Shanghai
The Smith clan
Friday, September 10, 2010
Friends!
Yesterday (Friday) I forgot that Landon had football practice. Cynthia called me at 4pm and asked if I was coming home with Mr. Dong to take Landon. I was elbow deep into work e-mails so I sent Mr. Dong to go pick up Landon which meant I was on my own to get home. The drive is normally 45 minutes from the office to home. I was going to have to either take a taxi or walk to the subway. It was raining which meant that it would be next to impossible to get a cab so I went to the convenience store and bought an umbrella (basically a guarantee that it would stop raining - which it did) and started on the 20 minute walk to the metro line. 40 minutes later and one line change found me in the vicinity of our neighborhood and a 30 minute walk home. In the meantime, Cynthia had arranged for the boys to have a sleep over with the Lannen's kids. Landon and Nate went to the Lannen's from football practice while Regan and Jake came to our house. There was a "movie night" at the school and they attended that. Cynthia and Mason met me at the end of my "journey" home and brought me a dry shirt as I has sweat through my work shirt due to the walk. It is still very hot here and humid as well. This weather should break sometime near the end of the month and we are looking forward to that time. Sorry for being so boring this morning but you can't have fun and games all the time.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
21 years and counting!
Cynthia and I celebrated our 21st wedding anniversary! (at an elementary school orientation meeting.) Ah well such is life. We met Landon's teacher, Ms. Himalaya. By her name you might imagine a towering blond figure with armfuls of books and lesson plans but in reality she is about 4' 6" (in heels) and very nice - she is blond and kind of reminds me of the woman on the TV show "The Office" - Dwight Schrute's uptight ex-girlfriend Angela Martin. (sorry for the TV reference for those of you who aren't "Office" fans.) Cynthia and I are planning a nice dinner overlooking the Bund to properly celebrate our anniversary. We will probably go out on Saturday night.
Mason has been busy with school and during his off time enjoys driving his electric scooter around the area "exploring". Well the other day he and Regan set off with a full battery and decided to "explore". I was just leaving football practice with Landon and Mr. Dong and decided to call Cynthia to let her know we'd be some soon. She then informed me that Mason and Regan were lost and had no idea how to get home. I reached Mason on his cell phone and he was out of breath and sounded a bit on edge - then the phone cut out! Okay - so that was a bit worrisome. I redialed him and got in touch right away and learned what intersection they were near then gave Mr. Dong directions and we proceeded to locate the boys after about 10 minutes of driving around. Regan was very relieved to see the van and immediately abandoned his brother for the comfort and safety of the Buick. We then drove along stopping every 1/4 mile or so to let Mason catch up. His battery was about dead and he was having to help it along by pushing with one foot like he was riding a skateboard. In the end they really weren't too lost only about 2 miles from the house straight down the main road which passes by our complex. It was a good lesson learned and I was very thankful for Mr. Dong and his knowledge of the area.
Cynthia has two new "best friends", Jill and Elizabeth. From the sound of things I think these two were answers to prayer as they all three have hit it off wonderfully as evidenced by a 3 hour lunch and sore facial muscles from all the laughing they did. Landon has a new Japanese friend by the name of Rui who lives only a few buildings from us. So all in all everyone is starting to make friends and settle into this new life in China. Take care and be well.
Mason has been busy with school and during his off time enjoys driving his electric scooter around the area "exploring". Well the other day he and Regan set off with a full battery and decided to "explore". I was just leaving football practice with Landon and Mr. Dong and decided to call Cynthia to let her know we'd be some soon. She then informed me that Mason and Regan were lost and had no idea how to get home. I reached Mason on his cell phone and he was out of breath and sounded a bit on edge - then the phone cut out! Okay - so that was a bit worrisome. I redialed him and got in touch right away and learned what intersection they were near then gave Mr. Dong directions and we proceeded to locate the boys after about 10 minutes of driving around. Regan was very relieved to see the van and immediately abandoned his brother for the comfort and safety of the Buick. We then drove along stopping every 1/4 mile or so to let Mason catch up. His battery was about dead and he was having to help it along by pushing with one foot like he was riding a skateboard. In the end they really weren't too lost only about 2 miles from the house straight down the main road which passes by our complex. It was a good lesson learned and I was very thankful for Mr. Dong and his knowledge of the area.
