Crouching Tiger Flying Rat

For those of you who have read/viewed the video "The Secret", you know you attract the things you obsess about-- good or bad. Tim obsesses and CANNOT stand birds and rats.

A little background of personal experience with this Law of Attraction... One time in Hawaii during an outdoor lunch at a restaurant with 10 other tables, for some reason a small flock of birds flooded around his feet while he ate. Not my feet, nor anyone at any of the other 10 tables. Just Tim's feet. I tried not to laugh while scarfing down my food to avoid chocking while in hysterics. I could see the boiled blood of frustration reach it's way to the top of his head, and the dude started kicking at the pests. We had to leave early, because somehow kicking egged the "flying rats" (as Tim would say) to stay. Along that same law of attraction (that comes into play for me when it comes to those huge roaches there in Hawaii also), check this out...

We're standing in line at a huge food court in one of the largest supermarkets in Shanghai. You Taiwan lovin' friends of mine will have sweet memories--- we were at "Carefour". We were standing in line for ice cream, another thing the Chinese do all too well. I was eyeing the "taro" flavor, after many years of taro deprivation while being in the states.

All of the sudden, out of the corner of my eye, I see a 9 inch brown blur fall from the rafters. I almost over looked it, thinking the ceiling was falling apart, like it was no big deal-- heck we're in a 3rd world country, right? Realizing what I was just ignoring, I walk to the other side of Tim, to see, only 2 feet way from him, in a room full of many hundreds of people, a 9 inch rat had fallen from the rafters. Because of the impact, it couldn't run away, and laid still on the floor. I think, secretly, Tim hoped it would have ran away before I started saying loudly (through extreme laughter ) "Lau Shu! Lau Shu!! (rat! rat!)"

I knew what Tim's reaction would be. (FYI, I am laughing so hard right now, I can barely sit to rehearse the story to you). "Augh! Augh!" he yelled, in a very masculine way. I love that he can still be manly when being totally freaked out. He backed away, facing the beast, with his arms holding back me and Hunter, as if we were the ones totally freaking out. I was afraid he would be mad that I was laughing so hard (I know the locals looked at us like "crazy Americans”). Instead, he just kept jolting his shoulders, the way you would if you were to shake off a spider crawling on your shirt collar.

Then he started in laughter too, rehearsing the story over again. T: Suzanne! The thing was aiming for my head!
S: "Law of Attraction", Babe.
T: Whatever, it's the same way with you and roaches.
S: Seriously, we were in a room of gazillions of people, and some how it lands closest to you.
T: Crouching Tiger, Flying Rat.
S: Way to take a hit for the Blog, Babe! I give him a hi-five and our obnoxious laughter continues.　

My Mom says you need to find appreciation for everything in life. Like the fleas that kept the guards away from preying on the women prisoners at the Nazi concentration camps.

So, I thought of an appreciation for rats today: They eat Cockroaches.

This is about where we were standing.

Georgie the Driver

I felt like a total celeb at the Shanghai Airport pulling luggage along side of the man whose name read "Mr. Timothy Calton" held by our full-time driver.

Georgie, Tim later named him (after one of his two best friends in Hawaii), was very anxious and picked up probably 10 thousand pounds of Samsonite (or the knock-offs there of) and quickly loaded them into the GMAC company van assigned to us. More on the van (or "MV" as my 'overcoming the mini-van stigma' brother-in-law likes to call it) later.

He was my same height, only 5'8, but had hidden mussels behind his humble suede jacket. He spoke Shanghaiese to the relocation specialist who accompanied him, for translating, I suppose. However, after a short 5 minutes, the relocation specialist proved to be obsolete. Georgie spoke perfect mandarin, and Tim and I loved him at "ni hao" (hello).

Georgie's most charming feature is his smile, It is quick to come, and encompasses his entire face. We loved sitting in the third row while still being able to see his smile flood to his eyes through the rear view mirror where we made eye contact with him.

