There are a ton of "just go with it" moments in China. Things just take longer here. Going to the grocery store, getting from one place to another, communicating, understanding, it all just takes longer. A lot of things are inconvenient, or don't turn out the way I expect them to.
Sometimes things happen... that aren't exactly normal. Often, I am shocked, or surprised, or thrown off guard... or repulsed, or just plain frustrated. But instead of reacting based on my emotions... I often find that the better response is to "just go with it".
And today, I had to "just go with it" a few too many times... and now you get the privelege of me unbottling all my confusions and frustrations that I experienced today. But I promise, in the moment, I "just went with it"...
10:00 TURNS INTO 2:00
So, to start with, our Chinese friends here are very helpful. Sometimes... a little too helpful and their thoughtfulness has been known to put me in some uncomfortable situations.
A few months ago, my Chinese teacher had a friend who just opened a photo shoot studio and wanted Emily to come take some pictures. The deal was that we would get the pictures for free if they could hang Em's picture in their studio, which was fine with us. So, they sent me the pictures through email. I had heard that most studios will make a photo album for a very low price, so I asked if they would do this with Emily's pictures, but this studio didn't have the necessary means to do it.
So... my Chinese teacher was determined to make it happen for us. She gave her husband's friend my phone number and he calls me and says he has a friend who can make an album with Emily's photos. So, I put them on a USB and we had plans to meet at 10:00 this morning and (I thought) we had an appointment for 11:00 at the studio.
Well, you guessed it... 10:00 turned into 2:00. We still met him at 10:00, but as we got in the car with him and his daughter (who is Emily's age), he told me that his friend was busy this morning and could "probably" meet with us at 1:00. My every instinct was to jump out of the car and go home. I knew right then it was going to be a long day. But instead of coming off as rude and ungrateful... I decided to "just go with it".
So, he suggested we go hang out at IKEA until 1:00.... which I thought was random and a little awkward since IKEA is nowhere close to our house. But half-way to IKEA, he explained that the photo studio was "close" to IKEA. So, we went to IKEA and stayed there for over 2 hours before making it to the studio at 2:00!
IKEA... AND JUST PLAIN AWKWARD
So... picture this scenario in The States: Single American woman and her 5 year old daughter hanging out at IKEA with a married Chinese man and his 5 year old daughter. They walk around IKEA, looking at different living room settings and then dine together in the IKEA cafeteria. And the 2 little girls insist on sitting by each other, so the married man sits right next to the single woman while the 2 adults sit across from their daughters.
They then proceed to look at the rest of the bedroom and kitchen models as he describes everything with flowers and hearts on it as "romantic" because that is the English word that makes sense to him when he sees flowery and hearty things... Little does he know, married men don't really walk around with single women talking about "romantic" living room set-ups and "romantic" wall displays while the 2 daughters are running, laughing and holding hands.
And everyone, and I mean EVERYONE is staring.
Yep, that was me today.
And. It. Was. AwKwArD...
And all I could really do was... Just. Go. With. It.
THE PHOTO STUDIO AND MORE AWKWARDNESS...
So we showed up for our 11:00 "appointment" at 2:00, (because the studio that was "close" to IKEA was actually 20 minutes away).
SKETCH...
VERY SKETCHY...
SHACK-LIKE...
BROKEN DOOR...
DARK STAIRWAY...
But, two very nice people and a decent photo studio at the top of the rustic stairs and musky smell.
So, I gave the photo guy my USB, and he immediately said the pictures were too small and in the wrong format. Here we go...
They called my Chinese teacher, so she could call her other friend who took the photos in the first place. We waited while he re-formated them and sent them through email.
(Insert Jeopardy song here...)
Then, the guy decided he wanted to do a photo shoot with Emily. Right then, with her thrown-up ponytail and dirty feet from running all over the studio barefoot during the Jeopardy song.
My rule of thumb for this is if Emily wants to do it, we do it. If she doesn't, we don't. And she did. So, the photo guy said that if we let him take pictures of Emily, he would give me the photo album for free. Score!
So I thought...
Here's the "more awkwardness" part...
An hour later, after the photo shoot, we start talking photo albums, and pictures, and prices. And I ask questions, and they laugh, and start speaking really fast, in Chinese, and I don't understand anything... at all... except for the fact that I misunderstood them.
