Jail

Rama enjoys physical challenges. Like climbing and jumping from high places. Normally, I let her. But today, with the slippery snow, I stopped her.

Me: Rama, please don't climb. And I can't let you jump.

Rama argues and questions.

Me: It's not safe. And it's part of my job, as a good mom, to stop you from doing unsafe things.
Rama: Oh, ok. I don't want you to go to jail.

Rama and Santa 2008

Foot In Mouth

Meet Terry Fox. He became famous for the Marathon of Hope, a cross-Canada run to raise money for cancer research, which Fox ran with one prosthetic leg. He is considered one of Canada's greatest heroes of the 20th century.

Yesterday, Rama and I went to the annual office kids' Christmas party. We were joined at our table by my colleagues. One of the desserts was a Gingerbread Man Cookie.

Rama breaks off the leg.

Rama: Look! This is Terry Fox!

Stunned silence at the table. Followed by gales of laughter. And nervous mumbles about political correctness.

It wasn't over.

Rama, breaking off the arm: Oh, I took his arm, too.

Worry Dolls

Rama: Mommy, I'm bringing some of my little dolls to school, ok?
Me: Why?
Rama: To give to some of my classmates.
Me: Why?
Rama: 'Cause they're worry dolls.
Me: What's that?
Rama: Worry dolls are little dolls. When you're worried about something, you tell the dolls, put them under your pillow. While you sleep, they worry for you.
Me: Do you need a worry doll?
Rama: No. I don't worry about anything. That's why I can give some away.
Me: Your classmates? They worry?
Rama: Yes.
Me: What about?
Rama: I don't know, they didn't tell me.

I'm guessing she saw this. which airs a lot these days.

Smart?

Rama is starting to write. She wanted to write "slow down" but ended up with "slow dan." She explained to me that she actually meant "slow down" and to remind herself, she drew an arrow pointing downward under the phrase.

Me, ever the adoring mom: Who told you to be so smart? Why are you so smart?
Rama: You! 'Cause you act smart, and I'm your daughter, so you made me smart!

Thrilled (and probably over-caffeinated), I let out an exaggerated shriek of delight. Think crazed fan. Aaaaaaa!

Rama: That's not smart.

Sikyu To D'Reskyu

We have a choice of our first stop in Manila for the holidays - either stay at a condo or at a house. So I asked Rama which she preferred:

Rama: The big apartment (Rama-speak for condo)
Me: Why?
Rama: Because there's a guard.
Me: So?
Rama: The manananggal won't get us.

Will Smith Is Hotness

Rama: Do you know Hancock? He's a superhero. He's hot.
Me: What does that mean, hot?
Rama: He's guwapo. Good-looking!

Where does she get these?! Had to ask:

Me: How did you know that hot means that?
Rama: News.