A Classic good time

Tonight Eammon and I dined with 32 local people who have LIDs between April and September 2006. We all met at Classic Gourmetand dined on sushi, oysters, shrimp, crab legs, soups and desserts as well as Chinese, Korean and American foods. We all chatted about our upcoming adoptions, comparing notes and stories. Check out my blogging buddies who were also there, Bonnie, Clyde & Bubba Jr, Cindy & Jimmy and Daphne & Greg. This is the 2nd gathering of this group and we are all looking forward to our next monthly get together. Hopefully at the October get together it won't be just Bonnie & Clyde with their referral but a few other families should have their referrals too!! The evening was a lot of fun and really makes the long wait to referral much more enjoyable. Can't wait to see everyone in October!

It's just so me!

Now that the four very sweaty and slightly malodorous men have left me to my comfy cool home, I decided to venture out to the mailbox. There I found not only a few more lovely pieces of fabric and wonderful wishes, but also a prezzie for me!!! My August dtc pal sent *me* (even though it says "The Shanahan's") this absolutely precious little dish with a ladybug on it. This months theme was ladybugs...Isn't it just fab! I love items that are unique and individual. Thanks my August pal!

Out with the old...

Today I spent my day watching and listening as four strange men traipsed through my home banging, cutting and doing who knows what, as they replaced all three of our 18 yr. old a/c systems with brand spanking new ones. In addition to the new systems, they added four additional returns (hence the cutting), replaced four registers with new ones that should help improve airflow and added three fancy new electronic, programmable thermostats. During their long hours in the attic and crawl spaces, they managed to knock out our satellite but luckily for them they quickly remedied that situation. I feel sort of bad for these guys but I guess it could have been worse. It is only 85F today so not as hot as it has been, but I can only imagine how hot it was up in the attic.


I am hoping that this will be our last major expense for a very long time as this wasn't the way I had planned on spending my last few pennies (need more adorable pink baby outfits) before the arrival of Baby S. But at least she will be one cool, comfortable little baby once she's finally here.

One HOT baby!!

Back in May, I found the perfect baby food for little Funshine. Now for Rod & Mary-Mia, the salsa loving parents-to-be, I've found Funshine the perfect Halloween costume.

Sometimes I hate...

Yes, it is true...sometimes I hate the USPS. They did surprise me by being extremely efficient with all my dossier documents, they deliver to my mailbox fabric squares and wishes multiple times a week, they bring me wonderful gifts from my secret pal, and they even make sure that my bills are delivered on time. So why you may ask, do I hate them now? Well, it's when I pay extra for special services, and they just don't come through.

Here's the situation. I am somewhat compulsive about tracking packages that I mail as I want to make sure that they arrive. Well I tracked one such package, and this is what USPS.com is telling me:

DELIVERY STATUS:
Label/Receipt Number: 0303 1290 0001 3790 XXXX

Status: Notice Left
We attempted to deliver your item at 12:00 pm on September 19, 2005 in LYNN, MA 01902 and a notice was left. It can be redelivered or picked up at the Post Office. If the item is unclaimed, it will be returned to the sender. Information, if available, is updated every evening. Please check again later.

You're thinking to yourself, so Lisa what's wrong with that? Well the problem is, I know for a fact that this package was delivered and received by the recipient on Friday, September 16. Now how and why would they leave a notice three days after the package was already delivered??? Why do I pay this extra money to track packages, when the information provided to me is worthless??

Whinge, whinge, whinge...

July Dragonfly Secret Pal

In a previous post I mentioned that I had been out shopping for my secret pals, which was a lot of fun. But even more fun was today when I received a wonderful package from my July dtc group secret pal. She sent a wonderful book on parenting that I haven't read yet. As soon as I opened the package, I had to start on it and I can't wait to read more. The book is extremely interesting and if you don't have the book, I can already recommend that you add it to your reading list. She also sent a red thread bookmark with ladybugs. What a perfect gift for a reader like myself. In addition she included a gift card to The Cheesecake Factory where I can get one of my all time favorite lunches, consisting of The Incredible Grilled Eggplant Sandwich. This months theme was something for Mom, and she definitely has me figured out and is spoiling me and I love it! I hope that my secret pals enjoy their gifts as much as I love mine! Thanks my dragonfly pal!

Six years ago...

Six years ago yesterday, Hurricane Floyd threatened the eastern seaboard of the U.S. Up until that date, Floyd was one of the biggest storms ever measured. With winds over 60 miles per hour in a space 600 miles in diameter, bigger than the state of Texas. Hurricane Floyd caused Disney World in Orlando Florida to have its first unscheduled closure ever.

