My Oh My! I'm in Shanghai!

So I'm in Shanghai, once again! It's been a blast though! I brought my computer this time...unfortunately, I didn't bring the charger. Sad day. I'm using the computer of the people we are staying with, but won't be writing a full post. I'll catch up tomorrow when we get home though, and fill you all in on my adventures here. Just thought I'd keep everyone updated on my whereabouts though!

 

Will write soon!

HoliDAY 2

Another eventful day thanks to the Dragon Boat Festival holiday!

 

Woke up yesterday morning and went walking with Denise. It felt so good to be out in the fresh morning air. Worked a bit more on my Chinese tan! It was nice though; I had a wonderful conversation with Denise about life and marriage, priorities and goals, and the power of thoughts. A great way to start a day, indeed!

 

In the afternoon we went to the oldest library in China, located right in Ningbo. It wasn't really a library, though. More like a museum; it reminded me of an old monastery. It was the old stone buildings midst vast, gorgeous gardens. Inside were tons of ancient, hand-bound books and stone-carved records. There was even a black bird in a cage saying "ni hao" and "hello" to the visitors! The grounds, of course, were my favorite. Just like in Europe. I love imagining people from hundreds of years ago, in the traditional Chinese dress, walking around those grounds, scrolls in hand. It really was beautiful. I'll see if I can post some pictures later on... most of them have the girls in them, and I don't want to go posting pictures of other people's children on the Internet.

 

After the library, we all piled in the van and took off to an antique market. (As in cheap, dirty things trying to pass as antique.) There are a TON of trinkets and beads lined up on the outdoor carts. And if you touch it, they are gonna do their best to get you to buy it. They put things in your hands, hand things to you, try to put on necklaces and bracelets, call after you...anything to make a sell. They'll start really high with their price, and then you barter down. We were able to bargain things down to below 60% what was originally offered. And even then they are still getting a good deal out of it. What makes it hard is that they are really good actors. They know they can get people to pay more by making them feel bad, especially tourists. It's kind of a dilemma, because since you don't know how much things are actually worth and what they paid, you don't want to rip the sellers off. They are trying to make a living, and I'm just glad I don't have to barter trinkets and junk to feed my family. But at the same time you shouldn't pay any more than what you're willing, 'cuz even when you do get the price low, they are still making minimum of 100-200% margins. It was fun though, I got to practice my bartering just a little. Hopefully I'll get the chance to fine tune my skills even more!

 

We headed home with our treasures, and relaxed for the rest of the evening. I spent it with the girls while Denise and Troy met up with some friends for dinner. We went on a bike ride to pick up Izzy, and played around all evening. Even got Haley asleep and in bed before they got home from dinner. Now that is talent! 

 

 

 

 

A Day on the Town

Let me start with a disclaimer that if my post isn't as descriptive/entertaining/edited/clear/well-written/anything-else-it-normally-is, it's because it's super late and I'm super tired, and I have no ability to edit it tomorrow... take what you can get though, right? Bummer too, it's a long one!

 

So I've been able to spend quite a bit of time out of the house these past couple of days, and it's been great!

 

Yesterday we sent Jenny and Grace (two girls that work for us) home early, and took the afternoon to relax! I wandered around outside, across a pond (there were steps) and found myself a bench in the sun, surrounded by plants, and did a little reading. It felt so good to be out in the open with sun on my skin. I've been in Utah winter too long!

 

The girls are on holiday today and tomorrow due to the Dragon Boat Festival (feel free to educate yourselves: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duanwu_Festival), which means no work for us! The girls friends (1/2 Chinese 1/2 Australian), Izzy and Josie, spent the night, and this morning we all headed out for lunch and to visit China's oldest library! Because of the holiday, Mr. Joe (our driver) was off as well, so we were left to splitting up into two taxis. I still haven't talked about the traffic yet, have I? Hmm...I'll do that soon. That's an adventure in and of itself!

