tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72761723400804303792024-03-05T18:02:47.600+08:00sunshine and whimsy.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18301830877869645896noreply@blogger.comBlogger942125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7276172340080430379.post-54021007459828485442022-01-06T08:04:00.001+08:002022-01-06T08:04:47.633+08:00book report / 2021 faves.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSnmbBAHthVL0oT9HrsvnI92Q-Oi7n7ugwep6LIYuZkA5gufDHJFi-YsU4qTpNbLtP5Vj2gg3z_Y69LGyIoPj5hfn5sLD6Dgqf9daf4s6HLzBX5h5g0PezGfWIuZPTe76UJ-jgxsja9iv1sBWnck-p6RININ1Ba2sfLVUTbs5sUd_NSy09xlJF71pH7g=s941"><img border="0" data-original-height="941" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSnmbBAHthVL0oT9HrsvnI92Q-Oi7n7ugwep6LIYuZkA5gufDHJFi-YsU4qTpNbLtP5Vj2gg3z_Y69LGyIoPj5hfn5sLD6Dgqf9daf4s6HLzBX5h5g0PezGfWIuZPTe76UJ-jgxsja9iv1sBWnck-p6RININ1Ba2sfLVUTbs5sUd_NSy09xlJF71pH7g=s16000" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Just as I have for the past few years, I set a goal at the beginning of 2021 to read 52 books—not to be competitive, but because I enjoy reading and want to spend more time reading than scrolling. I know that reading approximately one book a week is doable for me, so that's what I aim for. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I ended up reading 55 books. Here are my favourites, the ones I gave a 5 star rating: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9780525633723-a-promised-land" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>A Promised Land</i> by Barack Obama</a> / Happily listened to all 29 hours (at 1.5x speed) and am eagerly awaiting the second volume.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://bookshop.org/books/the-most-fun-we-ever-had/9780525564232" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>The Most Fun We Ever Had</i> by Claire Lombardo</a> / Highly recommend if you love long family sagas. When I wasn't reading it, I wanted to be. The writing was exquisite; I wanted to highlight so many passages. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/they-called-me-number-one-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>They Called Me Number One: Secrets and Survival at an Indian Residential School</i> by Bev Sellars</a> / I recommend this to anyone, but especially my fellow Canadians. I learned a lot and kept thinking, 'Why wasn't I taught about any of this in school?'</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://bookshop.org/books/shuggie-bain-a-novel-booker-prize-winner-9780802148506/9780802148506" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>Shuggie Bain </i>by Douglas Stuart</a> / Heartbreaking and beautifully written. When I finished reading it in March, I wrote, "I know I'll be thinking about this book and Shuggie for a long time." I was right. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://bookshop.org/books/the-push-9780735239890/9781984881663" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>The Push</i> by Ashley Audrain</a> / I'd heard it was intense and it was. So intense. I couldn't stop reading. I had no idea what would happen and felt like I was holding my breath the whole time. I think it's in part because I'm a mom; I wonder if people without kids would have the same reaction. I recommend it, but with a warning for moms, especially new moms or moms with young kids.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9781508241430-the-bright-hour" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>The Bright Hour: A Memoir of Living and Dying</i> by Nina Riggs</a> / This had been on my to-read list for years but I didn't read it because I thought it would make me too sad. And it <i>did</i> make me sad, but it was really beautiful too. Worth the good long cry I had at the end.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://bookshop.org/books/the-great-believers/9780735223530" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>The Great Believers</i> by Rebecca Makkai</a> / Set during the AIDS epidemic and thirty years later, this made me feel so much. I was so sad and angry and was reminded how imperfect and lovable everyone is. I still think about the characters months later. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://bookshop.org/books/how-to-talk-so-little-kids-will-listen-a-survival-guide-to-life-with-children-ages-2-7-9781508221920/9781501131639" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>How to Talk so Little Kids Will Listen: A Survival Guide to Life with Children Ages 2-7</i> by Joanna Faber & Julie King</a> / I read the first few chapters a long time ago and just the strategies I learned from them were so helpful with my kids. I finally finished the book last year and added more strategies to my "toolbox." I'd recommend this for any one who takes care of young kids; I wish that I had read it when I was a preschool teacher. I like that the book is divided into sections, so you could pick and choose which parts you really want to read, plus there are summaries at the end of each part. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://bookshop.org/books/it-had-to-be-you-9781797123189/9781982133191" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>It Had to Be Yo</i>u by Georgia Clark</a> / Loved it from the very first page! An ensemble of characters, all connected, all trying to figure their (love) lives out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://bookshop.org/books/beyond-the-bright-sea/9781101994870" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>Beyond the Bright Sea</i> by Lauren Wolk</a> / Loved, loved, loved. I loved the characters, the plot, the setting. The writing was beautiful. It gave me a lot to think about. (It's a middle grade novel, but I loved it just as much, if not more, as the adult novels I read last year.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://bookshop.org/books/we-are-not-like-them-9781982181048/9781982181031" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>We Are Not Like Them</i> by Christine Pride & Jo Piazza</a> / A perfect book for the times we are living in. It's written from alternating viewpoints of two best friends—one a white woman who is the wife of a police officer who has shot an unarmed Black teenager and the other a Black woman who is the lead reporter covering the resulting story. I cried more than once and think maybe reading this could be a way for people with different points of view to begin to understand each other.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>What were your favourite books you read in 2021?</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">P.S. <a href="http://www.sunshineandwhimsy.net/2021/02/book-report-2020-faves.html" target="_blank">My fave books in 2020</a> and more <a href="http://www.sunshineandwhimsy.net/search/label/book%20report" target="_blank">book reports</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">P.P.S. If you want more frequent updates about what I'm reading this year, you can follow me on <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/7551502-amanda-zhang" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> or <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ajizhang/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07275734270488497435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7276172340080430379.post-29001542359187176792021-11-12T16:27:00.001+08:002021-11-12T16:27:03.884+08:00happy friday!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNoNE3v_nUYknIzVxqQwVhTk92GJu-EW8lSatlT7AWWogNWjdd0VfbvkfZxUbo8uC5CE3Niw_Ny0N1rA_VTgJ3ZzoGNn762gxEjIbyUaw-czBMCJMq8FENrGbBSOHX23SuPe8UvMCjuMLz/s733/happy+friday.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNoNE3v_nUYknIzVxqQwVhTk92GJu-EW8lSatlT7AWWogNWjdd0VfbvkfZxUbo8uC5CE3Niw_Ny0N1rA_VTgJ3ZzoGNn762gxEjIbyUaw-czBMCJMq8FENrGbBSOHX23SuPe8UvMCjuMLz/s16000/happy+friday.jpg" /></a></div><p>I started today thinking it was Monday so I guess the happiest thing today is that it's actually Friday! It was a bit of a rough week because both Mabel and Clarke have been sick with a cold, but there were still happy moments: </p><p>+ Clarke was sick and had a bad dream Monday night, so he ended up sleeping in our bed for the first time and sleeping on me for half the night. (Obviously only the second part of that is the happy part.)</p><p>+ A colleague gave us this cute hand-me-down winter jacket for Clarke! He wanted to try it on as soon as he got it and then refused to take it off.</p><p>+ A friend gave me a chocolate croissant for a morning snack at work. </p><p>+ T and I had our weekly date on Thursday. Most of our dates are simple—a walk, eating, maybe shopping—but it's so nice to have a dedicated time to connect. </p><p>+ I participated in <a href="https://www.instagram.com/stories/highlights/17853587081658091/" target="_blank">#OneDayHH</a> and it was so fun to share my day and see others'. I'm such a curious person so I really enjoyed it!</p><p><i>What made you happy this week?</i></p>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07275734270488497435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7276172340080430379.post-19474580047766609322021-11-07T17:02:00.003+08:002021-11-07T17:02:23.301+08:00the first snowfall of 2021.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It didn't snow much last year in Beijing. Not enough to put on snowsuits and make snow angels and build snowmen. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The last time we played outside in the snow was the beginning of 2020. (Yes, that 2020, the 2020 that brought us Covid.) Mabel was 2 years old and I don't think she remembers any of the stress and uncertainty of that time. I think she only remembers the good things, like the unlimited family time and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B8dfc61pcs7/" target="_blank">playing on a whole soccer field of untouched snow</a>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All day yesterday, Mabel talked about snow—"It's going to snow tomorrow!" I hoped for her sake it would. Then right before bedtime, it started snowing! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Her refrain changed from "It's <i>going to</i> snow!" to "It <i>is</i> snowing!" and she quickly added, "We're going to play in it tomorrow!" </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I explained that we didn't know that for sure. I explained that it could stop snowing, that it might not snow very much, that it could start raining and that would wash away the snow, that the AQI might be too high for us to go outside. Killjoy much? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I just didn't want her to be disappointed. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As the kids slept, and Tony and I watched <i>The Sopranos</i>, the snow continued falling. We were hopeful. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh82H6DyIqYzDFg6SwzOOJHf7M-ocjvVnfP7To5zAHyXoe83BgZ2TNWgZt9gUwdk0Ee0oSqd8CXkTr_W6Tnvs7gSmIpw0iwNc683ar2cj-sD_nR6eaT_WS66BLnh3eEBOcg6wSsTEhk8VEm/s733/firstsnow9.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh82H6DyIqYzDFg6SwzOOJHf7M-ocjvVnfP7To5zAHyXoe83BgZ2TNWgZt9gUwdk0Ee0oSqd8CXkTr_W6Tnvs7gSmIpw0iwNc683ar2cj-sD_nR6eaT_WS66BLnh3eEBOcg6wSsTEhk8VEm/s16000/firstsnow9.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Mabel insisted on bringing carrots, sure we would build a snowman. </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In a very rare turn of events, Mabel slept until 8AM(!) this morning. When she woke up, she ate her breakfast at record speed, while Tony and I gathered all of the items we would need for the kids to play outside. We were thankful for hand-me-down snowsuits and relieved that the snow boots from last year still fit (just barely; we'll need to buy new ones). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I wish that I had walked outside ahead of the kids to capture their first reactions, especially Clarke's "Wow" and look of amazement. I'm pretty sure his mouth was a perfect O. This was his first time playing in snow!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEingJJP8JL7VAcZIVSLjk1okfYbknM1kVh19ODSe7dE4lVjGedtTSTQyseom8qbZmm_ajJYAhv6ZxNkE2_qHzibbI1DoiMvr72-dMPD8wZAmr-dU2KCqYElkVqnkDbGXAxyheqMVxUKn6zZ/s733/firstsnow3.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEingJJP8JL7VAcZIVSLjk1okfYbknM1kVh19ODSe7dE4lVjGedtTSTQyseom8qbZmm_ajJYAhv6ZxNkE2_qHzibbI1DoiMvr72-dMPD8wZAmr-dU2KCqYElkVqnkDbGXAxyheqMVxUKn6zZ/s16000/firstsnow3.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLWOAY0KU1qNPmLmiaMfKXH-dHaT-VfhR9AZIOQDuURsqumhVXk78c5V_xo0Vk2EVauKARvb1DvESEJH2OhM2YlpVVkFe2Rrb95Dp8-CM145WmGqQzQFx3IFCKX_bZ2Sq0cRqsZ0kf6kij/s733/firstsnow4.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLWOAY0KU1qNPmLmiaMfKXH-dHaT-VfhR9AZIOQDuURsqumhVXk78c5V_xo0Vk2EVauKARvb1DvESEJH2OhM2YlpVVkFe2Rrb95Dp8-CM145WmGqQzQFx3IFCKX_bZ2Sq0cRqsZ0kf6kij/s16000/firstsnow4.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In the spirit of full transparency, there might have been more grumpy faces and tears than smiles. It was windy and cold, and I said more than once, "You guys would never survive in Canada!" </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-sFxgq6_yK9qsFH38eFucFI1NhnfS4M4d3N7l6rnv_A3EVee_jn2q_OhYI_uI8MBoB9Zc3A2W2pu48SJuSm6Vf46MOBvBCxA68ltkJiMaS6gGlpEHDDdUl7u3l1p6UfRdPztL_KlTSxgw/s733/firstsnow1.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-sFxgq6_yK9qsFH38eFucFI1NhnfS4M4d3N7l6rnv_A3EVee_jn2q_OhYI_uI8MBoB9Zc3A2W2pu48SJuSm6Vf46MOBvBCxA68ltkJiMaS6gGlpEHDDdUl7u3l1p6UfRdPztL_KlTSxgw/s16000/firstsnow1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We had fun though. Mabel made a few snow angels. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjukzt5P1lApjI6j-aY_yzalXCSLe9TbrOfvv4DiKxF3QBtGxsJE9yXurcClSZsYFUFTcYgMCErVnVzoMgKpPJQTDOcq9O7Tj7B2Yfn8ObfGsEFXFShwDJPxpyW6HxvNG2N3naG7PWyIvQ8/s733/firstsnow2.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjukzt5P1lApjI6j-aY_yzalXCSLe9TbrOfvv4DiKxF3QBtGxsJE9yXurcClSZsYFUFTcYgMCErVnVzoMgKpPJQTDOcq9O7Tj7B2Yfn8ObfGsEFXFShwDJPxpyW6HxvNG2N3naG7PWyIvQ8/s16000/firstsnow2.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje3ycEj9vQBMCN_ZO-nSz5S8WW9-ImE9PRfqYCBwpCBWGY1InAhyphenhyphenDgoYlv76SZOUYn9oQrh045UzX1vbpnCUHVPCB9qpKxbUJBYcJCU45qqvofhmjzAyeVFdW7gk0aQ0fvWIu29TtkAK3J/s733/firstsnow5.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje3ycEj9vQBMCN_ZO-nSz5S8WW9-ImE9PRfqYCBwpCBWGY1InAhyphenhyphenDgoYlv76SZOUYn9oQrh045UzX1vbpnCUHVPCB9qpKxbUJBYcJCU45qqvofhmjzAyeVFdW7gk0aQ0fvWIu29TtkAK3J/s16000/firstsnow5.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In the beginning, Clarke stood very close to Tony and just took it all in. He got into it eventually and started making snowballs and chasing people around. He even wiped out once and fell face first, but got up still laughing. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeIVlQ6OXzW-pnf6fnqza0XB_bZ9NdAu1LfjcmVH29YuhZVlSERqYfSWzS_x8_AUeonwWRIPW2NnrgzbQanzOP4_n-at6mphWXmzjJoFSV4iIrXMyXrgBrVTCejZvWpwti2JPQzXsAQGoj/s550/firstsnow7.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeIVlQ6OXzW-pnf6fnqza0XB_bZ9NdAu1LfjcmVH29YuhZVlSERqYfSWzS_x8_AUeonwWRIPW2NnrgzbQanzOP4_n-at6mphWXmzjJoFSV4iIrXMyXrgBrVTCejZvWpwti2JPQzXsAQGoj/s16000/firstsnow7.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The snow wasn't packy enough to make snowmen, but we made little snow castles. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguZmCzY7-21HKMUXVuzBzTsrlDUS9xnH1ilQAT9H2PNAgEFeaNPeEK4BzwUmAemIc27_ihfpJqIHrWDVZNs4-9DX1qtJOiP9HIfRT8iWIUqbsZOsz3phgZrytUMid4frFFVLyZuHVBPSSh/s733/firstsnow8.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguZmCzY7-21HKMUXVuzBzTsrlDUS9xnH1ilQAT9H2PNAgEFeaNPeEK4BzwUmAemIc27_ihfpJqIHrWDVZNs4-9DX1qtJOiP9HIfRT8iWIUqbsZOsz3phgZrytUMid4frFFVLyZuHVBPSSh/s16000/firstsnow8.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Mabel wanted nothing to do with a family photo; this was the best we could get :) </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I want to remember the sound their little snowsuits made as they walked—<i>swish, swish, swish</i>—and that Mabel happily noticed the sound too. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I want to remember that as we were getting them dressed to go outside, Tony said, "I'm sweating." I laughed and said that the fact we don't need to do this every day is one reason to be glad we don't live in Canada. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I want to remember that both kids ran to see themselves in the mirror, so excited about their winter getups. </div><br /><div>I want to remember that before we even came back inside, Mabel was asking for hot chocolate. </div><div><br /></div><div>I want to remember that Clarke quickly drank his cup of hot chocolate, said "Yummy!" and asked for more. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here's hoping for more snowy days in Beijing this winter!</div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07275734270488497435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7276172340080430379.post-95456740388331202021-08-26T21:23:00.003+08:002021-08-26T21:23:28.757+08:00a trip to IKEA.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Last week, my friend <a href="https://danigreenartist.com/home.html" target="_blank">Dani</a> and I made a trip to IKEA. We talked beforehand and agreed we were in no rush and were okay with taking our time, browsing, chatting, dreaming up ways to make our apartments and classrooms better.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5thdCzPhgKLY8p8YBSgzC1CE2P1yAODS0GA5s8Z0In_at3p9ggf39cX4Yu7kHjEUY2T7cs6Fd-7nAzpXjJoPK9rg9lb9VYD5ukzJ_Te8c86h1nH6c9z_eCKhqIscwqHf-uS9XlQ4705qA/s733/IKEA2.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5thdCzPhgKLY8p8YBSgzC1CE2P1yAODS0GA5s8Z0In_at3p9ggf39cX4Yu7kHjEUY2T7cs6Fd-7nAzpXjJoPK9rg9lb9VYD5ukzJ_Te8c86h1nH6c9z_eCKhqIscwqHf-uS9XlQ4705qA/s16000/IKEA2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I had a (short) list of things I knew I wanted to buy, but was so glad Dani was happy to browse. We spent 5 hours(!!!) shopping, but the time passed so quickly. It helped that there were a few funny moments.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">+ A couple of young guys approached us, trying to sell us shoe cleaner. This is common in malls and other public spaces. Dani told them no, but they didn't listen, and one started to bend to show her how the cleaner would work on her shoes. That's when I told them (in Mandarin), "She said no! She likes her dirty shoes." One of the guys looked surprised, but the other one laughed and we did too. They left us alone though!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">+ Towards the end of the fifth hour, I wandered over to a wall and was looking at some hooks. I didn't realize I was talking to myself about whether I should get silver or gold until a young girl beside me asked (in Mandarin), "What?" Without thinking, I responded in English, "Oh, I'm just talking to myself." She gave me a nervous look and moved away. I turned around to find Dani laughing at me. *insert face palm emoji here*</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijkUKLSq6hgIngYfoWgR4jr4SDJ3DqePxSg51IQ-vrT4audHRW9INh2ntnbyTZDdvs4Qsmc4qsQNF_52ZZqOy46t6GlY9gPlce6qoBSNDrTjW1tie5gV8mmdJl_fqdhG3mDAUpw7mfG9q8/s733/IKEA18.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijkUKLSq6hgIngYfoWgR4jr4SDJ3DqePxSg51IQ-vrT4audHRW9INh2ntnbyTZDdvs4Qsmc4qsQNF_52ZZqOy46t6GlY9gPlce6qoBSNDrTjW1tie5gV8mmdJl_fqdhG3mDAUpw7mfG9q8/s16000/IKEA18.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>I wanted meatballs!</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We even laughed (after a few minutes of whining on my part) about the restaurant being closed and having to eat our IKEA hotdogs outside. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On a completely different note, I remembered <a href="http://www.talesofmeandthehusband.com/2019/10/things-wish-bought-aisles-target-didnt-else-id-broke-volume-14.html" target="_blank">Bridget's Target posts</a>, and was inspired to share the things I wanted to buy at IKEA, but didn't: </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiafDSGdZZ42zOjAVga13yofY01aAq7U8I5dE4H0-cXFRXtrhDFWFmFhvdb1UPK96OHIgTnFmj7r3VUmUYzWTNVH1wvSWNagLglvWNLC7SnwmfiTPqUkejfrjZqiNHT6dh4FgpPU6Z2K6W-/s733/IKEA3.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiafDSGdZZ42zOjAVga13yofY01aAq7U8I5dE4H0-cXFRXtrhDFWFmFhvdb1UPK96OHIgTnFmj7r3VUmUYzWTNVH1wvSWNagLglvWNLC7SnwmfiTPqUkejfrjZqiNHT6dh4FgpPU6Z2K6W-/s16000/IKEA3.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I spied these <a href="https://www.ikea.cn/cn/en/p/bosnaes-footstool-with-storage-ransta-yellow-70266685/" target="_blank">ottomans</a> (they come in yellow and black) and thought they might be perfect for Mabel and Clarke in our entryway. The kids are always plopping down onto the floor to put on and take off their shoes, and while I'm sure they don't mind, it might be nice for them to have a place to sit. Plus they have storage! This would be greatly appreciated for hats and mittens once the cold weather arrives again. I didn't buy them because I need to measure the space, but they're on my wish list. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjelwk1vdV4IEK5YrBgifWjUNrRTDmSwClArS4V5jNPx9bnAeeuWeoaIuk33COtpswvCNBjzn7HZfxgrpdFqKKrZUmwtu2wZdaOXxsCYF-dzHev8hcn8f0AVfj2p-hIgezwjBqY7uP0TtWo/s733/IKEA4.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjelwk1vdV4IEK5YrBgifWjUNrRTDmSwClArS4V5jNPx9bnAeeuWeoaIuk33COtpswvCNBjzn7HZfxgrpdFqKKrZUmwtu2wZdaOXxsCYF-dzHev8hcn8f0AVfj2p-hIgezwjBqY7uP0TtWo/s16000/IKEA4.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mabel has been asking to paint her bedroom walls pink, and while I'm not ready to commit to that, I did tell her we could get more pink accessories for her room. I spotted this <a href="https://www.ikea.cn/cn/en/p/sarakajsa-cushion-30472809/" target="_blank">pillow</a> and took a picture to see if it met her approval. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtIzeFOdY3GkKyjBKM4wBL1wMD9DDqNDdXKYWrAPtIQt1ssWVczHbsuYYdoigGzZI7wy2EiVFiXTm_-UwdRDz85J4QhXBjH_090ZTS244qNQqBIOIvM7P7pZ_2ckzXepHvAH70sR6RKHDD/s733/IKEA5.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtIzeFOdY3GkKyjBKM4wBL1wMD9DDqNDdXKYWrAPtIQt1ssWVczHbsuYYdoigGzZI7wy2EiVFiXTm_-UwdRDz85J4QhXBjH_090ZTS244qNQqBIOIvM7P7pZ_2ckzXepHvAH70sR6RKHDD/s16000/IKEA5.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I can't decide if I would love or hate this <a href="https://www.ikea.cn/cn/en/p/kvistbro-storage-table-white-10349453/" target="_blank">coffee table</a> for storage. Good for things like blankets or will I be annoyed that I can see everything?</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCl_Afh8Ks-eYkoMABDnEKLJrJjsKBha4eNB5ksoiL56xYbt0oJXhBGvoX61zQmNPtojyN9jNtYxu6GxeOtTeFpZznTcZ5FUdlCBCR-Dvajv7LZqr7l7cr59eP4x2MCrzMcRydsoef-nRq/s733/IKEA6.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCl_Afh8Ks-eYkoMABDnEKLJrJjsKBha4eNB5ksoiL56xYbt0oJXhBGvoX61zQmNPtojyN9jNtYxu6GxeOtTeFpZznTcZ5FUdlCBCR-Dvajv7LZqr7l7cr59eP4x2MCrzMcRydsoef-nRq/s16000/IKEA6.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I want a new <a href="https://www.ikea.cn/cn/en/p/lersta-lamp-white-40428788/" target="_blank">lamp</a> for the living room but haven't found any I love. Maybe this? Or is it too short? Too office-y? </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOsrubHzXuyeZCMx_llCr_7sAJLD-L0MPBb7oCgsfCbAZKrH6lPXmbUvTSBuPCwGYlhX9YaDOqQgtT6mrvrV90BtzbQXZ5Qv3Vi0Hn3Zm78oBMWLZCRN-tNAu_eMk0xD5fvkfKE3Uky85t/s550/IKEA7.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOsrubHzXuyeZCMx_llCr_7sAJLD-L0MPBb7oCgsfCbAZKrH6lPXmbUvTSBuPCwGYlhX9YaDOqQgtT6mrvrV90BtzbQXZ5Qv3Vi0Hn3Zm78oBMWLZCRN-tNAu_eMk0xD5fvkfKE3Uky85t/s16000/IKEA7.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Okay, I'm not sure I like the look of <a href="https://www.ikea.cn/cn/en/p/trones-shoe-white-80397308/" target="_blank">these</a>, but thought one might be good on the wall in our small bathroom for storage? Or maybe on the wall of the entryway? I showed T and he ixnayed it, but I'm still pondering, especially after reading this <a href="https://www.ikea.cn/cn/en/ideas/5-new-ways-to-use-your-trones-shoe-cabinets-pub6a3ec310" target="_blank">article</a>. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Zr23yKjQg8Sug3D4n-_qa3PYMNR496MdlxmzWKXpsrC_aYgkhHAHplfLy5rTd3m18CcgpfzhW4cl9wx3uqVdNfmRX95q6NFdim7DNogilpAhvISG9FSBCQYBTxsl8w2vruunA9Vcn9LI/s733/IKEA8.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Zr23yKjQg8Sug3D4n-_qa3PYMNR496MdlxmzWKXpsrC_aYgkhHAHplfLy5rTd3m18CcgpfzhW4cl9wx3uqVdNfmRX95q6NFdim7DNogilpAhvISG9FSBCQYBTxsl8w2vruunA9Vcn9LI/s16000/IKEA8.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Would love this <a href="https://www.ikea.cn/cn/en/p/hemnes-shoe-cabinet-with-2-compartments-white-00169560/" target="_blank">Hemnes shoe cabinet</a> for the entryway. I don't think I'd use it for shoes though; I'd use it to corall a bunch of our junk. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPf_JlFpttsx21QuPG_SX_hgT3d21foDZwjtHdR9LA3X9rCbEIdNGVsjl5rYqydkgHmziv6LFybuAi8FHlcfnDCy2yRn6TABWYa0hopDd3FC8Zr6qXFqDdnwXAb70UYPiSqdKXIxNnX6YR/s733/IKEA9.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPf_JlFpttsx21QuPG_SX_hgT3d21foDZwjtHdR9LA3X9rCbEIdNGVsjl5rYqydkgHmziv6LFybuAi8FHlcfnDCy2yRn6TABWYa0hopDd3FC8Zr6qXFqDdnwXAb70UYPiSqdKXIxNnX6YR/s16000/IKEA9.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We have an art area for the kids where we keep paper, markers, watercolours, etc. The paper is all just stacked, but I want some kind of storage for it to keep it organized. <a href="https://www.ikea.cn/cn/en/p/droenjoens-letter-tray-white-40428825/" target="_blank">These</a> are a possibility but I'm wondering if they will be sturdy enough.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp7NLhs6J_kaczDo92ZOHByNsOV2el_-wcJJUhMbO9pXZoufouF_21xsk0aQdlof1UQSCsJ-Cr9ZvP7qqJ0M9kwsLI6_68V17zvDIDUmaC7Q6NneDuJs_6e9kZ06OF54ghv-OafNs_Xueq/s550/IKEA10.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp7NLhs6J_kaczDo92ZOHByNsOV2el_-wcJJUhMbO9pXZoufouF_21xsk0aQdlof1UQSCsJ-Cr9ZvP7qqJ0M9kwsLI6_68V17zvDIDUmaC7Q6NneDuJs_6e9kZ06OF54ghv-OafNs_Xueq/s16000/IKEA10.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">These <a href="https://www.ikea.cn/cn/en/search/products?q=svasp" target="_blank">organizers</a> remind me of similar ones at Muji, but for a fraction of the cost.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-khJFNR4Fb-Urch3vdgVISLXUFSgdrVsw1g6DLeaYG0F_dXn7GzbrUaxOR3folzqj94sGZf1f_J0rtKYyqlYAVkyaird5BLxho_iwBIc-1Cg6J3FWzdmpLpb77stxJ9jKr7Z3CzsHkXIU/s733/IKEA12.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-khJFNR4Fb-Urch3vdgVISLXUFSgdrVsw1g6DLeaYG0F_dXn7GzbrUaxOR3folzqj94sGZf1f_J0rtKYyqlYAVkyaird5BLxho_iwBIc-1Cg6J3FWzdmpLpb77stxJ9jKr7Z3CzsHkXIU/s16000/IKEA12.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This <a href="https://www.ikea.cn/cn/en/p/rashult-trolley-black-30445991/" target="_blank">cart</a> and the <a href="https://www.ikea.cn/cn/en/p/hoegsma-chopping-board-bamboo-10425611/" target="_blank">cutting board</a> on top would be great as a side table in a small apartment, wouldn't they?</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE5nJJaJ9jwl_ymAIZm1K6NPoPV7eRs2JAM60kM1r8K5amXo__Cr163OWjzJryM0zw6CV0ZigAFuaBDBe1hRQIDmfiNlXQSH63XxU60Znw1NculVgoScblFIQ8jhC3hBa1X_qolwZmyyS6/s733/IKEA13.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE5nJJaJ9jwl_ymAIZm1K6NPoPV7eRs2JAM60kM1r8K5amXo__Cr163OWjzJryM0zw6CV0ZigAFuaBDBe1hRQIDmfiNlXQSH63XxU60Znw1NculVgoScblFIQ8jhC3hBa1X_qolwZmyyS6/s16000/IKEA13.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We're supposed to sort our garbage, recycling, and compost, and I'm still looking for an easier way to organize it all in our small kitchen. I want to check if <a href="https://www.ikea.cn/cn/en/p/variera-waste-bin-white-60182238/" target="_blank">this</a> can be attached to the inside of a cupboard door under the sink. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM8Awr1COXx8mOgrwS35tnfi1wTsU2jk6lpGeFNiJ2Vpg0o1XgngAYYM9zMFpFk9l-qjH6-IBCsoSgPvX6UsoxzFiz2uK5U30BC4_bh2c69NfE5DmqKavXSF4UuWZ8tmpAPZV0sfV5BtzK/s733/IKEA15.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM8Awr1COXx8mOgrwS35tnfi1wTsU2jk6lpGeFNiJ2Vpg0o1XgngAYYM9zMFpFk9l-qjH6-IBCsoSgPvX6UsoxzFiz2uK5U30BC4_bh2c69NfE5DmqKavXSF4UuWZ8tmpAPZV0sfV5BtzK/s16000/IKEA15.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Another <a href="https://www.ikea.cn/cn/en/p/stickat-bed-pocket-pink-70296296/" target="_blank">pink thing</a> for Mabel. I actually ended up ordering this for her in pink and it's already hanging on the side of her bed, storing the <i>Junie B. Jones</i> book we read every night at bedtime. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9IgGQb7StcWCpFNxXvPFDB0jO39tI_R1cD68T-CYZGkOZVf5jM2Zq2A1BPexYng7KC9OgLfTl9zIVpDnq4EeXcpmmm0G1Ak1puDzmMfM0IwLq6TLe1G5UTdby6CckWyA3doKc0Brzd9O1/s733/IKEA16.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9IgGQb7StcWCpFNxXvPFDB0jO39tI_R1cD68T-CYZGkOZVf5jM2Zq2A1BPexYng7KC9OgLfTl9zIVpDnq4EeXcpmmm0G1Ak1puDzmMfM0IwLq6TLe1G5UTdby6CckWyA3doKc0Brzd9O1/s16000/IKEA16.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Also ended up ordering these <a href="https://www.ikea.cn/cn/en/p/glis-box-with-lid-00466150/" target="_blank">pink storage containers</a>. Mabel and Clarke put their "treasures" in them as soon as they arrived. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-oW96BolO4A9Rr2fNAZks5NYb4psH0brPrwlonZ-7Kz-ZBSoWYTBBGk7EAwI82fvLv9zh1nwmsLkFid5bUCAtcXMwBNYCKDV7R7_XT7N7lZZ9z_8kQhbYuTG5-sgckSp5VQkjXqgTOnWT/s733/IKEA19.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-oW96BolO4A9Rr2fNAZks5NYb4psH0brPrwlonZ-7Kz-ZBSoWYTBBGk7EAwI82fvLv9zh1nwmsLkFid5bUCAtcXMwBNYCKDV7R7_XT7N7lZZ9z_8kQhbYuTG5-sgckSp5VQkjXqgTOnWT/s16000/IKEA19.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I don't <i>need</i> these <a href="https://www.ikea.cn/cn/en/p/garnityren-bowl-with-set-of-5-mixed-colours-40480130/" target="_blank">bowls</a>, but I <i>want</i> them. They remind me of Tupperware we had when I was growing up. Perfect for making and storing taco salad or cuddling up on the couch with a big bowl of popcorn. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr9uTsj9WSFaZ5soqXlq1AQjBSUzAwgnLkGPNWNFKlHy9K5Ve63E3Os6mRIWdS4qYh2gD74ZVA_bnvQiw6slb4-j7L9JEUs-DlsJzFAvQXIHFqTHw01TWLcMBgPPCR63NPES-qPiOaQSAn/s550/IKEA20.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr9uTsj9WSFaZ5soqXlq1AQjBSUzAwgnLkGPNWNFKlHy9K5Ve63E3Os6mRIWdS4qYh2gD74ZVA_bnvQiw6slb4-j7L9JEUs-DlsJzFAvQXIHFqTHw01TWLcMBgPPCR63NPES-qPiOaQSAn/s16000/IKEA20.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I wasn't sure if Tony would want this <a href="https://www.ikea.cn/cn/en/p/kritisk-dry-food-jar-with-lid-white-90225566/" target="_blank">storage container</a> for rice, but my hunch was right and he did! Unfortunately, it was too big for our space (luckily I measured before we ordered it), so we ended up getting this <a href="https://www.ikea.cn/cn/en/p/ikea-365-food-container-with-lid-s79276779/" target="_blank">smaller container</a> instead. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_4XgZDDPYDNKqhzQMcVtiWaJ3p5XnbPlU7_VvQ32CThzZjvJpTBRCTQM-u8K0A5pz-Kq1eYpV6zj17d4rxiTvKk26KZYUQu3OQEJYNu1DwgeXcOY7OOHD66UkGk7FjhHZ8zGUC3wzIQv/s733/IKEA21.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_4XgZDDPYDNKqhzQMcVtiWaJ3p5XnbPlU7_VvQ32CThzZjvJpTBRCTQM-u8K0A5pz-Kq1eYpV6zj17d4rxiTvKk26KZYUQu3OQEJYNu1DwgeXcOY7OOHD66UkGk7FjhHZ8zGUC3wzIQv/s16000/IKEA21.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I can't stop thinking about this <a href="https://www.ikea.cn/cn/en/p/nollpunkt-table-lamp-white-60483887/" target="_blank">lamp</a>. If it was available to order online, it would be on my bedside table already. It'll have to wait until my next trip. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp33mGxcf-qK57DDMwa7TFSkppyUKdZ-7_f9gOMCER0wDz5gC_MDrl4Z8OPNGR9a3iFxMG5lBbY0U2Fo7KZQrRjo2Qn9_pWz3UTNI0jiUSGf8103LtkSvZ7qKZGq5dJXE4rqVUXwwYh2dQ/s550/IKEA22.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp33mGxcf-qK57DDMwa7TFSkppyUKdZ-7_f9gOMCER0wDz5gC_MDrl4Z8OPNGR9a3iFxMG5lBbY0U2Fo7KZQrRjo2Qn9_pWz3UTNI0jiUSGf8103LtkSvZ7qKZGq5dJXE4rqVUXwwYh2dQ/s16000/IKEA22.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.ikea.cn/cn/en/p/rabbla-box-with-lid-00348128/" target="_blank">Pretty storage</a>; need I write more? </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGVqiak_W_LGIN3fj3PHdCQa3PteC5WqANfWLcFp4O3mAuacAIHljIy_vsak5RIWLykfslnvVgF9u-PkPbA_oCWvX1mcBiwaCk6scN-utXVtOPsn95eHTNu-D1oCHXbqeOT9paa_Xlf_DK/s733/IKEA23.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGVqiak_W_LGIN3fj3PHdCQa3PteC5WqANfWLcFp4O3mAuacAIHljIy_vsak5RIWLykfslnvVgF9u-PkPbA_oCWvX1mcBiwaCk6scN-utXVtOPsn95eHTNu-D1oCHXbqeOT9paa_Xlf_DK/s16000/IKEA23.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I actually ended up ordering this <a href="https://www.ikea.cn/cn/en/p/lassbyn-table-mirror-gold-colour-10471033/" target="_blank">mirror</a> too. I like it, but not sure I love it. I just don't like clutter and don't use a small mirror very often. </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm so happy I live in a city that has IKEA. Not so sure my bank account is though. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Do you have any fave IKEA purchases or something that's on your wish list?</i></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07275734270488497435noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7276172340080430379.post-49895315723223549072021-08-21T14:29:00.001+08:002021-08-21T14:29:21.087+08:00happy saturday!<p>Will I ever write a blog post other than a "happy friday!" (on a Saturday or Sunday) post? That remains to be seen but stick with me. </p><p>I did my best to soak up the last few days of vacation and I think I did alright. Here are some things that made me happy this week: </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjknzkP9nNDc3V3Ke6ITZYaZR1U5Jaka8Zbco2H0b0Yj43yDDDHX_m2jE8uCj2NWjIkA9pOyt16Q1Svvu14F5DmTRAQrZ_aLvS8mTgkeVD97zVE5LHtmi3V_yWHOmHRSH56GT93kMJPE8B/s721/larry_the_bird.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="721" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjknzkP9nNDc3V3Ke6ITZYaZR1U5Jaka8Zbco2H0b0Yj43yDDDHX_m2jE8uCj2NWjIkA9pOyt16Q1Svvu14F5DmTRAQrZ_aLvS8mTgkeVD97zVE5LHtmi3V_yWHOmHRSH56GT93kMJPE8B/s16000/larry_the_bird.jpg" /></a></div><p>+ A delicious lunch date with T at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/larryrotisserie/" target="_blank">Larry the Bird</a>. We got into a great routine of 1-2 lunch dates a week this summer. I'll miss them, but they'll be replaced by weekly date nights! </p><p>+ We walked home again from Sanlitun. I'm really trying to get into the habit of moving my body more in everyday ways. So far so good. </p><p>+ An IKEA date with Dani. 5 hours there and most of it was wonderful (except the part where the restaurant was closed—womp, womp). <br /><br />+ Successfully updating my info at the bank, and opening Alipay and Taobao accounts! My fellow expats in China will understand that this is reason to celebrate!<br /><br />+ Clarke saying great job and giving <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CSt1Nq9pXLu/" target="_blank">his version of a thumbs up</a>. 2 is one of my favourite ages (so far). </p><p>+ My first visit to The Cheesecake Factory. It won't be my last!</p><p>+ A yummy pumpkin chocolate chip muffin made by thoughtful colleagues. Made me excited for autumn! </p><p>+ Celebrating the first day back to work with <a href="https://www.heytea.com/indexEn.html" target="_blank">HeyTea</a> (for me) and DQ (for the rest of the fam). </p><p><i>What made you happy this week?</i> </p>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07275734270488497435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7276172340080430379.post-12624930535432057482021-08-15T11:41:00.000+08:002021-08-15T11:41:26.626+08:00happy sunday!<p>This Sunday is my last Sunday without the "Sunday Scaries" because my summer vacation ends this week, as long as Covid doesn't have other plans again. (I was supposed to go back to work on August 4 and kids were set to return to school on August 9, but that was delayed because of a few new cases of Covid in BJ.)</p><p>I've been struggling a little with enjoying the last days of vacation. It's a mix of the kids being home all day, every day (even though we're lucky enough to have a nanny); not having fully processed the last year and a half; and wondering what this new school year will bring. </p><p>But this blog post title has the word "happy" in it, so let's get to it! Here are some of the things that made me happy this past week: </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkBsIdLpZp8WSOnbWAvVEKjZNwA0pJPpoCqTrM-bmvxEwCSpfMvTN54Zs9O2VdtvUbbandosLHFTHTs4mkfVR2zc0fXwTdNcQuXGJlgLxV6Qu53W6QXN5E76yq8g4Maiqsgc2uTjDFNqdA/s550/shake+shack.jpg"><img alt="Shake Shack Beijing" border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkBsIdLpZp8WSOnbWAvVEKjZNwA0pJPpoCqTrM-bmvxEwCSpfMvTN54Zs9O2VdtvUbbandosLHFTHTs4mkfVR2zc0fXwTdNcQuXGJlgLxV6Qu53W6QXN5E76yq8g4Maiqsgc2uTjDFNqdA/s16000/shake+shack.jpg" title="Shake Shack Beijing" /></a></div><p>+ I ate at <a href="https://www.shakeshack.com/location/taikoo-li-sanlitun-beijing/" target="_blank">Shake Shack</a> for the first time! It did not disappoint, and it felt a little extra exciting because of my <a href="http://www.sunshineandwhimsy.net/search/label/new%20york" target="_blank">love for NYC</a>. </p><p>+ A dinner date at <a href="http://www.tacobarchina.com/" target="_blank">Taco Bar</a> with Dani and Krista. Their "buy a drink, get a taco" happy hour was greatly enjoyed. (I recommend the Burro and the fish taco!)</p><p>+ A lunch date at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mostobeijing/?hl=en" target="_blank">Mosto</a> with Tony. Eating lunch out feels extra special because being a teacher means it doesn't happen often September-June. </p><p>+ Walking home from Sanlitun along the canal after each of the above dates. </p><p>+ Getting new furniture for our bedroom! My love for IKEA's Kallax continues. </p><p>+ My hunch that Clarke and Mabel would love these <a href="https://www.ikea.cn/cn/en/p/plufsig-folding-gym-mat-pink-50419905/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">folding gym mats</a> from IKEA proving correct. So far the mats have been used as couches, beds, snack tables, yoga mats, forts, and a stage. </p><p>+ Krista and Dani urging me to start blogging again. </p><p><i>What made you happy this week?</i></p>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07275734270488497435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7276172340080430379.post-5239749289980886252021-03-11T09:37:00.004+08:002021-03-11T09:37:40.070+08:00chinese new year 2021.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Chinese New Year was very different for our family this year (and for lots of other people, too). We stayed in Beijing to celebrate because we weren't able to travel to Tony's hometown in Henan to see his family <a href="http://www.sunshineandwhimsy.net/search/label/chinese%20new%20year" target="_blank">like usual</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF6BB0N4bupiRIGHc-fijUXBPV02Uy36LzjQdY5zQYGs4BzvapDlyBu9lAnIa4FxK6la1Oj7v9GkfRfutZqRXNWRF_F2p8k7bSuyMOtzIW59oxriz7WPQPnUuj7iUx6-FLz8KTUXCbJFiX/s733/chinese+new+year15.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF6BB0N4bupiRIGHc-fijUXBPV02Uy36LzjQdY5zQYGs4BzvapDlyBu9lAnIa4FxK6la1Oj7v9GkfRfutZqRXNWRF_F2p8k7bSuyMOtzIW59oxriz7WPQPnUuj7iUx6-FLz8KTUXCbJFiX/s16000/chinese+new+year15.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>It's the Year of the Ox.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mabel is old enough to remember past celebrations, and she kept talking about seeing family members. She also talked a lot about the hongbao she got from her teacher last year filled with chocolate coins and the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B7fjjxKpy7m/" target="_blank">dragon dance they did at school</a>. Since we couldn't see family, and school had moved online for the two weeks prior to the CNY holiday, we tried to ensure she and Clarke would have special memories from this year, too. </div><div><br /></div>T and I bought special outfits for the kids. Normally they would wear more traditional clothes to school for the CNY celebration, but we decided to go with something more "fun" and that they could wear regularly throughout the year. I want to remember that we almost didn't buy the red headband for Mabel but I'm so glad we did because she was most excited for that. I also want to remember that for days after we gave them the clothes, Mabel would ask if she could wear her "Chinese New Year clothes" and Clarke was so happy to be the "same" as Jiějiě ("big sister" and what we often call Mabel). <div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp2zAmPshLZVwQOIl4KpVKB_SNR0lzdGuQGbm58Y9kjQgomDn6Y9JlIlBT-HqycC31Xysf9cVMF9u4mMYM9bmj9JiXRUoNjMHVqQUkh53kUcUmCSWriBSIQqUiyyaS8Qn1N4Z5rPYucA7x/s733/chinese+new+year1.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp2zAmPshLZVwQOIl4KpVKB_SNR0lzdGuQGbm58Y9kjQgomDn6Y9JlIlBT-HqycC31Xysf9cVMF9u4mMYM9bmj9JiXRUoNjMHVqQUkh53kUcUmCSWriBSIQqUiyyaS8Qn1N4Z5rPYucA7x/s16000/chinese+new+year1.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPK46-NBexEBFA771QdkA4yFRE_QArqy7QAZBvGirIon_dQW_1N3PciMzIuVtGGd2tO5LD-FiJwEB7TfDEI-gsz1n5ZIYFGe_WZc-V0pxWAQ88qQHWzgERPdpuQQbCRok6kHHqCd43SV1E/s733/chinese+new+year2.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPK46-NBexEBFA771QdkA4yFRE_QArqy7QAZBvGirIon_dQW_1N3PciMzIuVtGGd2tO5LD-FiJwEB7TfDEI-gsz1n5ZIYFGe_WZc-V0pxWAQ88qQHWzgERPdpuQQbCRok6kHHqCd43SV1E/s16000/chinese+new+year2.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgrFeRRyiwXUXfEtNwaXGr3g8-p3_Lw4X9jY7qp1sxdZm9WUNZBmJlz6Pyd474vBOITQr_kTUc0yPc-16jApUV3EYLg9n6cM5KldCuD0ldJOJQfgwlXZBR9ijZH8xj7IzeBkQr5gFaNC8V/s733/chinese+new+year3.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgrFeRRyiwXUXfEtNwaXGr3g8-p3_Lw4X9jY7qp1sxdZm9WUNZBmJlz6Pyd474vBOITQr_kTUc0yPc-16jApUV3EYLg9n6cM5KldCuD0ldJOJQfgwlXZBR9ijZH8xj7IzeBkQr5gFaNC8V/s16000/chinese+new+year3.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7zZXZRiaATaLfmNvkx9MLYmnsiQ942qYBkxiWTjNGOrcXS9G_-qP2wFroJJVf92rwMxI66vtiI6Mk_h4RbuD7zzNXphyphenhyphenrl2W-8eJz3py-X7cP1fJac4tHZwxwLHV_zcBa3Cts6TNIy_q1/s733/chinese+new+year4.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7zZXZRiaATaLfmNvkx9MLYmnsiQ942qYBkxiWTjNGOrcXS9G_-qP2wFroJJVf92rwMxI66vtiI6Mk_h4RbuD7zzNXphyphenhyphenrl2W-8eJz3py-X7cP1fJac4tHZwxwLHV_zcBa3Cts6TNIy_q1/s16000/chinese+new+year4.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We put up special decorations to bring good luck. I want to remember that Mabel showed the ox on their doors to anyone who came over and that Clarke wasn’t interested in hanging the decoration until he realized it meant climbing on a stool. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT44aNd8xbYCT6bMxYlc1Rt7tzkW_LP1Yj4vebIytp_DcYv_LtQZ8qhvWKTRjp2onP9YqTJBxOFuavMoY0z5uxTotcPEUGJk7IwO7tzMzjRK2BAfQweZmpoMr47Jr6U1_pbdUzFcWWtnUV/s733/chinese+new+year6.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT44aNd8xbYCT6bMxYlc1Rt7tzkW_LP1Yj4vebIytp_DcYv_LtQZ8qhvWKTRjp2onP9YqTJBxOFuavMoY0z5uxTotcPEUGJk7IwO7tzMzjRK2BAfQweZmpoMr47Jr6U1_pbdUzFcWWtnUV/s16000/chinese+new+year6.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh__v0IOZV-seh4HShDg2_vm4TmMF0wNCnCEqtcHoHjhMewFBr8uVrYAF_5_Kk-rA8TQ8imhIrX8uVzvyFQumt76VLW7izSYPwJnEkPUAvP15Whj1AJGMv2i0S0zQm105yfEAYARXV9Cr9C/s733/chinese+new+year7.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh__v0IOZV-seh4HShDg2_vm4TmMF0wNCnCEqtcHoHjhMewFBr8uVrYAF_5_Kk-rA8TQ8imhIrX8uVzvyFQumt76VLW7izSYPwJnEkPUAvP15Whj1AJGMv2i0S0zQm105yfEAYARXV9Cr9C/s16000/chinese+new+year7.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf0-jgqwsV3vUuixpJBm9tiCGSipZ1-2qqQu-vn4q8IaYqiBzd832_uhbaQdr_1ZU_I2oc3M3QcNeIIxhH9t43sZJQ0gcNgC-4EpQVjBcuGH7m6zp803JvHeKfXY4sPT9ncW_j-mg7uu7I/s550/chinese+new+year8.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf0-jgqwsV3vUuixpJBm9tiCGSipZ1-2qqQu-vn4q8IaYqiBzd832_uhbaQdr_1ZU_I2oc3M3QcNeIIxhH9t43sZJQ0gcNgC-4EpQVjBcuGH7m6zp803JvHeKfXY4sPT9ncW_j-mg7uu7I/s16000/chinese+new+year8.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhst9AxdOwQZWDHxOaxsGFmB-H7INhq-p0FMCUcUQ8EQWv3H1A4E191oG8stJ_AOiqWwxWR_j8Di63Rp_cXveYgVv07z4wSn3bhEhU6N327FViCK2Rf74IqdRj8bMnAoL2Nv55ISkbVVbIx/s733/chinese+new+year10.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhst9AxdOwQZWDHxOaxsGFmB-H7INhq-p0FMCUcUQ8EQWv3H1A4E191oG8stJ_AOiqWwxWR_j8Di63Rp_cXveYgVv07z4wSn3bhEhU6N327FViCK2Rf74IqdRj8bMnAoL2Nv55ISkbVVbIx/s16000/chinese+new+year10.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSEp1j78SdXk4Q4ZYRkMt7mNpzYppXkoHHkd7HrNAddknNF38M-YzQ-BUSoKOhS40tQiwAjPPEO05fqVgia1N4NqS5MuDCQD4KzASHBWn6DK_tA2wK6eogeDW-7LALZLttlNyF0Kisvtg9/s770/chinese+new+year11.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="770" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSEp1j78SdXk4Q4ZYRkMt7mNpzYppXkoHHkd7HrNAddknNF38M-YzQ-BUSoKOhS40tQiwAjPPEO05fqVgia1N4NqS5MuDCQD4KzASHBWn6DK_tA2wK6eogeDW-7LALZLttlNyF0Kisvtg9/s16000/chinese+new+year11.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We made dumplings with friends. The kids loved it, especially Mabel! But even after all her hard work, she only ate one. I was surprised, because normally she eats <i>a lot</i> of dumplings, but I think it was because she was more interested in running around and playing hide and seek than eating.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggOvbZIBe2l0EyVLHxNXhNvdzomJtHDLMfeyggDf2lWn0U_4tP4dkKJLchxA0_cbxvTIwcLQ9txE-1iXoys9rXUn5WSK9LnWgTSJf9kXCNv_zu8onrdnE8FQGl93TbPC8dN5MM1SBNttGK/s733/chinese+new+year12.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggOvbZIBe2l0EyVLHxNXhNvdzomJtHDLMfeyggDf2lWn0U_4tP4dkKJLchxA0_cbxvTIwcLQ9txE-1iXoys9rXUn5WSK9LnWgTSJf9kXCNv_zu8onrdnE8FQGl93TbPC8dN5MM1SBNttGK/s16000/chinese+new+year12.