Two Weeks In Pictures

I have tried to stop the count down until we move. Can you believe it? I am trying to stop time so I won't have to leave? Who would've thought? Sure, I am excited to start our next chapter in LA and thrilled to see family and friends. . . but our adventure here in Beijing has been amazing and there are just experiences we won't have after we leave. I hope these "week in pictures" posts have helped you to get a bit of a glimpse into our lives here.

Three Weeks From Today!

Lunch at the top of China World 3, aka Guomao.
It is the tallest building in Beijing, for now.

Our view from the top of China World 3.
We were lucky to pick a clear(ish) day!

One of the shared desserts at our sky-high lunch.

What I do on the treadmill to make sure I can have the above treats every now and then.

Lunch Date with Hubby at 798 District.

This lobelia made me miss my mom and my own backyard.

Cool doors in the 798 District.

Pals from church stuffing pillows for a migrant school.

We made and stuffed over 100 pillows for the school, along with 100 blankets.

Super cute kid with a super huge pizza pie! Kro's Nest Beijing.

E and her BFF!

Checking out cars...keep dreaming!

Last week eggs, this week homemade syrup.

Cool car at the gym aka City Wall Marriott.

These are the amazing women who have kept me sane through this Beijing experience!
Especially the one behind the camera!

We had the amazing blessing of meeting and listening to Elder Neil L Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Click here for more info on who he is and why this was so special to us.

My adorable hubby. I love him in a suit:)

We have a Yoshinoya AND Dairy Queen in our church building. We don't go there on Sundays so when this special meeting was on Tuesday night, needless to say DQ was filled with Mormons! 

This is the park that I take Jupiter every day. I love seeing so many generations gathered. The white haired man in the back is there every afternoon doing Tai Chi. He is one of my many "friends" that I see daily but never speak to...just smile. 

A blingy Jeep. Besides all the gold trim the license plate frame was bedazzled. 

Date night with the boy. He and I both love these macarons. 

E just completed her first year of seminary where she called in and studied the Old Testament with a teacher and a class from 6am -7am every day before school. Good job E!

D performed as The Monkey King in their very own version of the famous Peking Opera.
Very impressive. 

Upside Down Pineapple Cupcakes!

As always, thanks for reading!

Chinese Medicine ~ First Impressions

Before I begin explaining my first experience with Chinese Medicine let me just say that I never, ever even wanted to think about doing anything medical related here. I am the one who prays that nothing serious happens between our trips to the US and diligently schedules all of our appointments when we are home there. However, when you live elsewhere things begin to change. Hubby has used a westernized healthcare system here quite a bit now and has been perfectly happy with the results. 

I ask, as you read this, to be open minded. 

Think of The Karate Kid.

During my first pregnancy FOURTEEN years ago I began to have trouble with my sciatic nerve on my right side. I have pretty much lived with it, except for around four years ago I went to a doctor to see if there was anything to be done. Basically, after an MRI, he told me to lose weight, exercise or have back surgery. I did find that exercising regularly seemed to keep things at bay, unless I was sitting for more than an hour. Fast forward to two weeks ago. I was exercising and felt something, on my left side lower back, not feel right. I began treating it as a pulled muscle because it did not feel like my pinched nerve on the right. After ten days it was not getting better and a massage actually made it worse.

I have this friend who lives here permanently. She is an amazing woman who I trust whole heartedly. She is completely fluent in Chinese and suggested I make an appointment with her Chinese medicine doctor. I am totally cool with acupuncture and the thought of having a pain free back was tempting. So I went last Wednesday.

It was a brisk fall day and the office was on the complete other side of Beijing in a district called Haidian. I took the subway, with three transfers, and made it there easily in a little over an hour. Thank goodness it was mid day and the subway was only packed instead of crammed. I was reading this amazing book so I didn't mind. 

In order to go to a chinese doctor you must either speak chinese or have a friend who does. My great friend assured me she would be by her phone all afternoon to do my translating. I had emailed her all of my symptoms and questions in advance so she was prepared. I was told I would be met at the subway exit and taken to the office. Sure enough, a Chinese woman greeted my with broken English and told me we had a twelve minute walk to the office. My back was not in horrible pain, but I did feel pressure with each step. I will admit I was nervous, but I am nervous before any doctor appointment. I think I nervously giggled just to break the silence. She guided me, putting her hand on my elbow, as we maneuvered our way across busy streets. The area that the office is in is very nice and totally different from where we live. No Russian words in sight. 