Our other favorite quality is his immediate and strong loyalty. While he was so sweet to our boys, tickling their feet in the middle row, he showed his range of emotion when the other relocation dude was late. Georgie (the chinese name he gave us translates to "little liu", but now prefers Geroge or Georgie), went from smile after smile to a cell phone call in shanghaiese which must've included some serious curse words. He didn't like anyone making us late, and made it quite clear, in any language, that he represented the Calton crew. And don't mess with this little gringo family, or he would expose his fangs. I totally got it on film, it's hilarious.

Georgie told Tim his past boss was half American, half Chinese, and bit belittling. He would never talk to Georgie. He would have him wait outside his office building for the entire 10 hour shift in the car. I guess that's customary and common place for Drivers. How rude, I think.

Georgie has called his friends in amazement at his new boss. He was already was shocked we knew the language, but even more shocked that we asked his opinion on many of the houses we viewed. I guess I was a bit bugged at our Housing Agent, as I knew he was totally "greased" (paid under the table to only show us certain properties that he could earn an extra buck on). So at most of the houses we visited, we'd invite Georgie in and ask him what he thought. This might have came across as insulting to the Agent, as his pay was most likely yards above Georgie's, and out of line for us to reform the line of respect like that... but to us USA-ans, he was family.

Georgie returned the favor, right away solidifying our "Guanxi" (relationship), by giving us the insider scoop on everything when the Agent left. Apparently, the agent came late, and handed Georgie a new itinerary of destinations. The list of places to visit was cut in HALF from what GMAC outlined us to see. Georgie showed us the original and confirmed the guy was "greased". Then he told us all the little conversations that took place on the guy's cell that were previously encrypted in Shanghaiese.

Our Georgie LOVES the boys. He helps them in and out of the MV. Tanner has taken a particular liking to him, which has inspired a quick immersion into mandarin for little Tann. When Georgie is driving, and Tann wants to get his attention, he will gently say over and over "Ni-hoo", meaning "Nihao" till he reaches for Tanner's feet and responds. Tanner will also call for hi by yelling sweetly "ge ge! ge ge!", which translates to older brother. Georgie refuses to be called "Shu Shu" (uncle), though he is our same age-- however he looks like he's 17.

He is a skilled driver, having started illegally at the mere age of 14. He weaves through traffic quickly and impulsively. There are no reinforced traffic laws in China, so all's fair in reckless driving. We've driven through back allies as an ATV would, we've driven against on-coming traffic, and even stopped a huge traffic line behind so Georgie could change the languages on Hunter's DVD player. Tim and I have laughed out loud many times at the rules of the road here, and secretly hoping for a chance behind the wheel here (though it's a HUGE liability for GMAC, that's why they fork out the $1000 per month for drivers--FYI, that's double the regular pay for drivers, isn't that nice of GM?).

So when you're stuck in traffic over there in the US, think of us. Think of us driving over medians, possibly off the shoulder, or maybe even against oncoming traffic. And think of our fierce little Georgie's smile in the rearview.

PS: On the MV: We were shocked to see it has all the bells and whistles: sunroof, DVD players built in both headrests, all leather interior, front/back climate controls, middle row bucket seats that swivel to face forward, back or facing each other. Totally undeserving!

Smells

Okay, so girlfriend over here is totally allergic to three things... at least that's all that remains of the previous 200 from my childhood. However, they are so slight that Tim never knew of them before we stepped foot on this sacred land that we love.

Smell #1: When you walk into many Marriots nationwide you can see a small sign most of you non-allergen friends would over-look: "Marriots are now non-smoking facilities" , but in much more fancy words of course. Just something I noticed in the hotel lobby in Vegas last fall.

They held to their word, even over seas here in China. Music to my nose. In the grocery stores, restaurants, and even elevators it's just common place to see people light up.

