The new year has started at a fast pace. The rest of the week at Brown Sugar was just plain ole' fun...okay? I played the 'big girl' and hung out thru Saturday night. It was Sarah's 26th birthday and it was not to be missed. Brannen planned a surprise shindig at the club and invited all the folks we had met along the way during our stay. She was indeed surprised. From the chocolate cake to the last song...was memorable.
Wink, the sax player, invited us all to dinner on Sunday at his place. We woke up to a rainy, gray day, but nonetheless, we made our way. Wink's wife, Apple, is Chinese and was excited about the menu she had planned. They have a 13-month old, cuter than cute, baby girl named Vastyne. I've never seen cheeks as rosey. The food was delicious...ribs, macaroni -n- cheese, and salad...to live for. LOL. Miles had the golden opportunity to get his 'mack' on with Vastyne. They were made for each other...believe me. Wink and Apple have a beautiful apartment...one that we would consider if Shanghai was to become a place to call home.
Time is drawing nigh for our return to the States. There's so much to do with so few hours, it seems. It's Monday already. We need to get back to the fabric mart to pick up Dwayne's outfit. We do. It's exactly what he wanted. Wow! We make our way to a few more places before heading home for a nap before he goes to work. I've gotta start making to-do lists. Ya'll know how I am...need I say more?
Dwayne described this week as his 'best'. He has swooned every person who entered the doors of that club with his bass playing, cheek solos, percussion and singing. One night unsuspectedly, Dwayne moved over to the drum kit with bass in hand and brought the house down. There was chatter in Madarin like I'd never heard. He caused quite a stir...and I loved every minute!! The thought of us leaving is unsettling. Oh well...who knows? Shanghai may not have seen the last of D-Madness. Only time will tell.
I have the task of packing...you know I brought our entire closet and bathroom. LOL...LOL...Hell, I wanted to be prepared!!
Having the opportunity to come to this country was a blessing in itself. Meeting and sharing with all the wonderful people upped the ante. If it's in God's plan, we may return at some point in time. We are ever so grateful...for the joy of the experience and the pain of having to leave it behind.
We love and miss you all. See you soon...smooches...
Sunday, January 11, 2009
New Year Happy!
D-Madness has taken Shanghai by storm I tell ya! These people have added his name to their language and they actually say it clearly! LOL.
Another day off for him and we have errands to run. I told you that I would not think of going back to the fabric mart without him. His God given day of rest would be the opposite. He was stunned by the smell of leather as we entered the mart. I got a kick outta that one! LOL. We found Mary and she was glad to see the both of us. I quickly tried on my outfit and allowed Dwayne to 'braille' my suit for approval. It was perfect! No alterations needed. Oh my! We have found the promise land!
It was Dwayne's turn to be measured for his vest and pants. We opted to do without a coat this time. He has a thing for vests...so be it. He chose his fabric...by touch, of course. Nice...very nice choice. We promised to return at the end of the week for fitting and pick up. I managed to convince him to take a stroll with me so that he could check out some of the other shops. He was overwhelmed. Trying to describe everything to him was tickling. His only response was "yea...okay" and I was alright with that. We did find him new glasses from one of the outside vendors. Now THAT was fun. It's a bargaining mad house. They give YOU the calculator to key in your price. Then they counter. You counter. They counter. You counter...and it's a deal! See? He's got some really nice ones...we did good. We hurried to get away before we spent everything we had...and that's real easy to do over there. We stopped by a few more places before heading home. Our day was productive.
Back to work for Dwayne on Monday. A couple of rehearsals were scheduled to prepare for the New Year's Eve show. The owner requested a few tunes, so they needed to have their stuff together. I don't make it to the club every night...no need. He's working...and we appreciate each other's space. This week I opted to wait for New Year's Eve. Reservations were actually over-booked, so my seat was at the bar. No biggie. The bartenders love me as much as Dwayne, so my wine glass was never empty. LOL. The club was ready to usher in the new year. Party favors were at our disposal. I noticed the balloons attached to the ceiling with a net, as I enjoyed my wine. I knew at that moment that 2009 would be welcomed in grand fashion in Shanghai, China, if no where else in this world. LOL. Once again, outside the club was wilder than Christmas Eve. There was a live concert going on at the entrance of Xintaindi...a local Chinese band. It was waaaay too much for me. I was glad to be inside.
