Tuesday, December 1st, 2009
We measured the kids last night. Maxine is exactly 2 inches taller than me. Sydney is gaining fast - only 1 inch shorter than me. Lord help us if Sydney overtakes Maxine!
They're doing exams this week. Yesterday Sydney did Chinese which she said was very easy. Maxine did Biology which she finished in 30 minutes - we're not sure if that's a good thing yet, but she felt very sure of answers. They have been studying very hard though, as have Rory and I. Today they both do Humanities and Sydney does Math as well. Last night we learned all about the Aztecs and Mayans. I think Maxine writes math tomorrow so tonight's studying will be a killer! Her boyfriend is super bright in Chemistry - best in the school - so she's going to get him to ask her questions about that and help explain stuff! Phew! I think I slept through most of Mr. Webber's 7th Grade Science class and then dropped it the next year!
Our internet service, and consequently phone, has been working intermittently again. We got a note saying that they're putting in a new gas line - to expect problems with the electricity, internet and water. We're a bit confused by that! No mention of problems with the gas funnily enough! Even when I can get an internet connection it seems that my Hotspot is no longer working, so no more Facebook or blogging sites. They've caught on to me! I'll have to find another way to block them. L
I suppose I should start to pack for our Dallas trip at some point. I think we'll be throwing things into a suitcase at the very last minute!
Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009
We're fogged in again. Rory got stuck on the highway with the bridge closed to traffic, so he got to work late. He said that everyone was getting out the cars and wandering around they were stuck for so long! Eventually all the men needed to pee so they just stood and pee'd over the bridge into the river! Then the women couldn't hold it anymore so they were dashing down the side to under the bridge for a quick pee! I think he was stuck there for about 3 hours.
Luckily I had done my shopping a day early than originally planned or I would have had a huge problem getting supplies for Friday. I have about 35 people coming so far, and some who never RSVP'd always show up on the day, so I'm expecting a more. Hoepfully it won't be raining so we can sit outside on the balcony as well, if it's not too cold.
Our living room curtains are being installed tomorrow. Let's hope they don't show up bundled on the back of a bicycle this time! They'll be ironing them first if they are!
We're having to look into getting a connecting flight from Nanjing to Shanghai on Saturday. If it's foggy like it has been all week the highway will be closed to traffic and we'll miss our flight! Plus, I really don't want to spend anything from 4 hours, more likely 6 hours, in a van before even getting on the plane for another 24 hours! I'm secretly praying for fog so we have to get a connecting flight! Shhhhh!
Friday, December 04, 2009
This morning was Andrea's farewell coffee. We had a great turnout - over 40 people I think. I went through EIGHT pots of coffee. Not me personally, you know what I mean!
Although I made lots of other goodies to eat, I think the Apricot-Almond Cake is still the winner!
And, I even sold some Hopeful Hearts earrings that I had leftover from the bazaar! I was showing one of the ladies my beading stuff because she's interested in learning, and before I knew it there were people buying! Great for Hopeful Hearts!
I sent Wang Yi home with a plate of goodies, Rory had some for lunch too, and then the kids came home and polished off the rest.
My new coffee cups and saucers/snack plates worked wonderfully, perfect for holding everything in one hand. They're a Villeroy and Boch design that's selling at Macy's for over $41 for a cup-and-saucer set! My knock-offs cost a whopping $3.75 a set! At first I walked by them in the store because they looked a little funky, but I went back and after picking up a cup I was sold. The handle holds so well in your hand, and the plate part is the perfect size, so yes, I'm very pleased with my Chinese knock-offs!
This is a picture I found on the web of them…it's the set in the middle with the biscotti on the plate. Oh my, that macaroon looks scrumptious! I never noticed that till now.
Well, we're packed and about ready to go, just a few last minute things to throw in the suitcases and then tomorrow morning we start the long haul. Uuugh. I just keep reminding myself that it'll all be worth it!
So, no more blogs until we get back in January (hopefully). Ta Tah for now. Have a wonderful Christmas, and I'll be back in the New Year!
