(no subject)

[lizzybennet]

This pic of Petey was taken at the botanical gardens in Dothan, Alabama while we were home visiting over the holidays.

The Lunar New Year is quickly approaching, just over one week away. There are pigs everywhere, as this will be the Year of the Pig. Well, not real pigs, but cartoonish pigs. Petey hates it for some reason. He believes it should be something cool, like year of the dragon or tiger. He doesn't like all these cute pigs hanging about. We have no set plans for New Years yet. This is a huge holiday for the Chinese. Most people equate it to Christmas for us, but it's different in many ways. For example, people give money to each other, not gifts. All employers give a bonus at this time, usually in the amount equal to a full months salary. We'll be giving Zou a bonus but probably not that much. Also, there will be fireworks set off in great abundance. We plan on buying some fireworks to set off ourselves :) We might travel, as we have extra time off from work for New Years. However, I'm not sure if anything will be open. Most people have a week off from work and I think a lot places close down for several days. Also, now that we have Josie, it is more difficult to travel. Who will watch her? We can't really ask Zou, since she'll want time off for New Years. I think I'll see if any of the students will watch her.

No big plans for today. We went to town yesterday and the day before, both times not getting home until after the boys' bedtime. Last night we ate at "Swede & Kraut", a European restaurant. We all enjoyed it immensely. They also have a huge bookcase full of books and movies. I brought home two books. Next time I go, I can return them or take two of my own books to replace them. What a cool idea! While we were eating there, several other foreign families came in. By the time we left there were non-Chinese kids running around all over the place. I sometimes forget there are so many foreign families in Nanjing, with us living so far away from the expat community.

If we stay next year, I'm seriously considering putting the kids in school for half days. They'd have to travel about an hour each way to get to this particular school, but it is known for treating foreigners well. Also, the administration works with foreign parents and allows them to bend the rules. For example, if I just wanted to send the boys three half days a week, it would be ok. Of course, it cost money to attend this school but not anything near what the international school costs. All I want them to get out of school here is socialization and Chinese language. I really feel if they can speak to people, they'd feel much more at ease about living here. I can continue to home school them in the afternoons.

Comments

[goal145.livejournal.com]

Dothan? Seriously?
Wow. I have friends in Headland!

[mysteena.livejournal.com]

My parents live in Headland! What a small cyberworld....lol