The show was really, really good this night. The All Stars were hyped and were at their best. Indeya and Meachie were right there with them. It was magical. There is a segment in Meachie's set when he sings "Purple Rain" and goes down into the audience and hands out roses and sings to screeching ladies. Just as he was back on stage and about to finish, Dwayne announces that it's our 6th year anniversary. Oh boy! I'm called to the stage and Meachie dedicates "Always and Forever" to us. The man sang that song...okay? I was so taken by that surprise...one of the MANY reasons why I love Dwayne. Right before the countdown to the new year, they asked folk to come on stage and I was first in line. I was so hoping to be near Dwayne to wish him a happy new year...and that, it was.
We had no idea that Shanghai, China would be our place of residence when 2009 arrived. We certainly...and most graciously...began the new year happy!!
Another day off for him and we have errands to run. I told you that I would not think of going back to the fabric mart without him. His God given day of rest would be the opposite. He was stunned by the smell of leather as we entered the mart. I got a kick outta that one! LOL. We found Mary and she was glad to see the both of us. I quickly tried on my outfit and allowed Dwayne to 'braille' my suit for approval. It was perfect! No alterations needed. Oh my! We have found the promise land!
It was Dwayne's turn to be measured for his vest and pants. We opted to do without a coat this time. He has a thing for vests...so be it. He chose his fabric...by touch, of course. Nice...very nice choice. We promised to return at the end of the week for fitting and pick up. I managed to convince him to take a stroll with me so that he could check out some of the other shops. He was overwhelmed. Trying to describe everything to him was tickling. His only response was "yea...okay" and I was alright with that. We did find him new glasses from one of the outside vendors. Now THAT was fun. It's a bargaining mad house. They give YOU the calculator to key in your price. Then they counter. You counter. They counter. You counter...and it's a deal! See? He's got some really nice ones...we did good. We hurried to get away before we spent everything we had...and that's real easy to do over there. We stopped by a few more places before heading home. Our day was productive.
Back to work for Dwayne on Monday. A couple of rehearsals were scheduled to prepare for the New Year's Eve show. The owner requested a few tunes, so they needed to have their stuff together. I don't make it to the club every night...no need. He's working...and we appreciate each other's space. This week I opted to wait for New Year's Eve. Reservations were actually over-booked, so my seat was at the bar. No biggie. The bartenders love me as much as Dwayne, so my wine glass was never empty. LOL. The club was ready to usher in the new year. Party favors were at our disposal. I noticed the balloons attached to the ceiling with a net, as I enjoyed my wine. I knew at that moment that 2009 would be welcomed in grand fashion in Shanghai, China, if no where else in this world. LOL. Once again, outside the club was wilder than Christmas Eve. There was a live concert going on at the entrance of Xintaindi...a local Chinese band. It was waaaay too much for me. I was glad to be inside.
The show was really, really good this night. The All Stars were hyped and were at their best. Indeya and Meachie were right there with them. It was magical. There is a segment in Meachie's set when he sings "Purple Rain" and goes down into the audience and hands out roses and sings to screeching ladies. Just as he was back on stage and about to finish, Dwayne announces that it's our 6th year anniversary. Oh boy! I'm called to the stage and Meachie dedicates "Always and Forever" to us. The man sang that song...okay? I was so taken by that surprise...one of the MANY reasons why I love Dwayne. Right before the countdown to the new year, they asked folk to come on stage and I was first in line. I was so hoping to be near Dwayne to wish him a happy new year...and that, it was.
We had no idea that Shanghai, China would be our place of residence when 2009 arrived. We certainly...and most graciously...began the new year happy!!
Monday, January 5, 2009
Christmas China Style
There's no turning back now. Brown Sugar is the hottest spot to be seen. Dwayne is off on Sundays and he couldn't wait to be able to sleep in. This man is working hard for his money...lol. He deserved a day of rest. Me? I opted to give him some space and made plans to meet a new friend to go on another Shanghai venture. This trip would take us to what's called the 'fabric mart'.
