United Nations Day

Luckily I started the morning with a shower because there would have been no time otherwise.  I dropped Cameron off at school.  It was UN Day and the Americans were in charge of a U.S. display and U.S. lunch.  Me, Rachel, Megan, Erica, Andrea, and Michelle had everything planned.  We just needed it all to come together.

At 8:00 Rachel and I went up to our display to finish decorating it.  Thank goodness we had some of it already done.  At 9:45 we were wrapping things up when the Head Master brought us over a stack of U.S. companie logos he said we could use if we wanted.  Well of course we weren't going to tell him no.  We had to cut around all of them and hang them up. 

Finally at 10:20 we were walking out of the building.  Rachel still needed to make 50 sandwiches with Erica.  On the way home I got a text from Rachel saying Erica bought 50 pieces of bread.  WHAT?  In order to have 50 sandwiches they needed 100 pieces of bread.  OH NO.  Rachel had to stop at their little store and luckily they had enough bread along with what she had frozen in her freezer.  Panic was beginning to set in because I was already worried we were forgetting something.  I kept telling myself 'it is what it is'. 

At 11:00 Mr. Xue picked me back up.  I had to run to Times to get Pine Sol for my ayi so she could clean my floors (I know, rough life), run back home to drop it off, ran to Banjing won to grab Rachel, then get back to school.  We got there at 11:25.  Lunch starts at 11:45.

Off to the cafeteria to get things organized there.  Michelle was home with a sick daughter, Megan had a terrible night with her baby, Erica was giving her little one a nap, and Andrea arrived around 12.  Rachel and I got everything set up and started making smoothies.  The items at our table were peanute butter and jelly sandwiches, chocolate chip cookies, and banana smoothies. 

Luz, Ileana, and Nadia went all out.

Stine, Anne, Trine, and Mette are ready.

Susy, Andrea, and June look ready too.

Andrea is about to sell something.

How many school cafeteria's serve squid on a stick?

Lunch went smoothly.  We sold out of smoothies and cookies.  We had about 20 sandwiches left over.  Our booth made just under 700 RMB ( $110).  Pretty good.  The Danish table sold around 1100 RMB and Europe was around 900 RMB.  We never heard how the Mexican table ended up but they were busy the whole time.

At 12:35 I ran up to the display to put the last few things out we had for the tables.  The preschoolers were already there.  Oh No.  I threw the stuff out on the table, ran to the office to get the rest, ran back up, threw that on the table, and put the U.S. stickers in their passports.  When they left I had time to reorganize the table to make it look better.  Poor preschoolers didn't even get to try Hopscotch.  Luckily Rachel arrived at 12:45 to help.  Then Erica, Megan, and Andrea all were there too.

Marcela and I are decked out in our country outfits.

Cameron and Herman checking out the U.S. display.

Traditional Chinese outfit.  She is so cute.

Mexico had a Chinese lady running their booth.  Weird.

Megan and Mason, Rachel, Me, Erica and Brenden, and Andrea.
Go U.S.A.

The afternoon went great.  It was fun to see all the kids dressed up in their Nations outfits.  At 2:20 everyone was outside for the parade.  They read part of the United Nations reading and then sang a song.  Then they called each country.  The sign holder walked down the steps and stopped in front of everyone.  Each child from that nation could then go join, take a picture, they played part of their anthem, and then they all walked together.  Words can't describe how cool this really is.  It's neat to be a part of a school with so many different groups of people, beliefs, ideas, but where everyone is still just human.  It is very moving.

Proud to be an American.

Truman, Daniel, and Cameron.

Alfredo and Manuel.

Our Mexican Friends.

Our Denmark Friends.

USA  USA  USA  USA

Cameron was the cutest.

After all the nations were called everyone walked around the track and then ended at their flag.  Lots of pictures were taken.  It was such a great day.  Very, very busy but awesome.

The Mexican group again.

USA could not get very organized.

Ben, Carmen, Brad, and Ms. Jo (Second grade teacher).

USA got it together a little better finally.

Cameron and Hadley.

Wearing our colors proudly.

Manuel, Melisa, and Cameron.

Once we got home Ileana and I decorated my apartment for the Halloween party.  She brought up a ladder and guess what?  She still couldn't reach the ceiling.  Luckily I am tall.  We had fun doing it, as usual.  Todd told us we were wasting our time because it was all going to fall down by morning.  We shall see.

We bought Cameron some books at the book fair.

