Good morning to you too.

Normally when Josh wakes up he waits patiently for me to wake up too, or snuggles up to me and accidentley-on-purpose wakes me up.Normally he also gives me a kiss and says "Good morning sweetie!"

This morning things went a little differently...

This morning Josh woke up, rolled over, looked at me and said "Leslie....Leslie.....LESLIE!" I finally answered with a groggy half sleeping/half awake growl "mmmhh."

He looked at me and asked "Do you know what I really like?" I was sleepily confused (that's the worst kind.) Without hardly waiting for an answer he said "bacon." Then rolled over and went back to sleep.

I would really have liked to know what he was dreaming about.

No shame.

"What is today?" I asked. "Today is I'm crazy today" he answered. "No, Tuesday, today is Tuesday." Within 5 minutes the boys were crawling around on the floor, running outside and back in, pouring water on the floor, screaming at the top of their lungs, and flickering the lights. It was going to be a rough class. Today was not the day for sit down and work learning. I pick my battles.

I decided "answer the question tag" would be the solution to all our problems. They practice their English, I don't have to try to control the little beasts, and we all get some good exercise. They run around like mad men and Josh and I run after them. When tagged they have to freeze and answer a question before they were set free. It sucks the energy right out of them.

So there we were, playing tag, practicing English, and having a blast when I tagged one of the boys. He froze and I asked him "What colors do you like?" He looked at me and paused a moment, it was then that he pulled down his pants, whipped out his little p.p. and took a pee right in front of me.

I guess that means "yellow."

I'm not posting any pictures because not only would it be inappropriate, but also the only one I have is in my mind. And I can't get rid of it.

Christmas vacation can't get her fast enough.

Gift for two.

Last week, Josh, ever so sweetly, bought me a bunch of my favorite flowers to celebrate our 11 month wedding anniversary...I'm loving this "monthaversary" thing! He met me at the gate of the kindergarten, flowers in hand and kiss waiting...the perfect end to my work day. He is so romantic!

We got back to the apartment and the flowers were placed in a vase on top of the desk so that I could admire and smell them for many days to come.

Now, I know many people do not appreciate carnations, I've even heard some venture to claim that they are "ugly," however, I believe such people couldn't be more wrong. I think they are the most beautiful flowers in all the world.

Carnations are little explosions of fun and vibrant colors that you can't find in most other types of flowers. Not only is it the colors which make them unique but also the fact that there is never any rhyme or reason to how the petals grow, which gives them their spontaneous glamor.

Carnations have been my favorite ever since I can remember. They are also one of the cheapest flowers on the market. For this reason, both Josh and I are thankful. It means both less money spent, and flowers bought more frequently...win win for sure. I just never thought he would find them on the other side of the world. From what I hear it took a little extra effort to track them down...but my man delivers!

So the next day, I was sitting at the desk working on the computer and admiring my beautiful gift when I had a little rabbit jump into my lap wanting some love from his mother. Nothing new...he does that often. I pet him, lovingly, and was not surprised when my adventurous Brigsby jumped up onto the desk, which is something we are still unsuccessfully training him not to do. Before I could grab him he hopped right over to my flowers and was smelling them. For a brief second I thought to myself, "How cute! My bunny loves the smell of carnations too!" But before I could realize that this was an absolutely preposterous idea, my thought process was interrupted by a huge "MUNCH" from Brigsby...

I guess Brigsby does love Carnations as much as I do, just not quite in the same way. Result: Relocation of the flower vase, a frantic rabbit who still is spending hours on end trying to get back to the place where he found his special treat, and a gift that keeps on giving...

You see, I always hated throwing away the flowers once they started to wilt, now I have a little flower disposal who does the job gladly.

Sweatpants.

You know that stage you go through right around middle school where you really want to look cute everyday for school? Wanting the cutest clothes, trying makeup for the first time, and waking up extra early every morning to fix your hair. I went through that stage for sure, but then I realized that no matter how hard I tried I still felt self conscious about how I looked every day, ducking into the bathroom every chance I got to make sure everything was in place and usually pulling my hair back because it looked just too frizzy.

I was never by any sort of a long shot the "cool/beautiful/popular" girl at school, and to be honest, I didn't really envy those girls because I had a taste of how much pressure it was to keep up your image...It was right around my freshman year when sports began getting really busy that I started choosing that extra hour of sleep over the vain struggle to be seen as "so pretty." It was then that the sweatpants ruled the closet. God began teaching me that He doesn't see me for my "adorning" on the outside, but the condition of my heart, so then I began wearing those sweatpants with my head held high...

The only problem was that Satan likes to attack a young girl's fears and I was constantly fearing that God was the only one who would see me for more than a sports girl, and that no boy would want a girl who never looked cute at school...and who never had time because of her countless practices.

There were a couple of heartaches in high school that maybe went unnoticed but God taught me through and showed me the perfect love that I was so desperately looking for, and I count myself blessed for it, not many people are given the opportunity to experience God to that magnitude in high school.  

