As you also know, we don't speak Mandarin. If you are a regular reader, you also know, we have cable television (when we decide to pay our bills). Why does a family, who doesn't speak Chinese, need cable television while living in China? Well, for a number of reasons. 1. There are 3 English speaking… Continue reading Lessons from Chinese TV
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Lessons on giving and receiving
It was Nolan's birthday last week. I hesitated telling Jiang because I didn't want her to feel like she had to buy him a gift. But, I think these kinds of worries are ones only shared by my family. My ever rational husband wondered why I wouldn't just let her decide if she wants to… Continue reading Lessons on giving and receiving
Educating the Youth
Since we arrived in September, I've been searching for things to do with my kids. Now that I have the opportunity to be at home with them full time, I was looking for all of those fun things stay-at-home moms get to do - swim lessons and music class, arts and crafts and story time… Continue reading Educating the Youth
Welcoming the snake with a bang
So I left you, on the edge of your seat, wondering, waiting, wishing I would return to tell you how the Chinese like to celebrate their new year. Well friends, the wait is over. You want to know how they celebrate Chinese New Year in China? Fireworks. Fireworks! FIREWORKS!!! Wow! Sounds fun! Who doesn't love… Continue reading Welcoming the snake with a bang
Happy Chinese New Year
The actual Chinese New Year isn't until February 10, but while we're still a few days away, there is definitely a holiday buzz in the air. It sort of feels like Christmas is coming again. Decorations are up everywhere. Lots of gold and yellow fish and red and gold ball lantern looking things are hanging… Continue reading Happy Chinese New Year
How many Chinese people does it take to change a light bulb? Change a lock? Pay a cable bill?
This is not the first line of a joke. Or maybe the joke is on me. But the answer is four. It takes four Chinese people. Maybe you are asking yourself, "isn't the better question: why can't you just change the light bulb yourself?" To you I say, there are no simple answers even regarding… Continue reading How many Chinese people does it take to change a light bulb? Change a lock? Pay a cable bill?
Shanghai is not loving us back.
I've tried writing this post almost 5 times now. At first, it was just boring. Then I got preachy, then I just got stuck - I think the professionals call it "writer's block." But I think what has really been stifling me here is Shanghai. Literally. The smog is choking our lungs and clogging our… Continue reading Shanghai is not loving us back.
圣诞节快乐
A Facebook friend of mine recently commented on her friend's post. (Notice I didn't say, "my friend on Facebook." This is someone I have not seen or spoken to in 20 years but do count among my 200 besties on FB.) From what I gather, his children's public school has replaced a Christmas/holiday/winter school concert… Continue reading 圣诞节快乐
What I Learned this Week
Disclaimer: This post has more to do with being a parent than China. If you're really not interested in reading about my kids, read no further. Everyone is fine. But we had a little accident on Sunday. To protect ourselves from nasty parasites that could be lurking in our faucets, we drink from a water… Continue reading What I Learned this Week
Confessions of a Wannabe Foodie
I follow Anthony Bourdain on Twitter. I used to watch the Travel Channel frequently. Andrew Zimmern and his bizarre foods...I get it. To really understand another culture, you have to embrace their cuisine. But do you? Do you really have to? Can't I just look over Jiang's shoulder as she is eating lunch and utter… Continue reading Confessions of a Wannabe Foodie
Kathleen Siddell 