Alright, most of the time the funny stuff is about the kids...this is about some random woman I saw on the street today. After Sweatpants Day a few weeks back, I've been semi-good about getting dressed by a reasonable hour. Today I saw a woman who has embraced more than just Sweatpants Day! I was coming home from the market this morning around 11. Saw a woman out with her dog. As I passed her she was deep in conversation gossipping with another woman who apparently did not find this scene odd at all. The woman's dog was a white poodle with the ears and tail dyed NEON PINK! Folks, this is cruelty to animals! The woman herself was dressed in flannel, quilted pajamas (these are not clothes that could go either way...these wear PJs!!!) and big, fuzzy teddy bear slippers! I told Tim he couldn't complain anymore because I'm almost always out of my pjs by 11...and I never go out in them.
About the kids: I heard a really cute giggle coming from Ellie and looked over to see her putting her head down so that Calvin would lick her face ( not her mouth, Mom, don't freak out!) She was giggling and he was most likely enjoying remnant of the fried noodles she'd been sneaking from the table.
Showing posts with label cultural differences. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cultural differences. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
It's Bacon!
One of the great pleasures of living overseas is all the interesting translations. Well, as this is probably one of the last posts from overseas I thought I would put a picture of a package of bacon.
Elaborate Bacon (I'm not sure what makes it "elaborate"--although it was pretty lean)
Piece in heart Fragrance in mouth...is that a "piece" of bacon IN my heart? Will my arteries clog that quickly? And isn't a "fragrance" something you smell, ie not in your mouth?
These things, I will miss...except when it's important information that I can't figure out what they want me to do. Such as, "olymepics" on official banners. And an "Aboriginal Tribal Restaurant," I'm not really sure what they would serve. And I won't go to "Line up this" instead of "here" anymore. No more heads on my chickens. Ok, maybe I won't miss that. This week I have been thinking a lot about all the things I will miss here. And these are just a few of the things I will miss.
Saturday, May 19, 2007
The Year of the Golden Pig
Many of you I am sure have been to a Chinese restaurant where they put down the paper place mats that you can use to figure out whether you are a dog or a dragon, a rat or a snake. These also detail who you ought and ought not marry and tell you your personality...with varying degrees of accuracy! As my Mom always says, a stopped clock is right twice a day. Anyway, also in the cycles of Chinese divination is some kind of metal rotation that is then matched with the animal. This year is the Year of the Golden Pig...a very lucky year! I'm sure you all remember the big rushed to be married in 1999, well, that was NOTHING compared to the baby rush this year! Apparently all children born this year will be wealthy. I'm not so sure I can believe that though. And our decision to have a child this year was not based in anyway on this fact (or fiction!). The following, though, is my attempt to have my first prenatal check.
The first hospital we went to we left rather quickly. It was, in general, overflowing with patients. When I went to the maternity section, the nurse angrily sent me to the gynecology department...where we were rebuffed again. When we got back to the nurse in the maternity department, she told me the wait would be over three hours. I needed to come back at 7 the next morning...no, they don't do appointments here. So off we went to find another hospital.
We told the taxi driver one hospital, but he insisted on taking us to another (everyone always knows better than everyone else...I get tired of being told what to do and where!). So off we went to another, of course it was all the way across town (gee, I wonder why he wanted me to go there?). When we arrive, we are directed to a crowded hall. Women are sitting, standing, pushing into the exam rooms...total chaos. We finally find the nurse who is to check in the 2 month pregnant women. Her first question: Does she want the baby? Are you sure? The push to get abortions here is worse than a Planned Parenthood clinic! She directs us to a door.
