Dear Sir -
Though I rarely take time to send suggestions and feedbacks on products that I use - I felt most compelled to write. Whose idea was it to change the Diet Coke (hereby known as DC) Recipe in Asia, therefore calling it the most deceptive "Coke Light"? Aren't the Coke recipes locked away in a secret place and duplicated religiously? Was a taste test done across Asia to determine that those living in the far east wouldn't be happy with the original DC?
Enough of the problem - let's talk about solutions as there is still time to please a loyal customer of over 20 years, someone who ONLY drinks DC normally and would almost give her eye-teeth to be able to have it while in China! The Coke light - ugh...just not good - too sweet, too flat, blech. blech. blech. On the rare occasion I have found a true DC....the cost was $3.00 a can. Yes, $3. I admit, I have bought a couple for that insane cost, but I would be much happier for a bit of a bargain.
Please contact me if I can be of service in launching the real DC here, though I do have a day job, I would be willing to double up and support the efforts to ensure a smooth, affordable pipeline of DC.
Regards,
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Cluck, cluck, (organic) chicken!
Not sure how widespread the news has been around the world about the melamine found in eggs here? I know the milk was widely broadcast, but since then, they discovered it in eggs, too. nice, huh? Anyway, I am not normally an organic food buyer at home -sometimes I did but not a requirement. Here I do tend to buy more organic items, at least it seems like it might be better - there is enough crap around on a daily basis. So - the eggs I have normally been buying, which were not found to have the melamine in them - have a color brochure that comes with each box (yes, these are expensive eggs!) - I find it very interesting - here are some snipets -
"sun daily farm is in Mount Qipu, where thousands of ancient cypress release massive negative oxygen ion continually (is this good??)......
All hens are of pure german genetics...breathe joyfully under the shade, walk freely in the forest (I might enjoy living at Mt Qipu, too, I do have German blood!)....
Supplied with nutrition balanced organic corn, soybean, every day - they also can enjoy the green grass, and spring freely!(I don't spring too much anymore, myself...)..
they then go on to say they run an egg researh institute with phd's to ensure the best quality eggs.
Anyway - they are quite good, and don't contain any chemicals, so we will go with them for now. I just thought it sounds like a pretty good life!
"sun daily farm is in Mount Qipu, where thousands of ancient cypress release massive negative oxygen ion continually (is this good??)......
All hens are of pure german genetics...breathe joyfully under the shade, walk freely in the forest (I might enjoy living at Mt Qipu, too, I do have German blood!)....
Supplied with nutrition balanced organic corn, soybean, every day - they also can enjoy the green grass, and spring freely!(I don't spring too much anymore, myself...)..
they then go on to say they run an egg researh institute with phd's to ensure the best quality eggs.
Anyway - they are quite good, and don't contain any chemicals, so we will go with them for now. I just thought it sounds like a pretty good life!
Sir Wrigley
As I had mentioned, Wrigley flew back with me a couple of weeks ago. I hired a pet company to assist and we routed through Beijing to avoid the Quarantine here in Shanghai. Please don't ask why there would be a locked up Q in Shanghai but not in Beijing...I couldn't tell you why! While it was expensive I felt it was well worth it.
When I arrived in Beijing, there was a person waiting for me to get off the plane, he took me to get my bags, then to get Wrigley, then to the Q office. Wrigley couldnt get out of his crate there and when he saw me he just howled! I know he said he had to go to the bathroom!!! By this time he had been in his crate for about 19 -20 hours! The Q office filled out some paperwork, took a pic of me and wrigs - still in the crate - then told me to leave. The escort took me out into the airport where another person was there from the company - world care pet - to meet me. She told me he would need to stay there for 3 hours. So, my mom - who was with me, and I got a starbucks...and sat to wait. Side note, had not been to Beijing airport - was huge - and freezing! very nice, but way too cold. So we waited...and waited...and then tried out a Big Mac.....(same by they way as home!)..waited more...then out she came wheeling wrigs on a cart....he saw me and just let out another howl...She then arranged to have a car pick us up so we could take Wrigs offsite to get out, go to the bathroom, have a drink, etc. My mom stayed at the airport with all our bags, and off we went. He was so happy to run around. There were no accidents in his crate - he had held it for about 24 hours at this point! Quickly we headed back to the airport, and then went to check in for our next flight. I felt so bad sending him off again, but we had no choice. Finally, we landed in Shanghai, and went to get the bags....and...the first thing down the luggage carousel was WRIGS! omg! I quickly got the cart over and someone helped us get him off. I have never been so happy to be home in my life! The whole process was about 30 hours...and Wrigs did just wonderful. He is settling in really well.
