On Kinship and Snowshoes

[darthabsinthe]

Today, I was reminded in my Anthropological Theory class about different kinship structures and I remembered how my parents had some family friends who we always called Aunt N-. and Uncle E-. I always thought they were actually related to me and I remember the day in 6th grade or so when we were making a family tree and I was like, "Wait, now how are they related to my parents?" It was then that I realized that in fact, we weren't related at all. I think that my kids will have a similar experience...in that all of my friends with be Aunt M-, or Aunt N- and Uncle R-, Aunt C-, Uncle D-, Uncle K-, Uncle M-, Uncle B-, Uncle J- and so on. I figure the more "aunts" and "uncles" one can have the better! Besides there are some kinship systems out there that function similarly, and who am I to say that ours is the best?

Also, I'm thinking of getting into snowshoeing this season. I can rent stuff for free, so heck, with the appropriate gear it sounds like a good time!