Christmas celebrations

One Christmas Eve tradition from the US held true in Taiwan: steak! I was sad to hear that our usual Christmas Eve dinner restaurant has closed it doors - forcing my family to move it to a new location this year. But I was with them in spirit, as we had a nice dinner at the famous American/Australian steakhouse:
It is located on the "Love River" so we had to dress up a little bit!

We came home and watched "It's a Wonderful Life," which kept us up until after midnight. [Actually that was better than the night before, when the family was up until 2am wrapping presents. These people are crazy! Most everyone we know in Chengdu is in bed by 10 or 11.] Then Christmas morning, we opened gifts - not at the usual Miller time (5am or something ridiculous like that) but at the reasonable 7:30 or 8. I was the last one up, no surprise there. But even with the sleep, Rachel looks like she could use a couple more hours...

The highlight of the morning was Sarah's gift to Becca - a real, genuine Coach bag and wallet. Pretty swanky! Becca obviously enjoyed.
And of course, there was good southern cookin'. We had turkey and all the fixins, and 3 kinds of pie to wash it all down.
Merry Christmas!

-alan

Earthquake!

I figured that when we left Chengdu, we would be out of the earthquake zone. But apparently I forgot that Taiwan, as a volcanic island, is even MORE earthquake prone than our home in China. So it was a bit of a surprise when we awoke a couple days ago to a shaking bed around 8am. Here's the map from USGS:
It was a 5.3 earthquake, about 50 km northeast of where we are in Kaohsiung. Fun fun!

-alan

Taiwan: the first 2 days in pictures

It is wonderful to be here! We have been shopping and playing games for two days now, and it is a real blessing to be back with the whole Miller gang. On another, more superficial level, it feels great to wear short sleeves and shop in places like Costco. So here's some highlights:

Kaohsiung is changing! The new subway has opened in town, which is great news for us, since the Millers are a block away from the central hub of the system. The surprising feature of the system is the inclusion of tons of elaborate public art. The crown jewel is this circular room of stained glass, designed by an Italian-Mexican named Narcissus. Beautiful!

Here's the shopping crew - on the way from Costco and over to Ikea. We've been shopping a lot - no one in the family had any shopping done before we arrived (including her parents) so the time is now. Here's how it works:
Mom: Rachel, what do you want for Christmas?
Rachel: I need shhhhhhhhhhhhhoes!!!!
Mom: Alright then, show me what kind you like.
[Rachel picks out a pair she likes, and tries them on. And then another pair. And another. And another. Alan wanders off in boredom.]
Rachel: Okay, I like these.
Mom: Okay, leave the store!
[Mom buys the exact pair of shoes and all head to the next store to repeat the process again for a new child.]
Lost children return...Rachel is not the only Miller to return to Taiwan. Sister Sarah, fresh from Chicago, is the only child this time to suffer from jetlag. (tonight she passed out in the recliner at 9pm) It is fun to spend time with our former flatmate again! Here you can see the sisters on the roof of a local department store.
Rachel digs into some pizza at Costco - I never thought I would look forward to going to Costco to eat a meal, but today I loved it! The bulgogi sticks are amazing!

And finally, just to remind us that we are definitely still in the Chinese world, we snapped this shot of a pig tied out front of a nearby restaurant. Notice the leash - I'm not quite sure of this guy is a pet, or next months dinner....or both?

-alan

Mornings in China vs Taiwan...

The biggest difference in life here in Taiwan comes first thing in the morning: the shower. In Chengdu, it is 40-50 degrees in our bathroom (no central heat). When the alarm goes off, I turn on the remote-controlled heating unit while we snooze a few more minutes. That heats our bedroom up to bearable levels. Rachel and I then non-verbally debate about who has to get up first...the loser goes to the bathroom, turns the shower on to let it heat, and runs back into bed before the cold sets in. Once the water is steamy, the first victim jumps in and enjoys a few moments of warmth - the water is hot, but the air streaming in from the cold window tempers the experience. Once the shower is done, cold air and a damp towel are all that awaits you until I can make it back to the bedroom where my long underwear has been warming on the electric radiator.

In Taiwan, I leisurely get out of bed - extra clothes are unnecessary because the room has not fallen to such frigid temps. I can go get some breakfast, or sit on the couch for a bit - without giving a thought to being too cold or warm. When I'm ready, the bathroom is inviting and just right! Ahhhhh I will enjoy it while it lasts!

