Rainy Day

Today is so dark.
Rain has been coming down hard all day.

I'd like nothing more than to find a coffee shop with a fireplace, order a mocha and curl up for the afternoon with a good book.

No such luck.

I did, however, have a lovely time at the fabric market this morning.
I went with a British friend.
She might well be the only British woman in Dalian.
And I am lucky enough to have her living in our building.
Turrah.

The fabric market always cheers me up. The possibilities are endless. While we were there I put in another order - and cost out a couple things I've had my eye on - one of which is a full length, silk, sleeveless, high-collared brocade dress. Very Chinese, but really a must have. The cost? About 250 yuan (US $32.45)

I also stopped by one of the many yarn booths at the fabric market, to see how much it would cost to have a sweater knit for Chase. Turns out, it would cost 1oo yuan, which is US $12.94. That's for someone to spend hours hand-knitting a custom sweater.

My helper looked at me like I was crazy for even considering it. Why? Because machine made garments are much less expensive. For example, I came across super cute baby shoes earlier this week that cost 25 yuan (that's US $3.24).

Totally outrageous. I love it here.

Worldwide Caution

This just out from the US consulate in Shenyang.
I really hate that we live in a world like this.
Why can't everyone just be friends?

This information is current as of today, Wed Apr 11 13:10:22 2007.
Worldwide Caution
April 10, 2007

This Public Announcement updates information on the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against Americans and interests overseas. This supersedes the Worldwide Caution dated October 11, 2006 and expires on October 9, 2007.

The Department of State remains concerned about the continued threat of terrorist attacks, demonstrations and other violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests overseas. Current information suggests that al-Qaida and affiliated organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks against U.S. interests in multiple regions, including Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics to include assassinations, kidnappings, hijackings and bombings.

Ongoing events in Iraq and elsewhere in the Middle East have resulted in demonstrations and associated violence in several countries. Americans are reminded that demonstrations and rioting can occur with little or no warning.

In August 2006, British authorities arrested a significant number of extremists engaged in a plot to destroy multiple passenger aircraft flying from the United Kingdom to the United States. The September 2006 attack on the U.S. Embassy in Syria and the March 2006 bombing near the U.S. Consulate in Karachi, Pakistan illustrate the continuing desire of extremists to strike American targets.

Extremists may elect to use conventional or non-conventional weapons, and target both official and private interests. The bomb attacks targeting buses carrying foreign workers in March 2007 and December 2006 in Algeria, a series of bombings in Thailand in May and September 2006 that targeted commercial and tourist destinations in the far south, and the bombings in the the Egyptian resort town of Dahab in April 2006 all illustrate how terrorists exploit vulnerabilities associated with soft targets. Additional examples of such targets include high-profile sporting events, residential areas, business offices, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, public areas and locales where Americans gather in large numbers, including during holidays. Financial or economic targets of value may also be considered as possible venues; the vehicle-based suicide attack on an oil facility near Mukalla and Marib in Yemen in September 2006 and the failed attack on the Abqaiq oil processing facility in Saudi Arabia in late February 2006 are such examples.

In the wake of the August 2006 plot against aircraft in London, numerous terrorist attacks on trains in India in 2006, the July 2005 London Underground bombings, and the March 2004 train attacks in Madrid, Americans are reminded of the potential for terrorists to attack public transportation systems. In addition, extremists may also select aviation and maritime services as possible targets.

U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance, be aware of local events, and take the appropriate steps to bolster their personal security. For additional information, please refer to "A Safe Trip Abroad <http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html> " found at http://travel.state.gov.

U.S. Government facilities worldwide remain at a heightened state of alert. These facilities may temporarily close or periodically suspend public services to assess their security posture. In those instances, U.S. embassies and consulates will make every effort to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens. Americans abroad are urged to monitor the local news and maintain contact with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

As the Department continues to develop information on any potential security threats to U.S. citizens overseas, it shares credible threat information through its Consular Information Program documents, available on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov. In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

Out And About

I met a woman last weekend who knows Dalian like the back of her hand.
She took me to a handful of her favorite shopping spots today - it was totally outrageous.

On the way I decided to snap some pictures. It occurred to me that I see these things every day, but they are probably unusual sights for most people. These places are all very close to where I live, but they are tucked back, away from the main road.