So where were we on that Wednesday? Well in Orlando of course, trying to get ready for our wedding the following day. Eammon's brother & SIL, Tim & Jenny had arrived from England on Tuesday and my parents arrived early Wednesday before the mandatory shut down of all businesses at noon. Eammon and I ran out to the grocery and along with thousands of other tourists and residents we stocked up on all the essentials; ice cream, chips, cookies, brownies, beer & chocolate, just in case we couldn't get out of our condo for a few days. Fortunately Eammon and I were in a lovely condo so Wednesday night while the storm knocked at our windows the six of us enjoyed a fresh cooked dinner. So there it was, the night before our wedding and my parents were meeting not only some of Eammon's family but they were meeting Eammon for the first time! It was a good night though as we celebrated my Mom's birthday with a delicious chocolate cream pie and everyone saw that Eammon and I were very much in love and a good match for one another.

The day of our wedding was glorious with bright sun and a cloud free sky. We received a phone call from England a group of Eammon's friends had planned on flying over to surprise us by showing up at the wedding. Unfortunately all flights into the Orlando area had been cancelled, so they weren't able to come. Eammon and I spent a quiet day at the pool, we met with the notary who would be marrying us and we found the lake side spot where we would hold the ceremony.

On the afternoon of Thursday, September 16, 1999, Eammon and I were married.

Because of the storm we weren't able to get a cake, so after the ceremony we all shared in the cutting of a giant decorated chocolate chip cookie. Later that evening my parents took all of us out for a great dinner.

All in all, it was a really good day. Now it's six years later and we are looking forward to not only many more years together but the arrival of our daughter... How exciting our future together will be!

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

I know that the pictures aren't great, as they are pictures of pictures, but you get the idea!)

One month down, 5 to go...hopefully

Saturday marked the one month anniversary of our dossier being logged in at CCAA. I am keeping my fingers crossed that in 5 months, we will be holding a picture of our daughter. I have been a little disheartened in reading that some people who received their referrals in the past week or two, have not been able to get consulate appointments until November. What this means is that once they receive their referral, they have to wait an additional 8 weeks or more until they can travel to their child. I hope that the U.S Consulate in Guangzhou speeds up somewhat, now that the move to their new location is complete.

So, how am I passing the time? I have been trying to keep busy, busy, busy. Thursday night I had my book club meeting where we discussed both The Color of Water and Doctors from Hell. Then I came home, and since I have been having a major bout of insomnia, I read our next book selection, The Secret Life of Bees. By the time our October meeting rolls around, I'll have forgotten what I read! Friday I attended a delightful luncheon at my friend Barb's home. It was a glorious day and we were able to lunch on the lanai, sharing stories, recipes and laughs. Friday night I went to Aspen's for dinner with the ladies group from my old neighborhood. It was good to visit with them, as now that we've moved, I see most of them very infrequently.

Saturday I met with fellow adoptive Moms, Cindy, Jill & Sonia where we lunched at The Fickle Pickle and then shopped at Little Shop of Samples where Sonia found an adorable outfit for her daughter. Saturday night, to continue with my weekend of food, my subdivision held a Mexican Fiesta night at the pool, where they brought in a frozen Margarita machine and catered food. It was fun meeting and conversating with our neighbors. Sunday we were scheduled to have a BBQ, but luckily it was cancelled and I was able to go shopping for prezzies for my secret pals. I have 2 secret pals to whom I send gifts monthly, up until about the time of our referrals. For my July DTC pal I was shopping with a "something for Mom" theme in mind and for my August DTC pal, the theme was "ladybugs". I found some wonderful items, but I can't tell you what they are, as my pals may read my blog! But, I hope that they like what I found, as I would love to have all the items that I purchased.

This week I plan to continue working on the nursery. I need to go to Home Depot to get the supplies to make a cornice board, and also pick up some curtain rods. I may even pull out the sewing machine and make the curtains. At lunch on Saturday, Sonia shared her daughter's wish book with us, it is spectacular and it has inspired me to get started on Baby S's book so I plan to work on that this week too. I also need to cut some fabric and get some wishes made for the August DTC swap, in which I am participating. I have to order The Pilots Wife for my November book club meeting, and I have already read The Kite Runner, our January book. I have 2 doctor appointments scheduled for this week, and just waiting for them, since they both tend to run extremely late, will kill 2 days. I have to do some research on air conditioner units and schedule some companies to come give us estimates, as all 3 of our compressors need to be replaced before the end of the year!! Friday is our Anniversary and we have planned a quiet weekend of together time. Maybe though, over the weekend Eammon and I will attempt to assemble the crib, then again we do have 5 months.

