Getting accustomed to a serviced apartment

So part of the deal with our apartment is that housekeeping comes in twice a week to clean and change the sheets. Believe me, the thought is great but you cannot begin to imagine how uncomfortable it is to just sit there and watch two people clean up around you. I feel like a little kid that sits on the couch as mommy vacuums around me while raising my feet up out of their way. For that reason my Monday and Thursday ritual is to vacate as soon as they knock at the door. My new favorite hideout is Starbucks, although it would be more fun to be sitting here with a friend talking and catching up. But in an hour I will head back up to a clean apartment and drunk from the bliss that is a delicious Venti Hot Chocolate. My problems here are pathetic, aren't they?

New Scooters

Fall in Shanghai

So far the Fall season has been very pleasant. We finally received our shipment today. Winter clothes just in time. Jeff and I picked up two electric scooters on Monday. I have used mine a couple of times, but I must admit that it is a little scary. Shanghai traffic is all horns and anticipating what everyone else is going to do. Maybe the subway isn't so ad after all. But I do have to admit, the are super cute.

Learning the Ropes

We have officially been in Shanghai for 6 weeks now.  Katie is in school and couldn't be happier.  She told me she liked it better than Talbot, which sort of made me sad.  She misses her friends but loves everything her new school offers.  She has swim for P.E., which got off to a rough start but is now one of her favorite classes.  She was selected for student council and is trying out for the 4-5 grade production.  On top of all of that, we have her starting violin lessons this week and Girl Scouts on Friday.  Jeff's job is going really well and we have met other expats, which make getting to know Shanghai that much easier.  We are checking out getting a VPN which will make getting on Facebook and this blog much easier.  I will post new pictures soon and keep everyone up to date with what is happening here in Shanghai.

Exploring Shanghai

We are settled into the hotel until Saturday then off to temporary housing.  Our apartment choice fell through, so back to the drawing board.  I am hoping this is a blessing in disguise and we find something
even better.  I know that I have come up with a lot more questions to ask when looking.

I finally got a picture of the "toilet" I told you all about.  If anyone has any suggestions on how to use this bad boy, I would love to hear. 
We are going to pick up a phone today, so I will be back up and running with my Florida home phone number.

Goodbye USA

i am more than bummed that the last place in america i am going to see is detroit.  can you say dreary.  and yes i realize that my caps will not work, but i have work with what i have.  talk to you from china.

House packed.

Our house feels pretty empty.  Even though we didn't send over any furniture, our closets and bathrooms are empty and look sad.  We still need to tile the fireplace and backsplash in the kitchen but I am remaining calm.  My new mantra is.....It is what it is. 

China Photos

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2020368202876.112651.1654061061

Getting ready to head to the good old USA.

Last whole day in Shanghai. Off to see Jian'an Temple.

Just had McDonald's. The only difference is the 3 of us ate for only $7.

We have arrived. Problem is no access to my blog via internet. Trying to find a way around it.

Getting ready to board our flight in San Francisco to Shanghai. 12 more hours.....UGH!!!

And We're Off...

Up 30 minutes before the alarm....can you say anxious????  I don't think Jeff was amused.  He said to talk to him in 22 hours.   Now off to get Katie up and head to the airport.

And the adventure begins...

Today was the last day of work.  It was bittersweet.  I was happy to leave behind some not so pleasant memories, but will be sad to leave some good friends and one of my best friends, Tiffany.  I am anxious to see where this next adventure takes me.  We leave next Saturday for a week long "look/see" trip.  I hope to make posts while we are there.  Please keep checking back.