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">T's older brother and parents would usually give the kids hongbao (red envelopes with money) and they still did, but digitally, by transferring money through WeChat. So for the first time, T and I gave the kids hongbao from us. Mabel didn't really care about the money, even after we told her she could use it to buy a toy; she kept talking about the hongbao with chocolate from her teacher. Luckily, I had told Auntie Jo, our best friend, and she made sure to bring the kids hongbao with chocolate coins. I want to remember that she also brought hongbao for Tony and I. His had money, and mine was empty but taped to a bottle of wine—such a funny and sweet gesture!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeLxFZsfhOvMgoDUdV1TuQVLhGTSIDVHB7JVl5gWJ9PqN_ok1RPRnw2JFPMF_9pKa5TmWO598v_ghDrQu9oqCHiGf7LZh2fwcWrgieMhBzVrzbKLwrRsYJ2YJxf0jdURSERb7W9MSco70R/s733/chinese+new+year13.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeLxFZsfhOvMgoDUdV1TuQVLhGTSIDVHB7JVl5gWJ9PqN_ok1RPRnw2JFPMF_9pKa5TmWO598v_ghDrQu9oqCHiGf7LZh2fwcWrgieMhBzVrzbKLwrRsYJ2YJxf0jdURSERb7W9MSco70R/s16000/chinese+new+year13.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We ate hot pot for dinner, and then when the kids were in bed, the grownups drank champagne, enjoyed a charcuterie board, and played What Do You Meme? Tony was the winner! We also watched the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CCTV_New_Year%27s_Gala" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CCTV New Year's Gala</a>, which is tradition!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQn6prEr3c3rcqjXMNy-GY4Pw9UG02hUQP54HhQk9QjH3xAOJsA8tuvkOuEDZ0ywi3fXPTo-2hSlCUWeLuJxtxIHNxBI3DNvH46ZYeKq2MCBt5skAaDUkaBb_Y5oTwE13LhyQKar4kRZEv/s550/chinese+new+year14.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQn6prEr3c3rcqjXMNy-GY4Pw9UG02hUQP54HhQk9QjH3xAOJsA8tuvkOuEDZ0ywi3fXPTo-2hSlCUWeLuJxtxIHNxBI3DNvH46ZYeKq2MCBt5skAaDUkaBb_Y5oTwE13LhyQKar4kRZEv/s16000/chinese+new+year14.jpg" /></a></div><p>We FaceTimed with T's family and they sent us a photo of their dinner. I counted extra bowls and chopsticks and when we asked them about it, they said they set places for us. It was really touching. This was the first year T hadn't been with his family for the holiday. Hopefully next year we'll be there!</p><p><i>How did you celebrate your big holiday this year?</i></p><p>P.S. Chinese New Year <a href="http://www.sunshineandwhimsy.net/search/label/chinese%20new%20year%202014" target="_blank">2014</a>, <a href="http://www.sunshineandwhimsy.net/search/label/chinese%20new%20year%202015" target="_blank">2015</a>, <a href="http://www.sunshineandwhimsy.net/search/label/chinese%20new%20year%202016" target="_blank">2016</a>, and <a href="http://www.sunshineandwhimsy.net/2017/04/what-i-want-to-remember-chinese-new.html" target="_blank">2017</a>.</p></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07275734270488497435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7276172340080430379.post-61062398263462836302021-03-05T20:15:00.001+08:002021-03-05T20:15:47.809+08:00happy friday!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYotv2zE9SYS-4t3Qu5ndepwSFOoDVOx5qjWaX_AjKjCPihXYf0Iaxc7n5v4A9VzIyl4pCFKPyV9tTut91Uy6_p5yupTz8aWqm0flVC29Xwu0mIWtDx7s97PM5v5jyoHJy2rdFIPMSf_ku/s733/happy+friday.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYotv2zE9SYS-4t3Qu5ndepwSFOoDVOx5qjWaX_AjKjCPihXYf0Iaxc7n5v4A9VzIyl4pCFKPyV9tTut91Uy6_p5yupTz8aWqm0flVC29Xwu0mIWtDx7s97PM5v5jyoHJy2rdFIPMSf_ku/s16000/happy+friday.jpg" /></a></div><i>Mabel took this photo and I kind of love it. It's interesting to think of how she sees me.</i><br /><p>The first half of this week felt like it dragged by, but the second half feels like I blinked. Here are some of the things that made me happy: </p><p>+ The whole family—me, T, Mabel, and Clarke—doing Just Dance videos in the living room. </p><p>+ Clarke asking for a "cuddle" right before I put him in his crib for bedtime. (He always emphasizes the second syllable, "Cu-DDLE!")</p><p>+ Dinner out with friends. We ate at Amazing Thai. BJ friends, go there and order the seasonal curry and pineapple rice. </p><p>+ This <a href="https://detail.tmall.com/item.htm?spm=a230r.1.14.22.38331c34UqgrFL&id=637605298448&ns=1&abbucket=12&skuId=4573731953750" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">water bottle</a>! I'm finally drinking water! </p><p>+ A student saying, "Please don't go, Ms. Amanda. I want you to keep working with me."</p><p>+ We have bedside lamps that work now! (The lamps are built into our nightstands and haven't worked since we moved into our apartment 6 months ago. We swapped for ones that work and it's been a great reminder that little things can make a big difference.)</p><p>+ Mabel woke up yesterday morning at 6AM but then said, "I want to sleep more" and went back to bed. (Why can't this happen on weekends?) </p><p>+ These <a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Book-Two-Ways-Jodi-Picoult/9781984818355" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">library</a> <a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Shuggie-Bain-Douglas-Stuart/9780802148506" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">holds</a> became available. </p><p>+ An acquaintance won a 60 min massage but isn't able to use it so she gave it to me! I was so surprised and grateful. People can be so kind. </p><p><i>What made you happy this week?</i></p>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07275734270488497435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7276172340080430379.post-65732612209883480882021-03-01T15:57:00.001+08:002021-03-01T15:57:14.295+08:00book report / january and february.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGuYUoIXKlofW9gA8g6e1XND15P65SzQBxMi5RwaDNMd_R2BoKTFK5aFUlk4og1ubjoZ9OnHgMcGdobgv1dw_o-o0CcgY48tgXwyOPWFBe0CryXBiHUpJyTiy0YJH9_kSk68n3cpdOazr-/s733/january+february+book+report.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGuYUoIXKlofW9gA8g6e1XND15P65SzQBxMi5RwaDNMd_R2BoKTFK5aFUlk4og1ubjoZ9OnHgMcGdobgv1dw_o-o0CcgY48tgXwyOPWFBe0CryXBiHUpJyTiy0YJH9_kSk68n3cpdOazr-/s16000/january+february+book+report.jpg" /></a></div><p>Every year I set a reading goal of 52 books. So far this year, I've read six books, which sounded pretty good until I realized I had <a href="http://www.sunshineandwhimsy.net/2020/03/january-february-book-report.html" target="_blank">read fourteen(!) by this time last year</a>. I think this is a sign that I need to put my phone down and pick up a book...</p><p>Here are super short reviews of the books I've read so far: </p><p><a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Glass-Hotel-Emily-St-John-Mandel/9780525562948" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>The Glass Hotel</i> by Emily St. John Mandel</a> / It took me awhile to get into it and I kept wondering why so many people loved it. Now that I've finished it, woah. Intense, well-written, thriller-esque, and I thought about it for awhile afterwards.</p><p><a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Royal-Holiday-Jasmine-Guillory/9780593099049" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>Royal Holiday</i> by Jasmine Guillory</a> / It was light and fun, but not my fave in the series.</p><p>*<a href="https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9780525633723-a-promised-land" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>A Promised Land</i> by Barack Obama</a> / Happily listened to all 29 hours (at 1.5x speed) and am eagerly awaiting the second volume.</p><p>*<a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Most-Fun-We-Ever-Had-Claire-Lombardo/9781474611886" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>The Most Fun We Ever Had</i> by Claire Lombardo</a> / I haven't enjoyed a book this much in a while. When I wasn't reading it, I wanted to be. The writing was exquisite; I wanted to highlight so many passages. Highly recommend if you love long family sagas.</p><p>*<a href="https://www.audible.ca/pd/They-Called-Me-Number-One-Audiobook/B071WQLPMB" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>They Called Me Number One: Secrets and Survival at an Indian Residential School</i> by Bev Sellars</a> / I recommend this to anyone, but especially my fellow Canadians. I learned a lot and kept thinking, 'Why wasn't I taught about any of this in school?' </p><p><a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/My-Sister-Serial-Killer-Oyinkan-Braithwaite/9781786495983" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>My Sister, the Serial Killer</i> by Oyinkan Braithwaite</a> / I liked the premise but was left wanting more—more twists, more character development, and a more detailed plot.</p><p><i>Do you have any recommendations for me?</i></p><p>P.S. More <a href="http://www.sunshineandwhimsy.net/search/label/book%20report" target="_blank">book reports</a>.</p><p>P.P.S. If you want more frequent updates about what I'm reading, I share every time I finish a book in my <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ajizhang/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> stories.</p>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07275734270488497435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7276172340080430379.post-47550605762574340882021-02-23T16:00:00.016+08:002021-02-23T16:00:02.003+08:00book report / 2020 faves.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5gvWfMrfoGjV4FpuRpNJ-R0jbx2LZmrkiUS2u6mudT0nI-lhdwRK4cY7dNhajUfn5_Dgb4oUn3AnRgfhTL7kDGkd5wXzLweGrra1uIARCFgy6Slq9PeMvANj_EX_DvAbLLJVnGH3YN51W/s945/2020+fave+books.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="945" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5gvWfMrfoGjV4FpuRpNJ-R0jbx2LZmrkiUS2u6mudT0nI-lhdwRK4cY7dNhajUfn5_Dgb4oUn3AnRgfhTL7kDGkd5wXzLweGrra1uIARCFgy6Slq9PeMvANj_EX_DvAbLLJVnGH3YN51W/s16000/2020+fave+books.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">I read 60 books in 2020 (the most books I've read in <i>years</i>), which I was pleasantly surprised by because I remember periods where I did <i>not</i> feel like reading and really struggled to concentrate. I guess a global pandemic will do that to you.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Anyway, here are my fave books from last year (all of the ones I gave 5 stars on <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/7551502-amanda-zhang" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Goodreads</a>): </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.audible.ca/pd/Maybe-You-Should-Talk-to-Someone-Audiobook/B07PYL6SP8" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>Maybe You Should Talk to Someone</i> by Lori Gottlieb</a> / One of my fave memoirs of the many I've read! Interesting and felt like a breath of fresh air. Made me want to see a therapist. I listened and the narration was excellent too.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><a href="https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9780062963703" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>The Dutch House </i>by Ann Patchett</a> / I absolutely loved this sprawling story about a house and a family spanning decades. I had never listened to a novel before, but kept seeing rave reviews of this one narrated by Tom Hanks, so I figured if I was ever going to, this would be a good one to try. I loved it! I found myself going for walks just so I could listen to more.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9780553550610-just-mercy-movie-tie-in-edition" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption</i> by Bryan Stevenson</a> / An important, heartbreaking book. I saw a NYT review that said it "will make you upset and it will make you hopeful"—that's true. (If you're interested, there's a <a href="https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9780525635918-just-mercy-movie-tie-in-edition-adapted-for-young-adults" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">young adult version</a> too.)</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9781797107745-the-dirty-life" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>The Dirty Life: On Farming, Food, and Love</i> by Kristin Kimball</a> / I thoroughly enjoyed this—so much so that I volunteered to do bedtime with Mabel on nights when it wasn't my turn so I could have more time to listen. Before listening, I wouldn't have said I was interested in farming (but I'm always interested in learning how other people live their lives), and now I'm 50% "I want to be a farmer!" and 50% "I could never be a farmer!" A truly fascinating memoir and the narration was perfect. (I listened to the <a href="https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9781508298328-good-husbandry" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">sequel</a> as well last year and enjoyed it almost as much.)</div><div><br /></div><div><div><a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Vanishing-Half-Brit-Bennett/9780593190197" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>The Vanishing Half</i> by Brit Bennett</a> / Loved, loved, loved. It was beautifully written; I found myself highlighting so many sentences. And it had plot points I wasn't expecting which is always a plus for someone like me who is good at predicting what will happen.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><a href="https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9781250247896-all-boys-aren-t-blue" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>All Boys Aren't Blue</i> by George M. Johnson</a> / Some books should be required reading for everyone; this is one of them.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><a href="https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9780593172186" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>Know My Name</i> by Chanel Miller</a> / A beautifully written book that shouldn't have needed to be written, but should most definitely be read. (I recommend listening to it as it is read by Chanel.)</div><div><br /></div><div><div><a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/28-Summers-Elin-Hilderbrand/9780316428644" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>28 Summers</i> by Elin Hilderbrand</a> / One of my fave Elin novels to date! It made me smile, it made me angry, and it made me cry.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/What-Kind-Woman-Kate-Baer/9780063008427" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>What Kind of Woman</i> by Kate Baer</a> / Beautiful and relatable. I'll be anxiously awaiting Kate's next book of poems. </div></div></div></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><i>What were your fave books of 2020?</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>P.S. My <a href="http://www.sunshineandwhimsy.net/2020/01/book-report-2019-faves.html" target="_blank">fave books in 2019</a> and more <a href="http://www.sunshineandwhimsy.net/search/label/book%20report" target="_blank">book reports</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>P.P.S. If you want more frequent updates about what I'm reading this year, you can follow me on <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/7551502-amanda-zhang" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> or <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ajizhang/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>.</div></div><p></p>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07275734270488497435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7276172340080430379.post-30513130130465409802021-02-18T15:31:00.002+08:002021-02-22T15:50:35.630+08:00currently.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjipyvk3-5UQ4e6E3j7bUQ_j8VGdiD0VwpRun602fRpVtZLhdZoDsdgOzAm0FGWeT2rVCrxWHNDE5HJdDsgcaBstnLGSTuRCFf8gMEMkA7ECIMEKSuOIMzKGt0jmVdJhkzaKyJz-lPq-ME3/s733/currently.