Hubs and I have spent the last three weekends combing through various furniture stores in Denver. We looked at Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn, Macy's and the local, specialty furniture shops. We purchased, and then returned multiple beds and couches - before they were delivered - because we kept finding things we liked just a little more... And, as we need to buy so many things for our new house (beds, a dining room set, living room furniture, lawn mower, iron, etc.), we figured we'd have to furnish each room slowly.
But the Patron Saint of Retail was listening...
A little bird told us there was going to be a massive sale at the Ethan Allen in Fort Collins, Colorado. And there was. And it was amazing. Really amazing.
For the money we had originally allotted for the couch, we bought a couch, a gorgeous queen bed (mattress & frame). A dining room table set with seating for eight. Plus a changing table (that turns into a book shelf). And a candelabra. And two leaded crystal vases. And a huge mirror. And a green bowl. And a piece of art. And none of it was made in China.
And the best part? It's all going to be delivered on Friday!
Saturday, September 08, 2007
Friday, September 07, 2007
Organic Greens
Today Chase played with her new friend, Linus, a little boy she met in the library last week. He and Chase play very well together, and I like his mom, so that's a plus!
We spent the afternoon soaking up sun in our back yard. We played in the pool ("pooh"). We finger painted. Examined some sea shells. Read some books.
And then Chase decided to feed her horse.
A little later he was still hungry, so I fed him a little more...
We spent the afternoon soaking up sun in our back yard. We played in the pool ("pooh"). We finger painted. Examined some sea shells. Read some books.
And then Chase decided to feed her horse.
A little later he was still hungry, so I fed him a little more...
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Wise Man
So I was walking down the street today and a guy, who looked normal enough, walked past me. He looked right at me and Chase and said, "Blessed is the child."
She's In. She's Out.
I pulled Chase out of the Montessori school today; she was slated to start in two weeks. I couldn't go through with it; something about it just wasn't right.
The thought of handing her over to total strangers every morning was more than I could bear. I don't know how moms turn their kids over to daycares. Even nannies. I've seen so many nannies over the past couple weeks - and while there are good ones, most barely interact with the children. But, I guess that as long as they keep the kids out of the lion's den at the zoo, they are earning their money.
Anyway, there is another Montessori school we are considering. The only drawback: it's like applying to college. They send out application packets in October - you are alerted in March as to if your child has been accepted. The gorgeous thing about the school is they offer morning classes 2, 3 or 5 times per week. So we'll apply next month and cross our fingers that Chase is accepted. She'll be two at that point and we'll be more settled into Denver, which will help ease the transition.
Speaking of which, things here are still very much up in the air - but we're settling in more and more every day. While we own a home, we aren't actually living there now. We don't have any furniture yet. We're still living out of duffel bags and boxes in our apartment. Our mattress arrives in a week. Our couch arrives in October. Things from China will arrive next week or the following week, and then we should get our things from PDX the week of 17 September (thanks to my darling Hubs who is planning to drive the goods here himself).
Slowly, slowly, it is coming together...
The thought of handing her over to total strangers every morning was more than I could bear. I don't know how moms turn their kids over to daycares. Even nannies. I've seen so many nannies over the past couple weeks - and while there are good ones, most barely interact with the children. But, I guess that as long as they keep the kids out of the lion's den at the zoo, they are earning their money.
Anyway, there is another Montessori school we are considering. The only drawback: it's like applying to college. They send out application packets in October - you are alerted in March as to if your child has been accepted. The gorgeous thing about the school is they offer morning classes 2, 3 or 5 times per week. So we'll apply next month and cross our fingers that Chase is accepted. She'll be two at that point and we'll be more settled into Denver, which will help ease the transition.
Speaking of which, things here are still very much up in the air - but we're settling in more and more every day. While we own a home, we aren't actually living there now. We don't have any furniture yet. We're still living out of duffel bags and boxes in our apartment. Our mattress arrives in a week. Our couch arrives in October. Things from China will arrive next week or the following week, and then we should get our things from PDX the week of 17 September (thanks to my darling Hubs who is planning to drive the goods here himself).
Slowly, slowly, it is coming together...
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
The Zoo
We are now proud members of the Denver Zoo. During the weekends, the zoo is packed with families. During the week, however, the zoo appears to be the place to go if you are a nanny.
I met three ladies today. All of them were nannies. There was one gal I really liked; she was young, sporty and taking care of two boys; she also cares for 1-year-old twins - so I asked for her number, just in case Hubs and I ever decide to have "date night" (a little something I've read about in all those parenting books). Anyway...
At this point, I'm not sure Chase understands that the whole reason we go to the zoo is to see animals. Or maybe I'm the one who doesn't understand that there is so much more to do - like pretend to drive the golf carts that the zoo-keepers drive. We sat in one for what felt like a decade, while I asked her to drive me to various exhibits.
Chase will be the first to tell you that the zoo is also a good place for running. And when you're not running (or looking at animals or playing on the golf carts) it's fun to explore the plants and shrubs that line the pathways.
And finally, we have also found the zoo is a great place to have fun with our shadows. Chase was walking behind me, so I turned, put my arms over my head so that the shadows of my fingers just touched Chase's shoes - and then I pretended to tickle her feet. She laughed, so I gave her a hug with my shadow. Then I decided to use my shadow fingers to pat the head of her shadow - and that pretty much freaked her out. The thought of my shadow interacting with her shadow was just too much.
Good thing there were some pink flamingos nearby so I could quickly distract her.
I met three ladies today. All of them were nannies. There was one gal I really liked; she was young, sporty and taking care of two boys; she also cares for 1-year-old twins - so I asked for her number, just in case Hubs and I ever decide to have "date night" (a little something I've read about in all those parenting books). Anyway...
At this point, I'm not sure Chase understands that the whole reason we go to the zoo is to see animals. Or maybe I'm the one who doesn't understand that there is so much more to do - like pretend to drive the golf carts that the zoo-keepers drive. We sat in one for what felt like a decade, while I asked her to drive me to various exhibits.
Chase will be the first to tell you that the zoo is also a good place for running. And when you're not running (or looking at animals or playing on the golf carts) it's fun to explore the plants and shrubs that line the pathways.
And finally, we have also found the zoo is a great place to have fun with our shadows. Chase was walking behind me, so I turned, put my arms over my head so that the shadows of my fingers just touched Chase's shoes - and then I pretended to tickle her feet. She laughed, so I gave her a hug with my shadow. Then I decided to use my shadow fingers to pat the head of her shadow - and that pretty much freaked her out. The thought of my shadow interacting with her shadow was just too much.
Good thing there were some pink flamingos nearby so I could quickly distract her.
Monday, September 03, 2007
Birdhouse
We spent most of this weekend at our new house.
Even without a single piece of furniture, the house feels like home.
Our private backyard enabled Chase to spend most of the day in her "birthday suit," playing in her new, inflatable pool (thanks Da Da!).
I had no idea the pool would provide HOURS of fun. I mean nothing keeps her attention that long. Maybe I should get one for our living room or kitchen so she can amuse herself while I cook dinner.
But today wasn't all about the pool. Chase also enjoyed eating fresh, local peaches - and the juice streamed down her chin, onto her stomach. She spent most of the day with a huge smile on her face - running around naked, covered in peach juice.
And if that wasn't enough fun, we decided to paint a birdhouse. I was surprised at how she focused on the colors - and was determined to paint the birdhouse on the inside and out.
I must say, it's gorgeous (okay, yes, I'm a little biased).
I'm sure the birds will love it.
They might even fight over it.
Methinks we'll need to paint a couple more.
Sunday, September 02, 2007
Daddy's Girl
Up until last month, Chase's favorite word was "Ma Ma." It was the first word she said in the morning, and the last word she said at night.
And while I have enjoyed being the center of Chase's universe, I have also looked forward to the time when she could build and strengthen her relationship with her Dad.
Not too long ago, I came up with a plan. I suggested Hubs get involved in feeding her (and keeping her company) at meal time. And it worked wonders.
In just a few days, Chase's focus shifted. "Da Da," a word she had mastered months ago, and used often enough, became her favorite word.
Now she always needs to know where Da Da is, what he is doing, when she will see and play with him next. If she can't see him, she needs to know where he is.
And I must say, it is fabulous to watch Chase snuggle up close and kiss him on the cheek at every opportunity. And to watch him snuggle and kiss her right back.
And while I kind of miss Chase needing me every minute of every day, I find it refreshing and freeing to have her spend time reading, wrestling and giggling with her father, as my father has always been - and continues to be - one of the most important people in my life.
My father has always encouraged me to dream BIG dreams. And the best part - he continues to support me as I work to accomplish them. He has given me courage to try new things, strength to take risks and the will to persevere when things don't turn out as I thought they would.
Dads are so important (mom, you are so important, too, but this entry is about Dads).
Chase, my darling little, you are so lucky to have a Dad who loves you so completely. He'd do anything for you.
We'd both do anything for you. We love you so.
And while I have enjoyed being the center of Chase's universe, I have also looked forward to the time when she could build and strengthen her relationship with her Dad.
Not too long ago, I came up with a plan. I suggested Hubs get involved in feeding her (and keeping her company) at meal time. And it worked wonders.
In just a few days, Chase's focus shifted. "Da Da," a word she had mastered months ago, and used often enough, became her favorite word.
Now she always needs to know where Da Da is, what he is doing, when she will see and play with him next. If she can't see him, she needs to know where he is.
And I must say, it is fabulous to watch Chase snuggle up close and kiss him on the cheek at every opportunity. And to watch him snuggle and kiss her right back.
And while I kind of miss Chase needing me every minute of every day, I find it refreshing and freeing to have her spend time reading, wrestling and giggling with her father, as my father has always been - and continues to be - one of the most important people in my life.
My father has always encouraged me to dream BIG dreams. And the best part - he continues to support me as I work to accomplish them. He has given me courage to try new things, strength to take risks and the will to persevere when things don't turn out as I thought they would.
Dads are so important (mom, you are so important, too, but this entry is about Dads).
Chase, my darling little, you are so lucky to have a Dad who loves you so completely. He'd do anything for you.
We'd both do anything for you. We love you so.
Saturday, September 01, 2007
Friday, August 31, 2007
Thursday, August 30, 2007
17-Month-Old Going On 17-Year-Old
I'm not sure what is going on with Chase. Maybe it's her teeth. Maybe it's all the moving. Maybe she's tired of her toys. Maybe she doesn't like our temporary housing. Maybe it's the fact there has been a lot of construction outside so she isn't sleeping well.
At any rate, her behavior makes me feel like I have a teenager in the house. Except I guess I'm lucky because teenagers storm out of the room and take off in the car. Chase, on the other hand is still too afraid to be more than a couple steps away. And even if she mustered up the courage, how far could she actually get with Bedtime Bunny, Lola, Grr Bear, Baba the Sheep and her three language books - which must go everywhere with her - in tow?
But seriously, I don't have the faintest clue as to what is causing the fluctuation in Chase's behavior. She is a perfect angel one minute. And then the littlest thing happens - or nothing happens - which causes her to have a breakdown - which includes crying, screaming, arching her back and twisting her way onto the floor, where she flaps her arms and kicks her legs, as if to say "you just don't understand."
After trying multiple times to soothe her, I have found that distracting her with a "look what I'm doing, isn't it fun?" works the best. The problem is, I'm having a hard time finding new, fun, things to distract her with - every 5 minutes - which seems to be how often she has her breakdowns. So sometimes I pretend to ignore her (which I never really do and I am always very close by to ensure she is safe).
She has yet to throw a major tantrum in public. I think when that happens (and at this rate I'm sure it's just a matter of time) I'll just sit down next to her, get comfortable, and let her get it out of her system. Or maybe I'll make a scene, too. See how she likes it.
At any rate, her behavior makes me feel like I have a teenager in the house. Except I guess I'm lucky because teenagers storm out of the room and take off in the car. Chase, on the other hand is still too afraid to be more than a couple steps away. And even if she mustered up the courage, how far could she actually get with Bedtime Bunny, Lola, Grr Bear, Baba the Sheep and her three language books - which must go everywhere with her - in tow?
But seriously, I don't have the faintest clue as to what is causing the fluctuation in Chase's behavior. She is a perfect angel one minute. And then the littlest thing happens - or nothing happens - which causes her to have a breakdown - which includes crying, screaming, arching her back and twisting her way onto the floor, where she flaps her arms and kicks her legs, as if to say "you just don't understand."
After trying multiple times to soothe her, I have found that distracting her with a "look what I'm doing, isn't it fun?" works the best. The problem is, I'm having a hard time finding new, fun, things to distract her with - every 5 minutes - which seems to be how often she has her breakdowns. So sometimes I pretend to ignore her (which I never really do and I am always very close by to ensure she is safe).
She has yet to throw a major tantrum in public. I think when that happens (and at this rate I'm sure it's just a matter of time) I'll just sit down next to her, get comfortable, and let her get it out of her system. Or maybe I'll make a scene, too. See how she likes it.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Denver: Home Sweet Home
So the sellers caved and gave us the money to repair the roof. Hubs thinks they were afraid we'd walk away. I think it's karma.
