The first time I saw it I was horrified, now I giggle.

 The store carries all your military gear, complete with US patches. Humm does anyone else find that a little odd? The mannequin in the window is dressed in camos with a USA patch, and a skeleton handkerchief around his face.

To be honest I’ve never ventured into the store, no real appeal. And I try to avoid anything to do with military here, that includes the uniform outlets.

Everyone has a guilty pleasure, that one thing you do that just makes you feel pretty. Mine is getting my nails done. I’ve been itching to get them done since I’ve come to China but have not been able to rationalize the monthly splurge. Also the real fear of poor hygiene here (on the salons part, not mine) that can lead to nail disease. Anyway, I finally pushed through and just decided to go for it.

As my decision to stay in China another year became final I realized the need to make some changes in my life. The most important being I have to stop living for a deadline. I’ve decided to treat my time in China as if I was spending the rest of my life here. How would my daily life change if I knew I was staying in China? If I know I had to find ways to keep happy and entertained so as not to grow resentful, what would I change.

NAILS! Nails always make me feel pretty and happy. Superficial maybe but hey a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do!

This is easily going to become a monthly ritual.

The hunt for a salon began. Katie and Kelly came along to help asses and decide. We went to a few looking at the way they kept their tools. We were having a difficult time deciding if some of the places even did acrylics as they didn’t smell like your typical nail salon.

We finally found one that smelt right, (never thought I’d pick a salon based on smell) and went in to try it out.

After a rather intense game of charades I decided just to go for it. We still weren’t convinced they did acrylics but I figured I was up for a try. Rather than bore the boys with the details. It ended up NOT being acrylics but tips. Disappointed I was but hey, I’ve got french tip again and I’m loving that fact.

Beth knows where an acrylic place is, where was she during the hunt? As Kelly is always up for a manicure, we’ve decided were just going to make it a bi-monthly date.

Nothing makes you feel more unprepared then a crisis. Well maybe there is, a crisis with five children sitting around your table.

Now before you panic please remember I tend to exaggerate, no need to jump on skype and see home I’m doing. I’m fine.

Last night I was in the middle of tutoring when the lights went out. It was the only time I was grateful my parents have continually remained at my apartment during the lessons. I teach the children in the large hall with no outside facing widows. When the lights went off our area was pitch black. The parents entered and helped calm the excited children. Here’s another universal, turn of the lights and Children go crazy. They can find a thousand things to do in under two min, then proceed to do all of them in under five.

Utilities here work on prepaid cards. When the utility is used up you swipe another card at the appropriate utility station in your apartment or building. I’ve had only one power out so far but it was during the day and James had it sorted within min. But as I looked around campus there wasn’t a light to be seen. So it was obviously not due to a late electric bill.

Thank heaven for fathers who insist daughters take essential items such as flashlights.

Luckily Kelly and I both had flashlights. I worked the class out with the parents and was able to send all the children home early. I don’t even want to think how I would have had to keep their attention for another hour in the dark. Soon they were gone and the boredom set in.

NO lights, NO TV, NO Internet, but worst yet, NO computer. My computer has become my life here. What was I to do? Kelly and I decided to take a walk. Night walks are always fun and there was a bright moon out.

As soon as we opened the door the storm started. We stayed in the door way for a few min enjoying the fresh storm. I love the way that storms smell. Unfortunately in China, that wonderful smell is at times interrupted with a whiff of China which your nose often feels it will never recover from.

The wind was incredible, the rain started pouring in a matter of seconds.

The large earthquake in Western China had not phased me until this night. I’ve been truly blessed in my life never to be in any natural disaster or any disaster for that matter. It wasn’t until this evening that I got a little shaken. It wasn’t the power out as much as the vulnerability. I soon realized we were out of drinking water but hadn’t yet call in a new bottle. With the power out we had no methods for which to boil water. Without power I also had no ability to contact my family. My cell was only getting interrupted signals which was making calling out extremely frustrating if near impossible.

