Well, we probably won’t be awake to ring it in here, but it’s been a New Year’s Eve to remember! this morning we decided to make an omelette. We had leeks and peppers and eggs and cheese, all good right? Well, the electronic hotplate on loan to us from the hospital has a mind of its own. It knows the difference between a cheapo frying pan and the nice non stick one that Pat bought. It won’t heat up with the non-stick one, it just beeps and beeps and won’t heat. So we use the thin tinny one. And you have to keep a constant eye on the hotplate because it will suddenly decide to up the heat to max with no warning and burn everything. So i sauteed the peppers and leeks with a watchful eye for about 30 minutes and then we added the eggs. Seemed like they were cooking all right and suddenly the room was stinking like fish! eww, the whole thing was flushed down the toilet, still don’t know the mystery behind that, but honestly, i thought food in the cupboard was off or worse! So we had some asian noodles and cheese with fresh tomatoes. Pat went out to do a little shopping and Becky and I played cards. Pat got back and was not successful in getting any champagne, so i headed off to Carrefour. We figured the french as they did not disappoint in the cheese department, would also not disappoint in the sparkling wine department. It was a lovely sunny day today and a good chilly, brisk walk there. I didn’t wear my lj’s though and i missed them. “Fat freezes first” as Ariel is known to tell me and my butt was proving that point. Although my ears and forehead were cold too and not so fat. Anyway, again the french came through, sparkling wine and OJ were procured. It was crazy in the stores as Pat had already found at WalMart. The same as at home, everyone has to get out the day before a holiday – you’d think the stores would never be open again ever! So tonight’s dinner was linguine and jarred basil tomato sauce, nothing special, but it was oh so good! Some parmesan on top and we were living large!! We are also listening to Jack FM out of Vancouver. They are playing some countdown and we are loving listening to a Canadian station. Why we didn’t think of this sooner, I don’t know. Becky’s headache was not too bad, she was up for longer periods today. I whooped her and Pat in some cards (rummer’s rummy?). It was a pretty shameful win, i’m a little afraid of a thrown or smothering pillow making its way over to my side of the room tonight…
well, love and hugs and big Happy New Year’s kisses to everyone! we miss you and miss home!!
kim, Pat and Becky
December 31st, 2007
Hey everybody.
We went out!! Pretty excited about that! Becky was feeling pretty good after her morning physio with Charlie, so we talked about heading out for some good food. The headache did start again during lunch, but all in all it was a pretty good outing. The Sheraton is a beautiful hotel. Their handicapped washroom was actually big enough to fit a wheelchair in – the handicapped washrooms at the airport are NOT big enough for a wheelchair! Speaking of said wheelchair, the cabbies tend to have a lot of shite in their trunks, so the wheelchair is kind of hanging out of the open trunk, kind of afraid of it bumping right out of there onto the road. We’ve been okay so far though, knock wood. There was a lovely buffet, such a nice salad bar, I loaded up there. There was some sushi, a breakfast area, with french toast and pancakes, Pat had a steak grilled, a nice dessert area too. I have to tell you, it was my first experience with a chocolate fountain. I was dipping fruit and little cream puffs on a stick in there. A little too much fun, almost funner than eating it. Poor Becky though, by dessert, she just really wanted to get back and lay down. We got a nicer cab, since we were leaving a posh hotel. Becky and I leaned on each other in the back seat and looked at the sights. It was too cute, when we got out of the cab at the entrance of the hospital, an older chinese lady came over and put Becky’s hood up! The chinese all think it’s mighty cold out and I guess she wanted to make sure Becky didn’t get cold in the 24 seconds it took to get from the cab into the hospital! So Pat and I pigged out and didn’t want anything to eat for dinner tonight. Becky though, is having a little bread dipped in balsamic vinegar and olive oil for a late night snack. Tomorrow is a holiday. Apparently New Year’s eve AND New Year’s day are holidays here, and New Year’s eve there is nothing happening in the hospital, no physio, no acupuncture, nothing. So it will be quiet tomorrow – maybe Becky’s head will feel good and we’ll attempt another outing 
take care all, love love kim
December 30th, 2007
Hi everyone! Not much new today. hate to admit it but the headaches are still keeping Becky here. I was out on my own again. Freezing my ears off walking to WalMart. I must be getting more comfortable with walking around Shenyang, which for me is not necessarily a good thing. i was walking along and saw a big delivery truck up ahead parked on the sidewalk, unloading fruit into a store. As I was walking past, I was noticing all the crap on the edge of the sidewalk, rotten fruit and some terra cotta broken stuff, wondering if the ‘garbage guy on his bicycle’ would be the one to come by and haul it all away, and then WHACH!!! I cracked my head on the side mirror of the truck. I’m sure there were some chinese chuckles at the stupid white lady. Didn’t leave much of a mark, though, so it’s all good. and that’s the most interesting thing i have to say, so here are some pictures.