Then college. The only people I had time for was my team. It was okay though, I loved them, these incredible girls that became my sisters. They understood. Everywhere I went I was with at least a couple of my teammates by my side representing the sweatpants right along with me. We cherished the times we had when we actually had enough time to try to look like girls.

I still struggled with the thought of never finding that guy who could appreciate me and my sweatpants.

Then junior year of college came along, and with that came Josh. He tells me now that he remembers me as the "pretty volleyball player who was really busy." We became good friends and after a little bit of hesitation on his part, 5 months to be exact, he decided that my busy schedule wasn't enough to keep me away.

Josh, who happens to be the most extraordinary person I have ever met, very quickly became my best friend, the best friend most people hope to find in their lifetime. Today I can say that I have been married, for almost a year, to the man who saw through the "volleyball player" and miraculously came to love me.

The other day I walked out of the room and, unknowing of any of my past sweatpants insecurities, Josh said innocently and surprised..."Hey, sweetie, you are wearing sweats! You haven't worn them in so long! I love it, I've always thought you look so beautiful in them." 

Thank you God. You really did have the perfect man waiting for me and my sweatpants.  

Mom is always right.

I remember being little and standing in our linoleum floored kitchen over a freshly spilled cup of milk, and how my little brain remembered that mom had just mopped the day before. I quickly wiped up the crime scene and was somewhat devastated when I found that the floor was sticky. Mom came in and saw the evidence of my destruction and said with a smile and a roll of her eyes... "It never fails you mop and something gets spilled." She never was angry about how talented we kids were at ruining her freshly cleaned masterpiece, she just would "shoo" us out of the kitchen and try again.

Now I have a floor of my own that I like to try to keep clean. Saturday I mopped. I mopped real nice. Here in China its almost impossible to keep a floor looking somewhat clean, I sweep 3 times a day and get disgusting piles of dirt and dust every time, but I have to tell you our floor was lookin' good! We were expecting a group of people the next morning for our "gathering" and I wanted the place to look presentable for them. Mission accomplished. Last thing on the agenda was making the Kool-Aid. Now, because water over here is a little sketchy you have to boil it first...so I made a batch of scalding hot black cherry goodness and was extra careful in transporting the pitcher over to the tiny fridge, all the while keeping mom's words of warning in the back of my head...I WOULD NOT LET IT HAPPEN!!

I placed the pitcher down and closed the refrigerator door...success. I felt like I had really accomplished a great victory. Place was clean, food was ready, and Kool-Aid was in route to becoming a cool refreshing beverage for our guests.

Then it was Sunday, game time. 5 minutes in I had a thirsty visitor who decided she wanted some of that irresistible Kool-Aid. Problem: parents were occupied otherwise and the pitcher was almost as big as she. Bigger problem: none of that could stop her. She was determined....Minor misjudgment by the 4 year old that resulted in a major fail. That pitcher took a nasty spill. Literally. Refreshment gone, clean floor tarnished, little girl still thirsty.

As I crouched over the black cherry casualty sopping it up with a towel, (good thing floors are tile!) her mom came over with a quick "I don't know what she was thinking, I'm sorry." My insides began crying as I thought about how sticky my flawless floor would now be, it was then that I thought back to the day when I honestly believed that I could pour that gallon milk jug on my own, I gave an involuntary and subtle laugh as I said, "Oh no problem, it happens."

Then she said lightheartedly, "I guess it gives you a good reason to mop."

Bullets

If you've ever watched the infamous movie "Finding Nemo" I'm hoping that you are reading this next part while visualizing the little shrimp named Jacque, green algae around his mouth, stating with an adorable french accent...

"I am ashamed."

Things have been so busy around here, for the first time in about a month in a half, Josh and I had a day off on Monday...It was glorious. Even though its not an excuse...please forgive me for not keeping you up to date, I'm going to try my best to not let that happen again. Since there is WAY too much for me to catch you up on in story form, we are going to do this bullet style. Bullets in real life, like the ones that come from guns, are really fast. I think that may be why the ones on the computer are called bullets, because you can read through things really fast...maybe?! Hmm...food for thought.

Side note: here in China there is someone who thinks they are called dullets. I saw "Coaster than a speoding dullet" on a t-shirt. That is funny to me. Ok, side note over.

So lets get this dullet thing started:

• Josh locked our rabbit in the refrigerator (Thank you spell check, I can never spell that word right). After about 45 minutes of looking we found a terrified and very cold eared bunny behind the drawer. 
• We went on a day and a half vacation to Xiamen with the "team" and did some sight seeing. Then ate at a Mexican Restaurant (another word I can't spell on my own). Not authentic Mexican, but not bad for being 1/2 way around the world. 
• Josh and I went to a Jazz Concert put on by the Fuzhou Orchestra with a college group from Germany. It was pretty awesome!
• Josh's stomach was poisoned by some Japanese meat...It was a ugly 24 hours. To this day the poor guy can't even think about eating Japanese.
• I have had a cold for going on 4 weeks now...Chinese sicknesses are weird.
• We have received 2 cards, one small package, and one big ol' care package. Robin, Josh's family, Matthew and Rachael, and Nate and Lacy. THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH! All of these things came when Josh and I really needed a pick me up. It was such a blessing no matter how big or small your gift was! Family and Friends like you, we are so lucky to have. We love you all!
• The principal at the kindergarten asked me to dress up and come to their Halloween party at the park. So I walked through the crowds of China dressed as a chunky Jack-o-lantern. As if the foreigners don't get stared at enough, lets throw in a costume. 
• Josh and I taught my two little boys how to carve a Jack-o-lantern and for the first time ever, I had to tell the little kids not to eat the pumpkin top. Then a week later I had to tell an adorable girl to put away her chicken foot and not eat it during class... Sometimes I just can't handle China.
• Roger, our good friend, took us to an indoor swimming pool, which really was a pool that was located under an aluminum shack (like the military looking ones with the arched top) and rain water leaked on our heads. and there were so many old people swimming that it looked like a crammed fish tank. and they all wear speedos. and they swim extremely slow. and they like to halk up loogies on the side of the pool. Needless to say, good experience but  I am never going back.
• As I walked into the locker room of said swimming pool, I was greeted with an army of very old and very naked Chinese women. An image I'm still trying to erase. Plus they like to stare... It was like those nightmares you have when you are standing in the middle of somewhere busy and everyone is staring at you and you look down and you are naked. You know that feeling of sheer panic that attacks you enough to wake you up....It was like that, but there was no waking up.
• I believe that I've found the cutest little girl in China....her name is Yue Yue and I tutor her every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. There will be a post devoted to this precious girl coming soon. If she didn't have parents, I would adopt her. Adorable. 
• Josh and I went to this hiking site with Roger and his friend Dwight. On the way there Dwight drove (he is 27 and just now learning)...After he rolled backwards into a bus and nearly hit a man walking across the street, he killed that car about 20 times going up the mountain, and that is NOT an exaggeration. Josh and I sat in the  back seat crying because we were trying so hard not to laugh.
• This girl named Dayu moved to town, she is our age but like 10 times cooler. I love her. There will be a story about her as well.
• I got on a bus and the driver man asked me "Where are you going?" But he spoke so quickly I mistranslated and told him "America." He gave me a very strange look...I guess his bus doesn't make that stop.
• Brigsby is so big now and absolutley crazy. His favorite thing to do now-a-days is take off in a dead sprint and jump from about 3 feet away into the trashcan...I'm telling you, he's crazy. I think he's part squirrel.
• There was a wedding a few weeks back and Josh and I woke up at about 7:30 to extremely loud fireworks right outside our window. No joke, right outside...smoke from the explosion was coming into our window...I woke up absolutley terrorized (It sounded like machine guns). Josh had to contain me because I was flailing around wildly. As soon as it sunk in, I bawled my eyes out. I hate being scared. Bad start to the day. :)
• Josh and I had to leave China for our visas to renew, so we took about a 3 hour trip to the island of Jin Mun which is a territory of Taiwan. It was BEAUTIFUL! The area was clean, the air was clear and the drivers were not crazy. We love Taiwan. Plus...we found a 7-11. I almost cried. So we walked in and bought "da" (big) coke Slurpees. They didn't have banana, but I'm not even going to complain.The only thing that would have been more miraculous is if there would have been a Goodcents next door. 
• While we were visiting Jin Mun, Josh and I rented bicycles for free. It was perfect! The only problem was that they were Chinese sized. We looked like giants on those things and it lead to some sore legs and backs the following day, but it was worth it!
• I suffered possibly a very minor concussion after smacking my head on a counter top and it was brutal. I thought that would stop after sports stopped...I guess I was wrong. Josh got a kick of my loopiness and still teases me about seeing an "UBARU!"
• We celebrated Thanksgiving at three different parties and it was glorious. Although there was no turkey, there was ham and fried chicken...not a bad substitute. Plus it gave me a chance to practice on my homemade apple pie making. Its so fun!
• We also skyped with both of our families and it was ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL because it got us SO excited to see them in 3 weeks!! Yippe!

So I think that pretty much gets you all caught up on the past month...the rest that happened wasn't super exciting...just same ol' same ol'.

Friends, I realize that November was a flop for the "Life Less Ordinary" blog but here's to a bright December filled with lots of entries and happy times. Love you all...I'll be back tomorrow!

P.S. For pictures from our November adventures, it will take several hours less if I just post them on Facebook. The internet is too slow to put them on this post. And my patience is far too small. So look there. :)

Brigsby Update.

After a poop free 3 days, Josh and I headed out for a few hours and came back to see that the tiny little bunny had absolutely unloaded in his cage, and he was ready to get out and get back to normal life.

It was unbelievable. So, have no fear...Brigsby is back to his normal self again, growing, eating, drinking, and pooping.

...and finding his favorite perch on dad's shoulder (no joke, he climbs up there on his own.)