Don't get me wrong. Many of my friends and even some family members have had this habit now and again. However, I am totally, and embarrassingly allergic. I quickly tear up, start coughing from my scratchy throat. I turn into a big mess. It could almost be humorous.

Smell #2: The other allergy is feather pillows, or more recently discovered, the dust that accompanies them. Here at the fancy-schmancy "Marriot Executive Suite Apartments" (or so it reads on the napkin), they have feathers on every part of the bed. Feather pillows. Feather comforters. Feather Beds.

No wonder I haven't seen any feathered Friends since we've arrived.

Needless to say at this rate, I'm practically teary eyed daily. That's okay, it lends for the perfect excuse to hide the emotion in my heart. Tim and I are still waking up daily so overwhelmed with gratitude and love for this peaceful land. How is it that an area with the population so dense can be so docile and practically crime free?

I say because they too get to wake up in China. LOL!! Don't get me wrong, I am a total stars and stripes kind of gal. But I can also appreciate the balance of diversity this country offers. We love it here!!

Bad Mom Moment... er... Moments...

Jet lag has been a beast for my little Calton boys. They are so tired. And it's been just glorious waking up at midnight, only to see I still have 5 more hours of sleep left to be a normal person out here.

They have been so dead tired, and we've done everything in our power to keep them from taking 5 hour naps... what's wrong with this picture?

Because they aren't sleeping regularly, they of course aren't eating regularly. I feel like if I could just get them to eat a snickers it would at least be something.

So we went to a french bakery. Let's just say, the heavens were merciful on the land of edible chicken feet and 1,000 year old eggs, and blessed them with the finest bakeries known to man. I'm talkin' like Tim might've reconsider even dating me if he knew how I could clean house at a place like this. Cheese cake puddings, custards envied by the gods, doughnuts and breads filled with pounds of butter. Oh the worthy indulgences.

We went there for dinner... 'nuff said.

Hunter still wouldn't eat... just one little doughnut. I felt like force feeding him. Did I pack an eye dropper?! I mean this was getting frustrating. I knew I was asking for a tantrum. So I did what any book-reading parent would do. I pulled out the ultimatums.

"If you don't take a bite of this custard Hunter... I'll take away your Geo Track Train Set tonight!!" The little 4 year old mouth wrinkled with tightness. I gave Tim that look of I'm gonna take this too far, and blurted out "Hunter, if you don't take this bite, you don't get to go to sleep when we get to the Hotel tonight". I said it half jokingly, really. What parent says something like that?! Just when I heard myself say it, and Tim heard it too, we look to see an open mouth. We settled with just the bite and went to the hotel to sleep at 6:00 PM.

Shanghai Int'l Airport

We arrived! A dream of 5 years, and we're here!! There's something cool about transitioning from having K9 ears for hearing anyone speaking mandarin in the US (and begging them to come for dinner) to hearing NOTHING but mandarin. It's been years since we've been among the Lord's finest! I couldn't resist counting all the rooster tails of these humble people who focus on the more weightier matters in life.

As many of you know, we had an exchange student, Lily, from China in attempt to pacify our longing to be among the Chinese people. We adored her, though I wasn't quite a fitting teenager parent--- sometimes I can't take anything serious! Anyway, we miss her (she brought over wotons before we left for Shanghai). Here's something funny from Hunter at the Shanghai airport:
H: Mommy! I see our Chinese girls!
we'd told him we were moving to china to get his Chinese sisters (adoption one day).
M: Really? Cool, dude.
H: No, wait! Mommy, I see Lily! I do, Mommy, Lily's here! Lily's here! I see her!
Tim and I gush out laughing and were receiving plenty of well-deserved "crazy foreigner" looks.
H: Mommy! Mommy! Look! I see... one, two, three... four Lily's! Four of them!

He just adores her, and relished in the thought of multiplying the person you love.