-alan

Merry Christmas!

There's been more holiday festivities to report on:

We went to the Christmas service of the International Fellowship this morning. It was really encouraging to see the American, English, Canadian, Indian, Chinese, and Korean influences all shaping the music and the service! It is definitely the benefit of having that kind of mix of people.

Also this morning, we opened our Christmas package from Michigan. I'm amazed at how well my parents packed so many things into that little bitty box! Even though it was a rush (we were late to leave for the bus downtown!) it was really fun to have a little early Christmas reward. [note: the reward was ACTUALLY undeserved. When we got the package a week or so ago, I clearly laid out the rules: no opening the box until all grades were done. Now while Rachel worked hard to finish her work, she still had a small stack of papers to grade. I guess I'm too much of a softie...]

Friday night we celebrated Christmas with the English corner gang. Rachel led some games, which most everybody loved, of course. I enjoyed talking American politics and economics with the college students. I still think that Chinese students know a lot more about what's going on in America than most Americans! The internet is quite a tool.

Finally, I'll close with a report on the great Christmas candy sale - and all you need to know is that Rachel cleaned up! The middle school ran a candy sale (over 1100 RMB was sold!) and Rachel got at least 6 bags...and I only got 1 :( I'll be visiting Rachel's room to get some Snickers an awful lot come January!

Now that's we're here in Taiwan, we'll get to continue the Christmas celebrations! Yay!

-alan

We're here!

After a hop, skip, and a jump across the Strait, we're here in Kaohsiung, Taiwan with Rachel's parents. We took the new subway to their new apartment right in the heart of the city - very exciting!

Rachel is now feeling "right at home" as she looks at her childhood Christmas decorations and jokes around with her little brother.

Give it a couple minutes, and I'm sure a Canasta game will begin...

-alan

So much of Illinois in the news!

First Obama is elected president...

Now the corruption (which has long been known of in Chicago) in the political system is reaching national headlines with the soon-to-be-former Gov. Blago in trouble. (Side note: I'm glad I voted Green Party in 2006!)

And finally, I see today that my former boss, Arne Duncan, will be the new Education Secretary in Obama's cabinet. I'm not sure now I feel about that... For a large urban school district, Chicago Public Schools were fairly reform-minded; however, things in that system were far from being run efficiently or equitable for students. Hmmm. I'll have to chew on this.

-alan

Christmas comes early!

So here's our tree!

Considering that the tree, ornaments, and lights were less than $15 USD, I think it ended up being a good idea.

And we've got cause to celebrate - there's presents under the tree! Thanks to Aunt Betty and Mom for sending something out this way!!

And we just couldn't wait...
So Aunt Betty's package full o' chocolate goodies was opened and oogled.

And now, I have to withstand Rachel's nearly hourly cries of "can we open the other box yet?!?"

I've held strong so far.

-alan

and it was a beautiful morning!

I forgot to mention -

I spend a lot more time complaining about the weather here than being thankful - but this morning it was sunny and warm - I actually came back inside to take off my long underwear because it was so nice! I didn't check the temperature, but I'd say it was like a late-September day in the midwest. And I love fall weather!

-alan

Holiday madness

This week saw the holding of two Christmas concerts and a staff Christmas party. At the upper school concert, it was funny watching a group of Korean boys singing "You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch." I wonder how well they understand it...

Our friend Zack also debuted a movie he created with his 3rd grade class. I haven't seen it yet, but I'm sure it was good. It nice having talented people around at the school.

But I must say the talent highlight of the week was a group of Korean parents who played for the staff at the party last night. 4 flutes, a cello, piano, and a powerful baritone whose music sunk to the depths of your soul. It was beautiful, and I am thankful that they came to perform for us.

Tonight, Rachel is going to the high school dance. It is unofficially a Sadie Hawkins dance, and she didn't ask me to go...so I'm taking the hint and will go to hang out with some other friends and play video games!

-alan

Go NU!

(image thanks to Hailtopurple.com)

It is official! Northwestern will be headed to San Antonio for their bowl game against Missouri. Is it too late to put Chengdu-San Antonio tickets on my Christmas list?