Working on the nursery.

Now that it is official and have our LID, my attention has turned to the all important...Decorating the nursery. In my mind the room is lovely and fun but as of yet, I have nothing set-up. The crib still waits to be assembled and the items that I do have are just placed in the room. Here are the things that I have thus far for Baby S's room.


Side table, for when I eventually get a chair in the room.


Matching book holder (see the book in there from my July DTC Secret Pal!)


Just a few, "small" stuffed animals


Table & Chairs, which will probably be used in the family room.
Giraffe shelf for the nursery.



Funky little night light lamp


Last but not least, the bedding!

Our official countdown has begun

August 10 is our official LID (log in date) at CCAA so, our 6-7 month wait to referral has begun!

So, what does all this mean? For those of you who are going through this frustrating, aggravating, exciting, stressful, wonderful process, no explanation is necessary. But for those of you who are just along for the ride, let me explain what has happened to date, and what will be happening. So that you stop asking me daily if we have our daughter yet.

On Valentine's Day 2005, we were approved by our agency CCAI to adopt a child from China. We have spent the intervening *205* days proving that we were born, documenting our marriage, submitting to having our lives, values, ethics, marriage and home critiqued, scrutinized and inspected. We have been poked, prodded, investigated, fingerprinted, and inspected. Both of us needed to have our passports updated.We have met with local officials to get signature after signature on all of our documents. We have dealt with four different Secretary of State offices as well as three different Chinese Consulates in both the UK and the US. We have trusted the USPS time after time and have been pleasantly surprised with their efficiency. In addition, we survived our dealings with the USCIS, submitting form after form after form, patiently waiting for their response.

On the plus side, we have learned a few very important phrases in Chinese, obsessed over appropriate names and I have purchased just a few outfits for our little girl. We have met other wonderful families and bloggers who are also adopting children from China. Our blog detailing all of these events was listed on China Adoption News as their featured blog. And even though I failed homeEc years ago, I am learning to sew, hoping to make the 100 Good Wishes Quilt for our daughter...All of this in 205 very long and stressful days.

Now, we wait, wait and wait. It will be approximately 6 months before we get our next piece of news, which will be a big one. Hopefully in February 2006 we will receive our daughter's referral photo and a medical report. Once we accept the referral, we will hopefully travel to China 6-8 weeks later, making all the work, stress and grief worth it, when we finally hold our daughter in our arms.

Fun filled night!

Last night, Eammon and I hosted a potluck for a few local couples, ( including 2 blogger buddies) all of whom have a DTC date between April & August 2005. We met some really fantastic people, and had a fun evening filled with wonderful food, and lots great laughs. We all had so much fun, we are already planning a get-together for September, and have decided to get together on a monthly basis.



Our poor guests all got tortured with a tour of the painted room which will be baby S's nursery. But they got me back and disclosed to Eammon, my "secret" stash of baby clothes, which now has taken over our guest bedroom closet! His only complaint with the clothing, is not the amount, but the overabundance of pink, pink, pink! Is there ever too much pink in little girl clothing? I think not!! Guess though this means that I'll just have to buy additional outfits in other colors...Maybe Watford colors would appeal to him!?!?

Ahhh, but one my guests must have known, of my love for baby clothing (and pink)...Thank you K for adding such a cute outfit to the Baby S collection!

Still "patiently" waiting for our LID

Dear Lord,

So far today I am doing all right.

I have not gossiped,

I have not lost my temper,

I have not been greedy, grumpy, selfish or self-indulgent.

I have not whined, complained, cursed.

I have not even eaten chocolate.

I have charged nothing on my credit card.

But I will be getting out of bed in a minute, and I think then, I will really need your help.

Eammon sent the above prayer to me and I had to post it as it's completely accurate and very appropriate.

Guess what Mr. Postman delivered

It's our brown envelope from the U.S. Consulate General in Guangzhou! I wasn't expecting this until after we received our LID (log in date) , which I expect hope to receive later this month when referrals are announced.

So, what is all the excitement over this brown envelope? Well, it means that the U.S. Consulate in Guangzhou knows that we are approved to adopt an overseas orphan and that when we show up at their door, they are authorized to process Baby S's case. Ahhh, not so fast though. First, the brown envelope contains *more* forms to fill out! Then there is the matter of a physical. Before they can process Baby S's approval, she must undergo a medical exam, and they kindly list, in English and Chinese, all the various approved clinics and hospitals along with the associated fees. There is also an instruction sheet that lets us know that the Adoptions Unit will accept our credit card for the payment of Baby S's visa...Good at least they think there is still money to back that card!

