Archive for April 27th, 2008
A bit of an upset this morning, I didn’t end up getting to go to the knock-off market. The access to the stores was very bad, and there was no way that the kids could go. I had heard about another place just a couple of blocks away that was all on flat ground, so we decided to venture out again. Because of the no hot water after 10 or before 8, I hadn’t had a shower in a couple of days, so I was kinda stinkin’ up the place. I decided to grab a quick one before we left. I really didn’t plan on any company, so I didn’t lock the door this time. I was all finished, wrapped myself in a towel (basically an over-sized hand towel), headed out the bathroom door, only to run smack into Dr. William and the staff who were walking into the room. Boy was I embarrassed! I quickly tucked myself back into the bathroom and waited for them to leave. Jason comforted my by reminding me that they are professionals! Ahh! We finally got the kids around, and headed out.
The blocks here are more like country miles back home. After two blocks, we finally came to the alley that we were told about. I am telling you, this was a bit scary. The alley was like one lane wide. Not really any sidewalk. Big trucks, buses, taxi’s, cars, and motorcycles whizzing down it both ways rather quickly. It is not the nicest part of town either, lots of trash, setting water, and not so fresh smell. We are beginning to wonder just what in the heck we were doing! We cautiously continued down the alley and finally came to a huge intersection. People were everywhere! Shops on both sides of the streets. Clean for the most part. We really hit the jackpot. We managed to cross the street only getting honked at two or three times. After a bit of searching, I found the “okay” purse shop. I was not so impressed. They had a Louis Vittan bag out front that looked great from afar. I went to pick it up, and it wasn’t even close to Dollar Store quality. Pretty sure I hadn’t hit the jackpot after all. Oh well, we carried on. We came upon a little store with baby stuff. A nurse here is having a baby in August, so I thought I would try out my bargaining skills and buy her a gift. I picked out a little mat you lay the baby under and toys dangle down. I asked the clerk how much. She writes 160 RMB on a piece of paper. I look at it a bit more, and write 100 RMB. I knew she would say no, but that’s what I had been taught to do. However, she raised the price on me to 200RMB!! She put a big X through my 100 RMB and wrote 200RMB above the 160. She raised her voice at me and kept pointing back and forth between the 160 and 200. So, needless to say, I didn’t bargain anymore….
After not so great luck at the market, we decided to find the closest KFC for some lunch. Bad timing. It was like McDonald’s after a ball game, but with about 200 people packed inside. We couldn’t deal with all the stares, so we decided to walk towards the RT Mart. We figured it was about 3 blocks, so no sweat. SOOO about 10 blocks later, and about 20 stops for locals to take pictures with Brylie, we make it to the KFC at the RT Mart. As Gary Brown would say, our belly buttons were eating our spines we were so hungry! When we walked in, the same girl that always helps us was working. I could see the look of dread in her eyes- “Oh god, it’s the American’s that like to order sooo many chicken wings.” Jason did his level best to order enough for all of us, but again, we were rationed. The very kind staff at KFC found us a table and helped us get situated. It kind of stinks when we eat out bc we feel like we have to rush bc people will literally stop at our table and stare at us while we eat. It is crazy! I really think they are somewhat in awe of American’s. I had to grab a couple of things at the RT Mart since we were so close. I tell you, the kids have become little camera stars over here. Jason had taken Brayden outside to wait for us, so Brylie and I took the opportunity to check out some purses. In the shop, Brylie started blowing kisses to one of the clerks. Like 5 seconds later, you would have thought we were on the red carpet. Camera’s were flashing, people were tugging on my arms bc they wanted to touch her and take a picture with us. There were seriously about 20 people surrounding us. They finally let us through to leave just about the time Jason was coming back to look for us. That was quite an experience.
After our long walk, it was time to get ready for the going away party. John the Aust-Italian made spaghetti and meatballs. I got a couple of cakes, some fruit, cheese and crackers, and chicken strips. It was quite a feast. I was really happy that the party turned out so well. We have made some really amazing friends here. You know, you think you have it rough until you really get out there and talk to other people. Our problems seem so small. We have met people from all over this world, and sadly enough, everyone is here because it is their only chance- their last little bit of hope. Dennis is leaving Sunday, but I overheard him talking about his illness in therapy one day. (He has motor-neuron disease. He cannot use his arms from the shoulders down.) He was saying how the docs in New Zealand had left him for dead basically. This is his only chance. Then he said something that really put all things in perspective for me- “You have to be like water. No matter what kind of barrier you put in the way, water always finds another route, another way to escape.” Everyone here is like water. That may sound a bit silly, but we have all decided that we are not going to accept it when the docs say that there is no more that can be done.
Hope you all have a wonderful Saturday! Brown family, best of luck at the wedding. I so wish we could be there. You will be in our thoughts!
Love, Jason, Lorie, and kids
April 27th, 2008
Sorry I haven’t blogged in awhile. The internet was down for a couple of days last week, so I couldn’t really post anything. Friday morning, it was therapy as usual. Brayden was a bit sore, but Tom his new therapist is very diligent. I like that about him. It is like he is in total concentration when he works with Brayden. They BOTH struggled through, and again, Brayden fell asleep in the stander. That is becomming the norm!