The taxi ride was lengthy, but it gave Anne and I a chance to chat. She is originally from Paris, but came to China for school. She has a masters in Chinese language and works as a Cross Culture Communication Consultant. Okay? Hmmm. She also sings R&B with a brother and his band at one of the Shanghai Marriotts. She's been here for ten years and can speak this language like a champ. They work Monday thru Saturday, so this was a play day for her. I was glad.
We arrive at the fabric mart and once again...vendors galore! We made our way to the front door and all I could do was cover my mouth...it was stuck in the open position! lol...lol...Clothes and fabrics of all sorts were everywhere! This is where you come to have your clothes made...anyway you wish. You can design them yourself, bring a picture from a magazine, or bring something from your closet that you'd like to have replicated. Yes! Leather, cashmere, wool, silk, denim...suits, dresses, coats...I kid you not. Now just tell me...where in America can we get this kinda hook up? Anne and Carlton have been coming here for some time now and they have their own tailor...Mary. We get to her shop and she welcomes me with a hug and a tape measure. She was ready to get me started. I obliged...chose my fabric...and left promising to return in a week to pick up my tailor-made pant suit. Yep...just like that! All I could think about was bringing Dwayne with me the next time. He could not miss out on an opportunity to have him a tailor-made 'something' from China...no way!!! We wandered around gawking for the next hour or so...and this was on the third floor only. Anne admitted that she usually runs in to see Mary and runs out. She was so tickled to be able to walk around and check out some of the other shops. Oh, there must be 50 or so shops per floor. It's just an amazing set up. There are things that you can buy that's already made, but to have the option of picking your own fabrics and designs? Get outta here!
Christmas Eve was the big night at Brown Sugar this week. We were prepared for the masses. There were very few spots in the city that were not decorated for the holiday. This gave me mixed emotions...I wanted to be home...I couldn't think of a better place to be other than home...woe is me! Xintaindi was almost frightening! They had parties going on in every establishment there. It took us a few minutes to get thru the crowds. A party was going on in Brown Sugar as well. The show was rockin' and the Christmas spirit was alive in Shanghai.
We invited the Temples over for Christmas dinner. I had shopped a few days before and found everything needed for our non-traditional menu. Fried catfish...yep...Brannen found filets in the supermarket near their apartment...salmon pasta...yep...I prepared this dish at Dwayne's request...garlic mashed potatoes and a small salad bar. They prepared and brought veggies...bok choy with mushrooms...YUMMY!! We ate until we needed a nap, but the fellas had to work. After we saw them off, Sarah and I contemplated going down to the club...what the hell...Miles and his babysitter were tucked in for the night...why not? This was turning out to be an everlasting party...okay? We had a great time and so did everybody else! Christmas 2008 is one for the books. Thank you, Jesus.
The taxi ride was lengthy, but it gave Anne and I a chance to chat. She is originally from Paris, but came to China for school. She has a masters in Chinese language and works as a Cross Culture Communication Consultant. Okay? Hmmm. She also sings R&B with a brother and his band at one of the Shanghai Marriotts. She's been here for ten years and can speak this language like a champ. They work Monday thru Saturday, so this was a play day for her. I was glad.
We arrive at the fabric mart and once again...vendors galore! We made our way to the front door and all I could do was cover my mouth...it was stuck in the open position! lol...lol...Clothes and fabrics of all sorts were everywhere! This is where you come to have your clothes made...anyway you wish. You can design them yourself, bring a picture from a magazine, or bring something from your closet that you'd like to have replicated. Yes! Leather, cashmere, wool, silk, denim...suits, dresses, coats...I kid you not. Now just tell me...where in America can we get this kinda hook up? Anne and Carlton have been coming here for some time now and they have their own tailor...Mary. We get to her shop and she welcomes me with a hug and a tape measure. She was ready to get me started. I obliged...chose my fabric...and left promising to return in a week to pick up my tailor-made pant suit. Yep...just like that! All I could think about was bringing Dwayne with me the next time. He could not miss out on an opportunity to have him a tailor-made 'something' from China...no way!!! We wandered around gawking for the next hour or so...and this was on the third floor only. Anne admitted that she usually runs in to see Mary and runs out. She was so tickled to be able to walk around and check out some of the other shops. Oh, there must be 50 or so shops per floor. It's just an amazing set up. There are things that you can buy that's already made, but to have the option of picking your own fabrics and designs? Get outta here!