MiddleStreet this was our short outing. Becky’s headaches sent us back at the hospital too soonJennifer, our favourite physiotherapist.
ChristmasChickenFeet part of the yummy spread that was laid out on the table at the Christmas party. AND two kinds of chicken necks.
Very ignored sign. or maybe the sign means ‘no honking’ right next to this sign and everywhere else, BEEP CONSTANTLY!
Tony and Lucy these are the 2 translators/patient liasons. They are so incredibly helpful, concerned and sweet. Love them to bits.
Jennifer, our favourite physiotherapist not sure if Jennifer’s picture is going to load. i’ve been waiting forever and i know my momma will be up and expecting the blog to be up and ready. And the rest of my room has gone to sleep, it’s dark and i better call it a night. much love all, kim
December 29th, 2007
Hey everybody. It was not the group outing to Carrefour mall that I was hoping for… Becky’s headache still made its presence known shortly after she gets up to a sitting position. After acupuncture and morning physio, I headed out for a big walk. I had looked at landmarks on two cab rides and figured i could find my way to Carrefour. I really needed to get out of these 4 walls. Becky said she totally would have come if she could possibly manage it – dang headaches anyway. So i headed out alone, wearing my little white mask – adjusting often as my glasses fogged up. It probably took about an hour, and big fat snowflakes started to fall the last block or so before I got there, it was really pretty. Got a few groceries at Carrefour and then got ICE CREAM at Baskin Robbins – jamoca and french vanilla. Then i tried to hurry into a cab and get back before the ice cream melted. It was a really nice treat. The 3 of us enjoyed a little of both flavours. By the way, Pat is fine, he never did get the cold or anything. Not sleeping that well – he and Becky aren’t in love with the beds here though. They are kind of firm, futon-ish – i’m good, though, i can sleep anywhere. And we haven’t made Pat watch gay cowboy movies yet. We’ve actually had some interesting videos to watch, a few seasons of ‘Dead Like Me’, ‘Saturday Night Live’, and we’re working through most of ‘Corner Gas’, thanks Tracey for lending entertainment. I haven’t watched the square thing so much in years. It can be educational though eh? Corner Gas has taught me that you can take the girl out of Saskatchewan but you know…
So Becky had today’s stem cells intravenously. Much easier to take as she doesn’t have to lay flat, flat, flat for oh so many hours. We had some noodles and some chocolate. It’s pretty darn exciting, I know. We’ll all be turning in soon. It will be nice to see the city blanketed in white tomorrow – a change of scenery.
One thing we are looking forward to tomorrow – Becky will have her favourite physiotherapist, Jennifer, for morning AND afternoon physio tomorrow. Jimmy, her usual morning guy, has a few days off. Best news is double Jennifer, she’s super cute and so good, she makes Becky work real hard. Becky would love to bring her home with her… we’ll see if she’ll fit in the new suitcases we have to buy 
logging off, love love and more, k
December 28th, 2007
Happy Birthday Mom! We are all thinking of you and missing you. I know you check the computer first thing when all them little dogs wake you up in the morning. We all hope you have a wonderful day!
And thanks for all the comments everyone, it’s how we start our day around here, fire up the computer and see if anyone made any comments on the previous day’s posts. We really appreciate everyone making the effort, especially for those of us who aren’t the best of friends with this computer stuff It’s still early this morning and I’m still hopeful that the day will clear and turn out better than yesterday. I rolled Becky’s bed up and we’re having our ‘quiet’ morning chat. When the doctor visited a few days ago, he said this ‘gradual’ going from horizontal to vertical may help with the headaches. And we’re waiting for the hot water to be ‘on’ and then the showering can begin. more later.
Well, the headache was still there. Becky thinks the pills might be helping a little, but she isn’t sure if maybe she is just getting used to having a constant headache.. Tomorrow Becky is to have stem cells via iv in the afternoon, so i said “We are busting outta here tomorrow!” I’m hopeful, I’ve been talking up the Carrefour mall, there is a Baskin Robbins there!! Today Pat braved the elements, rainy snow and smoggy fog, went out and brought back some pizza for us.