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img alt="currently" border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjipyvk3-5UQ4e6E3j7bUQ_j8VGdiD0VwpRun602fRpVtZLhdZoDsdgOzAm0FGWeT2rVCrxWHNDE5HJdDsgcaBstnLGSTuRCFf8gMEMkA7ECIMEKSuOIMzKGt0jmVdJhkzaKyJz-lPq-ME3/s16000/currently.jpg" title="currently" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>I'm cheating a bit because this photo is actually from December.</i></div><div><br /></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>drinking </i>a lukewarm caramel macchiato that has already been reheated once.</div><p><i>feeling</i> anxious; I'm not sure why. </p><p><i>growing</i> my hair out. </p><p><i>looking </i>forward to the opening of my friend <a href="https://danigreenartist.com/home.html" target="_blank">Dani's</a> art exhibit tonight at <a href="http://www.cafezarah.com/" target="_blank">Zarah</a>. </p><p><i>wondering</i> if I'll actually get back into blogging.</p><p><i>trying</i> to remember how to blog. </p><p><i>navigating</i> the new (to me) Blogger layout and wondering if I should switch to Wordpress.</p><p><i>thinking</i> about the bed and bookshelf from IKEA that we ordered and then cancelled. </p><p><i>wishing</i> I was better at decorating and making decisions.</p><p><i>reading</i> magazines on my new iPad with my free Apple News+ trial. </p><p><i>spending </i>more time on TikTok than I want to admit. </p><p><i>taking</i> deep breaths.</p><p><i>making</i> a to do list in my head. </p><p><i>wanting</i> to do more decluttering.</p><p>What are you doing currently? And do you read magazines? Which ones?</p>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07275734270488497435noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7276172340080430379.post-33043871960397095842020-04-03T16:00:00.000+08:002020-04-03T16:00:07.404+08:00mabel says.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt8hJ8daF3t5yqyR5AVRw9Ch94L37q06-O9klWZ_GtIcE1TUDWPBW5R9_MiK3abtf9wL1Rdm8F5Rxc60ER5Ma6pDP_N27EY1Md2lGtR88nDBfwb47PRRymsTlXLZDUWlmIA-A-S8m_lu3z/s1600/mabel+says1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt8hJ8daF3t5yqyR5AVRw9Ch94L37q06-O9klWZ_GtIcE1TUDWPBW5R9_MiK3abtf9wL1Rdm8F5Rxc60ER5Ma6pDP_N27EY1Md2lGtR88nDBfwb47PRRymsTlXLZDUWlmIA-A-S8m_lu3z/s1600/mabel+says1.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
One of my favourite parts of being a mom is listening to and talking with Mabel. She is so funny and so sweet. Here are some of the best things she's said lately:<br />
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When singing the alphabet, instead of singing, "Now I know my ABCs," she sings, "Oh my, oh my, ABCs."<br />
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***<br />
<br />
Mabel: "What does a penguin say?"<br />
Me and Tony: ...<br />
Mabel: "Wobble wobble!"<br />
<br />
***<br />
<br />
Mabel: "I want to be a boy."<br />
Me: "Why?"<br />
Mabel: "I want to be a girl."<br />
Me: "Why?"<br />
Mabel: "I don’t know."<br />
Me: "You can be a boy or a girl. You can be whatever you want to be."<br />
Mabel: "I want to be a Mabel!"<br />
Me: "I think that’s great!"<br />
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***<br />
<br />
She calls the restaurant McDonald's "Old McDonald's"—like the song.<br />
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***<br />
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When I was tucking her into bed, she told me, “I love me daddy and me mommy and me baby. I love me friends. And I love me!”<br />
<br />
***<br />
<br />
She calls her Mr. Potato Head toy "Sweet Potato." She'll say, "Where's Sweet Potato?" or "I want to sleep with Sweet Potato!"<br />
<br />
***<br />
<br />
I was just finishing cleaning the bathroom and she came in and asked me, “Whatchu doin’, Mama?”<br />
I told her I was cleaning the bathroom; she asked, "What?"<br />
I replied, "I scrubbed the sink, toilets, and bathtub."<br />
She threw her arms around me in a hug and said, “Thank you, Mama!”Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07275734270488497435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7276172340080430379.post-55909911500557737242020-04-02T16:14:00.002+08:002020-04-02T16:14:45.630+08:00march book report. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I read seven books in March; here are my really quick takes on them.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiujjnJpFp2x7ZVANB603UoAYtJWPi5KDXGoJqIB2LDybdUztc1yeZXkEzfNTOPQLaJPmZHl_O1_TDV0_wVHyEE6W2mD93Cnfk8e_9DKJrS49WJBlHnIbdG61P6UaH2Hq_jcG_iFV4f_4Lt/s1600/march+book+report.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="311" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiujjnJpFp2x7ZVANB603UoAYtJWPi5KDXGoJqIB2LDybdUztc1yeZXkEzfNTOPQLaJPmZHl_O1_TDV0_wVHyEE6W2mD93Cnfk8e_9DKJrS49WJBlHnIbdG61P6UaH2Hq_jcG_iFV4f_4Lt/s1600/march+book+report.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20342617-just-mercy" target="_blank"><i>Just Mercy</i> by Bryan Stevenson</a> / An important, heartbreaking book. I saw a NYT review that said it "will make you upset and it will make you hopeful"—that's true. (If you're interested, there's a young adult version too!)<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41860718-the-cactus" target="_blank"><i>The Cactus</i> by Sarah Haywood</a> / I didn't like the main character and felt the plot was lacking. Only finished because I was reading it for a book club.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41571753-open-book" target="_blank"><i>Open Book</i> by Jessica Simpson</a> / I listened to this after seeing a lot of hype. It was fascinating to learn about Simpson's life, but there were cringey moments—celebrity extravagance, some of the anecdotes, the occasional cheesy self-help-type lines (and I like self-help books!).<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46161166-don-t-overthink-it" target="_blank"><i>Don't Overthink It</i> by Anne Bogel</a> / I don't feel like I learned anything new, but it's nice to have it all in one resource. The author's personal anecdotes were a nice touch. I got the audiobook for free when I pre-ordered the physical copy. I'm looking forward to paging through the physical copy.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13227454-the-unlikely-pilgrimage-of-harold-fry" target="_blank"><i>The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry</i> by Rachel Joyce</a> / I was more interested in Harold's backstory (and that of Maureen and Queenie) than his pilgrimage and the people he met. I liked it but not enough to read the sequel.</div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/45167624-inside-out" target="_blank"><i>Inside Out</i> by Demi Moore</a> / I love a celebrity memoir and this was a good one.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40969415-waiting-for-tom-hanks" target="_blank"><i>Waiting for Tom Hanks</i> by Kerry Winfrey</a> / Predictable, light, and cheesy—exactly what's needed at a time like this. If you like rom-coms, you might like this.</div>
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<i>What have you read lately?</i></div>
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07275734270488497435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7276172340080430379.post-73582609468019080212020-03-23T15:03:00.001+08:002020-03-23T15:03:07.480+08:00morning coffee.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPhFvQ61NgHm_VdtWrAYv6PhO35OmYs7e1JHO_vVJMSJfVDZbP2fXv0HG-sgR872L20AlCruFb7PG7LuNUov6tpfWpQLuWQIwcnOvmDIxDSEw2Fq3pwDHqjBIlPe9Qa032hoZFtrnZCDvr/s1600/morning+coffee1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPhFvQ61NgHm_VdtWrAYv6PhO35OmYs7e1JHO_vVJMSJfVDZbP2fXv0HG-sgR872L20AlCruFb7PG7LuNUov6tpfWpQLuWQIwcnOvmDIxDSEw2Fq3pwDHqjBIlPe9Qa032hoZFtrnZCDvr/s1600/morning+coffee1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
I hear the doorknob rattle as I’m about to get in the shower. I hear your baba say, “Mabel! Bù! Mama xǐzǎo!” (He’s protective of my time alone and I appreciate that.) I hear you say something about coffee and then the doorknob rattles again. I walk over and open the door, see you standing there holding a little red cup. “Coffee, Mama! Put it here,” pointing to the spot where your baba leaves my coffee every morning.<br />
<br />
I thank you and tell you I can’t wait to drink it. You smile and close the door.<br />
<br />
Later, while I’m washing my hair, I hear you asking your baba, “Whatchu doin’?! No! I made Mama coffee!” He fibs and tells you he’s making coffee for himself.<br />
<br />
I get out of the shower and find two cups of coffee waiting for me. How lucky I am to be loved by you both. Who knew morning coffee could convey so much?Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07275734270488497435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7276172340080430379.post-48379375948682094342020-03-16T20:27:00.000+08:002020-03-16T20:27:09.825+08:0016+ tips for surviving self-quarantine.My family and I have been self-quarantined in Beijing since January 26. As the coronavirus has escalated in North America, I've had family, friends, acquaintances, and even strangers reach out to me—asking for advice, asking about my experience, looking for commiseration, and some people specifically asked me to write a blog post.<br />
<br />
Here it is, but with two big disclaimers: <b>I am not an expert</b> and <b>this is my personal experience.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTwsQiBljg0ztJ_f7ON9gi2QKUwnMVm-oCpcTAvYkBRrpe4YajmX2UvrZCjIOzwPwyMTlXv_TaRzVDgckyxS3Z7_oJDOxCppLQs8zh-682CpnQlkr20FU3gbhfLOPUS1aLanuWrRbAVhNO/s1600/coronavirus3.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTwsQiBljg0ztJ_f7ON9gi2QKUwnMVm-oCpcTAvYkBRrpe4YajmX2UvrZCjIOzwPwyMTlXv_TaRzVDgckyxS3Z7_oJDOxCppLQs8zh-682CpnQlkr20FU3gbhfLOPUS1aLanuWrRbAVhNO/s1600/coronavirus3.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
First, answers to questions a lot of people have asked:<br />
<br />
<i><b>Were you/are you worried about shopping for groceries? Did people run out and stock up on toilet paper and other supplies there?</b></i><br />
In the beginning we were worried about groceries, because people kept talking about the possibility of shortages. We stocked up on enough food for about a week or two, a mix of fresh food and non-perishables. We bought one pack of toilet paper, two boxes of diapers for Clarke, one box for Mabel (she only wears them when sleeping), and two six-packs of baby wipes. Most of this we ordered (grocery delivery in Beijing is common and very cheap). I made one grocery run at the very beginning of our self-quarantine for a few items we couldn't order.<br />
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In the beginning, we did have a bit of a hard time getting fresh produce, but I think that had more to do with it being Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) and stock gets low at that time anyway. After a few days, it was no problem.<br />
<br />
Over the past seven weeks, we've continued ordering groceries a couple times a week. A lot of restaurants were closed (because of the holiday and because of the coronavirus), but as they've slowly reopened, we've been ordering delivery a few times a week as well. We feel it is safe and a small way to help support local businesses (the restaurants themselves but also the delivery companies).<br />
<br />
I don't think people stocked up on toilet paper the way they have in North America; I didn't hear of any shortages. I know people did stock up on masks and hand sanitizer, and there were shortages of those items.<br />
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<i><b>What precautions did you take to stay safe and healthy?</b></i><br />
We've been self-quarantining; the first two weeks were mandatory and the rest of the time it's been encouraged that we stay home as much as possible and only go out when necessary. (Protocol has been different depending where in Beijing/China you live.) We live on our school's campus; I've left campus three times (once for groceries, once for toys/activities, and once for a walk for my mental health). Tony has left once. The kids haven't left at all.<br />
<br />
We wash our hands often—every time we leave our apartment, after getting a delivery, when we come in from outside, and all the usual times like after using the washroom and before eating.<br />
<br />
When we leave campus and/or are around groups of people, we wear masks.<i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i>We wear masks because it is recommended/required here. (Clarke hasn't worn a mask because the risks to babies' breathing outweighs the benefits.) <b>Follow experts' advice on masks wherever you are.</b><br />
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<i><b>What have you told Mabel? How much does she understand or know?</b></i><br />
We have kept it very simple and told Mabel only what she needs to know, when she needs to know it. When she asks questions, we answer only what she asks and are as honest as we can be while keeping it appropriate for her age/maturity.<br />
<br />
For example, she knows that school is closed right now and her ayi (nanny) and friends aren't here. She knows that she has to wash her hands more than normal because of "germs." Sometimes she seems to fixate on germs and I've told her that there are always germs and we should always wash our hands. I've explained that germs aren't all bad, that they can help make us strong, but sometimes they can make us sick so we're being careful.<br />
<br />
She surmised on her own that school is closed "because germs" (her words) and so we went with that, and just told her we hope she can go to school again soon. We're doing online learning for now.<br />
<br />
When she asks where her friends are, we tell her: Canada, Costa Rica, etc. When she asks why, we tell her because their moms and dads wanted to go there. (Obviously it's much more complex than that, but I'm not going to get into all that with my two-year-old.) When she asks when they'll come back, we tell her we don't know but hopefully soon.<br />
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Sometimes she tells us she's sad and I acknowledge her feelings and am honest, "I'm sad too" or "I miss my friends too." Sometimes I leave it at that and sometimes I try to swivel to a positive.<br />
<br />
I think her young age is an advantage to us right now because her questions aren't too complicated.<br />
<br />
<i><b>How are Mabel and Clarke doing being cooped up?</b></i><br />
We're lucky we live on campus so we have been going outside to the soccer field and playground almost every day. (There aren't many other people here right now and they're all being cautious too.) I don't think Clarke notices any difference (but maybe he misses our ayi and his baby friends?). The hardest part for Mabel has been missing her friends, teachers, and ayi. She tells us she misses her friends almost every day.<br />
<br />
<i><b>How did you stay mentally well? What is the best thing you've done to keep from panicking?</b> </i><br />
The most difficult thing for me has been my mental health. I’ve gone through a range of emotions. It’s stressful not knowing when it will end, I feel guilty about Mabel having more screen time than usual, I've felt anxious and depressed, I miss my friends and feel lonely. I’m what I call an “introverted extrovert” so I love being home, but I also love being with other people. I'll share what has helped me below.<br />