Christmas Eve was the big night at Brown Sugar this week. We were prepared for the masses. There were very few spots in the city that were not decorated for the holiday. This gave me mixed emotions...I wanted to be home...I couldn't think of a better place to be other than home...woe is me! Xintaindi was almost frightening! They had parties going on in every establishment there. It took us a few minutes to get thru the crowds. A party was going on in Brown Sugar as well. The show was rockin' and the Christmas spirit was alive in Shanghai.
We invited the Temples over for Christmas dinner. I had shopped a few days before and found everything needed for our non-traditional menu. Fried catfish...yep...Brannen found filets in the supermarket near their apartment...salmon pasta...yep...I prepared this dish at Dwayne's request...garlic mashed potatoes and a small salad bar. They prepared and brought veggies...bok choy with mushrooms...YUMMY!! We ate until we needed a nap, but the fellas had to work. After we saw them off, Sarah and I contemplated going down to the club...what the hell...Miles and his babysitter were tucked in for the night...why not? This was turning out to be an everlasting party...okay? We had a great time and so did everybody else! Christmas 2008 is one for the books. Thank you, Jesus.
It's Showtime!
The crowds at Brown Sugar have become larger since the doors opened a couple of weeks ago. Word is getting around and there is an inside cover spread about the grand opening on Friday in one of the largest magazines in Shanghai. The top brass has sent out invitations to the 'who's who' in the city. This place will make its mark in Xintaindi...for sure.
It's my first night out to actually see an entire show. The club looks elegant. The aroma from the kitchen is mouth watering. Oh boy! County girl gets another view. Brown Sugar is a jazz restaurant and bar, so the band kicks off the evening with some Miles Davis and David Sanborn. Awesome. Indeya does her set first and I am totally blown away. Dwayne had already shared his view of her singing ability with me...all good. Now I saw what he was talking about. This sistah came to party and did she ever! She's a gorgeous queen with a diva attitude to match. All I could say was..."I wanna be like her when I grow up"...lol. Meachie takes the second set to another level. R&B had taken the spotlight. He also came to party and capture the hearts of us lovely ladies. The third set featured both vocalists doing duets and showing off individual talents of the Brown Sugar All Stars. This is where the oldies but goodies start flowing. Everybody shouted and sang along if they recognized a tune. Dwayne was in his zone and nobody could touch him! He had those Shanghainese in the palm of his hand!! By the end of the night, I was speechless. I had witnessed profound professionalism among a group of musicians and vocalists who had become a family right before my eyes. It was pure pleasure.
The rest of the week went by quickly. With Friday finally here, I found myself getting dolled up for this big event. Dwayne and Brannen had to reserve seats for me and Sarah. This was huge! Of course Dwayne has to be at work about an hour before show time. This night would be a little different. When we arrived, I had to compose myself as we walked up the stairs. There were people EVERYWHERE!! Oh my! You know it has two floors and there was standing room only. The band wasn't due to go on for another 45 minutes or so. WOW!! Dwayne couldn't believe all the hustle and bustle around him. We had to almost fight our way to the green room for him to settle in. My goodness! I found our table without incident...praise God...and was ready for the complimentary champagne being poured. This place was a fire hazard...if you ask me...lol...lol. Nobody cared. These people came to party hearty and eat like kings and queens. This was one night where they were dressed to the nines and money was no object. TV cameras were rolling and the spotlights were busy. Country girl didn't miss a thing! The show was a success and Shanghai had officially welcomed Brown Sugar and family to Xintaindi.
