Dotsie, other than child rearing, I can think of no part of my life that took harder work, or gives me more rewards, than my realtionship with my husband. And considering the children were being raised at the same time as that relationship grew and matured, I'm sometimes amazed we managed it at all! If my husband asked me for a simple explanation of why it's worked for us, I'd answer him with this line from a Rob Thomas song:

Cuz there's a little bit of something me
In everything in you

Dotsie,

I'm having a great time at my site. The not so nice supervisor is still my boss, but her boss, the executive director, is leaving.

So, I think she's in for a shock. It's been a free-ride for her, for reasons non of us can figure out. But, what's that saying about the wheels of the gods move slowly but . . . ???

Also, my number one husband never took his vows seriously. Apparently, his mind was on one of his girlfriends while we were standing in front of the minister.

If you marry one like that, it is impossible to work or talk things. Out. Mine would say he was going out for milk, and not come home for three or four days. No kidding.

I'm just saying this because others on this site may have been or are married to a Husband-Missing-In-Action.

My current husband is still a work in progress. There have been enough good times to counteract the rough times. For this I am thankful.

Mrs. - how are you doing today? Keep posting. Keep venting. Let it out. Just know that you will find yourself in a better place. (((((((((((((Mrs.)))))))))

My heart goes out to you.

Emily

We're moving to China. Got the news today.

Bah.

Is it your hubby's job that's causing the relocation?
What is the city/area?

Do you have an opportunity to visit other family/long-term friends at this time? I guess spending a month or so somewhere else?

Gosh Mrs. Madness, I think you are leading a fascinating life. But of course looking in from the outside means I have no clue as to how fascinating it really is.

Yes, can you tell us where in China you’ll be moving to? If you are anywhere near where the Olympics are being held, then maybe we could meet?

I know you didn’t like Russia. Do you think the same awaits you in China? From what I’ve heard it is a country of extremes. There are the new rich, who don’t know what to do with all their money, and then the poor peasant farmers, who don’t have a clue as to the economic explosion going on there.

What are you doing to prepare for this move, or are you taking it cold turkey?

mrs madness, you must tell us more. Are you excited, disgruntled, anxious about the move? Please tell us more. Oh, and make sure the first thing you do when you get there is sign up for the internet.

Mrs. Madness,

This move sounds exciting to me, too! But then, I'm not moving there. And I'm not you.

Since so many Americans do business in Bejing, you'll probably be able to connect with other Americans. Hopefully.

By the time you finish organizing all of these third world moves, you'll be a professional where-the-h--l-are-you-taking-me veteran! You could write a book or open a third world relocation business!

Emily (who has never lived outside DC or Maryland)

Mrs. madness, I haven't been to China yet..nor any ASian country yet. But I've been wanting to go off and on which is why I've been following lazily the economic development, politics,etc. of what's happening ..for the past 15 yrs.

It must difficult to live in a country that is not of your choosing at all, not even at the innocent, "honeymoon" stage of exotic destinations.

I Hope that you will immerse yourself with a group of Chinese English-speaking women...Beijing is an intellectual nerve centre for China for hundreds of years and so you will not be isolated.

But it does require the lst step. Since I am Chinese, but I don't speak /understand Mandarin at all, this would be my first attempt to immerse myself in that society there.

OR take a course/volunteer. Since China is experiencing some social problems because of very rapid economic development, modernization, dislocation of families/members between rural and big cities, Beijing would have some advocacy / non-profit organizations started up...and these organizations would be courageous in their work at this point in history. There's alot of work in: environmental protection, occupational safety, women's issues (women's shelters, etc.), counselling (pyschiatry is a relatively new discipline in China), fitness and arts.

Otherwise the city, any city will appear impenetrable and always foreign to you.

I would like to hear about your food shopping expeditions. I would like to know what you learn... there.

I believe I see a boomer meeting taking place during the Olympics.

Hannelore is going to go watch her DIL play volleyball! I hope you two gals can meet.