For some reason, my senses are heightened here….maybe it’s the unfamiliar smells, or my subconscious telling me to be aware of my surroundings more…I seem to notice all sorts of things I wouldn’t necessarily notice at home. I am just so used to the comforts there, that it no...
The International School
There were so many years where I was exhausted from the playdates, snack making, craft hosting…being the “Science” mom, making sure I was at school at exactly 10:14 am with camera in hand…to watch the 5 minute Halloween parade and then participate in the party. The Christmas gifts that...
Same Same, but Different….
We heard this all the time when we were in Cambodia…it is a perfect saying for Beijing. There are so many things here that “look” the same – comforts from home but when you take a closer look, they really aren’t the same. Not at all. There are...
Outside
Anyone who knows me, knows I love to be outside. I sit outside until way past dark, reading or watching the sun set…thinking about things….messing with my plants…I’d rather be outside than pretty much anywhere else. In China, it’s a different experience but still one I enjoy, even when...
The Wild Goose Chase
Funny thing about living in China. The most random things are usually easy to find, if you ask the right person. And the seemingly normal items are usually impossible. For instance, things like over the counter drugs – pepto bismol, antibiotic ointments, ibuprofin, are impossible to buy. Fingernail polish...
A day in the life…also called “China Days”…
Sometimes your day goes just as you planned it. You get up, get the kids off to school, figure out what needs to get done and then actually get it done. You accomplish your tasks before the magical hour of 4 pm, when the kids come home. Snacks are...
The WWII Holiday
Holidays are always confusing to us….the ones at home seem to go by here without notice. It is harder to remember them when there are no outside cues. No Thanksgiving turkeys or end caps full of ingredients for green bean casserole – school is actually in session on Thanksgiving...
The 21st month
I have been really depressed lately….thinking a lot about where I am now…who I am now…and I realized that I have been living in China for 21 months. We hit the 21 month mark. The last time we lived here, we moved home at this time. It was a...