We close Friday at noon.
Tonight we pick up my car. Yes, it's a Volvo. I'm all about safety these days. Having a car will free us from the four block radius we've been walking every day. Now we can go to the zoo. To playgrounds. To parks.
And maybe even meet people.
I must say, I really dislike having to find new friends every time we relocate to a new city. It feels like dating. Except it's harder. Not only do I have to like the woman and agree, on some level, with her parenting style. But Hubs also has to like, or at least be able tolerate, her husband.
And then, of course, they have to like us.
But that's the easy part, right?
We close Friday at noon.
Tonight we pick up my car. Yes, it's a Volvo. I'm all about safety these days. Having a car will free us from the four block radius we've been walking every day. Now we can go to the zoo. To playgrounds. To parks.
And maybe even meet people.
I must say, I really dislike having to find new friends every time we relocate to a new city. It feels like dating. Except it's harder. Not only do I have to like the woman and agree, on some level, with her parenting style. But Hubs also has to like, or at least be able tolerate, her husband.
And then, of course, they have to like us.
But that's the easy part, right?
Hi Ho, Hi Ho - Off To Montessori Chase Goes
A hard decision, but (fingers crossed) a good one.
And if it doesn't work out, I can always give 30-days notice.
So, starting late next month (when she turns 18-months-old), Miss Chase, who has been away from me less than 10 times in the past 15 months, will begin Montessori school (M-F) from 8-11 a.m.
My little girl is growing up!
And if it doesn't work out, I can always give 30-days notice.
So, starting late next month (when she turns 18-months-old), Miss Chase, who has been away from me less than 10 times in the past 15 months, will begin Montessori school (M-F) from 8-11 a.m.
My little girl is growing up!
Overheard At Starbucks
"You have to report all dead bodies, even before they are verified." - One lady said to the other.
"I know, I know. The coroner really got on my case about it." - The other lady responded.
Perhaps I should mention at this time that our temporary housing is located close to a hospital.
"I know, I know. The coroner really got on my case about it." - The other lady responded.
Perhaps I should mention at this time that our temporary housing is located close to a hospital.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Montessori or No
I'm torn. Utterly and completely.
I love the concept of sending Chase to a Montessori school in the mornings (to build her independence, provide her with a change of scene, teach her to interact with other children in a respectful and meaningful way and empower her to explore the world on her own), but I hate the idea of sending her to a Montessori school in the mornings (I don't trust anyone with my darling girl). Yes, I have a problem.
It would also give me a much needed break from the constant care, and a much needed child care solution if I needed to go to see a dentist/doctor. And, of course, it would provide me with an opportunity to freelance - get back in the game, so to speak.
So, I filled out the Montessori school forms.
But I find myself on the fence about turning them in.
My biggest worry, beside the constant nagging thought that Chase would be better at home with me, is my career. Up until I had Chase, my career was moving swiftly forward. Now nothing but Chase and Hubs seems to matter. It's the most profound experience I've ever had; my feelings for my little girl are so deep and so strong.
So what do I do? Do I enroll her and try it out? I can give 3o-day notice. Seems like it would make sense to at least give a shot, especially given how long the wait lists are to get into other schools (the only reason why there is space is because it is a brand new location). Or would she be better off with me at home?
Ohhhhh. I don't knowwww. It makes my head hurt.
I love the concept of sending Chase to a Montessori school in the mornings (to build her independence, provide her with a change of scene, teach her to interact with other children in a respectful and meaningful way and empower her to explore the world on her own), but I hate the idea of sending her to a Montessori school in the mornings (I don't trust anyone with my darling girl). Yes, I have a problem.
It would also give me a much needed break from the constant care, and a much needed child care solution if I needed to go to see a dentist/doctor. And, of course, it would provide me with an opportunity to freelance - get back in the game, so to speak.
So, I filled out the Montessori school forms.
But I find myself on the fence about turning them in.
My biggest worry, beside the constant nagging thought that Chase would be better at home with me, is my career. Up until I had Chase, my career was moving swiftly forward. Now nothing but Chase and Hubs seems to matter. It's the most profound experience I've ever had; my feelings for my little girl are so deep and so strong.
So what do I do? Do I enroll her and try it out? I can give 3o-day notice. Seems like it would make sense to at least give a shot, especially given how long the wait lists are to get into other schools (the only reason why there is space is because it is a brand new location). Or would she be better off with me at home?
Ohhhhh. I don't knowwww. It makes my head hurt.
Update: Radon
We learned today that our house "to be" has, what is considered to be, a very high level of radon (did you know the Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today?).
I, of course, obsess about this kind of thing (which drives Hubs crazy). Why is it worth obsessing over? Because it is invisible, tasteless and odorless (just like pesticides).
After talking with the US EPA, the Colorado Department of Health, and a local radon removal specialist, I am happy to report that they all concur - radon is extremely common in Denver. The issue can be resolved by installing a ventilation system that pushes the gases outside.
For fun reading about radon, visit: http://www.epa.gov/radon/
I, of course, obsess about this kind of thing (which drives Hubs crazy). Why is it worth obsessing over? Because it is invisible, tasteless and odorless (just like pesticides).
After talking with the US EPA, the Colorado Department of Health, and a local radon removal specialist, I am happy to report that they all concur - radon is extremely common in Denver. The issue can be resolved by installing a ventilation system that pushes the gases outside.
For fun reading about radon, visit: http://www.epa.gov/radon/
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Driving Miss Daisy
"Right turns are easier to make than left turns. It's a fact." - Hubs
Having just moved to a new city, we naturally rely on a map to get us from place to place.
Hubs drives, I navigate.
And it always goes something like this.
We get in the car.
He starts driving.
I start flipping through the map trying to find our destination saying "can you just pull over for one second? I need to figure this out."
He drives faster.
Then he starts asking me, "Do we turn left? Do we turn right?"
I say, "I don't know, give me a minute."
He says, "What do you mean you don't know, you have the map. The person with the map is supposed to know where to go." (Hubs is always so logical. Oh to be so logical.)
We've had this same conversation over and over.
But yesterday was different.
Yesterday we came to an agreement.
Hubs can start driving, but I have five minutes to get oriented before he can ask me any questions. I am SO loving this agreement.
My darling girl is UP ... I've gotta run!
Having just moved to a new city, we naturally rely on a map to get us from place to place.
Hubs drives, I navigate.
And it always goes something like this.
We get in the car.
He starts driving.
I start flipping through the map trying to find our destination saying "can you just pull over for one second? I need to figure this out."
He drives faster.
Then he starts asking me, "Do we turn left? Do we turn right?"
I say, "I don't know, give me a minute."
He says, "What do you mean you don't know, you have the map. The person with the map is supposed to know where to go." (Hubs is always so logical. Oh to be so logical.)
We've had this same conversation over and over.
But yesterday was different.
Yesterday we came to an agreement.
Hubs can start driving, but I have five minutes to get oriented before he can ask me any questions. I am SO loving this agreement.
My darling girl is UP ... I've gotta run!
Thursday, August 23, 2007
No bodies found in the backyard
Hurray! Inspection went well. The roof is the only major issue (hail damage), but we were planning to take it off anyway. We hope to take possession next Friday.
We visited the local Montessori school - it wasn't in session - but I really liked the feel of it. I really must get back there to see the kids in action. We talked briefly with the teachers and then had a longer conversation with the woman who started the original school.
Chase wanted nothing more than to get down, out of my arms, and get to work!
We visited the local Montessori school - it wasn't in session - but I really liked the feel of it. I really must get back there to see the kids in action. We talked briefly with the teachers and then had a longer conversation with the woman who started the original school.
Chase wanted nothing more than to get down, out of my arms, and get to work!
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Why Temporary Housing Is Good
"I just moved to town," I told the Starbucks Barista this morning.
"Welcome the neighborhood," she said, rolling her eyes. "It used to be a nice neighborhood before the gangs moved in. Now my husband and I don't go out on Saturday night because there are drive by shootings and gang members hang out on the corner just over there." She pointed to the closest street corner.
"Is public transportation safe here?" I asked. Trying to ignore the fact that the local Barista just informed me that we unknowingly selected temporary housing in an urban war zone. And trying even harder to forget how much it is costing us per month.
"Just stay close to the driver and you should be fine."
Thanks a latte, lady.
"Welcome the neighborhood," she said, rolling her eyes. "It used to be a nice neighborhood before the gangs moved in. Now my husband and I don't go out on Saturday night because there are drive by shootings and gang members hang out on the corner just over there." She pointed to the closest street corner.
"Is public transportation safe here?" I asked. Trying to ignore the fact that the local Barista just informed me that we unknowingly selected temporary housing in an urban war zone. And trying even harder to forget how much it is costing us per month.
"Just stay close to the driver and you should be fine."
Thanks a latte, lady.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Friday, August 17, 2007
Day 3: Offer Accepted
So we put in an offer today. Crazy, I know. We spent two days looking for houses - and because the Denver housing market is SO wacky, we just had to do it.
The good news: we got it for about 40K less then it was originally listed for - and it's right around the corner from two homes worth over 1 million. So if we can pony up the dough for improvements over the next few years (rework kitchen, expand bedrooms, add two baths) we should be in great shape when it comes to reselling. Even without these improvements, the house is great as is, so we're happy!
One little thing about the Denver housing market, besides the fact you get nothing for a lot of money - there is a brilliant option when you're making an offer. You can better offers of your competitors by adding a clause that you will add $2,000 (or whatever) to any offer - with a ceiling of XX (you decide). If that makes sense. Anyway, it's brilliant because whatever the competition is offering, you come in at $2,000 more, which makes your offer "make more sense." The other thing we love - you can add an "as is" clause, which doesn't actually mean "as is." The buyer can still back out after the inspection.
We found a car. It wasn't gold. But it was totaled in the garage. And a white boxer puppy - we go see him tomorrow. We are looking forward to having our kitten out as well - and then we'll be all set!
The good news: we got it for about 40K less then it was originally listed for - and it's right around the corner from two homes worth over 1 million. So if we can pony up the dough for improvements over the next few years (rework kitchen, expand bedrooms, add two baths) we should be in great shape when it comes to reselling. Even without these improvements, the house is great as is, so we're happy!
One little thing about the Denver housing market, besides the fact you get nothing for a lot of money - there is a brilliant option when you're making an offer. You can better offers of your competitors by adding a clause that you will add $2,000 (or whatever) to any offer - with a ceiling of XX (you decide). If that makes sense. Anyway, it's brilliant because whatever the competition is offering, you come in at $2,000 more, which makes your offer "make more sense." The other thing we love - you can add an "as is" clause, which doesn't actually mean "as is." The buyer can still back out after the inspection.
We found a car. It wasn't gold. But it was totaled in the garage. And a white boxer puppy - we go see him tomorrow. We are looking forward to having our kitten out as well - and then we'll be all set!
Thursday, August 16, 2007
New Home?
So we think we found our new home. Problem is, someone else thinks it is their new home too. Nothing like being in a bidding war in a buyer's market. Tomorrow we will, most likely, put in an offer, because another bidder came in with an offer this afternoon.
Hey, but wait, that's not fair... isn't this the market where houses aren't selling?
To make sure we wanted to put in an offer, we first drove out to the *burbs,* which I must admit, scared me. It did look like a kid's paradise though... Lots of little ones running around, a big pool, a club house, a barn with horses, nice trails and wilderness close by. All at the base of the foothills. A gorgeous sunset painted the sky pink. And then we realized that there is nothing but strip malls around. And the houses are on tiny lots, so you better hope you like your neighbors. Goodness knows what would happen if you didn't!
Hello Desperate Housewives.
The house we are currently considering, on the other hand, is 5 mins from the Denver Zoo, a huge park, 10/15 mins from Downtown, the Children's Hospital, Museums, etc. The house has three beds on the 2nd floor - okay, the fact I said three beds and second floor in the same sentence means you should be in disbelief - plus a bed and bath downstairs. Plus a huge garage (which sadly makes the lawn space quite small), but there is also a shop next to the garage (Hubs loves this). Plus it is just really nice inside (but the kitchen is a little funky and would need a big remodel).
It's tough. Do we hold out for something better or do we make an offer?
Hey, but wait, that's not fair... isn't this the market where houses aren't selling?
To make sure we wanted to put in an offer, we first drove out to the *burbs,* which I must admit, scared me. It did look like a kid's paradise though... Lots of little ones running around, a big pool, a club house, a barn with horses, nice trails and wilderness close by. All at the base of the foothills. A gorgeous sunset painted the sky pink. And then we realized that there is nothing but strip malls around. And the houses are on tiny lots, so you better hope you like your neighbors. Goodness knows what would happen if you didn't!
Hello Desperate Housewives.