 

 ...and being too cute

He stands in his food bowl while he eats...what a weirdy.

..and being adventurous.

Brigsby, its not polite to try to steal other people's food...we've talked about his.

.

Poor Brigsby.

I would love to tell you about how much I enjoyed my new job working at a Preschool/Kindergarten this afternoon, and talk about how completely adorable the little Chinese toddlers are, but there are far more pressing matters that I need to discuss.

Brigsby has been sick for the last two days...This is not okay with me. His illness has affected me far more than it probably should, but I am overwhelmed with worry. Overwhelmed to where I couldn't sleep last night, and I had an emotional breakdown yesterday and bawled when I was describing to Josh how the little fellow hadn't ate, drank, or pooped all day (apparently that is a bad sign and that makes me nervous).

But today he had baby steps to recovery...still no little poopies yet, but he is eating a little today and drinking more water. Even though that is somewhat of a relief, I can tell you that I have never in my life wanted to see poop as badly as I do right now.

If he isn't better by tomorrow, I think we might have to do some research and find a legit vet here in China...if there is such a thing?! Because frankly, I can't lose him, I would be heartbroken.

Brigsby, I love you little buddy, you bring such joy and warmth to my heart...please poop, I'm begging you.

Poor Brigsby cuddles up to monkey. I'm glad he has a friend about his size.

Sheep

Tonight Josh and I had the opportunity to lead an English study with a group of college students and we dove into the Good News book together. Josh and I had planned to teach Mark, but felt that the Father was leading us more towards Luke...so Luke is where we began. Since we didn't know the status of some of the students it seemed like a good idea to start in Chapter 2 and study the birth of the Son and what that meant for all of mankind.

When we showed up this evening we walked into a group strictly of brothers and sisters which was a blessing because we were able to get this study started with a solid group who is committed to coming, with the prospect of non-sisters and brothers eventually joining in. After talking with a local couple over the past month or so, they informed us that a discussion type study would work best, so a discussion type study was what we did. We went through the story sections at a time and there was a lot of good stuff discussed. Much of it wasn't new to us or to the Chinese, but its always refreshing to re-visit the exact time in history when the hope of man was restored and the everlasting King was born.

As we talked, it was so neat to see how many of the Chinese relate to the text in the same way that we Americans do. Our Father's words really are living and active. They are able to reach people of all cultures even ones as opposite as American and Chinese.

Anyway, as the discussion continued on, there were many key points that were brought to our attention that we all elaborated on, and it was all good stuff...but then a topic came up that kicked me right in the gut. From a passage I had read so many times before, Father's words (living and active) spoke so clearly to everyone, but especially to me.

When you look at the shepherds who dropped everything, left their flocks (which their life revolved around, their sole source of income, of survival) and went to see, worship, and praise the little baby, there is a perfect example set for our lives. Not only did they leave but when they received the gift that was given they didn't rush back to make sure that their flock was safe and still in order, they went out and shared the good news. These men literally left all they had behind for the sake of obedience and joy. Talk about setting the bar...

The truth is that we all have sheep that we have to put aside to share the good news. For these shepherd men, it was literally sheep, their life, that they put aside to go out and tell everyone. For the Chinese their sheep is fear of imprisonment, persecution, or having family disown them...To me, those seem to be rather big sheep and completely justifiable...but no, out of obedience and the pure joy of spreading the Father's love they are supposed to go out and tell people too. This revelation to the group made them all really reconsider how they had been living their life as a child of the Most High. They challenged themselves to set aside their sheep and trust that He would tend to them while they were taking part in His work.

It was a great thing that they were so deep in thought and discussion because I'm fairly certain that I shrunk to about 2 inches tall...What a humbling and embarrassing slap in the face. These people, my brothers and sisters, face real danger with sharing but have such a desire to do it anyway. They have sheep on steroids. Me, I don't even deserve to call my reasons "sheep." My pathetic excuses, with which I convince myself are valid reasons, consist of ridiculous things like: "I just don't want to feel uncomfortable," "I really would just rather try to share through my actions," and my personal best "I don't want to lose or really upset my friend." What the heck kinds of sheep are those?! Those are more like the fleas that dwell on the sheep. How pathetic is that? How pathetic am I?

An angel said in Luke 2:10-11 "I bring you good news of great joy that will be for ALL THE PEOPLE. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior." A gift for all the people at that time and then for all the rest of time. A joyous gift that is meant to be shared. Who else is going to share it but those who have already received it?!

Out of love, I want to challenge you all... Find your sheep (gigantic or microscopic, valid or downright embarrassing), gather them up, and then toss them aside. Nothing is worth the eternal life of another person. He will take care of all the sheep you leave behind while you are tending to His.

"Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart. I incline my heart to perform your statutes forever, to the end."  -Psalm 119: 111-112

Brigsby.

Funny how before you celebrate your 1 year anniversary, it is not uncommon to celebrate anniversaries in months. I wonder if that just stops after you hit that year mark, or will we continue to say happy one year and 5 month anniversary dear...hmm. I guess my question is when does that stop? At what year will we stop tracking the months? I know my parents don't celebrate happy 29 years and 3 months anniversary.