To Benedryl or not to Benedryl... that is the question

We debated whether to make the 13 hour flight a bit easier with the aid of benedryl. Due to our procrastination, we were stuck last minute wondering if we should use it or not. Then, on the way to the airport, we found out Tim's niece had an allergic reaction to it, and it sent her into seizures! What the trash!! Is that scary or what? Then, when relaying the incident to Susan, my "bonus mom" (who I tell just about everything to, and she has the patience for it) responds with "ya, I used on the tree of you (Barry Holly and I) when you were kids; Barry and Holly slept. It just made you more hyper". Okay, you readers, you could at least be polite and give a courtesy surprise.

So we totally opted out of the idea, and went drug free. And I swear to you, these kids were angels. No, really. No crying, I was totally shocked. Tim slept. It still amazes me that people an sleep upright like that w/o getting neck kinks. Another little amazing thing about my Tim. Tanner sat next to Tim while he slept. He just talked to the whole way, a soft little expressive voice. Hunter was quiet, but absolutely didn't like the food, and was sure to make it known that it was "disgusting". His ears hadn't adjusted to the altitude changes.

Me? Okay, Claire, Kara, Shauna and Erin... I gave in to the prodding on your blogs and in person and started reading it-- Twilight. And yes, I too am thinking about it numberless times throughout the day...LOL! Claire, Tim read it before I did, isn't that funny?! Have you gotten Justin to read it yet? Just an FYI, he still hasn't stroked my cheek bone gently like Edward does.

Thanks for helping!

What can I say?! I was shocked at how smooth everything turned out. My usual panicky self let go! The movers came, and packed the house in no time flat. My friends came and vacuumed and cleaned the bathrooms. Shea and Diana stayed till midnight to clean the floors, take home some things I didn't want to bring. Shea even helped Tim load up the garage of a whole huge garage full of stuff to get rid of!!

Thanks to my dear friends that just "showed up" with working clothes on! Love you gals. I think Tim was even floored by our She-power.

And thanks to the friends like Lisa, Nicole, Christine, Erin, Tracy, and others who had to swing by one last time for a good bye.

Thanks to Diana (okay, for everything, really) and Emily for the surprise going away party at Diana's for some friends from church. Thanks for arranging the invite list and everything too! It was crazy to get a last minute phone call to head on over for some much needed girl time!

I am so grateful for my friends. I am totally undeserving of your friendships. I didn't list all names, but I love you all-- thanks for the memories!! Oh, and thanks for taking some of my household give-aways... that's true friendship!! LOL, no really, I didn't want to make a trip to goodwill! Thanks!

Spilled OJ

Before we hit Shanghai, we extended our lay-over at the San Francisco Airport. We rented a car, thanks to the help of my Dad, who is working for Enterprise in his semi-retired state. Tim and I joke he will always be "semi-retired" for the rest of his life. The guy is a work horse, and has people skills coming out of the ears.

Anyway, we headed to Grants Pass, where my niece, nephew, sister, mom and brother all live. We stayed at my mom's house, kid friendly in every way. Not because she doesn't want the place clean, and certainly not because she doesn't have breakables, but because the woman lives true to her favorite phrase "People matter most". She is quick to say that anytime Tanner bangs on her piano keys, Hunter rides a bike in the living room, or when you hear the sound of glass hitting the floor (which happened twice while we were there).

Sometimes I almost feel like saying "Now, boys, don't get too used to the rules at Grandma Judith's house... because they are definitely not universal... not even at our house!!"

Okay, so my Orange-Juice-People-Matter-Most story...
There I was with my nephew, Cannon, and my two boys squeezing fresh oranges for orange juice (you all know my mom is an organic herbivore, right?). Now I can say I know that Tropicana truly does use that unreal amount of oranges they claim to as stated on the carton. We used 9 HUGE oranges, and got about the equivalent to 6 large Dixie cups. This stuff was liquid gold.