It's my first night out to actually see an entire show. The club looks elegant. The aroma from the kitchen is mouth watering. Oh boy! County girl gets another view. Brown Sugar is a jazz restaurant and bar, so the band kicks off the evening with some Miles Davis and David Sanborn. Awesome. Indeya does her set first and I am totally blown away. Dwayne had already shared his view of her singing ability with me...all good. Now I saw what he was talking about. This sistah came to party and did she ever! She's a gorgeous queen with a diva attitude to match. All I could say was..."I wanna be like her when I grow up"...lol. Meachie takes the second set to another level. R&B had taken the spotlight. He also came to party and capture the hearts of us lovely ladies. The third set featured both vocalists doing duets and showing off individual talents of the Brown Sugar All Stars. This is where the oldies but goodies start flowing. Everybody shouted and sang along if they recognized a tune. Dwayne was in his zone and nobody could touch him! He had those Shanghainese in the palm of his hand!! By the end of the night, I was speechless. I had witnessed profound professionalism among a group of musicians and vocalists who had become a family right before my eyes. It was pure pleasure.
The rest of the week went by quickly. With Friday finally here, I found myself getting dolled up for this big event. Dwayne and Brannen had to reserve seats for me and Sarah. This was huge! Of course Dwayne has to be at work about an hour before show time. This night would be a little different. When we arrived, I had to compose myself as we walked up the stairs. There were people EVERYWHERE!! Oh my! You know it has two floors and there was standing room only. The band wasn't due to go on for another 45 minutes or so. WOW!! Dwayne couldn't believe all the hustle and bustle around him. We had to almost fight our way to the green room for him to settle in. My goodness! I found our table without incident...praise God...and was ready for the complimentary champagne being poured. This place was a fire hazard...if you ask me...lol...lol. Nobody cared. These people came to party hearty and eat like kings and queens. This was one night where they were dressed to the nines and money was no object. TV cameras were rolling and the spotlights were busy. Country girl didn't miss a thing! The show was a success and Shanghai had officially welcomed Brown Sugar and family to Xintaindi.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Comfy China
We hope your Christmases were bright! This is still a writing in progress, so time has kept on ticking.
Discovering new neighborhood spots has become the fad for me and Dwayne. While riding in a taxi a few weeks ago, we found ourselves in unfamiliar territory...AGAIN...but realized quickly that it was not far from our place. I spotted yet another DVD store and we were itching to check it out. Off we go...with Miles in his stroller...headed to locate this 'larger than the others' outfit. Miles was hanging out with us for the afternoon. We were also joined by one of our neighbors...Johnny...who acted as our guide. He and his parents have lived in our building for the past eight years, he just graduated from Shanghai University, and is just the cutest, politest young man we have met since our arrival...trust us. He was intrigued to go with us since he could not remember seeing this infamous DVD store and we were glad to have him tag along. The walk was long...but interesting. Miles enjoyed being pushed, as opposed to walking, and being able to chat with himself, the birds, or the people around him wanting to get a look at this gorgeous baby.
We finally get there and it was awesome! We were all pleased at the pickings and left with huge smiles. Miles was able to get his favorite..."Tom and Jerry"...Dwayne and I are "Law and Order" fans...guess what?...found the first couple of seasons. We didn't think twice about taking a taxi home...we had some TV watching to do!
The rest of the week was pretty laid back. The fellas only worked Monday thru Wednesday since Brown Sugar was hosting a New Orleans Jazz Festival featuring members of the Preservation Hall from Thursday thru Saturday. The club's grand opening was nearing, so they were glad to have a few days off. Dwayne and I enjoyed watching movies and entertaining. We had the Temples over for dinner on Saturday night. We were hoping to make it out to see the jazz preservation hall band...didn't happen. We went to the Temples' for dinner on Sunday night and out on the town afterwards. Oh boy!