I went down to ‘the movie store’ which is a filing cabinet drawer FULL of movies at the nursing station. I brought back quite a selection. I had never seen ‘Brokeback Mountain’ and it turns out Becky hadn’t either. Pat hadn’t either, but he was all “No thanks, you guys can watch it.” But of course, what would he do if we decided to watch the kissing cowboys movie? He could always read the Martha Stewart Living magazine he found out in the book rack. Running low on English reading material, poor guy! Anyway, there are lots of other movies to watch before we come to that.
Have a good day everyone and birthday girl momma!! love love kim
December 27th, 2007
We had a quiet day today. Guess we were recovering from the crazy partying of last night Becky still has a headache – it really sucks! Within a few minutes of being up, it starts again. She didn’t make it to acupuncture this morning, it’s not her favourite thing. She did make it to physio this morning and this afternoon. Lucy spoke to the doctor today. And Tony brought in a couple pills from the doctor in this afternoon. He said they were for her headache and for her circulation. She took them, but still had a headache afterwards. This headache has been going on for days and days, but the condition is getting some attention now, so we’ll see what tomorrow brings. It would be really nice if Becky could get out, for a little shopping or just for lunch.
My big plan for today was to maybe go out for a walk, but it’s the worst day yet for smog. We could barely see across the street. Really hoping for some visible sky tomorrow. I was thinking about how as a former prairie girl, i get a little down about the grey winter skies in BC. But wow, at least the grey doesn’t come all the way down to the ground! And the air is still fresh. The poor citizens of Shenyang, this is really gross.
Hoping for a day tomorrow that is clear of headaches and smog. Fingers crossed. much love, k
December 26th, 2007
Well, it will be one we won’t forget anyway. It was a regular day today. Becky was back at acupuncture, morning physio in spite of the dang headache being back. I headed off to WalMart, it’s a nice walk, what can i say? And we found out we were supposed to bring something to the party. Tony had said “Maybe a cake? But if you can’t cook that’s okay, you don’t have to bring anything.” How do you cook (or bake for goodness sake) when you have a hotplate, a microwave and a bathroom sink? We decided to make deviled eggs. I went off to get more eggs, some leeks and was hopeful for some paprika. It was a pretty smoggy day, so i broke out the face mask thing and tried to wear it. It was a brisk day for a BC gal too, so i thought the mask would serve a double purpose and keep my face warm. Alas, my glasses kept fogging up, so i had to ditch the mask and breathe naked. I try to breathe through my nose only and not walk around like a slack jawed yokel with my mouth open, i think i look better that way too
So 14 eggs later, boiled in two batches, leeks chopped fine with a pocket knife, mayo that is sweet (?) and a wee sprinkling of what turned out to be cayenne; we had our contribution ready for the party. The room was decorated in a mix of Asian and western. There were Asian lantern things and lots of garlands. Santa hats were plentiful as were devil horns that lit up(?). We added our food to the table, and what a spread it was. The highlight - chicken feet!!!!! We were all fighting over them, uh huh! There were these thick cut chips that looked interesting, but they were sweet, not just sweet potato sweet, but glazed sweet. Seems that there are two flavours in China – super hot, or sweet. So other than the food, there was entertainment. Rather than just talk loudly at the front of the room, there was a microphone with some real special echo feedback. This made the accented English even harder to understand. We had some nurses do an interpretative arm dance to a Chinese song. Michael, our Welsh neighbour, recited a Chinese poem. I had been persuaded to demo some yoga, which drew applause of all things – kinda mortified, had tried to explain that yoga isn’t a spectator sport and all, just glad it’s over. We had a few people sing karaoke – the sound system and the fact that the songs were all Chinese made us clap when they were over. Becky’s headache had her back in the room by the time Santa came. Santa only made it about a quarter of the way around the room before his bag o goodies was gone! We were all back in the room by about 6:30. It was really sweet of the staff and everyone put this party on for us to celebrate Christmas. We miss home and everyone there. Take care and love love to all.