 

Due to a late start, we started out with lunch at a restaurant called Hot Pot. If you've ever been to the Melting Pot, you'll have an idea of what it was like. (I haven't explained my food/restaurant experiences yet either, have I? Man, I've a lot to catch up on!) Anyway, the food was really good, but I'm just glad we all made it out alive! There were eight of us sitting around a circular table with a giant boiling pot in the middle. The idea is that you order a bunch of raw meat, veggies, and dumplings, and cook it yourself in the pot! Note that aside from me and Denise, the oldest was 13 and the rest progressively younger, you can see the danger of 16 hands dropping, searching, and reaching over a giant boiling pot of broth. Pretty sure none of us got away without battle scars. And pretty sure they aren't going to let us come back. The servers and manager were a little less nervous by the end, they did stop hovering. Though, they might of regretted it after having to clean up Haley's shattered glass...and our food and broth covered table. The thing is, because we're American, everyone is so fascinated with our group that we can kind of get away with being clumsy, loud, and disastrous. Either way, the food was really good and we were entertaining, if not for everyone else then at least for ourselves!

 

After lunch we headed off to find two more taxis, but to no avail. We decided to start walking towards Wanda (the mall) since it was just down the road, where there was sure to be a plethora of taxis. We walked past shops, stopped in a few, and really just enjoyed being out in China! I may not be as dark as as everyone is getting back home, but none of you can say you have a Chinese tan! (I take what I can get here, okay?) I also got my exercise in for the day running back to the first store we stopped in when I couldn't find my purse. It wasn't there. Turns out Haley was sitting on it in the stroller. I wasn't complaining though, better than the dirty sneak I was imagining that stole it!

 

Once at Wanda and thoroughly warmed up (all the girls decided to run back with me) we decided we needed ice cream to cool down. By the time we made it though the stores, to McDonald's, ate our ice cream, and back out to the taxis, we figured the library was an adventure to be saved for tomorrow.

 

The girls went to their friends house and Denise and I came home and watched a movie. Confessions of a Shopaholic. It was a cute flick, plus the main character had a stellar first name! :) 

 

All in all, a very good day. And I am thoroughly exhausted! I better get to bed...Denise and I are getting up early tomorrow morning to exercise. Go us!

Another Day, Another Dollar...

...Except for the whole dollar part.

 

I really wish I had more interesting and crazy stories for you, but things are still pretty mellow around here. Well, as mellow as you get with 8 people under one roof; five under the age of 11.

 

I've just been working, keeping myself busy getting things going with our company.  (The company of which I am part owner!) I haven't really spent any time at all in the office. Our company is starting to gain some momentum though, which is exciting! That's been pretty much consuming my time and energy.

 

I'm halfway through my stay here, which is kind of crazy when I think about it. Three and a half weeks seems like awhile, but I know it will fly by considering it hardly seems like I've been here for any time at all. I've already finished two books, am currently reading two more, have started a daily health regime, and am making plans with Denise to have a fulfilling China experience. At that rate, I'll be home before I even know what happened. It will be good though, to keep my mind and body busy; I function the best that way.

 

I look forward to the coming weeks, as well as summer. I have time to focus on myself and things I've been wanting to work on. I'm finally in a place where I can, and I have no reason not to. I'm breaking old habits and starting new ones. They say it takes 21 days, so I have the perfect amount of time here to focus on getting things solidified and routine before I get back home. (No, I don't know who "they" are; yes, I'm trusting them anyway).

 

Who says resolutions are only for new years? (And don't tell me "they"...)

Sunday Night and All is Well

I know it seems the blogging has slowed a bit, but it's been a fairly kickback, relaxing weekend. We had a rainy day Saturday, only venturing out to wander around Wanda (the local mall). Lots more encounters with people stopping and gathering around to watch. A few we had to shoo away to keep from touching Maddie. No pictures this time, but we couldn't stop at all without people stopping, crowding around, and following us. Probably because we had the whole family there. I told Denise, I'd have to be in a really good mood to deal with that all day long. 

 

Other than that though, we just kinda hung out all weekend. This morning we had church. Still no sacrament, but we did listen to one of President Uchtdorf's talks, which was really good. Two people here teaching English stopped by and ate lunch with us (both members) as well as one of Troy's US colleagues. I got the chance to spend some time with McKenna, the oldest. I painted her nails as we had some fun girl-chat, then joined her in watching Aladdin. (Forgot how much I like that movie). I'm really glad I got to spend some time with her though, one on one. She's an extremely bright, mature girl for her age, and I think she was excited to have some time to "hang-out" with just me, sans all her younger sisters around. The more I get to know these girls, especially on an individual basis, the more I love them. It's a wonderful family, and I really feel privileged to be staying with them.