Suzhoujie Subway Stop Exit A
Only three transfers from mine

My appointment was at 2:00 but it quickly passed that time. Dr. Yao, who escorted me from the subway, told me that Dr. Hu was stuck in traffic on his way back from the University where he lectures at. I read my book some more. Another woman came in and we chatted. I soon found out that we go to the same church, although she is in the congregation we just split from and moved in after. Small world in Beijing!

At about 2:45 Dr. Hu came in. He is a cute chinese man that I felt comfortable with right away. He put on a white doctor coat and sat me down at a table. He rested my elbow onto the table with my hand in the air. He flicked the nail on the middle finger. He did this to both hands. He showed me the difference in how my hands reacted, very different indeed. My right hand remained limp and relaxed while my left hand curled up in response. Dr. Yao was taking notes as Dr. Hu spoke in Chinese. We then called my friend and she spoke a long time telling them what all of my issues were. We hung up and I was led to one of the beds, although I sat in a chair with Dr. Hu behind me. He started rubbing my scalp and neck area, similar to a massage. Do you know when, in a massage, they come across nodule like bumps that they work out? Well, he was finding those both on my head, on my neck and down my back. It was so interesting because on my left forearm he found three nodules, but on my right there were none. I started to think that these little bumps are definitely the result of something because they are not consistent on both sides of my body. He also found one on the front of my shoulder on the right side, but not on the left. I was intrigued.

We then went back to the table area to call my friend. He spoke to her for a long time and she listened. She then told me what he had to say. He says that two of my discs are so close together that they are pinching nerves. Both of my back issues are a result of this, and related to each other. He also said that I have neck issues also and would like me to get an MRI, which they will arrange with the hospital and take me to. He told my friend that he would like to see me twice a week for three weeks because he will be able to create space between those discs and it will solve my back problems. Okay!

We hung up the phone and headed to the same bed area with the chair. My friend had told me to wear sweats because he would be maneuvering me around oddly. I only had capri length yoga pants, which comes up later. While standing up, sitting down and laying down he did a series of treatments. All I can really say about it is that sometimes my legs were crunched up and he was always pressing into sections of my back. While he did that he would make a breathing sound and funny face and move those sections. I imagined it was similar to what a chiropractor does, although I have never been to one. I am sure that chiropractors don't make the sounds or face, as that is what made it Chinese...he was using his chi to fix my chi. It didn't hurt at all. As a matter of fact I was wondering if it would do anything at all. I was told to lay down for 20-30 minutes and rest.

The office was nice, but cold, with traditional chinese architecture

While I lay there I was cold. I knew I needed to dress warmer next time. But what long pants was I going to wear that were sweat like? These are the things going through my mind as the Chinese lady behind the curtain next to me was snoring so loud I was beginning to giggle. I was worried they would think it was me. I was also beginning to be concerned about the time. Since it was Wednesday the kids would be home early, like at 3:30. It was already past 4:00 and I still had quite a ways to travel home on the subway. I didn't know if they would come and get me or if I decided when enough rest was so I hopped off the table and peaked out of my curtain. I was scolded for only wearing socks. Dr. Yao is very protective of the patients and even though she is speaking Chinese I could tell when she was reprimanding me. I was not put off by this, as she was just being concerned. I quickly put on my shoes and proceeded to the desk. We called my friend one more time where we passed the phone back and forth multiple times. 

My instructions are:

• Dress warmer (I got in trouble for not wearing long pants)
• My purse is way too heavy (she scolded me for this too)
• Limit walking (there goes my plan to lose 10 lbs by Hawaii)
• No exercise
• Limit sitting, lay down as much as possible
• No stomach sleeping for the rest of my life ( this is so hard for me, but apparently it is horrible for your lower back)
• No massages for now, they are making it worse

I agreed to all of these and they told me I would probably be in pain for the next 24 hours. I wondered why. I made my next appointment, paid 330 RMB (about $50 USD) and was on my way back to the subway. It was a lot worse getting home as it was now crammed and there is always a lot of pushing and shoving to get in and out. I began to feel my back becoming sore and by the time I got home at 6:15 I could not even stand anymore. The pain was a dull aching, not sharp like a pinched nerve. I was glad they had prepared me for this.