One other thing that one of the forms says, is that on the afternoon of our scheduled appointment for our oath ceremony, that we must leave all cameras and recording equipment at the hotel, as they are not allowed because of security concerns...That sucks! Such an important moment, and we can't capture it on film, what's the deal with that? They also kindly include a map of the U.S Consular Section and the surrounding area, where they list a few places in English, but most locations are written in Chinese. The map though, was obviously designed by a man as it lists the necessary locations as well as a sports center, but not one mention of any good stores or shopping places.

So, the upshot of all of this. The contents of the brown envelope are disappointing, but I am relieved to know that the consulate knows we are on our way!

Another week closer to Baby S

Even though we don't expect to hear anything regarding our actual LID (log in date) until referrals arrive later this month, I know that CCAA received our dossier on 7/26. Thus, I expect that by now, we have been logged in and have officially started our 6-7 month waiting period until referral. Many people have said to keep busy during this time, and I have been doing just that.

Earlier in the week, I cleared everything out of the room which is to be Baby S's. My poor dining room, the table is covered with all my books. A futon, computer desk and file cabinet litter the room along with a 5-foot tall stuffed giraffe, a large stuffed elephant and lion. If anyone is in need of a cheap futon and/or computer desk, contact me! The painter got into Baby S's room and did his magic. I had the walls painted lilting laughter, which even though on my monitor, looks like light putty, it really is just a blush of peach. The trim is Oat cake which is more of a putty color. The room glows with the wall color and during the day, I keep thinking that I left a light on in there, but it is just the brightness of the room.

Mid-day Wednesday, my Mom arrived for a 3 day visit from the mecca, for people who are retired. That afternoon, I had the windows measured for new blinds, which should arrive and be installed within the next 3 weeks. My Mom looked at the fabric that I had planned for the window valence, and she convinced me, that it would be better to use it on cornice boards, and I think that is a better option too. I have to wait to make the cornice boards though, as I need to see how far the new blinds extend, so I know how deep I have to make them. Even though I have the fabric for the curtains, I still have not decided on exactly what I want, so we didn't start on those either. Oh well, maybe when she returns at Thanksgiving time, we will do some of the sewing.

Thursday, we went out to the Fickle Pickle, for lunch with my friends Teresa and Mary. Then my Mom and I went and spent lots of time and money at my favorite store, Homegoods. My Mom then bought Baby S this crib. Thanks Mom & Dad!

Friday, after my Mom left, I started clearing out some of the stuff that is littering the dining room. Finding a new place for my 200+ unread books is proving to be an issue. I am a voracious reader, finishing 2-3 books a week. I do not hold onto books once I have read them, but my problem is, I have to read books in the order that the author wrote them, but not necessarily all in one go. For example, if an author wrote 20 books, and I have all the books, except book #2, I will read book 1, but will hold onto books 3-20 until I get and read book number 2. I'm doing this with probably 25 different authors at any given time. I am always going to the used book store and collecting books, and even though I go through them quickly and sell them back, they still pile up. Once again, If anyone needs a cheap futon or computer desk, I'd love to get them out of my dining room...call!!

Saturday for breakfast at Einstein Bros., I met another CCAI mom-to-be, Sonia. We chatted for hours, and it was like we had known each other for years. After breakfast, we went over to a new scrapbook/stamping store to look at all the fun products and to get information on taking a class so that we can make our wish books fun, interesting and beautiful.

Today, I have to work on getting out some fabric and wishes to some of my swap buddies. I love all the fabric and wishes that people have been sending for Baby S's quilt. The fabrics are all lovely and the wishes, beautiful and touching. I love going to my mailbox...Thank you! I also need to continue to clear out the dining room, as I have made plans to have some local, Summer 2005, DTC (Dossier to China) families to my home for a pot-luck in less than 2 weeks! Thus, I have plenty of work to do, to keep my mind off of the long wait to Baby S.

Meet & greet weekend

Friday night was spent getting the new computer set-up, but after that, our weekend improved dramatically.

Saturday, we were invited to Daphne & Greg's home. We had a fun afternoon and evening, eating and chatting with another CCAI couple. Greg was the grillman of the evening, making some of the best burgers that Eammon & I have had in years! We've never had Bubba Burgers, but let me tell you they were awesome! Greg did a great job cooking them to perfection. The dogs and sausage were good too, but those burgers... They're what make burger fantasies a reality

Sunday, I met Cindy for the first time, and she is also a CCAI mom-to-be. We met at the Cheesecake Factory and spent a couple of hours comparing notes and whinging over the long wait before we have our daughters. Funny thing, we were walking out to our cars and we walked to the same place. She said, this is my car, and I thought, wow we ended up parking right next to one another. So I said the truck? She said no, the Jeep. No...That's my car I said. Oh yeah she said, the tag is different. Her same color, same model, same everything Jeep was a few cars further down the row! Weird Aye?

