River of Thoughts

Christine Royse Niles — Changing the world one word at a time

Court

Exactly five years ago, we were in Ukraine, just two weeks into our five-week adventure for Masha’s adoption. For the next few weeks, I’m posting excerpts and a photo or two from each day. Sometimes funny, and sometimes proof of how naive we were, I hope you’ll enjoy our little trip down memory lane… Tuesday, 29 May, 2007 – Court So….we’ve been doing a lot of hanging out with the kids, and many of you are probably thinking “why aren’t they doing anything that’s actually related to adopting Masha and getting back home?” Yeah, we’re thinking that, too. The risk […]

Nominated

Last week I went to the office. This required dressing up in more than just a pair of yoga pants and fuzzy slippers. Looking like a human being.  Sitting in a room for three solid days with other people that I told to show up and look and act like human beings, all together. For an ultra-introvert…that’s hell.  On earth. (side note:  why can’t our office be someplace that’s located at the intersection of hell and atlantis, otherwise known as Florida?  I did not know that air could be both wet and on fire at the same time.) Furthermore, I suck […]

I’m Sorry You Were Sad Today

Exactly five years ago, we were in Ukraine, just two weeks into our five-week adventure for Masha’s adoption.  For the next few weeks, I’m posting excerpts and a photo or two from each day.  Sometimes funny, and sometimes proof of how naive we were, I hope you’ll enjoy our little trip down memory lane… Monday 28 May, 2007 – Plan B [Today, we] did a little bit of English as we were finishing up lunch. We worked on some basic emotion words like “happy,” “sad,” “confused,” and “frustrated.” We moved over to the park just a couple of blocks away, and […]

Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny

Exactly five years ago, we were in Ukraine, just two weeks into our five-week adventure for Masha’s adoption.  For the next few weeks, I’m posting excerpts and a photo or two from each day.  Sometimes funny, and sometimes proof of how naive we were, I hope you’ll enjoy our little trip down memory lane… Sunday, 27 May, 2007 – Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Even after a full night’s sleep, we are still waking up tired. A combination of being in the sun, and being hot, and sleeping on beds that we are not accustomed to… Shortly after we woke up, Sveta […]

Fireworks

 Exactly five years ago, we were in Ukraine, just two weeks into our five-week adventure for Masha’s adoption.  For the next few weeks, I’m posting excerpts and a photo or two from each day.  Sometimes funny, and sometimes proof of how naive we were, I hope you’ll enjoy our little trip down memory lane… Saturday, 26 May, 2007 – Fireworks Everything was totally back to normal today… After lunch, we headed to the park by the sea, now known as “Crocodile Park.” This park is full of rides and attractions, and the vendors were ready for a busy Saturday at the […]