kim
December 25th, 2007
Hey everybody! Things have been pretty good today. Becky went for her ‘bone marrow’ injection this morning. It was a spinal so she was flat on her back again for 4+ hours. Pat went off to the store while we hung out here. He played a little bit Santa Claus and came back with chocolate for me and a coat for Becky! I went out when Pat came back. We were going to try KFC. The cute chinese girl at the counter was really sweet and i pointed to what i wanted as there was no english menu. At one point as she passed the counter, she stopped and said ‘Merry Christmas to you!’ and bowed. too cute. So the chicken wrap thing that Becky had was spicy, as was the chicken burger that Pat had, but it did have flames on the wrapper, so i guess that shouldn’t have been a surprise! The other ‘chicken burger’ thing i had ordered turned out to be a fish burger! And the egg tarts that i had high hopes for? No ham or bacon but they were really sweet! i scooped the custard out and ate the shells, i know gross. then it was another trip to carrefour for me, more cheese! when I got back, Becky said her head was feeling good! The best she has felt in days and days! REALLY happy about that. Maybe her body was just missing its own stem cells and has them back now, so all is good. So everybody, keep your fingers crossed that this continues! We will probably go to bed early, as this is the pattern for us. I bought some Christmas cups that we will have our coffees in tomorrow morning. There is going to be a party tomorrow in the evening, but the day to that point will be a regular day – acupuncture, physio and physio. love love everyone. k
December 24th, 2007
Hey everybody!
I’m sure you are all thinking about what you are going to eat over the next couple days. Us too! It’s Christmas Eve tomorrow for us, and we are thinking of some celebratory KFC (mini quiche egg tarts for me, if there is no bacon or ham in them:)) We had leftover greek salad today and cheese and crackers. For dinner we were going to order some food from one of the less scary places that the hospital has menus for, but apparently they are too busy and won’t be doing any deliveries til after Christmas day. So it was kimchi flavour cup o noodles and instant sweet potato vermicelli. Spicy enough to make your lips tingle! And rounded out with carrot and celery sticks. That was our food intake, what else did we do? We did go out to middle street today. Hailed cabs by ourselves and got there without the presence of our ever helpful Lucy. Although Lucy had written out our destination on a piece of paper for me to show to the cab driver. Not sure if Lucy’s penmanship left something to be desired or if our cab driver was directionally challenged, but I noticed he was at the crossroads for middle street a block ‘east’ of our intended drop off. Not sure where he was planning to take us, but thought it was safer to be let off there than to go on to ‘who knows where?’. After our outing to the wholesale market, prices seemed very very high, and we WERE in some designer-y store. We had a coffee at Starbucks, just to see what it was like. It was not great, expensive and someone really needs to teach the Chinese how to make muffins, they were the skinniest, saddest looking muffins I’d ever seen. And alas, poor Becky’s head was hurting so we didn’t stay out for long. We hailed another cab for an adventurous hair raising ride back to the hospital, dodging and weaving through traffic all the way. Tomorrow Becky has her ’bone marrow’ injection in the morning. She will have to lay flat again for 4 to 6 hours afterwards. I told her that this will put back what’s been missing and making her head hurt for the past couple days! Bex said they will be putting back little bit brains! So after tomorrow all will be good, fingers crossed! love love k
December 23rd, 2007
Becky has had a headache today. She actually has had somewhat of a headache for the past 3 days, but today was bad. She bowed out of acupuncture and physio sessions. It was much worse when she was upright, better when she was laying down in bed. Lucy got the doctor to come when he was out of surgery. He told us that this was something not unexpected, that it would get better, we were not to worry. This did make us all feel better, and we had a quiet day.
I decided to venture out to Carrefour. Some of the orientation paperwork said that there is a Carrefour here. It is a french supermarket – we had a big one in Abu Dhabi in the UAE. Been to WalMart, know what they have and don’t have. Basically i was on a mission for CHEESE!! Not being a meat eater, I am missing cheese BIG TIME. I was really hoping the french would not disappoint. The store was huge, one entire floor was department store stuff but no time for that, — i went to the food floor. More confusing than WalMart, no English signage to tell you what was in each aisle, so it was time consuming. I did find peanut butter!! Major jackpot! And the dairy aisle was a bonanza! Held myself back and only bought 4 kinds of cheese. Sliced gouda, strong and bitey Bega (just a brand of white cheddar, i remember it fondly), some brie and I found a jar of marinated feta, so decided to get all the fixings for a greek salad. Bex’s iv had gone interstitial again today (ugh!!) and at some point we talked about how good (and unattainable) a greek salad would be. i would try to move a mountain to get her what she wanted. No malt or balsamic vinegar and no kalmatas, but we had a pretty darn good greek salad. Being in hospital here is like camping. It’s kind of upscale camping, we don’t have bugs and our clothes are dry, but there are some definite similarities. One big bowl for everything from salad making to laundry, cutting veggies with a swiss army knife - our little fridge is like a cooler full of baggies of leftover stuff, plastic utensils, close sleeping/living quarters, laundry hanging drying… BIG difference, camping usually involves fresh air 
So, Bex said today she is homesick. Hoping for nice weather tomorrow and we will go out to Middle Street. Much love everyone, love hearing from you.
peace, kim
December 22nd, 2007
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