The other thing we had to do once he arrived was register him - for $150 the police will register him so they wont come to take him away. we hear about them raiding neighborhoods and taking dogs - you have to pay tons of money to get them and sometimes you never get them back. SO, we paid for that and will have to also do it again in Feb - as that is their annual registration period. I felt it was money well spent!
here he is, in one of the pics we took for the police -
When I arrived in Beijing, there was a person waiting for me to get off the plane, he took me to get my bags, then to get Wrigley, then to the Q office. Wrigley couldnt get out of his crate there and when he saw me he just howled! I know he said he had to go to the bathroom!!! By this time he had been in his crate for about 19 -20 hours! The Q office filled out some paperwork, took a pic of me and wrigs - still in the crate - then told me to leave. The escort took me out into the airport where another person was there from the company - world care pet - to meet me. She told me he would need to stay there for 3 hours. So, my mom - who was with me, and I got a starbucks...and sat to wait. Side note, had not been to Beijing airport - was huge - and freezing! very nice, but way too cold. So we waited...and waited...and then tried out a Big Mac.....(same by they way as home!)..waited more...then out she came wheeling wrigs on a cart....he saw me and just let out another howl...She then arranged to have a car pick us up so we could take Wrigs offsite to get out, go to the bathroom, have a drink, etc. My mom stayed at the airport with all our bags, and off we went. He was so happy to run around. There were no accidents in his crate - he had held it for about 24 hours at this point! Quickly we headed back to the airport, and then went to check in for our next flight. I felt so bad sending him off again, but we had no choice. Finally, we landed in Shanghai, and went to get the bags....and...the first thing down the luggage carousel was WRIGS! omg! I quickly got the cart over and someone helped us get him off. I have never been so happy to be home in my life! The whole process was about 30 hours...and Wrigs did just wonderful. He is settling in really well.
The other thing we had to do once he arrived was register him - for $150 the police will register him so they wont come to take him away. we hear about them raiding neighborhoods and taking dogs - you have to pay tons of money to get them and sometimes you never get them back. SO, we paid for that and will have to also do it again in Feb - as that is their annual registration period. I felt it was money well spent!
here he is, in one of the pics we took for the police -
Saturday, November 15, 2008
An All Star Winner!
C made it to the all star baseball team here in Shanghai...and today they played against a Japanese team. The start did not look good - the other team very coordinated and they play together every week. They were up at bat first and all of them hit the ball way into the outfield. Our boys were really scrambling! A change came about after the first couple of innings, however and they did great! C had more great plays then I can relay - multiple hits, outs, just did a super job all around. Final score was 31-28.
I must say I might need to work on my coordination as I had a hard time - watching and cheering for C, keeping an eye on D (who was running around with other kids) answering e's text messages on HOW IS THE GAME! and trying to snap pics from my phone - which is not a good camera for sports pics, to send to E.
It was quite a disaster. So, I didnt really get any action shots, but here is one of the baseball boy...and my neighbor, thankfully, who wasnt doing all at once did get a few good ones that he will forward my way. After that we made a run into ikea, which was close by, for a few things, and then we stopped at california pizza kitchen - our first time here- we kind of had an all american day, right here in china! As tired as they kids were, the miraculously recovered on arriving home - C ran out the door to his friends and D and Michele went right to the park. I predict good sleep for all tonight!
I must say I might need to work on my coordination as I had a hard time - watching and cheering for C, keeping an eye on D (who was running around with other kids) answering e's text messages on HOW IS THE GAME! and trying to snap pics from my phone - which is not a good camera for sports pics, to send to E.
It was quite a disaster. So, I didnt really get any action shots, but here is one of the baseball boy...and my neighbor, thankfully, who wasnt doing all at once did get a few good ones that he will forward my way. After that we made a run into ikea, which was close by, for a few things, and then we stopped at california pizza kitchen - our first time here- we kind of had an all american day, right here in china! As tired as they kids were, the miraculously recovered on arriving home - C ran out the door to his friends and D and Michele went right to the park. I predict good sleep for all tonight!
ode to milk
Oh imported milk...
where have you gone?
we have been without,
for far too long.
I look all over -
stores far and wide
the shelves are empty
no place for you to hide.
China stopped the imports
making sure you are melamine free
but that was never a concern to me!
I dont think other countries
have been souping up the milk with plastic -
and really the australian milk - it almost tastes fantastic!
For now I keep on looking..
the local milk it doesnt taste good...
I'll stop at all the stores, in all the neighborhoods!
If you happen to see some President, even better anchor lite...
holler and I'll be over - and even be ready for a fight!
where have you gone?
we have been without,
for far too long.
I look all over -
stores far and wide
the shelves are empty
no place for you to hide.
China stopped the imports
making sure you are melamine free
but that was never a concern to me!
I dont think other countries
have been souping up the milk with plastic -
and really the australian milk - it almost tastes fantastic!
For now I keep on looking..
the local milk it doesnt taste good...
I'll stop at all the stores, in all the neighborhoods!
If you happen to see some President, even better anchor lite...
holler and I'll be over - and even be ready for a fight!
My new toy!