I'm an addict

Thursday afternoon, referrals are due and I am obsessively stalking some of my favorite bloggers who are due to get the call. The biggie call, the one with the first information about their child and let's not forget the pictures... Ahhh, the pictures that some will receive via email that day, or on Friday via the ever popular and excessively stalked Fedex or DHL carrier.

So what happens? My computer dies! Yes, Dead, Gone, Kaput! Everything is lost! All my email addresses, phone numbers, birthday & anniversary information, favorites list, pictures, recipes and files, gone!!!. Sh*t!! What to do now? Well, of course I was obsessing all night. Had I backed anything up? ... Of course not! Oh yeah and how do I now find out my ING savings account number. I've never written that down...it was on the computer!

So, Friday morning I debated about going to the library to use a computer, but Lucio the painter was at the house painting baby S's room. So in desperation I went to my neighbor Gene, just to get a computer fix. I asked if I could send just *one little* email from his computer. Gene is a star, best neighbor anyone could ask for. He has watched over our home when we've been away, he doesn't complain about anything I do in the yard, he jumps my poor old Volvo whenever needed, he's just an all around good guy. The one scary thing though, his wife Mary knows that he has jumped my car on multiple occasions and has let me know, that it's OK with her, for Gene to jump me whenever needed! Hmmmmm...what an offer!

Well obviously I'm not the only addict in the house. Eammon was desperate to get a new computer ASAP because, who could go through a weekend, without checking the footie (soccer) results. So Friday he did research galore to find a new computer and when he returned home from work, he had the new computer in his hot little hands!

So now at 3:15 Saturday morning, I am seeing all the beautiful babies that have brought joy to the hearts of their new parents. To my readers, please welcome: Nora Mirabella Anwei, Gwendolyn Faye Ying, Gwendolyn Claire and Rachel Elizabeth. Congratulations to all the new parents!! If you want to laugh and cry at the same time, check out Karen when she gets the referral call. Also, a round of congrats to Mary-Mia & Rod, Bonnie, Clyde & Bubba Jr and Jen & Tony, for getting your LID's!!!

Now, for a public service announcement: Don't let this happen to you! Back up your files!

If everyone who knows me would please send an email with your home and/or work email address, your home address, phone numbers, birthday and anniversary information, I promise to take better care of it and back it up. Thanks!

Math

Yesterday, I went to a fantastic children's consignment store that Daphne let me know about. The store is located in an upscale area of Atlanta, and was chock full of designer baby wear. The store was doing their summer clearance sale, and thus, items were 75% off. On top of that, they were also offering an additional 20% off, and to sweeten the deal even further, they were doing it all tax free, saving me another 7.5%! I love these wealthy families and their cast offs! I was able to purchase Lily Pulitzer, Oilily, Zoodles, Shoo Shoo, Balu, Lapin Bleu, Berlingot, Dolci Momenti, Belugo, cc Bates and Malina, in the end, paying less than $4.75 per outfit. Many of the items that I bought still had the original store tags on them!

There is something that I always find interesting when stores are offering multiple discounts, and it happened again yesterday. In the store, the sales clerk would explain to each person when they arrived about the 75% off clearance, the additional 20% and it being tax free. Well, more than one person said wow...95% off! These people have no clue! One woman that was next to me, said this, and I said, no, it is 80% off. She let me know that 75 and 20 was 95. I know this, I said, but when stores offer this type of discount, they don't add the percentages together! I don't think she quite "got it", but then when she couldn't figure out, in her head, what 80% off each item was, maybe she was still trying to figure out 95% off each item, without pulling out her cell phone calculator, I knew right then and there, she would never get it!

Check out some of Baby Shanahan's new designer duds. I think I have a bit of an animal fetish.

Whew, dossier made it safely to CCAA

I love being kept informed, and tonight I received good news in this email:

Dear Eammon & Lisa Shanahan

Congratulations! Your dossier has arrived at CCAI’s Beijing
office and has been delivered to the China Center of Adoption Affairs
(CCAA).

Sincerely,
CCAI Dossier & China Departments

YEAH!!

It's been good weekend!

Last night was a night to celebrate. Heather and Billy were DTC on July 22 and Eammon and I were DTC on July 23!!! We are all keeping our fingers crossed for a quick LID and a super speedy referral.



