And She's Off

3:30 came quickly this morning. I was expecting a grumble from under the covers when I woke Katie, but she was out of bed before I was out of the shower.

Plans for this trip have been in the works for a couple of months. When Katie brought the information home regarding the FOBISSEA Performing Arts Carnival in Malaysia, I remember smirking. Sure, what parents in their right minds are going to let their ten year old go to Malaysia?

The more we learned about the trip and the fact these students were selected made us reconsider. What a huge, fantastical opportunity. Five days in Penang, Malaysia meeting students from sixteen other schools from across Asia. And, she'll be singing. Dulwich's newsletter has a little blurb about the trip,

Last night, there were a few tears, and again, this morning when she and I headed to meet the bus at a neighboring compound. My resolve to not cry until she was safely out of sight almost cracked as she boarded the bus. Thankfully, it was still dark when they closed the doors and headed down the road to the airport.

So , it's now 9:00am and they are probably getting ready to board in the next few minutes. She's already called twice from the bus and Skyped once from the airport. Part of me wants her to check in as often as she can, while the other part hopes she's so busy enjoying this amazing adventure she forgets all about us.

Cats' Play

During my recovery, I spent most weekdays by myself. My companions were Rosie and Peanut. Whenever I wept, Rosie would nudge my hand and jump into my lap. Peanut decided my good leg was a nice place to take his daily naps. The temperature was (and still is) cold. I enjoyed the warmth of their fur when they'd lay at my feet. They had such a calming effect on me, I found myself talking to them more than I should. While I still talk to them, the words I've been using lately involve more expletives than praises.

It started innocently enough and at first, I didn't even know it was the cats. I began to notice single socks in the wash and blamed the girls for not putting pairs into their hampers. At last count, I had nineteen single socks. Last week, I read an article about a cat that would prowl his neighborhood at night and steal small things. Could my felines be kleptomaniacs, too? I started searching the house and lo and behold, under Katie's bed I discovered a veritable array of cat-loving treasures. Socks, Barbie clothes and toys, hairbows, ribbons, washcloths, underwear, and even a stolen pack of catfood.

I'd caught them earlier with a pack and moved their food to the top shelf. Now I know anything in my sight is within their reach. One of Peanut's favorite places to await a sneak attack is from atop our refrigerator. How could I have thought their food was out of reach on the second shelf. After they ripped open a giant bag of dry cat food, I placed it all in a large plastic tub with a lid. If at first you don't succeed...knock it off the shelf and watch the food spill out. No, I'm not starving my cats. They are, I imagine, the best fed cats in Asia. Bored? Not possible. Between the Barbies and the socks, grand furniture to sharpen their claws, wooden floors to slide upon, plants to shred and eat, and closets in which to hide...from me when I discover their presents left behind in the much too small litter box, there is plenty for them to do.

Friends back home, Meredith and Mike, have two cats that like to drink water from a running faucet. Odd, I thought. Not as odd as Rosie sitting outside the shower waiting her turn. As soon as I exit, she enters and sits under the dripping water. When the twins take a bath, Peanut sits on the ledge just waiting for me to give permission to let him jump in. I draw the line with that one. So, he sits until they get out and the water is at a couple of inches. Seriously, aren't cats supposed to hate water? Rosie watches at sink side as I wash dishes, while Peanut hops into the washing machine until I am finished folding clothes.

All of the acts continue to no one's fault but my own. The havoc and mayhem they wreak upon the household is of my doing. Even as I write this, Rosie is laying by my head, pawing and chewing my hair. However, not unlike my girls, they make me smile more than they make me frown. Guess I'll have to research the cost and involvement of transporting pets overseas. In a few more years, the thought of leaving our Chinese kitties behind will be unthinkable.

