I gathered all my strength this morning and decided to go to the Community Center to learn to play Mahjong. The truth was I really needed to be with people that are experiencing some of the same things we are AND there was a very good chance they would all speak English.

It was a good decision.....I met some more "expats" and saw some others that I met at the Coffee Connection. Some of them even live in our building. The game was really secondary to visiting with people. These ladies are a wealth of knowledge and a I felt my courage coming back.

I found out it really does not mater which "type" of water I order.....there seems to be a consensus that all of it actually comes out of a hose in the back of a little garage somewhere in Shanghai. Some thought it was filtered through a coffee filter others thought it was probably filtered through an old nylon sock or a condom. I am telling you these ladies are funny!!!!!

While I was at the Center I was greeted by Ana (director of the Newcomers Program) with a hug and a cute heart shaped box of candies. She is such a nice person and very energetic. I was renewed by her energy and enjoyed visiting with her.

About a week ago Tim and I decided to sign up for the Community Centers Newcomer Program instead of going with the company that HP suggested. Part of this program includes a "get to know your neighborhood" day. This day is customized to each client so it includes their specific interests. So.....Tim is off work tomorrow because of the Chinese New Year holiday and we are going to go shopping in some of the local "artsy" markets with an escort from the Center. She will teach us how to negotiate and help us find things that I have not been able to find. I can't wait!!!!!

Another part of the Newcomer Program is a computer questionnaire that both Tim and I have to fill out. It is sort of a personality profile. A counselor that specializes in "people in transition" will look at our answers and then help us understand how we can best cope with all the changes that we are experiencing. I find this very fascinating.

Other sessions of the program deal with "working effectively with your Ayi and Driver", "What does the trailing spouse do now", "How to help your children transition", Understanding the Chinese culture", "Doing business in China", and several other interesting topics. Abi will also have classes that deal with "teenager stuff".