Note to Mothers: You aren't going to like this

Well, I guess one way to get a new bike here quickly is to get hit while riding one. Although I really hesitate to say this, in the last week both Nate and I have been hit by cars. Luckily, neither of us were injured at all, beside a small cut for him and a small leg bruise for me. He was on his way to work, I was on my way to the grocery store, and thank god, without Alex. Luckily, I saw my car coming and tried to brake and turn to avoid it and didn't even fall over. But my bicycle front tire did not come out so well, it was practically bent in half and the bike was unrideable. The woman spoke no English, but seemed extremely apologetic and said she was going to repair my bike. I left it at Mos Burger, she insisted to have the bike-lock key and I would have Yoko, my teacher, call her tomorrow about the repairs. Much to my surprise, the next day Yoko called her and she said it was my fault- I ran my bike into her car!! Yoko asked her if she reported it to the police, she said no, and therefore had no right to make judgement. She said she would have a new bike delivered, and here it is! But, I guess we will have to buy a new child's seat. Anyway, I am not happy to be hit by a car at all but a new bike is kind of nice. Fortunately, it will be winter soon and no bike riding anyway, so you can all try to be a little relieved about it. I was quite shocked that she lied about it, though.

Now I have to deal with this kerosene heater! It is so warm, but kerosene? Supposedly it is safe, you just have to air out your house every so often, which seems to defeat the purpose, but it is quite warm when it's on and electricity is so expensive here. I never thought I would use it when we first got here, but here we are. Poor Nate is freezing at school with no heat at all there, either. And all those girls have to wear skirts all winter long. In the good news, I am very excited because it looks like my dad is coming for Christmas!!! I can't wait, visitors at last! And I got up the nerve to invite my friend/neighbor Yuko and her 3 kids over for Thanksgiving with me and Alex while Nate is out of town. Her husband works and lives in another town during the week (which is actually pretty common here). I am a little unsure about what to make, but I am very excited to have such fun things to plan for! I hope her kids will eat my food!