Jacky's for dinner, tv watching, then off to bed. 

SURPRISE!

Dropped Cameron off at school.  At 10:30 I had Mr. Xue pick me up and run me to the grocery store.  If you want to know how to freak Chinese people out wear sandals in October.  They already have long underwear on and winter coats and it is still in the 60's and sunny.  Another way to cause a stir is to go to the isle where the yogurt is and proceed to put in 30 containers.  A Chinese lady was right on top of me and she said something which of course I didn't understand.  She then reached around me to grab one of the yogurts.  She started reading it to see what it was.  I'm sure she was thinking "Why is this crazy American buying so much of this stuff?"  Then I went and put 8 boxes of milk in my cart.  Lots of people looking in my cart then at me.  When I checked out the 2 girls were laughing too.  Little do these people know I have to make smoothies for at least 50 kids tomorrow.  Good times at the store.

We went to the fruit and veggie market next.  I bought 30 bananas.  Again, lots of people looking at me like I was crazy.  Still buying smoothie stuff.  We stopped at a small little shop by the market to buy beer.  The grocery   store didn't have any again.  I have never been in this place but I'm sure it's fine, right?  It's in cans.  Just a funky, little store.  I had Mr. Xue with me checking things out.

Back home.  Met Ileana at 11:45 to walk to Ashanti for lunch.  She had a Chinese hat with her but I didn't think anything of it.  We were deep in conversation.  We walked into Ashanti.  I walked around the corner and SURPRISE!  About 20 of my friends were there to surprise me for my birthday.  I'm sure the look on my face was priceless.  Ileana did good.  She planned it all.  I have so much to be thankful for and all of these people...my friends...are truly a blessing.  Peter even spent the afteernoon with all the chicks.  What a guy.  There was a big bouquet of flowers and then others got me presents.  So thoughtful.  Love my friends.

Part of the gang.

Nice birthday hat.

Ileana was the mastermind.  Love her.

My beautiful flowers.

 

We had a great lunch.  Then they brought out some nanima bars with a candle.  They all sang to me in English, Spanish, Chinese, and then in Danish.  We all agreed that the Danish song is by far the coolest.  It sounds so fun and happy.

Singing in 4 languages.

A few of us girls stuck around longer.  We some how got on the conversation of trying to figure out why public schools are in trouble.  It was at least good to hear Mexico and Denmark have the same kind of problems.

Megan, Me, Stine, Andrea, and Ileana trying to solve
all the problems of the world.

Ran home and then ran to pick Cameron up at school.  I finished my part of the bulletin board and then we went home.  Cameron played with the kids, we had dinner, showered, Cameron worked on my costume, chatted with Todd, then off to bed.

Back To The Real World

Monday we were back to reality...all alone, just Me and Cameron. Dropped Cameron off at school and did some step aerobics. Then rode to Michelle's with her and ran/walked home from there. Got home to a very quiet house. No electricity. I knew it was going to be off so it wasn't a surprise. I lounged around and did some reading.

I started to not feel so well. My stomach started hurting. My power came back on around one. Did some laundry then went to get Cameron at school. I grabbed the Carrasco kids too. We stopped at Michelle's apartment to check it out on the way home. Haley, who is 4, has been asking me daily when I could stop over to see her room. Maddy, who is 5, also wanted us to see their play room. We checked it all out and they were so excited to show us everything. Haley even showed Cameron the speaker that had music coming out of it. Haley LOVES Cameron. We made their whole day going over. But now they want to know when we can come and stay longer.

As we came out of their apartment one of the kids said it smelled like the muffins I make. This made Alejandro say "Shelly, remember when you made that chocolate cake? It was so delicious." Then Marcela talked about how yummy my cupcakes and muffins are. I asked them if they thought I should make another cake. All at once I had 4 kids yelling "yes". So what do you think happened when I got home? Yep, Betty Crocker stopped by and made a chocolate cake. I had to walk to Times to get frosting.

All the kids were up playing so when they left I sent cake home. 5 pieces to Hindman's and 5 pieces to Carrasco's. I got messages later from Carrie and Ileana. I guess all family members were happy Betty Crocker baked. I should probably be a nice neighbor/friend and do it more often.

My stomach really wasn't feeling good by evening. Fed Cameron, watched some tv, then went to bed. As I was laying down I felt like I was going to be sick. I puked twice. It made me feel better even though my stomach still hurt.

