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!!