Anyway, my point is, even though its not uncommon, I find it strange that its normal to celebrate each month as if we've reached a significant milestone. Not that I'm complaining. If Josh and I didn't go along with the common standard to celebrate the months we've been married for however long its common to celebrate months together, Brigsby would not have happened.

5 Days ago Josh and I celebrated our 9 month anniversary. Crazy business that we are already to month 9...my how time flies when you are having fun being married to the most wonderful man in the world (ok so maybe I'm bias)...

To celebrate we headed out to dinner at Jazzy Pizza, which was nice then we came home to snuggle up and watch more episodes of our "Big Bang Theory" marathon.(hilarious show by the way)

What a perfect date...but although all of that was nice and I have a wonderful time dating my husband, the BEST Part of it all was the gift he gave me earlier in the day...

Maybe it was dangerous of him to offer "whatever you want," but nonetheless, Brigsby is now a part of our family, and I'm in love. (and even though Josh plays it cool, he loves "wabbit" too, I can see it.)

So with no further ado meet Brigsby, the newest member of the Vance household...

Isn't he perfect?!

Happy Anniversary to me!!!

He thinks he owns the place...such a couch hog. :)

See, he loves the bunny too....

Father-bunny bonding time...watching the news together.






Brigsby...a wonderful gift that just keeps on giving. Thank you Joshua Buddy...I love you, Happy 9 Month Anniversary!

50% Beautiful Day

Another Chinese Holiday = Another day for adventure!! 

This Chinese holiday was their "Independence Day", not really sure what type of dependency they were freed from, but they celebrate how the nation made the swap to Communism. What a great reason to celebrate! WOO HOO Communism! 

This holiday, Josh and I were invited to join on someone else's adventure. There was talk of visiting the countryside, hiking up a mountain and then ending with a visit to the beach!!! Sounded fabulous so we grabbed the camera, brought our suits, packed a lunch and hit the road... Fu Xing did not disappoint. 

 

The scenery was beautiful, we were out from underneath the smog covered sky, and the air was fresh (thats hard to come by here)! We hiked a trail that consisted of mud and moss which became the detriment to our reputation...I fell straight on my butt at least 6 or 7 times, not at all gracefully, and came out covered in mud and who knows what else. I was proud of Josh though, he, being normally the more unbalanced of the two of us, ( I mean short muscled babe, I know you were born with it) only fell twice. I'm going to blame it on the Chacos. Thanks to us, China now believes that Americans are big lugs that can't stay on their feet. haha

But like I said earlier...the scenery was beautiful!

We hiked for around an hour and ended up on the top of Da Mu Shin (I thought it was funny that when you say the mountain's name it sounds like da moose shin, and da means big so it sounds like its named big moose shin. hehe). So there we were on the top of the big moose shin and it was soooo windy! We are talking seriously windy...to the point where I had a genuine concern that some of the littler Chinese would be blown right off the mountain top. I was half jokingly and half seriously telling them to hold on tight, too bad none of them understood me...well at least I could say that I tried.

A few ladies hiked in wedges or heels...what the heck?

We walked around the top for about an hour and I couldn't help but feel a little like I was Julie Andrews, and I absolutely couldn't help belting out the Chorus of "The Hills are Alive." Don't worry, I know all of the other hikers enjoyed it, and I'm pretty sure any dog within earshot loved it so much they had to join in. It was great fun.

How gorgeous is that?!?! Oh and the view is pretty good too. :)

At the top we also enjoyed more beautiful scenery, a picnic lunch, games, and occasionaly the aroma of massive cow poop collection piles. Apparently, the locals collect the poop, put it on the mountain top (can't blame them for wanting it far away) and eventually use it as fertilizer...Josh and I figured it would only be polite to help out with the cause. 

 

However, I couldn't help but feel that once again we only damaged America's Image...we got some pretty strange looks. 

 Once we finished lunch and spent some quality time spreading the "Good News" with some of our new friends, we headed back down the mountain and were off to the beach. Big moose shin was a success and now we were on to hit the waves, I was excited!!! Unfortunately, the beach was not as satisfying...

That beach was CROWDED, and when I say crowded I mean CHINA CROWDED! Not only was it crowded but every male on the beach young and old wore shorty shorts (spandex shorty shorts) which was not pleasant. There was also trash covering the sand and even some was washing up in the water. Like when Josh and I were walking along and a dirty diaper washed up right in front of us...gross. 

Josh and I in front of the Chinese Lighthouse. It was strange looking.

 

MMM...dirty diaper wash up.

It didn't take us long to decide that that it was a good thing we got our Hepatitis shots before we came, and that there was no way we were voluntarily getting in the water. Well, at least Big Moose Shin was beautiful... not a bad day!

Technology hates me.

So I know I promised days ago that I would get you caught up....Don't think I lied and haven't been trying!!