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<b><i>Is there an end in sight for you?</i> <i>Is it getting better?</i></b><br />
Last I heard, cases have gone way down and most new cases are from people coming from abroad. For the time being, we are still practicing "social distancing" and there are strict measures in place in public areas like temperature checks, limiting the number of people allowed to sit at tables in restaurants, etc. Still no sign of when schools will reopen.<br />
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<br />
<b>Tips for Your Mental Health</b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<i>1. Stock up on self-care items for yourself.</i><br />
Buy or borrow a bunch of books you've been wanting to read. (I love my Kobo and you can <a href="https://elnb-bnnb.overdrive.com/" target="_blank">borrow library books online</a>!) I've been using face masks and taking bubble baths a few times a week.<br />
<br />
<i>2. Get outside (or at least open the windows)!</i><br />
I feel so much better after even just a few minutes of sunshine and fresh air. Like I said, we're lucky to live on our school's campus, but go for a walk or to a park if you can. <b>(Note: Follow local/health experts' advice; I am not an expert.)</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<i>3. Exercise.</i><br />
I was in a great routine pre-coronavirus but all that went out the window. I recently started doing <a href="https://thebalancedlifeonline.com/" target="_blank">pilates</a> again and it's helping me feel better mentally and physically.<br />
<br />
<i>4. Keep up your planner.</i><br />
Since I'm on maternity leave right now, I haven't been using a planner. I started again though and it's bringing peace and order to my days. I write down a few tasks to accomplish each day. And I sometimes retroactively write things down and check them off—Bath kids, check! Laundry, check!—to "prove" to myself that I did something that day. (Of course, <i>it's okay</i> to not "be productive" every day! You <i>should</i> take days off!)<br />
<br />
<i>5. Get dressed.</i><br />
At the beginning, I was using self-quarantine as an excuse to stay in PJs and not do my hair or makeup. After a while, I realized that was contributing to my low feelings. Now a few days a week I get ready like I normally would; it's amazing what showering and putting on a bit of makeup while listening to a podcast and drinking coffee can do for you!<br />
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<i>6. Talk to friends.</i><br />
If possible, it's great to have a friend who is going through the same thing and someone who isn't. (I realize that latter option might be harder now that it is a global pandemic.) I've had regular video chats and group texts with friends and while we've been talking about the coronavirus, we've also talked about regular things: work, books, podcasts, joys and hardships of parenting, etc.<br />
<br />
I haven't done this yet myself, but I've heard of people having virtual wine nights, book clubs, etc. I'm excited to try!<br />
<br />
<i>7. Find the silver linings.</i><br />
When I start to feel really down, I try to find and focus on the silver linings. I get to spend more time with my family. I've been reminded that I can do hard things. Colleagues whose maternity leaves were shorter than mine have been able to spend more time with their babies.<br />
<br />
<i>8. Acknowledge the hard parts.</i><br />
So many people have asked me some variation of, "Is it hard?" Yah, this whole situation sucks. Hashtag understatement. Acknowledge it. Sit with it. But try not to dwell in it.<br />
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<i>9. Limit time spent on social media.</i><br />
Easier said than done and I need to do better at this myself.<br />
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<b>Tips for Kids</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Some of the above apply to kids too: Get outside; exercise (<a href="https://www.cosmickids.com/category/watch/" target="_blank">Cosmic Kids Yoga</a> is great); video chat with family and friends. Three more things that are helping us:<br />
<br />
<i>1. Stock up on toys and activities if you can.</i><b> </b><br />
When I knew we’d be stuck at home for the foreseeable future and wasn’t sure if stores would remain open, I went on a small shopping spree. I bought everything from a <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/LEGO-Playhouse-Dollhouse-Furniture-Educational/dp/B07WG9W5B7/" target="_blank">DUPLO dollhouse</a>, to a <a href="https://www.ikea.cn/cn/en/catalog/products/00330067/" target="_blank">train set</a>, to bath toys, to finger paint, to <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/Melissa-Doug-Puffy-Sticker-Activity/dp/B01K76FUGK/" target="_blank">stickers</a>. Tony and I agreed that we would give the kids a new “thing” whenever it seemed right and that we would probably (hopefully!) not use them all. We will save whatever is left for gifts for their birthdays, holidays, and maybe even other kids’ birthdays!<br />
<br />
(That Lego doll house is in the running for the best money I've ever spent; Mabel has played with it—with us and independently—every day for the past 5 weeks!)<br />
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<i>More ideas for activities: </i><a href="https://www.instagram.com/busytoddler/" target="_blank">Busy Toddler</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dayswithgrey/" target="_blank">Days with Grey</a><br />
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<i>2. Say yes.</i><br />
That’s a tip I first read on <a href="https://cupofjo.com/2018/04/best-parenting-advice-stop-saying-no/" target="_blank">A Cup of Jo</a> and I always try to live by it, but especially now. Mabel wants to sleep upside down in her bed? Yes! Wants to play naked? Yes! Wants cereal for supper? Yes! Wants to jump on our bed? Yes! This has been hard for her, especially missing her friends, so I’m trying my best to keep her happy and entertained AND safe and healthy.<br />
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<i>3. Throw away all the guilty feelings!</i><br />
I know it’s easier said than done. I have felt guilty that Mabel is getting way more screen time than usual, that we chose to stay here so she isn’t able to go to school or play places or libraries (although it seems that would have eventually been the same if we had returned to Canada), that we’re ordering delivery for dinner a little more often because it’s hard to work and take care of the kids and cook and clean. When I give myself grace and tell myself I’m doing my best, it’s easier on all of us.<br />
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<br />
<b>More Tips for Getting Through This</b><br />
<br />
<i>1. Continue to live your life.</i><br />
It will look and feel different, but you need to adjust to your "new normal" for however long it lasts. While we've been self-quarantining, we've celebrated Tony's birthday, <a href="http://www.sunshineandwhimsy.net/2020/02/mabels-big-girl-bed.html" target="_blank">transitioned Mabel to a "big girl" bed</a>, handled temper tantrums (Mabel's and our own), and done our best to have fun.<br />
<br />
<i>2. If possible, continue to pay people/support businesses.</i><br />
I've been worried about the economy (locally, nationally, globally) since this all began. Tony and I are very fortunate that we are still getting paid (he's working from home and I'm on maternity leave). Because of that, we're able to:<br />
<br />
+ Continue paying our ayi even though she's not working with us right now. (At first she wasn't allowed on campus; now she is a couple times a week, but we're being extra cautious.)<br />
<br />
+ Continue my weekly pilates class with my "pre-coronavirus" instructor (via <a href="https://zoom.us/" target="_blank">Zoom</a>) so he'll still have that source of income, in addition to free/more affordable exercise classes online.<br />
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+ Order food and drinks from local restaurants and places like Starbucks. (Yup, Starbucks. I know they are a BIG corporation, but the way I see it, if people are ordering from them, baristas have more job security and so do the delivery guys and they will continue to get paid.) I've seen people online suggesting buying gift cards to your fave places to use after this ends. Do whatever is possible/what you feel most comfortable with.<br />
<br />
<i>3. Help others.</i><br />
I've seen so many great ideas online and I'm sure you have too. Donate cash to food banks, offer to get groceries or run errands for those more at-risk, help look after someone's kids if they have to go to work and you're able to stay home, whatever you're able to do.<br />
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<i>4. Do your best to <a href="https://www.vox.com/2020/3/10/21171481/coronavirus-us-cases-quarantine-cancellation" target="_blank">flatten the curve</a>. </i><br />
I know it sucks (again, hashtag understatement) to have trips and events cancelled, to be stuck home with your kids, to not be able to go out for your morning or afternoon coffee. But it is possible, it is doable; we've been doing it for 7 weeks and counting now.<br />
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<i>If you have any more questions or if there is any way I can help you, please leave a comment, email me, or message me. We will get through this together!</i>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07275734270488497435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7276172340080430379.post-75427195641606426502020-03-06T15:25:00.000+08:002020-03-06T15:25:11.550+08:00january & february book report.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I set a goal for 2020 to read 52 books and I read 14 (total) in January and February. Here are quick reviews; I've starred my faves:</div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4136.Holidays_on_Ice" target="_blank"><i>Holidays on Ice</i> by David Sedaris</a> / Listened to this one and I highly recommend that. I liked some of the stories more than others, and found myself literally laughing out loud a couple times and gasping at at least one part.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/14891.A_Tree_Grows_in_Brooklyn" target="_blank"><i>A Tree Grows in Brooklyn</i> by Betty Smith</a> / I once wrote on my blog, before having read the novel, <a href="http://www.sunshineandwhimsy.net/2012/11/i-think-id-like-francie.html" target="_blank">"I think I'd like Francie."</a> I did like Francie! And her whole family, too. What a delightful novel.<br />
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*<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37570546-maybe-you-should-talk-to-someone" target="_blank"><i>Maybe You Should Talk to Someone</i> by Lori Gottlieb</a> / One of my fave memoirs of the many I've read! Interesting and felt like a breath of fresh air. Makes me want to see a therapist. I listened and the narration was excellent.<br />
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*<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44318414-the-dutch-house" target="_blank"><i>The Dutch House</i> by Ann Patchett</a> / I absolutely loved this sprawling story about a house and a family spanning decades. I've never listened to a novel before, but kept seeing rave reviews of this one narrated by Tom Hanks, so I figured if I was ever going to, this would be a good one to try. I loved it! I found myself going for walks just so I could listen to more.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36199084-the-kiss-quotient" target="_blank">The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang</a> / It had so much potential (and so much hype) but I thought the plot and the characters lacked depth. I probably shouldn't have finished it but I'm not good at quitting books.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34043643-the-last-mrs-parrish" target="_blank"><i>The Last Mrs. Parrish</i> by Liv Constantine</a> / Even though I predicted what would ultimately happen about halfway through, I still enjoyed it and as I read, I wondered what the characters would do next.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40697533-so-here-s-the-thing" target="_blank"><i>So Here’s the Thing…</i> by Alyssa Mastromonaco</a> / I was super disappointed with this, especially after loving her first book (<i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31176294-who-thought-this-was-a-good-idea" target="_blank">Who Thought This Was A Good Idea?</a></i>). Some anecdotes were recycled from the first book, many I didn't care about (like the most-played songs on her iPod or what's on her nightstand), and some felt like they will soon be outdated (like mentions of Trump).<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26890698-i-m-just-a-person" target="_blank"><i>I'm Just a Person</i> by Tig Notaro</a> / I'm not a Tig Notaro fan (only because I don't think I've ever heard/seen her perform), but I stumbled upon her memoir and I like learning about people's lives, so I listened. I liked it, didn't love it.<br />
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*<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40514431-evvie-drake-starts-over" target="_blank"><i>Evvie Drake Starts Over</i> by Linda Holmes</a> / Loved it! A breath of fresh air. Loved the characters, the dialogue, the setting, and the details. Especially perfect for any other North American East Coasters.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40855393-gmorning-gnight" target="_blank"><i>Gmorning, Gnight!: Little Pep Talks for Me & You</i> by Lin-Manuel Miranda</a> / Loved Miranda's pep talks when I read them on Twitter and love them in the book. The illustrations are fantastic!<br />
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*<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43923951-such-a-fun-age" target="_blank"><i>Such a Fun Age</i> by Kiley Reid</a> / Please read this so we can talk about it! I loved Briar and the relationship she and Emira had. This novel felt complicated, in the way that life can be. I want to say more, but don't want to spoil anything.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40652134-to-have-and-to-hold" target="_blank"><i>To Have and to Hold: Motherhood, Marriage, and the Modern Dilemma</i> by Molly Millwood</a> / I wish that I had read this before having kids. Then again, I probably wouldn't have really understood or appreciated it as much as I do now that I'm living it. A lot of points the author made left me feeling validated, and I was excited to talk to my husband and a friend about things I learned. I liked but didn't love the book because I felt like I was listening to a textbook.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42071150-dear-mother" target="_blank"><i>Dear Mother: Poems on the Hot Mess of Motherhood</i> by Bunmi Laditan</a> / A treasure for moms. A few of the poems really resonated with me, and I think that will be the case whenever I pick it up again. Would make a good gift.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40130093-once-upon-a-river" target="_blank"><i>Once Upon a River</i> by Diane Setterfield</a> / Fairytale meets mystery. I was slow to get into it, but once I was in, I was hooked. (I read it because it was a <a href="https://www.girlnextdoorpodcast.com/2020/02/book-club-once-upon-a-river.html" target="_blank"><i>Girl Next Door Podcast</i> book club pick</a>.)<br />