 

On another note, you know, sometimes things happen that seem completely random and out of the blue. And even if it isn't clear why or how, you have an ever so subtle feeling that looking back, it is going to be something you really needed. Sorry, one of those things I'm going to mention without really explaining. But once again, I find myself counting my blessings.

 

Ps, saw a really cool quote from a friend today on faceplace..."Do not ask the Lord to guide your footsteps if you are not willing to move your feet"

Mmmm...Massage!

You know, I figured there would be a lot of things I would do in China that I've never experienced before. Lucky me, one of them turned out to be a facial and massage! It's been a busy week getting things under way with the company. Denise decided we needed a break, so we took a girls afternoon out. Her, me, and Jenny (a really sweet Chinese girl working for us) went and got pampered. It felt soooo good! We had it all, wrapped in towels, heads face down in holes in the table, hair wrapped back, masks that peeled off... something every girl yearns for! I only wish we could have hired them to do house service, and right before bed, so I could fall asleep after! Alright, alright, I'll stop making you all jealous now! Not much to the rest of my day, just a quite evening at home. McKenna and Bri were at a birthday party and I babysat the younger three while Troy and Denise went on a date.

 

Tomorrow the family committed to going to some international kids day celebration they were asked to attend. They've all made it clear they do not want to go. Troy was asking Denise why they couldn't just say no; his argument being why not? We say no to tons of stuff like drugs and drinking...why not this? I thought it was a good argument, but Denise said they had to, it's their community service. Just glad I'm not part of the community and get to sleep in while they leave at 7am! I'm excited, though, because we're going to a market in the afternoon. Nothing like retail therapy, I say!

 

Well that's all for tonight. I'm not liking not being able to read what I've written. I forget what I've said and don't know how much to fill in. So forgive me if I repeat myself, and pray I don't leave anything out! Until next post...

A quick post before bed

So, my wonderful sister figured out how to set up email posting for me, so I guess this will be the test! I won't be able to check it but hopefully everything posts according to plan!

 

Nothing extremely newsworthy this week. I've just been playing with the girls, and I've been working from home with our company, doing research. After some pretty intense consideration I decided to leave the fast track to a 30-year career to focus on the entrepreneurial end and help build this company with Denise. I won't get into my reasoning too much, but this just worked out better with my plans and my passions. I'll gonna work enough in the office for it to be beneficial on my resume, but my efforts and focus will be with our company. I really think things are working out amazingly, and I'm excited to see where we go. I've been so blessed with this opportunity to be here in China, for numerous different reasons. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I have no doubt in my mind that this is where I am supposed to be.

 

Let's see, we did have a little excitement tonight. I was in my room reading my journal when the girls start shouting my name from downstairs. I go down to find them all standing up on the back of the couch, huddled in terror, looking up at the bathroom directly behind me. Confused, I asked them what was going on. They pointed and stuttered something about a bug in the bathroom (not an uncommon occurrence, mind you). I peeked my head in, seeing nothing, when suddenly a HUGE cockroach came bolting around the side of the toilet. I jumped back, letting out a shriek and quickly slid the door closed, which only elicited more screams from the girls. I handed Denise the raid spray as she came up to save the day. Problem was, as she hesitantly opened the door, questioning whether the thing could fly, it came pouncing out of the bathroom spreading it's ugly wings! We both shrieked and ran back behind the table. (More screams from the couch dwellers downstairs). The house was filled with squeals and screams as me and Denise pushed each other forward, urging the other to be braver than the roach. By the time we got it flicked to the entry and I smashed it with my shoe, Haley and the baby were in tears with everyone else still flipping out. It took a little courage, a little killing, a little calming, then a little coaxing before we got everyone back up to the table to finish homework. I walked back up the stairs telling them next time they called my name, I was staying in my room!

 

Long time, no blog!

I know what you’re all saying, “About time!” And it’s true. I’ve lots to catch up on. But one post at time!