I have many things to tell and many things ready to post so I can show  you but the silly slow internet here in China will not allow pictures the last few days, and these stories won't be good without pictures. So I will continue to try my best...but technology hates me....and I think I hate technology back.

I miss you and I love you all! :) Thanks for checking in on us all the time...you are GREAT!!!

Bus 87

Yesterday we had the day off...Happy Mid Autumn Festival day everyone! After many discussions this is the best explanation we've been given...apparently its half way through fall here (could have fooled me with the 95 degree weather) and its a full moon, so why not celebrate?! They take the day off and eat lots of "moon cakes." Josh and I tried some...there were a few that weren't bad that had some kind of fruity filling but some of the others were pure terrible. I think one we had was filled with Taro, which is like purple potato like stuff. Gag.

So anyway, we had the day off and we had big plans. We woke up earlier than normal, cleaned up the place, and headed off to Forrest Park. Forrest Park is a huge National Park outside of Fuzhou that is filled with beautiful mountains you can hike, rivers with clean water, and a pretty waterfall...Yep, we had big plans. Our big plans included hiking that mountain, swimming in that river, playing in the waterfall, and having a picnic. Yay for days off!!!

Just as we were told, we took bus 87 to the end of the route which takes a little over an hour, unfortunately we went the wrong way on bus 87 so we visited the wrong end of the bus route which tacked on another 30 minutes to the ride... but no big deal, it was our day off...So we laughed it off and rode an hour and 15 minutes to the other end of the bus route.



 

As the bus rolled to a stop....we looked around....no Forrest Park. Wrong bus. Fail. A little more disappointed but still laughing it off, we stepped off the bus to go on a grand adventure. We walked a little ways to see what we could stumble over and ended up at a large entryway and it looked nice....if only we read Chinese...

So we ventured on a little further and found a huge map. A map of the other side of that archway...still in Chinese, but we sure can read pictures.

We accidentally found the zoo!!! What a wonderful find! Whats even better is that it cost Josh and I a total of about $9.00 USD. YEEEHAW!!!

So we started out hiking up the mountain (because the zoo was staggered up the side of the mountain it turned into a hiking trip too...perfect!)

It didn't take us long to discover that this zoo would not pass American health or safety standards. The first exhibit we saw was the kangaroos they were contained with about a 2 1/2 foot wall....ummm can't they jump?! Then we turned around to see an ostrich staring us in the face from just feet away, also a very short wall....ummmm aren't ostriches dangerous?! To top it off when we got to the hippo exhibit, the tank was leaking the hippo's nasty looking blackish green water, no joke, his container had a leak...how on earth is that safe?!?! People could pose for pictures while hugging the sea lion, they used animals' living space as trash cans, and each animal lived on a concrete slab with a hut for shade. (So much for having a "natural habitat")

We were pretty tickled at the monkey exhibit though. After ducking under construction equipment (why close it off to public when under construction?? let em' in!) We looked down into the pit to see one monkey drinking from an empty water bottle and another dragging a welding mask around with his mouth.

Although Josh and I had fun walking around and seeing the animals we decided two things: 1. That we would stay away from the lion area and 2. That when an animal hears that they are being shipped to a Chinese zoo in the zoo animal raffle they cry out in agony..."NOOOOOO....dang it!"

But seriously...you could see it in their eyes, the animals looked like they were either losing their minds or they were desperate to escape...see for yourself...

See what I mean? But at least the Chinese are graduating from eating any animal to putting them in cages and admiring them...thats improvement! I'll give credit where credit is due.

So after walking up and down the mountain and seeing just about the whole zoo we were exhausted and decided to head on back home, especially since it was over 100 degrees and humid beyond belief. However, when we got down to the road which would take you back to the beginning, we found that it was closed for construction. Sure, you close the roads for construction...When Josh and I tried to slip past the sign, the security guard yelled something in Chinese at us and pointed up the mountain. Dang. So we turned around and hiked that sucker again...When we finally arrived back at the entrance shaking, sweaty, really smelly, and tired beyond all reason...

We hopped back on bus 87 because we at least knew it would take us home.

Slacker

I thought this blog thing would would happen once a day, maybe once every other day...but it turns out I'm a serious slacker.

The slackerness doesn't even result from not having anything to write about...because each day is filled with moments where I think to myself...ooh, that would be a good thing to post on the blog...its just a combination of my patience with the slow internet, and the intimidation of posting a blog in general.

So readers, sorry I'm so slow, sorry I'm so behind...we will get caught up soon. Maybe even two-a-days...we'll see. :) However, tonight the computer is just way too slow and my patience is way too not patient. So until tomorrow....

Itchy

I will preface this entry with a statement....

I have probably taken way more Benadryl than needed today so disregard anything I say that seems benadrylllie...yes I just made up that word.

So two nights ago I slept like a rock...I don't even think I moved because when I woke up I discovered that I was in the exact position from when I fell asleep. What I also discovered was that I had also had an unexpected and unwelcome visitor in my sheets. I'm going to call it a mosquito, because that makes me feel a little better about this whole situation, but the truth is, a mosquito is not capable of the damage this little demon did to the back of my thighs.

