An update about ME!

This blog is specifically dedicated to a friend of mine in southern California. Since I write from the heart, I feel that anything I write about on my blog page says something about my life over here in China. I know many of you have found the information to be useful in keeping apprised of my feelings and thoughts about life. However, JUST IN CASE any of you are wondering about more specific and intimate (is that even possible?) details about my life here in China...here you go!

Q: How are you doing?
A: Well, I'm ok. I worry about the everyday living details for my family over here. They have now found excess amounts of melamine in eggs as well. Stuff like that can throw me for a loop...or two, since I feel responsible for the welfare of my family. I worry about their physical, emotional and spiritual well being. But, hey, that's my job, right? I, personally, don't like living here. But, I think it's a great place to visit at least once in your life. We have thought about me and the kids moving back earlier than expected...but splitting up the family isn't something I'm willing to do at this point. I'm sure things will get better with time. I'm still striving towards that 6-month mark.

Q: How are things between you and Allen, now that you have settled in a bit?
A: MUCH better! I think I hit "bottom" there for awhile. Allen was eventually able to help me through it...and we are stronger because of it. I hope this experience will help Allen and I to become even closer in our marriage...when all is said and done, of course. There are still many stresses we face while living here...all part of the devil's bargain, I guess. We'll get through it, I'm sure.

Q: Have you made any friends?
A: Yes...which helps a lot. I have TWO friends I hang out with on a regular basis. Normally, I don't usually count the number of friends I make...but, in this case, I think the number 2 is significant because having TWO friends has helped a lot in not feeling so desperate to make more friends. I find that with driving the boys to school everyday, my own small "projects" at home, endless errands and balancing two separate friends has been more than enough to keep me busy lately. In fact, I often feel a little stressed and "pulled" for time. Funny, right? One of my friends is from Australia. She is a really neat gal and our kids are the same ages. I enjoy hanging out with her. My other friend is Chinese and lives in the same compound as me. Her [one] daughter and Ryan are in the same class together. She lived in the States for 8 years and knows English. We compliment each other really well.

Q: Do you have any hobbies while living in China?
A: I have tried! haha But, something has always prevented me from pursuing them. I'll keep trying, if I find the time.

Q: Are you able to meet many other expats?
A: Yes...and no. There are several other expats who live here and many resources in which to find them. There is the school, of course. Also, there is a community center that plans many "expat" friendly events. There are also publications you can find that cater to expat readers...which also helps. I also say "no" because there seems to be a "hierarchy" of expats. Newbie expats, like myself, can be recognized by the look of open-ness with a hint of desperation attached to it. We always want to meet other expats and maybe "bond" with any one of them. The expats who have lived here for about 3-4 years are a very unfriendly crowd. They have already experienced the plethora of emotions involved in moving somewhere like China and they don't seem to want to get "involved" with a newbie's own emotional roller coaster. They have been there and done that, I guess. The expats who have lived here for 4-5+ years are once again friendly...and often helpful. But, the "catch" to this situation is that us newbies want and need to identify with other people in similar situations BECAUSE of the emotional roller coaster we find ourselves. SO, befriending a veteran can be useful for information, but also very discouraging. Who wants to hang around someone who handles any situation here in China with grace and unparalleled ease? They may sympathize with our emotional swings, but they can no longer offer support...they are truly on the other side of the fence.

Q: How are you handling things like melamine in the milk, etc?
A: The best that I can. It's very disheartening and frustrating to keep finding that products made for the Chinese market...are crap! My advice to people back home: don't EVER buy anything with a Chinese label on it. The new and upcoming appliance label is Haier...DON'T BUY IT...it's Chinese made and it's CRAP.

Q: How do you like having an ayi and driver?
A: Confining, actually. There is someone always in your house, invading your personal space. And you can't beat driving places by yourself. A driver means you have to plan out your days a whole lot better. We really like our ayi. She is so nice. But, she isn't family and it IS an invasion of our personal space. I sometimes think of different grocery errands for her to do so I can have my own space during the day when I'm at home. On the flip side, however, it IS nice having someone clean and cook for you every single day. It's a domestic luxury for sure. The driver is a necessity this year, especially since the boys' school is not near our home. But, it's an exhausting process trying to convey where you want to go to a driver who only speaks Chinese. LOTS of planning involved! I miss driving the Jeep!

Q: Are you able to find everything that you need?
A: No. THANK GOODNESS for those friends and family back home who have been sending me care packages! I love you!

Q: What do you miss the most by living in China?
A: My life back home...and good chocolate.

Q: Do you have any travel plans?
A: Yes! There are many places I would like to see and visit. I'm feeling a little dis-enchanted with China right now...so I have my sights on a Japan trip to see the cherry blossoms this spring...or next. Things may change.

Q: Are you glad you brought Blue?
A: Yes! Although, I suspect he is not as happy here as he was back home. You can just tell. But, I can't imagine life without him. He's my baby.

Q: Are you still considering expanding your family?
A: Yes...still considering it.

Q: Are you feeling the "crunch" of the failing market in the US?
A: No...not really. Things pretty much stay the same for us while we are here in China. The currency exchange and the strength of the US dollar compared to Chinese RMB...affects everyone here a little bit.

Ok! I think that about sums up the more intimate? details of my life here in China. Although, I know many of you will think the information is redundant since I blog about my thoughts and feelings all the time. But, here it is anyway. :)