Nanny frustrations

The train ride yesterday was typical. The boys were restless. Unfortunately, Connor had taken a nap before we got on the train, so he was wide awake for the whole trip. For some reason I had a complete break-down during the train ride. I had to put my head down and pretend I was sleeping because I was sobbing, the kind of messy crying that one certainly doesn't want seen by the general public.

What led up to this torrent of tears? I think it was part pms, part travel anxiety. I feel a huge amount of anxiousness/relief that we are actually headed home. Apparently, all those pent up feelings needed to release itself in the form of tears. Of course, I felt worlds better after I had that good, hearty cry.

Another reason I was out of sorts yesterday was my frustrations with Zou. I know, once again, it was just my anxiousness to get the trip started and my frustrations with everything Chinese. She just seemed to be getting on my last nerve yesterday. Things that normally are enduring about her were driving me bonkers. For example, at Mariannette's Christmas party on Thursday evening there was a white elephant game. I was the last person. For those of you who are familiar with White Elephant, you know that last is the absolute best place to be because you have pick of all the gifts! So, why did I end up with the worst gift there? Zou wanted me to pick it. She was sitting right next to me and kept telling me to pick it. She's very insistent. I thought she wanted it for herself, so I picked it for her. Her gift was lollipops and she'd given them to the kids. So, I ended up with a plastic, shiny rotating picture frame that plays obnoxious music. She didn't want it for herself, she gave it to Zack. Last night as they were suppose to be going to sleep, I kept hearing that dang frame! Zack had it in bed with him.

Besides the White elephant fiasco, yesterday Zou felt she had to make sure everything was just how she wanted it so that we'd have a safe trip. I know, she feels like it's her duty to take care of us. She views us as slightly inept when it comes to living in China. She cut up a huge grapefruit type thing (pomelo) and put it into two tupperwares for us to take on the plane with us. I don't want to take tupperwares on the plane. I have enough luggage and kids to worry about with dishes too. I kept trying to tell her I didn't want to take it and she just insisted. She refused to accept my opinion about. She insisted on going to the train station with us and boarding the train with us. She then made several Chinese people shuffle their seats around so that we could all sit together. I felt embarrassed to have her bossing everyone around on our behalf. I know, I know! She's just being helpful and I'm glad we were all able to sit together. I just was too high strung yesterday to take it all gracefully. It was making me angry. I'm over it now. I know she has the best intentions at heart.

I never did tell about the dinner we had with her family. Zou took that opportunity to show her family how "odd" we are. For example, she gave the boys apple slices with peanut butter, a snack I occasionally fix for them. When she put the plates in front of the kids, her family members were appalled and fascinated. Her nephew, Jerry (he named himself after his favorite cartoon mouse), had to try it because he'd never seen anything so strange before. I think he liked it. Later, during the meal, Chris and I were served a bowl of noodles that was steaming hot. Zou went to the freezer and got out some ice. She proceeded to put an ice cube both in Chris and my bowls of noodles. Of course, her family thought this was quite bizarre. Zou has seen us do this for the children at home. I suppose there's no way for her to realize that this is something generally done only for children. It made me feel a little silly, but whatever. Her family got a kick out of it.

We leave for the airport in 13 minutes. I suppose I should get off the computer and make sure everything is packed. See you on the other side (of the Pacific!) btw, thanks beepboop, ouwxgirl, and masteralida for the good luck wishes. It is much appreciated :)