We aren't talking swollen mosquito bites that grow to the size of a golf ball that you look at and think oohhh, ouch...we are not even in the baseball sized ball park...I have five bites on the back of my legs that literally have the circumference of a CD. Like the ones you put in a stereo to listen to music....those CD's.Not only are they big, but they are in one of the most inconvenient places possible...right below my butt cheeks (so pictures of only a few of the lower ones will be available to see).
Yes, right below my butt, that way if they begin to feel a little better, they not so kindly remind me that they are still there whenever I walk, sit, or move in any way....

With that said, I will just tell you all readers that I have never in my entire life been as miserable as I have been the past 48 hours. I am talking about an itch that I didn't think was imaginable, pain that makes my legs feel like they are swelling past how far my skin can stretch, and heat...my legs are radiating heat.

When I say miserable, I mean the only kind of miserable that can make me SPRINT to the bathroom at 3 in the morning to jump in an ice cold shower just to feel relief. I'm talking miserable to the point where I am voluntarily guzzling Benadryl to put myself into an unaware, and delirious state. Then I'm even more uncomfortable (and rather emotional) because that Benadryl makes me sleepy, and sleep is just something I can't do right now.

The only way to be somewhat comfortable is to sit on two ice blocks (the ones used in lunch boxes) with my legs coated in cortizone that's been lathered on in the same way that girls put on lotion after a shower. I figured that frostbite has to feel better than fiery itching....Can't say that for sure but right now, but I sure am willing to find out.

Now my friends, I tell you all of this not as a way to ask for your prayers for me physically, because I know that this itch and pain will go away within a few days and that all I need to do is be patient, pray, and continue to drink Benadryl straight from the bottle. However, I need attitude prayers because frankly, mine is awful. I've discovered that I'm not a graceful sufferer.

I also want to tell you this so that you can pray for Josh...I've been so bitter and so itchy, and when you combine the two, thats the attitude Josh is getting from me, and that is not fair to him. My tongue is my worst enemy and my frustration always gets directed towards him. Talk about a poopy wife.

I don't need to get mad at him when he suggests and offers to rub athletes foot cream on the back of my legs, even if I feel like its a ridiculous idea... I don't need to be upset when he tries so hard not to laugh when I am acting like a fool from the itches. Most of all, I really don't need to be awful towards him when he is trying to distract my mind by trying to make me laugh.  He has been so sweet to me, and is trying so hard...To be honest, I feel like all he really needs to do is lock me in a spare room until the symptoms go away.

Since I know that's not an option, I'm left with one choice...to suck it up and start being loving. If I don't, I think he might accidentally on purpose get lost in China, and I couldn't blame him for wanting to.

Grumpy McGrumpster

Every once in a while I'll wake up and the first thing I feel is grumpiness. Usually this feeling is followed up with an entire day spent in a "grump slump." Tuesday was a grumpy day. I woke up and I knew right away...it was going to be bad. Why? Who knows... All I knew was that I was in a bad mood and there was nothing I could do to get over it...

And I tried everything...

I ate Oreo's for breakfast, I spent the WHOLE day with Josh (poor fellow), we even met up with friends for a movie theater date and saw Inception (great movie!!!) which helped until I left craving popcorn and twizzlers something fierce, and ALL DAY I prayed for a positive and happy attitude....

But...no matter how hard I tried to put on a smile and put forth effort to laugh, deep down it just wasn't happening.

Night time came and I went and sat at Lang Bo Coffee Shop waiting for Josh to finish up with his last class. I felt defeated. I was still grumpy. Tuesday, September 7, 2010 = Fail. I was dwelling on this and getting even more angry when from across the coffee shop a prayer was answered. A familiar tune began to ring on a grown man's (who appeared to be rather professional) cell phone and I found myself genuinely smiling and then I started to laugh. Joy filled my heart and I quietly sang along...

"I was like baby baby baby oooohh, like baby baby baby nooooooo, like baby baby baby oooooohhh, thought you'd always be mine"

Naturally, I went home and the first thing I did was...

Who knows why Justin Bieber was able to do what no other person or no other thing could do that day but....Thank you God for saving my day in such a random and humerus way. Me and my self-centered, bad attitude don't deserve you and your goodness. And thank you Justin Bieber, you just keep on doing your thing.

Food.

You will never find better Chinese food than the stuff you get in China. (makes sense i guess) The food here makes Panda Express look like garbage. So healthy and so great.

 However, on that note, man (or woman in this case) cannot live on Chinese alone. Sure its great, but when you have it every lunch and EVERY dinner there comes a point when all you want to do is stand up, chuck your chopsticks in the air, and yell NO MORE RICE!!!!!

Yes I realize its only been 2 weeks since we arrived and we have committed for the long haul...but sometimes a girl needs some good ol' fashioned American food....

