A Letter to President Obama... From Cati, Shivani and Emily

A Brit’s point of view:
By Emily
I am from the UK, but I think Obama will change the world anyways. From my point of view, Obama will change America and point of view of America and unite other countries. I hope he stops the pointless war in Iraq and he’ll think of the troops, who were lost at battle. I also hope he helps the bond between Britain and the USA and even the EU. Hopefully Obama will improve war situations and the country itself. Also in these few months, I similarly hope he will improve himself because I’ve seen on the news that he’s made a few mistakes, and I want him to go on so I hope he learns from those mistakes. I also think its great that a Black American is a President and I am happy that I am happy to see Obama take control of the country. He also had a great win, and he had a great campaign. He also was kind of seen to win, as everyone thought he was going to win anyways, because people saw McCain bring in Sarah Palin and that seemed to change peoples' views which I didn’t know much about, but caught onto. I am also happy to see changes in our world, I think he’ll do great!

Americans in Shanghai, following the Presidency:
By Cati and Shivani
We think it is great that an African American man is now the President of the USA. American needs change and Obama seems to be a chance. He has good ideas that are innovative and new, things that will help our country in the future. We are expecting a lot, as he was very convincing in the campaign and promised a lot of things. He promised change like end to the war in Iraq, which would be good because the war is virtually about nothing, and too many soldiers and Iraqi citizens are being hurt for no reason. He also promised more jobs, which is good during this economic crisis which is hard for many people. He also promised to try and get America back on the right track for the economy, and he also said that he’d try to make America equal and happy. He seems to be just a normal person who wants to help America and its people. We think Barack Obama should be given a chance to prove himself and he will be a great President in the next few years.

I Remember...Random Things...

I remember coming to Shanghai, site unseen and being driven to Kunshan in a 'Fred Flintstone'-like car; traveling down small country roads in between emerald-colored rice fields. The car's name was Homer.

I remember starting a near riot at the Kunshan #1 Department Store when M, C and I stopped on the steps of the store to finish our ice cream. So intent was I on helping M & C, I didn't realize how many people had stopped to stare. Police stared sounding their whistles, I got scared, the crowd disbursed to reveal three foreigners eating ice cream - a rare site in Kunshan.

I remember having a wonderful adventure the first time I ventured out by bicycle on my own in Kunshan.

I remember my first bicycle ride in Kunshan caused two taxis to collide as the drivers rubber-necked to see the foreigner riding down the bike lane.

I remember when one of my English students told me his English name was Hippo. When I asked him why he chose that name, he explained a hippo was strong and swift. He admired those traits. I was completely prepared to tell him to change his name but when he told me his careful and thoughtful consideration; I didn't have the heart. I advised him to be proud. Of course, he already was.

I remember telling M & C that tofu was Chinese hotdogs so they would eat it.

I remember having our ayi make fishhead soup every day so M & C could drink it. They loved it until one day when they saw the fishhead swimming in the soup. From then on, they wouldn't even have a taste.

I remember getting foot massages from Catholic nuns in Kunshan.

Adventurous Eating Habits?

This is a new blog. I'm still trying to figure out what I'm going to write and if my ramblings will be interesting to anyone.

I started pondering- did I name this blog appropriately? Certainly, I can celebrate my family in so many ways - B is a great husband and dad, M is a sensitive, caring and intelligent teenager & C has a wonderful sense of humor and is compassionate and smart. But, do we have enough adventures to warrent putting it in the title, even just the subtitle?

I started thinking that life isn't always an adventure or is it? According to the online Merriam-Webster dictionary, the word 'adventure' means an exciting or remarkable experience. Can't we find something remarkable and exciting in all our experiences- good or bad, exciting or mundane? That is the challenge in life - to make it worth while and find the adventures, the lessons, the 'take-aways' from each of our experiences, big or small - good or bad - happy or sad.

What got me thinking about this topic is dinner. Yes, dinner. A virtually mundane topic - yet still wrought with adventure. What can I cook that is healthy for my family? How can I incorporate my vegetarian eating habits into their carnivorous habits so that we can have a meal that is satisfying and healthy for all of us. At the end of the day, I ended up re-heating and doctoring up left-over carbonara, sauteed chicken breast and stir fried curried peas, radish and cabbage (for me).

I hope my family will enjoy this culinary adventure!

Post Note: C decided to re-heat left-over pizza.

So much for my worries about what to make for dinner. Whats the adventure? I'm not sure.