The house we are currently considering, on the other hand, is 5 mins from the Denver Zoo, a huge park, 10/15 mins from Downtown, the Children's Hospital, Museums, etc. The house has three beds on the 2nd floor - okay, the fact I said three beds and second floor in the same sentence means you should be in disbelief - plus a bed and bath downstairs. Plus a huge garage (which sadly makes the lawn space quite small), but there is also a shop next to the garage (Hubs loves this). Plus it is just really nice inside (but the kitchen is a little funky and would need a big remodel).
It's tough. Do we hold out for something better or do we make an offer?
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Notes From A High Altitude
We arrived in Denver yesterday.
The air is clean.
The sky is blue.
The roads are wide.
There are lots of trees.
And mountains.
And good food.
And expensive homes.
And gold volvos (more on this later).
And the altitude is - HIGH.
Our rental car is huge (go America!) and a strange sea foam color. And just when I thought we were the only ones on the road in such a car, another one passed us - would you believe it was the same color.
Thank goodness our temporary housing is, well, temporary. We've learned it's always hard to know exactly what to expect when one moves to a new city and must find temp digs. I can say, however, that it is better than the mole hole we lived in when we first moved to Switzerland.
So now we are v-e-r-y motivated house hunters. We went out today. Optimistic we would find the house of our dreams. No such luck. We found, in fact, quite the opposite. And not just one house we didn't like, but 9 houses we didn't like. Why? The style of old homes in Denver is quite different from anywhere we've lived. First: they like to have bedrooms on the main floor. Second: They don't build up, they love basement living. So most of the houses have one or two bedrooms on the main floor (of a very small house) and then one bedroom - or two bedrooms - in the basement. Egads. Not exactly what we were hoping to find.
And so now we are actually contemplating, like the crazy Allbrittons we are, buying a home and blowing the top off it. Why? Because we can buy it for not much and the home is that it is right next door is worth 1.2M. But then I worry about all that work, especially with a little one, and think about how nice it would be to be out and about, rather than working on a house, and all of a sudden those big old cookie cutter homes start looking really good.
And if that isn't enough to muddle the brain, we also need to buy two cars. So I'm thinking about a Volvo Cross Country, but we just keep finding them in GOLD. And I don't want gold. Now if they had sea foam green ... just kidding.
So with all this running about, Chase didn't sleep a wink during the day. So she claimed revenge this evening. She crashed at 6, slept until 8 and will be awake until at least 11.
We should have known better...
The air is clean.
The sky is blue.
The roads are wide.
There are lots of trees.
And mountains.
And good food.
And expensive homes.
And gold volvos (more on this later).
And the altitude is - HIGH.
Our rental car is huge (go America!) and a strange sea foam color. And just when I thought we were the only ones on the road in such a car, another one passed us - would you believe it was the same color.
Thank goodness our temporary housing is, well, temporary. We've learned it's always hard to know exactly what to expect when one moves to a new city and must find temp digs. I can say, however, that it is better than the mole hole we lived in when we first moved to Switzerland.
So now we are v-e-r-y motivated house hunters. We went out today. Optimistic we would find the house of our dreams. No such luck. We found, in fact, quite the opposite. And not just one house we didn't like, but 9 houses we didn't like. Why? The style of old homes in Denver is quite different from anywhere we've lived. First: they like to have bedrooms on the main floor. Second: They don't build up, they love basement living. So most of the houses have one or two bedrooms on the main floor (of a very small house) and then one bedroom - or two bedrooms - in the basement. Egads. Not exactly what we were hoping to find.
And so now we are actually contemplating, like the crazy Allbrittons we are, buying a home and blowing the top off it. Why? Because we can buy it for not much and the home is that it is right next door is worth 1.2M. But then I worry about all that work, especially with a little one, and think about how nice it would be to be out and about, rather than working on a house, and all of a sudden those big old cookie cutter homes start looking really good.
And if that isn't enough to muddle the brain, we also need to buy two cars. So I'm thinking about a Volvo Cross Country, but we just keep finding them in GOLD. And I don't want gold. Now if they had sea foam green ... just kidding.
So with all this running about, Chase didn't sleep a wink during the day. So she claimed revenge this evening. She crashed at 6, slept until 8 and will be awake until at least 11.
We should have known better...
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Re-Entry
So first, a huge apology to the friends I haven't called and to one of my favorite supervisors of all time, who was in town, but due to my schedule and family obligations I couldn't meet up with...
So what can I say about re-entry? Well, I realized I needed to stop myself from buying huge quantities of pharmaceuticals and various dried goods (like we've been doing every time we've been here for the past four years). Yes, that's right. I can buy them any day, any time! Same goes for Hostess fruit pies. How amazing and terribly convenient.
I've been revelling in the fact that I actually understand conversations happening around me - all the time. Although I must say that most of what I've been overhearing is completely inane. Discussions about the latest this and the latest that, and did you know Sue is sleeping with Richard and Richard doesn't like Sue, he likes Jenna, blah blah blah.
I've turned on the TV - and the news channels are flashing headlines on the latest disaster. And saying, "this just in, temperatures are higher than normal, could it be global warming?" To which I say, of course it's global warming you dumb %$#, and stop talking about it and start doing something about it. At least I can rest at night now, as Paris Hilton is apparently campaigning to save the world. Interesting how time in jail = uber environmentalist. If that's so, I can think of a few people who might benefit from time in the clink.
But on to brighter, all American things. I have started to fantasize ...about owning a home again. With our stuff in it. With things we haven't seen unpacked in five years. I wonder if we will still like our stuff or if we will end up giving it all to Good Will. And as luck has it, the mortgage market is down in the dumps at the moment - lucky for us, not so lucky for everyone who is currently trying to pay off mortgages they couldn't afford in the first place - meaning it is suddenly very much a buyer's market.
But before we can buy a home, Hubs just has to decide where in Denver he will be located (the company he works for has two offices there) - and decide on which job he will take (he has a couple great options), and then we should be all set.
Meanwhile, I have continued to look into schools - the process is long and I really need to actually visit the schools and talk to parents before I can decide anything. So I guess it is good news that there is such a long, formal application process to the schools I'm considering for Chase. But I must say, it is hard to know in October what my needs will be in March (aka morning program vs afternoon program vs full day).
Speaking of such things, I am finding the Mommy culture here to be a shocker. I went to the Zoo the other morning and there were moms and kids lined-up outside. All the moms were totally kitted out - the babies were all dressed perfectly, with animal hats and jackets. It kind of made me want to puke.
I looked at Chase, who smiled sweetly at me, blissfully unaware that she was not wearing the latest animal print dress and feather boa - next time, my dear. Good thing I had her little hat with bunny ears on it (good save, mom!). But what gets me about it is that being a mom in America feels like I'm going to my first day of high school - all over again. But this time it isn't just me, it's also Chase - and are we wearing the right things, do we look like we just rolled out of bed (chances are we did), did we bring enough snacks, did we bring enough diapers, toys, wipes, yada yada. Pressure is on!
I've already noticed there are several different kinds of moms. There's the "I just came from the salon" mom. The grubby, run-ragged, "I never shower" mom. The "my child must match what I'm wearing" mom. The "here, eat anything" mom, the "not unless it's organic and there's no sugar" mom.
I've found I am definitely a mom who needs time at the salon but is having too much fun getting grubby.
So what can I say about re-entry? Well, I realized I needed to stop myself from buying huge quantities of pharmaceuticals and various dried goods (like we've been doing every time we've been here for the past four years). Yes, that's right. I can buy them any day, any time! Same goes for Hostess fruit pies. How amazing and terribly convenient.
I've been revelling in the fact that I actually understand conversations happening around me - all the time. Although I must say that most of what I've been overhearing is completely inane. Discussions about the latest this and the latest that, and did you know Sue is sleeping with Richard and Richard doesn't like Sue, he likes Jenna, blah blah blah.
I've turned on the TV - and the news channels are flashing headlines on the latest disaster. And saying, "this just in, temperatures are higher than normal, could it be global warming?" To which I say, of course it's global warming you dumb %$#, and stop talking about it and start doing something about it. At least I can rest at night now, as Paris Hilton is apparently campaigning to save the world. Interesting how time in jail = uber environmentalist. If that's so, I can think of a few people who might benefit from time in the clink.
But on to brighter, all American things. I have started to fantasize ...about owning a home again. With our stuff in it. With things we haven't seen unpacked in five years. I wonder if we will still like our stuff or if we will end up giving it all to Good Will. And as luck has it, the mortgage market is down in the dumps at the moment - lucky for us, not so lucky for everyone who is currently trying to pay off mortgages they couldn't afford in the first place - meaning it is suddenly very much a buyer's market.
But before we can buy a home, Hubs just has to decide where in Denver he will be located (the company he works for has two offices there) - and decide on which job he will take (he has a couple great options), and then we should be all set.
Meanwhile, I have continued to look into schools - the process is long and I really need to actually visit the schools and talk to parents before I can decide anything. So I guess it is good news that there is such a long, formal application process to the schools I'm considering for Chase. But I must say, it is hard to know in October what my needs will be in March (aka morning program vs afternoon program vs full day).
Speaking of such things, I am finding the Mommy culture here to be a shocker. I went to the Zoo the other morning and there were moms and kids lined-up outside. All the moms were totally kitted out - the babies were all dressed perfectly, with animal hats and jackets. It kind of made me want to puke.
I looked at Chase, who smiled sweetly at me, blissfully unaware that she was not wearing the latest animal print dress and feather boa - next time, my dear. Good thing I had her little hat with bunny ears on it (good save, mom!). But what gets me about it is that being a mom in America feels like I'm going to my first day of high school - all over again. But this time it isn't just me, it's also Chase - and are we wearing the right things, do we look like we just rolled out of bed (chances are we did), did we bring enough snacks, did we bring enough diapers, toys, wipes, yada yada. Pressure is on!
I've already noticed there are several different kinds of moms. There's the "I just came from the salon" mom. The grubby, run-ragged, "I never shower" mom. The "my child must match what I'm wearing" mom. The "here, eat anything" mom, the "not unless it's organic and there's no sugar" mom.
I've found I am definitely a mom who needs time at the salon but is having too much fun getting grubby.
Thursday, August 09, 2007
This Just In..
Chase slept through the night last night for the first time since we arrived. I, however, woke-up every other hour.
I am officially a zombie.
I am officially a zombie.
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Blueberries
I've been in Portland now for a week and have been operating under the radar. I literally haven't seen anyone - except immediate family. Why? Because last time around I flew from place to place, non-stop, and thoroughly exhausted myself - and Chase. It wasn't pretty.
I've noticed this time around that she has become increasingly clingy. She grabs onto my leg and won't let me walk from one end of the Schauffler's kitchen to the other. This says to me that she needs reassurance - and that all of this moving about is starting to impact her. I look forward to the "settling down for a while" part that I think will come with moving to Denver.
Besides all the moving about and living out of suitcases, Jet Lag is really a bear. Chase had just overcome jet lag from our flight to Dalian when we decided to return to the US. Poor girl (and poor mama, who has been up at all hours for a week now!)
During the day, when she's awake and full of energy, we've been playing with water, collecting pine cones, and picking blueberries (which she calls boo-berries). At night, we've played stacking games, among other things.
And while there are other stories to tell, I must try to take a nap now, while she is still asleep...
I've noticed this time around that she has become increasingly clingy. She grabs onto my leg and won't let me walk from one end of the Schauffler's kitchen to the other. This says to me that she needs reassurance - and that all of this moving about is starting to impact her. I look forward to the "settling down for a while" part that I think will come with moving to Denver.
Besides all the moving about and living out of suitcases, Jet Lag is really a bear. Chase had just overcome jet lag from our flight to Dalian when we decided to return to the US. Poor girl (and poor mama, who has been up at all hours for a week now!)
During the day, when she's awake and full of energy, we've been playing with water, collecting pine cones, and picking blueberries (which she calls boo-berries). At night, we've played stacking games, among other things.
And while there are other stories to tell, I must try to take a nap now, while she is still asleep...
Saturday, August 04, 2007
The Big Flight
The flight from Dalian, China to Portland, Oregon, went as well as could be expected. The check-in desk in Dalian had no record of my flight. After speaking to the supervisor, my ticket seemed to appear out of nowhere. Once we were on the plane, I was relieved to discover that the airline was clever enough not to sit anyone beside me, so Chase had her own seat.
Chase managed to pee through her diaper - right onto my leg - on the flight from Dalian to Korea. From there, I enjoyed a lovely 5-hour stay in Korea. We made lots of friends in the business lounge, but what she enjoyed most was the kids romper room. Those Koreans are brilliant, to actually create a space where children can get all their energy out between flights. Chase slept more on the next flight than she has since she was an infant (again, in her own seat).
I was paid a special visit from the lead flight attendant on the Korea - Vancouver flight, who made it clear he had intentionally kept the seat next to me vacant and if there was A-N-Y-T-H-I-N-G I needed, to let him know. It was clear he wanted to make sure that Chase and I were happy bunnies. And the fact he talked to us in a whisper made it pretty clear he was hoping we would also talk in whispers.
