I have always loved Thanksgiving, not so much for the food but rather because of the reflection on what we are thankful for. While the list of things I am grateful for is not much different then it was before I moved to China five years ago, the meanings have changed just a little.
Tonight we had a nice pseudo traditional dinner at a western hotel tonight that was way overpriced, but worth it. Ran into some old acquaintances, ate turkey and stuffing, gourged ourselves with too much pumpkin pie, and talked about the things in our life that we are thankful for.
Having a loving and wonderful partner has made my life more whole and rounded then ever before and is the single most important thing in my life and what I am most thankful for. Wonderful parents and extended family who love and support me and my partner is a wonderful blessing. Friends, some around the corner and others half a world away, who are there no matter whether we need a shoulder to lean on, a voice to comfort us, a joke to brighten our day, encouragement, and loving us for who we are. Being employed by a progressive company that respects me and Pei Lin and provides us domestic partner benefits. The good fortune to be born as an American and the freedoms that affords me. Those are just some of the blessings in my life and the things I am thankful for everyday.
Regardless of our nationality, our religious beliefs or status in life we all have things for which to be grateful. My Thanksgiving wish is that each of us is able to recognize those gifts and make sure we share those blessings with the people in our lives. Happy Thanksgiving wherever you may be.
One of the best, and maybe craziest, decisions I have made since living in Shenzhen was buying a car. It is a definetly a luxury, but one that I believe has been well worth it.
Last weekend we took Qiu Bi to the park that runs along Shenzhen Bay and had fun walking and playing on a nice cool Sunday morning. He likes to go for rides but goes crazy when the windshield wipers move. Luckily, rainy season is past!
We haven’t made it to the beach yet, but am sure it is just a matter of time now that I am more comfortable driving beyond the areas I know well and Pei Lin is now all trained and licensed to drive!
Has been quite awhile since I blogged. Not quite sure why I haven’t been in the mood to share my ups, downs and the goings on in my life over the last few months but alas am going to try and get back into the habit once again. Not just because I want to share with whoever happens upon my little piece of the internet but rather it is a good way for me to vent and chronicle the details I would like to remember.
My quest to be an Olympic Torchbearer did not end with me being selected to run with the torch. However, it did leave me feeling loved and touched because of the quotes that my friends, coworkers, family and friends of friends left. I received a total of 5,639 votes which placed me in the top 15 vote getters. Ultimately, the top vote getters from 8 different countries were chosen to be the torchbearers and I congratulate each of them.
So it looks like I will be a spectator only at the 2008 Beijing Olympics!!
Lenovo is sponsoring an “Expats for Olympic Torchbearers” contest and I need your vote! Please cast your vote at http://pub1.chinadaily.com.cn/olympics/torch/members.shtml?mid=228 and pass the link on to your friends.
Well after not being blogging for soo long it was easier said then done to say I was going to blog every day during vacation. Have been doing a good job staying off the computer and enjoying peace and quiet.
The first full day was almost a typhoon but luckily it just pounded us with rain and lots of wind. We took a walk during one lull in the rain and wind and almost got back to the resort before the skies opened up.
We are learning Scuba Diving and by the end of the week will have our Open Water PADI certifications. Pei Lin has been doing better then I, but we are both enjoying it. I did freak out a little when practicing removing my mask, cleaning, replacing, and emptying it. But got it down pat after a few tries. Had Pei Lin laughing underwater when we were practicing our buddy breathing. Just hope he doesn’t laugh if we ever really have to use that technique.
Till next time…