So turns out we didn’t end up going to Hong Kong this weekend. Not that we didn’t try! And oh, how we tried! Think to the movies with people running through airports; full out sprint with people jumping out of the way…Now imagine it as a family of white Americans tearing through Shanghai as the Chinese vacate the path seconds before being trampled, as they are busy staring and pointing at the 8 fair skinned brunettes. Yeah, that pretty much sums it up.

The thing is we get enough attention as it is without creating a scene. The culture bounds here are extremely different…as in there really aren’t any. People will walk right up and watch, staring like we’re in a zoo. A zoo would probably be better; at least there would be bars and glass to keep them from touching the girls’ and baby’s skin and hair. I’ve already had a picture taken of me, Denise, and Haley while we were out shopping. It’s crazy. I talked to the family about it. They said it bothered them at first, but they got used to it. It just depends on their mood and the kind of day their having. I just don’t know what to do. Do I look at and acknowledge the people who come to watch, or pretend I don’t see them standing there, their awkward toothy grins that kind of just stick as they stare. I wonder what would happen if mouth slightly open, eyebrows ever so slightly furrowed in confusion and head cocked to the side, I stopped dead in my tracks and stared back. I digress. More stories to come about that. Back to our airport brigade.

We’d just driven 3 hours to Shanghai in a car with no shocks that sounds like it’s literally about to fall apart under us. I did, however, explain to the girls what shocks were and how they worked in under a minute! (Sorry everyone, only my immediate family will get that one). We’d then waited two hours for Troy, who was delayed because of swine flu mania. So there we were, running through to a whole other terminal with all our carry-ons, a luggage pusher cart, a double stroller, and girls in tow, to check into our flight scheduled to leave in 45 min. We made it to the counter (completely deserted of customers) and after some frantic calls and printed passes we were once again running, this time after the attendant taking us to the gate. Unfortunately security is as far as we got. After handing over 8 passports and them comparing our sweaty faces to our pictures, they wouldn’t let us through because 4-month old Maddie didn’t have a visa.

We ended up staying at the airport hotel, going to the consulate in the morning, then driving back to Ningbo. Despite it being a crazy 28 hours, it was actually a lot of fun! Hectic maybe, but now that everything is worked out, it was a crazy, fun experience! We were straight out of a movie running through the airport. And the three older girls stayed in my room and we had a fun little slumber party at the hotel! We may have not made it to Hong Kong, but it was fun to even change the scenery for the weekend! I’m glad I was there to help out with the girls, and now I know the airport really well for when I come home! Turns out only Troy has to go to Hong Kong now, but me and Denise are seeing what we can work out for as part of our business trip we’re attempting to organize!

And you never know, sister, maybe this was all so we wouldn’t end up acidified! It’s all about counting our blessings!

So I find myself reminded....

So I find myself reminded that I am living in a communist country. I went to write a new post the other day, only to find blogspot and blogger have been blocked by the Chinese Government. And here I thought things would be so much easier than when I attempted to blog in France. That's what I get for hoping. Apparently it goes back and forth quite often so we'll see if it gets unblocked before I leave, but for now I'm relying on sending my posts to my mom; hopefully you all are reading the same thing I sent her. She's gonna use this as leverage against me now to be nice and call more often. Only playing, I love you mom! (You'd think I'd be more careful since not only could she post whatever she wanted without me knowing, she would!) Either way, hopefully I'll be keeping her busy here soon as I get reorganized once again. If you have any questions, comments, or snide remarks, please email me as well as commenting, just so I can read it too! rlforbush122@gmail.com Will post soon!

Exciting News!

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I'm going to Hong Kong!

Originally, I was going to be going on a short business trip this weekend. We were going to go to one of our factories that is 4 hours away, leaving on Thursday and returning on Friday. Neat, I thought, but more for the experience considering I wouldn't be much help. Plans changed though, as they always seem to! Due to some confusion and paperwork delays, Denise and the family all have to go to Hong Kong to get their visa's renewed. Turns out they can't even book their flights without having 1 adult to every 2 kids. It seems ridiculous, but there isn't really time to get around it. Ere go, I get to go to Hong Kong with them! It'll be quite a trip for just a weekend, but I'm excited! We'll leave Ningbo tomorrow (Thurs) around 2pm and drive the 3 hours out to Shanghai where we'll meet up with Troy to catch our flight to Hong Kong. I don't think we're coming back until Monday, so I'm sure we'll end up going to the branch there. When the girls found out I was coming they exploded in cheers (which no doubt made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside), so we should have a fun weekend.