So after a 10-hour flight, I rolled off the plane with a well-rested baby in my arms. I actually got more sleep on that flight than ever before.
The next flight was on one of those little planes. Chase on my lap. The woman I sat next to didn't respect the confines of her seat. At one point I had to rest my left arm and I ended up lowering it slightly, only to have my arm touch hers - and ugh - our arms stuck together for a moment, because we were both so hot (it was while we were on the tarmac, before they had turned the a/c on to full). Chase slept almost the entire flight.
And now we find ourselves battling some pretty stout jet lag.
Chase managed to pee through her diaper - right onto my leg - on the flight from Dalian to Korea. From there, I enjoyed a lovely 5-hour stay in Korea. We made lots of friends in the business lounge, but what she enjoyed most was the kids romper room. Those Koreans are brilliant, to actually create a space where children can get all their energy out between flights. Chase slept more on the next flight than she has since she was an infant (again, in her own seat).
I was paid a special visit from the lead flight attendant on the Korea - Vancouver flight, who made it clear he had intentionally kept the seat next to me vacant and if there was A-N-Y-T-H-I-N-G I needed, to let him know. It was clear he wanted to make sure that Chase and I were happy bunnies. And the fact he talked to us in a whisper made it pretty clear he was hoping we would also talk in whispers.
So after a 10-hour flight, I rolled off the plane with a well-rested baby in my arms. I actually got more sleep on that flight than ever before.
The next flight was on one of those little planes. Chase on my lap. The woman I sat next to didn't respect the confines of her seat. At one point I had to rest my left arm and I ended up lowering it slightly, only to have my arm touch hers - and ugh - our arms stuck together for a moment, because we were both so hot (it was while we were on the tarmac, before they had turned the a/c on to full). Chase slept almost the entire flight.
And now we find ourselves battling some pretty stout jet lag.
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
A Final Note On Dalian
Things I loved:
- Flora & Qin
- Our apartment (with four people to help bring groceries in!)
- The view from our apartment (overlooking the Yellow Sea and restaurant row)
- The food (in small doses)
- The people
- Travel around China
- The culture
- The tailor (Er Qi)
- The Chinese boudoir photo shoot
- The tea
- Walking along the Xinghai boardwalk
Things I tired of:
- Sketchy health and safety practices
- Eating only three salads in nine months
- Small xpat community
- Limited food selection
- The black dirt that never seemed to come off the floor
- The smell of sewage in our bathroom (gag!)
- The mosquitoes that with one prick make your entire arm or leg swell
- The tiny washing machine that didn't dry (=sandpaper towels)
- The holes in the ground (in lieu of toilets)
- General sanitary issues
- Grubby beaches
- The "marine layer"
- The water
- Being stared at and pointed at everywhere I go
- People trying to take Chase from me
- People reaching out and touching Chase's face, hair, hands, feet
Things that I will not forget:
- The extreme poverty: shanty towns and allys where people live on the streets
- The moms begging with a baby in their laps
- The Chinese New Year fireworks
- My friends
- The time we had here...
- Flora & Qin
- Our apartment (with four people to help bring groceries in!)
- The view from our apartment (overlooking the Yellow Sea and restaurant row)
- The food (in small doses)
- The people
- Travel around China
- The culture
- The tailor (Er Qi)
- The Chinese boudoir photo shoot
- The tea
- Walking along the Xinghai boardwalk
Things I tired of:
- Sketchy health and safety practices
- Eating only three salads in nine months
- Small xpat community
- Limited food selection
- The black dirt that never seemed to come off the floor
- The smell of sewage in our bathroom (gag!)
- The mosquitoes that with one prick make your entire arm or leg swell
- The tiny washing machine that didn't dry (=sandpaper towels)
- The holes in the ground (in lieu of toilets)
- General sanitary issues
- Grubby beaches
- The "marine layer"
- The water
- Being stared at and pointed at everywhere I go
- People trying to take Chase from me
- People reaching out and touching Chase's face, hair, hands, feet
Things that I will not forget:
- The extreme poverty: shanty towns and allys where people live on the streets
- The moms begging with a baby in their laps
- The Chinese New Year fireworks
- My friends
- The time we had here...
Monday, July 30, 2007
Silence Falls
So this will be my last entry, at least until we get "settled" in Denver. I head out to Portland on Thursday morning. Yet another 20-something hour flight with Chase - alone. Thankfully, I will be flying business class. So I guess that's good news for me; bad news for all those people who paid extra money to sit up front to get away from toddlers.
I have been running around like mad; picking up silk, ribbons, having pictures framed, packing boxes for short-term, packing boxes for long-term. Packing duffle bags for the next week. Spending a little time each night on Realtor.com, just to see what's new on the Denver market.
Chase has been great. Un-phased by the fact that things are slowly but surely getting put into boxes and getting stacked in our guestroom. She has been a little manic about making sure all of her most important things (3 massive language books, bunny, lola, molly, baba and bear) are all close to her at all times - perhaps in fear they will disappear into one of the boxes when she is not looking.
Chase has also done a lot of spinning - twirling - lately. She loves it. She can entertain herself by twirling for at least 10 minutes.
Flora has been teaching me real Chinese cooking, which is so great. Even though I'm a little tired of Chinese food, I will miss being able to eat real Chinese food when I want it - but now that I know some recipes, I'll be able to whip some up - using organic vegetables and free-range meat!
I am actually quite sad to be leaving. We hope to return after things get cleaned-up a bit here, which should happen in the next 5-10 years, as China is starting to realize just how important it is to clean up their act. They even hired a PR firm recently to do just that (or at least clean up their reputation).
Now there's a wild account. I can just imagine picking up the phone to call a journalist, "Hi, I'm calling on behalf of China."
I have been running around like mad; picking up silk, ribbons, having pictures framed, packing boxes for short-term, packing boxes for long-term. Packing duffle bags for the next week. Spending a little time each night on Realtor.com, just to see what's new on the Denver market.
Chase has been great. Un-phased by the fact that things are slowly but surely getting put into boxes and getting stacked in our guestroom. She has been a little manic about making sure all of her most important things (3 massive language books, bunny, lola, molly, baba and bear) are all close to her at all times - perhaps in fear they will disappear into one of the boxes when she is not looking.
Chase has also done a lot of spinning - twirling - lately. She loves it. She can entertain herself by twirling for at least 10 minutes.
Flora has been teaching me real Chinese cooking, which is so great. Even though I'm a little tired of Chinese food, I will miss being able to eat real Chinese food when I want it - but now that I know some recipes, I'll be able to whip some up - using organic vegetables and free-range meat!
I am actually quite sad to be leaving. We hope to return after things get cleaned-up a bit here, which should happen in the next 5-10 years, as China is starting to realize just how important it is to clean up their act. They even hired a PR firm recently to do just that (or at least clean up their reputation).
Now there's a wild account. I can just imagine picking up the phone to call a journalist, "Hi, I'm calling on behalf of China."
Saturday, July 28, 2007
No Beach = Good Mom
Just a quick note to report that all of Chase's friends are feeling better. None of my friends seem to know what caused their kids to have such a high fever for three days, but they all came down with it shortly after visiting the beach (a trip we opted out of because it was hot, humid and involved a Chinese beach). So I'm feeling like a pretty good mom today.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Food Allergies And Eating Food In General
I heard on National Public Radio that food allergies are at an all time high - and strangely enough - the allergies are to foods that are quite common within each culture's cuisine. For example, North Americans are getting more and more allergies to eggs and milk, while in the middle east they are seeing more allergies to chickpeas, etc. Very interesting. They recommend broadening what you consume when possible.
The story made me think about the Chinese diet. And why, despite the fact we are eating cooked vegetables and tofu, we are still gaining weight. And then I realized that it's probably the fact that I've only had three salads in the past nine months (thanks to the "consume no raw food" unspoken law here) - and yes, it doesn't help our metabolism is slowing, we are not actually working out hard 5x per week, yada yada. But after taking cooking classes from Flora, I realized that it isn't helping that everything has SO much oil in it. I mean tons of oil. And eggs.
And have I mentioned the Chinese cook with peanut oil all-the-time. Which brings be right back to allergies. I have actually been giving Chase almond butter because I didn't want to give her peanuts until we were back in the US - "just in case." And now I find out she's been eating peanut oil all along - so no peanut allergies here (good thing, because I CRAVED PB&J the entire time I was pregnant).
Anyway, I just thought it was interesting that the Chinese don't worry about peanut allergies. They don't worry about feeding seafood to small children either. I don't think they worry about much of anything, to be honest.
Must be nice.
The story made me think about the Chinese diet. And why, despite the fact we are eating cooked vegetables and tofu, we are still gaining weight. And then I realized that it's probably the fact that I've only had three salads in the past nine months (thanks to the "consume no raw food" unspoken law here) - and yes, it doesn't help our metabolism is slowing, we are not actually working out hard 5x per week, yada yada. But after taking cooking classes from Flora, I realized that it isn't helping that everything has SO much oil in it. I mean tons of oil. And eggs.
And have I mentioned the Chinese cook with peanut oil all-the-time. Which brings be right back to allergies. I have actually been giving Chase almond butter because I didn't want to give her peanuts until we were back in the US - "just in case." And now I find out she's been eating peanut oil all along - so no peanut allergies here (good thing, because I CRAVED PB&J the entire time I was pregnant).
Anyway, I just thought it was interesting that the Chinese don't worry about peanut allergies. They don't worry about feeding seafood to small children either. I don't think they worry about much of anything, to be honest.
Must be nice.
Chinese Boudoir Photos
Here's a couple pictures from my (very tame) Chinese boudoir photo shoot.
I can't describe how much I LOVED the blue robe.
I can't describe how much I LOVED the blue robe.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Chase Updates
Chase's favorite books these days include "My First 1,000 Chinese words" book, "My first book of sign" and "My first 1,000 words (English)." She loves these books and hauls them everywhere. Her next favorites are "Meg & Mog," "Corduroy," and "Where The Wild Things Are." She loves rumpusing.
She loves her harmonica; she actually plays it, holding it with her right hand while keeping time to the music (hitting her left knee with her left hand). Definitely goes down in my book as one of the cutest things I've ever seen.
She continues to enjoy Chinese food. She actually won't eat vegetables unless they have garlic and a touch of oyster sauce on them. Then she'll eat the entire bowl and ask for more.
Chase has started forming an attachment to her doll Molly; she drags her around by her hair. I keep trying to show her how to hold her, but she keeps dragging her around by the hair.
She's named her pink bear, Lola, which I think is quite remarkable. Not only because she named her own stuffed animal, but also because she took the name from Kar Kar's kitten that she loved so much.
Chase really enjoys drawing, and has gotten quite good at scribbling. Her ability to hold the pen like a grown-up has really surprised me. She also likes painting and playing with colored tablets in the bathtub.
She loves her hula hoop. She likes to stand inside the plastic, blue, sparkly circle. She also likes to stand outside it. She likes to put her doll inside, as well as her books and anything else.
Chase is very good at sharing. Very good at playing with others. She has started to be more aggressive about taking things she wants in crowded kid filled situations, but doesn't mind if another kid gets to a toy first. She knows she's bigger than most of them.
Chase has also started to test us. She has identified three things that we keep saying "no" to, and enjoys pushing us as far as she can. Thing 1: standing on the couch. Thing 2: grabbing a very nice scroll painting on the wall and trying to pull it down. Thing 3: playing with the computer power cord while we use the laptop. She thinks it is so funny when we are serious.
She now enjoys throwing balls. Large puzzles. Blocks. Running. Shaking hands. Saying hello. Blowing kisses at everyone.
Chase also gets bored easily. She loves the outdoors. We've been going on more walks. I've been taking her out at least twice a day. I can't wait until I can enroll her in swimming and a couple morning sessions of Montessori.
She loves her harmonica; she actually plays it, holding it with her right hand while keeping time to the music (hitting her left knee with her left hand). Definitely goes down in my book as one of the cutest things I've ever seen.
She continues to enjoy Chinese food. She actually won't eat vegetables unless they have garlic and a touch of oyster sauce on them. Then she'll eat the entire bowl and ask for more.
Chase has started forming an attachment to her doll Molly; she drags her around by her hair. I keep trying to show her how to hold her, but she keeps dragging her around by the hair.
She's named her pink bear, Lola, which I think is quite remarkable. Not only because she named her own stuffed animal, but also because she took the name from Kar Kar's kitten that she loved so much.
Chase really enjoys drawing, and has gotten quite good at scribbling. Her ability to hold the pen like a grown-up has really surprised me. She also likes painting and playing with colored tablets in the bathtub.
She loves her hula hoop. She likes to stand inside the plastic, blue, sparkly circle. She also likes to stand outside it. She likes to put her doll inside, as well as her books and anything else.
Chase is very good at sharing. Very good at playing with others. She has started to be more aggressive about taking things she wants in crowded kid filled situations, but doesn't mind if another kid gets to a toy first. She knows she's bigger than most of them.