And that's awkward, too.
But what do you do?
But, just go with it...
So, I think in 2 weeks we may be getting a photo album, I think I have to pay for it, but I think I am also getting free photos that were taken today... But I also think I have to pay to make those into an album. I'm not really sure...
All I know is that what I thought would be similar to a 2 hour Walgreens Photo run.... turned into an all-day event.
And if I would have known that we weren't just going to "Walgreens", I may have worn something other than my pajamas...
Ah... JUST. GO. WITH. IT.
Oh, it wasn't a completely wasted day... Emily did make a new friend. :)
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Sunday, June 24, 2012
thoughts on perseverance...
noun
Perseverance is commitment, hard work, patience,
endurance.
Perseverance is being able to bear difficulties calmly and
without complaint.
Perseverance is trying again and again.
1. steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.
We've all had opportunities to give up and we've all had opportunities to persevere. In the past year, I've had friends who have had to endure really, really tough situations. People have lost loved ones, lost their homes, experienced split families, left people they love and places they call home. People have been diagnosed with cancer, been put in the hospital, had to quit their jobs to take care of family members. Life changes all the time. Circumstances are out of our control. Things are often hard. And we have a choice to make.
Living overseas this past year has really broadened my perspective on perseverance and persevering is often a choice I have to make on a daily basis. Some days are easier than others, but on the days that aren't... I have a choice to make.
Here are some of my thoughts on perseverance that I came across in my journal that I had written a couple of months ago:
PERSEVERANCE Thursday, 3-29-12, 9:36 p.m.
During trials, there are always two choices. I can give up or I can persevere.
Perseverance is what's gotten me through this life.
If I'd given up every time things were hard, I'd be in a really bad place.
There are times when I've wanted to give up, but after considering the consequences, clearly... my only choice was to persevere.
But what about the times when the giving up looks good? And the consequences are actually what I think I want? And the outcome to giving up looks better than persevering?
THAT'S WHEN I...
"Lean not on my own understanding, but in all my ways acknowledge Him and He will make my path straight."
THAT'S WHEN I...
"Do not grow weary in doing good, for in due time I will reap a harvest if I do not give up."
"Some of His assignments require very hard work. To persevere means we do the work. Weary, but not quitting. FOR HIS GLORY, we press on." ~Angela Thomas
Thursday, June 21, 2012
we said zai jian...
It's been 3 days now since we said "zai jian" (see you later in Chinese) to my family.
And the past 3 days have been really HARD.
I knew it would be hard to see them go, but didn't realize the emotions would still be lingering so strongly 3 days later.
Almost a year... that was a long time to go without seeing them.
A really long time.
And it's hard to think we may do that again.
Emily says she misses her Mimi and Pappy about 20 times a day. And that's hard, too.
Hoping to head home for Christmas. REALLY, REALLY hoping.
We will see...
Until then, we will miss you family, and we can't wait until the day we zai jian, hasta luego, or see you later!
And the past 3 days have been really HARD.
I knew it would be hard to see them go, but didn't realize the emotions would still be lingering so strongly 3 days later.
Almost a year... that was a long time to go without seeing them.
A really long time.
And it's hard to think we may do that again.
Emily says she misses her Mimi and Pappy about 20 times a day. And that's hard, too.
Hoping to head home for Christmas. REALLY, REALLY hoping.
We will see...
Until then, we will miss you family, and we can't wait until the day we zai jian, hasta luego, or see you later!
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Day 12--Last Full Day...
Yesterday was my family's last full day here. We chose to have a low key day and just enjoy spending time together. We slept in, made cupcakes, walked down the street for lunch and Mango, and celebrated Emily turning 6 next month! Oh, and of course, we ended the night with a game of Rummy.
EMILY WILL BE 6!
I just can't believe it's almost been 6 years. Really? I wish I could freeze time. I seriously do. But I can't! Emily has grown so much in so many ways. She's reading now, and using big words, and dressing herself, and washing her own hair, and "doing it herself" all the time!
Since we won't see my family on her birthday, my family brought Barbie party gear (since I haven't seen it here), and we had a small, early celebration for her.
