'Service' can mean different things to different people. Our refrigerator is on the blitz and we had someone come out to look at it. The guy who came out took it apart and we were told he needed to come back tomorrow with the correct part. Since he pulled out the old part, and broke it, he can't put it back in so the frig will at least halfway work. That means we have some chance of having all our food go bad. He ends up coming back the next day, spends over an hour "fixing" it and concludes he needs another part and it will take 2 days to get that part. Ugh! So, all our food will definitely go bad and I give everything to our ayi to take home. So, it's not entirely wasted. Also, we were told our washer would be delivered today (July 24th). We even got a call from the store setting up a time. Today, however, we get a call saying they won't have the machine to us until August 1st. That is a large discrepancy of time in just one night.
We set up some furniture to be delivered from Ikea. They had one company deliver it one day and had another different crew assemble it the next day. So, it took like 4 days to get this process done!
Not speaking the language, I have no idea how to "help" expedite these processes by trying to think of solutions. This isn't the only area where service has been...patched...shall we say. Allen has told me on numerous occasions that it's hard to get things done in a timely manner at work. Why? The Chinese are very efficient people, aren't they? But, they really do move slowly.
If you are in a busy place with lots of people, it takes so long to get anywhere because everyone is walking and moving so slowly! Why?
Check out counters move at a snail's pace. Why?
Service and retail oriented shops take forever to "help" you buy stuff. Why?
I have no idea why it seems everything moves so much slower here, especially since many people have the impression that Chinese people move quickly and efficiently. They don't. Is it job security? Is it too hot to move? Is it bad planning? Is it 'all of the above'? I just don't know...and both Allen and I are finding the adjustment difficult.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
BIRTH CONTROL
Ok...it seems moving to China and all that growing by 'leaps and bounds' my kids are doing...well, it's catapulted them into this new phase I call, "DOWN RIGHT ROTTEN." For me AND for them! >:( ANYONE who knows my kids, will not be able to believe what I'm about to say next. My kids just DON'T do these kinds of things! That is, until now, apparently. I have no idea how to handle certain situations with them recently because, while I may have encountered misbehavior in the past...it hasn't been like this.
Allen went out to dinner with some co-workers tonight, so I decided since the kids have been indoors all day, I would take them to a little playplace our local grocery store has in it. It's actually quite a big playplace and it's cheap! So, they go inside all happy and go lucky, excited to be playing with other kids and play equipment. I'm standing on the outside of the netting, watching them and talking to Mr. Chen. We can [theoretically] leave them in there all day, until they close. So, I figured what better way to wear them out before bedtime, right? I even brought a book, thinking we would be there for quite a while.
Anyway, I watch my oldest (4.5 years old) son, move along the equipment and veer off towards the trampoline. There is only one little girl bouncing in there at the time. I watch my son move into the trampoline area and push the little girl so hard, she falls down and slides across the trampoline and smacks her head against one of the poles!!! She looked up and around with the most puzzled expression on her face. Who blames her!? She really was ok, but she still looked completely puzzled as to why she was pushed and why so hard?!
All of us standing on the outside of the netting are shocked and for several seconds nobody responds or says anything. All jaws went slack, including mine! And then, as if in slow motion, all heads turn towards me...because, well, there are only two white boys in there and only one white mother standing around it. And, then, it's as if everything sped up again into normal speed...but, normal speed included vigorous hand gesturing towards my son and very loud complaints - all at once!!
I kicked into motion...kicked off my shoes, put those little nylons on and proceeded into the play area. I walked over to Brandon, told him what he did was unacceptable (and why) and proceeded to pull him out of the play area to sit out for a couple of minutes. Even though I explained why he had to sit it out for a couple of minutes, he then started thrashing, kicking, twisting, screaming at the top of his lungs, crying and lunging away from me. You can only imagine the kind of attention we were starting to attract at this point. I'm used to Brandon understanding that he did something wrong and cry, but he always follows to where I instruct him to go to sit down. I'm certainly NOT used to this kind of resistance. Once we exited the area, tons of people were surrounding us. Only some of them saw what happened and at least partially understood my actions. But others had no idea what happened and must have thought I had beaten him in the play area to make him carry on so much. He was putting up such a fight, some people may have thought I was trying to steal him or something.