I am hopeful for a good game - the Big 12 is vastly superior to the Big 10, but the fact that Mizzou got stomped by the Big 12 elite leaves me hopeful for a competitive (and seemingly high scoring) game. I can't wait!

-alan

Christmas in China

Upon leaving for Hong Kong on the day before Thanksgiving, the holidays were the furthest thing from my mind. Chengdu is far enough from the Western sphere of influence that the Thanksgiving/Christmas festivities have not fully penetrated the city. So without the ads promoting sales, decorations in stores, and non-stop Christmas music radio stations feeding us reminders, it was hard to get in the spirit. Add to that the balmy weather in HK, and you get a Thanksgiving holiday that just didn't feel quite right.

But we did see some signs of Christmas when we were there! First, they were putting up trees in the malls and public parks - here is a huge one!
The amazing thing is how elaborately the hotels and office buildings around town were lit up at night.

And Rachel loves those snowmen!

Since we've gotten back, Rachel has pushed the thinking on Christmas by investing in a modest tree - a little 1.2m artificial tree that is sitting next to our TV. It doesn't have much in terms of decorations (and our string of lights has already gone out!) but it is a reminder of what is coming. (pictures to come)

We watched "White Christmas" after our big dinner this past weekend, which gave it a family-get-together kind of feel. Then on Sunday at the International Fellowship we heard a talk on the meaning of Handel's Messiah - which is certainly related to Christmas. I got so interested in it, I want to listen to the whole thing now.

And now....I voluntarily put Christmas music on!

I guess there is hope I won't be a complete scrooge this year!

-alan

a satisfying multi-lingual weekend!

On Friday, we attended a production of Our Town at our school. It was not sponsored by CDIS - it was a Korean, student-run production drawing from several schools in the city. So even though the whole thing was in Korean, we wanted to see it because several of our students were acting and the proceeds went towards earthquake relief.

That being said, it was a bit strange to see a famous American play, set in early 20th century small town New England, being presented in Korean. I thoroughly enjoyed watching my students act, but I can't really comment too much on the production itself - I haven't even seen it in English!

Then this morning, we went to the Catholic church in downtown Chengdu to watch the wedding of one of our Chinese colleagues.
There was only a short service - not a full mass - but it was still almost entirely in Chinese. So even though more words were familiar (unlike the Korean play) I still couldn't tell you too much about the substance of the event. Best moment - following the wedding, the bride did a bouquet toss in front of the church. The excited crowd assembled, and shrieked as she tossed the flowers into the air - several feet past all of them and into the waiting hands of the (male) bus driver. He raised his hands in victory, and we all laughed.

We came home and huddled in bed for awhile (the church was unheated) before heading off for a Christ-giving meal (fusion of Thanksgiving and Christmas) with many members of our staff. Turkey, duck, pork, beef, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, veggies, fruit, stuffing, and more...Rachel got thirds on dinner, and I took seconds on dessert. We were stuffed and happy.

Add on to that a late-Saturday game of Catan (which I won!!) and you have a full, fun day. Phew!

Tomorrow, people will be over to watch the Florida-Alabama game. I am hoping it is a competitive match!

-alan

More about Hong Kong

The first day back from the short break is over and done, and considering the circumstances, the day went well. Now, Rachel is out shopping (I think she's getting a Christmas tree....oh my!) and Colby is happy to have someone to play with at night (though as I blog he is sad to be tied up).

But let's get to it. Hong Kong.

We were there for a teacher conference, which was located at the new campus of a Christian international school in town. The school was breathtaking. As a teacher, create a wishlist of every single thing you would possibly want in a school - and they've probably got it. It was hard not to get a little jealous, I must admit...

The conference had its ups and downs, but there were some notable speakers at the large group sessions - including Dr. Gary Chapman, the author of the "Love Languages" books. Hearing from him and some of the other authors was certainly uplifting.