After a lazy morning, Mimi and Emily decorated cupcakes.... chocolate cupcakes, strawberry icing... and.... SPRINKLES! That is a treat here! Thank you Mimi for bringing those. ;)
LAST CHINESE MEAL
After the cupcakes were done, we walked down the street to eat at Hao Ke Wei for one last Chinese meal. I've actually only eaten here a few times and I've never been the one ordering! There are pictures, but no English descriptions, so I ordered things I thought I recognized, but most of it ended up not being what I thought it was. Though most of it was pretty delicious, there was one dish I was really unsure of... I took one bite and that was enough, but Sarah and Dad really liked it, so they ate it.... and regretted it later. =/
MANGO
I told you we would have to go back to Mango! We took my Dad this time. Sarah and Emily ordered Mango Smoothies, my Mom and Dad ordered Strawberry Smoothies, and I had a Pink (Strawberry) Lemonade. Absolutely delicious! I am kicking myself for not getting pictures of these things. They are huge! And would definitely make your mouth water... I'm sure Em and I will be back, so pics to come...
HAPPY EARLY BIRTHDAY, EM!
After Mango, we went to the grocery market to pick up food items for dinner. After resting at home for a bit, we took Emily to the park. Sarah and I skipped out on the park early so we could come set up for Em's birthday celebration.
She was surprised to walk in to the Barbie decorations and presents! And she wanted to know immediately where all this stuff came from. :)
She opened presents, then we ate hot dogs... with CHILI! Another treat... Afterward, we had our special-made cupcakes.
Emily enjoyed playing with her toys the rest of the evening and said, "thank you" to all of us about 100 times. I love that girl!
RUMMY
We ended the evening with a game of Rummy... a Jones Family tradition. I got my butt kicked, but it was fun anyway! My Mom is leaving China as the Rummy Champion. :)
They are all sleeping now, but we head to the airport in just a few short hours... oh, how we will miss them!
EMILY WILL BE 6!
I just can't believe it's almost been 6 years. Really? I wish I could freeze time. I seriously do. But I can't! Emily has grown so much in so many ways. She's reading now, and using big words, and dressing herself, and washing her own hair, and "doing it herself" all the time!
Since we won't see my family on her birthday, my family brought Barbie party gear (since I haven't seen it here), and we had a small, early celebration for her.
After a lazy morning, Mimi and Emily decorated cupcakes.... chocolate cupcakes, strawberry icing... and.... SPRINKLES! That is a treat here! Thank you Mimi for bringing those. ;)
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| Mimi and Emily making cupcakes... |
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| Emily adding sprinkles... |
LAST CHINESE MEAL
After the cupcakes were done, we walked down the street to eat at Hao Ke Wei for one last Chinese meal. I've actually only eaten here a few times and I've never been the one ordering! There are pictures, but no English descriptions, so I ordered things I thought I recognized, but most of it ended up not being what I thought it was. Though most of it was pretty delicious, there was one dish I was really unsure of... I took one bite and that was enough, but Sarah and Dad really liked it, so they ate it.... and regretted it later. =/
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| Last Chinese meal together at Hao Ke Wei |
MANGO
I told you we would have to go back to Mango! We took my Dad this time. Sarah and Emily ordered Mango Smoothies, my Mom and Dad ordered Strawberry Smoothies, and I had a Pink (Strawberry) Lemonade. Absolutely delicious! I am kicking myself for not getting pictures of these things. They are huge! And would definitely make your mouth water... I'm sure Em and I will be back, so pics to come...
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| Sarah and Emily waiting for their Mango Smoothies |
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| Oh, and by the way... you may want to watch your step on the way out! |
HAPPY EARLY BIRTHDAY, EM!
After Mango, we went to the grocery market to pick up food items for dinner. After resting at home for a bit, we took Emily to the park. Sarah and I skipped out on the park early so we could come set up for Em's birthday celebration.
She was surprised to walk in to the Barbie decorations and presents! And she wanted to know immediately where all this stuff came from. :)
She opened presents, then we ate hot dogs... with CHILI! Another treat... Afterward, we had our special-made cupcakes.
Emily enjoyed playing with her toys the rest of the evening and said, "thank you" to all of us about 100 times. I love that girl!
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| Birthday girl blowing out her candles! |
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| Mimi, Pappy, and Emily |
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| Yummy cupcakes! |
RUMMY
We ended the evening with a game of Rummy... a Jones Family tradition. I got my butt kicked, but it was fun anyway! My Mom is leaving China as the Rummy Champion. :)
They are all sleeping now, but we head to the airport in just a few short hours... oh, how we will miss them!