Sleeping on my back just plain ticked me off. I love sleeping and I love sleeping on my stomach! It is how I relax, feel cozy and comfy...I told myself it would get easier every night. It really hasn't yet. But when I woke up the very next morning I had no pain in my back whatsoever, first time in thirteen days! It dawned on me the process of what was happening. His treatments were moving things to create space between my discs, hence the dull aching. With each time he does this it will, hopefully, become more permanent. 

As I have done too much around the apartment, almost every single thing I do requires bending as all of our storage is knee height, I have started to feel pain again from the nerve. I also know that after my next treatment I will feel discomfort that night.

Overall there was nothing freaky that occurred during this first appointment. I didn't have to drink snake juice or eat herb leaves or even have hot fire cups on my back. It felt like they were actually interested in fixing the problem, rather than just treating the symptoms, which I am all for! It also is great that it is super cheap...my first impression is a pretty good one.

The Big Four Oh !

Sigh . . . it is getting close. . . the next decade.

If you asked me how I was feeling about turning 40 I would honestly say, "Fine. I really feel like a 25 year old." It is true. I was talking to someone in their twenties a couple of weeks ago and I made the mistake of saying we were in the same generation. He quickly reminded me we weren't. On the surface I really do feel young at heart. 

But I can't lie. I am definitely struggling in many aspects of life and I wonder if it has something to do with entering this new stage. It is so cliché to mention the (ahem) midlife crisis...I thought those were only for men dying their gray and driving red sports cars.

When I was in my twenties I was a college graduate who was focusing on my career as a teacher. I had two young children and struggled to balance life. Our marriage was a work in progress as he commuted and worked long hours working his way up the ladder and trying to provide for us. My domestic urges tugged at my heart strings.

In my thirties I decided to focus my energy on being a mom rather than a teacher. Although there was a major pay cut which led to stress, we both knew it was the right decision. I felt satisfaction serving my children, maintaining my home (a passion of mine) and taking time for myself with exercise and social functions. I spent a lot of time volunteering at school, working part time teaching and volunteering in church services. 

That leads me to this point. It appears that I lead this amazingly adventurous life. It is true and I am grateful for the opportunities I have been given. However, somewhere over time my dreams have been achieved and I forgot to make new ones. My dreams were short sighted as they consisted of cute little kids and a happy marriage. I really didn't look beyond that. Well, those cute kiddos are grown now. I am in a country where volunteering at school is slim to none due to distance and my passion of homemaking is very limited as well. I still volunteer at church and have a fairly active social life. When I sit back to analyze hobbies and interests I quickly realize it has been so long that I'd invested time in those I don't even know what they are anymore.

I know I am not alone in this. As a matter of fact, I am sure this is quite common. I used to be an independent, strong, confident woman who knew exactly who she wanted to be. Now I am a dependent, indecisive, insecure woman who tags along with everyone else's dreams. I hope younger women can learn from me and prevent this from happening, if there is a way.

Being a mother is the most rewarding job in the world! The giggles, adorable sayings, and sweet hugs fueled me through the sleepless nights and tantrums. As they grow the rewards are different. The affection is few and far between and the relationships become more complex. All of a sudden our "payments" aren't as much or as frequent. 

This takes a toll on me. I have always been one that needs recognition and appreciation. While being a mother is rewarding, it is also thankless. By nature, moms look for ways to make the lives of our loved ones easier and happier. We don't always get it back in return. We are supposed to be okay with that. If we ask for too much society labels us as difficult or high maintenance. 

I don't know what this next decade has in store. After all, I never expected to be living in China !  That proves that anything can happen. It is up to me to make sure that I continue to be grateful for all the positive in my life. It is up to me to make sure I combat negative feelings and find joy in the journey. It is up to me to find my own dreams and follow them. 

Click here to read what made me smile about turning 40!