After making him sit out for awhile, I again explained what he did wrong and why it was wrong. He was profusely sorry and I told him he could go back in only after he apologized to the little girl. Ryan was still in there and I knew he would put up a big fuss to leave and I didn't want another outburst so close together with the first one. So, Brandon ran back in, looked for the girl and he DID apologize with a hug (she, again, was baffled by his actions). I had followed him in this time and when I looked up, I saw so many people surrounding the netting, watching me...including police officers! I decided it was best to pretend nothing happened and start smiling again. It worked...people eventually dispersed...the officers being the last to do so.
Yes, this is one of those moments you wish the earth would just open up so you could crawl into it and not be seen again. Am I at the bottom of my shame spiral with the kids?? Can I be done now? Or are there more unexpected surprises for me in the near future? I have no idea, but I'm so exhausted by my children's behavior! Again, I feel like I have been catapulted into this phase and I'm completely unprepared for it.
Allen went out to dinner with some co-workers tonight, so I decided since the kids have been indoors all day, I would take them to a little playplace our local grocery store has in it. It's actually quite a big playplace and it's cheap! So, they go inside all happy and go lucky, excited to be playing with other kids and play equipment. I'm standing on the outside of the netting, watching them and talking to Mr. Chen. We can [theoretically] leave them in there all day, until they close. So, I figured what better way to wear them out before bedtime, right? I even brought a book, thinking we would be there for quite a while.
Anyway, I watch my oldest (4.5 years old) son, move along the equipment and veer off towards the trampoline. There is only one little girl bouncing in there at the time. I watch my son move into the trampoline area and push the little girl so hard, she falls down and slides across the trampoline and smacks her head against one of the poles!!! She looked up and around with the most puzzled expression on her face. Who blames her!? She really was ok, but she still looked completely puzzled as to why she was pushed and why so hard?!
All of us standing on the outside of the netting are shocked and for several seconds nobody responds or says anything. All jaws went slack, including mine! And then, as if in slow motion, all heads turn towards me...because, well, there are only two white boys in there and only one white mother standing around it. And, then, it's as if everything sped up again into normal speed...but, normal speed included vigorous hand gesturing towards my son and very loud complaints - all at once!!
I kicked into motion...kicked off my shoes, put those little nylons on and proceeded into the play area. I walked over to Brandon, told him what he did was unacceptable (and why) and proceeded to pull him out of the play area to sit out for a couple of minutes. Even though I explained why he had to sit it out for a couple of minutes, he then started thrashing, kicking, twisting, screaming at the top of his lungs, crying and lunging away from me. You can only imagine the kind of attention we were starting to attract at this point. I'm used to Brandon understanding that he did something wrong and cry, but he always follows to where I instruct him to go to sit down. I'm certainly NOT used to this kind of resistance. Once we exited the area, tons of people were surrounding us. Only some of them saw what happened and at least partially understood my actions. But others had no idea what happened and must have thought I had beaten him in the play area to make him carry on so much. He was putting up such a fight, some people may have thought I was trying to steal him or something.
After making him sit out for awhile, I again explained what he did wrong and why it was wrong. He was profusely sorry and I told him he could go back in only after he apologized to the little girl. Ryan was still in there and I knew he would put up a big fuss to leave and I didn't want another outburst so close together with the first one. So, Brandon ran back in, looked for the girl and he DID apologize with a hug (she, again, was baffled by his actions). I had followed him in this time and when I looked up, I saw so many people surrounding the netting, watching me...including police officers! I decided it was best to pretend nothing happened and start smiling again. It worked...people eventually dispersed...the officers being the last to do so.
Yes, this is one of those moments you wish the earth would just open up so you could crawl into it and not be seen again. Am I at the bottom of my shame spiral with the kids?? Can I be done now? Or are there more unexpected surprises for me in the near future? I have no idea, but I'm so exhausted by my children's behavior! Again, I feel like I have been catapulted into this phase and I'm completely unprepared for it.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Night out :)
I had a wonderful evening! I went out cell phone shopping with our driver, Mr. Chen and one of Allen's co-workers, Owen. Owen speaks pretty good English and Mr. Chen can speak English a little bit. Owen guided us to one of the more "local" shopping centers near by, where there are lots of cell phone stores...every other one practically. Allen opted to stay home with the kids since he's tired of shopping and figured the kids could use a night indoors. He sent Owen with me because Owen is one of the engineers at his work and could probably help me find a phone with the functions I wanted. Many Chinese people of have been more than willing to help us by volunteering their night and weekend hours. We have appreciated all their efforts IMMENSELY!!