Monday, June 18, 2012
Day 11--Botanical Gardens, Chinese Wipe Out, Amusement Park, and One Last Massage
THE BOTANICAL GARDENS
A few weeks before my parents came to China, my mom mentioned to me that she was researching Shenyang and that she wanted to go to the Botanical Gardens. The next day, in my Chinese class, Linda said she wanted to take me to the Botanical Gardens for one of my cultural lessons. Score! 2 birds with one stone... actually 3... because I've been wanting to go, also.
As you'll see from the pictures, this place was BEAUTIFUL! We enjoyed the calm, the music (most of it), and the scenery. Emily and Joy bought fairy wings and wands and flied around the entire place like little fairies.
Did we get stared at? You bet! Pictures, touches, stares... very overwhelming at one point. Other than my one snap, I kept my composure pretty well... Not easy to do sometimes.
But there were some spots that were less popular than others, and I realized quickly those were the spots to go to. We enjoyed everything we saw and wish we could have seen more. This is at least a 2 day trip! So, we only saw about half.
We saw gardens, greenhouses, different types of birds, the Lily Tower, dinosaur statues a water obstacle course, an amusement park, and much, much more!
One of my favorite parts was the cool swings and the water fountains. I could have laid in the swings all day and Emily would have loved to run through the water sprinklers for most of the day!
Emily and I may go back one more time before school starts... but probably on a Monday. ;)
CHINESE WIPE OUT
The water obstacle course reminded me of a Chinese version of Wipe Out. It looked so fun, but I did not want to fall in the water... If it was a little.... or a lot warmer I probably would have went for it. But I played it a little safe and just tried the obstacles that had nets to catch me if I fell.
But, I never did fall! Thank goodness...
After the obstacle course, we stumbled across a large cylinder-like float that reminded me of a hamster wheel. Emily and I were the only ones who wanted to try it at first, so we got in. I had no idea how hard this was going to be! I was drenched in sweat before it was all said and done... and my hair was a mess! The Great Wall has nothin' on the Hamster Wheel! Okay, maybe it does... but it sure didnt' feel like it when I was done with that thing!
AMUSEMENT PARK
After the Hamster Wheel workout, we continued on to the Amusement Park. I had fun on the rides, but that's about the only good thing I have to say about it...
I don't have many pictures because I was too busy either riding the rides or getting ripped off on bargaining for each ride.
It wasn't much fun to know the next guy may have gotten a cheaper price than us and that we were going to have to do this bargaining gig on each and every ride.
Luckily, we only endured this for an hour before the park closed at 5. Once we finally found our way out of the park (because the map was backwards... which normally would have helped me! ;), we stumbled across a taxi van that offered to take us home. The ride home was MUCH quicker and better than the sweaty, hot, crowded bus ride there....
Sorry to end with so much complaining, but all in all, it was a super fun trip!
ONE LAST MASSAGE
We had the taxi driver drop us off at a restaurant for a Chinese dinner, which was delicious! It had a picture menu, English descriptions, and was across the street from my favorite massage place... :) After dinner, my dad and Emily walked home while my mom, Sarah, and I walked across the street for one last massage before they leave.
Sarah has a bruise all the way down her spine today... but my mom and I feel great! Sorry Sarah... ;)
A few weeks before my parents came to China, my mom mentioned to me that she was researching Shenyang and that she wanted to go to the Botanical Gardens. The next day, in my Chinese class, Linda said she wanted to take me to the Botanical Gardens for one of my cultural lessons. Score! 2 birds with one stone... actually 3... because I've been wanting to go, also.
As you'll see from the pictures, this place was BEAUTIFUL! We enjoyed the calm, the music (most of it), and the scenery. Emily and Joy bought fairy wings and wands and flied around the entire place like little fairies.
Did we get stared at? You bet! Pictures, touches, stares... very overwhelming at one point. Other than my one snap, I kept my composure pretty well... Not easy to do sometimes.
But there were some spots that were less popular than others, and I realized quickly those were the spots to go to. We enjoyed everything we saw and wish we could have seen more. This is at least a 2 day trip! So, we only saw about half.