Every day I am reminded how lucky we are.
Every day I count my blessings.

Gorgeous Girl

Greetings

One of the strangest things I have encountered here are women who, I believe, issue greetings.

When you arrive at some of the airports in China, you are greeted by women who show absolutely no emotion. They sound like robots. It's like you hear someone say something, you turn, and look, and the woman looks right through you, like you are not even there. Like she has not said a thing. It's really weird.

Today I had a similar experience. I heard a woman say something, so I turned to look and caught her as she was finishing her sentence. She made a short bow, but didn't look directly at me. I smiled at her, but I got no love back.

So I kept walking. But YP was behind me, following up on something for me, and I wanted to ask her a question. So I walked back by the woman who issued the greeting - and bam! - she did it again. Same little bow. Same lack of expression.

And then I decided to have some fun. I proceeded to walk by her two more times. Each time she issued the greeting and bowed. It was as if her manager said, "every time someone crosses this imaginary line, you greet them."

I think he must have forgotten to say, "you don't need to say it again and again to the same person."

Easter Recap

Yesterday, Easter, was a beautiful day. The sun was out. The sky was blue.

We started our morning with an Easter basket hunt. We then went to a Church service, held in the home of a friend of a friend. There were close to 40 people in attendance, most were Canadian - almost all affiliated with the Maple Leaf School. We met some really nice folks there.

We had to leave the service a little early though, as we had also been invited to a brunch, hosted by a friend who is hooked into the European community (most were German), and loads of kids (most of which were 3 years or older). There was a Chinese clown. Balloon animals for the children. A cookie painting station. An egg decorating station.

I thought that Chase would be overwhelmed (I was) by the number of kids. They were all so loud - running around in circles - totally high on sugar. But Chase wanted to get right into the middle of it all. It didn't seem to matter that she was only half the size of most of these kids. So we took her into the heart of the madness (several times); she laughed and played until she was so tired she literally leaned into me, closed her eyes and fell fast asleep.

Chase even had a chance to taste a chocolate Easter bunny for the first time. She was sitting in Hub's lap. We were both engaged in conversation with the couple across the table. It occurred to me that I hadn't heard a peep from her. So I turned to look at her. She was nestled snuggly against Hubs. Sucking intently on chocolate easter bunny, which had been wrapped in tin foil. The bunny was now in two pieces, the foil twisted to tiny bits. Chase's lips were brown. As were her hands. She looked so up as if to say, "can I help you with something?"

On the way home from the brunch, we stopped at a park and bought a kite. We spent the rest of the afternoon enjoying the sunshine.

Happy Easter!

Hippety-Hoppety Easter Is On Its Way

Easter is around the corner and I am sad to report that there is a distinct lack of Easter spirit here.

After searching high and low for Peeps, I settled on dried squid for Hubs' Easter basket.

Just kidding.

On the friend-making side of things, I'm pleased to report we've been invited to an Easter Brunch by a couple German friends, which is actually a huge deal, because they tend to hang out with other Germans and rarely ask others to join. Maybe they think we're okay because we lived in the German part of Switzerland?

We've also been invited to a Church group gathering. It consists of a group of 40 people that meet every Sunday at different people's homes - the details around the religion part are a little fuzzy, because it appears to be all inclusive. I've got my fingers crossed there is a nice woman there with a child Chase's age, who speaks English and has nothing better to do with her days then come over and hang out.

Walking Walking

Chase is really moving now.

It only took her one day to realize that the "walking" thing is pretty cool!
She adores welcoming "Dada" when he comes home from work.
Her stiff little legs. Her big smile. A delighted squeal.
Totally priceless.

Thanks to her flashy, red, plastic, Fisher Price walker, she is unstoppable.
She has even mastered corners - which is quite a feat, as the front wheels don't turn.

Last night Hubs decided to take the walker for a spin.
Chase burst out laughing. So did I.
She thought it was about the funniest thing she had ever seen.

So now it's time to seriously think about carpet.
How does one carpet over marble?
I think the answer is by using a huge carpet.
No nails. No glue. Just a really big carpet.
I'll tackle that next week.

Mission Possible?