You've Got a Friend

Finding the right place to live in Suzhou was a huge task when we arrived. I knew early on I didn't want an apartment. Nevermind the height and claustrophobia-ness of it all, but I also didn't think it was so great for a family. Not so conducive for meeting neighbors. Royal Peninsula had the physical attributes, what was still to be determined was if it had friendly neighbors. After a week or so we discovered we were the only family from the US, which was fine. There were Germans, Italians, Indians, Brits, Scots, Mexicans, Koreans, Chinese and us. Conversations with these folks was limited to bus stop chit chat and nothing more. The girls played with a few of the German boys and Chinese girls, but mostly kept to themselves. We loved the big house, but were feeling a bit isolated. Don't get me wrong, I went to expat meetings and school events and met some wonderful people. My world view has definitely expanded and my appreciation for things beyond local borders grows everyday. But, every once in a while I missed the casual conversations about inane topics that comes with familiarity and common ground.
Last summer, we learned another US family had moved in. They have four children, three of whom go to Dulwich, and Anne is a teacher at the school. Did I mentioned they are from Greenville, SC? It blows my mind that we travelled half way around the world to end up practically next door to a family that lived thirty minutes down the road.
The twins play with their youngest, Kate, practically everyday, and on some days we don't see our respective kids for hours, but know exactly where they are. Katie and their other daughter, Claire, who is thirteen, swap gossip and video games. We're giving Katie added responsibility, like a couple hours here and there babysitting her sisters. However, Claire is usually called in for reinforcement. Their son, Scott, is a novelty to the girls. They are fascinated with him and he has great patience with them.
When I hurt my knee, they were such a huge help. Anne would bring soup, pasta, muffins and a smiling face. The girls ate so many meals over there, I began to wonder if they were hoping I wouldn't heal. Chris and Larry work long hours and don't get to socialize as much, but Larry has enjoyed talking & venting with someone other than his co-workers.
We joke about being BFFs, but in all honesty, without getting too sappy we've discovered a kinship between our families. Brought together by unique circumstances in a country that can be quite overwhelming, our zaniness compliments each other and reminds us we're not alone.

Local Sites

Three years will not be enough time to see all there is to see in China. Three years may not be enough time to see all there is to see in Suzhou. Just when I think I know the roads and attractions, I'm introduced to an entirely different area of the city. How is that possible? A city of eight million has a lot to offer, that's how.

Larry's QESH team invited us to a day of local sites over the holiday. They picked us up early Sunday morning. Our friend's daughter, Kate, had spent the night so she joined in the fun as well. Side note, Kate's family is from Greenville, SC and now they live in the same compound as us. This small world keeps getting smaller. The six of us squeezed into their two compact cars, which already held five people. An hour later we were at the edge of Lake Tai. We'd taken a new road, one that took us through the rolling hills we used to just pass on our way. There must have been a thousand little fishing boats in this village. Most were docked or tied up for the holiday, but a few fishermen were near the shore, throwing out their nets. I imagine this area is hopping with activity any other time of the year, but this day had only a handful of vendors selling their catch.
We ate lunch on the third floor of one of the half dozen restaurants situated on the water...on the water. The thing swayed as we sat, not much, but enough to know we weren't on solid ground. Dish after dish of local food was brought to our table. We've been here for a year and a half, but I still get a bit nervous when some of these delicacies are presented. The girls didn't eat much beyond rice and some fried fish. Little Kate shocked us all when she popped the eyeball out of the big fish on the table and swallowed it whole. I thought she was going to bring it back up, but she swigged some Sprite and took it like a champ. Of all things on the table, why she chose to eat that particular item is mystery to me.
After lunch, we rode to the plum blossom garden. Each February, this garden is in full bloom. Filled with trees, the garden sits on the side of a mountain. Unfortunately, the cold winter stunted the blooms, and only a few trees actually were flowering. What a sight the garden will be in a few weeks. Just those half dozen trees gave off such a glorious fragrance.
The girls wanted to follow the path up the mountain. Having only given up crutches a few days earlier, I wasn't sure about this choice, but didn't want to miss out on anything. Fresh air got the better of my common sense and I was soon regretting my decision. Three quarters of the way I wanted to turn around, but there was a crowd of people at the top. Must be something good.
I wasn't disappointed. The view was beautiful. The surrounding hills and the villages below dotting the banks of the lake made for quite a sight. People had brought food and drinks and it looked like they were going to stay at the top for awhile. One little boy kept running up to the girls and snapping photos of them then running away. Since lingering at the top of the mountain wasn't an option with four girls itching to make their way back down the winding hillside, I took a deep breath, dreamt of the bottle of Aleve waiting for me at home and started down. Definitely easier going up than coming down.
When we got to the bottom, more photo opportunities for us, and the many folks who wanted to take pictures of the girls. Sarah's so used to it, she now flashes the peace sign, which is an absolute necessity in China. Leaving the park, we noticed a gaggle of guards at the entrance. One of the guys with us told Larry that a very important official was coming and soon there would be hundreds of guards. We never did find out who the VIP was, but we did see the hundreds of guards. We were walking back to our cars when they came marching down the road. Some marched faster than others and in time with their comrades. Others laboured behind out of step. Most of them smiled at us as they jogged by and a few yelled out "Welcome to China" or "Happy to see you" or "U.S.A."