I do mostly like to walk here - its so good for you and helps offset if I can't go to the gym as much as I would like. however, days where I am in a hurry, or its rainy or soon to be much colder, it is a pain if the kids are coming along. They don't get as much enjoyment as I do, trekking off down the road on foot. So - when yuwei is off with E, or has the day off (we do let him have a day off sometimes!) I got this to take us around! It's so much fun! we tried it last night - went to the school for a fundraiser and it was perfect. I will say I had to search hi and lo for this - they used to be common here - locals used them as taxis - but the police cracked down and said no! however, I was told as a female american - no one will utter a word to me on this. Which is good, as I wouldnt understand it anyway, lol! We actively searched for a couple of weeks - yuwei calling all over, a guy from work making calls, visiting shops across shanghai - nothing. I was so bummed. Then, I thought to post a question on a local mom's internet board - shanghaimama's! and someone not only said they knew where to get it - they offered to take me there! she was super nice and we went right to a shop about 20 min from my house. Yuwei was very worried about buying without "laoban" - that is boss in chinese - meaning E! "oh...madam...we wait for boss. I take him next week." me - um, no, yuwei, its ok. I can buy this. E wants me to buy this as he is tired of trying to find one for me! if we dont get it, our luck it will be gone! I am sure he was worried as for him it was very much money, and was nice for him to be concerned, but I dont need "boss" to buy something! ha! So, without further ado...here she is:
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
I'm back!
What a busy month this has been! yikes. Time flies when you aren't in China?
First I was in Arizona for 2 weeks - and I can't tell you how nice it was! Target. Nordstroms. mexican food. yum! It was so nice to go into work and see people vs being on the phone! It was very busy with lots to do in a short time period, but all went well. I even tried a couple of restaurants I haven't been to before....eddie's house -http://www.azeats.com/eddieshouse/default.htm
and cowboy ciao - http://www.cowboyciao.com/. Eddies had good food but was overserviced? Or maybe I am jaded from being in China and having limited service? Ciao was good...great combo of flavors and wine. I managed to bring back about 100lbs of food items in duffle bags- always a good thing...heinz ketchup, sweet baby rays, granola balls, trix, tomato sauce and 6 bottles of yummy napa wines....you get the idea. So much cheaper and of course some things you cant get here at all. The other big thing I brought back...was....WRIGLEY! he is here, in china, in the flesh. I may not be able to post a pic till tomorrow...it seems I am having firewall difficulties...aka...TCF.
He did great on the trip and is settling in really well.
I do plan to post more later this week, along with some pics...lots to tell - ear infections, MRSA???, tallest building, a life sized santa, OPUS ONE private tasting. truly too much to detail tonight, after getting up at 4am and having a busy day. Will try again tomorrow...to add pictures too!
First I was in Arizona for 2 weeks - and I can't tell you how nice it was! Target. Nordstroms. mexican food. yum! It was so nice to go into work and see people vs being on the phone! It was very busy with lots to do in a short time period, but all went well. I even tried a couple of restaurants I haven't been to before....eddie's house -http://www.azeats.com/eddieshouse/default.htm
and cowboy ciao - http://www.cowboyciao.com/. Eddies had good food but was overserviced? Or maybe I am jaded from being in China and having limited service? Ciao was good...great combo of flavors and wine. I managed to bring back about 100lbs of food items in duffle bags- always a good thing...heinz ketchup, sweet baby rays, granola balls, trix, tomato sauce and 6 bottles of yummy napa wines....you get the idea. So much cheaper and of course some things you cant get here at all. The other big thing I brought back...was....WRIGLEY! he is here, in china, in the flesh. I may not be able to post a pic till tomorrow...it seems I am having firewall difficulties...aka...TCF.
He did great on the trip and is settling in really well.
I do plan to post more later this week, along with some pics...lots to tell - ear infections, MRSA???, tallest building, a life sized santa, OPUS ONE private tasting. truly too much to detail tonight, after getting up at 4am and having a busy day. Will try again tomorrow...to add pictures too!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
I have been remiss!
I'm not quite sure where the time goes, but it goes. Posting a few pictures from Hong Kong. It was National Holiday when we were there and its a pretty big celebration in China, lots of fireworks (ok, so they have fireworks most nights, but this was even more!) and people everywhere. We had a nice relaxing long weekend...ate yummy food - lots of sushi for C and D, and made it to Disney, Victoria's peak, the ferry and Kowloon, and just some walking and shopping. I dont have time to post all the incredibly fabulous pictures so will just grab a few at random...you'll get the idea :)
Does he have a shot for winning our presidential election next month???
Does he have a shot for winning our presidential election next month???
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Some recent observations...
I notice so many things every day, that are so different than what we do in the US, but then just as quickly forget them. I guess it might be my way of just getting through the day, as I think somethings could be quite irritating here if you let them get to you! Here are a few things I can relay....
*TV - I havent watched one show since moving here. not one. zero. nada. ling. we supposedly have a sattelite with shows from phillipines, but it hasnt worked since we got into the house. In some ways, I miss being able to sit down and turn on the tv for a bit, in other ways, I could care less. You can of course get movies and also entire seasons of shows quite cheap. I have gotten some for the kids - they have watched all the Home Alone movies, Cheaper by the dozen, newest released kid movies, charlie and lola and now C has started on the Indiana Jones movies. For some reason I just haven't gotten anything for myself - maybe I like not watching anything?