We started at the House of Blues and Jazz. They have open jam sessions on Sundays...right up Dwayne's and Brannen's alleys. Another part of Shanghai was discovered and it was a night to remember. The house band was speechless once Dwayne got on stage and took the bass in hand. THEN...he found his way to the drum kit!! The whole place was rockin'! Brannen and Dwayne have magic when they're on stage together. Sam, the band leader, was in awe. Not to mention the club manager and other musicians and vocalists who had dropped by. We met sooo many wonderful people that evening. It was really comforting to meet more Black folk...fa' real. We all exchanged business cards and promised to support each other's shows when we could. Sarah had friends from Spain in town on business. They were up for some REAL partying...so...we close down this place and head to another! Judy's...yep...Judy's. Somewhere in this big city are places where you can really get your groove on...ANY WAY YOU WANT TO!! Need I say more? House music was blasting, we were greeted at the door by hotties waiting to get us seated, and before we could get our coats off, the big bottle of whiskey, glasses, ice and cokes were already in place. Aw hell...let's have some FUN!!! It wasn't long before the poles that stood around the place...didn't notice them at first...were being hugged by thinly clad girls who worked them like there would be no tomorrow. I couldn't get the words out fast enough telling Dwayne what was happening around him! He just had this shit-eatin' grin on his face as if he could really see. LOL. There were seven of us and we were never ignored. Food appeared from the little grill right outside...and it was delicious. You know we've been apprehensive about eating the food off the street, but hey...we were gonna have to try it at some point. This was a good time. A tray of shot glasses filled with some sort of sweet liquor topped with whipped cream arrived. We were supposed to use our mouths to grip the glasses and chug them down. Now THIS was waaay too much for the county girl. Dwayne did his thang and so did the rest. Somebody needed to have their scruples when we left!! LOL. What an evening AND morning. Daylight was not too far behind when we left. Guess it didn't take long for us to get comfy in China, huh?
Discovering new neighborhood spots has become the fad for me and Dwayne. While riding in a taxi a few weeks ago, we found ourselves in unfamiliar territory...AGAIN...but realized quickly that it was not far from our place. I spotted yet another DVD store and we were itching to check it out. Off we go...with Miles in his stroller...headed to locate this 'larger than the others' outfit. Miles was hanging out with us for the afternoon. We were also joined by one of our neighbors...Johnny...who acted as our guide. He and his parents have lived in our building for the past eight years, he just graduated from Shanghai University, and is just the cutest, politest young man we have met since our arrival...trust us. He was intrigued to go with us since he could not remember seeing this infamous DVD store and we were glad to have him tag along. The walk was long...but interesting. Miles enjoyed being pushed, as opposed to walking, and being able to chat with himself, the birds, or the people around him wanting to get a look at this gorgeous baby.
We finally get there and it was awesome! We were all pleased at the pickings and left with huge smiles. Miles was able to get his favorite..."Tom and Jerry"...Dwayne and I are "Law and Order" fans...guess what?...found the first couple of seasons. We didn't think twice about taking a taxi home...we had some TV watching to do!
The rest of the week was pretty laid back. The fellas only worked Monday thru Wednesday since Brown Sugar was hosting a New Orleans Jazz Festival featuring members of the Preservation Hall from Thursday thru Saturday. The club's grand opening was nearing, so they were glad to have a few days off. Dwayne and I enjoyed watching movies and entertaining. We had the Temples over for dinner on Saturday night. We were hoping to make it out to see the jazz preservation hall band...didn't happen. We went to the Temples' for dinner on Sunday night and out on the town afterwards. Oh boy!
We started at the House of Blues and Jazz. They have open jam sessions on Sundays...right up Dwayne's and Brannen's alleys. Another part of Shanghai was discovered and it was a night to remember. The house band was speechless once Dwayne got on stage and took the bass in hand. THEN...he found his way to the drum kit!! The whole place was rockin'! Brannen and Dwayne have magic when they're on stage together. Sam, the band leader, was in awe. Not to mention the club manager and other musicians and vocalists who had dropped by. We met sooo many wonderful people that evening. It was really comforting to meet more Black folk...fa' real. We all exchanged business cards and promised to support each other's shows when we could. Sarah had friends from Spain in town on business. They were up for some REAL partying...so...we close down this place and head to another! Judy's...yep...Judy's. Somewhere in this big city are places where you can really get your groove on...ANY WAY YOU WANT TO!! Need I say more? House music was blasting, we were greeted at the door by hotties waiting to get us seated, and before we could get our coats off, the big bottle of whiskey, glasses, ice and cokes were already in place. Aw hell...let's have some FUN!!! It wasn't long before the poles that stood around the place...didn't notice them at first...were being hugged by thinly clad girls who worked them like there would be no tomorrow. I couldn't get the words out fast enough telling Dwayne what was happening around him! He just had this shit-eatin' grin on his face as if he could really see. LOL. There were seven of us and we were never ignored. Food appeared from the little grill right outside...and it was delicious. You know we've been apprehensive about eating the food off the street, but hey...we were gonna have to try it at some point. This was a good time. A tray of shot glasses filled with some sort of sweet liquor topped with whipped cream arrived. We were supposed to use our mouths to grip the glasses and chug them down. Now THIS was waaay too much for the county girl. Dwayne did his thang and so did the rest. Somebody needed to have their scruples when we left!! LOL. What an evening AND morning. Daylight was not too far behind when we left. Guess it didn't take long for us to get comfy in China, huh?