First, it was nice to have a night off from the kids. I love them dearly, but they are acting up so much lately that I feel like I need a break! Second, it was good to get to know another one of Allen's Chinese co-workers, other than May. Third, it was really good to be shopping for an item that is becoming an increasing necessity. I mean it...everyone uses cell phones for [what seems like] everything! I have never seen so many people using cell phones like this. If I have a question, someone whips out their cell phone. If they are having technical difficulties with a product, they whip out their cell phone. If they don't know where to go, they whip out a cell phone. What are these cell phones doing that I don't know about??!
When I mentioned it becoming an increasing necessity, I really meant it. I found a cell phone that will allow me to download Chinese characters so I can give our driver and any taxi an address to favorite destinations around town. It will let me check my email. It is MP3 and MP4 compatible. People use them so much here...everyone is carrying around a cell phone.
Since I had two confidant guides through the area, I was able to truly look around for the first time since arriving here this time. One of the reasons I like the area where we live, is that there are some expats, but you really can immerse yourself in true Chinese culture as well. I love looking around and discovering things I have never seen before. Everything is so different.
While walking in and out of the stores and through the shopping plaza, we were surrounded by Chinese people, wanting to see what I was doing. Some of these people truly and honestly looked at me as if they have never seen a western woman before...it was an interesting experience. When we walked into a store, people would rush in and surround us to see what I, as a western woman, could be interested in buying. They just stood around us and watched me pick out cell phones to look at in the store. They stood around and watched my guides talk to the counter people with my questions and requests. I can't even imagine what people would do in these more local markets if we had the kids with us. We would probably be swarmed and wouldn't be able to walk in any one direction with the sheer number of people who would be interested in the kids. Chinese people are always asking my "guides" why I'm hanging out with them (my guides). These people tonight, were blatantly curious, judging by their expressions as we walked down the street.
I can't say this enough...I love walking down these local streets and seeing all the very local activity. Chinese 'fast food' consists of all types of vendors on the streets, cooking and selling their food from their hot skillet or skewers. There are all kinds of food you can buy. There are also mini [fresh] veggie markets and lots of little spaces where people are selling their items. Unfortunately, you also see many animals being sold...for who knows what!? There are a TON of people walking up and down these streets in addition to all the vendors. There are clothing vendors as well and many others. The smell is a mixture of all the food being cooked as well as a heady musky odor of...many people in the heat.
Anyway, it was a great activity and I'm so incredibly grateful for my guides' help! We laughed a lot and had a good time. :)
First, it was nice to have a night off from the kids. I love them dearly, but they are acting up so much lately that I feel like I need a break! Second, it was good to get to know another one of Allen's Chinese co-workers, other than May. Third, it was really good to be shopping for an item that is becoming an increasing necessity. I mean it...everyone uses cell phones for [what seems like] everything! I have never seen so many people using cell phones like this. If I have a question, someone whips out their cell phone. If they are having technical difficulties with a product, they whip out their cell phone. If they don't know where to go, they whip out a cell phone. What are these cell phones doing that I don't know about??!
When I mentioned it becoming an increasing necessity, I really meant it. I found a cell phone that will allow me to download Chinese characters so I can give our driver and any taxi an address to favorite destinations around town. It will let me check my email. It is MP3 and MP4 compatible. People use them so much here...everyone is carrying around a cell phone.
Since I had two confidant guides through the area, I was able to truly look around for the first time since arriving here this time. One of the reasons I like the area where we live, is that there are some expats, but you really can immerse yourself in true Chinese culture as well. I love looking around and discovering things I have never seen before. Everything is so different.
While walking in and out of the stores and through the shopping plaza, we were surrounded by Chinese people, wanting to see what I was doing. Some of these people truly and honestly looked at me as if they have never seen a western woman before...it was an interesting experience. When we walked into a store, people would rush in and surround us to see what I, as a western woman, could be interested in buying. They just stood around us and watched me pick out cell phones to look at in the store. They stood around and watched my guides talk to the counter people with my questions and requests. I can't even imagine what people would do in these more local markets if we had the kids with us. We would probably be swarmed and wouldn't be able to walk in any one direction with the sheer number of people who would be interested in the kids. Chinese people are always asking my "guides" why I'm hanging out with them (my guides). These people tonight, were blatantly curious, judging by their expressions as we walked down the street.