At the door, which is open, I have to take my chart in and line it up with the other charts on the nurses desk...while one patient is talking to a nurse and another is getting undressed to be examined. So I go back to door where we wait, in the doorway listening to the girl who is in there have her appointment. The only thing separating us from the girl getting undressed for her exam is a curtain and a plexi-glass wall. Yet, because of the lighting situation (none in the main part of the room, and very bright exam light on the other side of the curtain) we can see everything going on behind in silhouette. I find it very uncomfortable. Also I realize that these girls are having to place the exam table's sanitation paper up there themselves. I don't see anyone wash their hands.
After waiting for over an hour and half, I am finally called in (with another girl in tow). I am told that she won't see anymore patients. My friend who is there translating for me, tells them I have been waiting a long time. I don't want the female exam...which upset everyone. They tell them I just want some blood work. They look at my list and tell me I don't need these test. Then after some arguing, they say I don't need them until I am 3 month pregnant (I think they are just trying to get me to leave). Finally, after a great deal of explaining, they roll their eyes and we go into another room. Where two nurses are seeing two girls at the same time. By the way, there is no such thing as doctor (or nurse) patient confidentiality. The nurse who is leading the way tells my friend to follow her into another room. She goes into the room, turns around immediately to come. "There is a girl being examined in there." My poor friend has seen it all now! She tells me she is glad that she was not wearing her glasses!
We finally get someone who is willing to right the order for me and we are sent to the 3rd floor only after we pay. On the 3rd floor, I sit down to give my blood and ask, as always, if they were new (meaning the needles. The nurse said no and I jerked my hand back...she was not about to let my hand go so fast. But my friend clarifies my question, to which she answers, "yes, the needles are new. I thought she meant this stack of papers." (like I would care anything for her stack of paper!)
With my blood drawn, we carry my blood down to another window where they will finish the tests. After we get the results, we take them back down to the second room we went to in order to see the nurse again...this time we don't have to wait! We are told that the test is normal (or literally, no BIG problems). So back to the 3rd floor for the urinalysis, and for all you girls out there all I can say is "squatty potty." I feel very gifted! Once that ordeal is over, it is back down to the nurse who tells me again, ok. Then she says I need to come back at 4:30 that afternoon. I can tell, that did NOT happen. And I will not go back to the hospital unless I have a major problem and it is unavoidable.
So this was my person experience with the "baby boom" in the Year of the Golden Pig. And the next time you think that the doctors office is a big time drain...I was gone for about 4 hours with little to show for it. Be glad that you have private appointments. Be glad your doctor washes his/her hands. And for the doctors in America, I know you all work long hours...but at least you are paid for it. Here they are paid like common workers with little to no training. My friend told me of a friend who said that she wanted to quit being a doctor to become a waitress. She said that she worked for 24 hour shifts or more and was paid about the same as a waitress.
Well, that's all for now...I hope to post some pictures soon of the BIG girl Lydia who was one on Wednesday!
The first hospital we went to we left rather quickly. It was, in general, overflowing with patients. When I went to the maternity section, the nurse angrily sent me to the gynecology department...where we were rebuffed again. When we got back to the nurse in the maternity department, she told me the wait would be over three hours. I needed to come back at 7 the next morning...no, they don't do appointments here. So off we went to find another hospital.
We told the taxi driver one hospital, but he insisted on taking us to another (everyone always knows better than everyone else...I get tired of being told what to do and where!). So off we went to another, of course it was all the way across town (gee, I wonder why he wanted me to go there?). When we arrive, we are directed to a crowded hall. Women are sitting, standing, pushing into the exam rooms...total chaos. We finally find the nurse who is to check in the 2 month pregnant women. Her first question: Does she want the baby? Are you sure? The push to get abortions here is worse than a Planned Parenthood clinic! She directs us to a door.
At the door, which is open, I have to take my chart in and line it up with the other charts on the nurses desk...while one patient is talking to a nurse and another is getting undressed to be examined. So I go back to door where we wait, in the doorway listening to the girl who is in there have her appointment. The only thing separating us from the girl getting undressed for her exam is a curtain and a plexi-glass wall. Yet, because of the lighting situation (none in the main part of the room, and very bright exam light on the other side of the curtain) we can see everything going on behind in silhouette. I find it very uncomfortable. Also I realize that these girls are having to place the exam table's sanitation paper up there themselves. I don't see anyone wash their hands.