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
China Cold
I can't believe we've already been here four weeks! We researched the weather before leaving the states, so the chilly days and down right cold nights were not a surprise. I took up the habit of looking out the windows in the mornings to see what people were wearing...jackets, hats and gloves...or just jackets. Of course I soon realized, it was no help to me...I was cold while inside and outside! I needed to be bundled at all times. Wearing two pairs of socks around the house became common. Dwayne just grinned at me when I fussed about the cold. We have heating units in each room as opposed to central heat. The harwood floors creak constantly because of the chill. Is this on the agenda of 'growing old'? LOL
Bearing all this in mind, I wake up on Tuesday, of our fourth week, with a scratchy throat. OH NO!! THIS CAN'T BE!! Yep...the beginnings of a bad cold. We brought our handy Mucinex along and I immediately took a dose. That stuff has always done the trick. Not this time. I found myself sneezing, coughing, blowing and ultimately crying. How could this happen? I needed to be up and at 'em! I couldn't be lying in that hard thing called a bed for more hours than necessary. I've got to be on top of my game!!
Dwayne was the cutest throughout this entire ordeal. He apologized for not being able to go down to the pharmacy on the corner to get more meds by himself. We walked together on the next day and found a few things that were familiar...and eventually helpful. He made sure that I ate...even tho' he didn't cook...and opted to sleep on the sofa so that I could rest easier. Wasn't that something?
The China cold lasted for another four days. Dwayne continued to go out to work. I wasn't able to see Sarah and Miles for those days...didn't wanna contaminate anybody. We had been spending evenings together while the guys did their thing, so I had some quiet but achy time alone.
That Saturday was a very sunny but still chilly day and I was determined to get myself up and out of the house. I took a stroll with Dwayne to Brown Sugar...a rehearsal was scheduled. It would be the first time for me to actually see the club. It was everything I imagined...and more. When these folk set their minds on having the best...consider it done! We had lunch together and I finally met Sean, the keyboard player and Meachie, the male vocalist. I had met Indeya, the female vocalist, the week before. She provided cough drops during my five-day illness...she's a doll. They were all head over heels with Dwayne and his talents. The conversation went on and on. That made me feel better...all the way around.
After listening to a few tunes, my impression grew huge. The Brown Sugar All Stars were in the house and ready to bring the noise. There were people working already...and this was mid-afternoon. They applauded after every song. I was easily convinced that Dwayne's and Brannen's purposes were sealed. Grand opening was set for next week. Shanghai...get ready...get ready...get ready!
I felt so much better, that I decided to do a little more walking. I left the club and headed to a supermarket we had yet to explore...E-Mart. It was about five long blocks from Xintaindi, but only three from our apartment. The trip home would be a cinch! I dared to venture down another street full of everyday people selling everything known to man. I had to literally walk down the middle of the street because the sidewalks were overtaken by eager vendors. I wished I had the strength to stop and look around, but it WAS my first day out since Monday. I needed to look ahead and stay focused.
E-Mart was quite interesting. Much like Century Mart, it had multiple floors of goods with 99% of them labeled in a Chinese language of some sort. I found my way to the 'imported' goods and was happy to fill my cart with familiar items. While in the meat market, I came across packages of meats that were just scary!! I had to look at the pictures above the cases to know what animal these meats were SUPPOSED to come from, okay? Chicken...yay! Finally. Well...maybe not. Well...maybe...but the head and feet are still attached. Oh my! Can a sistah get some chicken WINGS? That'll be just fine. Whew!!