Chase has also started to test us. She has identified three things that we keep saying "no" to, and enjoys pushing us as far as she can. Thing 1: standing on the couch. Thing 2: grabbing a very nice scroll painting on the wall and trying to pull it down. Thing 3: playing with the computer power cord while we use the laptop. She thinks it is so funny when we are serious.
She now enjoys throwing balls. Large puzzles. Blocks. Running. Shaking hands. Saying hello. Blowing kisses at everyone.
Chase also gets bored easily. She loves the outdoors. We've been going on more walks. I've been taking her out at least twice a day. I can't wait until I can enroll her in swimming and a couple morning sessions of Montessori.
Chinese Boudoir
People often ask me what I do with my days...
Well, today I had Chinese boudoir photos taken.
It took at least an hour and a half for the make-up artist to apply my make-up (aka, cover my face in skin-colored spackle, fill every pore, and then add fake eyelashes and blue eye shadow). For my hair, they used product that made my hair into a helmet (think Clark Kent), and then added four huge flowers, extensions, and various decorative doowaps.
When my hair and make-up was finished, I put on a gorgeous blue silk robe - the kind you see hanging on someone's wall.
I looked in the mirror - and couldn't believe the transformation. The bags under my eyes were gone. I did not have crumbs or spots on me anywhere. I had been transformed. It made me seriously consider spending an hour and a half doing my hair and make-up everyday.
From there, I was handed over to the photographer, a young Chinese guy, who instructed me to pose in various ways, using some lovely Chinese antiques for props. So I posed with a lute. At a desk. In front of a "balcony." At a window. At one point they handed me a Chinese paper and instructed me to appear to be reading it.
It was hilarious; I hope to be able to post a couple pictures soon.
Well, today I had Chinese boudoir photos taken.
It took at least an hour and a half for the make-up artist to apply my make-up (aka, cover my face in skin-colored spackle, fill every pore, and then add fake eyelashes and blue eye shadow). For my hair, they used product that made my hair into a helmet (think Clark Kent), and then added four huge flowers, extensions, and various decorative doowaps.
When my hair and make-up was finished, I put on a gorgeous blue silk robe - the kind you see hanging on someone's wall.
I looked in the mirror - and couldn't believe the transformation. The bags under my eyes were gone. I did not have crumbs or spots on me anywhere. I had been transformed. It made me seriously consider spending an hour and a half doing my hair and make-up everyday.
From there, I was handed over to the photographer, a young Chinese guy, who instructed me to pose in various ways, using some lovely Chinese antiques for props. So I posed with a lute. At a desk. In front of a "balcony." At a window. At one point they handed me a Chinese paper and instructed me to appear to be reading it.
It was hilarious; I hope to be able to post a couple pictures soon.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Sickness Spreading
I was relieved to hear that Chase's best little boy friend doesn't have herpes. I must admit, I was a little freaked out when I heard he might have it. It was a day where no matter how many worry bead bracelets I wore, I was still going to worry.
I learned today that he has hand, foot and mouth disease. All of his other little friends have come down with fever and spots.
I, meanwhile, have my fingers and toes crossed; hoping this bug jumps right over Chase.
I learned today that he has hand, foot and mouth disease. All of his other little friends have come down with fever and spots.
I, meanwhile, have my fingers and toes crossed; hoping this bug jumps right over Chase.
Education. Education. Education.
And so it begins... The quest to find the "right" school for Chase, and the "right" house in the "right" school district. And yes, I am on realtor.com every night.
First, I just can't believe we are actually going to have a house again. With our things in it. I am SO tired of furnished apartments. We haven't had our things around us in four years. FOUR YEARS. We have things still in boxes from when we lived in Boston. Unbelievable.
At any rate, in the past we really haven't given much thought to what school district our house was in, but now, I find myself obsessed with the public school system. But the more I research I do, the more interested in private education I become.
For example, there are five Montessori schools, one of which is bilingual (Spanish). Would I be a bad mom to stick her into yet another language (Spanish, Chinese, German)? Will I delay her language? So far, she's doing exceptionally well - with both English and Chinese. (I've also been told by a woman who studied early childhood education that kids compartmentalize languages, so exposing them to multiple languages may be a little confusing at first, but their brains will automatically sort words accordingly.)
I also stumbled across two international schools. The Denver International School, which offers bilingual classes in Mandarin (in grades 1 & 2, up to 80% is taught in Chinese), Spanish and French for kids from age 3, and the Bradley International Elementary School, which seems interesting.
Call me crazy, but I'm seriously considering we enroll her in the Spanish Montessori class M, W, F mornings and then do the Mandarin emersion T, Th and find a weekend playgroup. Or maybe vice versa, as Chinese is more difficult to learn and harder to find in Colorado.
I firmly believe language is one of the most important life skills a person can learn, alongside how to pick a lock and hotwire a car (kidding!). But in all seriousness, language opens so many doors, on so many levels. It connects you to the rest of the world, in a way that only knowing English never will.
And if you can speak three languages, there is a seriously cool summer job at the UN in Geneva you can apply for... no pressure, Chase!
First, I just can't believe we are actually going to have a house again. With our things in it. I am SO tired of furnished apartments. We haven't had our things around us in four years. FOUR YEARS. We have things still in boxes from when we lived in Boston. Unbelievable.
At any rate, in the past we really haven't given much thought to what school district our house was in, but now, I find myself obsessed with the public school system. But the more I research I do, the more interested in private education I become.
For example, there are five Montessori schools, one of which is bilingual (Spanish). Would I be a bad mom to stick her into yet another language (Spanish, Chinese, German)? Will I delay her language? So far, she's doing exceptionally well - with both English and Chinese. (I've also been told by a woman who studied early childhood education that kids compartmentalize languages, so exposing them to multiple languages may be a little confusing at first, but their brains will automatically sort words accordingly.)
I also stumbled across two international schools. The Denver International School, which offers bilingual classes in Mandarin (in grades 1 & 2, up to 80% is taught in Chinese), Spanish and French for kids from age 3, and the Bradley International Elementary School, which seems interesting.
Call me crazy, but I'm seriously considering we enroll her in the Spanish Montessori class M, W, F mornings and then do the Mandarin emersion T, Th and find a weekend playgroup. Or maybe vice versa, as Chinese is more difficult to learn and harder to find in Colorado.
I firmly believe language is one of the most important life skills a person can learn, alongside how to pick a lock and hotwire a car (kidding!). But in all seriousness, language opens so many doors, on so many levels. It connects you to the rest of the world, in a way that only knowing English never will.
And if you can speak three languages, there is a seriously cool summer job at the UN in Geneva you can apply for... no pressure, Chase!
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Excercise
One of the things I love about China.
Every morning employees line-up outside. They are then inspected, lectured and then made to excercise.
The photos below are from a restaurant around the corner from where we live.
Every morning employees line-up outside. They are then inspected, lectured and then made to excercise.
The photos below are from a restaurant around the corner from where we live.
Clams
This man sells clams from a cart, attached to his bicycle.
Chase and Chin Shoo Shoo (our driver, who we now call Uncle Chin), went in for a closer look. Chase wanted nothing to do with the clams. She was giving me the "get me outta here, Mama" look the whole time.
Chase and Chin Shoo Shoo (our driver, who we now call Uncle Chin), went in for a closer look. Chase wanted nothing to do with the clams. She was giving me the "get me outta here, Mama" look the whole time.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Small Wonder
Chase continues to surprise and delight us.
She is running now. At full speed.
Everywhere she goes, she needs to get there fast.
I wonder where she got this from (Hubs!)?
She is also growing out of her shoes at lightening speed.
She can't seem to consume enough yogurt in the day. So I have started loading it up with supplements. Sometimes almond butter. Sometimes a lemon-tasting cod liver oil. Sometimes blue green algae. Sometimes wheat germ or brewers yeast. At this point I could put anything in it, and she would eat it right up.
We've also moved her up to level 4 at Gymboree, so she's playing with the "big kids" now - four times a week. It's amazing to watch her learning from them.
I, meanwhile, am starting to have dreams about Jimbo the Clown - and he's scary!
She is running now. At full speed.
Everywhere she goes, she needs to get there fast.
I wonder where she got this from (Hubs!)?
She is also growing out of her shoes at lightening speed.
She can't seem to consume enough yogurt in the day. So I have started loading it up with supplements. Sometimes almond butter. Sometimes a lemon-tasting cod liver oil. Sometimes blue green algae. Sometimes wheat germ or brewers yeast. At this point I could put anything in it, and she would eat it right up.
We've also moved her up to level 4 at Gymboree, so she's playing with the "big kids" now - four times a week. It's amazing to watch her learning from them.
I, meanwhile, am starting to have dreams about Jimbo the Clown - and he's scary!
What to say?
Not much to say these days. It's a little stressful here at the moment. But I'm not worrying. I have my Chinese worry beads bracelet, which is supposed to take my worries away. I think it works. Most days, anyway.
So it's a beautiful day in Dalian, today. Warm, but windy. Blue skies. No haze, or as Hubs puts it, "marine layer." We've had an ongoing discussion about this supposed "marine layer," ever since we arrived. I think that as it is thick enough to eat, it can't just be fog. Hubs believes what our Dutch maritime friend said - it really is harmless.
I simply can't believe that if San Francisco is feeling the effects of Beijing's smog - way at the other end of the ocean - that Dalian, which lies just an hour East, has "clean air and a harmless marine layer."
But enough about that.
I just know Chase will miss being the center of attention e-v-e-r-y-w-h-e-r-e she goes. And although I grumble at times, I will certainly miss a lot of things about China. I think China changes a person. Or maybe having a baby and then moving to China changes a person. I'm not sure exactly how, but I feel like I've changed since I've been here - moreso than when we were living in London or Zurich.
So it's a beautiful day in Dalian, today. Warm, but windy. Blue skies. No haze, or as Hubs puts it, "marine layer." We've had an ongoing discussion about this supposed "marine layer," ever since we arrived. I think that as it is thick enough to eat, it can't just be fog. Hubs believes what our Dutch maritime friend said - it really is harmless.
I simply can't believe that if San Francisco is feeling the effects of Beijing's smog - way at the other end of the ocean - that Dalian, which lies just an hour East, has "clean air and a harmless marine layer."
But enough about that.
I just know Chase will miss being the center of attention e-v-e-r-y-w-h-e-r-e she goes. And although I grumble at times, I will certainly miss a lot of things about China. I think China changes a person. Or maybe having a baby and then moving to China changes a person. I'm not sure exactly how, but I feel like I've changed since I've been here - moreso than when we were living in London or Zurich.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Hello America!
Not many small updates this time. One big one. We're moving again. This time to Denver!
Monday, July 16, 2007
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Weekend Fun
We spent Saturday afternoon with our German friends. They are so great.
I will really miss them!
More....
BEIJING — While visiting relatives a year ago, Du Haipeng, 5, came down with a sore throat. Doctors prescribed a Chinese antibiotic, Xinfu. The boy’s reaction to the drug was so violent, he had to be taken to a nearby hospital.
“I remember clearly that I was shearing sheep when I got a call from my sister and her husband,” said Du Xinglong, 36, Haipeng’s father. “When I rushed to the hospital my son had already fallen into a coma.”
A week later, regulators banned Xinfu. Authorities eventually determined that the State Food and Drug Administration had granted the drug’s maker a seal of approval, even though Xinfu was not properly produced or sterilized.
The scandal was just one symptom of an ailing regulatory regime. Last year, the government uncovered 167,000 examples of illegal production and trade in medicine and medical equipment. In some cases, illegal factories are fined or closed; but their owners rarely face prosecution, and the problem persists.
Because of the public furor Xinfu set off, its producer, the Anhui Huayuan Worldbest Biology Company, was an exception. Several senior executives at the company were dismissed; its production license was revoked; and last November, according to state-run media, the company’s general manager committed suicide.
That was too late for a 6-year-old named Liu Sichen. She had been given Xinfu for a tonsil infection. Soon she fell into a coma, and after several days she died.
“She was about to go to elementary school,” said Sichen’s mother, Guo Ping. “Her father bought her a new pink backpack.”
In the end, at least 14 people died after taking Xinfu, and perhaps hundreds more were severely sickened. Du Haipeng woke from his coma after 22 days of emergency treatment. But he wasn’t himself. “He didn’t recognize us,” said his mother, Fu Liguang, 38. “Over the next two and a half months, he didn’t say a single word.”
Today, the boy rarely speaks. He wets his pants, and his doctors say he may have permanent brain damage.
His father has no sympathy for Zheng Xiaoyu, the State Food and Drug Administration’s former chief, executed on Tuesday.
“If he hadn’t approved that company our family wouldn’t be shattered,” Mr. Du said. “He should have been killed a long time ago.”