I did all of my quilting homework, and I am ready for my 2nd class I'll be learning how to sew all these little quilt squares into big quilt squares. I am looking forward to starting Baby S's 100 Good Wishes Quilt.

I am still collecting fabric for Baby S's 100 Good Wishes Quilt. If you would like to contribute a fabric block and a wish, please let me know

O.M.G!!!

Who cares if I am the worst wife in the world! Nothing matters, other than

WE ARE DTC!!!

Two minutes ago I received wonderful news, what a fantastic way to start the weekend!!

From CCAI:

CONGRATULATIONS, Eammon & Lisa Shanahan:

Your dossier was sent to China today!

I'm a horrible wife

This week I have been knocked out trying to recover from strep throat. I spent two days sounding like Barry White and now, even though I sound better, I still have been feeling less than peppy. I decided today to go back to the my doctor (not MUWL doctor!) as my chest, sinuses and ears now hurt too. I know that I must really have something as I allowed vampire Will, the phlebotomist, to draw blood...but only with a butterfly, with me in a private room, laying down...and yes, I passed out. The doc thinks that I have a combination sinus/chest infection but is testing my thyroid because of where the pain in my throat/chest is located. He changed my antibiotics to something supposedly better, newer and definitely more expensive!

So why am I a horrible wife? Last night Eammon came home from work and asked what's for dinner, hoping not to have leftovers again. I told him I was thinking about hotdogs. His response? "Sounds great!" (He is so good...and easy!) So I took the frozen block of dogs out of the freezer, handed it to him along with a package of buns and returned my butt to the sofa, but not before grabbing my 4th Jell-O pudding snack, fat-free tapioca of the day. Hmmm...4 tapiocas, a giant strawberry shortcake bar and a giant chocolate eclair bar all in one day! My only defense, my throat hurt and that's all I had. (Does that work?)

Well, I still don't feel like cooking but to make up for hotdogs last night, on my way home from the doc I stopped at Joli Kobe, a fabulous bakery and picked up a couple of Yakisoba buns and a sausage bun. Eammon can have those tonight, he'll enjoy them and I don't have to cook!

We've passed inspection

I received a call from Andrea at CCAI in Denver, letting me know that our dossier has passed critical review and that it is now going to be translated. Andrea said that translation will take 7-10 days. Thus, even at only 7 days in translation, there's no way that we can be DTC (dossier to China) in July. Oh well...we will still celebrate that we are definitely DTC in August!! Maybe though, this is a good thing because, CCAA has been cutting off referrals, before month's end. Now, we won't have to stress about cut-off dates as we'll be DTC at the beginning of a month! (Looking for the positive!)

I tried to do a little happy scream, but I couldn't as I have been battling strep throat, so everyone reading this will have to do a little scream of joy for us! (I'm on antibiotics so I am doing better and no longer contagious, but still unable to scream)

Look Ma, I can sew!

As many of you have read, In seventh grade, I failed HomeEc. For all the years since then, I have proudly proclaimed; I do not sew. I decided though, I wanted to try and make the top for our daughter's 100 Good Wishes Quilt. So, I took the plunge and signed up for the patchwork made simple 1 class at Little Quilts, a local quilting store. For 3 hours yesterday, I learned how to cut fabric, use a sewing machine and even how to iron. (I neither sew nor iron! What kind of mother will I be?) The instructor had patience beyond compare, because look what I was able to accomplish, I have one block of a quilt ready to be sewn together!

The fabric in this quilt is "practice" fabric, NOT the fabric that has been sent to me along with wishes for the 100 Good Wishes Quilt. Now for homework, I have to make more of these pieces so that during the next class, I can learn how to sew the blocks together.

I am still collecting fabric for our daughter's 100 Good Wishes Quilt. If you would like to contribute a fabric block and a wish, please let me know.

We're special!

How cool, we are the featured blog on China Adoption News! It's an interesting site, click on over and have a read.

No matter how many times you say it, it's still NOT a word.

Today I was speaking with the receptionist at a doctor's office. I've never been to this doctor and after my conversation, I know that I wouldn't trust this office with anything, let alone matters of my health.

Maybe it's my own prejudice but I can't stand when people use big words in a context which is totally incorrect, they don't know what the word means but they think that they sound intelligent. But what pisses me off even more is when people make up words, think they sound high brow and intelligent and insist on using them when there are *real*, more appropriate words to use.

My 20 minutes wasted, on the phone with Made Up Word Lady (MUWL):

Me: Hi, my name is Lisa Shanahan and I was referred to your office by Dr. F., to see Dr. M., and I'd like to arrange for an appointment.