Outside of that, here's some highlights:

Our hotel was right along one of the many waterways that circles the islands of Hong Kong. Every time we left the hotel, we were able to walk along the river to go to eat, to shop, and to get to the train.
The hotel itself was quality, but we didn't really spend too much time there (other than the afternoon nap I practically had to FORCE Rachel to take). The only remarkable thing was that we got a room with 2 beds - which Rachel immediately pushed together. We slept. We left. We returned, to find the beds split up. Rachel pushes them together again. We slept. We left. We returned again to find them yet again split. If I was nice, I would have helped - but I guess I derive too much pleasure from watching my wife work so hard :)

The thing we did the most of on this trip was walk. A lot. All over the city. My feet are still tired! We saw a lot of sites downtown, including the building from Batman: Dark Knight where Batman got the Asian guy.

Usually the walking was either to go eat (we had yummy Japanese, Vietnamese, Cantonese, Italian, and American food - thanks to Bubba Gump Shrimp for the last one!) or to go shopping. Shopping was a bit of a chore at times, because finding the right spot was tough. Hong Kong is known for its alleys and alleys of cheap knockoff purses and watches and other trinkets.

Unfortunately, we have lost our taste for the uber-low quality of these cheap wares. On the other end of the spectrum, there are plenty of high-end European boutiques that we couldn't dream of affording. What we needed was right in between - and there were certainly a few malls that provided some fruitful finds. And good news - Rachel did get one pair of brown shoes! Hooray!!

But the highlight has to be our trips to view downtown. Victoria peak is a mountain that overlooks the harbor and downtown, and the view was so good, we went there twice. The first time, we took a cable car tram to the top - and it was steep!

The second time we went at night and took a city bus. And I'm glad that it was dark, because watching us navigate skinny mountain switchbacks from the top of a double-decker bus was nauseating enough without being able to see exactly how far we could tumble to our deaths...

And at the top, of course, were more shopping malls. Of note was the EA Experience store, which had a dozen video game stations to play. Somehow, Rachel snagged a free Madden station and we played a full game. I was the Lions, so of course I lost as she beat me with the Bears.

And from the top, we got some great shots. Here's what the harbor looked like at night.


Finally, asking Rachel what her reflections were - she said "food food food!!" We ate well, and I really liked the snacking. Mrs. Field's has descended on HK in full force. We stopped for cookies 3 times, and came home on the plane with a full bag. (its all gone already though!!) Mmmmm...

So I have a few weeks to rest and relax before our next trip - Rachel is just like her Dad, in that they are both hyperactive tour guides that never ever stop. Ever.

-alan

back home

It's Sunday night. We arrived back at our apartment around 8pm - it is 9pm now, still not unpacked. We had to play with the dog and inspect the (minor) damage and messes inflicted in our absence.

Now, we're both exhausted and ready for bed. A day off from school tomorrow would have done wonders for our health and well-being. But alas, it is not to be. Ironic thing is, the conference theme was "Quest for Excellence." Well, I can guarantee you that not too many teachers are going to be energetic enough tomorrow to do a whole lot of questing for excellence in their lessons. We'll see. Perhaps my colleagues have been inspired.

All in all - good trip, great city.

Now to settle in and get some sleep.

More on the trip (and more pictures) to come.

-alan

Happy Thanksgiving from Hong Kong!

It's Thanksgiving and we're currently sitting in McDonald's (to use the internet, not to eat Thanksgiving dinner - don't worry). We did have to work though - we are here for a teacher conference and so our day was spent in various seminars. Not quite the same as spending the holiday in the US.

Here's a picture from Thanksgiving dinner - Italian food!


We toured the city on Wednesday - it is very fun! Like New York, at least from what we've seen.


More to come later - we only have 20 minutes of free internet!!

Happy Turkey Day everyone!!!

-alan

strange weather...

I can't see anything outside my window, because the fog is so thick! Literally, it looks like someone put a white sheet up against my window.

To Hong Kong!

And we're off!

We've spent the evening at home, getting ready for Thanksgiving in Hong Kong by blogging, playing with Colby, and internet searching for various ideas of what to do in HK. Rachel is taking care of most of those details - she is her father's child, after all!

I'm marginally looking forward to the conference. I'm hopeful that it is worthwhile - though any use of the phrase "professional development" sends shivers down my spine, especially if it involves working on Thanksgiving Day.

But, now it is time to pack and then get to bed. (I can't wait to try out our new electric blanket!!) We leave right after school tomorrow, so there's no time to spare.

