It's helped me to see that the role of mother isn't weighted differently depending on circumstances. Having 4 kids doesn't make you more of a mother than having 1. Working at home doesn't make you more of a mother than working in an office. Presence doesn't always equal the amount of hours you are present.
Tag: Expats
Uniquely China
Some weeks pass and it feels like we could be in Shanghai, Connecticut or anywhere in Europe. I go shopping, to and from school, to the playground, maybe a mall…same things people all over the world do. This week was not such a week. A few things happened that felt so typically Chinese, it was… Continue reading Uniquely China
Play Dating
There are lots of things that change when you become a parent. There are all the obvious cliches - the new meaning of late nights, the new understanding of endless worry, the glamour of diapers and boogers - but there is something else. Something no one seems to talk about even though (I think) it… Continue reading Play Dating
Not From Around Here
There are lots of things that happen in any given week when I think, "Really? This is normal?" And then I stop and realize I'm judging and remember this is why I like living here. The "challenge" of living in an unfamiliar place is exactly what makes it fun. But the following are observations that… Continue reading Not From Around Here
The Fake China
One thing about living in Shanghai that has been a surprise to me, is how expensive it can be. Certain things are cheap - vegetables, taxis - but almost everything else is more expensive than it would be in the US. They are probably feverishly making iPads 100 miles from here and yet they are… Continue reading The Fake China
Beautiful Bali
What is it about vacation that makes you think you could actually throw away your "real life," move to a tropical locale and live like a local? I mean, it's totally impractical and yet…sitting in your beach chair, under an umbrella with the ocean breeze gently tickling your forehead, frozen drink sweating beside you, listening… Continue reading Beautiful Bali
Kathleen Siddell 