* communicating - I start with english..if that doesnt work, I usually tend to start to talk in spanish before I catch myself...then I try hand gestures..they also dont work - pointing etc - they have no clue what you are doing, I may hold something up to describe something, ask for someone who can speak english and last resort walk away or hang up. One night it took me 5 calls to order pizza. yes, 5 calls. I called different locations of the pizza place to try and find someone that could understand me enough to then call the right place and order for me. crazy. Cant complain - its their country and they dont have to speak english if they dont want, but it makes it hard!
* "I will try" or, "maybe tomorrow" - the chinese culture is not one for disappointment. They never want to say no, or that something can not be done. I appreciate the tenacity, but sometimes better to know that something will really not be done rather than say it will then disappoint! This is frequent when it comes to fixing things at the house or bringing furniture - we still dont have all our furniture that we ordered - most but not all, but everytime you call -oh i think maybe today! I do keep on it, calling regularly but not sure it helps??
* Most expat wives dont work - now, I did know this before coming, but its reality! There is lots of time to see every local site, gossip about who does what, who has best expat package, budget for this or that - oy. I am working on finding my balance of work meetings, school functions, social activities, exercise. I have to find a new schedule to my day. I had it down pat quite well at home, and now I am in a bit of turmoil finding my new norm. While I can't, nor do I want to go to every activity around, I am trying to pick and choose a few things so I can get out, meet people and see China in between other things. A few weeks ago I went to the chinese tea appreciation event - and decided I dont like Chinese tea. Next week I plan to go on a local "lane walk" - where a guide takes you on a tour of some local areas, to see real life in china and how they live. Should be interesting...and only lasts about 3 hours, plus I will go wtih some friends I know and maybe meet some new ones.
*this leads me to....meeting new people day in and day out is tiring! who knew? about 80% of daily sitauations involve meeting new people it seems - though it was 100%..so it is getting better? the area we live in, you start to see the same folks over and over - its a good thing. It is fun to meet new people, see if you click, have common interests ...but it is hard sometimes too, as some days - you just dont want to start from zero with everyone!
* food - I really dont want to just eat chinese. sorry, but its true. yes, if you eat "local" you can eat fairly cheap, but just am not interested in doing that every day. Sometimes its fine, but sometimes you want pasta, or a burger, or pizza...or a hot chocolate chip cookie. So I do!
* lines and traffic - people dont wait in line here. they all butt in front of you. I have to be on alert at all times to block people - drives me nuts but its true. At the big grocery nearby - good luck - i wish we had brought C's football pads, I would wear them! they are sneaky about it, too. I felt a bit intimidated at first, but I dont anymore - just say Bu! and elbow them back. The traffic part - is more for when i am walking - you get the Green Walk sign and one would think you could start to walk - but not here! cars are turning, or running red lights, etc. you really have to watch like a hawk, even by our school and we aren't in a super busy area of the city, either. I think this is one of the worst parts of being in China - and they dont seem to even care they are turning while you are in the middle of the road?
* massage - very cheap here, even the place i normally go which is a bit more high end - about $12 for one hour massage. I do like this perk. today, for my lunch hour, I am going with my neighbors for foot massages so we can visit, too.
Enough for now. I will try and update some on Hong Kong soon. I am also heading back to AZ in another week or so for work, so will be enjoying some yummy mexican food and visiting with friends!
*TV - I havent watched one show since moving here. not one. zero. nada. ling. we supposedly have a sattelite with shows from phillipines, but it hasnt worked since we got into the house. In some ways, I miss being able to sit down and turn on the tv for a bit, in other ways, I could care less. You can of course get movies and also entire seasons of shows quite cheap. I have gotten some for the kids - they have watched all the Home Alone movies, Cheaper by the dozen, newest released kid movies, charlie and lola and now C has started on the Indiana Jones movies. For some reason I just haven't gotten anything for myself - maybe I like not watching anything?
* communicating - I start with english..if that doesnt work, I usually tend to start to talk in spanish before I catch myself...then I try hand gestures..they also dont work - pointing etc - they have no clue what you are doing, I may hold something up to describe something, ask for someone who can speak english and last resort walk away or hang up. One night it took me 5 calls to order pizza. yes, 5 calls. I called different locations of the pizza place to try and find someone that could understand me enough to then call the right place and order for me. crazy. Cant complain - its their country and they dont have to speak english if they dont want, but it makes it hard!
* "I will try" or, "maybe tomorrow" - the chinese culture is not one for disappointment. They never want to say no, or that something can not be done. I appreciate the tenacity, but sometimes better to know that something will really not be done rather than say it will then disappoint! This is frequent when it comes to fixing things at the house or bringing furniture - we still dont have all our furniture that we ordered - most but not all, but everytime you call -oh i think maybe today! I do keep on it, calling regularly but not sure it helps??
* Most expat wives dont work - now, I did know this before coming, but its reality! There is lots of time to see every local site, gossip about who does what, who has best expat package, budget for this or that - oy. I am working on finding my balance of work meetings, school functions, social activities, exercise. I have to find a new schedule to my day. I had it down pat quite well at home, and now I am in a bit of turmoil finding my new norm. While I can't, nor do I want to go to every activity around, I am trying to pick and choose a few things so I can get out, meet people and see China in between other things. A few weeks ago I went to the chinese tea appreciation event - and decided I dont like Chinese tea. Next week I plan to go on a local "lane walk" - where a guide takes you on a tour of some local areas, to see real life in china and how they live. Should be interesting...and only lasts about 3 hours, plus I will go wtih some friends I know and maybe meet some new ones.