Tuesday Cameron rode to school with Carrasco's. I literally slept and lounged all day. My stomach still wasn't feeling good. Finally took a shower around 2. Cameron came home with Carrasco's too. Ileana came up and brought me pretzels and Sprite to make me feel better. She's so sweet.

Cameron played outside. Then there were 7 kids in my house for about 15 minutes until they all decided to go back out. At 5:00 we took our two pumpkins down to Carrasco's to carve them. The kids had a great time. Cameron made a cyclops on one and then just a funky face on the other. He did a really good job of taking his time and using the knife the right way. All the pumpkins turned out great. One minor accident. Alfredo cut his finger a little but he was ok.

Ileana was showing the kids ideas on the computer.

Getting started.

Working on cleaning up his cyclops.

Working on their second pumpkin.

Love how the kids are barely seen with the pumpkins glowing.

The star pumpkin carvers.

Awesomeness.

Back up to our place. We had dinner and Cameron showed me his report card. I'm not sure why but they revised them or something and they give little information. In my opinion it is a waste to even pass them out. Cameron did very well which is no surprise. I just happened to ask about his "p's" in Chinese class. Here is where the surprise is. He got a strange look on his face and said it is because he talks. What? He said he talks and messes around with Alfredo, Manuel, and Brad in class. Again...What? He seemed upset and nervous telling me so he was obviously guilty of something. I told him I was going to talk to his Chinese teacher after my conference with his classroom teacher tomorrow. He was very quiet the rest of the night and teary.

Off to bed.

Wednesday I took Cameron to school. My stomach still wasn't right but it was at least better. Cameron was still nervous and scared. I said goodbye to Cameron and then went to talk to Mr. Guo the Chinese teacher. I just couldn't wait any longer to find out what the deal was. I knocked on his door and asked to talk to him. What you need to know about Mr. Guo is that he is very shy, soft spoken, sweet, and couldn't hurt a fly if he had to. With that being said I think I made him nervous asking about Cameron and his behavior.

I started off by saying I was talking to Cameron about the "p's" he got in Chinese class. Mr. Guo looked at me and said "Cameron?" I said "yes, Cameron, 4th grade". He said he knew who I was talking about. So now I was confused but I kept talking. I asked him how Cameron's behavior was in his class because he told me he was talking and messing around with the boys. He told me he has had to remind Cameron about his talking and usually he straightens right up (of course I was stuck on usually...why not always). He told me they change seats every couple of weeks and when he ends up sitting by one of them that is when he talks. So of course I said "I do not want him sitting by the boys ever". He looked at me like I had 3 heads. I said "well, if it is a problem to sit by them just don't let him sit by them. That would solve the problem". Again he looked at me like I was an alien. This is an easy fix buddy. Why he hasn't figured it out is beyond me. We ended the conversation and I felt better knowing Cameron wasn't being a totally disrespectful, rude child. Which, I didn't think he would be but I am still surprised he was getting talked to at all. Ok, ok, he isn't perfect and he's 9. I get it.

I ran up to Cameron's classroom to let him know what I found out. He looked like he wanted to cry but didn't. He was still nervous. Then he looked up at me and said "so, am I still in trouble?" I asked if he thought he should be. He started to laugh and said no. Hmmm, I'm not sure 12 hours of him worrying is punishment enough because he was being rude. 3 days of no electronics should hurt him a little.

Off to yoga class. Ouch! Haven't done it in a few weeks and it hurt. I was happy when it was over. Rachel and I got about half our board decorated in the hallway for United Nations day and then I went home at 11.

11:50 back to school to get Cameron. Early dismissal because of conferences. We went to Subway for lunch with Carrasco's.

First a sandwich and then a cookie.

Cameron went home with them and I went to meet with Mr. Singer. As I was waiting in the hallway another mom, another lady, and a son walked past me and into the class. They sat down in the chairs as I stood in the doorway. Mr. Singer looked at me then came towards me. I whispered to him "I think I am next". He looked and I was. He told the other people and they laughed and were embarrassed.  The conference went very well.  I didn't expect anything else.  I was in there for about 8 minutes.  There just wasn't anything to more to discuss. 

I ran back to Warner to pick Cameron up.  We ran to IKEA in Tianjin.  I was hoping to make meatballs for the party Saturday night but I couldn't find any.  And everyone knows I was not making them myself.  I mentioned it to Ileana and she reminded me that IKEA has good meatballs.  Jumped in the car and off we went.