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<i>What have you read and loved lately?</i><br />
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P.S. I share reviews on my <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ajizhang/" target="_blank">Instagram stories</a> whenever I finish a book. I also save them in my highlights; here's <a href="https://www.instagram.com/stories/highlights/17996508466188596/" target="_blank">2019</a> & <a href="https://www.instagram.com/stories/highlights/17890654666452313/" target="_blank">2020</a>.<br />
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P.P.S. More <a href="http://www.sunshineandwhimsy.net/search/label/book%20report" target="_blank">"book reports."</a>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07275734270488497435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7276172340080430379.post-18571823064778132902020-02-29T15:19:00.003+08:002020-02-29T15:19:59.740+08:00mabel's big girl bed.A week ago, Mabel got a "big girl" bed! First, the backstory:<br />
<br />
T wanted to make the switch before Clarke was born to avoid buying a new crib, but I had heard from many people (sleep experts, other mamas) that basically, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." Mabel still fit in her crib, she was sleeping through the night, we could afford to buy a new crib (<a href="https://www.ikea.cn/cn/en/catalog/products/70443004/" target="_blank">this one from IKEA</a>)... I didn't want to mess with it. So we didn't.<br />
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But as kids do, Mabel's getting bigger. And she was bumping up against the bars of her crib. But still, I hesitated. And then we went to T's parents for Chinese New Year. And she had a toddler bed there. We hyped it up to her, but I was sure she wouldn't sleep in it. I was wrong. She did sleep in it! All of her naps and all through the night every night that we were there. And then she started asking for a "big girl bed at me home."<br />
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I conceded to Tony. It was time to get a "big girl" bed.<br />
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Because of the coronavirus, IKEA was closed, but luckily, we could still place orders online. After lots of debate and measuring, we decided on the <a href="https://www.ikea.cn/cn/en/catalog/products/S39124617/" target="_blank">MINNEN</a>.<br />
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<i>After her first nap in her new bed!</i><br />
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We set it up a week ago and this is what I want to remember:<br />
<br />
+ Mabel picked out the duvet cover by herself. She had a hard time choosing between "yellow" and "animals" but went with the latter.<br />
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+ She "helped" us put it together. She was (and still is) very proud of that and tells everyone, "Me and Mama and Baba built it!"<br />
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+ As we were putting it together, she said, "Thanks, Mama! Thanks, Baba!"<br />
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+ While we were deciding what length to set the bed at, we asked Mabel to lay on the floor with the bed frame around her. She looked at us like we were stupid and was obviously exasperated. She lay down but said, "This is <i>not</i> a bed; it's a <i>floor</i>!"<br />
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+ We put the bed together in the morning when Clarke was napping. When he woke up, Mabel was so excited to show him, "Look, Dìdì! Look at me big girl bed!"<br />
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+ When it was time to sleep in the bed, she asked for her crib back because, "I want to hold you hand." (We always laid on the floor beside her and held her hand as she fell asleep.) Now we sit in a chair beside her bed and hold her hand; she's happy with that.<br />
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+ She napped in it that afternoon, no problem.<br />
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+ Her first night in the bed, she kept waking up and crying. I finally gave up and brought her to sleep with me and Tony (her first time sleeping with us!).<br />
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+ Every night since that first one she has slept through the night (except one time when she woke up and I had to sit beside her for a half hour or so).<br />
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I thought I would feel more sad about the transition (I did get a <i>little</i> weepy), but I'm excited. My baby girl is growing up!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07275734270488497435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7276172340080430379.post-76087535185608727182020-02-19T15:34:00.000+08:002020-02-19T15:45:10.048+08:00so it begins.On Sunday evening Mabel was playing with her toy kitchen, Clarke was on the floor nearby, and T & I were cooking and cleaning in the kitchen.<br />
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All of a sudden I heard Clarke crying his, "I'm hurt!" cry. (Yes, there are different kinds of cries and I recognize them all.) I spun around and saw Mabel shutting the door of her kitchen on Clarke's hand (dude can't crawl but he manages to get around quickly). I yelled, "Mabel! Stop!" and ran over to scoop Clarke up. As I inspected his fingers to make sure they weren't broken, I told Tony, "She just shut the door on his hand!"<br />
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Mabel was looking up at us and said, in a matter of fact (and maybe slightly proud) voice, "His head, too!"<br />
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Clarke had already stopped crying so Tony and I worked hard not to burst out laughing. That was when Tony said, "Shit! Look at his face!" Poor Clarke had a red line running down his cheek and a red spot on his head. He also had a diaper full of poop, so T took him to the bedroom to check him over and change his diaper.<br />
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I asked Mabel why she closed the door on him (thinking maybe it was an accident), and she said angrily, "He was playin' in my kitchen!"<br />
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She followed me into the bedroom and climbed up on the bed beside me while I nursed Clarke. I explained to her in a firm voice that it's not okay to hurt her brother, that she should tell him when she doesn't like what he's doing, and she can tell us too so we can help. Then I softened a little and explained that she's the big sister and he thinks she's cool and that her toys are cool and wants to play with her. I told her that it would be nice of her to play with him and share her toys sometimes, but she doesn't have to all the time.<br />
<br />
I also told Clarke that if he wants to play with his sister's toys, he should ask first.*<br />
<br />
Mabel leaned over and kissed Clarke, saying, "Sorry, Didi." Then she "read" us a story (looking at an old greeting card from a friend that she had been carrying around all afternoon): "My brother was playin' in me kitchen and I hurt him and said I'm sorry..."<br />
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I looked at T and smiled, "So it begins. There will be a lot more of this in our future—the good and the bad."<br />
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<i>Notice that Mabel can play with Clarke's toys? ;) She often says, "He share with me!"</i><br />
<br />
Do you have any tips for parenting siblings?<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*I realize that Clarke can't talk yet and won't understand when Mabel tells him to stop, but he will soon enough. It's important to me that even while they are young, we are modelling the behaviour that we hope to encourage. I also want Mabel to feel respected and see that we are holding Clarke accountable for his actions, just like we do her. Of course, we also explain to her that he's still a baby and doesn't understand yet, but it's our job to teach him.</span></div>
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07275734270488497435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7276172340080430379.post-46141077959915481062020-02-15T06:00:00.000+08:002020-02-15T06:00:01.894+08:00words for the weekend.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://www.sunshineandwhimsy.net/search/label/words%20for%20the%20weekend" target="_blank">More "words for the weekend."</a>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07275734270488497435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7276172340080430379.post-45802241052515195712020-01-16T10:22:00.001+08:002020-01-16T10:22:41.575+08:00book report / 2019 faves.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
I read 55 books in 2019 and these were my seven faves:<br />
<i><br /></i>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36809135-where-the-crawdads-sing" target="_blank"><i>Where the Crawdads Sing</i> by Delia Owens</a> / I don't know what to say except that this lives up to all the hype. I had a tiny issue with one small part of the plot, but overall, loved it. Couldn't put it down!<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40597810-daisy-jones-the-six" target="_blank"><i>Daisy Jones & The Six</i> by Taylor Jenkins Reid</a> / I wouldn't have chosen this book based on the description but I decided to read it because I kept seeing rave reviews. Well, here's another rave review! I loved the format, the themes, the characters. It's hard to remember Daisy Jones & The Six aren't a real band!<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33413128-beartown" target="_blank"><i>Beartown </i>by Fredrik Backman</a> / At first glance, this book seems to be all about hockey—the team, the players, the club, the culture—but it's about so much more than that, too. I really, <i>really</i> liked it. I fell in love with the characters and felt invested in the town. I was so glad when I realized this was the first in a series.<br />
<i><br /></i>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12540.Operating_Instructions" target="_blank"><i>Operating Instructions: A Journal of My Son's First Year</i> by Anne Lamott</a> / I loved this! Probably in large part because my son is seven months old and my daughter is two years old and so much of what Anne wrote resonated with me. If you're a mom, I think you will like this. You might also like this even if you're not a mom because Anne's writing is so good. (I listened to this one and the narration was great.)<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42201996-ask-again-yes" target="_blank"><i>Ask Again, Yes</i> by Mary Beth Keane</a> / This book was a journey in the best way possible. I felt like I had been holding my breath the entire time I was reading it and when I finished, I could breathe again. The writing, wow. I wish I had highlighted so many things, but honestly, I would have highlighted A LOT. If you like complicated characters and books about family, read this. I want to read it again.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31176294-who-thought-this-was-a-good-idea" target="_blank"><i>Who Thought This Was a Good Idea?: And Other Questions You Should Have Answers to When You Work in the White House</i> by Alyssa Mastromonaco</a> / I really liked this and before I was even halfway done, had already recommended it to a friend. Part memoir, part advice, you should read this if you're interested in the White House, Obama, politics, or succeeding in your career/life. I can't wait to read Mastromonaco's newest book.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17910544-glitter-and-glue" target="_blank"><i>Glitter and Glue</i> by Kelly Corrigan</a> / A love letter not only to the author's mother, but to all mothers. This was a fantastic memoir. I think I would have liked it even before becoming a mom, but now that I am one, I loved it. When Kelly began telling about her nannying job, I thought, 'Where is she going with this?' It was perfect. I laughed and I teared up multiple times. (P.S. I listened to it and loved the way Kelly did her mother's voice.)<br />
<br />
<i>What were your fave reads in 2019?</i><br />
<br />
P.S. If you want to follow along, I keep track of my reading (books I've read and books I want to read) on <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/ajizhang" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> and I also share a mini-review on my <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ajizhang/" target="_blank">Instagram stories</a> each time I finish a book.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07275734270488497435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7276172340080430379.post-53050650336426566382019-12-19T15:09:00.002+08:002019-12-19T15:09:43.098+08:00christmas cookies!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In last year's Christmas package, my mom sent Christmas cookie cutters, red and green sprinkles, and the recipe for the cookies we made every Christmas while I was growing up (and sometimes Valentine's Day and Easter, too). Her hope was that Mabel and I could do the same. I was excited and loved the idea, but was too fresh out of the first trimester to commit. <i>Next year</i>, I thought.<br />
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This year, I didn't have pregnancy as an excuse, and while I thought of using the "I Have a Toddler and Baby and Am So Tired" excuse, I decided not to. <i>Mabel will love it</i>, I thought. She's always "baking" with her play dough. Mostly "happy birthdays" (cakes), but I figured cookies would be acceptable too.<br />
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So Friday night I took apple sauce out of the freezer to thaw (That's right, we had homemade apple sauce on hand; let me be smug for a second.) (Tony made it with Mabel months ago with the Instant Pot that I was so excited to get and it's the only time it's been used. Not so smug now, am I?) to serve as our egg substitute. (Mabel can eat baked goods with egg now, but I didn't want to risk her handling dough with raw egg. If she had a reaction, that would put a definite damper on the Christmas cheer.)<br />
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I have to be honest, I woke up Saturday morning feeling a bit of dread. I didn't want to bake cookies with my two-year-old. But I also <i>did</i> want to so as I nursed Clarke, I asked Tony if he could please check the apple sauce to see if it had thawed so we could make C-O-O-K-I-E-S. (We're at the stage of parenting where we need to spell things we don't want Mabel to know). Well... Mabel came running over with a big smile, "Mabel apple sauce make cookies!!!"<br />
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I looked at Tony, "You told her!" He swore he didn't. "You must have mentioned it!" He swore he didn't. "She didn't ask to eat the apple sauce and you told her she couldn't because we were going to make cookies with it?" He shook his head emphatically and swore he didn't. And that is how we found out that Mabel knows how to spell "cookies."<br />