This evening I have come to truly appreciate my parents and their preparedness. So, mom don’t convert my bedroom yet I just might be bunking at home for the rest of my life.

For anyone who has stumbled across this post I hereby warn you, you read at your own risk. For sake of journaling I want a complete blog, and let’s be honest this experience was most definitely journal worthy. It was most certainly a life changing event that will impact my future shopping experiences in China.    

Thursday evening we had a girls dinner. It was a last min deal and only Katie, Kelly and I were able to get together but a girls night is a girls night. After a delightful meal of McDonald’s we decided to go window shopping in the underground shopping street. We looked at glasses, stopped for smoothies and generally browsed. As we passed a bra shop Katie mentioned she had seen some large bras in Tailor Alley. She had noticed them the day before and had remembered I was on the lookout for my size.    

As a reminder you read at your own risk.    

I have most assuredly inherited my mother’s full figure. Something I’ve learned to hide with Bali minimizers and restrictive bras. Coming to China I’ve never been more consciences about my bust size. Most girls here can barely fill an A cup WITH padding. Bra shopping has always been discouraging in the States and China only exacerbates those issues.    

So when I look for a bra I need wire, plenty of support and most definitely NO padding. As we passed yet another bra store, Katie suggested we look, you never know maybe they do carry your size. We stepped in and I began to browse. I got the largest bra I could find and bust out laughing when I held it up to myself, this was not going to work. The clerk rushed over assessed the situation and headed for a storage drawer. After rummaging around for a few mins she triumphantly pulled out the largest bra she could find. She looked it over then looked me over and nodded. She then grabbed a second bra before sending me into the dressing room.    

I stepped into the dressing room and closed the curtain. I begin the usual process, when in the middle of putting my arm through the bra the curtain is ripped open. I don’t think I’ve ever put a bra on so quick in my life! Before I knew it there was a FULL hand inside my bra and BOTH of mine where braced at my hips! The look of surprise or horror was all over my face as I relaized the clerk was doing all the adjusting.    

.  

Not exactly my usual white or beige.

To be fair I think my bustyness was just as embarrassing to the poor clerk as I was with having her hands in my bra. I doubt she’s ever had a customer my size. As she would rearrange one side the other would fall out. She was getting frustrated as the largest bra she had was just not holding all the bust I had. She finally left only to return with an extender. When she finally seemed satisfied with the results she threw open the curtain once again and beckoned for the girls to come over. Suspecting me to be dressed again Katie and Kelly sauntered over. Nope that was not the case. All Katie could manage was “Wow, you are busty!” Thanks Katie, I didn’t know that. Most people don’t realize my talent for hiding that fact. Now you know why I’ve been discouraged about finding bras in China.    

After all opinions were weighed in I decided to purchase both bras. I don’t claim to be a bra connoisseur so maybe the following features are standard but not on the bras I usually purchase.  

Netting on the side I just can't figure out what to do with.

Netting at the top, it helps me from falling out the top.

Wired structure on the side.

This pushes everything front and center not exactly the most effective minimizing technique.    

All in all I learned Western Comfort Zones and Boundaries are not shared in the East. 

For the record I love my wig! All growing up my mother would get on my case about my hair, it was messy, tangled and her favorite its greasy. In my defense I can’t go 20 hours before my hair goes horribly greasy. I wash it in the morning and my the time I want to go out that evening its like I’ve not washed it in two days. I’ve found the solution, a wig!

A cute style in under 2 min. Come on you can't beat that.

Bad hairday? No problem. Pull up the hair and pull on a wig. and in the winter its a double bonus as a wig is much warmer than a beani. Unfortunatly that means no wig during the summer.

Beth and I out for the evening.

I love short hair and miss it terribly.

By now I’ve figured most people have seen me with my wig but still confuse a few. The initial response is always shocked approval with the drastic style change and color. The reaction to it being a wig is always good though.