I can't say this enough...I love walking down these local streets and seeing all the very local activity. Chinese 'fast food' consists of all types of vendors on the streets, cooking and selling their food from their hot skillet or skewers. There are all kinds of food you can buy. There are also mini [fresh] veggie markets and lots of little spaces where people are selling their items. Unfortunately, you also see many animals being sold...for who knows what!? There are a TON of people walking up and down these streets in addition to all the vendors. There are clothing vendors as well and many others. The smell is a mixture of all the food being cooked as well as a heady musky odor of...many people in the heat.
Anyway, it was a great activity and I'm so incredibly grateful for my guides' help! We laughed a lot and had a good time. :)
Monday, July 21, 2008
Party at our house!
It appears I might be having a house party every day. :) Since it is sooo hot here, poor Mr. Chen needs somewhere cool to stay while he waits to drive us somewhere. I have been trying to think how to politely suggest other places to hang out so he can just be here when I call him. But, I'm not sure of how to suggest it or where to suggest he should go. We were told, that usually in car/driver situations, the driver hangs out at the "man's" work. Don't get me wrong...he is proving to be a very nice gentleman and helpful in many ways...but would you want a man who is not a family member hanging out at your house all day?? How can I tell him to leave when it's too hot to hang out in the car?? NOW, we have us, Mr. Chen and now Ms. Zuo hanging out together every day. I like our ayi. She is quiet and does her job very well. She is attentive to my needs and mindful of the kids' needs. But, needless to say, we have expanded to a party of 5 in pretty close quarters - and suddenly. So, I guess I better like these two then, huh?! ;)
Just a note about having an Ayi...THEY ARE WONDERFUL!!! I will SOOOOOO miss this when we leave!! It's only been a very short time with our Ayi, but a person can quickly get used to the idea of someone always there to do pretty much everything for you.
Mr. Chen likes to have discussions, even though the language barrier is there. You can imagine the animation behind these "discussions". Just today, I found out many really neat things about him. He is truly a nice man and I look forward to developing a good working relationship with him. Although, I have to say, I'm mentally drained after our discussions. haha Physcially too since there is a lot of gesturing involved. :)
Food for thought...
I've been thinking that if I don't make any expat or Chinese [girl]friends over here...Mr. Chen and Ms. Zuo might be my very best friends in a couple of years. hahahaha We are going to be together, every day, for a very long time. hahaha
Just a note about having an Ayi...THEY ARE WONDERFUL!!! I will SOOOOOO miss this when we leave!! It's only been a very short time with our Ayi, but a person can quickly get used to the idea of someone always there to do pretty much everything for you.
Mr. Chen likes to have discussions, even though the language barrier is there. You can imagine the animation behind these "discussions". Just today, I found out many really neat things about him. He is truly a nice man and I look forward to developing a good working relationship with him. Although, I have to say, I'm mentally drained after our discussions. haha Physcially too since there is a lot of gesturing involved. :)
Food for thought...
I've been thinking that if I don't make any expat or Chinese [girl]friends over here...Mr. Chen and Ms. Zuo might be my very best friends in a couple of years. hahahaha We are going to be together, every day, for a very long time. hahaha
Baring the truth
Breasts. If you are a westerner and have them (you know what I mean by this), this may be one of the few places you may feel a little subconscious about having large ones. Sad, but true. In the States, we are used to women finding new and better ways to lift and enlarge. But, before you pack your suitcase with all your favorite snazzy 'lift and bare all' bras, keep in mind that Chinese women go to great lengths to conceal extra skin. A cute and fashionable top in the States could very well want to send you running to your suitcase to find a more suitable bra and top over here. Women here will where a short sleeve shirt underneath a tank top more often than not. And remember...the whiter, the better, over here. Less skin shown is less skin exposed to the sun. Although, I have seen LOTS of people out walking and wearing short shorts and tank tops...after dark.
So, why do I bring this up, you ask?? I found myself in an awkward position this morning. I wasn't sure what I'd be doing today, so I put on a tank top I found in the bottom of my suitcase. I have been wearing many of my shirts over and over again as well as my bras because, well, we don't have a washing machine yet and GOD FORBID I wash anything by hand. ;) It's hot as blazes here and I'm pretty sure the stuff I have been wearing could stand up on their own and walk out the door. So, I figured I would be home most of the day anyway and decided on a "cute" top with, yes you guessed it, a 'lift and bare all' bra. I start my morning house activities and get a phone call that the ayi company has found a lady for me to interview and "they" will be at my house within 5 minutes. FIVE MINUTES!? Uh, ok. So, I completely forget about what I was wearing and race about the house trying to put SOME semblance of order to it (we have been living out of suitcases, bags, etc). I, at least, need somewhere they can sit down to talk. Sure enough, "everyone" is here in 5 minutes, including our driver, Mr. Chen, the new ayi and two company men. While everyone is getting seated and I'm bent on making a good first impression, I bend over to pick up a toy and realized...I'm literally baring ALL. UGH! I stood up and noticed...they did too. SOME first impression! haha Needless to say, I tried to keep something in front of me throughout the entire meeting...first my notebook...then Ryan's blanket...then a lot of hand gestures. Ack! After they left, you can probably guess what I was doing?! Running for my suitcase! haha
Also, on another note...