Josh and I started this trip with a goal in mind...one McDonald's trip per month....we had every intention of keeping this rule to save money and to save our selves from gaining mass amounts of weight. However there we were 13 days into the trip...had a long, hard, and China frustrated day (China frustrated is the worst kind) and the thought of rice made me want to vomit...so we cracked for the second time in one month. Dang.

I felt pretty guilty about it...until I picked that burger up with my bare hands and took the first massive bite.  It was like the guilt just melted away right along with the cheese that was sandwiched between two greasy meat patties. Heavenly delicious.

I've always liked McDonald's but folks...that was ridiculous good. It was good enough to put me into the 'food zone' where nothing else matters, everything around you goes fuzzy, and the only thing going on in your mind is the battle of deciding whether you should scarf this thing down as fast as possible or try to make it last forever. Now don't act like you don't know what I'm talking about...we've all been there. For some of us its a little more rare than for others but we all know about the 'food zone' so don't act like I'm crazy.


Anyhow, I finished the meal with a tip, a shake, and a tap of the fry box to get every last speck of fry and salt possible (we've all done that too) and I was left staring at an empty box and a wrapper with ketchup remains that I contemplated licking up...don't judge. (I didn't do it) The depressing part of all of this was that I found that no matter how long I tried to make it last, it was all too soon that we were back to the Chinese food menu. 


Something had to change. Since its not a good idea to eat McDonald's for every lunch and dinner for the next year...I decided it was time, time to brave the lack of ingredients and cooking tools and take on the kitchen. So last night, for the first time...I cooked.


It was nothing gourmet, but Josh liked it... I guess that's good enough for me.

It was a little challenging to cook over an open fire stove and I about blew my face off while turning it on, but I think I'll get the hang of it eventually.

Its hard to mash potatoes without a hand beater, but with a large spoon and a little muscle it can be done. Its a good thing I learned how to make gravy before we left, but not having exact ingredients made for an interesting new variety...but the rest was pretty simple.  Dessert was great though...we had ALL the ingredients we needed to make no bake cookie bars. They were delicious. They will probably be made often...just saying.

I know that the longer we live here the easier it will get to figure out how to cook things and where to find ingredients that are close to what we are used to... If any of you readers know any VERY simple recipes (and by simple I mean very simple ingredients and not requiring many kitchen tools) feel free to send them my way. :) Even though its a little intimidating, I won't lie, I'm pretty excited to learn how to cook everything from scratch...I'll get to be like those girls in the prairie days with the old fashioned dresses that cooked everything over a fire with raw, unprocessed, unprepared food. I used to read about those girls when I was little and had a small part of me wish that I could be like them. Now I can...just no cool dress...

Leslie the Chinese prarie girl...I like the way that sounds.

 

With those rings we did wed...

Eight months ago today I was transformed from being just a girl trying to fight all alone in this big scary world into a girl with a "better half" who will fight with me and for me. Eight months ago today I was bound forever to the man who was created just for me. Eight months ago today we swapped rings, vows, and a kiss...and then he gave me his name. Eight months ago today I became the luckiest girl alive.

From that day on, for better or for worse.... in sickness and in health....for richer or for poorer....in love and in I don't like you so much right now love... He's been my partner in crime, my encourager, the one who challenges me, and my bestest buddy ever.

Now, 8 months later, we find ourselves so far from that day. We've moved in and out of our first place together, said goodbye to our families and friends, and now live on the other side of the world thinking that we MUST be crazy, but at the same time are so excited to see where this adventure takes us.

We've learned that celebrating together doesn't require fancy dinners or flowers (even though thats always nice). Tonight we celebrated by watching a dvd of ourselves from 8 months ago over peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, coke light, and cuddling on the couch....and maybe a few smootches. :)

 

(josh romantically made dinner himself...and then tested mine for poison...so loving)

Watching our own wedding, it was so wonderful to step outside ourselves for the day and see what everyone else got to see. We had some tears shed over just the sheer beauty of God's design of marriage and there were tears that were maybe a little out of homesickness...but mainly we laughed.

We laughed at how we both were bouncing and dancing around on stage, not to mention how we both are going to have to work on correcting 'the slump'....we laughed at how Caroline was wearing her thick winter coat while singing because it was so freezing in the chapel...we laughed at how Mike and Matthew decided to chew gum...we laughed at Dunahoo's funny facial expressions...we laughed at how Robert and Robin couldn't find the candle lighter and Mom couldn't figure it out...we laughed at losing Josh's ring (thank you Abby, haha)...we laughed at how ridiculous we both look when we dance, and how awesome our family and friends are at dancing (especially grandma and grandpa)...and we laughed at how blessed we are with such wonderful family and friend support (even if it means dancing out of the chapel to satisfy us).

It was wonderful to watch and I think the wedding was great, but I gotta tell you...the marriage is even better!

Joshua, I love laughing with you, living with you, and loving you. And even though I do mean things sometimes like throwing spoons at you...I love you so much. I figure that if the rest of Buddy and Babe's Grand Adventure is going to be as great as these first 8 months...woah...look out.



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