Now that the holidays are behind us, and life is once again back to somewhat normal, whatever that may be, I’m back to committing my thoughts to paper…… or at least sharing them with the digital world.
Bill went back to China for a little of over two weeks for his winter break. For such a physically diminutive person, he seems to take up quite a bit of space, both physically in our house hold, and mentally…particularly in my mind. It was a much needed reprieve. Prior to that vacation (for all of us), we American’s celebrated Thanksgiving, the kick-off to the end of the year holidays.
Our Thanksgiving festivities included out of town relatives visiting and staying with us this year. Part of being a good host is to show your guests a good time, and in Chicago, that usually means a good ‘old fashioned trip downtown. There is so much to see, and experience, and I told Bill, in no uncertain terms, he would be joining us on our pilgrimage. Bill has been living with us since August, and has yet to set foot in the city. We have planned outings, to which he has declined to attend, or has come up with last minute plans to plan basketball. My husband, who himself could live without every going into the city, has been thrilled he hasn’t had to drag an uncooperative Chinese teenage around.
I was determined to include him in at least one family outing into the City. Big mistake.
While not all Americans are as strict with their punctuality as am I, (and I’m not even German), some things, like a train schedule, wait for no one. We had eight people getting up, showered, fed, dressed and stuffed into 2 cars to drive to the train station the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Seven of us managed to get up in a timely manner, many without a sunny disposition, but none the less, ready to go. Bill had to be woken up, cajoled out of bed, asked repeatedly to put down the Ipad games and grab a bit to eat. He did not get his leisurely, sit down hot breakfast, so he sulked in the car, and all the way on train.
It was an exceedingly crowded day with all of the other holiday travelers, and my husband told Bill to stay close and not wander off. He tends to do that…… After seeing the crowds in the city, he stuck to my husband like glue. We had a full day of sightseeing; the German Market, Macy’s Christmas windows, lunch at the famous Walnut Room, a walk down the legendary Magnificent Mile, and ended up at the Lincoln Park Zoo see to the millions of lights on display. I must say, it was a spectacular holiday tour of Chicago!
Bill spend most of the day playing games on his IPad, at least until the battery ran out, and then he wandered along with us, kicking the ground and basically ignoring everyone. They only time he showed any emotion was when we told him he could not order two entrees at lunch, or the most expensive dinner item. He was also irritated that the waitress didn’t think to bring him warm water to drink, but instead placed a glass of ice water in front of him. The nerve of her!
I realize that the majority of people in China do not celebrate the Christmas holidays, but I would have thought that there would be some interest in our traditions. The tree, the lights, the music, the cookies…… there was none. I actually don’t think he even noticed the 7’ sparkling, decorated tree when he first walked in our living room to the finished version.
He left for 15 days.
We had all of the kids home, their friends over, the hustle and bustle getting ready for dinners and presents…. and even with all of the activity, it was relaxing to have our house back. There was no one demanding anything. No one complaining about the food or aimlessly wandering about the house.
He returned on New Years Day.
Five months to go.