Again, just an FYI... While we were in the Hong Kong airport, one of the wonderful things about being there is that you can use US Dollars to pay for stuff in the stores. However, they will give your change back in Hong Kong dollars. I mistakenly had a Hong Kong bill and tried to use it the other day (must have gotten in there with the other Chinese currency I have). I was quickly told by one, then two, then three and then several Chinese people in a very animated way that I could NOT use such a bill! With as many Chinese people that were called to address this 'situation', they probably thought I was trying to steal the merchandise I was trying to pay them for. Anyway...apparently, Hong Kong dollars are like Disney dollars. You can use them in the wonderful city and district of Hong Kong, where the people you see are more like you and you can pay with your home currency...but DON'T TRY to use the Disney dollars outside the park!!!!
So, why do I bring this up, you ask?? I found myself in an awkward position this morning. I wasn't sure what I'd be doing today, so I put on a tank top I found in the bottom of my suitcase. I have been wearing many of my shirts over and over again as well as my bras because, well, we don't have a washing machine yet and GOD FORBID I wash anything by hand. ;) It's hot as blazes here and I'm pretty sure the stuff I have been wearing could stand up on their own and walk out the door. So, I figured I would be home most of the day anyway and decided on a "cute" top with, yes you guessed it, a 'lift and bare all' bra. I start my morning house activities and get a phone call that the ayi company has found a lady for me to interview and "they" will be at my house within 5 minutes. FIVE MINUTES!? Uh, ok. So, I completely forget about what I was wearing and race about the house trying to put SOME semblance of order to it (we have been living out of suitcases, bags, etc). I, at least, need somewhere they can sit down to talk. Sure enough, "everyone" is here in 5 minutes, including our driver, Mr. Chen, the new ayi and two company men. While everyone is getting seated and I'm bent on making a good first impression, I bend over to pick up a toy and realized...I'm literally baring ALL. UGH! I stood up and noticed...they did too. SOME first impression! haha Needless to say, I tried to keep something in front of me throughout the entire meeting...first my notebook...then Ryan's blanket...then a lot of hand gestures. Ack! After they left, you can probably guess what I was doing?! Running for my suitcase! haha
Also, on another note...
Again, just an FYI... While we were in the Hong Kong airport, one of the wonderful things about being there is that you can use US Dollars to pay for stuff in the stores. However, they will give your change back in Hong Kong dollars. I mistakenly had a Hong Kong bill and tried to use it the other day (must have gotten in there with the other Chinese currency I have). I was quickly told by one, then two, then three and then several Chinese people in a very animated way that I could NOT use such a bill! With as many Chinese people that were called to address this 'situation', they probably thought I was trying to steal the merchandise I was trying to pay them for. Anyway...apparently, Hong Kong dollars are like Disney dollars. You can use them in the wonderful city and district of Hong Kong, where the people you see are more like you and you can pay with your home currency...but DON'T TRY to use the Disney dollars outside the park!!!!
Day of mixed success...
I'm sure many expat women out there, especially stay-at-home moms, dread the first day their husbands leave them alone to go to work. Allen had been here for a few weeks getting the "lay of the land" before the kids and I even came over here. Thus, the "newbie" factor was a little softened by the fact that my husband knew a thing or two. He has been especially helpful in getting us to where we needed to go, DESPITE our wayward driver. ;) However, today is Monday and this is the first day he went back to work. I was a little nervous, but one thing I'm not...is afraid. So, with a "come what may" attitude, I planned out our day and forged ahead with kids in tow. I was met with mixed success for my efforts.