A New Perspective

I am hesitant as I write this. Part of me wants to tell this story because if I were at home in California, surfing the internet, I would want to read a blog post about a woman volunteering at an orphanage in China. But there are guidelines about us volunteering there and one of them is, "Do not publish any articles on your observation of, or work at the orphanage". Since I am a rule follower, by nature, you see why I am torn. I will keep my comments less specific and try to convey my feelings. I hope the message comes across.

When I came to China it was a goal of mine to volunteer at an orphanage. I don't know why, as I am not particularly  someone who searches for opportunities like this. Of course, I try to serve my fellow men but, in the past, that has been people similar to me and those that I know. There has been a piece of me who has felt that the way I spend my spare time, here in China, is a test. I have been compelled to use my spare time in the best ways possible. I am not always successful at this. (see previous post about entertainment)

I began asking around at church if anyone knew how to go about volunteering at an orphanage. A woman told me about a volunteer organization that is "allowed" to go and volunteer at a  government run orphanage about thirty minutes away from the city. I contacted the coordinator, that was over a month ago. I was scared, but knew it was something I needed to do. I still did not know why.

Coordinating my first visit was not easy. Since the coordinators are volunteers I was passed back and forth to different people, many times not getting information I needed. Each Wednesday I cleared my schedule, only to find out that I didn't know where to go or what time. I was beginning to get frustrated and thought, more than a few times, that it was just not going to work out. I was being tempted to ditch the plan because it was too hard. 

I began to get solid details about where and when to meet this past Wednesday morning. I even had the meeting place in my taxi book (here the taxi drivers do not speak or read English, so having the Chinese characters helps insure your arrival). I made it to the meeting place in perfect time, only to soon find out I was at the wrong lobby and where I needed to be was a 15 minute walk away. I am so grateful I exchanged cell phone numbers with one of the other people I was going with. I still was ready to give in. I even said to the person on the phone, "It seems like it won't work out for today. I don't want to hold you up. Let's try again for next week." Now that I look back, how silly I was to want to give in just because it wasn't going perfectly. I was still scared about the unknown.

But I quickly found my ride and the other two women made me feel very comfortable on the ride out there. It was enjoyable to get to know two women, both from different countries, who just want to give. There are good people everywhere, whether "religious" or not. 

This is where I will not give any details about what I saw or did there, talk to me face to face. But some realizations I made are as follows:

• It does not take much time at all to touch someone's life. I was only there for two and a half hours and I made a difference in numerous lives. 
• We do not have to "move mountains". I cannot change the course of life for these children, or even one child there. But I did change those few hours for them.
• Likewise, I could not look at the big picture. These children, all with medium to severe disabilities, will most likely not be adopted. I had to focus on the joy I was bringing them at that moment. Otherwise I might've turned and run out the door because I couldn't "rescue" them all.
• Basic necessities are; food, warmth and love. Everything else is extra. Period. We can rationalize how we need this or deserve that, but when the day is done we are incredibly blessed to have all of those other extras.
• In my thirty-nine many years I have not had one single moment without those basic necessities. Why am I so privileged? Why are others not so privileged? It is easy to slip into feeling guilty. I worked hard to push that away.
• Similarly, I felt a Spirit and strength from each one of those children, even the tiniest of babies. I felt that God knows each one of them and comforts them. They were happy and smiling, even giggling at me. Their Spirits are special for the circumstances they are in.
• It only takes a smile to communicate. I do not speak their language. Many of them cannot communicate. However, they can smile and laugh and hug. I will continue to think of their eyes that brightened when I talked to them. I can't wait to see that again next week.
• I have seen movies and read books about situations like this. That does little to enlighten our lives. Feeling it, smelling it, breathing it, touching it was what changed me as a person. It took me outside of my life, as I have always known it. I was forced  to realize that there are situations, both near and far, that are not what we experience every day. This is what forever changed me. The changes may not be visible on the outside, but my heart is broadened and more empathetic to all who have less privileges than I do.
• Physical touch is a need.There were moments when my arms were full and both hands were being held. That made them content. I could see the craving of this in them.
• I have wondered what in the world I needed to experience here in China. I had literally only thought or spoken about China about five times in my entire life before coming here. Perhaps the growth I had yesterday, and will continue to have when I go, is the reason I came here.
• There are many people who give a lot more time and resources to causes like this. I have always admired them, but never thought I had it in me to dedicate my life to others. After yesterday I can imagine how humanitarian giants are rewarded by their generous efforts.
• I know that when Christ comes to earth again. Places like where I was yesterday is where He will be. I felt His presence there.

