What to blog about this week?

So, I want to come to you with a little more meat, but I think the world alternates with boring blog, funny blog. The saga in the Laughlin household continues. I thought we were doing pretty good after all the illnesses and the lice. Then yesterday, under my watch E.R. had a bonk, that resulted in a serious gash on her forehead. I was devastated. As much as this girl climbs and defies gravity, she was no match for tripping on a blanket and falling on a popcorn box from target, which left her with a nasty one inch slice on her forehead. Chaos ensued, I got her in quickly and she is all glued up. but I am sure it will leave a scar. :( At least I was able to get to the local expat clinic. The doc who saw her trained at Cook County no less. Today, she developed a fever. Not likely related to the head wound, but just enough to keep mom worried. Please keep her (and Mom) in your prayers.

On better note, I have been exploring the local markets. I went to one of the fabric markets and commissioned a black cashmere coat for all of 400 RMB (about 60 bucks) I will keep you posted on how it turns out. I am also having a silk dress made. I figure you have to start somewhere to figure out how to maximize this experience.

I also practiced my bargaining skills at one of the underground fake markets. It is definitely an art. They give you a high price, then you lowball them to insult them. Then they try to get you to a middle ground. I am starting to get the hang of it. I am sure I have over payed for some items, but it is all a process. It is funny, at the end of the day,I got tired and I halted the bargaining process too early and the lady got personally offended. She was like, "I am working with your here!!!" And I bought a hair clip for all of 7 US dollars. I also came out with a pair of leather ballet flats that seem comfortable. Ignore the fact that they have "Tods" plastered on them. I am sure that they are not even a replica of a Tod's shoe. The logo is just placed there to entice you.

These are the quirks about living here. Forget about buying legal games or DVDs. You can't find them. You can get video games for less than a buck and movies for about 2 dollars. I am almost embarrassed that I own a real / trendy Juicy Couture purse, because if I wear it out, it would automatically be assumed to be fake. I would rather have what I want custom made without a label than the fake goods that are so prevalent. I am also worried that the real videos that I brought with me will get confiscated going home as they will be assumed to be copies as well.

Well, that about does it. The kids were off on Friday for a teacher inservice. Next week they will be off on Wed. for the Moon Festival. More on that next blog. I don't think my kids have been in a full 5 day week of school since we started. I am still craving a normal routine. I started my digital photography class this week and the instructor informed us that we will have 3 hours of homework weekly. Woo hooo!!!! Back to school for me. So, hopefully I will have more to discuss next time. Also, Mayor Daley is in Shanghai this week, so it feels a little like home in Chicago. If you didn't know he is not running for re-election. Big news in Chicago. Well, I will sign off and promise to get back to basic topics soon.