:( I found out that our [previous] hostess, with whom I hold a special fondness, will be leaving us as an expat herself NEXT MONTH!! She will be joining her expat husband in Canada. :( I'm sad she will be leaving us for several reasons. She lives only 2-3 doors down from us and I was hoping to continue our budding friendship over the next couple of years. Also, she is our lifeline in any situation regarding communication in Chinese. She has willingly helped us through many situations already and on Day #5, her impending departure makes me more than nervous. And aside from that, I will miss her and her adorable daughter (who is my youngest son's age). I had envisioned many future playdates and Brandon thinks she is his new best friend. :( However, I'm also very happy for her and her future opportunities. :) I wish her every success, as she deserves it ten times over! :)
:) I visited an ayi company (an ayi is a housecleaner, nanny and [often] cook all rolled into one) and was very pleased with my visit. I'm positive things will work out on that front. The company assured me that with hiring an ayi through them, they provide extra service(s), such as being able to call them for any referrals as to where to go for any type of service. If I have to call a taxi, they are happy to do it for me (try explaining how to get to your house to pick you up when nobody speaks english), if I need a vet, they will find a good one for me, etc. I look forward to meeting our new ayi in a few days.
:) I signed the kids up for a summer school program. It begins next Monday and will run for 3 weeks. I KNOW they will both enjoy a little kid time...as well as art, dance, language and music time. They will have field trips for Brandon to enjoy. :) Getting the kids on some sort of routine will be very, very good for them. They are desperately seeking their boundaries with us because they haven't had them through two months of "transition". They are frustrated a lot, and in turn, act out a lot lately...which makes me exhausted and frustrated as well.
:( Me, the boys and Mr. Chen all had lunch together today at a local chinese food place. I wasn't sure how this little excursion was going to turn out, so I felt compelled to wolf down my own food, in hopes to try and stop any "mishaps" on the boys' part. Mr. Chen washed his hands and joined us a few minutes after we started. Things seemed to be going well (despite that the food and milk tasted "funny" according to the kids) and then it happened. Ryan decided he didn't want his funny tasting milk (soymilk) anymore and pushed his cup right over...onto Mr. Chen's lap. Just like that...and quickly! I didn't realize the little restaurant had so many employees until he spilled the milk and they all came out of the woodwork and quickly and efficiently cleaned everything up. I have to give Mr. Chen credit...he moved pretty darn fast and luckily got only some of it on him instead of all of it! My response to the situation was to...laugh. I couldn't help it. The Chinese people look so worried and concerned when my boys do anything, like cry in public or scream or screech or make loud noises or sing or dance. Chinese kids just do those things in public, I guess. And here my boys come in and make a huge mess, disrupting everything. Especially since Ryan did it intentionally. I felt like I was on that credit card commercial where everything is running really smooth and efficiently until someone tries to pay cash...and then everything stops while the person takes extra time to get the cash and pay for the product. I just want to yell, "Yes, I'm one of THOSE parents now...who doesn't seem to be able to control her children!" Ugh... And if that wasn't bad enough, Mr. Chen was being very helpful while I had some grocery shopping to do and he was pushing the cart for me, when...Ryan bent over and bit him!! Mr. Chen looked horrified and I looked mortified! I was like, "What?? You have GOT to be kidding Ryan!" Ryan is not a biter - UNTIL NOW. Granted, he bit him very softly, but in this society...kids just don't do stuff like that! UGH! My kids are sending me down a shame spiral, which is motivating me to work all that much harder to once again set their boundaries more clearly! Brandon too. He is throwing fits in public and crying in public when things don't go his way. You should see the looks that gets us! UGH! UGH!
:) I went shopping and bought some major "essentials" such as a microwave, washing machine, a hair blow dryer and a rice cooker. Ahhh. Now I'm starting to feel like things are coming together for the house. We have a long list of stuff to get - eventually, but some things are really necessary sooner rather than later.
:) I had to run into the bank where Allen has already set up an account. While I was waiting for the teller to do a transaction, I [apparently] made a friend. :) I had started talking to a Chinese girl/lady and she ended up inviting me to go chat and have tea or something. We exchanged numbers. :) THAT was a nice surprise!
:) We ended the day with a meeting with the car company we hired. It turns out that all we had to do was ask for 1) tinted windows and 2) a GPS unit. They said they will have both for us by next week. Wow...wasn't expecting that. haha That was easy. We also addressed and cleared up a couple of other things as well. So, the meeting went pretty well.
I guess you could say my first day of survival for me and the kids went ok. We weathered it pretty well and I'm sure each day will get a little easier.