By the time my mom got to the table, Cannon had already downed his glass, and boldly requested he drink my moms. Before he could even ask again, she promptly slid it his way. I was secretly hoping he wouldn't ask for mine or he might get a mad-dog glare from me... in addition to a refluxed "no"--LOL!

As if that wasn't enough, Hunter then accidentally tips his over, dripping all over the table. Without losing eye contact with Tim, or even pausing in the middle of her sentence, she grabs a handful of tissues from the neighboring box of Kleenex, and sets it on top of the mess. It was like she didn't even notice. It didn't matter to her that it was spilling everywhere, or that the value of the liquid was that of a fine french perfume (in my view).

I just love that lady! Man, what I could accomplish if I just had an ounce of what she had... or maybe even a Dixie cup full.

Hunter unplugged

I open my eyes early in be this morning to a 4 year-old staring right into mine, 2 inches from my face. Something unsettling about that. Anyway... He wraps his skinny little arms around my neck and the following dialogue happens (M is for Me):
H: Mommy, I like you (giggle)
M: Thanks Weedsie (his nickname), I sure like you too.
H: Ya, Mommy, you could go to China with me.
M: Really? Thanks, Hunter.

Later, I make a McDonalds run, because we'd already given all of our food away in prep for the movers to come tomorrow morning. I got Tim his breakfast Burritos, and a few other things.
T: Here Hunter, take a bite of this (Breakfast Burrito).
(we look over to see Hunter, our picky eater starts delving in)
M: Wow Tim, looks like Hunter likes Breakfast Burritos just like his Dad.
H: Ya, because they're nice fresh and spicy
(followed by a table full of laughter, Tanner joins in the laughter too, that's the only part he gets)
T: I swear, I hear things like that, and I can hear you (Suzanne) talking.

Miss Olivia Limburg

Hunter has had a pretty faithful playmate for over 3 1/2 years now, Olivia. He says she is "so beautiful", and tells everyone she is his wife. When we go to her house, he says "are we going to my wife's house today Mommy?"

She came over to give her final goodbyes last night. They played trains for a while, then it was time to go. Olivia started crying on the stairs. Erin, one of my closest friends and Olivia's mom, said she really understands what it means to move b/c they'd moved 3 times recently. She was devestated. Then they hugged eachother while wrestling on the the floor. It was a sweet little moment. She protested by saying she wanted to go to China with Hunter.

When we told Hunter we'd be moving to China to get (adopt) his little sisters he wasn't excited until we explained they'd be like Olivia. Then he jumped up and down holding up two fingers shouting "Two Olivias?? Two Olivias!!" He was then convinced having sisters wouldn't be all that bad.

Erin said she was on the phone with a friend and Olivia thought she was talking on the phone to me. In the background Olivia kept saying "Tell Hunter I'm still his wife!! Tell Hunter I'm still his wife".

I don't know where they get it from, but sheesh, it's sure cute!

Date w/ my 2 year old

Last night I had an enchanting date with a short pot-belly bald guy... and one of the cutest I've ever seen in a long time. Hunter, my soon to be 4 year old, was with Dad, and I took Tanner to my favorite fast food place, Chick-fill-A.

The converstion went smoothly, not many words, mostly sounds and funny gestures. We made faces through the windows at all the cars going through the drive thru. Later when we were loading up in the car, Tanner pointed to the sky and started yelling "ta! ta! ta!", then he kept looking at me to see if I understood. I just smiled. Then, when I was putting him in his car seat, he stiffened his little 2 year old body like a board and kept pointing through the car door at the sky "ta! ta!" Then I got it, "Star?". Then he responded with "stah", and relaxed enough for me to buckel him up. Hopeless romantic, just like him mom. Then, on the ride home, he says "up aba up aba", and starts singing his own version of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. I loved all the connections his little mind was making, and I loved that he wanted me to be a part of them.