Cameron and I decided to walk around since we were there.  IKEA does have a lot of neat things but nothing we need now.  We were going to buy napkins but the check out lines were too long.  We went to the food section.  Grabbed 6 bags of meatballs and a bag of coffee for Ileana.  They didn't have the right coffee so we got her second choice. 

Mr. Xue was not in the van when we got out to it.  I called him.  He returned about 5 minutes later.  He must have been inside checking it out.  He had to ask Leo how to get to IKEA so he obviously has never been.  He was probably shocked at how fast we were done shopping.

Back in the van and back to TEDA.  Cameron played with Ryley and Tobias.  We then had tacos for dinner, skyped my parents, talked to Todd, and went to bed.

Sad Sunday

Todd went down for breakfast because we got one for free. He then made pancakes for the rest of us except Mom. I think she had fruit. Packed up and ready to go. At 9:30 we were in the van. First stop was the hotel my parents were staying in later. Todd went in to check them in. Come to find out he didn't make a reservation. He was sure he did. He checked on his phone and there was a reservation for the 21-22 but it was November when we are staying there. Luckily they had a room.

We carried all their bags to their room. Todd gave his last minute talk of reminders for them and made sure they were set.  Everyone back in the van and we went to the airport. We dropped Todd off so he could fly out for work. The rest of us went to Euro Plaza. I got a quick haircut. Thankfully my parents didn't care that I got this done so I didn't have to make another trip. They walked around with Cameron and bought some snacks in the grocery store.

Sam did a great job on my hair. I'm very pleased. Before he started I had to get my hair washed. I told the girl no head massage this time. She washed my hair twice using her finger nails to scrub. Then conditioner. 10 minutes and a sore scalp later I was getting my hair cut. 30 minutes later I was back with my family and we were deciding what to do for lunch.

In McDonald's we went. Nuggets and cheeseburgers. Dad thought about a spicy chicken sandwich but I talked him out of it. I haven't had it but Ileana had a grilled chicken sandwich one time and it looked and tasted disgusting. Dad said "I am getting on a plane tomorrow. I'll go with the hamburger." I know those taste fine.

After lunch we stopped at Jenny Lou's to get a few things. We stopped in the toy store too. I got a couple Halloween decorations and Cameron got a mask. I ordered him one but we bought this one just in case. Both masks together were less than $2. I think I can afford that.

Next stop was Subway so my parents could get sandwiches for dinner later in the hotel.

Schindlers meat market was next. I bought some ground beef to make hamburgers. We were off to the hotel. Hit the bathroom then said our goodbyes. Hate this part. Yes there were tears. We love having my parents in China and always hate to see them leave.

Cameron and I went back to TEDA with Mr. Xue.

So thankful my parents were able to visit again and so thankful for everything while they were here. I feel bad because we had a lot more free/down time this time since they had done everything in TEDA already. Hopefully they weren't bored. We LOVED every minute.

Cameron and I relaxed and then went to bed.

The reason for the interstate being closed on Saturday.

Saturday In Beijing

Up early. Mom changed sheets, did laundry, and was almost ready by the time I got up at 6:30. We were headed to Beijing. Todd had a doctor appointment with a specialist for his ear at 1:00 so we decided we would all go and spend the night since Todd has to fly out Sunday and my parents had to be at the hotel in order to fly out early Monday. Better than going back and forth.

Everyone in the van and got on the interstate. As we got close to the toll booth lots of cars were coming towards us...the toll booth was closed. It was a very foggy/smoggy morning. They close the road when it's like that. Mr. Xue took the "slow route" as Todd called it.

He has taken this way 2 other times but it was a first for the rest of us. For a few minutes we all felt like we were back on the roads in Yesanpo. Crazy bumpy. Luckily it hit highway again. Mr. Xue was cruising along. He was on a mission to get us to Beijing. At one point he passed on the left, going into the oncoming traffics lane with a truck coming at us. We then hit a big dip in the road. It was likes Dukes of Hazards. Definitely different things to see on this route. It definitely took longer. Lots of times we were stopped because of traffic lights and tons of traffic.

Ton of traffic.

Grandma and Cameron played slap hands.

After being in the car for 2 hours we realized we were by the Florencia Village mall we were at yesterday that took less than an hour to get to. We tried to get back on real interstate but it was still closed. Ugh!

Cameron needed to go to the bathroom. Luckily when he said it two blocks later there was a gas station with a bathroom. We all decided to go since we had no clue when we would get to Beijing.