I understand if you think this post is very cliche, sometimes cliches are true. Also, I sincerely hope that it did not come across as boasting or painting myself as some sort of "angel". That is not my intention. My goal was to share the changes that occurred in me throughout this experience. I urge you to go out of your comfort zone, even though it is scary, and give a little of your time to someone who has less than you. You do not need to be in China to do that.

Garden Kitchen Inspiration

What do you have on your kitchen countertops?

I inherited this amazing antique crock from my mother-in-law (on left) years ago. I've always kept my kitchen gadgets handy in it....until my everyday gadgets were so plentiful that it became a sore spot to me!

PROBLEM

SOLUTION

When I am in problem solving mode I want a solution and I want it NOW! (channeling my inner Veruca Salt) So when I decided I needed to seperate my cooking gadgets from my baking gadgets I was on the hunt for the perfect holder. Needing to fulfill my instant gratification and my lack of budget I opened my eyes and hunted around the house in search for something that would a)be the right dimensions and b) coordinate with the other things on my countertop.

FOUND

On my back patio, waiting for a use. I was attracted to this pot (found at Home Depot a couple years back) due to the color and the architectural detail. I picked it up with the desire to plant in it, but never did. Although whenever I passed by it, outside, it always reaffirmed to me that I loved those elements of it. That is why it became the PERFECT addition to my countertop!

MORAL

When you find something that speaks to you- and it is in your budget- BUY IT! Do not make the mistake of saying, "where will I put it, what will I use it for?" If you love it, you will find the perfect use for it!

Relay for Life- 2010

Last Saturday I did the most amazing thing! After I finished this, I participated in Relay for Life. Cancer affects us all and I feel this cause is an important one. My kids and I arrived around 4pm to walk the track and man our booth. Our team was parents and kids from school. It was a blast! The kids and I spent the night and left to go home around 6:00am.

These are luminaria bags. They line the entire track, as well as spell out HOPE and CURE on the bleachers. Each bag is made "in honor of" or "in memory of" someone who has battled cancer. I urge you to look for a local event in your area and make a team!

"count your many blessings, name them one by one"

As I was preparing for a dinner party last Saturday I stopped and was grateful for sun streaming in through the window. So I decided to take this picture.

Then I began to think about all of the things that I am grateful for and "wahlah" this post came to be!
I encourage you to pause at the little things and "count your blessings, name them one by one. Count your many blessings see what God hath done."

• my Savior, Jesus Christ
• my hubby, and all that comes with him
• my daughter who has been teaching me since the day she was born
• my son and the noble character he shows me daily
• the plan of salvation, where all of the above can be with me for eternity
• our jobs- we no longer take them for granted
• my parents- they continue to guide me to this day
• my siblings- I've learned so much from them from such a young age
• my nieces and nephews- near or far
• my family members who've passed on- I know they protect my family each day
• my friends- without them I may not get out of bed on some days
• my home
• my health- I try never to take this for granted either
• living in the United States of America- we may dwell on the negative, but we still live in the greatest country there is!

The list goes on and on, but these are the necessities that guide my life each and everyday!

"I'm Not A Runner!"~oh YES I am!

As a new year unfolds I have been thinking about my blog. My posts have been few and far between. My home is ever evolving, but with funds tight and getting to a place of contentment I am doing less and less projects.
When I began on my blogging journey I purposely kept my family out of it. It is not because they aren't important, I simply wanted something all my own. But a few friends of mine have published their blogs into great coffee table books and I have to admit I am a bit envious.
So when I thought about what has been taking up my time....something worth blogging about....I did conclude that I have been working hard at becoming healthy and can now run 5 miles! Of course, my other blog speaks more in detail about the changes I've made. But the gist of it is, "Jen, you should run with us."
"Uh, no. I am not a runner. I don't like anything about it."
After losing 20 pounds by eating right and walking, the next comfortable step was to jog. And I haven't stopped since then. I began song by song and now I am running my first 10 K on the 20th of February! Let me tell you...I thought I had gotten to know myself pretty well in my 37 years, but it is amazing to find something inside yourself that you never knew existed! I know it is a cliche, but:

If I can do it, YOU can do it!!!!

the GOOD-the BAD- & the UGLY

the GOOD- Love Walked In is the first book. This is not your typical "Jen = love story". It is so sweet and actually it is about so much more than a boy/girl romance. If you want a warm and fuzzy good Fall read, this is it! Belong To Me is the second of the two. I am devouring it right now. The author has a PhD in poetry so the writing is pretty, as well as the story. Once again...heartwarming!

the BAD- No excuses, but when I am PMSing all health goes out the window. Also, my motivation to get things done flies out right behind it. So, yes, I have eaten many of these! I don't even really like them, but they have been the perfect combination to the good book and the chilly weather. Is there a Halloween candy that you could eat an entire bag of if you were OUT OF YOUR MIND?the UGLY- This is what I have been needing to do while I have been enjoying the good & the bad. I need a little of this to get it done. But reading just seems so much more enjoyable right now. I do have tinted grout so it is not AS gross as it looks, but it is still REALLY gross!

I do need to get this cleaned before hubby comes home on Friday. Who likes to come home to an icky shower after staying in a hotel?

update- the shower is clean! It wasn't that bad.

monday gems

It is no secret that I ♥ Mondays. I know it is a little sickening, but I love cleaning up from weekend fun, filling the pantry and freezer for the week and starting anew.

Below are a few things that not only make my Monday routine easier, but actually enjoyable.

I am so crazy about Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day that I go crazy every time I squirt it. Personally, my favorite scent is Geranium but there are others that I am sure you would like. I buy mine here, but if you visit the website there is a plethora of goodies. (including "plug-ins", dryer sheets, etc.) The prices are only a tad higher than my normal cleaning supplies, but they are made with natural essential oils, are biodegradable and phosphate-free. And, no animal testing.

What an awesome gift for someone who has everything!

You heard me talk about these here, but I really mean it when I say that I cannot clean without them. I use them on everything from grout to shower doors to walls to door jams. I ♥ instant gratification and these babies delivers! Of course, I buy the generic brand.

Thanks to a friend who just introduced me to these dusters. I used to feel like when I dusted it would leave half of the gunk behind. Not with these. Plus they maneuver around all my junk, even the fragile junk, where I was afraid to dust. Who knew that dusting shutters could be so easy??

Lastly, no cleaning day (or any task) is complete without great tunes. I am usually so excited to get time to listen to something without Miley, Joe or the HSM cast. But every once in awhile I still play a Jonas Brothers song because it is just so fun to sing along to. Did I really just admit that?

There are definitely days where not even these things can get me motivated to clean, but when I use them feel good about my house and am not afraid when someone just pops by.

Have a great week!

Happy NieNie Day!!!!

Today is NieNie Day! All across blogland auctions are going on to raise money for her, her hubby and her kiddos. Go here for details and here for a great auction.

It's About Time!

We all want to be healthier, including ME! Now that both of my kids are in school all day and I only work one day a week it is time to straighten out some things!

1. I will exercise 6 days a week in some way,shape, or form.
2. I will have personal scripture study daily.
3. I have no excuse to have a messy house.

You will notice a new section on my sidebar, my daily workout. I always do best when I am accountable to someone. In my head, someone - somewhere out there can serve that purpose for me. If I know that I need to update it daily, it will motivate me to do it! This is in no way intended to impose guilt on anyone of my readers! I simply need a kick in the rear. Why? Because I want to have energy, I want to fight off germs better and MOST OF ALL I want to show my children how important it is to take care of ourselves! Do I want to lose weight? Of course, but this is really about being healthy...I just feel better when I move. The eating will come next...

cute story about the above picture: we were waiting for E at the local high school as she finished up cheer clinic. We decided to check out the new swanky stadium. D said, "I want to run." So he began to run and continued to run two full laps around the track. By that time it was time to go. He was not even breathy and said, "I want to run two more laps." I found out that each lap is a quarter of a mile. Forget him learning from me, maybe I should learn from him!