quick update

I had, just a moment ago, written the most brilliant blog post ever about the greatest things in life. But then the internet conked out and the heartbreakingly wonderful strings of words got trashed somewhere into the infernal space of Buddhist hell.

Suffice it to say, I'm glad to be able to access blogger again. I wonder why blogger's banned but not wordpress in China. Oh, the mysteries of life. Or at least the irrational, odd workings of the Chinese government's mind.

almost there

Today might be the last day we stay at the hotel. Even though our stay is subsidized by Zhejiang University, there's still something so luxurious in concept about living at a hotel that I'm growing more and more uncomfortable about staying here and increasingly eager to move into our (small) apartment.

We've turned on the electric and water. We've hired a cleaning lady to clean the entire apartment except for the windows and stove (which doesn't come with her package). We've arranged for new A/C units to replace the broken ones. We've bought new bedding, pillows, towels, kitchen appliances, and line-dry equipment. Today, the wireless internet guy's scheduled to come and set things up, and our washing machine needs to be replaced in order to handle my son's dirty diapers and our growing mound of sweat-stained clothes.

We are almost ready to check out and move in, officially.

Quick observations that are marked differences from how things are in the States:

1. People don't eat much meat here at all. Between my husband and me, we've probably eaten the equivalent of a chicken drumstick in meat quantity so far in the entire week we've been here. Meals here are predominantly vegetables and tofu of various kinds with lots and lots of white rice. Even when you order dishes with meat as part of their names.

2. Cigarette smoking is everywhere.

3. Babies are the most effective icebreaker between strangers. Random people everywhere would stop and grab or pat my son without greeting me or my husband. It was a bit startling at first; I think we're used to it now. It's really nice to see people making funny faces at my son wherever we go, especially because otherwise they would just stare at my very white husband and me like we're elephants that escaped from a zoo.

4. I used to think that the U.S. is the most expensive place to live. It's been really surprising during our one-day stop in Canada and now daily shopping in China to discover that, actually, the cost of living is pretty much the same abroad too. And with even less options.

5. Manual labor, cell phone plans, and internet service are still cheaper than in the States though.

On a quiet note, I've been having headaches and nausea quite a lot lately. We're going to try the pregnancy test again in two more weeks. Mixed feelings on what I would like the outcome to be.

spotty internet, so I shall be brief

Here in Hangzhou. Still exhausted, but can't sleep. Baby sleeping, so I'll expect him to not sleep tonight. It will be like when he's a newborn again. Since I now have experience, it doesn't scare me. I'm just grateful that he's doing well so far. Upon seeing the city, and where we'll be living, I have decided I won't have another kid until we're on our way out. We'll see. Maybe it gets better. Husband has gone off with a colleague to register with all the authorities. We are not in Kansas anymore.

E.J., you were so wrong to scoff at my concerns when you asked me how I felt about the impending move and I shared honestly. Then again, you are not a new mother and you haven't lived in China since you were a teenager; neither did you have to make all the decisions for your family's well-being, so I forgive you based on your immense ignorance.

I am thankful to God in getting us here so far. Over the four hour train ride, then the thirteen hour flight, with the power going off halfway and the last meal skipped due to excessive turbulence, then the three hour car ride while holding an unrestrained baby, all of us exhausted. If nothing else, this place makes me wish I have a stronger relationship with God. That in itself should be recognized as a wonderful thing.

my love affair with Seattle

- The crisp weather even in summer (compared to the roasting sauna that is Pittsburgh summer)

- Small but oh-so-delicious places to eat, like Uneeda Burger, Red Mills, Paseo, Facing East, Hiroki's, Caffe Vita, Dot's... just a few new places I've visited on this trip so far, not mentioning old favorites. And authentic, satisfying pho.

- Friendly people everywhere and polite drivers that actually yield to pedestrians.

- Green Lake. Woodland Park Zoo. Both walking distance from C.L.'s apartment.

- Lots of free neighborhood events, like a geo-caching block party.

- Farmers' markets galore!

And, of course, my friends and friends of friends that go way back and with whom I can really chill and be very silly with.

I'm glad I was able to make this stop prior to Tuesday's training it to Vancouver and flying away from this continent. Being able to rest up before the next exhausting stretch of travel is a wonderful luxury as well.

we're here! we're here!

In Seattle, that is. I have so many praises, but I'm too tired to really go into everything in detail. It's important though to remember flashes of this intense gratitude. For my husband who touted all the heaviest things from Pittsburgh to Memphis to C.L's. For my son who slept the majority of the time on both flights that totaled seven hours (the flights, not the nap lengths--otherwise that would *really* be something, wouldn't it?). It makes me a little less apprehensive about the 13 hour long flight awaiting us in about five days.

For friends in Pittsburgh who made it a point to hang out and make dinner for my little family every single night during our last week, who humored my excitement in planting a hibiscus plant on top of my son's placenta, now buried in our dear friends' yard. For prayers on our behalf, encouraging us and speaking with God regarding our fast approaching future with all its great unknowns. For all the family and friends who drove us to and fro and stayed up with us to repack all of our remaining belongings.

For C.L. taking the day off work and renting a zip car all day so our burdens were quickly and thankfully relieved for the moment. I am so, so blessed for all these undeserved blessings and wonderful gifts in my life. All these people, all their love. Thank You, God, so much.