After waiting for over an hour and half, I am finally called in (with another girl in tow). I am told that she won't see anymore patients. My friend who is there translating for me, tells them I have been waiting a long time. I don't want the female exam...which upset everyone. They tell them I just want some blood work. They look at my list and tell me I don't need these test. Then after some arguing, they say I don't need them until I am 3 month pregnant (I think they are just trying to get me to leave). Finally, after a great deal of explaining, they roll their eyes and we go into another room. Where two nurses are seeing two girls at the same time. By the way, there is no such thing as doctor (or nurse) patient confidentiality. The nurse who is leading the way tells my friend to follow her into another room. She goes into the room, turns around immediately to come. "There is a girl being examined in there." My poor friend has seen it all now! She tells me she is glad that she was not wearing her glasses!
We finally get someone who is willing to right the order for me and we are sent to the 3rd floor only after we pay. On the 3rd floor, I sit down to give my blood and ask, as always, if they were new (meaning the needles. The nurse said no and I jerked my hand back...she was not about to let my hand go so fast. But my friend clarifies my question, to which she answers, "yes, the needles are new. I thought she meant this stack of papers." (like I would care anything for her stack of paper!)
With my blood drawn, we carry my blood down to another window where they will finish the tests. After we get the results, we take them back down to the second room we went to in order to see the nurse again...this time we don't have to wait! We are told that the test is normal (or literally, no BIG problems). So back to the 3rd floor for the urinalysis, and for all you girls out there all I can say is "squatty potty." I feel very gifted! Once that ordeal is over, it is back down to the nurse who tells me again, ok. Then she says I need to come back at 4:30 that afternoon. I can tell, that did NOT happen. And I will not go back to the hospital unless I have a major problem and it is unavoidable.
So this was my person experience with the "baby boom" in the Year of the Golden Pig. And the next time you think that the doctors office is a big time drain...I was gone for about 4 hours with little to show for it. Be glad that you have private appointments. Be glad your doctor washes his/her hands. And for the doctors in America, I know you all work long hours...but at least you are paid for it. Here they are paid like common workers with little to no training. My friend told me of a friend who said that she wanted to quit being a doctor to become a waitress. She said that she worked for 24 hour shifts or more and was paid about the same as a waitress.
Well, that's all for now...I hope to post some pictures soon of the BIG girl Lydia who was one on Wednesday!
Monday, May 07, 2007
Xinku: a language lesson
Well, ok, so my Chinese isn't that great. And really, I'm sure that no one wants a Chinese lesson, but this is really less about the language and more about the mindset.
"Xinku" (pronounced "Shin-coo) is something you say when you ask someone to help you do something and then it ends up being a lot of trouble (Sorry, I "xinku" you). The meaning is causing a lot of trouble or work. It literally translates "heart bitterness." It is not a positive word at all.
Since we have been back, most people who know that I have three kids tell me how "xinku"ed I am. In the States, we might say "Wow, you must really be busy!" But it is not meant to say that the parents are not blessed. Here, that is not true. It is almost like people are saying that we are cursed...I know it is not quite that strong, but it feels that way. I would have to admit that, yes, right now in my life, it's a lot of work. Sometimes, the kids go through phases where they cause constant trouble. I have days when I wait all day long to put them to bed at night...but it's funny because it seems that those are the days that about 15 minutes after they have gone to sleep I miss them. I have to resist the temptation to get them up and hug them and say, "let's just play a bit."
So in a country, where families only have one child, spend very little time with their children, and never discipline them, I feel I am the least "xinku" of them all. I pray that I will never feel that my children are "xinku" for me. I pray that I will always remember that they are my "xingfu" (blessing!).