*this leads me to....meeting new people day in and day out is tiring! who knew? about 80% of daily sitauations involve meeting new people it seems - though it was 100%..so it is getting better? the area we live in, you start to see the same folks over and over - its a good thing. It is fun to meet new people, see if you click, have common interests ...but it is hard sometimes too, as some days - you just dont want to start from zero with everyone!
* food - I really dont want to just eat chinese. sorry, but its true. yes, if you eat "local" you can eat fairly cheap, but just am not interested in doing that every day. Sometimes its fine, but sometimes you want pasta, or a burger, or pizza...or a hot chocolate chip cookie. So I do!
* lines and traffic - people dont wait in line here. they all butt in front of you. I have to be on alert at all times to block people - drives me nuts but its true. At the big grocery nearby - good luck - i wish we had brought C's football pads, I would wear them! they are sneaky about it, too. I felt a bit intimidated at first, but I dont anymore - just say Bu! and elbow them back. The traffic part - is more for when i am walking - you get the Green Walk sign and one would think you could start to walk - but not here! cars are turning, or running red lights, etc. you really have to watch like a hawk, even by our school and we aren't in a super busy area of the city, either. I think this is one of the worst parts of being in China - and they dont seem to even care they are turning while you are in the middle of the road?
* massage - very cheap here, even the place i normally go which is a bit more high end - about $12 for one hour massage. I do like this perk. today, for my lunch hour, I am going with my neighbors for foot massages so we can visit, too.
Enough for now. I will try and update some on Hong Kong soon. I am also heading back to AZ in another week or so for work, so will be enjoying some yummy mexican food and visiting with friends!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Happy Birthday to Me!
It's hard to be 29 (again) but someone has to do it! Was a nice, if uneventful day here in China. Our weather has cooled off and has been almost cold (ok, probably only for me!) and the house is settling in. Still looking for stuff I know was supposed to be here, and wondering why some other things arrived. We are leaving for Hong Kong tomorrow for National China holiday, will update on our vacation when we return!
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Ok, it really is Christmas in Sept....
OUR SHIPMENT ARRIVED! YAH! So now I am immersed in boxes and *stuff* but it's ok - our stuff is here! very exciting. Only a few damaged items, mostly things intact. The movers in Phx were not well organized and didnt pay attention to how things were marked - leave, storage, china - so we have had some oddball things show up - including the pitcher part of my blender, but no base! I wasnt bringing it at all... but now I guess I have the glass part, just in case I need it. Oh well. The people that delivered were very efficient and organized, and so far all is going well getting things put away, thought it will take some time to figure out what to do with these clothes!!!
How does this happen?
Seems like every year there is some big recall or issue with goods from China. There was the lead paint on toys, the dog food with melamine in it...well, now, it's MILK!!! It wouldn't affect you if you don't live in china, as they don't export milk -but the fresh milk, baby formula, yogurt, ice cream of some of the biggest Chinese brands are all under scrutiny for adding melamine to their products. What they do is add milk powder to the milk products here - not quite sure why? but they do - so even fresh milk has milk powder, as well as formula and milk products.
Personally, I don't get it. Surely they don't think it will go unnoticed? yes they may save some money in the short term, but long term the costs are unrecoverable. We really haven't had much fresh milk or yogurt here, buying mostly boxed from New Zealand, but I just think that is unconscionable. There are over 1k babies in the hospital with kidney failure, several have died....and this is all just breaking so I am quite sure the fallout will increase as the recall has included fresh milk products. One of the big dairies published the following:
CHINA'S diary giant Sanlu Group apologized to the public yesterday for its contaminated milk powder which has killed at least two babies and stricken more than 1,250 others with kidney stones.
Zhang Zhenling, Sanlu's vice president, read a letter of apology at a news briefing in Shijiazhuang, capital of Hebei Province, where the corporation is based.
"Sanlu Group expresses its most sincere apology to you," Zhang said. "We solemnly declare we will recall all the infant milk powder produced prior to August 6."
Gee, we sincerely apologize for knowingly adding chemicals to milk powder that goes into your infants formula and possibly killing them or making them sick? I just don't understand what they hope to gain. So now you may see why I have a bit of paranoia about Chinese products. I certainly use some things, but you really can't trust things they way you just do at home and I just don't have tolerance for this complete failure in food safety.
Personally, I don't get it. Surely they don't think it will go unnoticed? yes they may save some money in the short term, but long term the costs are unrecoverable. We really haven't had much fresh milk or yogurt here, buying mostly boxed from New Zealand, but I just think that is unconscionable. There are over 1k babies in the hospital with kidney failure, several have died....and this is all just breaking so I am quite sure the fallout will increase as the recall has included fresh milk products. One of the big dairies published the following:
CHINA'S diary giant Sanlu Group apologized to the public yesterday for its contaminated milk powder which has killed at least two babies and stricken more than 1,250 others with kidney stones.