MUWL:I am sorry but I don't think at the present time we are accepting referrals from Dr. F.

Me: Is there a reason why, you're not accepting referrals from Dr. F? (Wondering what's wrong with my doctor, whom I think is wonderful. I've never heard of an office not accepting referrals from a doctor.)

MUWL: Please hold, to allow me to conversate with the office manager.

(Me, annoyed, thinking...what do you mean not accepting referrals, and what the *F* is conversate?)

Hold, hold, hold... 5 minutes...

MUWL: Excuse me, but what is your insurance company?

Me: Insurance X.

MUWL: Please hold, I need to conversate again.

Me: You need to what? (oops! thinking that I said it to myself)

MUWL: Conversate, you know, when you are conversating! Please hold.

Hold, hold, hold... 12 minutes...

MUWL: When would you like to schedule your appointment?

Me: What was the deal with referrals from Dr. F?

MUWL: Oh, it wasn't that we weren't accepting referrals from Dr. F, it was your insurance company.

(By this point, I've already decided that I am going to a different doctor, but she annoyed me enough that I want to torture her.)

Me: But you didn't know which insurance I had, when you said you weren't accepting referrals.

MUWL: Welllll, (she is getting annoyed) once I conversated with the office manager, she informed me that it was your insurance company.

Me: Ahhh... so you're accepting referrals from my doctor, but not from my insurance company?

MUWL: Ma'aaaaam we are accepting referrals from your doctor AND from your insurance company.

Me: Well, since there is so much confusion, I think that I'll check with Dr. F. and see what other doctors are available under my insurance.

MUWL: Ma'aaaaam, I conversated with the office manager and we WILL accept your insurance!

Me: Honestly it is not my insurance, it's not the referral. Truth be told, no matter how many times you say it, conversate, conversated and conversating are NOT WORDS!!! {click}

I know, I was mean, nasty and rude, but she just *really* pissed me off! Also, before you ask, English is her first and native language...sad but true!

Some of the other words that piss me off are:
Flustrated: are you flustered, or frustrated? Or, have you become flustered in your frustration in trying to figure out a real word?

Youse: It's just NOT a word! It annoys me when people say "youse guys".

OK, my whinge is over...off to find a different doctor. Does the use of certain words annoy you, or is it just me? Let me know what annoys you.

I'm happy dancing around the house again!

At this point, we're celebrating each and every step, because soon we'll will be in the long, long, long waiting process for referral. The U.S. Postal Service did not fail us, as they delivered all our dossier documents to CCAI Denver at 9:38 this morning! Then at 10:02 a.m., I received the following:

Dear Eammon & Lisa,

Congratulations! Your dossier has arrived into our office! We will complete the check-in and critical review of your dossier within 5 business days. We will contact you afterwards and let you know how everything looks. If your dossier is free of problems, we will then move it into translation for one to two weeks before mailing it to the China Center of Adoption Affairs! We will be in touch soon…

Warm Regards,
K. H.

We still may make it and be DTC in July...Keep your fingers & toes
crossed for us!

I'm trusting the U.S. Postal Service?

This morning with fear and trepidation, I turned over all of our dossier documents along with our 2nd agency fee, the CCAA fee as well as all of our couple and family pictures to the U.S. Postal Service. The package should arrive at the CCAI Denver office by 10 a.m. tomorrow morning. Then it's on to critical review and translation. Still hoping to be DTC (dossier to China) before the end of July!

Did you hear the scream?

Just a few minutes ago, I decided to stalk the USPS and check on the tracking number for my return package of authenticated documents, from the Chinese Consulate in Houston. And guess what, it was shipped out yesterday!!!!! Since our mail does not arrive until dinnertime, it will be first thing tomorrow morning when I park myself at the post office so that I can overnight all of our final dossier documents to Denver. Going to do the happy dance. Yes Gene, I will do the dance, in the driveway, just for you.

oooooooooooo......... Who lives in a pineapple under the sea?

Final fish count for the Narciso visit, girls 6:boys 1. Hayley was the fishing queen and caught more fish than anyone else! Poor Rich, the only one who "knew" what he was doing, only caught one bass. He stayed out last night, until well after dark, because any minute, the fish would start biting!

Yesterday, we all went down to World of Coke. What a self promoting piece of crap joke! They charge $9/adult, $5/child so that they can brainwash you with 1,200 artifacts of memorabilia and a glitzy movie of coke from around the world. Of course before you walk out, they have one last drug, when they tempt you into a sugar high with all their samples. That way, when you pass though, the only way out, massive, buy me, buy me, buy me gift store, you are too sugar stupid not to buy any overpriced, promote my product for free, doesn't everyone love coke, junk!

