I’ve been asked many silly questions about me and my children: How can they be twins if they are not dressed the same? Did you do the IVF so you could have two in one go? Are they identical? (One's a boy and one's a girl). And so on. This one, about their appearance, “Do … Continue reading Naturally Wild and Curly
Category: Chengdu blues
We have been living in Chengdu, Sichuan since the beginning of 2006. We are still not used to the year-round humid, grey weather, but are very happy to be around such warm and friendly people.
They got WordPress
Along with FaceBook, YouTube, Blogspot and others, WordPress has been blocked for users in China. Tonight, I found a proxy that got me here. So far I stayed out of the game of catch between the internet users and the Chinese internet censors by dropping off the FaceBook world; I couldn't be bothered to find … Continue reading They got WordPress
“Afu ge ge”, “Leila mei mei”
“Which twin is older?” The question is absurd. In China, I get it all the time. And it works me up. “They are twins. They are the same age.” I reply, irritated. “Yes, but they didn’t both come out at the same time, did they? One had to have been born first.” They insist, “Is … Continue reading “Afu ge ge”, “Leila mei mei”
Pancakes, Chocolate Milk, and an Award.
I got an award. The Versatile Blogger Award. The last time I was awarded anything I was 16. So man was I shocked, and ecstatic! And it's for my blogging. I only started doing this a few months ago. I'm a novice. It's encouraging to know that someone is reading this stuff though, and even … Continue reading Pancakes, Chocolate Milk, and an Award.
Uncle Mao
"Man-ee," L says as she examines the 5 Yuan note. She points at Mao Zedong's purple face, "Shu Shu!" she claims. Like any young Chinese woman is respectfully called ayi or aunt by a child, a young man is uncle - shu shu.
The Perfect Maclaren: Will We Make It?
When I learned that I share one thing with Julia Roberts and Jennifer Lopez, I was excited: the Maclaren Twin Techno double stroller. So it's not more glamorous than that, but hey, it's something. I "upgraded" from our well-used Twin Triumph only a few months ago. The first time I used it I was ecstatic. … Continue reading The Perfect Maclaren: Will We Make It?
“Ma na”
This evening in the yellow van cab on our way to the airport, past the Calgary Tower and not far from the Calgary zoo, I told the children again that we are headed back to China. M asks : " Who are we going to see in China?" L responds: "Ma na!" "Yes," I say. … Continue reading “Ma na”
Dragon and Phoenix Twins
“Are they Dragon Phoenix Twins?” I am asked every day, everywhere, and by everyone around me in Chengdu. “Yes, they are,” I reply. “Waaaaa” they exclaim with glee, and huge smiles, “You are very lucky. How happy you must be.” Twins generate as much or dare I say more excitement here in China as anywhere … Continue reading Dragon and Phoenix Twins
Papa Panda
We were at the Bookworm cafe this evening where Leila found a stuffed toy to play with. It was a Panda with a baby one attached. She repeatedly tries to pull the little one out saying, "Baby,... baby." I walk over, and say, "The baby looks like she wants to stay with her mama." She … Continue reading Papa Panda
Dear Dr. Seuss,
...Today's like every other Chengdu day. "Guys, should we go for a walk, around the block today? Oh dear! It might rain, the clouds are so grey. But hey, isn't it like this here every day?" Ten minutes into our walk, long, heavy drops landed. R was asleep. I peaked. We had the rain cover. … Continue reading Dear Dr. Seuss,
Natasha Devalia 