Zhang Zhenling, Sanlu's vice president, read a letter of apology at a news briefing in Shijiazhuang, capital of Hebei Province, where the corporation is based.
"Sanlu Group expresses its most sincere apology to you," Zhang said. "We solemnly declare we will recall all the infant milk powder produced prior to August 6."
Gee, we sincerely apologize for knowingly adding chemicals to milk powder that goes into your infants formula and possibly killing them or making them sick? I just don't understand what they hope to gain. So now you may see why I have a bit of paranoia about Chinese products. I certainly use some things, but you really can't trust things they way you just do at home and I just don't have tolerance for this complete failure in food safety.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
christmas in china, in Sept?
I ran in the western market today and found some exciting new items! Ok, not THAT exciting but I hadnt see any of these here before today. I also found some jello cups, as well. So, I went from not needing anything to spending $25 on *stuff* that I dont even buy all the time when I am home in AZ! I just got carried away with the momemtum, I guess!
Can I prepare your lunch now Madam?
Can you stand it? I really can't. I have to say one of the nicest perks of being here is being able to have fulltime help. Today I actually was meeting a friend for lunch, but it is so odd to have so much done for me, and its even more odd that it really doesn't bother me at all anymore! Every morning she prepares egg white omeletes with spinach, mushrooms, tomato....lunch she does a big salad or grilled chicken sandwich...dinner tonight is chicken fajitas...she makes italian, mexican, chinese, american, ....pretty much whatever. There is always fresh prepared fruit in the fridge - she sends me off to the gym with apple or pear wedges...she fixes C banana/apple/orange smoothies after school. We eat much healthier now than we ever have, I think! She is eager to learn how I make things and loves to cook, so as hard as it for me to give up my kitchen, I have been able to let go quite easily!!! Wonder if she will want to move to Arizona in a couple of years????
Monday, September 15, 2008
Some better news...
not to close on the prior bad note - a few things have gone ok -
1. I got my haircut and highlighted, and I still have hair, its not orange or purple and its not shaved up the back. this is good. (TCF: it was more than I pay at home!)
2. I found DARK CHOCOLATE M and M's! (tcf: small bag, $2.00)
3. I got my ticket back to Az for work next month, and will be picking up Wrigs and bringing my mom back with me for a visit. I cant wait to have him here!
Ok, so now I am really off to bed, just didnt want you to think I had really gone over the edge..there are a few things going ok!
p.s. - tcf- the china factor. its alive and well here, in all that we do!
1. I got my haircut and highlighted, and I still have hair, its not orange or purple and its not shaved up the back. this is good. (TCF: it was more than I pay at home!)
2. I found DARK CHOCOLATE M and M's! (tcf: small bag, $2.00)
3. I got my ticket back to Az for work next month, and will be picking up Wrigs and bringing my mom back with me for a visit. I cant wait to have him here!
Ok, so now I am really off to bed, just didnt want you to think I had really gone over the edge..there are a few things going ok!
p.s. - tcf- the china factor. its alive and well here, in all that we do!
Living La Vida Crappy?
Can I change the name of this blog? Ugh. So irritated beyond belief. All has been going fine, a bit "ordinary" but fine - until friday night my purse was stolen. Other than that all is dandy. Now, mind you, it could happen anywhere - but it happened in China, therefore, China is a crummy, rotten place to me right now. Anyway. Not much in my purse to speak of - other than my wallet and phone - and of course the fact it was a nice purse. We cancelled all the cards - that was fun - and then will get some delivered here, some to Az, etc. what a pain. Luckily I have about 4 blackberry/treo type phones to switch to - so got switched over, and can keep same number etc. Its just the principal. So, we what started as a nice evening out - a wine tasting then what was a great dinner in the french concession quickly turned south. oh well. Wtg to hear from my insurance man as he said i can likely submit it against my homeowners insurance. If so, i plan to do it. Other than that, we have been getting settled into the school routine, kids both started soccer though C doesnt like soccer, and d - wanted to play but now says she doesnt want to! (too bad for her, as I paid, and she's playing). I have gotten a few massages and foot massages to ease the pain of daily life here...though the one I had today was quite painful - my back and shoulders are really sore - hence the look on my face - E was kind enough to snap this one of me - am sure you are jealous now, huh?
