May 23, 2010

On event horizons and being the last person in Munich

K: Mommy, where does the Earth end?

Me (sagely - this is an easy one): The earth is round, darling. It doesn't end.

K: Yes it does. I'll show you.

She fetches a small ball.

K: Now look, Mommy. (She finger walks around the ball.) If I go around the ball like this it never ends. But. (She holds up one finger to make sure I'm paying attention.) If I go this way it ends right where it begins. (Her fingers leave the surface of the ball in the direction of infinity.) See?

Wow. It's true - the Earth does end at its surface. I stare at my 6-year-old, thinking that she can already think in 3D and has just discovered event horizons. In a flash I picture presenting to the Acadamy of Physics, tall, blond, precise, wowing an audience of unkempt men in tweed suits. I feel a thrill of pride.

Although part of me would like my children to pursue useful careers like accounting or medicine (useful to me, I mean), another part would be thrilled to be the mother of this generation's Einstein.

Science camp here we come.

BTW, Ralf is gone.

No, not forever, just a long work week in California. It's vacation time and my girls and I are the last people in Munich. But we are not alone - we are feeding the neighbors' pets while they enjoy their family vacations.

K already gave the rabbits 2 week's worth of carrots, which they have consumed. They eye me hopefully when I go in the garden but I have nothing for them.

The shops won't be open until Tuesday, I tell them, showing them my empty hands.

They twitch their noses to tell me they understand perfectly and would I now please bring them some more carrots.

Yes, of course, on Tuesday, I answer.

I think the isolation is getting to me...

13 comments:

  1. So, is a "long week" in California better than a "short week" in Munich? :)

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  2. I meant it's gonna be a long week in Munich... the California week will probably fly by.

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  3. I think you guys spend more time in California than I do, and I am much much closer. I need to spend more time at the beach.

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  4. Way to go little lady! I love her mind!
    Now, Honeypie? YOU DON"T TELL PEOPLE HUBS IS OUT OF TOWN TILL HE GETS BACK? has my blog taught you nothing?!

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  5. Wow, your 6 year old is smarter than I am. I had to think about it for a second before I understood. She's a genius, there is no denying it.

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  6. Don't worry, Sara - we're also feeding our neighbor's doberman. He's lovely with children, I have to keep him away from the bunnies though.

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  7. Kids are smart.. and wiser than us adults... I love the way they think!

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  8. Oh, wow. That's way too deep for me.

    I'm on my way to Munich to keep you company. BTW, is it cool there?

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  9. Very brilliant. And way over my head.

    Toughest question for me today? What is "flambe"? Followed by what is "liqueur"? Suddenly Mr. M is big into the Food Channel. Except I can't cook. So it all makes sense, I guess. . .?

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  10. Your kids i must say are genius.Even if they don't become Einstein, you can certainly put them in 3D line as there is a huge demand in 3D these days.Bye and take care.

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  11. Your daughter is really very intelligent.I like her opinion.
    Thanks for sharing, Happy blogging.

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  12. Sounds to me like a trip to the North Pole is in order!

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