Freakishly Happy

Today was a fairly good day. We didn't get much accomplished, but it was good none the less.

We went in to town today to pick up a package that Jaci sent us, and to get a transfer slip for an allergy doctor, so my hand can stop looking "like a raw sausage" :)

On the train ride home, John had to sit in the seat behind me because the train was so full. I was sitting on the aisle seat with the box in my lap, and a young kid was sitting next to me. He leaned across the aisle, and read that the package was from the US. This made him VERY excited. His eyes lit up, and he started jabbering with me. He wanted to know what the package was, and who it was from. I told him it was a Christmas package from my sister. He wanted to know where she lived, and I told him near Chicago (Iowa is a foreign concept). Then he realized that I was probably from the states too, and asked where I came from. Now normally I tell people I am from New York 1) because everyone knows where it is and 2) It takes a lot less explaining and 3) my dad lives there, so why not claim it?

So I told him that I'm from New York, but not New York City. So we got into a whole big conversation as to the difference between Stadt (City) and Staat (State). Confusing in German and in English.

Then we talked about microwave popcorn, and other stuff from the States. His dad does some kind of work both here and in the States.

He gave me a piece of candy from his pocket, and all three of us walked home from the train together.
His eyes really bugged out of his head when he found out that John had actually met Bill Gates.
He lives in the apartment building right across the street, I hope to see him again. He was a really cute kid.

We got home, and did some work before opening Jaci's present. We've been having fun all evening with the toys that she sent us.

Later in the evening our neighbor Ramazan knocked, and asked if we could help him install his webcam and microphone. We spent quite a long time there figuring stuff out, and installing the right programs, etc. It was so worth it though. His wife Avin, who is normally quite stoic was dancing around and smiling. This weekend, when they call/video conference with their family in Turkey, it will be the first time that their families have seen their baby, who is 7 months old. It was really cute to see Avin and Ramazan talking between his computer and my computer on MSN messenger.

Yesterday, Avin taught me to make a fabulous Turkish dish. Now I consider myself a fairly decent cook, but I am completely blown away by her skills. We made stuffed grape leaves, eggplant and onion. She did this amazing thing where she cut a eggplant into 6 cones. She was so dexterous with a knife, and made it look so easy. When I tried it, I not only butchered it, but also nearly cut my finger off in the process! I guess I'll have to practice more.

While we were cooking, Avin had John baby sit. Originally, John and I had wanted her to teach both of us, but I think it weirded her out having a man who wanted to be in the kitchen, as this is completely foreign in their culture.
It was really cute watching John play with their baby Ayup (Spelling?).
The baby has the biggest smile, and he laughs a lot. On the flip side, he cries a lot, too.
Poor John had to walk him around and bounce him for a really long time before he finally fell asleep. But fall asleep he did, and thanks to John, Avin and I were able to make a really fabulous meal.
If you come to our apartment, I will attempt to make it for you.
We're having them over for dinner next week. I need some suggestions on a really wicked vegetarian meal, that won't embarrass me.

I was thinking:

Hungarian Mushroom Soup
A Salad
? Main Dish?

Any other suggestions?