Pictures and blog posts to come. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

-alan

A puppy post

I thought it was good to post a couple videos of Colby before we left for Hong Kong, so you could see him in his puppy glory. We've taught him a few commands - sit, go to bed, come - but we're still working on the potty command. Not quite there. Here's another video of him playing. Notice his favorite hiding spot - under the coffee table.



Our ayi and some boys from the school will be taking care of him when we are away. I hope he doesn't get too sad with us gone!

Finally, we had some friends from our team over this weekend. It was nice to see that Colby played nicely with them. Not too crazy, not too scared...he did well. Here's the evidence:

-alan

Cold - the good, bad, and a dilemma

Though I have posted a little bit in relation to the cold, I thought it was time to discuss the situation in a little more detail.

First, the good.

It is mid November, and there is no sign of frost or snow anywhere to be found. The temperatures are getting up into the 50s regularly, and it is generally more agreeable outside than it would be right now in Chicago or Detroit. Looking ahead, it will get into the 40s come winter, but it will generally stay above that magic freezing line. No more shoveling out in the mornings, no more freezing in the car waiting for it to warm up, no freezing skin as I wait for the bus. I must say, it was nice to watch football games this weekend, and see firsthand the temperature difference.

Then there's the bad.

In a land where insulation is non-existent, we live and work in concrete blocks. Now, I won't knock concrete (so as to prevent my Chicago concrete friends from getting too mad at me) but it is better for its strength and durability than its insular properties. So as a result, the temperature inside is only a few degrees warmer than the temperature outside. So while 50 in November is not bad, 55-60 as an indoor temperature leaves me chilly. Add to that a lack of central heating, and you have a recipe for chills that lead to sniffles

So what do we do? Load up on layers. I feel like everyday when I go to school, I am dressing like I am going to a Northwestern football game - long underwear and lots of layers. We had to go out and buy some long underwear, which Rachel was kind enough to model for you...

So what's the problem?

We have heaters, but they work inefficiently. Our friends here scold us for thinking that it is cold, or for considering using the heaters. So it gnaws at my social, financial, and environmental sensibilities to run them too much. Yet, if I am cold, should I not do what is necessary to stay warm? I don't think it is a coincidence that both Rachel and I got sick this week.

So what to do? Tough it out in the cold until I get used to not having feeling in my toes when I'm home? Or throw caution to the wind and huddle in front of our space heaters?

Until a decision is made, we live life with a feeling much colder than the temperatures outside would suggest...
-alan

Sunday night

Victory! Though I really wanted to stay in bed this morning, Rachel eventually roused me in time to watch Northwestern outpace Michigan for a 21-14 win on Saturday. It was beautiful to watch the boys in purple ascend to 8-3 at the cost of Michigan falling to the inconceivably embarrassing 3-8. Since the opportunities are few, I will relish this victory over a perennial Big Ten powerhouse. Though Michigan is a shell of its former self and far worse teams have beat them this year, it was sweet. I'm also much happier about this 60 degree weather here in Chengdu, after watching the sleet and snow that was coming down in that game. Yuck.

Which makes me think - it really feels different. Not quite like November in the Midwest. I have no concept that Thanksgiving and Christmas are right around the corner. The weather and lack of American advertising/holiday retail means I am mentally stuck in October.

We were at Ikea earlier today, and they did have some small Christmas trees and decorations. Though we went all out last year for a huge live tree, I am not feeling the Christmas spirit right now. At least not enough to go out and load up on the decor, especially since we'll be leaving town for the holidays. But, we'll see if I cave (or if Rachel pressures me into it) once December rolls around.

Big week upcoming - basketball tournament in Qingdao (many students will be gone for that), my first official observation, progress reports due, new units to be started in all 3 science classes, and perhaps still time left for a visit to Papa John's. Oh yeah!

-alan

travel plans

After 4 months in Chengdu, things are kicking into high gear!

In 2 weeks, we will be going to Hong Kong for a conference over Thanksgiving. We'll have at least a day and a half though (and I'm hoping for more) to spend on our own in the city.

Then over Christmas break, we'll be in Kaohsiung, Taiwan visiting Rachel's parents.

And the recent news - we bought plane tickets for our Chinese New Year vacation! We'll spend 3 days in Kota Kinabalu, which is in Malaysia's section of the island of Borneo. Beach, sun, tropical forest, and relaxation await!
Then off for 4 days in Singapore for lots of yummy food and shopping.

