Lula Grace

Lula and Her Foster Mom

One Month

This kid can't lose.  John Clark has the power name, the power spirit, and the power parents.  We love you, little man.  Now go take a power nap, would you?  Eight hours should be plenty.

"They think they're so high and mighty, just because they never got caught driving without pants."

I bought for Lula's room this giant folding screen that was hand painted in China. I didn't buy it because it was Chinese, I'm not sure I even knew it at the time. I just liked the colors. I wanted to disassemble the four hinged pieces and have Chris frame and hang them each. Side-by-side. Like a triptych. Only not. So I'm taking the hinges off the screen and Chris is cutting wood for the frames. And I'm thinking, "what can I do with these hinges when I'm done?", followed by, "I can't just throw these out, these were made in China!". It was at that point my other brain cell woke, always reluctantly, startled by such an inane thought. "As opposed to what other common item?" she asked incredulously. I hate Brain Cell #2 . I'd drink her to death, only I don't think one can be so selective. It's better not to risk it.

Butter late than never.

Chris rides his bike on Saturday mornings, leaving me to hunt and gather my own breakfast. Awful, I know, but it's only me I need worry about and I'm typically quite happy to be left alone in our quiet house with my coffee and instant oatmeal. This past Saturday, however, I found myself with an undeniable craving for a cheese omelet. Without a spatula wielding husband in sight, I embarked upon what would become a remarkable journey of discovery. Butter. Now I know butter in some omelet circles is somewhat controversial. But for those among you who so violently oppose its usage, what sweetened, oily goodness ever came from your Teflon? I've made omelets before and while they always tasted fine, they more often resembled Omelet's unattractive, albeit more personable cousin, Scrambled. This morning was different. When I was done I had, heaped upon my preheated plate, nothing short of cheesy perfection. A breakfast breakthrough. An omelet opus of the magnum kind. I thank the unknown force that guided my hand to the butter that fateful morning. Chris says thanks as well and wants to know what you can do for my baking.

Mine is the onion dip. Who brought the judas goat?

Our travel group apparently has their collective panties in a wad over the three week "delay". The reasons for the perceived delay are mundane and suffice it to say it's beyond any individual's control. I understand the disappointment, truly, but traveling later than originally thought should come as no surprise to anyone who's gotten this far in the adoption process. Regardless, some individuals within the group apparently see this as a vast conspiracy involving our adoption agency, the U.S. Consulate, and the orphanage director and have turned it into something quite personal. To wit, "I am going to really have trouble looking those US consulate workers in the eyes when we finally get there. I am going to have to pray hard to forgive them and not just kick them in the head." Okay. Putting aside the more obvious, albeit amusing, irregularity (religious fervor, vigilante justice, and hypocrisy will have to wait their turn), let us ponder the following: (1) I found this statement in an open forum, where anyone with internet access can do the same. (2) This woman has made what could be perceived as a threat upon a federal employee, a crime. (3) You don't want to be perceived as a security threat and be denied entry to the U.S. Consulate. No immigration clearance and you find yourself raising your child in China, who by now has relinquished custody to you. And try posting this kind of venomous garbage while living in China. Last time I looked, they weren't real cuckoo for cocoa puffs on the whole civil disobedience thing. I realize (or hope) this woman was only blowing off steam, however, she and others within the travel group have gone so far as to contact and complain to their Congressmen and the Consular in Goangzhou. Can we get some perspective here? We are a nation at war (Iraq, it's this whole other country) and one of the world's largest ports and many of its citizens are under water. They're contacting their representatives in Washington because their situation is particularly troublesome or unique? Help me here. Where does this righteousness come from? Do they not realize how lucky they are to have gotten this far (amazing the social worker didn't veto their asses early on) in the process? China could at any point (and has in the past) put the kibosh on the whole program. There are no guarantees here. There's no entitlement. It's three weeks, folks. The reasons don't matter. Get over it and stop jeopardizing it for the rest of us. On a lighter note (and as reward for having tolerated my rant), here's a fascinating discourse on early marketing strategies of Coca Cola in China. Enjoy!

Ultimate Fufillment

It ain't nothing Miss Clairol can't handle.

Up until yesterday, our departure for China was anticipated between September 14th -16th.  Without "confirmed" appointments, however, nothing was definite.  As we waited for confirmation and more time past, it was beginning to look like we'd have very little notice once everything was finally settled.  We watched another travel group receive only four days and we were told to expect the same.  Yesterday we were told we had confirmed appointments, however, we wouldn't be traveling until October 7th.  Naturally, we were disappointed to find ourselves waiting an additional three weeks.  But it's hard to not be comforted by the knowledge of an actual travel date and the breathing room it affords us.  The stand-by thing was getting old (although the exponential increase in my gray hairs over the last two weeks has been quite fascinating).  I'm the type who needs to plan ahead, and being totally freaked-out (beyond the normal "holy cow that's my baby" freaking out) was not how I wanted to start this trip.  In any case, there you have it. The plan now is departing October 7th, returning October 21st.