Life and Village TIme

So life has been incredibly busy. Several nights a week we try to spend time with local friends. This is something different for us but the nature of life now. In the States we would maybe see friends once a week and usually on the weekends. I tried very hard to make sure the boys were in bed on time every night. Here we go out to dinner at least 2 or more nights a week--it's just as cheap to eat out as to cook--and sometimes don't get the boys home until 9:00. Those of you who know how strict I was about their sleep schedule in the States can imagine how this is a stretch for me. I made very few exceptions before but am much more lenient here. Some of that probably has to do with the fact that we don't have 'normal' jobs anymore. And it may change once we start classes in a few weeks. Speaking of classes--please 'remember' us this weekend as we start to try to get things straight for our student visas. Right now our tourist visa is good until the 29th but we have to get registered and have some documents for the boys make it from the States so we can avoid having to leave the country for a few days and reentering. We are thankful that we have this option but it would still be a big hassle with the boys.

I also added a picture of my latest pedicure. Sorry if pictures of my feet gross you out. It's just my new thing. Some friends and I have decided to see how crazy we can go. So far I've stayed pretty conservative. You wouldn't believe some of the things they will do. They have books with tons of pictures of outrageously painted toes. I have several that I want to try. This time we even got spray on tattoos. Unfortunately it makes me want to get another little one on my foot. Hopefully that will pass. Anyway, as BFF said, this is soooo not me. But it's fun and we are hoping to build relationships with the young ladies that work at the shop.

Monday we took a family trip to the village. Our house helper and her family are a great connection and we wanted to go meet her son and daughter-in-law in particular. It was a long day with us leaving at 10 and returning at 5, not eating lunch until about 2:00 and no naps for the boys, but it was a great time. Stan got to talk some with the son who speaks and reads Mandarin--most of the people only speak the local dialect and are illiterate--and has also been leading their small group of believers. I got the chance to 'talk' (with the help of a friend) with his wife--we are not sure if she is a believer--to help build up that relationship. Overall it was fun and the boys being there really helped open the lines of communication. Unfortunately we scared poor Kirby trying to keep him from messing with the village dogs. That night and the next he had night terrors again. Please 'remember' that as well. We think the dog issue is what triggered it so last night we talked about things he wanted to dream about and he didn't have one. He hasn't had one since we moved here so we weren't expecting it.

I have overall been having a good week. I'm really starting to dread classes. I don't like to study but I know this is the only way I will learn language. So I will most likely be taking 8 hours at the University each week plus 4 hours of private tutoring. I'm hoping I will be in school Tuesday-Thursday so Mondays can be my day to get the weekly shopping and such done and Friday free for a long weekend so we can travel and have family time. My biggest struggle right now is not eating well and not exercising. I know a steady schedule will help all that but it's not any easier here than in the states. Even without the temptation of fast food I seem to find bad things to eat. And my running has ended. Running on the streets here just isn't the easiest. So here's my plan: Once I have my school schedule I will be able to see it joining the 'gym' will be possible--really a workout room at a hotel that allows you to pay and go but is only open in the afternoon. Then I can go run on the treadmills 3-4 times a week while the boys are napping and our house helper is here. I think I have a workout partner for at least some days so that will help. Then I just have to work on portion control with my food. I'm not going to be able to do First Place since when we eat out we have lots of veggies, some meat and everything else is fat and carbs. Veggies--great, meat--ok, a lot of fat and carbs--not so good. I try to do the best I can so like I said, portion control is my best bet. I did finally buy a scale so I can monitor myself too. Of course it's in kg and not pounds. I kinda like it cause I can pretend I'm an Olympic Gymnast but then I remember I have to multiply by 2.2 and then I'm more like an Olympic Shot Put thrower. Oh well, the battle continues.

On a random note: Did any body else watch the Olympic Trampoline competitions? Please explain to me how Softball gets voted out as an Olympic event but we keep Trampoline jumping. I do see where this takes some skill but come on. There are several other sports I could comment about but I'll just leave it be. I also would like to say that I think it's awesome how well Michael Phelps did. As a former swimmer I have only seen a slim amount of what it takes to get to that point. 8 golds in a single Olympics. It's crazy. I have no idea what kind of person he is, he may be the cockiest man alive, but Congratulations to him!