Today, makeover mama and littlest Lolly headed to the fabric market and tailor to order some new, stain-free, clothes. We pick up the clothes in 10 days. If the "test" subjects are well made, I will begin designing clothes for myself and my littlest lady. Fingers crossed for pants that fit!

Makeover Mama: Phase 2

Now that I have made a commitment to re-introduce exercise to my daily routine, I feel so much better. Actually making time for excercize is another story entirely.

So what's next for Makeover Mama? Well, I spent an hour yesterday getting the most intense foot massage ever. I never knew I could have a knot in my big toe. I actually got really sick in the afternoon.

Not sure if it was the foot massage or dodgy shrimp dumplings. All I know is I felt really dizzy, my body ached all over, I felt so weak I couldn't pick up Chase and my feet were so hot they felt like they were on fire. The last symptom makes me think my illness was as a result of the foot massage - as hot feet are usually not a symptom of food poisoning.

I went to bed early last night. I feel much better now, but my lower back is still a bit tender. Strange, because one of the pressure points that hurt the most while it was being massaged was linked to the sciatic nerve.

I'd like to believe that the massage has made me better in some way. Like the release of toxins was a good thing. But I don't feel better. Maybe next time I'll just ask for a standard massage.

Chart courtesy of http://www.momentum98.com/chart2fx.jpg

Happy Birthday To Hubs!

Chase, clever girl, has been planning a big surprise for her daddy's birthday.

Besides having flowers delivered to her daddy's office today, she also decided to take her first steps!!! When Hubs arrived home, she took her first two steps - right into her Daddy's arms.

Absolutely amazing. We managed to catch one walking session on film (short movie).

She walks a bit like the Tin Man, in the Wizard of Oz. Her knee joints need to be oiled. Once she gets the bending of the knees down, she will be unstoppable.

We will be in big trouble.

Ladies Luncheon

"You'll be surprised by the number of women," I was told by an expat who coordinates a quarterly ladies luncheon in Dalian.

I was. Sixty ladies attended.

There was a handful of Europeans, many of which I knew. There was also a large number of Japanese, Koreans and Chinese ladies, all who all hung out with each other. There were 5 Americans, 4 of which were from Portland, Oregon (no kidding), 1 of which has a 14 month-old-son. I gave her my number - and thought - "please be normal so we can be friends."

Birthday Thanks!

To Grandpa Mark and Oooh La La, thank you for the birthday card.

To Nana Cris, thank you for coming out to China for Chase's birthday.

To Kevin, Megge, Sean and Julia for the lovely outfits, stuffed animals and cupcake sticker! She loves them all!

To Jeff, Victoria, Olivia and Jack, thank you for the lovely dress and adorable book.

To Sarah and Lockett, thank you for posting your birthday wishes.

I really wanted to get pictures of her in each and every outfit, but time just seems to be slipping by - and I have no good excuse.

I wanted to make sure I thanked everyone for thinking of Chase, before we get too far into April!

15 Min.

I ran for 15 min today. I can't believe I am THAT out of shape.
I guess carrying a 25lb baby isn't the best for cardio.
The good news: I don't have to spend any time lifting weights - I already do that all day, everyday.

I have to say that jumping on the treadmill was like catching up with an old friend. That said, it would have been better if I had my best girlfriend from home running along beside me.

She was always more fit than I, which made me try harder in a "I wish I was as fit as you" competitive way.

I was a little afraid that I would feel a little extra skin bouncing around, but I didn't. I was a little afraid it wouldn't feel good, but it did. I didn't want to leave my darling girl at home with YP, but I know she is in good hands, and I know I need this time for myself.

I just can't believe how hard it is for me to walk out of the door without her in my arms.

Makeover Mama

Have you ever looked in the mirror and felt like a Glamour "don't?"
Maybe it's the baggy clothes, covered in stains and crusty food.
Maybe it's the hair that has grown too long and is now permanently "up."
Maybe it's the minimal make-up (just enough to hide the bags under my eyes).

Time to start working out again.
Time to spend a little time on myself.
Time to start thinking about clothes again.
About makeup. About hair.
About feeling feminine, feeling glamorous.

And, since we live in China, it's time to have my energy (chi) professionally evaluated.
I'm pretty sure my chi is pooling somewhere - rather than flowing freely.
Maybe it's caught behind my knee or it is stuck in my elbow.