:( I found out that our [previous] hostess, with whom I hold a special fondness, will be leaving us as an expat herself NEXT MONTH!! She will be joining her expat husband in Canada. :( I'm sad she will be leaving us for several reasons. She lives only 2-3 doors down from us and I was hoping to continue our budding friendship over the next couple of years. Also, she is our lifeline in any situation regarding communication in Chinese. She has willingly helped us through many situations already and on Day #5, her impending departure makes me more than nervous. And aside from that, I will miss her and her adorable daughter (who is my youngest son's age). I had envisioned many future playdates and Brandon thinks she is his new best friend. :( However, I'm also very happy for her and her future opportunities. :) I wish her every success, as she deserves it ten times over! :)
:) I visited an ayi company (an ayi is a housecleaner, nanny and [often] cook all rolled into one) and was very pleased with my visit. I'm positive things will work out on that front. The company assured me that with hiring an ayi through them, they provide extra service(s), such as being able to call them for any referrals as to where to go for any type of service. If I have to call a taxi, they are happy to do it for me (try explaining how to get to your house to pick you up when nobody speaks english), if I need a vet, they will find a good one for me, etc. I look forward to meeting our new ayi in a few days.
:) I signed the kids up for a summer school program. It begins next Monday and will run for 3 weeks. I KNOW they will both enjoy a little kid time...as well as art, dance, language and music time. They will have field trips for Brandon to enjoy. :) Getting the kids on some sort of routine will be very, very good for them. They are desperately seeking their boundaries with us because they haven't had them through two months of "transition". They are frustrated a lot, and in turn, act out a lot lately...which makes me exhausted and frustrated as well.
:( Me, the boys and Mr. Chen all had lunch together today at a local chinese food place. I wasn't sure how this little excursion was going to turn out, so I felt compelled to wolf down my own food, in hopes to try and stop any "mishaps" on the boys' part. Mr. Chen washed his hands and joined us a few minutes after we started. Things seemed to be going well (despite that the food and milk tasted "funny" according to the kids) and then it happened. Ryan decided he didn't want his funny tasting milk (soymilk) anymore and pushed his cup right over...onto Mr. Chen's lap. Just like that...and quickly! I didn't realize the little restaurant had so many employees until he spilled the milk and they all came out of the woodwork and quickly and efficiently cleaned everything up. I have to give Mr. Chen credit...he moved pretty darn fast and luckily got only some of it on him instead of all of it! My response to the situation was to...laugh. I couldn't help it. The Chinese people look so worried and concerned when my boys do anything, like cry in public or scream or screech or make loud noises or sing or dance. Chinese kids just do those things in public, I guess. And here my boys come in and make a huge mess, disrupting everything. Especially since Ryan did it intentionally. I felt like I was on that credit card commercial where everything is running really smooth and efficiently until someone tries to pay cash...and then everything stops while the person takes extra time to get the cash and pay for the product. I just want to yell, "Yes, I'm one of THOSE parents now...who doesn't seem to be able to control her children!" Ugh... And if that wasn't bad enough, Mr. Chen was being very helpful while I had some grocery shopping to do and he was pushing the cart for me, when...Ryan bent over and bit him!! Mr. Chen looked horrified and I looked mortified! I was like, "What?? You have GOT to be kidding Ryan!" Ryan is not a biter - UNTIL NOW. Granted, he bit him very softly, but in this society...kids just don't do stuff like that! UGH! My kids are sending me down a shame spiral, which is motivating me to work all that much harder to once again set their boundaries more clearly! Brandon too. He is throwing fits in public and crying in public when things don't go his way. You should see the looks that gets us! UGH! UGH!
:) I went shopping and bought some major "essentials" such as a microwave, washing machine, a hair blow dryer and a rice cooker. Ahhh. Now I'm starting to feel like things are coming together for the house. We have a long list of stuff to get - eventually, but some things are really necessary sooner rather than later.
:) I had to run into the bank where Allen has already set up an account. While I was waiting for the teller to do a transaction, I [apparently] made a friend. :) I had started talking to a Chinese girl/lady and she ended up inviting me to go chat and have tea or something. We exchanged numbers. :) THAT was a nice surprise!
:) We ended the day with a meeting with the car company we hired. It turns out that all we had to do was ask for 1) tinted windows and 2) a GPS unit. They said they will have both for us by next week. Wow...wasn't expecting that. haha That was easy. We also addressed and cleared up a couple of other things as well. So, the meeting went pretty well.