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Latest News From The US Embassy
July 05, 2007
Subject: How To Deescalate Conflicts
The Embassy has seen more and more cases of minor confrontations
involving American citizens escalating into serious altercations. In a
few cases arguments over as little as 10 RMB have led to injuries,
property damage, police involvement and restitution. Identifying
potential confrontations before they become physical and extracting you
from the situation before blows are exchanged is the wisest course of
action. Becoming involved in a physical confrontation over 10 RMB just
isn't worth it.
While more easily said than done, this approach could require taking a
non-confrontational attitude even when you are in the right, and backing
down to someone in the wrong when the circumstances require it to avoid
physical contact.
The fact is that getting involved in a "fight" with someone anywhere is
a dangerous undertaking, but it is made even more dangerous by the
willingness of bystanders to get involved without warning.
To avoid situations that might lead to a physical confrontation we ask
that you please consider the following:
- If you become the target of attention of a drunken group or
individual, leave the area immediately. Do not try to talk to them,
reason with them, or argue with them. Once targeted, staying in the
same area and "ignoring" them normally makes matters worse. Get away
from them as soon as possible.
- Avoid situations involving individuals who are intoxicated,
arguing, and/or causing a disturbance. Leave the area before they
involve you in "their" problem.
- If you find yourself in a challenged situation, it is far better
to disengage immediately and leave the area. Fighting over a bump, a
perceived slight, a parking spot, 10 RMB, or a stare just isn't worth
it.
- Avoid putting others into a situation where they feel challenged
and required to act. Be apologetic if the situation warrants, and do
what you can to indicate that no offense was intended.
- If someone tries to engage you in a fight, back away and remove
yourself from the area immediately. Should a confrontational situation
occur involving someone in your party, companions should, if the
situation permits, immediately step in and extract any would-be
combatants as quickly as possible. Once disengaged, leave the area
immediately.
- If you are out with friends or acquaintances who drink to excess
urge them to return home as soon as possible. Many of the
confrontational situations reported to us involve those who have
consumed so much alcohol that their judgment is impaired.
Should you find yourself engaged in an altercation despite your best
efforts, do your best to defuse the situation as quickly as possible and
leave the area as soon as the situation allows. If the Police are
called to the scene, "fight" participants are normally taken to the
local police station to determine fault or work out a settlement. If
injuries are claimed the police may require the claimant to go to a
hospital to determine the severity of injuries. The severity of
injuries will determine the seriousness of any crime committed.
Subject: How To Deescalate Conflicts
The Embassy has seen more and more cases of minor confrontations
involving American citizens escalating into serious altercations. In a
few cases arguments over as little as 10 RMB have led to injuries,
property damage, police involvement and restitution. Identifying
potential confrontations before they become physical and extracting you
from the situation before blows are exchanged is the wisest course of
action. Becoming involved in a physical confrontation over 10 RMB just
isn't worth it.
While more easily said than done, this approach could require taking a
non-confrontational attitude even when you are in the right, and backing
down to someone in the wrong when the circumstances require it to avoid
physical contact.
The fact is that getting involved in a "fight" with someone anywhere is
a dangerous undertaking, but it is made even more dangerous by the
willingness of bystanders to get involved without warning.
To avoid situations that might lead to a physical confrontation we ask
that you please consider the following:
- If you become the target of attention of a drunken group or
individual, leave the area immediately. Do not try to talk to them,
reason with them, or argue with them. Once targeted, staying in the
same area and "ignoring" them normally makes matters worse. Get away
from them as soon as possible.
- Avoid situations involving individuals who are intoxicated,
arguing, and/or causing a disturbance. Leave the area before they
involve you in "their" problem.
- If you find yourself in a challenged situation, it is far better
to disengage immediately and leave the area. Fighting over a bump, a
perceived slight, a parking spot, 10 RMB, or a stare just isn't worth
it.
- Avoid putting others into a situation where they feel challenged
and required to act. Be apologetic if the situation warrants, and do
what you can to indicate that no offense was intended.
- If someone tries to engage you in a fight, back away and remove
yourself from the area immediately. Should a confrontational situation
occur involving someone in your party, companions should, if the
situation permits, immediately step in and extract any would-be
combatants as quickly as possible. Once disengaged, leave the area
immediately.
- If you are out with friends or acquaintances who drink to excess
urge them to return home as soon as possible. Many of the
confrontational situations reported to us involve those who have
consumed so much alcohol that their judgment is impaired.
Should you find yourself engaged in an altercation despite your best
efforts, do your best to defuse the situation as quickly as possible and
leave the area as soon as the situation allows. If the Police are
called to the scene, "fight" participants are normally taken to the
local police station to determine fault or work out a settlement. If
injuries are claimed the police may require the claimant to go to a
hospital to determine the severity of injuries. The severity of
injuries will determine the seriousness of any crime committed.
Cry Baby
I caught Chase practicing her fake cry the other day.
She was standing in front of a mirror, pretending to cry.
When I said, "Chase, what are you doing?"
She gave me a little coy look and then laughed.
I have to say, I wonder where this behavior originated.
It's not like Hubs and I stand in front of the mirror and pretend to cry.
All I can say is watch out boys!
This one is going to be able to turn the tears on without a problem.
She was standing in front of a mirror, pretending to cry.
When I said, "Chase, what are you doing?"
She gave me a little coy look and then laughed.
I have to say, I wonder where this behavior originated.
It's not like Hubs and I stand in front of the mirror and pretend to cry.
All I can say is watch out boys!
This one is going to be able to turn the tears on without a problem.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Pick Of The Day
I came across a new (well not so new) singer, Brandi Carlile.
Kind of a cross between the Indigo Girls and Cowboy Junkies.
I especially like The Story (lyrics below) and Wasted (written by her about her brother wasting his talent).
All of these lines across my face
Tell you the story of who I am
So many stories of where I've been
And how I got to where I am
But these stories don't mean anything
When you've got no one to tell them to
It's true...I was made for you
I climbed across the mountain tops
Swam all across the ocean blue
I crossed all the lines and I broke all the rules
But baby I broke them all for you
Because even when I was flat broke
You made me feel like a million bucks
Yeah you do and I was made for you
You see the smile that's on my mouth
Is hiding the words that don't come out
And all of my friends who think that I'm blessed
They don't know my head is a mess
No, they don't know who I really am
And they don't know what I've been through but you do
And I was made for you...
She's sort of tough, but her voice cracks (which makes her more real to me) and she has been known to yodel on occasion. Gotta love her.
Kind of a cross between the Indigo Girls and Cowboy Junkies.
I especially like The Story (lyrics below) and Wasted (written by her about her brother wasting his talent).
All of these lines across my face
Tell you the story of who I am
So many stories of where I've been
And how I got to where I am
But these stories don't mean anything
When you've got no one to tell them to
It's true...I was made for you
I climbed across the mountain tops
Swam all across the ocean blue
I crossed all the lines and I broke all the rules
But baby I broke them all for you
Because even when I was flat broke
You made me feel like a million bucks
Yeah you do and I was made for you
You see the smile that's on my mouth
Is hiding the words that don't come out
And all of my friends who think that I'm blessed
They don't know my head is a mess
No, they don't know who I really am
And they don't know what I've been through but you do
And I was made for you...
She's sort of tough, but her voice cracks (which makes her more real to me) and she has been known to yodel on occasion. Gotta love her.
Jet lag, night terrors, tantrums before bed...
Chase has had a hard time readjusting to life in China. The time change really zapped her. Last night was the first night that we slept through the night in over a month.
Chase has had a really tough time getting to bed recently; she has actually started throwing tantrums - and then, an hour after she has fallen asleep, she wakes up screaming (even though she's not really awake).
Night terrors are one of the strangest, scarriest things I've encountered in child rearing. Our little darling isn't awake (we can't actually wake her no matter how hard we try). Her eyes are open but she doesn't see us.
It's like a scary movie, but worse, it's real. She's somewhere else and we can't seem to reach her or help her. The good news is that she settles down after about five minutes, but during that time we are so helpless. All we can do is hold her close and whisper "it's okay, you're okay, wake up, wake up...." We've tried turning on the lights, and using a cold, wet washcloth on her face. Nothing works.
I just can't imagine what is so big and bad and scary - what terrifies her beyond reason. What could possibly be so bad? She has never, ever, cried like that while awake.
So I read a book about night terrors. It recommended waking the child 15 minutes before the night terrors begin. But Chase's don't happen at the same time every night, so there is no way for me to do this.
Any tips? Anyone?
Chase has had a really tough time getting to bed recently; she has actually started throwing tantrums - and then, an hour after she has fallen asleep, she wakes up screaming (even though she's not really awake).
Night terrors are one of the strangest, scarriest things I've encountered in child rearing. Our little darling isn't awake (we can't actually wake her no matter how hard we try). Her eyes are open but she doesn't see us.
It's like a scary movie, but worse, it's real. She's somewhere else and we can't seem to reach her or help her. The good news is that she settles down after about five minutes, but during that time we are so helpless. All we can do is hold her close and whisper "it's okay, you're okay, wake up, wake up...." We've tried turning on the lights, and using a cold, wet washcloth on her face. Nothing works.
I just can't imagine what is so big and bad and scary - what terrifies her beyond reason. What could possibly be so bad? She has never, ever, cried like that while awake.
So I read a book about night terrors. It recommended waking the child 15 minutes before the night terrors begin. But Chase's don't happen at the same time every night, so there is no way for me to do this.
Any tips? Anyone?
Nicholaas: Chase's Best Friend
Have you ever wondered how green tastes?
Chase did. So into her mouth went a green marker.
As a result, she has a slightly vampy look in the photo below.
The rose was a gift from Nicolaas.
His parents are hopeful they will marry soon so he can get his green card (joke!).
Chase did. So into her mouth went a green marker.
As a result, she has a slightly vampy look in the photo below.
The rose was a gift from Nicolaas.
His parents are hopeful they will marry soon so he can get his green card (joke!).
Saturday, July 07, 2007
Our Chinese Dinner Party
I tried to prepare the meatballs ahead of time. Good thing I did, because they were horrible. I mean really bad. I'm sure they tasted just fine, but they didn't want to be balls.
So I begged Flora to cook a beef dish, over the weekend, as I figured it would probably be a good idea to have one meat dish that was Chinese - to ensure our guests didn't starve to death.
I consulted with my friend Kathy again - I needed a pep talk after failing miserably at meatballs. After our conversation, I realized I had to make yet another trip out to the store, to pick up pickled things and boiled peanuts for appetizers, rice bowls, soup bowls, soup spoons (I forgot the chopstick holders), beer, and egg custard tarts for dessert.
The rest of the dinner preparation was comical at best - the bell peppers I bought (to make a bell pepper salad - my second veggie dish, because you have to have two veggie dishes) were rotten on the bottom (so out they went). We made camponata instead. The rice had bugs in it (GROSS!), so off Hubs went at the last minute to find some new rice - he ended up returning with the rice, and our guests. Chase was going wild the whole time, taking everything that we were trying to put away - out again - until she finally fell asleep, just five minutes before everyone appeared.
I'm happy to report that the dinner went well. We had WAY too much food (which is what you strive for, otherwise you are rude), because neither of the wives came, which brought the count down to 4, from 6 - and I cooked for 8, to be safe.
Perhaps the hardest part of the evening was the fact that one of the guests did not speak English, so trying to include him on things was difficult. They ended up not eating much rice, not using the rice bowls, or the soup bowls, or drinking any beer.
I'm so glad we had this opportunity, and they were good guests, but there are a lot of cultural differences. For example, they went to take off their shoes to come in, and hubs said "don't worry, you can leave them on." It was pretty clear they were torn and that keeping their shoes on went against everything that was right in the world. I'm sure it's considered rude, and probably dirty, to keep shoes on in the home.
Hubs also noticed that they were having a hard time eating with our chopsticks because there are little blue knobs at the top, which makes it almost impossible to put the chopsticks together.
I'm sure they left thinking, "those silly Americans."
It's a good thing they didn't know we actually bought those chopsticks in Thailand, which is silly in itself, as the Thais do not use chopsticks.
So I begged Flora to cook a beef dish, over the weekend, as I figured it would probably be a good idea to have one meat dish that was Chinese - to ensure our guests didn't starve to death.
I consulted with my friend Kathy again - I needed a pep talk after failing miserably at meatballs. After our conversation, I realized I had to make yet another trip out to the store, to pick up pickled things and boiled peanuts for appetizers, rice bowls, soup bowls, soup spoons (I forgot the chopstick holders), beer, and egg custard tarts for dessert.
The rest of the dinner preparation was comical at best - the bell peppers I bought (to make a bell pepper salad - my second veggie dish, because you have to have two veggie dishes) were rotten on the bottom (so out they went). We made camponata instead. The rice had bugs in it (GROSS!), so off Hubs went at the last minute to find some new rice - he ended up returning with the rice, and our guests. Chase was going wild the whole time, taking everything that we were trying to put away - out again - until she finally fell asleep, just five minutes before everyone appeared.