So if you have kids, go love on them and tell them that you are blessed to have them and not troubled to have them. Each child is a gift!
"Xinku" (pronounced "Shin-coo) is something you say when you ask someone to help you do something and then it ends up being a lot of trouble (Sorry, I "xinku" you). The meaning is causing a lot of trouble or work. It literally translates "heart bitterness." It is not a positive word at all.
Since we have been back, most people who know that I have three kids tell me how "xinku"ed I am. In the States, we might say "Wow, you must really be busy!" But it is not meant to say that the parents are not blessed. Here, that is not true. It is almost like people are saying that we are cursed...I know it is not quite that strong, but it feels that way. I would have to admit that, yes, right now in my life, it's a lot of work. Sometimes, the kids go through phases where they cause constant trouble. I have days when I wait all day long to put them to bed at night...but it's funny because it seems that those are the days that about 15 minutes after they have gone to sleep I miss them. I have to resist the temptation to get them up and hug them and say, "let's just play a bit."
So in a country, where families only have one child, spend very little time with their children, and never discipline them, I feel I am the least "xinku" of them all. I pray that I will never feel that my children are "xinku" for me. I pray that I will always remember that they are my "xingfu" (blessing!).
So if you have kids, go love on them and tell them that you are blessed to have them and not troubled to have them. Each child is a gift!
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Warm Sunday
Ok, so here's something really vain that I miss about America: dressing up the kids. At home I used to put the kids in onesies or normal stuff throughout the week, but on Sundays, we all dressed up. And as every one knows, dresses and little suits are WAY cuter when they are teeny tiny! During the winter, I never dress the kids up. It's always just as much as I can put on them. But now, my vanity can be appeased. The weather has taken a pleasant turn for the warmer, and the cute little outfits have been pulled out. Don't worry, it's between 75 and 80, so I'm still getting nasty looks for dressing my children in too few clothes.
The Crazy Life!
The funny thing about the things that I really miss about America is most of them are totally superfluous. Foods (ranging from baby carrots to crab legs), convenience items (Swiffer!), carpet, and personal cars are all things that we can live, and live well, without. It's amazing how growing up with things we become so attached. Sometimes, I don't understand why the Chinese think that Air conditioners and heaters are so unnecessary. I guess sometimes when you grow up living without something you become attached to not having it. Now, of course, missing family is the one thing that is completely necessary. I'm just glad that we are here in this day and age. 100 years ago people moved to other countries and no one ever expected to see them alive again. Things have really changed.
ANYWAY...below are pictures are the kids in pretty clothes!
All smiles (well, almost!)
Beautiful girls
Taking care of sister!
Crazies!
The Crazy Life!
Thursday, March 15, 2007
French Fried Green Beans
Well, I had my first Chinese cooking lesson yesterday. Two ladies from our favorite restaurant came to teach 3-4 of us how to cook a few of our favorite dishes, only one of which we knew was fried. So yesterday's menu consisted of beer-battered corn, spicy green beans, and fish. The beer-battered corn turned out funny because as most of you know, we don't have any beer in the house! And I learned yesterday how to fry a fish skeleton (head and all!) and arrange it on a platter so that it is "pretty." Actually, I think it's a little scary--a smiling, fried, smashed-down fish head! But the meat and sauce was great! The lady who showed us how to cook it was concerned I think because none of us ate the fried bones or head. The only disconcerting thing was that even though the fish fillets were boiled, at the end she poured hot oil over it. The last dish the spicy green beans is one of my all time favorites. I used to feel good about myself when I went out to eat here because we always order a lot of vegetables. I no longer have that good feeling. I found out yesterday that they deep fry the green beans. Yes, not sauted in bit of oil. We are talking about a wok filled with oil and the green beans are just thrown in! I have never heard of this before! So if you want my advice, never learn REAL Chinese cooking...it will only depress you (and make you fat!).
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