Hopefully it's nothing a little acupuncture, herbs and bamboo cupping can't cure.

Chase Update

At the ripe old age of one, Chase can say "duck," "mama," "dada," "xie xie," "nana," "baba" and "nei nei." Four words in English; three words in Chinese (although it is completely possible that she is fluent in Chinese and I just don't understand her).

She also understands "hello," "goodbye," "ni hao," "zaijin," "fish," "hat," "milk," "kiwi," "papaya," "mu gua" - along with a handful of other words. It is amazing to see her connect words to objects. She can even tell me when her diaper is wet. Clever girl.

We have been singing "Patty Cake" for quite some time. Almost every day she will use hand gestures I use within the song - on her own. When I look down at her and say "mark it with a Ch," she smiles back as if to say, "yes, that is exactly what I was thinking."

She loves reading, although she still "grunts." I'm sure she is just concentrating. It will be interesting to see if this is just a phase or if I will be approached by a school teacher - I can see it now, "ahem, did you know your daughter grunts while she reads?"

Chase loves to compare things. She has two xylophones (one metal, one wood), which she loves. She also has two ring games (one plastic, one wood), which she loves.

She still adores music. We bought her an electronic keyboard for her first birthday. She dances to the music, plays the piano, explores the different accompaniments. It's a brilliant toy. Nana Cris brought out a 'build your own horn' which Chase really loves - she's just learned how to use it. She has also figured out how to play a harmonica - she still needs practice, but she can get a good note out every now and then.

She still loves fruit and yogurt - and Chinese food. She is good at trying new things - last night she enjoyed a taste of duck and pasta with cuttlefish ink.

Perhaps it is because she is worshipped like a little goddess here, but I can say without a doubt that she is very social and extremely extroverted. She loves interacting with new people. She is starting to learn what it takes to get attention (loud fake laughter seems to do the trick).

Chase has learned to drink milk from a straw, so now we only use bottles close to bedtime. Hurrah. Learning to drink from a cup is next ... wish me luck.

She is really movin' now. Chase has a little plastic fisher price walker that she just started using. She can stand without support for short periods of time.

All in all, she is simply amazing.

Bye To Nana Cris

Thank you Nana Cris for coming out to visit.

It was so wonderful to see you.
Chase and I enjoyed every moment.
Qin Shoo Shoo's eyes teared up after we said goodbye to you in the airport.
You will be missed!

I hope you enjoy the Great Wall and the Forbidden City.
Can't wait to hear about your adventures in Beijing.

Love you!

Inspiration

After having a baby, a woman's body and mind changes. At least mine did.

Thankfully, I've been able to reclaim my body (although I have not had a proper work out in over a year) - my mind is a different subject all together. I believe my body is what it is due to the fact we have been in constant motion since Chase was born. (Nothing keeps you slimmer than carrying a small child everywhere you go).

But I've also realized that in spite of my best efforts, there are some days when I look in the mirror and feel that I have just let myself go. My clothes are usually spotty with various things, courtesy of Chase - food usually. My clothes don't really fit - most are either too small (thanks to the dryer) or too big (thanks to weight loss), too fancy (old, work clothes) or too stained (thanks to my inability to eat with chopsticks while holding a squirmy baby).

So here I am in China, where I can really do - anything. All I have to do is dream it. And somehow, because anything is possible, I have frozen up. With so much possibility, I can't focus.

Having Nana Cris in town has been so great. It has helped me regroup. I know what I want now, I just have to sit down and figure out how to do it (like most things in life).

Nana's Wild Adventures

This past week has been so busy.
Nana Banana has been in town.

So what have we been up to?




















Thursday:
Picked mom (Nana Cris) up at the airport on Friday evening. The fog was so thick I was worried her plane wouldn't land. On our way to pick up hubs, I tried to show her around a little but the fog was too thick; we could barely see the buildings on the side of the road.

From the airport we drove to Hub's office, picked him up, and returned home. We ate a lovely dinner (c/o Pung) and played with Chase until she couldn't keep her eyes open.

Friday:
We awoke early. I showed my mom around the complex. We then went to Starbucks, and then explored the nearby shopping malls (grocery store, children's store, among other stores). We then went to the flower market and paid a quick visit to Eddie the Baker (to pick up the Chasecake). From the flower market, we made a mad dash for home, so that Nana Cris could take her painting lesson. She painted the most beautiful peonies. Following the painting lesson, Nana Cris relaxed with a massage. We then ate Chasecake and sang Happy Birthday one last time to our littlest lady.