We saw gardens, greenhouses, different types of birds, the Lily Tower, dinosaur statues a water obstacle course, an amusement park, and much, much more!
One of my favorite parts was the cool swings and the water fountains. I could have laid in the swings all day and Emily would have loved to run through the water sprinklers for most of the day!
Emily and I may go back one more time before school starts... but probably on a Monday. ;)
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| I love my sister! |
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| Emily and Joy imitating the cute little flower pots. |
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| Cutest little fairies at the park! |
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| Me and my sis... we were not expecting the water to come on yet! |
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| Pappy and Emily eating lunch... |
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| Pappy, Mimi, and Emily... with her Doritos. |
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Emily and Joy in the fun swings! |
CHINESE WIPE OUT
The water obstacle course reminded me of a Chinese version of Wipe Out. It looked so fun, but I did not want to fall in the water... If it was a little.... or a lot warmer I probably would have went for it. But I played it a little safe and just tried the obstacles that had nets to catch me if I fell.
But, I never did fall! Thank goodness...
After the obstacle course, we stumbled across a large cylinder-like float that reminded me of a hamster wheel. Emily and I were the only ones who wanted to try it at first, so we got in. I had no idea how hard this was going to be! I was drenched in sweat before it was all said and done... and my hair was a mess! The Great Wall has nothin' on the Hamster Wheel! Okay, maybe it does... but it sure didnt' feel like it when I was done with that thing!
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| View of the obstacle course... |
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| I would have gotten wet for sure! |
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| Abraham (Linda's Husband) walking across the balance rope... |
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| Me... walking across the balance rope... |
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| Emily and I inside the Hamster Wheel |
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| Man, I was wiped out! |
AMUSEMENT PARK
After the Hamster Wheel workout, we continued on to the Amusement Park. I had fun on the rides, but that's about the only good thing I have to say about it...
I don't have many pictures because I was too busy either riding the rides or getting ripped off on bargaining for each ride.
It wasn't much fun to know the next guy may have gotten a cheaper price than us and that we were going to have to do this bargaining gig on each and every ride.
Luckily, we only endured this for an hour before the park closed at 5. Once we finally found our way out of the park (because the map was backwards... which normally would have helped me! ;), we stumbled across a taxi van that offered to take us home. The ride home was MUCH quicker and better than the sweaty, hot, crowded bus ride there....
Sorry to end with so much complaining, but all in all, it was a super fun trip!
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| View of the Amusement Park from the Lily Tower |
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| Sarah, Me, and Em |
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| Us riding the Pirate Ship for the 2nd time... not sure why we did that! |
ONE LAST MASSAGE
We had the taxi driver drop us off at a restaurant for a Chinese dinner, which was delicious! It had a picture menu, English descriptions, and was across the street from my favorite massage place... :) After dinner, my dad and Emily walked home while my mom, Sarah, and I walked across the street for one last massage before they leave.
Sarah has a bruise all the way down her spine today... but my mom and I feel great! Sorry Sarah... ;)
Day 10--Wu Ai, Ikea, and the Tailor
WU AI MARKET
Wu Ai is a GINORMOUS market that has EVERYTHING! My mom had been looking forward to this trip since she got here. It's a good place to get souvenirs and gifts for friends back home. With our rainy days and rescheduling, Saturday ended up being our Wu Ai day... which I was really hoping to avoid. The crowds are pretty insane on Saturday.
The plus side is, this market opens at 4 a.m.! We didn't get up quite that early, but we did head out the door by 6:10 a.m. and were there by 6:30. My dad and Emily stayed in bed, of course. With it raining and being so early, there weren't many people there yet. But by 10 a.m. it was jam packed and that was our cue to leave.
It's really difficult to paint a picture of this place in words, so here are some pictures!
IKEA
After the market, we headed home to drop off all our great bargaining deals, to grab Pappy and Emily, and then we headed to Ikea for lunch. The Swedish meatballs are my favorite! Sarah wasn't really a fan of Ikea lunch and it was pretty crowded since it was a Saturday.
After lunch, we browsed Ikea for a little bit, then headed downstairs to the grocery store to pick up hot dogs for Emily's birthday celebration. We also grabbed already made hot dogs from the concession stand to bring home for dinner. :)
THE TAILOR
We came home and rested for a while, then after our hot dog dinner, the tailor came over with my mom's clothes! After a quick alteration, they fit nicely. We were very pleased and impressed with her quick creations and so grateful that she expedited my mom's order so that she could get it before she leaves!