Just across the road, was Underground Atlanta, where Hayley picked Johnny Rockets for lunch. Lunch was just as Rich said it would be..."it's a burger joint, ya get what ya get." Underground was tourist trap without sunlight. Karen did buy some wonderful pralines (almost as good as the ones I make), at a little candy store where they were making them in the window. Then, the Narciso's had a lovely family picture taken with 5 beautiful, colorful and very large parrots. I wish that I had a scanner, as the picture was perfect, and I hope that they scan it, so that I can get a copy. This was my first visit to any of these places, so even though I complain, and wouldn't go again, it was still a very fun afternoon. Amazing how good friends can make anything fun.

At that point, Brandon was ready to go back to the house and fish. Of course once back, he sacked out on the couch and watched Sponge Bob videos while cuddling with Eammon's Sponge Bob and Patrick pillows. Yes, Eammon has the complete set of dvd's and the pillows...just what every "grown" man needs.

Last night was gorgeous, so it was a perfect night to eat outside, overlooking Rich fishing the pond. They had never had Eammon's favorite ruby (Indian food), consisting of Chicken Tikka Masala, Potato and Onion Bhaji and Saag Aloo, so that is what I made for them. Dinner was wonderful, and there are enough leftovers, that I don't have to cook tonight!

The first night the Narciso's were here, I made Blacksmith pizzas, which are grilled pizzas. They are named in honor of my blacksmith friend, George Martell, who years ago, taught me how to make these wonderful delicacies. Check out some of his metal work, especially the teapot table and chairs that George made as my kitchen set. Karen had put in her order for my chocolate pecan pie, so that was dessert.

As if we didn't have enough food the past two day, I still wanted to make sure that they had a true southern dining experience before heading home, so off to Waffle House for breakfast. It was funny, Karen didn't understand one word that the waitress said, but northerners don't understand most southernese. I think the problem was, our waitress had almost a full set of teeth. See, for those of you who don't have breakfast chains that *pale* in comparison to the "high standard" set by Denny's or IHOP, you wouldn't understand. The way that it works, is, the fewer teeth that your waitress has, the better and more attentive the service. Our waitress appeared to have almost a full compliment...don't know why we bothered to stay! They all enjoyed their waffles, and their scattered, smothered and covered. Then back to the house so Brandon could have one last dose of Cartoon Network before their long, 17 hour drive home.

Already, I'm experiencing empty nest syndrome. Now that they have left, my house is so quiet. No sweet, calming sounds of, oooooooooooo......... Who lives in a pineapple under the sea...

London bombing update: Thank you to everyone for your concerned calls and emails. Thankfully all of our family and friends in London are safe and were not, at the time of the bombings, in any of the affected areas.

Rain or shine, it was a fun day

I am so excited to have friends visiting and even though yesterday, weather wise wasn't the best we still had a wonderful relaxing day, hanging out in the backyard fishing.

The Narciso family fishing
Karen caught a fish!
Brandon feeding the ducks & geese
Cuddling with Brandon

Check out the cute outfits that the Narciso family brought for baby Shanahan. She will be all set to show her true colors in her Red Sox outfit!

Boston Red Sox baby
Too cute! Check out the shoes!

The sad commentary of my life

Well, what can I say about our holiday weekend. While Mary-Mia & Rod were chilling in Hawaii, and Tony & Jen were relaxing at St. Pete Beach in Florida, and Donna & Eric were basking in the glow of baby Hannah ... I power washed the driveway! What does that say about my life...sad, sad, sad. Now, we're not total losers, we did have options, and invitations, but it was nice to have a quiet weekend at home. Plus, my friends Rich & Karen are coming today, to visit for a few days!! So, their impending visit was the impetus to get some projects finished around the house. But trust me, I wouldn't power wash the driveway for anyone, even if Lizzie Windsor was visiting, as it is mind numbingly boring, this project was done for me! Rich & Karen's trip from Connecticut, with their two children, Hayley & Brandon, has included visits to Hershey Park, Dollywood and Pidgeon Forge.

Today, once they arrive, was to be a down day, hanging out at the pool and relaxing after all their fun-filled days and lots of driving...But alas, Cindy has come a calling.
For the two days that Rich, Karen & Family will be visiting, Atlanta will have nothing but rain from Tropical Storm Cindy. I can tell you one thing, our daughter will not be named Cindy!

Authentication Update: Our documents that were sent to the Chinese Consulate in Houston were received, according to the USPS, on Saturday, July 2nd. So, hopefully they made it to someone's desk who really wants to get them authenticated and returned to us ASAP!