We, along with Cindy and Ching, had the pleasure of planning our first “going-away” party for Kenneth, Kathy, and Bobbie from California and Dennis and Tanya from New Zealand. I had to make a poster to announce the party, so Jason took Brayden to electro-therapy and Brylie and I made a poster. I had to laugh- when I was finished, we carried it down to hang it on the nurse’s station. On the way, I met Dr. Ma, and he looked at the poster and asked me if Brylie made it! I said, “No, I did.” He just said “Oh,” and nodded. I’m not sure if he maybe didn’t mean to ask it that way or if he was just not at all impressed with my artwork. I chuckled about it everytime I looked at that dang poster!
Anyway, at 1:30 the nurse came in to start Brayden’s IV for his treatment. It was a BREEZE!!! I love IV treatments!! Well, you know what I mean!! In comparison to the spinal anyway. That little nurse came in and had that IV going in no time! Seriously, Brayden didn’t even make a peep. I climbed in bed with him and we snuggled up and watched The Runaway Jury while he got his cells. Very comfortable. I wish we could start the IV in the room before every treatment- he does so much better when we are there to comfort him. That would also make the OR situation not bad at all! After about 30 minutes of fluids, he was good to go! A little bit tired, but not bad.
We decided to try our luck with the pizza delivery again. We ordered pepporoni, and made sure that Jack looked at the menu real close! While waiting on the pizza, I had to make a run to the RT Mart to get things for the party on Saturday. Luckily Kathy rode along with me. I am kind of a chicken to take a cab by myself. I know I would say the wrong thing and wind up at the other end of the city!! After a quick whirl through the RT, we were headed out- or so we thought! We got about half-way to the cab, and Kathy says, “Hey, I think I need an ice cream from KFC.” In my mind I was like, “Oh my gosh! THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!” However, I replied with, “Oh, okay. I’m sure Jason and the kids would like it if I brought them some home!” I’m so sly….. So, we get in the cab, and I am feeling on cloud nine! It is Friday night, we have pizza on the way, ice cream sundaes, and Budweiser beer in the fridge. What more could we ask for! Luckily Jack the intern and Glen from UK helped us with the groceries to my room. I open the door to our room, and about DIED! Not kidding! It stunk really bad in there, and Jason has this not so good look on his face. He says to Jack, “Well, we got the wrong pizza again!” Poor Jack turned every shade of red possible. I have to tell you, this is seriously the nicest guy you will ever meet. He was so embarrassed and upset. I opened the box to look at it, and the crust part was gone and all the toppings had been scraped off. When everyone left the room, Jason says “I just couldn’t do it. It smelled like fish. I just couldn’t choke it down this time! The kids and I ate crust and left the toppings.” You know it is bad when Jason won’t eat it. We have since figured out that the seafood pizza is right below the pepperoni on the menu. I think maybe we were pointing to the wrong line when we ordered. So it wasn’t pork or even dog that we had last time, it was fish! Lovely! We still had ice cream and beer. Can’t get more American than that! We got the kids all settled in for bed, and I prepared myself for my very exciting Saturday of going with Bobbie to the knock-off purse place! So exciting! I was practicing my bartering skills in my sleep!!! More later….
April 27th, 2008
It has been brought to my attention that I am scaring parents about coming to China because of what I am writing in my blogs. Also, by explaining the culture here, I am being offensive. To all parents who are reading this, here are the facts.
The rooms are fantastic. The staff is out of this world. I cannot say enough about the treatment we have received from them. They are always very willing to help us with everything. The doctors are very knowledgable, and I would trust them with my children any day of the week. My experiences in the OR were not pleasant. I will not lie about that. This is a newer facility, and they are working out the kinks in that area. My son screamed because he was scared. ALL CHILDREN cry when taken away from their parents- whether they are at home or in China. I did not expect to be going down to the OR, so that whole experience was very scary for me. As parents, you should not assume anything. Ask questions. I apparently did not ask enough. I assumed that our experience would be exactly the same as the others that I had read. No barbaric treatment, nothing to hurt children goes on here. As a parent, it is very hard to trust the care of your child to anyone, especially when they are complete strangers. The therapy staff, doctors, nurses, and others have gone out of their way to help us be very comfortable here. They are fantastic. I have the upmost respect for all of them. They have provided hope for my son when all doctors in the US had written him off. We have only had 3 injections, and we are already seeing improvements. Miracles are happening, and it is because of these people.
As far as the cultural information, I did not mean to offend anyone. I was just trying to explain a few differences. I did point out that I am quite sure that many of the Chinese think that we are very weird. Well, I know they do. They stare at us often. Not many American families roam the streets of Qingdao I am quite sure. For the most part, the locals are very helpful. I will not lie, there are a few that can be down right rude, but that isn’t the norm. I certainly did not at all mean that the staff didn’t brush their teeth!! They are very clean, very neat, people. I was referring to the two rude locals I have encountered!
Sorry if I hurt anyone’s feelings or scared anyone about coming here. Neither were my intentions.
April 27th, 2008