I've been told to count my blessings because it's more like I'm on a vacation than an internship. Believe me, I'm counting! I keep thinking about how everything about coming and being here has been laid out so perfectly. I know this is definitely where I am supposed to be right now; it just furthers my conviction that everything happens for a reason. I'm learning invaluable lessons and am excited for my remaining 5 1/2 weeks!

Random...

Two of the cutest things I've seen since being here:

First:
I was on my way home from work one day looking out the windows, watching the traffic (I'll have to explain how crazy it is in a later post) and marveling at the fact that I'm in China. I turned to my right to watch the scooter-ists drive along beside us. There, framed in my passenger window, was a guy and a girl riding on a scooter. They were younger, probably in their twenty's, and both fairly fashionable (by China's standards). The guy was driving, sunglasses on. The girl was sitting on the back of the scooter side-saddle, facing me. She was leaning against him, right arm wrapped around his waist, and her head resting on his back, eyes closed. I wish I had my camera to try and capture the world they seemed lost in; just the two of them, far away and unaware of the noise of the traffic and the myriad of people surrounding them. Call it my inner romantic, but I couldn't tear my eyes away.

Second:
I've had the chance to see many cute moments between Denise and her daughters, but this one topped them all. We all decided to go for a walk, just to be outside for awhile. The three oldest were on their bikes while I walked and Denise pushed Haley and Maddie in the stroller. On the way, home Aubrey got tired and decided to ride on the back of McKenna's bike. I insisted Denise ride Aubrey's bike, as she had just been telling me how it rode so smooth and she loved to ride. I took over pushing the stroller and we were once again on our way. Mckenna took off with Aubrey, leaving me pushing the stroller after Denise and Brianna. At one point, Brianna reached out to grab her Mom's hand as they were riding. It took just a minute to master the balance, but they rode like that the rest of the way home. It was one of the most precious scenes I've ever been privileged to witness. The sun was setting on a beautiful day as I watched Mom and daughter ride up the street, hand in hand, laughing and giggling. At that moment, there was nothing else more important to either one of them. It was just another day. As time goes on I'm sure the memory will fade as I'm not sure they even took note, but for me it was etched permanently into my mind.

Lastly:

You can't get much better than making a baby laugh! I help out with 4-month old Maddie whenever I get the chance, and I'll tell you, there is nothing like having a baby smile at you. You know it's not superficial, it's not out of courtesy, they aren't pretending. It's honest and it's true. And it's one of the best feelings in the world.

Coming to you from the future!

Monday, Monday! And it's another beautiful day here in Ningbo!

I'm off from the office today and working with Denise this afternoon. I just got off of a conference call with Troy, and I'm getting really excited about starting this company! Working at the office is going to be really great for my experience and background, but starting this company is actually going to be doing something! We have the resources to get something going here, we have strengths and connections in sourcing that most other companies just don't have. We have not only the potential, but the ability to truly be successful; and that's exciting! I think it will be slow going at first, but it's always that way when things are getting started. I'm looking forward to getting this thing off the ground and continue working with it state-side!

Alright, enough about that, I'm going to get too excited to write straight! It's Monday, like I said, and I've already had a wonderful morning! It's Mother's Day back home, and I got to speak to lots of people who are important to me! I really wish I could have been home actually; nearly all of my family was there, which doesn't happen too often. We're usually missing one cousin or another, and I'm pretty sure we were only missing one this time...unless I just didn't see him. Hey, I shouldn't be complaining though, I was able to see and talk to them through the magic of the Internet! I didn't have that luxury while I was in France. Granted, after silly antics and funny faces, they probably were reminded why they normally don't mind having me far away, only coming home to visit!

Speaking of family though, it's been nice to have some around, even if they aren't my own. Aside from checking my email and blogging, I spend most of my time with the girls. We played around most of Saturday afternoon and hung out Sunday after church. Speaking of which, there are hardly any members here in Ningbo. And when I say hardly, I mean none. Yesterday was just me, Denise, and the girls. There was no priesthood, so we couldn't have the sacrament. We just had primary then watched a church movie. It's definitely different than having the structure of the church, but it was a neat experience. I really admire Denise and how she keeps the gospel present in her girls lives. Scriptures and Family Prayer every night, family home evening, reading scriptures stories in the car on the way to school... she really does an amazing job. I knew I'd be learning a lot about business while I was here, but I wasn't expecting to learn a lot about being a parent. If possible, I'm becoming even more excited to become a mom!