I'm happy to report that the dinner went well. We had WAY too much food (which is what you strive for, otherwise you are rude), because neither of the wives came, which brought the count down to 4, from 6 - and I cooked for 8, to be safe.
Perhaps the hardest part of the evening was the fact that one of the guests did not speak English, so trying to include him on things was difficult. They ended up not eating much rice, not using the rice bowls, or the soup bowls, or drinking any beer.
I'm so glad we had this opportunity, and they were good guests, but there are a lot of cultural differences. For example, they went to take off their shoes to come in, and hubs said "don't worry, you can leave them on." It was pretty clear they were torn and that keeping their shoes on went against everything that was right in the world. I'm sure it's considered rude, and probably dirty, to keep shoes on in the home.
Hubs also noticed that they were having a hard time eating with our chopsticks because there are little blue knobs at the top, which makes it almost impossible to put the chopsticks together.
I'm sure they left thinking, "those silly Americans."
It's a good thing they didn't know we actually bought those chopsticks in Thailand, which is silly in itself, as the Thais do not use chopsticks.
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Dinner Party
On Saturday, we are expecting two couples (both Chinese) for dinner.
One couple speaks English; the other does not.
I must make them dinner.
Now I'm stressing.
Why? Because I want to make a dinner that they will like, which is actually quite difficult given (a) the Chinese palate - they enjoy pickled, salted and soyed dishes, (b) there needs to be excessive amounts of food, with many options - to showcase our greatfulness to them and (c) the fact I only have a tiny oven and two burners on my stove-top.
So I consulted a friend who has lived here for two years and she told me:
(a) Make spagetthi and meatballs
(b) Don't serve bread, they won't eat it
(c) Consider serving cold pork roast as well - there should be at least two meat dishes
(d) Serve a hot vegetable
(e) Do not serve Western-style salad (uncooked veggies are not really consumed here)
(f) Serve fruit and egg custard pies for dessert
(g) Make sure there are many different dishes - lots of food - as it is VERY bad if you offer small portions or if you (G-forbid) run out of food. There should be lots left over.
So I had a quick chat when I got home with Flora. She confirmed it all - especially the part about having a lot of food on the table. She said to make sure I had at least two vegetable and two meat dishes. Egads.
So here's the plan:
-Spaghetti with meatballs
-Roasted carrots and leeks
-Cold, cooked vegetable salad
-Some kind of chicken dish
Dessert: fruit
Anyone know a good one pot, Italian, crock pot, chicken dish? Maybe I should roast a chicken with vegetables, but I'm afraid it won't fit into my easy-bake oven.
One couple speaks English; the other does not.
I must make them dinner.
Now I'm stressing.
Why? Because I want to make a dinner that they will like, which is actually quite difficult given (a) the Chinese palate - they enjoy pickled, salted and soyed dishes, (b) there needs to be excessive amounts of food, with many options - to showcase our greatfulness to them and (c) the fact I only have a tiny oven and two burners on my stove-top.
So I consulted a friend who has lived here for two years and she told me:
(a) Make spagetthi and meatballs
(b) Don't serve bread, they won't eat it
(c) Consider serving cold pork roast as well - there should be at least two meat dishes
(d) Serve a hot vegetable
(e) Do not serve Western-style salad (uncooked veggies are not really consumed here)
(f) Serve fruit and egg custard pies for dessert
(g) Make sure there are many different dishes - lots of food - as it is VERY bad if you offer small portions or if you (G-forbid) run out of food. There should be lots left over.
So I had a quick chat when I got home with Flora. She confirmed it all - especially the part about having a lot of food on the table. She said to make sure I had at least two vegetable and two meat dishes. Egads.
So here's the plan:
-Spaghetti with meatballs
-Roasted carrots and leeks
-Cold, cooked vegetable salad
-Some kind of chicken dish
Dessert: fruit
Anyone know a good one pot, Italian, crock pot, chicken dish? Maybe I should roast a chicken with vegetables, but I'm afraid it won't fit into my easy-bake oven.
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
Dearest Daughter: 16 Months
Dear Chase,
You would not believe how much happiness you bring to your father, myself - not to mention everyone you meet. You're like magic. You actually sparkle. People can't help themselves when they are near you. They love your smile, your eyes, your fearlessness, your adventurous spirit, how happy you are, how sweet you are, how clever you are and your sense of humor.
I can only hope that as you travel through life that you retain these qualities. That you approach all challenges in life as you have in the past 16-months. Nothing phases you. If you fall, you stand up, brush yourself off, and continue what you were doing. You are already proving to be so resiliant.
You travel as if you were born to see the world. And while we are scaling down on our trips, you have already been to four cities in China, Thailand and Singapore in the last 8 months.
Your father and I just celebrated 12 years of knowing each other (8.5 years of marriage) - and of the things we've seen and done, we are most in awe and the proudest of you, my dear.
We love you so.
You would not believe how much happiness you bring to your father, myself - not to mention everyone you meet. You're like magic. You actually sparkle. People can't help themselves when they are near you. They love your smile, your eyes, your fearlessness, your adventurous spirit, how happy you are, how sweet you are, how clever you are and your sense of humor.
I can only hope that as you travel through life that you retain these qualities. That you approach all challenges in life as you have in the past 16-months. Nothing phases you. If you fall, you stand up, brush yourself off, and continue what you were doing. You are already proving to be so resiliant.
You travel as if you were born to see the world. And while we are scaling down on our trips, you have already been to four cities in China, Thailand and Singapore in the last 8 months.
Your father and I just celebrated 12 years of knowing each other (8.5 years of marriage) - and of the things we've seen and done, we are most in awe and the proudest of you, my dear.
We love you so.
And Another Report...
Jul 04, 2007 - The Straits Times - BEIJING engineered the removal of nearly a third of a World Bank report on pollution in China due to concern that findings on premature deaths could provoke 'social unrest'.
The report, produced in cooperation with Chinese government ministries over several years, found that about 750,000 people die prematurely in China each year, mainly from air pollution.
China's State Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) and Health Ministry asked the World Bank to cut the calculations of premature deaths from the report when a draft was finished last year, according to World Bank advisers and Chinese officials.
Advisers to the research team said ministries told this information, including a detailed map showing which parts of the country saw the most deaths, was too sensitive.
'The World Bank was told that it could not publish this information. It was too sensitive and could cause social unrest,' one adviser to the study told the Financial Times.
Sixteen of the world's 20 most polluted cities are in China, according to previous World Bank research.
Mr Guo Xiaomin, a retired Sepa official who coordinated the Chinese research team, said some material was omitted from the pollution report due to concern that the methodology was unreliable.
But he also said such information on premature deaths 'could cause misunderstanding'.
'We did not announce these figures. We did not want to make this report too thick,' he said in an interview.
The pared-down report, titled Cost Of Pollution In China, has yet to be officially launched but a version, which can be downloaded from the Internet, was released at a conference in Beijing in March.
Missing from this report are the research project's findings that high air pollution levels in Chinese cities are leading to the premature deaths of 350,000 to 400,000 people each year.
Another 300,000 people die prematurely each year from exposure to poor air indoors, according to advisers.
In addition, around 60,000 premature deaths were attributable to poor-quality water that caused severe diarrhoea as well as stomach, liver and bladder cancer.
The mortality information was 'reluctantly' excised by the World Bank from the published report, according to advisers to the research project.
Sepa and the Health Ministry declined to comment.
The World Bank said the findings of the report were still being discussed with the government.
A World Bank spokesman said: 'The conference version of the report did not include some of the issues still under discussion.'
She said the findings of the report were due to be released as a series of papers soon.
FINANCIAL TIMES
http://news.asiaone.com.sg/st/st_20070704_135558.html
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Mosquitoes
So it looks as though bathing Chase in mosquito repellant, using the mosquito zapper and the mosquito tent will keep the pests away from our little sweetheart.
Unfortunately, it was I, who was bitten last night. Three times. The bumps are huge.
Unfortunately, it was I, who was bitten last night. Three times. The bumps are huge.
Monday, July 02, 2007
2 a.m.
Chase made the time zone transition from China to the US without a problem, but she is having a hard time making the adjustment back.
I foolishly believed we kicked it yesterday. She was doing really well - and then fell into a deep slumber from 4:30 p.m. and slept until 2 a.m. Hubs and I couldn't wake her. We even tried the ole, "look, there's Santa!" routine. Not even a flicker of the eye lashes. She clearly needed the rest.
And so, at 2 a.m. when she awoke, we did some dishes, re*organized* the cabinets, colored, and I tried my hardest to bore her to sleep, which finally happened at 4:30 a.m. She proceeded to sleep for another hour and a half, and as I could not drag my sorry, sleepy body off the bed, Hubs took the 6 a.m.-7:30 a.m. shift, at which point he woke me as he needed to go to work.
It was about this time when I noticed she had four new mosquito bites on her legs, which means she now has a total of about NINE bites (at least). After seeing (the day before) she had been bitten, I went out and bought an electric mosquito killer, one of those thingies that kills mosquitoes using high frequency. Unfortunately it wasn't on all night - or maybe one of those mosquitoes was immune to the pitch (although I did find two dead mosquitoes on the window sill this morning). So now I have mosquito repellant (to soak her in before putting her to bed) and a full blown mosquito net that is set up like a tent over her bed.
I remember thinking a while back how "cool" those nets are - (I've always seen them in movies so there is something in my brain that links them to hot, romantic nights) and now that we actually need them, I'm not loving them so much. In fact, they now create more problems, because I have to zip Chase into her bed at night - not something that is easy to do - and I know it will drive her NUTS if she wakes up and is suddenly stuck in her bed.
At any rate, Chase managed to get through the morning without a nap and then fell asleep when the clock struck noon. She slept poorly for about 30 minutes and is now running around, trying so hard to keep her eyes open. We have a play date at 3 p.m. with Ho Di - and frankly, I feel as though I'm going to fall asleep before she does.
Seems odds are very high she'll crash at 4 p.m. today, too.
So the question becomes - do I wake her after an hour or let her sleep?
I foolishly believed we kicked it yesterday. She was doing really well - and then fell into a deep slumber from 4:30 p.m. and slept until 2 a.m. Hubs and I couldn't wake her. We even tried the ole, "look, there's Santa!" routine. Not even a flicker of the eye lashes. She clearly needed the rest.
And so, at 2 a.m. when she awoke, we did some dishes, re*organized* the cabinets, colored, and I tried my hardest to bore her to sleep, which finally happened at 4:30 a.m. She proceeded to sleep for another hour and a half, and as I could not drag my sorry, sleepy body off the bed, Hubs took the 6 a.m.-7:30 a.m. shift, at which point he woke me as he needed to go to work.
It was about this time when I noticed she had four new mosquito bites on her legs, which means she now has a total of about NINE bites (at least). After seeing (the day before) she had been bitten, I went out and bought an electric mosquito killer, one of those thingies that kills mosquitoes using high frequency. Unfortunately it wasn't on all night - or maybe one of those mosquitoes was immune to the pitch (although I did find two dead mosquitoes on the window sill this morning). So now I have mosquito repellant (to soak her in before putting her to bed) and a full blown mosquito net that is set up like a tent over her bed.
I remember thinking a while back how "cool" those nets are - (I've always seen them in movies so there is something in my brain that links them to hot, romantic nights) and now that we actually need them, I'm not loving them so much. In fact, they now create more problems, because I have to zip Chase into her bed at night - not something that is easy to do - and I know it will drive her NUTS if she wakes up and is suddenly stuck in her bed.
At any rate, Chase managed to get through the morning without a nap and then fell asleep when the clock struck noon. She slept poorly for about 30 minutes and is now running around, trying so hard to keep her eyes open. We have a play date at 3 p.m. with Ho Di - and frankly, I feel as though I'm going to fall asleep before she does.
Seems odds are very high she'll crash at 4 p.m. today, too.
So the question becomes - do I wake her after an hour or let her sleep?
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Back To Dalian
After flying for what felt like f-o-r-e-v-e-r, and a very long, unexpected delay in Korea, we finally rolled into Dalian around 9 p.m. last night.
Chase, unfortunately, had no intention of sleeping (having slept quite a bit on the plane, unlike her parents). She wanted to play with all of her toys- at least twice. She was wound up like a top. Spinning out of control until almost 2 a.m.
Finally she crashed. But woke up screaming about 20 minutes later. After a little snuggle, she slept again until about 3 a.m. Waking up once again by screaming. I ran to her room and found her standing up, in the corner of her room (I'm pretty sure she sleepwalks). She fell asleep once again and then woke up for good at about 4:30 a.m.
I was so tired I was completely disoriented when I woke up.
Hubs confided in me that he was too.
Returning to Dalian filled me with mixed emotions (strong perhaps due to sheer exhaustion). This city is great. The people are wonderful. Our lifestyle is outrageous. But I miss the US. I miss how easy everything is there; how safe everything feels (latest news here is the FDA has banned the purchase of fish and shrimp from China, which just happens to be what we have been living on for the past 6 months).
