New Traditions

A few years ago, I barely knew anything about Chinese New Year. Big surprise, right?

However, with the help of Jonas and other Chinese friends, I have been learning about this complicated and interesting holiday.

This Chinese New Year, I did not go out to eat at a Chinese restaurant (only because the two Chinese restaurants in my small town get way too many unwelcome visits from the Health Department)

However, I did wear bright colors all day and I even refrained from washing my hair.

I also talked to Jonas' mom and dad and said "gung hay fat choy" to the best of my "gwuy muy" ability. I am sometimes scared to speak Chinese with my white girl accent, but Jonas' parents seemed very happy, especially since it is so important to get in touch with friends and family and send them warm and hopeful wishes during Chinese New Year. (See Jonas, I am learning.)



Learning and practicing new cultural traditions is truly an exciting part of being in a cross-cultural relationship.

I am doing my best to practice the traditions of Chinese New Year, but I am left wondering... Where are my (cash, money) red envelopes???

Still in Michigan...

I know, I’ve been neglecting our blog again…

Since I left my corporate library job in mid-December, I have been traveling around Michigan, doing what my sister refers to as "couch surfing."

If I had enough money saved, I would travel around the U.S. or maybe even the world. However, traveling around MI and visiting friends and family has been rewarding all by itself.

During the holidays, I traveled up north and stayed with my family. Then, right after X-Mas, I went back downstate and stayed with my old roommate for a week in Macomb, and then I stayed in A2 for a week. Near the end of my week in A2, I met Jonas at DTW.

I was, of course, thrilled to see Jonas for a few days, because I had not seen him since Thanksgiving. While he was in MI, we drove to St. Joe and Grand Rapids. After a much too short stay in GR, I dropped Jonas off at the airport, and I drove back up north during a short window of time when the driving conditions were reasonable.

Now I am back up north with my family, using… brace yourself… Dial-Up.

Although, I will be the first to admit that I am beginning to like the slow pace of life up here. I am even getting into crafting. Phase 1 of my unemployment has been going well so far…