things i need to do, but haven't

So, it's been just under 2 weeks since we returned from our AWESOMELY huge trip and the laundry list of things that need to be done keeps growing. You know that overwhelming feeling, when you realize that you are so far behind in things you said you were going to get to (but didn't)....yeah, i've got that. The yard is a disaster. The weeds are a mile high. A sunflower grew under my bird feeder (a GI-normous one!) The dog made confetti out of a tennis ball, which has now found its way to various parts of the house, as well as a roll of toilet paper. The pantry has been stuffed and re-stuffed with groceries, and the stale food is just in the back now.....grrr....the front door needs to be repainted, the railings need rust-o-leum.....the deck could use a wash, the garage as well.....

So, hmm, so far today I've been to target. Not very productive for a day off, but that seems to be a trend here.

We do have some fun things planned for Labor Day weekend though :) Tonight, Ashely and Billy are having people over....tomorrow is the farmer's market...Nate and Audrey are having people over on Sunday night, and last night was the worship team party, complete with a bow and arrow course (in the middle of Green Hills, mind you). What gathering is complete without great Mexican food and a bow and arrow?

for packer fans everywhere....

ohh, the jet lag

Well, we've been home 5 days now, and the jet lag is still kicking us. Going to bed around 8 PM each night, getting up at 4:30 or 5....it's just so strange. I've never experienced anything like this. It's one thing going to Europe and being 7 or 8 hours ahead, but 13 hours? It's like someone sucker punched you and there's no getting around it. I think we're adjusting about an hour each day or so.

Seeing the Olympics on television is making me want to be back in Beijing. I have to say that this was unequivocally the most amazing trip I have ever or will ever take in my life. As much as I loved Asia before, this just solidified the fact that I am in awe of China, Beijing, the people, the culture, the language, EVERYTHING. It truly is a beautiful country (and I'm not just talking about the cleaning up they did for the Olympics.) It is an incredible city. The people are extraordinary. They love foreigners. It was a great opportunity to practice the little bit of mandarin I've picked up from Pimsleur mp3's. I'm now convinced that this is one language I hope to learn more of. There's a school here that offers adult classes, so I think C and I are going to enroll in them together.

The first few days back were surreal. I didn't want to be home, as much as I like home, I wanted to stay in Beijing a little longer, learn a little more, see a little more. It wasn't a normal vacation...it felt different, like we were part of something (even just seeing a few events) it felt like we were part of something bigger. Knowing how monumental this was for China and experiencing their joy as the Opening Ceremonies got underway....they were so proud, and we were proud for them. I didn't want it to end.
But alas, here I am, back home, back to life as it was, and I can't help but feel like part of me has changed. I don't know what it is, exactly, but I am going to continue exploring it.

For now, I need to finish writing my brief synopsis of each day, so I don't forget it all!

Beijing is AMAZING

I can't even being to describe how amazing it has been to experience the Olympics in Beijing. Wow! I so wish I had been journaling, so I'm going to attempt to get all of my thoughts on each day down in this post, so I have something to look back on while I am scrapbooking this three week journey.

Day 1- Monday August 4th
We left Honolulu for Tokyo on Sunday, August 3rd, at 8:30 in the morning. After a 9 hour plane ride, we landed safely in Tokyo, at 4 PM Monday afternoon. CRAZY TIME CHANGE! The Tokyo airport is probably one of the nicest, cleanest airports I've ever seen! We had fun being in Japan for 3 hours, we even took a picture to prove we were there. Saw some USA athletes on our plane to China. We landed in Beijing at 8 PM Monday evening, where Andrew, Nicole, and Asher picked us up. Our luggage came out quickly, we went through customs pretty quickly, and then took the train back to their apartment (which stops just a block away!) It was a very smooth travel day, with no delays, thankfully!

Day 2-Tuesday August 5th
We got up pretty early (our bodies were so messed up from the 13 hour time change) but Nicole took us to the Llama Temple, a huge Buddhist temple. It was cool, but sad seeing everyone bowing to the idols everywhere. We also ate at a little cafe called "Vineyard Cafe" which serves western food. I had a Ceasar Salad and fries, Chris had pizza. We also stopped at a cool jewelry shop and walked around the city a bit.

Day 3- Wednesday August 6th
Chris and I tried to get into the Temple of Heaven but it was closed due to the Olympic torch coming through, which we never saw, but we talked with lots of local people and had fun bargaining at the Pearl Market. We were out in the city for several hours....we made it back for Tacos at Andrew and Nicole's with their friends "family" Gabe and Helen. We also took some seriously cute pictures of Asher in a chinese headband holding the Olympic flag...SO CUTE!

Day 4- Thursday August 7
Chris and I visited the Summer Palace, and had LOTS of fun shopping for cool Chinese stuff! Andrew and Chris again tried (to no avail) to find the Olympic Torch, amidst a sea of Chinese. I was SO tired, I took a nap, but we all went out for Korean BBQ, which was really fun because you cook the meat and veggies on a pan at the table. Andrew and Chris went out to a concert with Gabe that night, and Nicole and I went home to watch a movie, and chill.

Day 5- Friday August 8th (OPENING CEREMONIES)
Sleeping in is fun. I can't remember what we did this day....and it's getting super late, so I'm going to add to this in the morning :)