I have been truly fortunate to receive first  hand introductions to Chinese culture. Last semester when James announced his engagement I was thrilled at his invitation to attend. As much as I hoped to attend the entire ceremony I was unsure if the invitation extended to the ceremony as that is usually attended only by family and very close friends. When I returned this semester he confirmed his invitation and asked if I was interested in attending the ceremony. Was I ever!  From start to finish – Grooms side.

Wendy arrived at my apartment at 7am to pick me up. We walked to another teachers home on campus where a car was waiting to drive us to James parents home.  (They lived in an apartment across town.)

At James  home preparations were in full swing. His parents greeted us warmly at the door and as the foreigner I always seemed to get a huge welcome. Wendy and I both got a red flower to denote we were part of the Groom’s wedding party. Each person in the wedding party received a flower. Those with specific titles had a ribbon to denote who they were.

Officially part of the groom's side!

This is a groomsman.

Candy and peanuts are traditional party favors at a wedding. Peanut in Chinese sounds similar to the word for fertility, thus it is believed that eating lots of peanuts will bring luck to the couple.

The wedding schedule.

The entire day down to the minute is meticulously planned. Numbers are extremely auspicious in China and as such events are planned to start at specific times. For example the wedding ceremony was to begin at 8:08 and we were to leave the apartment before 8:28. Wendy gave me the basic rundown for the day.

The family announcement.

The ceremony officially starts with James announcing to his parents he is leaving to get his wife. He bows three times out of respect. The host in the middle is the announcer and mediator throughout the day. The bouquet James is holding is the brides bouquet. It is tradition that the groom gives the bride her flowers.

James Family - Nai Nai is in front

The announcement is then made to the grandparents of the groom again with three bows of respect. This is the groom’s family before departing for the bride’s home.

Red squares everywhere!

I don’t know the significance of covering the utility covers but if you ever see red squares on the ground outside an apartment you can bet there’s a wedding going on.

Wedding Procession

The groom’s party all ride in hired cars that have been decorated with flowers. The larger the party the more cars there are, the wealthier the group the more expensive the car! There were 6 cars in James procession all of which were Audi!

Wendy and I in car #5

The grooms party fills each car. Wendy and I rode by ourselves in car #5. In the ride to the Bride’s home Wendy finally gave me my Chinese name!

It's not a party without the Firecrackers!

As the procession was leaving the family set off FIRECRACKERS!! I always wondered what the sound was you hear at least twice a week. I’m not exactly on the West Side of Tulare anymore.

The tradition of setting off firecrackers is to ward off evil spirits. Trust me with the amount and decibel of those babies more than evil spirits were warded off.

The results of the Firecrackers

Upon arriving at the Brides home more firecrackers were set off. These were even louder!

The first car in the procession. It is the most elaborately decorated. The use of fresh flowers as opposed to fake is another symbol of affluence.

The first blockade to the bride.

The entire day was steeped in tradition. Wendy was my guide and translator. When James first knocks at the door he is refused entrance. The door is guarded by family of the bride. He must bribe his way into the house with red envelopes of money and sweets for the children.

Once he has entered he is guided to a table with his groomsmen to wait. He is presented with sweets and peanuts to snack on while he waits for a meal prepared by the bride’s family.

The groom is not allowed to use his hands during the meal. His Groomsmen must feed him.

James was more than generous as he allowed me to join him at this meal. The meal was various traditional plates. The first plate to arrive made my stomach a little queasy but I ate it! It is the plate just in front of James, some sort of beetle. I have to admit it was tasty. Well anything crispy is tasty right? I’m still not a huge fan of squid though.

The meal....umm...do I have to eat that?

 During the meal James and his party toast 8 times with traditional rice wine. This is when the drinking begins for the day and only picks up speed as it goes! I was truly grateful to be able to politely decline the alcohol. Wendy always had me covered with a quick substitute.

The wait is over! Here comes the Wolf.

Once the meal is over the Groom goes to find the Bride. He knocks at the door of the room and is again denied entrance. When asked who and why he is there he responds he is the Wolf who as come to collect his bride. Again he bribes the relatives to let him in with Red envelopes of money and sweets. James had a hard time bribing the youngest relatives as they thoroughly enjoyed the excitement of holding the door shut.

