lizzybennet: (jim and pam)
lizzybennet ([personal profile] lizzybennet) wrote2007-01-28 08:27 am

(no subject)

We stayed home all day yesterday. It was nice. We rarely just stay in. I did a lot of cleaning and cooking. We had veggie beef stew, and it turned out well. We also had cornbread muffins. Right before we left the States, Chris raided his mom's cupboard. We ended up coming home with all sorts of yummy baking mixes. Thanks, M.

Josie the pup is doing much better. This morning she barked to be let out of the bathroom (where she sleeps at night.) She hasn't barked in almost a week, it was such a welcome sound! Not only did she bark, but she's wagging her tail and acting playful. I'm so thankful that she's better. Zack's been praying for her and I'm sure that helped a lot.

I should also add this thought to my previous post: The Chinese people don't have a sense of personal space the way we Americans do. Think about it, in a country of 1.6 billion, they don't really have room for personal space. So, when people touch the children, they don't think of it as an invasion of our personal space the way we do. They don't think of it as odd at all. Also, there is another big difference in our cultures (one of many, lol!) In America, we are very individualistic. Everyone is their own person, keeps to themselves, has their own "space" around them. In China, everyone is communal. Think of the way blood cells flow through a vein. They just flow through, bumping into each other but still flowing smoothly ahead. This is how it is in China. People push in front of you, bump against you, but everyone is merging smoothly together. There is no thought of rudeness when people, cars, etc, cut across into another line or lane. This is just how it is. Of course, this communal lack of personal space is so ingrained in them, they don't think about it or realize how differently we feel as Americans.

personal space

(Anonymous) 2007-01-28 05:42 am (UTC)(link)
That philosophy is why so many Chinese are being killed or injured on their highways. There is a documentary coming on TV. They stated that , although China has only 2% of the planet's cars, they have 30% of the accidental deaths and injuries related to automobiles. The preview showed many accidents at intersections where someone's personal space came into conflict with anothers. Sad to say, two physical objects cannot share the same space at the same time. The Chinese government are trying to educate drivers to this reality by making them better drivers. Glad to hear that puppy is better. The news sounds encouraging. Bill

[identity profile] goal145.livejournal.com 2007-01-29 04:22 pm (UTC)(link)
Glad to hear Josie's feeling better. I've got a new suggestion on Dog Survival Guides - a book called My Smart Puppy. My sister got it for me for my birthday. They've got a website too, at MySmartPuppy.com - some good info.

There have been new developments in my own puppy quest that I'll be posting about later.

[identity profile] heidial.livejournal.com 2007-01-29 05:47 pm (UTC)(link)
I enjoyed your insight about Chinese communal space. It was enlightening. I'm glad Josie is better. I've been worried. It is a great experience for Zack about prayer too.