Four Months

Four months...That is how long we have been repatriates.   Is that the correct term? I thought maybe since we were expats we would now be repats.

What have I  learned in four months?

That I won't necessarily die if the temperature falls below 45 degrees F. Although having warmer clothes  is a great help in not freezing in colder temps.

Why Chinese people are quick to call Americans fat.  After living in Asian culture, I come home to find that everyone looks HUGE!

My opinion: genetics plays a part, yes nice Chinese lady store clerk, not every person is suppose to be 5 feet and 80lbs. Body-type- all shapes and sizes.  That being said Americans could slow down on the 40 ounce sodas and Big macs.  Yes I have gained weight, why do you ask?

Things like space, clean air, clean water and sales tax, should not be  taken for granted.  I really dislike that I have to add 6% again to my purchases, how nice it is to look at a sticker and know that is the price you pay. Simple, lovely and a blessing for the mathematically challenged. Is it awful that I almost wish it was 10% just so the math would be easier?

I am not as easily replaced as I'd imagine, people like me they really do! Well those who have returned my calls.

That having a big house,  is often a big pain. People who have to fit their life into 700 sq feet can teach you a lot about priorities.

Cars offer personal space, convenient trips, time-saving travel, not time travel, easy furniture shopping, a way for money to leave our bank account a lot quicker, they cost a lot to buy, put gas in and to keep-up.  Cars are a bit overrated

Except in the winter. Then cars are lovely ,warm traveling automobiles,  that keep me from walking in snow and cold.  

My 7-year-old  has developed a craving for garlic ramen noodles and fish balls from a 7-11.

Not having 7-11 on every corner, serving Asian style food is inconvenient.

I am sad that the 7-year-old may one day abhor fish balls, seaweed and cucumber sushi.

I am concerned my daughter will forget to write her name in Chinese.

If I thought speaking Chinese in China was intimidating, speaking it to the  American Chinese restaurant owner is terrifying.

The choices at the grocery store are still a bit overwhelming,  We have everything prepacked and convenient! Everything that I care about. Canned abalone and frozen ready to heat and serve shao mai were always in stock at the Tai Po Parknshop.  Cottage cheese- not so much.

Jane and I really, really like cottage cheese.

Rice cookers are precious commodities and I really have no business attempting to cook it on the stove.

I could have made some money selling knock off designer everything on the Internet.  Well I don't know this for sure, but I came home to realize people like name brand purses, glasses, shoes and they don't necessarily care if it is real.  I can't help but think it was a way to supplement income. Wait, is this actually legal for people to do? Probably not, I guess it is OK that this never happened.

Well this list can go on.  I have found myself keenly aware of people who look like they are of  Asian origin.  I try to listen to their conversations with their families to hear if they are speaking a different language? I want to have conversations mostly  that revolve around food.  If they speak Korean I want to talk kimchee, Japanese onigari, Vietnam Pho Chinese where can we get authentic food? I restrain myself as I realize  that America is a melting pot.
My pastor is half Chinese, but is more like a Duke of Hazzard  than Jackie Chan.

I try to not talk too much about our life abroad, I want to share, not dump.
  It is fresh and I don't have 6 months of a memory without our life in Hong Kong, so my conversations usually include something.  I have found most people have been gracious and show sincere interest.  This has helped me.

In other news....

Creepiest photo of my son ever! 

Less creepy photo of Jane

Our first baseball game of the year and a rainbow appeared! 

 A video of our roller skating trip