Once inside the room the festivities continue. First James gave the Bride her flowers. The host then informs both the Groom and their Bride of their future responsibilities.

Accepting the responsibilities ahead - Vows

It's official, she's the bride.

 James then pins on a corsage and Bride Ribbon, making her the official bride. Next James must find her red shoes. One is hidden somewhere beneath the dress, which turns into an interesting hunt. The second shoe is hidden and held for ransom by the young relatives. Again as before it took some extra bribing on James’ part to achieve this step.

A little more candy and another red envelope finally got the second shoe.

Last preparations for the rest of the day.

 James then puts on the Bride’s shoes. The Mother and Grandmother of the Bride then feed the couple dumplings. It is customary for the groom to then carry the bride to her parents to pay they respect. James’ Bride wouldn’t hear of it and insisted on walking out herself.

Dumplings for good luck.

Documenting the Day - Photos

Documenting the Day - Film

 The Bride and Groom pay their respects to the Bride’s family just as the Groom did to his, first parents then Grandparents.

Formal exchanges with Bride's Parents

Let the Foreigner toast in Chinese. Don't James' brightest ideas.

The Wedding Party

Carrying the Bride to the car

 James did insist on carrying her to the car!

More firecrackers for the send off.

The hotel for the reception.

It's not a party without confetti.

The Reception Hall

 The reception was huge. The reception started with James at the front. Speeches were made by family and friends. (Sad side note, the Bride’s family is not invited to the Reception. The Bride leaves behind her family to join her husbands.)

James greeting his bride.

Exchanging of the Rings

Champagne Tower

So obviously a mix of Chinese and Western

Double Balls of Happiness

Toasting the Guests

 Wedding pictures are a huge part of the modern Chinese wedding. Each town has its hot spots for Wedding Photos. Weifang’s is the People’s Park in the center of Town. This step can take hours. I had a wonderful time tagging along chatting with Wendy.

Wedding Pictures

Waiting for the pictures to finish.

Isn't she just gorgeous!

 The Wedding was beautiful and I was greatly honored James invited me to attend.

No photos will accompany this post as only roommates and immediate family are tortuously subjected to described scenes.

At 22 there are certain things one would assume to have mastered yet I am constantly surprising myself. For example, more than a few of the people mentioned above have commented on how messy my face is when I brush my teeth. What! Teeth are an important part of a well kept image.

My new roommate once again brought it to my attention and grabbed a camera hoping to capture before mentioned incriminating spectacle. To be perfectly honest I never understood how anyone could keep all the toothpaste in their mouth and prevent the foam from enveloping ones lips. 

As I protested I soon realized the key to keeping the foam in ones mouth is to keep it open while brushing. It was like a light bulb went on for the first time. I’d always clamped my lips closed while brushing in an attempt to keep the foam  in while in reality I’d only made a bigger mess. Huh well that takes half the fun out of brushing.

And since I’m on an embarrassing lessons learned at an unusual age kick, yes its true I didn’t know eggs weren’t considered dairy until my final year in college. What! they are white and yellow and sold next to the milk and butter.  What products are white and yellow that aren’t dairy?

Katie and Thomas fearlessly went to the box office to asses the situation. Through the help of a student via cellphone they discovered the movie was as predicted dubbed in Chinese but the theater did have a copy of the film in English with Chinese subtitles. The great thing about being a westerner in China is the fact that businesses are always trying to please you! They offered to show the movie in English with Chinese subtitles for the final showing at 10pm as it was hardly booked. Of course we jumped on it.  

Word is now spreading in Weifang that there is a possibility to see a film at the theater! A high point in everyone’s week. We’re going to push for Alice in Wonderland 3D, I’m trying to get a group for Sherlock Holmes. Movie tickets are American prices, ¥60 for a 3D film and ¥40 for a regular but well worth the treat.

Don't we look cool!