I feel more confident, now that I am armed with hydrogene peroxide (for removing pesticides from vegetables) and a heavy-duty water filter, which I have already put to use -- we found green algae growing in our *drinking* water bottle this morning.
Calgon, take me away.
Chase, unfortunately, had no intention of sleeping (having slept quite a bit on the plane, unlike her parents). She wanted to play with all of her toys- at least twice. She was wound up like a top. Spinning out of control until almost 2 a.m.
Finally she crashed. But woke up screaming about 20 minutes later. After a little snuggle, she slept again until about 3 a.m. Waking up once again by screaming. I ran to her room and found her standing up, in the corner of her room (I'm pretty sure she sleepwalks). She fell asleep once again and then woke up for good at about 4:30 a.m.
I was so tired I was completely disoriented when I woke up.
Hubs confided in me that he was too.
Returning to Dalian filled me with mixed emotions (strong perhaps due to sheer exhaustion). This city is great. The people are wonderful. Our lifestyle is outrageous. But I miss the US. I miss how easy everything is there; how safe everything feels (latest news here is the FDA has banned the purchase of fish and shrimp from China, which just happens to be what we have been living on for the past 6 months).
I feel more confident, now that I am armed with hydrogene peroxide (for removing pesticides from vegetables) and a heavy-duty water filter, which I have already put to use -- we found green algae growing in our *drinking* water bottle this morning.
Calgon, take me away.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Missing Out
Confession: I feel like I've been missing out a little on the new mum scene. You know, meeting other mums over coffee, play dates, baby yoga, swim, etc.
However, while I was in Portland, I overheard two new mums gossiping over coffee...
"You know Lisa just shows up like she rolled out of bed. I mean, what's with her hair? I know she has three kids, but she should really have her act together by now."
I couldn't stop listening. Neither could Hubs. Seriously. We didn't say two words to each other for about a half hour as the ladies dished on their *best friends.*
I came away feeling pretty happy about my little playgroup in Dalian.
However, while I was in Portland, I overheard two new mums gossiping over coffee...
"You know Lisa just shows up like she rolled out of bed. I mean, what's with her hair? I know she has three kids, but she should really have her act together by now."
I couldn't stop listening. Neither could Hubs. Seriously. We didn't say two words to each other for about a half hour as the ladies dished on their *best friends.*
I came away feeling pretty happy about my little playgroup in Dalian.
Cravings
After nearly three weeks of eating everything I've craved over the past six months, I think I've gained about 20 lbs.
Really.
The only thing left on my list of things to consume is a hostess fruit pie. Lemon if possible. If there is no lemon, I will settle for Apple.
I can't really explain my Hostess fruit pie craving. All I know is that I get it every year.
There's just something about that pie shell - all glazed with sugar. The way it cracks open. The way the gooey inside pulls apart (I'm drooling just thinking about it).
Really.
The only thing left on my list of things to consume is a hostess fruit pie. Lemon if possible. If there is no lemon, I will settle for Apple.
I can't really explain my Hostess fruit pie craving. All I know is that I get it every year.
There's just something about that pie shell - all glazed with sugar. The way it cracks open. The way the gooey inside pulls apart (I'm drooling just thinking about it).
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Updates
So much has happened, following are a few highlights.
- Flying with a toddler is WAY different from flying with an infant. To all my friends with infants - travel NOW. Go see Europe. See Asia. Do it now, before your child can walk. Take it from me, the "fasten seat-belt sign" means nothing to a toddler.
- On my (10 hr) flight to Portland (via Beijing and San Fran), a woman sitting next to me was kind enough to point out there was a row of seats (about 10 rows back) that was wide open. She told me, with pursed lips and forced kindness, "I have a two year old and I find it helpful to fly with as much room as possible." I replied, "thank you, but I prefer the bulk head."
- My high school reunion was good, although only 6 other people showed up for it.
- Living in Europe just doesn't give you the same level of culture shock upon return as living in China. The thing that hit me most is how overweight Americans are... and I'm in Oregon - with loads of active, physically fit, granola crunchers. And I was still blown away. I shouldn't be talking, because I'm no skinny Minnie, but coming from a city where you just don't see much in the way of extra weight on people...well it really struck me. And the kicker is that I just really "got" for the first time how much it is part of our culture - sure you 'know' why it happens, but the portion sizes are super huge - I found myself stuffing a massive chimichanga into my body, packing it in, as if I had to make it fit. Hubs and I decided to gorge ourselves - as you can't get Mexican food in China - and I actually ate spoonfuls of guacamole - alone, with nothing else. It was so good. The point is, I understand why Americans are heavy. Food (especially anything processed and full of sugar, salt, starch) tastes so good. But comparing what we eat in China (rice, tofu, fish), to what a typical American eats, it sure makes me want to stick to a Chinese-type diet (even after we return).
- Hubs flew out to PDX for my Dad's wedding (photos to come when I've downloaded everything from our camera). We had a great time with family. It was wonderful. The wedding was at the Coast, so Chase got to play in the sand for the first time. At first she didn't know what to do, she didn't like the sand in her toes, but 10 minutes later she didn't want to leave - ever.
- Nana Cris has really been working overtime to keep Chase busy. She set up "learning stations" all over her house. Little pitchers filled with rice. Different spoons for Chase to carry rice from one bowl to the next. Clear plastic tubes for Chase to roll marbles down. A box with smaller boxes in it, to be sorted. Lots of water play. A very special thanks from me to Nana Cris for rearranging her schedule so that I could get my hair cut, go to dentist appointments, etc.
- Grandpa Mark also gets a big thanks for all his time playing with Chase. And for the lovely building blocks he created for her. They are wonderful! Thanks Dad!
- And of course I need to thank my little cousins, Sean and Julia, for all the time they played with Chase too!
- Other than that, we mostly spent our days on the road, visiting friends and family. I'm on a red-eye to Mississippi tonight. Good times. Here's to hoping my daughter sleeps right through it.
- Flying with a toddler is WAY different from flying with an infant. To all my friends with infants - travel NOW. Go see Europe. See Asia. Do it now, before your child can walk. Take it from me, the "fasten seat-belt sign" means nothing to a toddler.
- On my (10 hr) flight to Portland (via Beijing and San Fran), a woman sitting next to me was kind enough to point out there was a row of seats (about 10 rows back) that was wide open. She told me, with pursed lips and forced kindness, "I have a two year old and I find it helpful to fly with as much room as possible." I replied, "thank you, but I prefer the bulk head."
- My high school reunion was good, although only 6 other people showed up for it.
- Living in Europe just doesn't give you the same level of culture shock upon return as living in China. The thing that hit me most is how overweight Americans are... and I'm in Oregon - with loads of active, physically fit, granola crunchers. And I was still blown away. I shouldn't be talking, because I'm no skinny Minnie, but coming from a city where you just don't see much in the way of extra weight on people...well it really struck me. And the kicker is that I just really "got" for the first time how much it is part of our culture - sure you 'know' why it happens, but the portion sizes are super huge - I found myself stuffing a massive chimichanga into my body, packing it in, as if I had to make it fit. Hubs and I decided to gorge ourselves - as you can't get Mexican food in China - and I actually ate spoonfuls of guacamole - alone, with nothing else. It was so good. The point is, I understand why Americans are heavy. Food (especially anything processed and full of sugar, salt, starch) tastes so good. But comparing what we eat in China (rice, tofu, fish), to what a typical American eats, it sure makes me want to stick to a Chinese-type diet (even after we return).
- Hubs flew out to PDX for my Dad's wedding (photos to come when I've downloaded everything from our camera). We had a great time with family. It was wonderful. The wedding was at the Coast, so Chase got to play in the sand for the first time. At first she didn't know what to do, she didn't like the sand in her toes, but 10 minutes later she didn't want to leave - ever.
- Nana Cris has really been working overtime to keep Chase busy. She set up "learning stations" all over her house. Little pitchers filled with rice. Different spoons for Chase to carry rice from one bowl to the next. Clear plastic tubes for Chase to roll marbles down. A box with smaller boxes in it, to be sorted. Lots of water play. A very special thanks from me to Nana Cris for rearranging her schedule so that I could get my hair cut, go to dentist appointments, etc.
- Grandpa Mark also gets a big thanks for all his time playing with Chase. And for the lovely building blocks he created for her. They are wonderful! Thanks Dad!
- And of course I need to thank my little cousins, Sean and Julia, for all the time they played with Chase too!
- Other than that, we mostly spent our days on the road, visiting friends and family. I'm on a red-eye to Mississippi tonight. Good times. Here's to hoping my daughter sleeps right through it.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Radio Silence
Will post updates as soon as I can *find* the time. Departing Portland tomorrow - to Jackson, MS.
Sunday, June 03, 2007
The Furniture Arrived!
Chase's bedroom is finally coming together.
Except, to my dismay, her new sheets don't 'exactly go' with the rest of the room.
They should be red, but instead I fell in love with a lime green and pink print.
But at least it is looking more and more like a little girl's room; less like a nursery.
The butterfly cabinet, small chair and small table arrived today from Beijing.
It's so great to finally have a room with our own things in it.
We've been living in furnished apartments for so long.
We've forgotten what it's like to be surrounded by our own things.
Goodness me, it feels so good.
Very warm and cuddly.
Chase likes it too ...
Except, to my dismay, her new sheets don't 'exactly go' with the rest of the room.
They should be red, but instead I fell in love with a lime green and pink print.
But at least it is looking more and more like a little girl's room; less like a nursery.
The butterfly cabinet, small chair and small table arrived today from Beijing.
It's so great to finally have a room with our own things in it.
We've been living in furnished apartments for so long.
We've forgotten what it's like to be surrounded by our own things.
Goodness me, it feels so good.
Very warm and cuddly.
Chase likes it too ...
Saturday, June 02, 2007
Worse Than The Cable Guy
The shippers (the ones who are responsible for safely moving the goods we purchased in Beijing to our home in Dalian) are slower than molasses in January. And worse than any cable guy in the States.
We were expecting delivery yesterday. Hung around until well after delivery time. No one showed. And so we had a Chinese friend call to see what the delay was about - turns out, the truck was in an accident. They asked if they could deliver our items today, Sunday, at 8 a.m.
No problem. Chase wakes up at 7 a.m. E-v-e-r-y d-a-y. Yesterday she woke up at 6:30 a.m., just to see if we would wake up to.
So 8:00 a.m. arrives. No delivery. 9:30 - still no delivery. Hubs calls one of his friends from work to have him call them (again). Turns out they had an "emergency" delivery (whatever that means) and could now deliver at 11 a.m.
Would you believe that they didn't show up at 11 a.m.? Nor did they show up at 2 p.m. as they indicated they would at 12:30 p.m. when we called to say, "hey, what the heck?"
So now we wait. And stew. And wait. Hubs is reading. Littlest Lolly is going through my purse. Taking things out. Putting things back in. Taking things out. Putting things back in.
We haven't been outside all day. We're afraid to leave the house, because as soon as we do, the movers are bound to arrive.
We were expecting delivery yesterday. Hung around until well after delivery time. No one showed. And so we had a Chinese friend call to see what the delay was about - turns out, the truck was in an accident. They asked if they could deliver our items today, Sunday, at 8 a.m.
No problem. Chase wakes up at 7 a.m. E-v-e-r-y d-a-y. Yesterday she woke up at 6:30 a.m., just to see if we would wake up to.
So 8:00 a.m. arrives. No delivery. 9:30 - still no delivery. Hubs calls one of his friends from work to have him call them (again). Turns out they had an "emergency" delivery (whatever that means) and could now deliver at 11 a.m.
Would you believe that they didn't show up at 11 a.m.? Nor did they show up at 2 p.m. as they indicated they would at 12:30 p.m. when we called to say, "hey, what the heck?"
So now we wait. And stew. And wait. Hubs is reading. Littlest Lolly is going through my purse. Taking things out. Putting things back in. Taking things out. Putting things back in.
We haven't been outside all day. We're afraid to leave the house, because as soon as we do, the movers are bound to arrive.
'The List'
This morning, Hubs said "this article says we should not use Chinese toothpaste."
I thought to myself, "good thing we don't buy Chinese toothpaste."
But then I thought, "hmm, I think there might, actually be Chinese on our tube of Crest."
And then, sure enough, I went into the bathroom and saw our Crest toothpaste tube (the-one-with-Chinese-writing!), was almost gone! Seriously.
I can't keep track of all the things I'm not supposed to buy, so I've started a list.
For those that have not seen the headlines re. Chinese toothpaste, please visit: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18841928/
I thought to myself, "good thing we don't buy Chinese toothpaste."
But then I thought, "hmm, I think there might, actually be Chinese on our tube of Crest."
And then, sure enough, I went into the bathroom and saw our Crest toothpaste tube (the-one-with-Chinese-writing!), was almost gone! Seriously.
I can't keep track of all the things I'm not supposed to buy, so I've started a list.
For those that have not seen the headlines re. Chinese toothpaste, please visit: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18841928/
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