However, the best moment of the day came when I passed out homemade chocolate chip cookies to the girls. Katie walked over to a group of chinese children and gave them her cookie. These cookies were really tasty and Katie loves her chocolate, so to see her give away treats just warmed my heart. The little kids crowded around her as she broke off pieces and handed them out. I gave her one more so all of the kids could have some. A nice moment.

The ride home was quieter than the ride out to Lake Tai. Sarah passed out a few minutes after getting into the car with Kate hanging on for another five minutes. She didn't like to have her picture taken, but I couldn't resist.

Music Time

Dulwich was busy last month readying itself for many musical performances. The girls practiced their respective songs and dances. After Katie's first piano playing disaster, she put her money where her mouth was and practiced diligently everyday. She does not know the meaning of failure and I hope she never does. When someone tells her she can't do something it makes her more determined to do it. Actually, that's true for all three of our girls, though their methods differ.

The Tuesday before the snow hit, Katie and the other beginner musicians took to the stage to show all what they'd been practicing for the past few months.
She was slated to go second to last. I held my breath until the first chords were played. Even though the song was only forty seconds, it was flawless.

The following Tuesday, the Junior School celebrated the Chinese New Year with each class performing a traditional dance or song. Sydney's group entertained us with a Chop Stick dance. My filming techniques leave much to be desired and I promise to improve. Syd's on the left side of the stage (right in the video) in the back, beaming for all to see. That girl does love to be on stage. Haven't a clue as to where that trait came from...

I'd heard Sarah talking about the "mushroom hats" the boys had to wear for their dance, but I didn't think she was serious. Yes, she was. The boys were indeed mushrooms and the girls were the mushroom pickers. Sarah is the first in line when the girls enter the stage. She and Max looked so cute together. Such a sweet little dance they all did.

The girls in Year 6 performed a fan dance. It was quite elegant and well choreographed by the chinese teachers. However, they did not win any favors on my part with their choice of costumes for the girls. All of them had to wear a pink leotard with an attached skirt and white tights. What's so bad with that, you think? Nothing if you are the size of Sydney and Sarah. These leotards were one-size-does-not-fit-all and many of the girls showed way more than they intended. The teacher had told Katie if she didn't wear it, she couldn't dance. She opted out of the performance after she tried it on for me. She was going to be in charge of the fireworks and programs, but unfortunately, she came down with a nasty cold and missed a couple of days of school. I was going to raise a stink about the whole thing, but decided a few nonchalant words to the wife of the junior school headmaster might be a better course of action. Point made and taken.

All of the kids worked very hard and the show was a success. As soon as I can figure out how to post more than one video in a day, I'll get more up...

Snow Day

So, I've been in a bit of a funk the past few weeks. Recovering from my surgery should have lent itself to time for writing. Unfortunately, that was not the case. I found myself glued to the couch watching movie after movie, old television series after old television series in a medicinal haze. Finally, the antibiotics, antiinflammatories, and narcotics were gone and the mind-numbing fog was lifted. I also got a message from my uncle, Dan, telling me to get my act in gear and start writing again. Time to get caught up on a month's worth of activities.



The week after my surgery Suzhou was hit with some snow. I used to love winter and all wintertime activities. Skiing, sledding, snowball fights, and snow angels filled many a cold days. Now I positively dread all things winter except scarves and hot chocolate. The girls had only seen snow a couple of times in S.C. and it snowed here just a little last year. The snow started Tuesday evening and didn't stop until Thursday afternoon. That amount of time should have produced more, but in total we probably got five or six inches. However, that was plenty for the girls. They were up, dressed and out of the house earlier than if they'd had to go to school. I sat, leg propped up, positioned nicely under the heat, and waited for the pictures. They made a couple of chinese snowmen complete with a pack of cigarettes. The guards enjoyed bombarding them with snowballs in between sweeping the roads clean with brooms. Larry called from work to let me know he'd made it and driving was even more perilous than normal. School was out for two days and the girls made the most if it, staying out until their fingers and toes were frozen. The cats and I watched from our perches, longing for warmer temperatures.