I pray--Lord, please help me get through this store with food that will digest properly and give us nutrients. Amen.
I left with four bags in hand and was wrapped up as if there was six feet of snow awaiting me. It's now around 6 pm or so and those same people are still selling their goods, however, I am able to stroll a few sidewalks this time. I promise myself that I'll be back down this same street when I'm feeling a little better...and with a little patience. Getting home was a relief. My outing was the best cure for my China cold.
Bearing all this in mind, I wake up on Tuesday, of our fourth week, with a scratchy throat. OH NO!! THIS CAN'T BE!! Yep...the beginnings of a bad cold. We brought our handy Mucinex along and I immediately took a dose. That stuff has always done the trick. Not this time. I found myself sneezing, coughing, blowing and ultimately crying. How could this happen? I needed to be up and at 'em! I couldn't be lying in that hard thing called a bed for more hours than necessary. I've got to be on top of my game!!
Dwayne was the cutest throughout this entire ordeal. He apologized for not being able to go down to the pharmacy on the corner to get more meds by himself. We walked together on the next day and found a few things that were familiar...and eventually helpful. He made sure that I ate...even tho' he didn't cook...and opted to sleep on the sofa so that I could rest easier. Wasn't that something?
The China cold lasted for another four days. Dwayne continued to go out to work. I wasn't able to see Sarah and Miles for those days...didn't wanna contaminate anybody. We had been spending evenings together while the guys did their thing, so I had some quiet but achy time alone.
That Saturday was a very sunny but still chilly day and I was determined to get myself up and out of the house. I took a stroll with Dwayne to Brown Sugar...a rehearsal was scheduled. It would be the first time for me to actually see the club. It was everything I imagined...and more. When these folk set their minds on having the best...consider it done! We had lunch together and I finally met Sean, the keyboard player and Meachie, the male vocalist. I had met Indeya, the female vocalist, the week before. She provided cough drops during my five-day illness...she's a doll. They were all head over heels with Dwayne and his talents. The conversation went on and on. That made me feel better...all the way around.
After listening to a few tunes, my impression grew huge. The Brown Sugar All Stars were in the house and ready to bring the noise. There were people working already...and this was mid-afternoon. They applauded after every song. I was easily convinced that Dwayne's and Brannen's purposes were sealed. Grand opening was set for next week. Shanghai...get ready...get ready...get ready!
I felt so much better, that I decided to do a little more walking. I left the club and headed to a supermarket we had yet to explore...E-Mart. It was about five long blocks from Xintaindi, but only three from our apartment. The trip home would be a cinch! I dared to venture down another street full of everyday people selling everything known to man. I had to literally walk down the middle of the street because the sidewalks were overtaken by eager vendors. I wished I had the strength to stop and look around, but it WAS my first day out since Monday. I needed to look ahead and stay focused.
E-Mart was quite interesting. Much like Century Mart, it had multiple floors of goods with 99% of them labeled in a Chinese language of some sort. I found my way to the 'imported' goods and was happy to fill my cart with familiar items. While in the meat market, I came across packages of meats that were just scary!! I had to look at the pictures above the cases to know what animal these meats were SUPPOSED to come from, okay? Chicken...yay! Finally. Well...maybe not. Well...maybe...but the head and feet are still attached. Oh my! Can a sistah get some chicken WINGS? That'll be just fine. Whew!!
I pray--Lord, please help me get through this store with food that will digest properly and give us nutrients. Amen.
I left with four bags in hand and was wrapped up as if there was six feet of snow awaiting me. It's now around 6 pm or so and those same people are still selling their goods, however, I am able to stroll a few sidewalks this time. I promise myself that I'll be back down this same street when I'm feeling a little better...and with a little patience. Getting home was a relief. My outing was the best cure for my China cold.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
NEWS BULLETIN
Okay. Have you all tried to write comments and couldn't? Sooo sorry. I changed a few settings...duh...and hopefully you are able to send them now. We apologize. Love and miss you...smooches...
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