The nearest major street is called Xing Fu Lu (幸福路) which means Happy Road. Also, just last week - our business partners found out that their apartment was sold and they had to move (gotta love the last minute changes here) so they began looking on this side of town. Low and behold - there is our exact apartment available 2 doors down the hall! Long-story-short: they moved in fast....and now we have Happy neighbors too. Its a wonderful gift - they have three kids (almost the same ages) and we all share the loves of ice cream, Settlers, China and many other Californian novelties. Now we can share the woes of old funky apartments too.
5.29.2008
concrete jungle beauty
The nearest major street is called Xing Fu Lu (幸福路) which means Happy Road. Also, just last week - our business partners found out that their apartment was sold and they had to move (gotta love the last minute changes here) so they began looking on this side of town. Low and behold - there is our exact apartment available 2 doors down the hall! Long-story-short: they moved in fast....and now we have Happy neighbors too. Its a wonderful gift - they have three kids (almost the same ages) and we all share the loves of ice cream, Settlers, China and many other Californian novelties. Now we can share the woes of old funky apartments too.
5.24.2008
renovations have begun!!
out on a date
Today we visited the ice cream shop - which is being gutted and cleaned out TODAY!... later walked to the bank, and to a yummy cafe for lunch. We fit a lot into three short hours, but its so nice to explore the city just the two of us. We also grabbed some sticky rice from a Uyghur vendor on the street. These ones are filled with all sorts of goodies - dates, raisins, or beans, wrapped in banana leaves. It comes served on a chopstick, rolled in sugar.
5.19.2008
a pause to remember
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It was just one week ago at 2:28pm when the earthquake struck, and we hear the situation is now in recovery/rebuild mode....and not so much rescue anymore. This is a hard thing for many to accept. I can't even imagine.
5.18.2008
2 weeks old
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bootie Nai-nai (奶奶 = grandma)
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5.15.2008
incredible connections
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A few days ago - our business partner and I went to meet with this man to learn about future distribution and marketing. When we got there, this man had sent a car to pick us up!! That's service! He took us on a tour of his brand new 7 million dollar factory (one of four) which is a lot for a factory in these parts. Then we met in his office which was filled with hundreds of books on Western business practices. He gave us some great advice for marketing our ice cream and the market positioning we might want to pursue. He was a really nice guy and we were thankful for his advice, since we know very little about what we are doing. It was interesting to see the big business side of this place where we live. In the end, we said goodbye, talked about playing ping-pong together soon and were sent off in one of his new SUVs to take us wherever we wanted to go.
5.14.2008
Chinglish #3 & #4
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Forbid to fishing enter the water frolic and build a fire: Obviously, these are forbidden as well. Campfires and water frolicking don't mix well.
This next one is kinda hard to read....
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No carving and drawing freely.
No spitting on the ground. (love this one!)
Cherish the communal facilities.
No carrying those that are easily burnt and bombed.
The management office.
I love their management office. They have brought so much joy to my life.
"I'm free!"
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It's incredible how fast our little Eden Sofia has grown, and what a beauty (inside & out) she has become. She teaches us so much about life, love and having the wonder of a child. This day was all about HER - the fish-themed party, the goodies, candles, puzzles, legos, cars that go vroom, octopus/ocean games, banana ice cream on a cone and (even) chocolate cereal. She asked me twice today to tell her the story of how she was born (this wasn't the first time!) and she listened intently to every detail. I love telling it to her, because she really is a miracle - and I want her to know how special and cared for she is. What a sweet gift to our family: her spunk, energy, sense of adventure, easy-going-attitude, yet unfailing determination definitely challenge our socks off. She is full of strengths and character and pure JOY that is such a delight to her fumu 父母 (parents). Happy birthday my curious monkey!
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5.12.2008
7.8 earthquake on Monday
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**Updated - over 8,000 people have died and many more are still trapped/missing. Buildings in some of the rural counties near the epicenter had as much as 80% of their buildings collapse according to some reports. It is the biggest earthquake to hit China in a very long time. We did not feel it at all though we have friends in the area of the quake.
5.11.2008
mommas day
mom's can change the world....
Here are some ways MOM'S* can leave a lasting impact: building security, identity, compassion & empathy, selflessness, tenderness, modeling a nurturing heart, a servant-heart, responsibility, dependence on God & hearing His voice, strength & sensitivity, being adventurous, playful, creative, energetic, fruitful, productive, kind, inspiring, devoted, prayerful, gentle, exemplary, a good listener, able to smile at challenges, insightful & wise, instilling value, setting boundaries, speaking with kind words & attitudes, problem-solving, giving unending love & grace, being available: teaching, cherishing, encouraging, listening, comforting, forgiving, showing patience, & giving the best hugs & cuddles.
*Everyone can impact the world, not just momma's!
goodbye PECK.
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He was only one week old, but he was loved. The girls cried when we had to "take him outside" and "let him go" this past week. He was still so small, weak and not flourishing. Poor daddy had to do the deed and put him out of his misery. We tried all we could to help him survive....but he just wasn't a healthy chick. It was a teary goodbye, but a great opportunity to talk about life & death. On the other hand - Silly is doing great. He's feisty and alert, and full of gumption! Now he's just a little lonely.
5.07.2008
simple conversations at the playground
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Are these your kids? All THREE of them?
How old are you? Do you live here?
Do you rent or own your apartment?
How much is your rent? (this is a typical one!)
Do you want more kids? Don't you want a BOY?
Can I have one of your kids? (I think this is a joke, but everyone asks)
Are you afraid that someone will take one of your kids? (I wasn't, before that question)
And my favorite conversation from yesterday:
little Chinese boy: Is that one a boy or girl?
me: She's a girl. <smile & pause> Are you a boy or girl? <my attempt at a joke>
little Chinese boy: Boy.
<awkward pause>
me: (laughing) I was just joking. I know you are a boy!
little Chinese boy: he begins to laugh, then says: Look at that fat boy. He is very fat!
5.06.2008
Visa rollercoaster
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5.03.2008
el pollo loco??
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This is SILLY chick. Named 'Silly' because he likes to jump in the water dish to get a drink. This was cause for much laughter and hilariousness. Silly has a dark patch of fuzz on his head to distinguish himself from....PECK.
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I will keep you posted.
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Happy Labor Day (weekend)
Most "laborers" get the day off work (unless they work in retail, food or tourism) on May 1st. The streets are crowded and full of life & color. All the parks officially open for the Spring/Summer seasons, and the crowds are out in full force. And yes, we decided to brave the masses - making a visit to a favorite park.
With three little girls - we can tend to be one of the "main attractions." We are constantly followed by a crowd with cameras, cell phones - all wanting pictures of the white kids. We may know a smidgen of what celebrities feel like when followed by the Paparazzi. Today - Asia was amazing when dealing with the crowds: she was determined to have a better attitude, and just ignore all the attention. I was so proud of her choices today, as she really abhors the crowds and lack of personal space.
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