The VERSATILE Bloggers

There's a new "thing" (well new  to me anyway) going around the blogsphere.  And here are the rules:

1. In a post on your blog, nominate 15 fellow bloggers for the Versatile Blogger Award.  (15 isn’t mandatory, but it’s a nice gesture - try and pick at least 5)
2. In the same post, add the Versatile Blogger Award.
3. In the same post, thank the blogger who nominated you in a post with a link back to their blog.
4. In the same post, share 7 completely random pieces of information about yourself.
5. In the same post, include this set of rules.
6. Inform each nominated blogger of their nomination by posting a comment on each of their blogs.

So, the rules are simple AND you have been nominated by someone (uh, that would be ME) because you are awesome, inspiring, a joy to read, fun and let’s not forget – VERSATILE!

My FAVORITE versatile Blogs are (in alphabetical order based on blog title)

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

Attack of the Redneck Mommy
Book Woman Club

Edenland

Hyperbole and a Half

Mama Said Knock You Out

Not A Mud Hut

ONE in 20 Million

WOOGSWORLD

Here are the seven random facts about me:

1. My hair is now long enough to actually “kiss” my butt.
2. I CAN find shoes large enough to fit my feet in China.
3. I read everyday (and not just internet “stuff”).
4. I have friends literally around the world.
5. My current favorite games on the web are Cityville, Castleville and Canasta.
6. My absolute favorite condiment is Helman’s mayonnaise (sometimes called Best Foods).
7. I haven’t worn a skirt or dress in more than five months.

Alas, I wasn’t nominated as a versatile blogger.  I guess I would have to actually blog to get nominated!  So, I’ve just decided to just nominate myself – therefore, THANK YOU, thank you, THANKS Susanne!  Does this mean I have to post on my blog? Lol

Please know that I really do love reading your blogs and do it as often as I can.  I also tell everyone who will listen that you have a great blog.  (This post is yet again proof!)

Well, what are you waiting for – get back to blogging!

EXPLAINED - the Mysteries of Life

So, now you know!  I'm a thief and not ashamed to let you know.  I've stolen this post from a friend who stole it from someone else (probably on the internet).  I like it, so I've chosen to share it with you, aren't you lucky?!


I'm looking forward to being barking mad (with a red hat and a purple dress -- well maybe a blue bandana and sweats)! 


-----


On the first day, God created the dog and said, "Sit all day by the door of your house and bark at anyone who comes in or walks past.  For this, I will give you a life span of twenty years."


The dog said, "That's a long time to be barking.  How about only ten years and I'll give you back the other ten?"


So God agreed......


On the second day, God created the monkey and said, "Entertain people, do tricks, and make them laugh. For this, I'll give you a twenty-year life span."  The monkey said, "Monkey tricks for twenty years?  That's a pretty long time to perform.  How about I give you back ten like the dog did?"


And God agreed......


On the third day, God created the cow and said, "You must go into the field with the farmer all day long and suffer under the sun, have calves and give milk to support the farmer's family.  For this, I will give you a life span of sixty years."  The cow said, "That's kind of a tough life you want me to live for sixty years.  How about twenty and I'll give back the other forty?"


And God agreed again......


On the fourth day, God created humans and said, "Eat, sleep, play, marry and enjoy your life. For this, I'll give you twenty years."  But the human said, "Only twenty years?  Could you possibly give me my twenty, the forty the cow gave back, the ten the monkey gave back, and the ten the dog gave back; that makes eighty, okay?"


"Okay," said God. "You asked for it."


So that is why for our first twenty years, we eat, sleep, play and enjoy ourselves.  For the next forty years, we slave in the sun to support our family.  For the next ten years, we do monkey tricks to entertain the grandchildren.  And for the last ten years, we sit on the front porch and bark at everyone.


Life has now been explained to you.  There is no need to thank me for this valuable information. I'm doing it as a public service.  If you are looking for me I will be on the front porch.  And don't bother me. 

Pig Roast - Part 2

     Well, that was some feast!  The pig was succulent, well cooked, seasoned to perfection, and downright delicious.  There were plenty of people who came to enjoy the magnificent work of Erich and the Cup O'Joe supporters and staff.

     Besides the pork, we had secret recipe German potato salad, garlic asparagus, baked beans, green salad, fresh fruits and fresh breads.  There was Sangria, wine, beer, soft drinks, smoothies, lattes and more.  There was also cheesecake (real, NY style), tiramisu, and other great desserts.  But mostly this entire event was good food, good people and great feelings.

     I'm definitely going to try to convince the relatives to roast one in the driveway!

Pig Roast

I’m going to a Pig Roast on my final evening in Beilun, China for the 2010 – 2011 academic year!  It’s a real, honest to goodness, this pig used to be alive ROAST.  I can’t wait.

This morning, I watched and documented the pig pit process and progress.  It’s really built right there on the sidewalk outside of Cup O’Joe’s.  There was no advisory about not doing this at home, so maybe I can convince ‘em to build one right in the driveway at Aunt Lynne’s house!  She sure would be the talk of the town for years to come (I’m serious because at least 40% of the folks in her town are vegan).