Wu Ai is a GINORMOUS market that has EVERYTHING! My mom had been looking forward to this trip since she got here. It's a good place to get souvenirs and gifts for friends back home. With our rainy days and rescheduling, Saturday ended up being our Wu Ai day... which I was really hoping to avoid. The crowds are pretty insane on Saturday.
The plus side is, this market opens at 4 a.m.! We didn't get up quite that early, but we did head out the door by 6:10 a.m. and were there by 6:30. My dad and Emily stayed in bed, of course. With it raining and being so early, there weren't many people there yet. But by 10 a.m. it was jam packed and that was our cue to leave.
It's really difficult to paint a picture of this place in words, so here are some pictures!
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| Excited about the killer deal I got on my new North FaKe backpack! |
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| Fabric anyone?? |
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| One of the many buildings! |
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| Another building! |
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| More fabric... |
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| Rows and rows of shoes! |
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| Sarah didn't buy this, but cute pic anyway... |
After the market, we headed home to drop off all our great bargaining deals, to grab Pappy and Emily, and then we headed to Ikea for lunch. The Swedish meatballs are my favorite! Sarah wasn't really a fan of Ikea lunch and it was pretty crowded since it was a Saturday.
After lunch, we browsed Ikea for a little bit, then headed downstairs to the grocery store to pick up hot dogs for Emily's birthday celebration. We also grabbed already made hot dogs from the concession stand to bring home for dinner. :)
THE TAILOR
We came home and rested for a while, then after our hot dog dinner, the tailor came over with my mom's clothes! After a quick alteration, they fit nicely. We were very pleased and impressed with her quick creations and so grateful that she expedited my mom's order so that she could get it before she leaves!
Day 9--Gu Gong, Photo Opportunity, Chicken Nuggets and Macaroni
GU-GONG (The Imperial Palace)
As part of my 40 hours of Chinese lessons this summer, my Chinese teacher, Linda, wanted to take me to the Gu Gong. So, I asked her if she could take me when my family was here because I knew they would enjoy seeing it.
The Gu Gong in Shenyang is a smaller version of the Forbidden City in Beijing. We were able to view the entire place in about 3 hours.
I honestly thought this wouldn't be much fun for Emily and Joy (Linda's daughter), but the girls absolutely LOVED it! Emily was soooo interested in all the history, and I really wish I had the answers to her numerous questions.
It was a great cultural morning for us all!
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
After the Palace and lunch, we strolled along a street to look at some shops. While I was at the ATM, a guy saw Emily and asked if we would be interested in a free photo shoot. This is the 2nd time this has happened!
The catch, of course, is that they can use her pictures in their studio as advertisement. I always leave this decision up to Emily. She really enjoyed her first photo shoot, and she said she wanted to do it again. So, the guy took us on a tour of the studio and showed Emily all the different scenes, pictures, and dress-up clothes.
We will go back on Friday for the photo shoot. Emily keeps asking when she gets to go and I can't wait to get those free pictures!
CHICKEN NUGGETS AND MACARONI
After we came home and rested for a bit, we walked to the Riverside Market (a new foreign grocery market within walking distance from our apartment). We are very excited about this place by the way!
I picked up some Kraft Macaroni and Cheese... just to have it on hand. But when we got home, we didn't really feel like going out for dinner. I had some chicken nuggets and french fries in the freezer. So, we heated those up, stirred up the macaroni, and voila!... for some reason, this meal tasted SO GOOD to us all!
As part of my 40 hours of Chinese lessons this summer, my Chinese teacher, Linda, wanted to take me to the Gu Gong. So, I asked her if she could take me when my family was here because I knew they would enjoy seeing it.
The Gu Gong in Shenyang is a smaller version of the Forbidden City in Beijing. We were able to view the entire place in about 3 hours.
I honestly thought this wouldn't be much fun for Emily and Joy (Linda's daughter), but the girls absolutely LOVED it! Emily was soooo interested in all the history, and I really wish I had the answers to her numerous questions.
It was a great cultural morning for us all!