I guess you could say my first day of survival for me and the kids went ok. We weathered it pretty well and I'm sure each day will get a little easier.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
No Mayo
No mayo. Where am I going to find mayonnaise? Our local grocery store doesn't have anything like it. As much as I want the kids to be healthy in their eating habits...mustard 'only' on their ham and cheese sandwiches just won't do. They will be the first ones to tell you that. :)
We happen to live within a minute of the British Int'l School and about 3 minutes away from an American Int'l School. So, it really shouldn't have surprised me to find a [tiny] western food grocery store tucked away in the strip malls in the near vicinity of our house. When I say it was tiny, it was TINY...about the size of my family room back home. But, let me tell you...it was a slice of HEAVEN to me!!!! :) All the basic essentials were in that tiny room. It was as if they knew what basic ingredients I, personally, like to cook with back home. Could all westerners, Europeans too, cook with basically the same things? Could this be true? Are they trying to cater to all the western foreigners in the area...or just Americans? Back home, I was used to seeing LARGE Asian grocery stores. I also used to see Mexican grocery stores, closer to home. So, I guess this shouldn't have been a surprise to me. I'm just not a world traveller and have no such knowledge of these kinds of things.
So, many people may want to know WHAT, exactly, am I able to find to feed my children...seeing as they can be such picky eaters and all. Well, so far, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, cheese sticks, and imported fruit are the staples. They, of course, have plenty of snacks to choose from and are not very picky about those. ;) I'm trying desperately to set up the kitchen with clean water, dishes, food, etc., so I will feel comfortable enough to cook. But, unfortunately, it all starts with the water and we are still about a week away from getting that accomplished. So, that leaves us having to either eat the same things all day, everyday, or try and find places we can eat. Finding places to eat out can be tricky with the kids. Especially on days like today. Our driver (with his car), has a couple of days off per week. When we get settled in a bit with a routine going, this probably won't be a problem. However, these first few weeks might be tricky without a car, even if it is for a couple days a week. In fact, adjusting from having a car everyday to not having one even sometimes...with kids...is really hard. It will require a bit more planning. But, anyway, I digress. Sandwiches, cheese and fruit...for the kids...so far. Now that I have found more western food, I can start with what I know and eventually transition to the other, bigger, more local grocery store for some more authentic variety.
Today is Sunday. The boys' beds and the dining room table were delivered today. Good thing too. The boys have been eating off the floor...and making a mess. Tomorrow, I will be looking into hiring an Ayi. I'm looking forward to that...for more reasons than one.
We happen to live within a minute of the British Int'l School and about 3 minutes away from an American Int'l School. So, it really shouldn't have surprised me to find a [tiny] western food grocery store tucked away in the strip malls in the near vicinity of our house. When I say it was tiny, it was TINY...about the size of my family room back home. But, let me tell you...it was a slice of HEAVEN to me!!!! :) All the basic essentials were in that tiny room. It was as if they knew what basic ingredients I, personally, like to cook with back home. Could all westerners, Europeans too, cook with basically the same things? Could this be true? Are they trying to cater to all the western foreigners in the area...or just Americans? Back home, I was used to seeing LARGE Asian grocery stores. I also used to see Mexican grocery stores, closer to home. So, I guess this shouldn't have been a surprise to me. I'm just not a world traveller and have no such knowledge of these kinds of things.
So, many people may want to know WHAT, exactly, am I able to find to feed my children...seeing as they can be such picky eaters and all. Well, so far, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, cheese sticks, and imported fruit are the staples. They, of course, have plenty of snacks to choose from and are not very picky about those. ;) I'm trying desperately to set up the kitchen with clean water, dishes, food, etc., so I will feel comfortable enough to cook. But, unfortunately, it all starts with the water and we are still about a week away from getting that accomplished. So, that leaves us having to either eat the same things all day, everyday, or try and find places we can eat. Finding places to eat out can be tricky with the kids. Especially on days like today. Our driver (with his car), has a couple of days off per week. When we get settled in a bit with a routine going, this probably won't be a problem. However, these first few weeks might be tricky without a car, even if it is for a couple days a week. In fact, adjusting from having a car everyday to not having one even sometimes...with kids...is really hard. It will require a bit more planning. But, anyway, I digress. Sandwiches, cheese and fruit...for the kids...so far. Now that I have found more western food, I can start with what I know and eventually transition to the other, bigger, more local grocery store for some more authentic variety.
Today is Sunday. The boys' beds and the dining room table were delivered today. Good thing too. The boys have been eating off the floor...and making a mess. Tomorrow, I will be looking into hiring an Ayi. I'm looking forward to that...for more reasons than one.
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