Cynthia has two new "best friends", Jill and Elizabeth. From the sound of things I think these two were answers to prayer as they all three have hit it off wonderfully as evidenced by a 3 hour lunch and sore facial muscles from all the laughing they did. Landon has a new Japanese friend by the name of Rui who lives only a few buildings from us. So all in all everyone is starting to make friends and settle into this new life in China. Take care and be well.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Two teens and a tween
Well it is official - we have a new teenager in the house (oh joy.) Regan celebrated his 13th birthday yesterday. He had decided that he wanted an acoustic guitar for a gift so after work on Monday I headed down to Jin Ling Lu (Lu = street) where all the music shops are located. Mr. Dong waited with the car while I shopped around. After the third store I found what I was looking for, haggled for a 250 RMB discount (about $35) had them throw in a strap, case and 2 picks and then was on my way. When I got back in the van Mr. Dong was surprised to see my purchase and I tried to explain that it was a birthday gift for Regan. Apparently I got the message across because the next morning Mr. Dong showed up with a beautiful birthday cake complete with candles, plates and utensils! It was a great surprise and we enjoyed the cake after dinner last night.
Landon has decided to join the American Football club and last night was his first practice. This is the club's third year and they usually get enough players for 9-man teams. They are affiliated with the Shanghai Rugby and Football Club and share fields with them. The season runs until the end of November with a break during the October festival. Practices are Tuesday and Friday evenings with games on Sunday. I am looking forward to seeing Landon play and he is very excited.
Cynthia is quickly learning that things are not as easily done here in China. We have 2 pass cards for the front entry to our apartment and needed to get 3 more (for an additional 80 RMB each - about $10each) So she headed to the Service Center on Monday afternoon to get the passes. "I would like three passes please" - "We can't do" - " But I was told that this was where to get additional passes" - "We only do passes on Mondays and Wednesdays" - "Today is Monday" - "We only do in the mornings" - "So I need to come back on Wednesday morning?" - "No, you come tomorrow and we do for you" And so the logic goes or doesn't.
Landon has decided to join the American Football club and last night was his first practice. This is the club's third year and they usually get enough players for 9-man teams. They are affiliated with the Shanghai Rugby and Football Club and share fields with them. The season runs until the end of November with a break during the October festival. Practices are Tuesday and Friday evenings with games on Sunday. I am looking forward to seeing Landon play and he is very excited.
Cynthia is quickly learning that things are not as easily done here in China. We have 2 pass cards for the front entry to our apartment and needed to get 3 more (for an additional 80 RMB each - about $10each) So she headed to the Service Center on Monday afternoon to get the passes. "I would like three passes please" - "We can't do" - " But I was told that this was where to get additional passes" - "We only do passes on Mondays and Wednesdays" - "Today is Monday" - "We only do in the mornings" - "So I need to come back on Wednesday morning?" - "No, you come tomorrow and we do for you" And so the logic goes or doesn't.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Adventure in the city
Sunday we decided to venture out to one of the electronic products shopping streets to look for a new phone for Cynthia. The one we bought at the fake market is just a little too basic and the call quality is not so good and has been a source of great frustration to my bride. (But it was only $20!! I say to no avail) We didn't find one yet but the search continues. We also looked at Netbooks but the prices were not much better than I had seen in the US even though they were willing to negotiate.
Mason had his first day of classes on Monday and he absolutely loved it. He starts at 8am on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and goes until 2pm. Wednesday and Friday he gets to sleep in and has shorter class time as well. His classes are made up of 10 to 15 students from all over the world. In just one class he had the following nationalities - French, Swedish, Columbian, Japanese, Kazhakstanian (no his name was not Borat), Russian, Korean, - you get the picture. He came home with great enthusiasm which we haven't seen in him for some time and that was a great blessing. I think he will do very well there.
