Where Slash Rules

I'm still around, checking out my flist but not commenting much. I normally try and write for Yuletide but had to pass it up this year.

Some of you know my mom passed away in April. She was 90, she lived a great life, and didn't suffer in the end. It was quick, only about two weeks from the time she went into the hospital, then to Joliet Hospice where she passed away on Good Friday.

In July, my dad, also 90, had a case of the hiccups which would not go away. After six days, he couldn't eat and couldn't catch his breath so went to the hospital. They got the hiccups under control, but when they did a scan of his stomach area to try and find a cause, they discovered he has stage 4 stomach cancer (completely unrelated to the hiccups).

He is currently symptom free. If he had not had the hiccups we still would not know he has cancer. Now that we know, however, we are all trying to maximize our time with him. So that is the main reason I am not doing Yuletide and am not commenting much, even though I try and read your entries and fest fics when I have time. My flist is my second family and I feel bad for not participating more, but I'm sure you all understand.

*hugs*

Elaine

If any of you are willing to help, my son has to do a survey for his 6th grade math class.  He chose favorite food.  If you'd like to respond, please just give me your answer in a comment.  They're screened for privacy.  I really do appreciate it!

(Sorry - I don't know how to do a fancy option button survey thingy!)

What type of food is your favorite? (Please choose one.)

1) Home-style (like hamburger, steak and potatoes)

2) Mexican

3) Oriental

4) Italian

5) Other (please specify if you'd like, in the comment)

I'm in need of someone I can ask questions about ordinary life in Russia.  I'm sorry for being so ignorant, but one thing I do love about LJ is that it gives me an opportunity to learn about other countries and cultures.

As an example, right now what I'm needing to know is:

1) What kind of holidays are traditionally celebrated, and are any celebrated with gift-giving? 

2) Are gifts given for birthdays? 

3) How are birthdays celebrated? (like we have cake and ice cream here, so is there some type of traditional meal/dinner or sweets?)

4) Are there any 'coming of age' special celebrations?

5) Is Christmas celebrated?

6) What would a typical team sport be that boys and girls would play in high school (basketball, baseball, soccer/football?)

7) At what age would the average person learn to drive?

These are the kinds of questions I have.  If anyone knows of a good source - book, website, magazine - that would be great too.