Saturday:
Saturday morning I had to make a quick trip to a lady doctor. Just one of those "woman issues" that I had been in denial about because I SO didn't want to go to a hospital here. I was pleasantly surprised that the doctor spoke English. The exam and hospital experience was quite long and complicated, as you have to do everything yourself, and there are three people for every kind of transaction. So, for example, when I went to pick up my perscription (which I swear is a yellow herb and black tea), I had to first get my perscription priced, then pay for it, then pick it up - every time I had to go to a different desk and talk to a different person. And then I had to go back to the doctor to figure out what to do with the stuff.

We then went to lunch at the Spa. Mom enjoyed a lovely sea cucumber and tofu lunch. We then went to a big market, hubs opted out, and it is a good thing he did. Then we went to the art supply store, to buy Nana Cris art supplies.

Next, we picked up Hubs and went to the Dalian Museum of History, where we all learned a lot about Dalian. From there, Hubs went home and mom and I went to the expo center, which happened to have an antiques fair. I bought a lovely jade flower.

That night, Chase learned how to let go (when throwing a ball), and had her first experience drawing with crayons and paper. She enjoyed a bath with colored tablets. She got scared of mom's black sock (because it said "baaaa"), and then she saw her reflection in the glass door - and wondered how she could be outside and inside at the same time.

Sunday:
First up - mom and I took a little stroll by the Yellow Sea. Then off to Dim Sum. Enjoyed a lovely meal at the Shangri-La. Then mom and I hit the underground maze of shops in downtown Dalian, while hubs hit the local bath house. We met up back at the apartment.

Mom talked to our friend, Craig, about teaching and Hubs and I enjoyed a lovely stroll along the Yellow Sea.

Mom was kind enough to do a little baby sitting. Hubs and I enjoyed a nice dinner out. Meanwhile, back at home, our little lady put both her hands into her pasta.

Monday:
Mom woke up early (before we got up) and explored the great outdoors. She met a Chinese woman and went running with her.

We then explored the mall where Gymboree is located. Nana took Chase to her Gymboree lesson. We rushed home, Chase had a nap. She then had her French lesson. From there, we went swimming and saw a woman with hair down to her ankles. Amazing.

We came home and Chase passed out from exhaustion.

Tuesday:
Mom woke up early (again). This time she went to where the Chinese practice Tai Chi.
We set off upon her return to the Temple of the Big Black Mountain. We wove through Dahai Village, and up to Xiangshui Temple (a famous Taoist temple built in the Tang Dynasty - about 618 AD). From there, we went to Shigu Temple (Palace of the Tang Emperor), which was built in at the beginning of the Sui Dynasty (580-618 A.D.).
















On our way to the temple, we bought ghost papers (to burn for ancestors), incense (to burn for ourselves) and a bag of goldfish (to release). The fish were blessed before we let them go. Qin, our driver, guided us through the process.















Xiangshui Temple...





























One could also buy birds and turtles to release ...










































We burned a lot of incense and lit a lot of candles...















Burned ghost paper...















Drank from the mountain spring...




















And then we were off to the next temple ...
















































For those who are looking for spiritual cleansing, there is a path that winds up the mountain, near the top is an almost 70 degree row of 200 steps. Visitor are supposed to arrive at the temple gates in a state of inner peace. (Don't let this picture fool you, Qin drove us right up to the front door of the temple - I don't think he wanted to walk, and I certainly couldn't have carried Chase all the way up. A big apology to Nana Banana, because she wanted to walk the steps and I didn't let her.)















From there, we drove into the nearest town and enjoyed a big bowl of noodles. Next on the list, Russian Street, which is pretty tacky and garish, but worth a quick stop.

Wednesday:
The morning seemed to speed by. We managed to get out of the house with enough time to do a quick lap around the mall, before heading to Gymboree. Nana Banana took the Gymboree class with Chase. We went to the tailor to pick up a lovely wool jacket for mom, and then we were off to a Chinese doctor - so mom could enjoy cupping and acupucture.

So, what will we do tomorrow?