Finally, we'll spend 2 days in Kuala Lampur and see what the urban side of Malaysia is like.


Then back to cold, cloudy Chengdu :(

Not that I'm complaining - yesterday was sunny and warm. At least 70, for sure.

Jealous? I hope so :)

alan

life as a single parent

I couldn't hack it.

After 3 days alone with Mr. Colby T. Poopsalot, I am ready to admit that I prefer the tag-team method to caretaking.

That being said, he's got some new toys now and I am optimistic his behavior will improve. Rachel even thinks he grew during her weekend away. I have been teaching him "the clicker" - which is a positive reinforcement method that seems like something even I can handle without too much trouble. We'll see.

alan

home alone!

Rachel is off tomorrow EARLY morning to fly to Tianjin for the weekend with a few students. That means I am all alone! I suppose I have the puppy now to keep me company, but I am not ready to let that nasty puppy breath curl up with my at night. Finally I have something around that makes my wife's breath seem not so bad!

[we'll see how long it actually takes her to notice that little comment! hehe]

But it should be a fun weekend - the highlight being an afternoon of bowling and my first-ever trip to Hooters! (yes, THAT Hooters is open now here in Chengdu)

alan

Puppy love

There's been requests for the puppy story...

But there is not much to tell!

I'd been giving Rachel puppy eyes when it comes to pets ever since we came to China. (remember the near-bunny experience, anyone?) But, the dogs at the pet markets are all disease-infested (close living quarters, dirty living conditions). So, the opportunity was never really there. But also, we figured the 5th floor made dog life difficult. Too high to go outside, not high enough to have a rooftop garden. So, the dog question was ruled out.

But Rachel's 8th grade student brought in 3 puppies to sell as a fundraiser for a local orphanage. They were the talk of the school for a few hours, as all the kids wanted to hold and pet them. They were legitimately cute, and fairly well behaved for being handled by so many. One got sold, and many kids showed interest - so the pressure was on. Neither Rachel or I wanted to be the first to say yes, but in the end we both caved and bought him before we could talk ourselves out of it (like I talked myself out of the bunny). So we sent him home in the school van, and stuck him in the spare bedroom that night.

The next day (parent-teacher conferences) we took him to school (on Rachel's scooter, believe it or not!) because it was going to be a long day. Other than biting some parents' toes and pooping beneath some coworkers' desks, it went pretty well.

So in the week since then, the puppy has found his home on the enclosed porch - which has morphed quickly from rarely-used clothes drying space that it formerly was. (though we still have clothes out there, which I am guessing won't help their smell too much) He seems happy and healthy - a few fleas when we got him, but those have cleared up - and eager to chew whatever we give him. He's mostly living life out there for now, until we get some training done and can trust him in other quadrants of the house.

Now, there is just the matter of reading the dog training book we got from our friends and figure out how this pet thing really works!!

alan

post-election in China

Strange - it seemed like election day would never actually arrive! My Mom always loved election day - not because she is a political junkie, but because she cherishes the day that non-stop political commercials and commentary will be off the TV and normal life can resume. And yes, it seems as though Obama-McCain (and the primaries before that) has had its place as a staple of the media for as long back as I can remember. (though, I must say, I'm not sure at this point how far pre-China my memory actually stretches back to)

For me, it was really fun to watch the parties going on in Chicago. I kind of wonder if I would have gone downtown, or would I have been too lazy and just watched on TV. Maybe Rachel would have dragged me out there. Well, it seems like I missed out on a fun celebration and one of those precious "I was there when...." stories for the grandkids.

Here, the celebration was much more subdued. And by subdued I mean non-existent. I do know of one person outside my household here who voted Obama - there could be more, but they stay in the silent minority. My American students reacted with loud displeasure all election day (I was in school all day as election returns came in through the night in the US) as their hopes of a McCain comeback were squashed. While their political views were not surprising, the things that came out of their mouths were...

"I think he's the anti-Christ."

"Obama loves abortions!"

"Obama was sent by Satan."

"Shhhhhh. I'm gonna tell you a secret.... Obama is a HOMO-SEXUAL."