Non-China Musings

I know this doesn't really relate to me being in China, but I guess by reading my blog you are subject to me sharing my thoughts. I was in the middle of writing my post about food when a song about Mary and the Savior's birth came on my shuffle. I had to stop and listen.

I can't imagine the thoughts and feelings of those who who were present as they looked at that little baby. They must have been in awe as they tried to comprehend that this little child, this little baby boy, would be their salvation. He would be the key to change their eternity. Can you imagine holding in your arms a baby and knowing that, because he was born, your life, your eternity, would be completely different? What a feeling, to be so close and experience moments that were so pivotal for the entire world. Everything about it is nearly unfathomable. There could only be one. Think for a second how scary that is. There was no backup Savior, no second string Redeemer. We had to put all of our eggs in one basket. He had no missteps, no second tries. And He didn't let us down. Among everything else asked of him he didn't just make it. He didn't stop at suffering for our sins; he felt every pain and sorrow, every trial and tribulation. Simply so He could help us. He did not want us to feel alone. And because of Him, we never will be. It's a love I can't even comprehend.

"...and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities." -Alma 7:12

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved." -John 3 16:17

Saturday Already!

I know, I know, about time right!? My, so impatient! Well read appeased, because I have lots of time right now.

I have been here for a week now, and I'm feeling a little like a full sponge. I've soaked things up to my absorption capacity, but I'm still in a bucket full of water! It's nice to have a little time to decompress and get all my thoughts organized.

Work went really well these past three days. I stayed busy, which helped a lot. I've decided, though, that I am just not cut for the 9-5 thing. If I'm busy then I'm good for about 6 hours. Eight, though, is just too much to be in an office. Honestly, I would love to spend all day at home, playing with the girls and getting stuff done. They aren't even my family, but I still can't come up with a single reason why spending twice as much time at work is better than spending it with them. I wouldn't mind an unconventional 8 hour job, doing something I loved, but not spending it in an office. I think that is why I am so excited to work with Denise starting this company. I've always loved entrepreneurial type of stuff, I've just never had a good enough idea to build off of. This is great because I like the implementation and mechanics behind it more anyway. It's right up my ally!

Like I said, the office has kept me busy though the past few days; lots of training in how everything works and overviews of individuals' jobs. On Tuesday and Wednesday I went with two of the girls to visit two of our factories to discuss business. Okay, they did the discussing and I sat and thought about how I wish I knew Chinese. It was interesting to see though, and they took us out to eat both times. That was an experience within itself though, so the food will have it's own post!

Let's see, what else... The other night the girls Drama/Art teacher, Sylvie, joined us for dinner. She's 24 and from Australia. She's a lot of fun! Denise, her, and I are planning a trip for just the three of us to go to Shanghai and spend a night there. Actually, they are always coming up with stuff they should take me to do and to see. It's so nice! So much different than in Europe where our Madame wouldn't even give us a 20 min ride to the city to catch our flight during the strikes. I feel more at home here after a week than I did after 3 months in France. It's wonderful!

Aside from that I've just been spending time with the girls. We had a girls night last night, all piled on my bed surfin' the net! Then we moved it downstairs for a movie! They're all at a friends birthday swimming party right now (hence my time to blog) but we'll do something this afternoon. Alrighty, gonna take a little break before making another post. Stay tuned!

A non update...

So, I have a lot to talk about, but none that I'm going to in this post. Mean, you say? Probably. But hey, I gotta do what I gotta do to keep you few coming back for more. Things have gotten a little busy; I only have four hours between when I get home and when I try to get to bed. Doesn't leave much time when there's dinner to be eaten, girls to be played with, and a bed to be slept in. I haven't forgotten you, however. And not to worry, I'll have plenty of time to catch up this weekend slash Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. I have those days off to work with Denise with the company we're going to be starting.