C has more friends and activities than he knows what to do with here - the neighborhood is crawling with kids his age and D also has met some friends and had some short play dates. Sat, after all the soccer activities we laid low for a bit - recovered from the violation of the night before - except C - who was off for another playdate - then we went with some friends to a BBq at school. Of course it started raining right when we were leaving to go! It does seem to rain on the weekends??? Monday was a holiday here, no school for the kids. We mostly were home, trying to finish putting things away in the house, the kids played outside again, and we hit megafit. Oh, I did do something cultural - I went to a talk and lunch about Tea Appreciation - tasted different chinese teas, learned how to prepare them formally, what they rituals mean around serving tea. etc. It was interesting lecture, the speaker was very good but I didnt really love any of the teas. I think the best was probably oolong, but I dont think I would run out and fix any of them. One tasted and smelled like old dirty socks? yum-o. The lunch was fun and it was nice meeting some people, too. I do like to socialize, but I will say it is a bit like work - when you don't know anyone - you have to always be social, ask questions, talk about things in common, etc. Its really kind of tiring. I forget how it is - as at home, we know so many people through all the local connections. You may spend 1% of your time mtg new people, etc. Here, 90% of the time i am mtg new people. Its a lot. Oh well. Plenty of time to get acclimated. For some reason it seems like we need to hurry up and get settled but I bet it will be like that the whole time we are here. Ok, off to sleep. our shipment may arrive next weekend..something to look forward to, just in time for E to fly back to the states. Figures. Wonder who he paid off for this one????Ps - wish me luck - going to body pump circuit tomorrow..and its not a good hour!
C has more friends and activities than he knows what to do with here - the neighborhood is crawling with kids his age and D also has met some friends and had some short play dates. Sat, after all the soccer activities we laid low for a bit - recovered from the violation of the night before - except C - who was off for another playdate - then we went with some friends to a BBq at school. Of course it started raining right when we were leaving to go! It does seem to rain on the weekends??? Monday was a holiday here, no school for the kids. We mostly were home, trying to finish putting things away in the house, the kids played outside again, and we hit megafit. Oh, I did do something cultural - I went to a talk and lunch about Tea Appreciation - tasted different chinese teas, learned how to prepare them formally, what they rituals mean around serving tea. etc. It was interesting lecture, the speaker was very good but I didnt really love any of the teas. I think the best was probably oolong, but I dont think I would run out and fix any of them. One tasted and smelled like old dirty socks? yum-o. The lunch was fun and it was nice meeting some people, too. I do like to socialize, but I will say it is a bit like work - when you don't know anyone - you have to always be social, ask questions, talk about things in common, etc. Its really kind of tiring. I forget how it is - as at home, we know so many people through all the local connections. You may spend 1% of your time mtg new people, etc. Here, 90% of the time i am mtg new people. Its a lot. Oh well. Plenty of time to get acclimated. For some reason it seems like we need to hurry up and get settled but I bet it will be like that the whole time we are here. Ok, off to sleep. our shipment may arrive next weekend..something to look forward to, just in time for E to fly back to the states. Figures. Wonder who he paid off for this one????Ps - wish me luck - going to body pump circuit tomorrow..and its not a good hour!
Monday, September 8, 2008
Jane Fonda?
Ok, I promise not to keep talking about exercise here...but I do like to exercise and it was a big concern for me when moving over here, to maintain my routine. So today, I walked the kids to school, then walked to the gym for aerobics. I had not been to this actual class before nor this instructor. It was a chinese man - and I swear I felt like I was in a Jane Fonda Video, circa 1980! He was really into it - very dancey and coordinated. The moves, the whole thing. Not to mention he was playing Bust a Move by Run DMC? intermixed with Cher. Oy. It was a decent workout however, I was tired when done. I had sent Yu Wei to take Michelle to the grocery store so I was on foot - which was fine, its not far, about a 10min walk - but as I got almost to the house, they came driving down the street - aghast that I was walking and they were riding. Madame! You should have sent me a text so I could drive you home! I don't think they get me quite yet, or maybe I am not the norm, but as long as its nice outside, I am quite fine walking on my own 2 feet!
Friday, September 5, 2008
Latest and greatest...
I realize I have been remiss in posting....am sure so many have been anxiously waiting to hear what's been going on! Plenty of good and plenty of frustrating as well (that I now call the China Factor - not in a bad way , but when things are very different than what we are used to - which is often!)
We had a some friends in town for a few days, which was really nice - we took them to the fake market, YuYuan gardens, the art district( I am going back there when I have more time- its like walking through a little town in Europe with shops, cafes, etc) and tried some yummy restaurants. I think my favorite was called Face - it is thai food and the restaurant itself has a great atmosphere and the food was all so good! The kids came with us that night and they also enjoyed it. Another night we went to what you would call chinese BBQ - picnic tables, plastic clothes and tons of spicy chinese ribs. (with lots of tsingtao needed to wash them down).
After our friend left, we packed up our things at the hotel and started bringing our things to the house. We moved in last weekend, at least with what we have and are slowly getting settled. Our shipment is not here yet (??) and we don't know exactly when it will arrive (??) but trying to not be too irritated.
School started this past week and the great news is both kids love it so far! the bad news is my camera has had a major technical glitch and I cant get the pics off of it to share how cute they looked! I plan to take new pics on monday - we'll just reenact the first day outfits and post! We are able to walk to school, its about 6 min or so - and it starts at 8. School release is 320. Typically I walk them both ways, but sometimes Michelle will take them. Who is Michelle? she is the best part of the house we are in! I was not sure how having a person living in would be, but so far I am adjusting quite nicely! She does errands - prepares all the fruits, veggies, etc (this is a process here - things have to be soaked, washed, etc). She cooks, serves meals, cleans up after, makes beds, cleans the house, laundry.....yes, she pretty much does it all! she is very unobstrusive and quite pleasant. The kids like her and so far things are going great. It is really very common to have help here - as things are harder to get done - shopping takes longer, may require multiple stops, etc. Some people have several ayi's that work for them. I am fine with one, as she is quite efficient. I do think we may already be spoiled...she makes egg white omelets for me in the AM, and serves green tea to me in the evening! I get home from taking the kids to school and the beds are made, kitchen clean, etc. I think this is the best option for us, with me working on the phone early in the am's, and E often leaving for the office early, it gives us backup help when needed with the kids and really makes life easier.