Oh well. Maybe by the next election cycle I will know better how to raise the bar of political discussion in my classes!

alan

....and Colby was his name-O

Here are some pics of our cute little puppy, Colby! He came home with us on Thursday. No, we were not planning on getting him when we went to school in the morning, but we couldn't resist his little whiny look.




Good news. I think he learned where to go potty (at least for tonight)in his luxurious porch world

As I write he is trying to bite my feet (we are still working on that). I think he is pretty awesome. He isn't loud at all but still has a lot of personality.


-rachel

it's a boy!!!!

so we broke down and added a new member to our household...can you guess which one he is????
More info to come...

Poetry lovers out there?

I received a text over this past weekend, but I'm not sure how to take it. Kate, please help me interpret!

"I write a poem give you and wish you and you lover would happinss forever.

i remember

i remenber the perfect smile in shine morning.
i remenber the perfect wint in romantic night
i remenber the perfect ring in love
i remenber the perfect flower in my eyes through windom
i remenber the perfect wind in my face thougt the sea
i remenber the perfect friend in my tear though sation
i remenber the perfect lover in my soul though kissing"


It was not a case of mistaken identity - this text was definitely supposed to go to me. So what the heck does it mean?

In other goings on, I want to report a good time at English corner last Friday. I had the most stimulating academic conversation I've had since coming to China - and it was with Chinese students speaking another language! We talked global economics, free trade, American politics, environmental policy, and architecture, among other things. I was impressed. We'll miss it this coming Friday, but for a good cause - we'll be taking a trip downtown to eat at the Shangri-la hotel. Niiiiiiice.

-alan

if only i had a camera...

Many of you received our newsletter and had a lot to say about my embarrassing moments in China. I'm glad you could find pleasure in my misery. Thankfully, I've been fairly embarrassment free as of late.

Another question on the quiz involved what color we have not seen on a dog since we've been here. The answer was green but tonight I saw a dog whose legs were all dyed green, its ears were orange and there was another color (I think yellow) on its back. I just could not believe it! Below is a pic of the other dogs I was taking about that I took off our friend's facebook page. I don't know why this grooming practice entertains me so much but I can't get enough of it!


-rachel

Phew! One hurdle cleared

Today was the deadline - quarter grades due at school. Though there were some technical snafus along the way, both Rachel and I managed to get our grades in at a reasonable hour (it was still light out, that's all that matters). That means the year is already 1/4 over! Hard to believe. More than anything, though, it is a reminder to speed things up in my classes...

Switching gears, we have filled out our absentee ballots and are ready to send them back to the states. FedEx offers to send ballots from China back for free, so needless to say we are all over that. Now, it's just a matter of finding that FedEx dropoff location....[and let this shame any of you non-voters out there! if we can vote from China, you can vote in the US]

Moving on, it was wonderful to watch NU triumph in their homecoming match against Purdue. It looks like a bowl is very likely, which makes me both proud to see them succeed and sad that I am missing an excuse to go to Florida/Arizona/Texas this winter. Flying from Chengdu is not quite as economical as from Chicago. Oh well. Yeah 6-1! Go Cats!

In other news, there was a power outage this weekend. No storms or accidents - it seems that this was a planned outing. It went out Saturday early morning, so we were darkened already when I woke up. We stuck around the apartment most of the day before finally going to a friend's house who had power. It came back on shortly after we left, around 7. No big deal, right? Well, we woke up the next day to watch the NU game. At 7:45, we had just started the second half when...you guessed it, the power went out again. What timing! So we high-tailed it over to school to see the rest before scootering into town for International Fellowship. It came on again in the evening...around 7. Let's hope this doesn't happen too much once it REALLY gets cold.

Which reminds me, THE WEATHER. The rainy season seems to have ended - there has been very little of it lately. But the fluctuations are remarkable. Friday evening we sat outside at a tea house all night long with no jackets on, and it was very nice. Today, I shivered all through the school day. I could have turned my heat on, but why use the extra energy? I long for the days when I once had double-paned windows...

That's enough for now! Besides, I ran out of transition phrases and so I cannot start another paragraph. Until next time...

alan

Brrrr....a cold heart

Much of that cold heart comes from today's weather. The sun is shining, but it is clearly fall in Chengdu. The air is struggling to warm up, leaving a cool breeze to send shivers down my spine when I walk down the exposed hallway to copy some quizzes for 7th grade science. Though Rachel is "not worried anymore about the winter," I'm afraid. Very afraid.

