Paying What's Owed

Super Husband and I were FaceTiming with some friends in Houston when we realized that somewhere along the way the purpose of International Adventures was buried beneath anecdotes and quips.
While we always wanted a one stop shop to share our experiences and stories with those that haven't spent a year in Beijing we also wanted to share tips, pointers, suggestions, and "how-tos" for those that are about to embark on their Beijing adventure.
So, if you've just found out that you're moving to Beijing, or even just coming for a visit, send us an e-mail with any of your questions and we'll get back to you with answers.
In the meantime Super Husband and I will come up with a list of things that we wish we had known on day one of moving here, and hopefully that will make someone's life much easier.


And now, on to those anecdotes.
Monday and Tuesday held little of note. Super Husband and I tried a new dish at the restaurant closest to our house. It's called xiangu rou pian'r mi xian, and it's basically noodles with beef, mushrooms, carrots, and bell peppers (I can't ever remember how to ask for no bell peppers. They are the scourge of my meals), but what really sets this dish apart is the lovely broth it's all served in. It has just the right amount of spice, it's flavorful, it's light, there's no oil in it. It's perfect. Now I know what to have Super Husband fetch if I'm ever under the weather, and vice versa.
My quiz team won first place again on Wednesday, and although the leader board is over victory was still sweet.
Thursday was also less than eventful. Poor Super Husband had to run errands for me, picking up my passport from the PSB and reregistering me with the police. But the visa issues are over.
On Friday a clown came to the school for a student's birthday. I'm not a fan of clowns, they don't scare me, but I don't need to be near them. This one stayed on stage for the most part, until it was time to hand out balloons for balloon animal time. With 50 kids sitting on stools chaos quickly ensued. The biggest issue was that at first pass not all the children were handed balloons. This is, obviously, unacceptable. But after 30 minutes of cajoling, fetching a second and third balloon pump, and some consoling, everyone left the multipurpose cafatorium with a balloon animal or flower.
Next Friday is Children's Day, and we're having a school-wide celebration, complete with choreographed dances done by each class. The Red Lions are dancing to YMCA. It wasn't my first choice, but they're learning the steps, and they love to shout out "Y-M-C-A", so I'm hoping it goes over well. We've only practiced onstage once so far, but I have high hopes for a successful show. I'm also in charge of decorations for Children's Day, and I'm anticipating that much of that morning will be spent blowing up balloons; one of my least favorite activities in the world.

Tomorrow, Sunday, Super Husband and I have been invited my the Red Lions to go hiking, and then have dinner near the fragrant hills. We haven't been before, so this will be a real treat. I'm already charging the camera, so hopefully we'll have a ton of lovely photos of the mountains around Beijing to post come tomorrow evening.