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I put Clarke down for his nap, chose a Christmas playlist, and got out the butter and the sugar. After a brief argument with Tony about whether to double the recipe or not and if we really needed <i>that much</i> sugar and butter, and telling Mabel, <i>It's butter, NOT cheese, and no you can't have a bite!</i>, we got to work.<br />
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And...<br />
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It was fun!<br />
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I'm proud of myself for how much fun we had and that I didn't stress about the mess or about Mabel playing with the dough or dumping a bunch of sprinkles everywhere. She made her own cookies, sans cookie cutters, and I let her bake them and that is how we ended up with a burnt cookie that looked like a snail (I should have taken a picture) and a blob of brown dough (red and green sprinkles don't mix well).<br />
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Mabel was proud of herself too and we delivered cookies to her friend Lucia and Auntie Jo. She proudly carried a container of cookies to school on Monday to share with all her classmates. She insisted that I sit and eat a cookie with her after school, her friend Quinn happily ate one and stole another, and she's already asking to make cookies again.<br />
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I don't like sugar cookies very much, but I'm excited to make them now! Mom/Grandma, I think we're going to need some Easter cookie cutters.<br />
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Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07275734270488497435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7276172340080430379.post-31207481748425734402019-12-13T20:04:00.000+08:002019-12-13T20:04:16.560+08:00happy friday!When I think back on the last two weeks, "happy" is not the first word that comes to mind. Mabel, Clarke, and I were sick with bad colds. And then Mabel and I got hit with a stomach bug. (New Parenthood Level unlocked: Cleaning up after and caring for your child who just vomited everywhere.) (Oh, and have I mentioned we only have a tiny washer and no dryer?) And then Tony got hit with the stomach bug. And Clarke and I still have a cold.<br />
<br />
All of this on top of some self-esteem issues, some other issues (vague much?) and the general day-to-day difficulties of parenting a toddler and a baby and just being a human in this world.<br />
<br />
But when I thought about writing this post, I thought, 'Surely there must be <i>something</i> happy from this week.' And of course there is:<br />
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<br />
+ I got to watch my little duck in her winter concert. She sang two songs, one of which was "5 Little Ducks" and although she wasn't her usual energetic, enthusiastic self (stage fright or was her body already preparing to ruin my duvet several hours later?), she was so cute.<br />
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+ Smiles from Clarke—always, but especially as he nurses.<br />
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+ Being introduced to a <a href="http://www.sunshineandwhimsy.net/2019/12/let-it-be-christmas.html" target="_blank">new fave Christmas song</a>.<br />
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+ A living room dance party to "Jingle Bells" with Mabel and Auntie Jo. (I want to remember that Mabel cried when I played the Frank Sinatra version :)<br />
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+ Auntie Jo coming last minute to take care of Clarke when Mabel and I were both sick.<br />
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+ FaceTime date with Cara.<br />
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+ A student from last year giving me homemade fudge.<br />
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+ A pasta + wine + hot chocolate + Christmas movie date with Auntie Jo. (Post-stomach issues, obviously.)<br />
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+ Cuddling with T and watching <i>Modern Family. </i><br />
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And this list could grow longer, I'm sure. So let this be your reminder to look for the positives, and also your permission to wallow for a bit if needed. I sure have. Warm blankets and tea help.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07275734270488497435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7276172340080430379.post-79632529952025185472019-12-12T10:12:00.000+08:002019-12-12T10:12:29.194+08:00let it be christmas.<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="305" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/r5wUz7XrCPU" width="550"></iframe><br />
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<i>Let it be Christmas everywhere</i><br />
<i>In the hearts of all people</i><br />
<i>Both near and afar</i><br />
<i>Christmas everywhere</i><br />
<i>Feel the love of the season where ever you are</i><br />
<i>On the small country roads</i><br />
<i>Lined with green mistletoe</i><br />
<i>Big city streets where a thousand lights glow</i><br />
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<i>Let it be Christmas everywhere</i><br />
<i>Let heavenly music fill the air</i><br />
<i>Let every heart sing let every bell ring</i><br />
<i>The story of hope and joy and peace</i><br />
<i>And let it be Christmas everywhere</i><br />
<i>Let heavenly music fill the air</i><br />
<i>Let anger and fear and hate disappear</i><br />
<i>Let there be love that lasts through the year</i><br />
<i>Let it be Christmas</i><br />
<i>Christmas everywhere</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Let it be Christmas everywhere</i><br />
<i>With the gold and silver, the green and the red</i><br />
<i>Christmas everywhere</i><br />
<i>In the smiles of all children asleep in their beds</i><br />
<i>In the eyes of young babies their first fallen snow</i><br />
<i>Elderly's memories that never grow old...</i><br />
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---<br />
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A friend shared her Christmas playlist with me and this song was on it. As I walked to Starbucks this morning, I had tears in my eyes as I listened to it. I'm still listening to it on repeat as I write this.<br />
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The lyrics really speak to me. (Cheesy? Maybe, but true? Definitely.)<br />
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Christmas was hard for me growing up because as exciting and magic-filled as it was, there were also elements of anger and fear. I'm trying to change that for my kids. Year-round, not just at Christmastime.<br />
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Clarke slept through his first snow, but he doesn't know, so his second (or third or fourth) can be his first. And I'm sure he and Mabel will both be asleep in their beds with smiles.<br />
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And just yesterday I got a card from Fran, my Grampy George's wife. I cried because she thought of me and my family, and because it's the first year that my Grampy didn't write it and address it himself in his familiar calligraphy. I hope he has a happy Christmas even though it's his first in a nursing home.<br />
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Anyway, enough rambling from me. Let it be Christmas wherever you are.<br />
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P.S. <a href="http://www.sunshineandwhimsy.net/2012/12/carry-me-home.html" target="_blank">My first Christmas abroad and the song that got me through.</a>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07275734270488497435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7276172340080430379.post-76137521621017081362019-11-26T11:22:00.000+08:002019-11-26T11:22:05.582+08:00Elf!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I took Mabel to see <i>Elf</i> this past weekend. The excitement started a few weeks ago when we bought her ticket. She pointed at every poster she saw—"Elf!"—and would tell anyone who was around that she was going to see it. </div>
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<i>Yes, I did buy her these elf PJs specially for the show.</i></div>
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She insisted Dìdì wear his elf outfit too, even though he wasn't going with us. I was surprised and impressed that she remembered he had one; she'd only seen it once weeks ago. (It's probably a good thing she insisted Clarke wear it because I don't think it will fit him by Christmas.)</div>
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She insisted on bringing a toilet paper roll. *shrug emoji*</div>
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She was pumped that she was dressed like Buddy the Elf. (But didn't love the attention that she got from everyone because of it.) Before we went into the theatre, she was smiling so big and seemed about to burst from the energy. She said, "Mama, I'm so scared!" </div>
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"I think you mean you're so excited?" </div>
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"Yes, Mama! Excited!"</div>
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I thought Mabel would want to sit on my lap, but at first she sat in her own seat. I actually liked that better because then I could more easily watch her reactions. When the show began, her eyes were so wide! She bopped along to the music, swinging back and forth, "snapping" her fingers. When the lights changed colours, her eyes grew so big and her mouth formed an O—"Wow!"</div>
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I wasn't sure if she would be able to sit through the whole show but she did a great job! It was about an hour long and when it was almost done she asked to go home but I assured her she would see Santa and "Elf" one more time. She loved the parts with them in it, but the parts with "regular" people she found a little boring. </div>
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We said hi to <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mel_dickinson/" target="_blank">Auntie Jo</a> after the show. (She's one of the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/cisbstagecats/" target="_blank">StageCats</a> directors.)</div>
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After the show we went out to the lobby so Mabel could see Santa and Buddy. She didn't want a photo with Santa, but she said hi. She worked up her courage to get a photo with Buddy though! She was happy to show her that she was dressed like her :) </div>
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And she brought a candy cane home—her first!<br />
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I'm so excited to be making memories with my little girl. Especially Christmas memories. I think this is one of my favourite parts of parenthood.<br />
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(And I just realized that I didn't get any photos of <i>me</i> with Mabel. *face palm emoji*)Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07275734270488497435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7276172340080430379.post-39816326669907201682019-10-30T15:33:00.000+08:002019-10-30T15:33:22.163+08:00happy halloween!Celebrating Halloween with a two-year-old is a lot of fun.<br />
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I collect holiday books and stash them away most of the year; we pulled out our Halloween books a week or so ago. Mabel asks to read a "Haddoween book!" every day, usually more than one. One of her favourites is <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27214622-if-you-re-spooky-and-you-know-it" target="_blank">If You're Spooky and You Know It</a></i>, probably because she loves to sing and dance.<br />
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We don't have many Halloween decorations, but she loves the ones we do have and points to them, "Haddoween!"<br />
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Mabel was a hamburger <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BplqRyaFQGs/" target="_blank">(like last year)</a> and Clarke was a hot dog.<br />
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We practiced saying "trick or treat" and "thank you" all last week, but when we went trick or treating in our apartment building on the weekend, Mabel was pretty shy and wouldn't say either at first. Half the time, she'd put her bucket in front of the person and then hide behind me. About halfway through, she started whispering, "Thank you." The only person she said "trick or treat" to was <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mel_dickinson/" target="_blank">Auntie Jo</a>. Mabel also gave her a spontaneous hug, which was so sweet.<br />
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Clarke only made it through two floors before Tony had to take him home.<br />
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I talked to Mabel before we went trick or treating about the fact that she might not be able to eat all of the candy because some might hurt her (I meant choking, but didn't say that). She understood because we've talked about it before. At the apartments that had multiple candy choices, Mabel would give me a look that seemed to say, "Mama, what can I have?" and I'd help her choose a safe treat. At the apartments that only had "unsafe" treats, sometimes we would skip it or she would take one and say, "Mama, Baba eat!"<br />
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As we walked through the hallways, several times Mabel held up her pumpkin and asked, "Go home, eat, right?" I'd confirm, "Right!" and she would give me a big smile. She also held the pumpkin up a few times and said, "Mabel, Mama, Baba eat. No Dìdì." (She wasn't being mean; we've drilled into her that he only eats Mama's milk, lest she try to give him food.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilNX5UCIe2G1GrmRMS5pZr5F6bjf0jS22Xyt76o2fAWvT4Z1U5U3yVyXXPDRgTz0vXE30MkukHU-TV_gh1Gu9-XYHPPmu8n2EeKlv-_NnFKeidzpt8QSQQtqwxPY-QZV4sUBVp7DXU_ZJc/s1600/halloween4.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilNX5UCIe2G1GrmRMS5pZr5F6bjf0jS22Xyt76o2fAWvT4Z1U5U3yVyXXPDRgTz0vXE30MkukHU-TV_gh1Gu9-XYHPPmu8n2EeKlv-_NnFKeidzpt8QSQQtqwxPY-QZV4sUBVp7DXU_ZJc/s1600/halloween4.jpg" /></a></div>
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When we got home, Mabel pulled all of the treats out of her bucket one by one, separating them into two piles, "Mama, Baba eat; Mabel eat." The ones she wasn't sure about, she'd ask me, "Mabel's?" She never got upset when I said she couldn't eat something. A couple of times, she pulled a treat out and said, "Wow!"<br />
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I let her eat as much as she wanted then (which ended up being a couple small chocolate bars and some popping candy) and she's eaten one candy a day since then when she gets home from school.<br />
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I already can't wait until next year. (And Christmas! I can't wait for Christmas!)Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07275734270488497435noreply@blogger.com0