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.
Monday, August 27, 2007
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)