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| Joy and Emily trying to look at the water and coins inside this pot... These are used as back-up in case the Palace ever catches on fire. |
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| These girls are so interested in every little detail! |
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| The Meeting Hall |
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| Emily and Joy with their matching head bands... |
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| We wanted the same ring, there were 2 left, one fit her, one fit me... coincidence? |
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| Linda wearing Joy's headband :) |
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| My Mom and Dad... My Dad never smiles in pictures, so I finally caught him smiling!
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After the Palace and lunch, we strolled along a street to look at some shops. While I was at the ATM, a guy saw Emily and asked if we would be interested in a free photo shoot. This is the 2nd time this has happened!
The catch, of course, is that they can use her pictures in their studio as advertisement. I always leave this decision up to Emily. She really enjoyed her first photo shoot, and she said she wanted to do it again. So, the guy took us on a tour of the studio and showed Emily all the different scenes, pictures, and dress-up clothes.
We will go back on Friday for the photo shoot. Emily keeps asking when she gets to go and I can't wait to get those free pictures!
CHICKEN NUGGETS AND MACARONI
After we came home and rested for a bit, we walked to the Riverside Market (a new foreign grocery market within walking distance from our apartment). We are very excited about this place by the way!
I picked up some Kraft Macaroni and Cheese... just to have it on hand. But when we got home, we didn't really feel like going out for dinner. I had some chicken nuggets and french fries in the freezer. So, we heated those up, stirred up the macaroni, and voila!... for some reason, this meal tasted SO GOOD to us all!
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Day 8--The Stationary Market, Rainy Day, and Sushi Night
THE STATIONARY MARKET
The Stationary Market is a teacher's haven. Well, it can be if you go at the right time with the right mindset. Otherwise, it can be extremely overwhelming. It's hard to appreciate this place if you are not a teacher. And I know that. So I did everyone else a favor and gave them a morning at home while my mom and I embarked on our stationary journey.
My mom absolutley loved it! She found tons of prizes for her 1st graders' treasure box next year. They will be getting prizes from China all year long! She spent less than $20 for a year supply. Now that's a deal!!
She also bought a class set of scissors for less then $2, some journals, and some pens. And decided that she had probably bought enough to replace the space in her suitcase that was once filled with my America Wish List.
Aside from the splishin' and splashin', it was a great morning out with my Momma!
RAINY DAY
It has been raining a LOT the past few days. We have had to rearrange our schedule a time or two in spite of the rain. We have all used an umbrella more this week than we have in our entire lives! Seattle... I don't know how you do it.
SUSHI NIGHT
Sarah and I have been awaiting this night the whole trip. My parents aren't really a fan of sushi, but we found an incredible steak dish for them.
And Emily is just pleased with the cool seating arrangement.... we sit on the floor and our legs go underneath the table. This just excites her so much! To be honest, I think it's pretty cool, too.
Sushi lovers, these pics are for you...
The Stationary Market is a teacher's haven. Well, it can be if you go at the right time with the right mindset. Otherwise, it can be extremely overwhelming. It's hard to appreciate this place if you are not a teacher. And I know that. So I did everyone else a favor and gave them a morning at home while my mom and I embarked on our stationary journey.
My mom absolutley loved it! She found tons of prizes for her 1st graders' treasure box next year. They will be getting prizes from China all year long! She spent less than $20 for a year supply. Now that's a deal!!
She also bought a class set of scissors for less then $2, some journals, and some pens. And decided that she had probably bought enough to replace the space in her suitcase that was once filled with my America Wish List.
Aside from the splishin' and splashin', it was a great morning out with my Momma!
RAINY DAY
It has been raining a LOT the past few days. We have had to rearrange our schedule a time or two in spite of the rain. We have all used an umbrella more this week than we have in our entire lives! Seattle... I don't know how you do it.
SUSHI NIGHT
Sarah and I have been awaiting this night the whole trip. My parents aren't really a fan of sushi, but we found an incredible steak dish for them.
And Emily is just pleased with the cool seating arrangement.... we sit on the floor and our legs go underneath the table. This just excites her so much! To be honest, I think it's pretty cool, too.
Sushi lovers, these pics are for you...
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| The Cool Table |
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| Salmon |
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| Steak and Egg |
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| Sushi Rolls |
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| Edamame |
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| Avocado and Eel Rolls (my favorite!) Here are pics of the fam... and everyone tried sushi... yay!
 The Family |
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