Back on the road. After 3 hours we were waiting in traffic lines barely moving again. Worst car trip ever to Beijing.  3 hours 20 minutes into the trip we had to stop in a police check point. They checked our drivers license and papers, opened up the back of the van, and then let us go. 2 minutes later we had to drive through another routine Police check point. Luckily we didn't get stopped.

Finally on the main interstate in Beijing. We saw a pretty bad wreck between 2 trucks. There was an actual fire truck on the scene. This was not the cause of the interstate being closed.

I decided to give the AARP IPad a try. First 2 games I lost. The 3rd game I won. That game is no match for me.

On top of everything else...we got lost. Todd's appointment was at 1:00 and we pulled in the hospital parking lot at 12:53. Almost 5 hours in the car. What a cruddy ride.  Not to mention that one of our goals about living in China was destroyed.  We wanted to make it through without ever stepping foot into a hospital.  At least it is just to see a doctor whose office happens to be in the hospital.

We went to Chaoyang Park to Go Ape. Cameron and I did the rope climbing/zip line course. It was fun. But, when we were zip lining both times I crashed with my booty into the pile of sand that stops you. I had a booty full of sand. Good times.

Gear is on just waiting our turn.

Walking to get started.

Our training session.

Seriously, did I agree to this?

Cameron is a pro.

Together on a platform.

Cameron zip lining.

He loves this kind of stuff.

These were by far the hardest.  The little pegs flip when
you step on them.

This was my second booty crash.

Cameron thought it was hilarious.

Todd met us at the park. He told me the doctor found a moth in his ear. I was freaking out. He finally said he was lying. He showed us pictures on his phone that the doctor took. The first one was a picture of his good ear. Clean and clear. The second was of his bad ear. Holy moly was it disgusting. It was full of gross looking stuff and you could see where it was red and bleeding a little. GROSS. The doctor used a vacuum to suck some goop out then took another picture. You could see a big difference already. She sucked some more and sent him on his way. He has ear drops he has to use. Hopefully this is going to do the trick. He can already hear out of it so that's a huge bonus already.

This guy had a sports bra on.

In the van and off to the hotel. We checked in and hung out for an hour. Dad couldn't believe how long the room was. Actually they call them apartments...3 bedroom, 3 bathrooms. Definitely a step up from the Super 8 and Best Westerns my parents stay in.

Hanging out in the kitchen.

Cameron playing Jenga Blast.

Grandma got in on the action.

Dad didn't last long holding Cameron like this.

At 4:00 we were back in the van going to drive go carts. We all drive the first round. Dad had the same claustrophobic feel when he put on the helmet because it is a full face one. Dad could barely see out of it. Our turn. Mom hit the tires going out of the pits then hit tires again a few turns later. We were cruising around having fun until the last lap. I was behind my Dad who was behind Todd. We came around a corner and my Dad crashed hard. I almost died right then. He did like a whip lash motion then sat still. I stopped and then I saw him loosening his helmet. At least I knew he was moving. I had to continue around. That last lap seemed like it took forever. I felt sick with tears in my eyes. I was the last one in the pit and they were all already out of their cars. I immediately asked Dad if he was ok. He said yes but then said "man, I hit hard." My mom said "what?" She didn't know it happened. I started saying how it scared the heck out if me and then my mom was all sick thinking about it. Luckily he was fine.

Watch out NASCAR.

All eyes are on you.

Heads are too big for the helmets.

Todd and Cameron rode again. Dad and I had a beer to calm our nerves. As we were sitting watching the guys Cameron came around a corner right in front of us and another guy completely slammed into the side of him. We could tell Cameron was hurt. He immediately grabbed his leg. The guy that hit him stopped and was making sure Cameron was ok. They both started going again. Two laps later they were in. I met Cameron at the door and he said he was fine he just hit his knee on the bar. The guy that hit him came right over, without even taking his helmet off, and apologized repeatedly and made sure Cameron was fine. That was nice. He felt really bad.  There wasn't time for him to react to miss Cameron.

Back in the van where my heart rate finally got back to normal. Dad and Cameron were both fine too. Back to the hotel. We finished our championship game of Euchre. Girls won. We ordered from Annie's and had it delivered for dinner.

We ate. Good food. We then played Go Fish, UNO, and the new Jenga Blast. We had a great last night with my parents. Off to bed.

Dinner time.

Cameron found a new place to sleep.

Cameron takes a turn while Grandma looks on.

Grandpa is concentrating hard.

Poor Todd has to set them back on.