I do have lots to share though! My second days at work, my first two authentic Chinese meals (not your chow mein, orange chicken, and sweet and sour pork), Traffic, the fam, my new Australian friend... there's just so much to tell! Not tonight though. I'm way tired and it's past my bedtime. I know, I know...don't hate me. :)

It's 3am and all is well...

Unfortunately I wish I didn't know that. I may have gone to bed a little too early. I'll tell you what though, it sure felt like I could sleep for 10 hours when I was going to bed! And if I was good I'd shut my computer and at least try, but I just can't help thinking how I'm going to be tired tomorrow anyway so why should I miss this prime time when everyone back home is awake? Either way, end results of jet lag induced insomnia: a new post. Lucky you!

So yesterday was my first day of work, and my predictions were correct. My new slacks did look good, and my expression was one of confusion. However, I didn't expect the confused looks I got from the other employees when I spoke too fast or used too complex of a sentence structure. That did mix it up a little. These first few days are going to be a little rough. The mere fact that I'm starting a new job is cause enough, and on top of that I'm dealing with a communication barrier. Troy is in the US on business for the next week and a half and left it up to the office workers to show me the ropes. They've been showing me the job of each department and in between I have been pouring over a ton of files that troy left me on a thumb drive.

I'm looking forward to working with Denise, Troy's wife, and her company she's starting up. I think I'll enjoy it a lot more. They both have seemed really excited about me working with Denise, so who knows, maybe I'll end up working more with her and less at the office. Even if not, I only have 24 days of working in the office. (The weekly plan thus far is to work 4 days with Troy, and 1 day with Denise.) Seems like hardly anything when I think about it that way.

Work aside, I really love being here. The girls are great and Denise has made me feel at home. The 3 year old, Haley, has taken a special liking to me. It's a little unnerving because she acts and looks very similar to me when I was her age. She's quite a little Tasmanian, so mom, you can rest easy, I'm getting my payback! I love it though!

Well, I better try to get back to sleep before I regret this too much tomorrow. Another day down!

Jet Lag... fight against slumber...

For those of you who don't already know, let me explain my unnecessarily long URL. It started when I spent 3 months in Europe and despite travelling and unreliable Internet, I attempted to start a blog of my adventures. Ergo, sonowifindmyselfinparis.wordpress.com was created. Yes, there was a double meaning. Yes, it was intended. Either way, after a series of events I now find myself in China! And this time I intend to continue this blog through the end of my stay. (A much easier feat now that I have continuous access to a reliable Internet connection.)



So, at the moment, I've come down with a terrible case of desynchronosis. (Jet lag, for those of you who aren't completely informed through wikipedia). It's 5:30pm here in Ningbo, 3:30am in Provo, 2:30am in Riverside, and I'm fighting with everything I have to not fall asleep with my eyes open. And you thought this blog was to keep everyone informed... really, it's just a means to help combat my jet lag. Granted this won't be near as bad as when I come home, when after 20 hours of travelling, I'll arrive in LA only 55 mins after I leave Shanghai. I'll sleep across that bridge when I come to it, though.



Yesterday, I at least arrived in time to crash in bed. And I hope the world enjoyed Sunday, because I never experienced it. I left Saturday about noon and didn't get to Tokyo until Sunday afternoon. They finally let us de-board after assuring we didn't have sickness of the swine. By the time I got to Ningbo after the 3 hour flight and 3 hour drive, it was 12:30 am Monday morning.



Troy (my boss and host) is actually in the good 'ol USofA right now, but his wife Denise has been especially accommodating. Troy and Denise have 5 beautiful daughters whom I've already been able to spend lots of time with. I'll have to include pictures and descriptions later on, but I have a feeling I'll be getting pretty attached. I'm finally getting to play the big sister role.


Work starts tomorrow, so hopefully that will go well. I'm mostly concerned about being able to understand Lola. I'm really hoping it was just because I was tired, but last night coming home from the airport it took me awhile to understand that it was the weather she was asking me about. At least I'll look cute in my new work slacks and cardigan as I stand smiling and confused. You can picture it; comprehension completely vacant, my mouth hanging sort of open, not sure whether to go into a half smile while I decide whether I can get away with a nod and a nervous laugh or if I'm supposed to be responding to a question. Yeah. Wish me luck.


Well, it's early to bed for me tonight but for now, must... stay... awake....