China most definitely has its perks, one is its enthusiasm to celebrate just about any holiday deemed International. One such holiday is Women’s Day. I’ve heard about it, but as I’ve never considered myself a feminist, I’ve never really paid much attention to it. To be honest before last week I couldn’t even tell you what month it was in let alone the date. When James informed me Friday March 5th was Women’s Day he was shocked at my ignorance.

The school would be holding activities on the field in celebration and Kelly and I were invited to attend.  Due to bad weather Friday the event was rescheduled to today. Wendy came and got us at 2.

The event included an assortment of games and races for the female faculty. Each department contributed a team, we joined our department Applied Foreign Languages. The Department head Mrs. Liu asked if we would like to participate in any events. Thanks to Kelly’s more than obliging volunteering we both got roped into an event.

The events included the following (American Counter Part)

• Place the Mouth (Pin the Tail on the Donkey)
• Ball Pass (Over Under)
• Jump Rope
• Shuttle Cock (Hacky-sack)
• Relay Race

Yes this is for real!

The first Event was by far the most entertaining. Instead of Pinning the Tail on a Donkey they pin a mouth on a man.

The art students drew the boards. I loved the worker hats on the last easels.

Aren't those foreigners entertaining!

Want to know the perfect cheat free blindfold? A sports head band, lets just hope they were new.

Luckily the universal start signal is a whistle.

Over Under Ball Pass

Let me begin by stating I’ve never claimed to be the sharpest crayon in the box or have the patience of an angel!

Cooking on a hotplate has been a life’s lesson at best, I feel confident I won’t starve to death if now left alone with just that to survive. I missed good baked food, so opted to purchase a toaster oven this semester.

Last night Kelly, Katie, Thomas and I headed to the Tai Hua to purchase one. We’d compared prices in a few stores and settled on the Y270 medium size one at Fresco. Between the three of us we are getting great at charades, mad-gab and correct assumptions when it comes to deciphering Chinese. We purchased the oven then completed the grocery shopping.

Isn't she a beauty? I can just smell the brownies and bread already!

Kelly and I headed home with great anticipation! I was set on toast, my first real slice of toast since arriving in China. We got home and set it up. It looks beautiful in our kitchen by the way but then again I’m bias. I put in two slices and set the time with the temp at 100*. I went to the living room to put in a movie and after 2mins returned to disappointment. The oven wasn’t even warm and the toast was still white!

 Humph I’ll fix that, I crank up the oven to 250*C and turn the timer to 20min. I know, I know, well I know now that was a little extreme. I went to watch the episode and planned on checking it in a few mins. What can I say a great TV show? I soon smelt the toast, thanks to Mom’s excellent cooking lessons I knew if you could smell it it was done. I guess I should rethink that strategy for meals cooked in a closed kitchen and you smelling it in a closed living room.

The washing machine was in use which meant the tap was occupied, luckily there were some water filled bowls in the sink to dowse the smoking toast.

I jumped off the couch and ran to the kitchen to find smoke BILLOWING from the oven. No joke. Can I just say how grateful I am there are no smoke detectors in China. That would have been embarrassing and since it was night when I opened the kitchen window the smoke exiting wasn’t that noticeable.

After assessing the situation I unplug the oven, cracked the door and opened the window, a few mins later I turned on the stove vent. Yes I realized there was a more effective order but eventually the smoke decreased enough for me to stick a fork in a get the lumps of coal, that were originally slices of bread, and toss them in the sink. The smoke was so thick my eyes were stinging which did not help the process at all. Kelly was closed up in the office an oblivious to all the proceedings.

This was after about 10min

It took about 20min for all the smoke to finally clear and the smell to somewhat subside. For the few, Katie and Thomas to be exact, who know the funky smell* my apartment usually has, at least burnt toast is a welcome respite. See, there is always a positive side to be found.

 I think I can safely add yet another means to get my self killed in China, Toaster Oven. As if my poor street crossing skills weren’t sure enough.

*The smell is not of my doing, it was here before I moved in, goodness knows how I’ve tried to dispel it.