I'm sure there is a nice school in the Caribbean I could have gone to instead...

But part of that is also coping with Northwestern's first loss of the season, to the rising power Michigan State. (MSU nationally ranked, and UofM losing to MAC teams....am I dreaming?) It was expected, but hard to see nonetheless.


Ah well. I blame it on my brother, who cast his support behind NU in an email to me this weekend.

"I hope all is well with you two. And that'd be pretty cool to see Northwestern win this weekend.

Phil

I figure that after all these years of supporting the Detroit Lions, he's the King Midas of football fans.  But what he's making sure isn't gold!! 

-alan

An artsy look at Xipu

(Zack - you took one of our pictures, so I figure this is fair game)

For those of you wanting to see a little more of the lovely little town we live in, here's your chance. To refresh your memories, we live in Xipu (shee-poo) which is a satellite town to the west of Chengdu. It's around a square mile in size, so we will come to know it well in the next two years.

Last weekend, our friend Zack was entertaining his visiting girlfriend. His favorite past time is taking scooter rides through Xipu, so they spent a good amount of time doing that. This is a video that shows you a bit of what you can see...

These Streets

-alan

A night at the opera

Tonight, we went into the 'Du for a night at the Sichuan opera. We got their an hour and a half before the show, so we had time to walk around the house and the mall it was attached to. Rachel tried her best to imitate the famous masks -


Do you think she nailed it?

We walked through a hallway with recreated scenes from old Chengdu carved into the walls. The detailing was quite amazing.


At the end of the hallway, we heard some loud honking - there was a small artificial pool and 2 big ugly geese. I didn't linger long enough to find out if the restaurant had fois gras on its menu.

We walked around for a bit - Rachel looked at shoes, but still no luck in finding anything worthwhile. What girl needs brown shoes, anyway?

Finally, it was time for the show. There is a connection between the opera and tea, so we sat at tables and sipped jasmine tea all evening. The tea is a show itself - the waiters serve tea from long-spouted pots so that they can perfectly aim the water from far distances. It is clearly important to the teahouse culture - take a look at this statue:

No, that's not a sword or a kung fu pose; it is a waiter serving tea.

So how was the show? From what I understand, Sichuan opera is unique from Beijing opera (which is known for its high-pitched, atonal singing). Though we did only see a shortened sample of an opera, it clearly was different. What we saw was more of a variety show - with music, dancing, and comedy. In all, it was quite enjoyable (and a good cultural experience!)

Here's a video of some of the ladies doing a dance - notice how they work that huge feather on their head!



There was also an amazing hand puppet show, where 2 women mimicked cats, dogs, songbirds, geese, rabbits, and people at various points. Words can't really do justice - but just imagine trying to use your hands to recreate 2 dogs chasing a rabbit, catching it, fighting each other for it, and the then eventualy devouring it whole.

But the most famous element of Sichuan opera is face changing - a lightning fast, on-stage swap of masks that display different colors and designs. I'm sure there is some deeper meaning to it, but I couldn't tell you what it was all about.

So despite being of a different culture and language, I enjoyed the night. It is worth going back for!

-alan

On pins and needles....

In a few short hours, NU will take on Michigan State in Evanston. It's a big game. We'll be up at 6AM tomorrow morning to watch the tape and see if they pulled the mild upset. 6-0 would be mighty exciting!!!

It's a big day for college football - Texas/Oklahoma and Florida/LSU will certainly be watched, at least in part, as well...

alan

Ranked again!!

Congrats to the Northwestern Wildcats football team, for their phenomenal start to the 2008 season! 5-0 sounds pretty good, that's for sure. I checked today, and to my delight the 'Cats showed up at #22 in the Coaches poll. This is the first time they have been ranked in the Fitzgerald era, and it feels good to see them doing well.

Why they had to wait until their loyal young alum season ticket holders left the country, I don't know...

But thankfully, we're taken care of. We've got a Slingbox, which is an ingenious little device that transmits American TV across the Pacific to our laptop. Now, because we splurged on a nice LCD TV, we can also hook up the laptop to it...and presto!


Go 'Cats! We'll be watching! (even if it means watching at 6am on Sunday....argh....)

-alan