want to sing "Advance Australia Flair"?? haha
The other day, my little Ameri-Kiwi (age 6) was on a website that asked him to choose his country's flag. He pointed at the American flag and said, "This is our flag, right?" Uh, sort of, honey. But he knows nothing of the SSB.
And the tall poppy syndrome? Big cultural difference, eh, mate! xx
I love the dog whisperer! I've got a pretty unruly dog at home, maybe I can borrow him?!!
Now that you mention it, I doubt my kids know the SSB, although they do know all the words to Australia Fair. I'm constantly shocked at what they DON'T know about the US, like a quarter is 25 cents, not 20. We've only been here a year and a half. Anyway, we've loved every minute of it and I'm sure they'll figure out how much quarters are worth and learn the pledge when we return. BTW, are you guys getting to the end of your 4 years and if so what's next?
Juli- Maybe we should start an online course for little expat kids in all stuff American??
Eternally Distracted- He would definitely be into that!
Francine- Only time will tell what's next for us. And what about you?
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