Indulgences

Knowing we will be out of the country in just a few days makes me go crazy indulging in my favorites: 1. Last minute a group of friends showed up last night just to hang out and chat. It was a wonderful reason to clean the house (since I let it go to pot with Tim being gone for 2 days of training in Michigan). It was great to absorb the feeling of being around some amazing women, and just enjoying all the diversity in the room. The conversation went from bra padding to housing in Shanghai. I showed them the nursery bedding I finished for Alice, my niece that was born just a couple of days ago. More on that one later. 2. Crafts. Man, I feel like a grandma attending a knitting club when I say that word. I swear I didn't own a hot glue gun until 3 months ago. But knowing there won't be stores like Michaels and Joanns in China makes me want to pick up everything I can get my busy fingers on. It's true, I can't be content with just going to bed at night lately. Especially this last month. After everybody goes to bed, out creeps the inner child that wants to build and create. Whereas in the past I was afraid of taking on creative tasks, afraid of failure, now I feel a pressing urge to plunge in since I won't have the resources while overseas. You should see what happens to the downstairs while sweet little noses snore the night away upstairs. Let's just say a tornado could only make the place more organized. My ususal bedtime was 10:30, but now I've made friends with midnight. That time of night when I'm already breaking the "healthy beditme rule" so why not break all the other rules that cap off creativity. I went from being intimidated by crafts and creativity to going all out, no red lights.

The TuTu I sent for Ashley (matching flower hair clips) in the shipment of bedding for Emily.


The nursery I made for Emily before Alice was born. I once heard a talk about "when delivering a loaf of bread, always tie a ribbon to show you love the person that much more". Never mind that I've never made a loaf of bread in my life. But, I did have access to some packaging supplies that laying around.


The Quilt. The other side is cream chenille. This was the fabric Emily kept coming back to. I kept trying to convince her to go with a black and white damask with a boa trim.


You can't see the tag, but this is the window valance. The brown part is dupioni. There is a fringe trim with a bead trim under it.


This is a baby wipe case for the nursery.


The diaper stacker.


The Bolster pillow. I don't know how "nursery friendly" it is with bead trim... hmmm... choking hazard?


This is a boppy pillow cover, with the same chenille cream fabric on the back.


This is a 6 piece bumper set, they tie together over the slats. It's better for ventilation, and keeps the bumper stiff, so it doesn't sag.


The crib skirt matches the valance, but without the bead trim. These two pieces have the dupioni b/c these aren't pieces that get dirty (they obviously are dry clean/spot clean only).

You want to know how crazy it's really gotten?? Here goes. So, we visit Utah around New Years time (mind you 2 weeks before we head to China), and I offer to help Emily (sis n law going through ALOT right now) with a crib skirt. We get to talking, and the crib skirt turns into the entire crib bedding and the window valance. Let's first be clear, I don't sew. LOL. I don't sew. Really, just 6 months ago, I started using a garage sale sewing machine. But girlfriend here can't use a pattern to save her!

So I go home committing to do this for her. Not because she asked, but because I'm crazy, and that's just the way things go with me. I leave her with a lampshade I made (hot glue gun, fabric, bead trim and fluffy trim), and tell her I'll send the rest in the mail. While normally I'd wonder what I'd gotten myself into, I loved that I had some direction for my meetings with Twelve AM creativity. Let us now remember that I can't follow a pattern, but once again, adrenaline rush knowing I wouldn't have access to a craft and fabric store in about two weeks.

Getting started was thrilling and exhillerating. I couldn't wait for the lights to go out at night for the rest of the normal world. This was when my fingers started working. Every night I spent about 3 hours on Alice's nursery. In 8 days (two of them ending as late as 2 AM), it was complete. I started with the quilt, then the boppy, then crib skirt, then valance, then bumper, then diaper stacker, bolster pillow, and baby wipes case. I am so excited for her to open the package, she's only expecting the crib bedding and valance.