Here are some photos:

You start by lining the ground with a plastic covering secured (as much as possible) with bricks.  You then strategically place tin foil around and hold that in place with sand.

You then cover the entire bottom with sand (this will catch the dripping juices and prevent ? stains, forest fires, whatever).

Next you light the fire, charcol bricks were used in this case.  If you look closely, you will find small bricks in the "oven" that can be easily removed so that additional charcol can be added as needed.

Now it's time to bring on the pig!

This is one seriously seasoned and ready bit o' pork!

Finally, the whole thing is covered in tin foil, and the roasting begins!

I'll post after the party and consumption of pictured pig!  Hope your Memorial Day weekend (for those of you from or with close connections to the United States) is as banging as mine is proving to be!

Sketchy Internet

       The internet has been really hit or miss lately.  I can't seem to finish a post, upload a picture or any of the myriad of other things I love to do (read that as I can't even play my games).  SO I'm not sure when I'll get the chance to do the rest of the Shanghai stuff, or talk about the upcoming MAJOR transitions I'm facing, or even just "play around with stuff."

     I miss visiting with you, reading the many other blogs and even getting to use my SKYPE.  It's a real challenge, but so far I'm winning.  (The TV is still working!)  I'll keep checking and writing and when things get back to normal, I'll probably have quite a bit to post all at once.

     It really is quite sketchy how this whole thing works!  I'm going to have to figure this all out one day soon - yeah, and pigs will fly, money will grown on trees and the fountain of youth will forever keep me young (without the "twilighty" complexion and need for blood).

Shanghai - Part 3

     In Shanghai, I also visited the Jing'an Temple.  It’s been around since the 800’s (yeah that’s right - 1,200 years) and has the spirit present to prove it!  The quiet conviction and oasis point in the middle of a bustling metropolis is quite something to behold.  There’s so much to see and do.  I lit incense and prayed.  I observed a 15 ton silver Buddha that was over 28 feet tall and prayed.  I saw various “lesser” deities and prayed.  I saw a cast iron bell from way back in the day that still worked, and I prayed.  I thought of my children.  I thought of my relatives.  I thought of those who have gone before me (nameless, faceless ancestors).  I thought of just how fortunate I am, how insignificant my troubles are and how deeply I appreciate this life; and I prayed.

     I was also impressed with the trees that were used to make the temple.  There are more than 46 giant Myanmar teak trees used to create this special place.  The life force of the trees seemed alive to me.  The solemnity of the monks visible throughout the place added a dimension of connectivity to the past that also seemed alive.  And, of course the icons of peace and understanding complimented the feelings of one world, one life, and love.  I felt supported by people long deceased who knew me with all of my flaws and warts but loved me anyway.  I felt comforted by strangers who understood that I’m trying to do what is right with integrity, clarity and singleness of purpose.  I also felt souls of those yet to be who are hopeful that many of the problems of this world will be solved before they arrive.  It was an intensely spiritual segment of time, and I still feel the positive energy flowing through me.

    In the middle of this vast megalopolis, there sits a temple of peace.  It is utilized by many different people (those who are devoutly religious, tourists, rich, poor, old, young, and almost every other distinction you could discern) and all seem to find something good to sustain them.  It was amazing to be in the midst of this huge busy city one moment, and then in the middle of peace and tranquility the next just by stepping over a threshold and into the temple grounds.  It was awesome to realize that the noise, stress, and even the pace of the city disappeared almost completely in the time it takes to move two paces forward.  When you get to Shanghai, take the time to visit the temple.  Don’t wait for a year to pass before you go because it will only enrich your experience of China.

Shanghai - Part 2

    
     Now don’t get me wrong, Shanghai most definitely is a city with all of the hustle and bustle that entails.  There are pushy aggressive people, wandering distracted tourists (count me in that group), silly teenage school children, impervious foreigners and of course the ever present beggars.  It was not, however, a harsh city.  There were instances of random kindnesses everywhere.  Sometimes it was just a well placed bench on which to sit in the shade, or a bit of bamboo garden in which to inhale fresh clean air tucked into a tiny corner.  Sometimes it was a mom speaking softly to a grumpy toddler who broke into a teary smile and gave a sloppy wet kiss to the wonderful mom, or a beggar who smiled without rancor and without receiving any money at all.

     And of course it was food, food and more food. There were Starbucks, Seven Eleven, Burger King and KFC’s everywhere.  There were also lots of little Mom and Pop shops squeezed in between clothing stores and florists selling everything from water to meat on a stick as well as delicious dumplings and the like.  There were also the high end eateries.  Three places stand out for me; Element Fresh, The Lost Heaven and Din Tai Fung (one of the ten best restaurants in the world – says so right on the menu).

     I had a fresh blueberry, banana smoothie and grilled salmon salad.  I thoroughly enjoyed a tea leaf salad, eggplant and tomato dish, garlic broccoli and pumpkin cakes.  I ate dumplings, xiao long bao of shrimp and pork and garlic spinach.  It was all delicious.  The wait staff all spoke English, catered to the customer (that’s me) and took excellent care to ensure that the dining experience was worthy.  It doesn’t get better than this!