Pictures are coming...of the kids and house..we are still waiting on a few more pieces of furniture and some of the drapes/roman shades...soon.
We had a some friends in town for a few days, which was really nice - we took them to the fake market, YuYuan gardens, the art district( I am going back there when I have more time- its like walking through a little town in Europe with shops, cafes, etc) and tried some yummy restaurants. I think my favorite was called Face - it is thai food and the restaurant itself has a great atmosphere and the food was all so good! The kids came with us that night and they also enjoyed it. Another night we went to what you would call chinese BBQ - picnic tables, plastic clothes and tons of spicy chinese ribs. (with lots of tsingtao needed to wash them down).
After our friend left, we packed up our things at the hotel and started bringing our things to the house. We moved in last weekend, at least with what we have and are slowly getting settled. Our shipment is not here yet (??) and we don't know exactly when it will arrive (??) but trying to not be too irritated.
School started this past week and the great news is both kids love it so far! the bad news is my camera has had a major technical glitch and I cant get the pics off of it to share how cute they looked! I plan to take new pics on monday - we'll just reenact the first day outfits and post! We are able to walk to school, its about 6 min or so - and it starts at 8. School release is 320. Typically I walk them both ways, but sometimes Michelle will take them. Who is Michelle? she is the best part of the house we are in! I was not sure how having a person living in would be, but so far I am adjusting quite nicely! She does errands - prepares all the fruits, veggies, etc (this is a process here - things have to be soaked, washed, etc). She cooks, serves meals, cleans up after, makes beds, cleans the house, laundry.....yes, she pretty much does it all! she is very unobstrusive and quite pleasant. The kids like her and so far things are going great. It is really very common to have help here - as things are harder to get done - shopping takes longer, may require multiple stops, etc. Some people have several ayi's that work for them. I am fine with one, as she is quite efficient. I do think we may already be spoiled...she makes egg white omelets for me in the AM, and serves green tea to me in the evening! I get home from taking the kids to school and the beds are made, kitchen clean, etc. I think this is the best option for us, with me working on the phone early in the am's, and E often leaving for the office early, it gives us backup help when needed with the kids and really makes life easier.
Pictures are coming...of the kids and house..we are still waiting on a few more pieces of furniture and some of the drapes/roman shades...soon.
Ode to Lifetime Fitness...
Oh Lifetime Fitness…I miss you so…
Megafit China, is where I now must go..
The classes they are similar, but the routines I do not know….
it really is required, so my butt it will not grow…
The facility’s not fancy, no marble on the floors…
But the fitness classes should ensure I continue to fit through doors
I miss my favorite teachers…and my friends that were always there
Am sure I will meet some new ones, for that I will not fear.
There are lots of families just like us, all trying to settle into routine
And many moms such as me, trying hard to just stay lean!
*****************************************
I have been to the gym here, hence my inspired poem. It is actually fine, but it's not Lifetime. (www.lifetimefitness.com)
I am not a huge fan of "gyms" but Lifetime is more than a gym and I have to say we enjoyed many elements of what they offered - the playcenter, camps, swimming, squash, group fitness, etc. The fitness teachers were all excellent and very motivating. The last class I attended was before moving over, in mid July, so quite a length of time with only some short hotel gym workouts in between. This week, I tried Body Pump and Step. They were both ok. I think part of the experience is the socialization factor and I am just now meeting people here. So, I will reserve judgement and continue to go. I am sure after a few weeks it will be my new norm and hopefully I wont be as sore as I am today!
Megafit China, is where I now must go..
The classes they are similar, but the routines I do not know….
it really is required, so my butt it will not grow…
The facility’s not fancy, no marble on the floors…
But the fitness classes should ensure I continue to fit through doors
I miss my favorite teachers…and my friends that were always there
Am sure I will meet some new ones, for that I will not fear.
There are lots of families just like us, all trying to settle into routine
And many moms such as me, trying hard to just stay lean!
*****************************************
I have been to the gym here, hence my inspired poem. It is actually fine, but it's not Lifetime. (www.lifetimefitness.com)
I am not a huge fan of "gyms" but Lifetime is more than a gym and I have to say we enjoyed many elements of what they offered - the playcenter, camps, swimming, squash, group fitness, etc. The fitness teachers were all excellent and very motivating. The last class I attended was before moving over, in mid July, so quite a length of time with only some short hotel gym workouts in between. This week, I tried Body Pump and Step. They were both ok. I think part of the experience is the socialization factor and I am just now meeting people here. So, I will reserve judgement and continue to go. I am sure after a few weeks it will be my new norm and hopefully I wont be as sore as I am today!
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