Cynthia spent Monday doing what she does best - wooing! She attended the Shanghai American Women's Club membership meeting that was held at the Waldorf Astoria at No. 2 The Bund (A VERY prestigious address in Shanghai) She joined as a new member and is now officially a part of the "in" group. The meeting is known as a "coffee" and apparently this is the beginning of an expat wife's day. The typical day goes from Coffee, to Lunch (Cynthia had a 2 hour lunch with a new friend) to Tea to Happy Hour. (Hey what about dinner for the bread winner and kids? Oh yeah - that is what the ayi (aye eee - domestic help) is for. Speaking of which while Cynthia was off gallivanting around town Mrs Jin came for her first day of cleaning work. She will work 1 full day per week and 2 half days. Not sure if we will have her cook for us or not we will see.
Landon is joining the American Football club and will start practices this week. We had to go buy him some cleats at the local sports store - Decathlon - last night and he is very excited. Regan turns 13 today (Tuesday) and for his birthday he got an acoustic guitar. He wants to take lessons and learn to play so we surprised him with the guitar last night and then went out to dinner to celebrate. If you think about it drop Regan a birthday greeting as 0regan73@gmail.com
Have a great day!
Mason had his first day of classes on Monday and he absolutely loved it. He starts at 8am on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and goes until 2pm. Wednesday and Friday he gets to sleep in and has shorter class time as well. His classes are made up of 10 to 15 students from all over the world. In just one class he had the following nationalities - French, Swedish, Columbian, Japanese, Kazhakstanian (no his name was not Borat), Russian, Korean, - you get the picture. He came home with great enthusiasm which we haven't seen in him for some time and that was a great blessing. I think he will do very well there.
Cynthia spent Monday doing what she does best - wooing! She attended the Shanghai American Women's Club membership meeting that was held at the Waldorf Astoria at No. 2 The Bund (A VERY prestigious address in Shanghai) She joined as a new member and is now officially a part of the "in" group. The meeting is known as a "coffee" and apparently this is the beginning of an expat wife's day. The typical day goes from Coffee, to Lunch (Cynthia had a 2 hour lunch with a new friend) to Tea to Happy Hour. (Hey what about dinner for the bread winner and kids? Oh yeah - that is what the ayi (aye eee - domestic help) is for. Speaking of which while Cynthia was off gallivanting around town Mrs Jin came for her first day of cleaning work. She will work 1 full day per week and 2 half days. Not sure if we will have her cook for us or not we will see.
Landon is joining the American Football club and will start practices this week. We had to go buy him some cleats at the local sports store - Decathlon - last night and he is very excited. Regan turns 13 today (Tuesday) and for his birthday he got an acoustic guitar. He wants to take lessons and learn to play so we surprised him with the guitar last night and then went out to dinner to celebrate. If you think about it drop Regan a birthday greeting as 0regan73@gmail.com
Have a great day!
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Housekeeping stuff
Having done this blog for a few weeks now I am getting into a routine of writing daily and changing pictures each time. However, I am not sure how frequently everyone is checking the actual blog site versus receiving the new postings via e-mail. I have put up a poll question on the blog asking about your frequency of visits to the site. I would appreciate it if you would take a moment in the next few days to respond to the poll question. I want to maximize my efficiency and if I am changing pictures daily but most people are only checking the blog site once a week then they are missing lots of photos and I am spending a lot of time daily that I really don't need to. So this is really just a synchronization thing. Depending on your responses to the poll I will adapt my picture posting schedule and maybe even the writing schedule.
I have also had some requests to have Cynthia or the boys generate some posts. I would welcome that but am most likely going to need your prodding. Send Cynthia a note at whitebearsmiths@gmail.com or to Regan at 0regan73@gmail.com (that is a zero at the beginning)
Finally, we have ads on our website that are customized based on the content of the blog posts. I have lately been seeing ads for travel to Shanghai as low as $585 round trip so you may want to check into that if you are planning a trip to China for some wild and crazy reason. Have a great day!
I have also had some requests to have Cynthia or the boys generate some posts. I would welcome that but am most likely going to need your prodding. Send Cynthia a note at whitebearsmiths@gmail.com or to Regan at 0regan73@gmail.com (that is a zero at the beginning)
Finally, we have ads on our website that are customized based on the content of the blog posts. I have lately been seeing ads for travel to Shanghai as low as $585 round trip so you may want to check into that if you are planning a trip to China for some wild and crazy reason. Have a great day!
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