I can't help but ask WHY?? Why didn't I try this earlier? Here all the resources were at my fingertips. I guess it's just the procrastinator in me. I don't appreciate it until I know I might lose access to it. Knowing I can't take advantage of craft stores while in China made me indulge. I am so very grateful that somebody needed a nursery-- LOL! Well, not just somebody, but the Peterson family.

Ashley, the 5 year-old beautiful brunette Peterson niece of Tim got diagnosed with a very aggressive brain cancer. The family has been through Hell. But talking with them you'd never know it. They are optimistic, full of faith, and have taken everything in stride. They have worked with their sweet little angel and done everything possible to prove their faith in their optimistic demeanors.

Plus, I needed to get a Peterson fix. It's became a strange addictive thing for me. Everytime I did something for that family, it was this overwhelming spiritual experience. I don't know if they necessarily need anything I can offer, maybe it was more for me than them. But I totally encourage everyone to have an experience like this. Do something for somebody who's trialed, but commit to do something you are not experienced at, and see what happens. It's like the heavens drop inspiration and you are a mere vessel. You can't take any credit for the outcome, because, remember, previously this was not your forte. I don't think I could ever come up with a nursery for my own home, only for theirs. They were the deserving family. And the cool part is that I felt like everything was created twice as fast, twice as concise. I really am trying to be careful about how I share this, but also feel compelled to draw attention to the sincere love I felt in my heart while making this nursery. I felt how Heaveny Father feels for this family. It was one of the Biggest spiritual experiences of my life.

It was just fun and entertaining to see miracles happen over my old kitchen table. For little me, it was witnessing water turn to wine. I loved the indulgence of being a part of it. I loved stretching myself because I knew I wouldn't be able to do something like this while I was in China. Everything was in place, the stars aligned and something totally cool happened.

I hope next time we are in town, another sister-in-law or family member will need a crib set. Thanks to Emily for sizing and sending these pictures... one by one... It's nice to have documentation of such a spiritual experience.

Sore arms

My arms are still sore from all the vaccines we got yesterday. It's all part of our long to do list that prepares us for China in 9 days!! Tim has gone from Disney Land excitement to a little stressed. I'm trying not to laugh about it. He has the next 9 days off of work (except for a 2 day training), and is trying to keep his mind focused. He keeps bouncing between the reality of the moment... and his dream coming true: WERE GOING TO CHINA!!!

Myself, I am just absorbing the whole thing. We've moved from Provo to Hawaii to New York, to two different places in Colorado all in the last 5 years. I'm just trying to limit my expectations. However, GMAC is not making it easy (LOL) they are really really making this China thing an amazing opportunity. I'm trying to be level-headed about the fact that at the age of 29 I won't be doing laundry for the next 4 years of my life... and you know me and laundry-- we've never seen eye to eye.

And I'm uncomfortable with Tim telling his friends all about this full-time maid thing that every Expat family gets in China. It's like- what? His wife can't handle things, and needs hired help?! I'm still trying to put up a front that I'm not looking forward to it. But actually, just knowing that, it's been hard just to make beds in the mornings!

We will be living in Jin Qiao ("Golden Bridge") in the west side of Shang Hai (Pu Dong). They say Pu Dong is like a newer version of New York City. It's very advanced and modern. I've seen pictures of the apartments/condos/villas out there, and the nicer ones are decorated so different than what I'm used to. Think Jetsons. Yes, very futuristic. Wierd shaped furniture, marble and brass.

It's a wierd feeling knowing someone else will be living in your house. I wonder if they will appreciate the mural in Tanner's room, or the license plates hanging in Hunter's room, do you think they will just paint over the vinyl words of our wedding song on the wall in the Master bedroom? Do they even know how many hours I spent learning how to sew those dupioni drapes in the livingroom? Do they care that I tried to make them look just like the ones in Restoration Hardware?

I met them in the driveway (I was running late evacuating the house before their showing). They are a young couple, newly weds, last name "Martini". How cute is that?! I love that they will be growing a little family in this house.