Title: And now...the twins

So about the twins. Little Eugene and George. Their Chinese names mean "right" and "left". They are quite a pair. These little cherubs are 3 years old and are the emperors of the very large house. You may be confused and have questions, allow me to clear things up.

Who are the twins?
They are the only sons of a very wealthy Chinese clothing manufacturer from Hong Kong. They are to start preschool at a high brow institution in HK beginning in December. In order to get in, they have to pass an English test. George is calm and caring, a thinker, a builder, and very cute. Eugene has a ornery streak, a habit of making himself vomit, likes to destroy things, and dance around, and is also very cute.

Why are you going there?
I ask myself that question every day. Higher powers see fit that we should go there 6 days a week for 1 hour to narrate what the twins are doing as well as what we are doing and basically just speak English to them. At times we dance around like fools and sing songs they don't understand and provide entertainment for the maids, the nanny, the cook, the interpreter, the grandmother, and the mom.

Is that what you thought you would be doing in China?
Nope. But as previously mentioned in other blog entries, we have had many opportunities to fulfill expected roles. This role is not one I ever dreamed of. But, I turn it over and know that you-know-who works if very mysterious ways and who knows what his plan is for this interaction.

Hmm, so are they spoiled?
Well, yes. But if I left it there, you might think that I don't like them. I really do. They are very smart and cute. They have warmed up to us and I do enjoy it when they laugh and smile. But what I really feel for them is sadness. They are denied nothing. If they want to stick rhinestones on the wall, they stick rhinestones on the wall. If they want to throw a fit and hit their mother, they throw a fit and hit their mother, they eat sweet after sweet after sweet, and they get away with EVERYTHING. All while the mother and grandmother watch on or leave the room. I feel sad for them because it goes against what I know is a healthy situation. I will say that I am only seeing a snapshot. One hour out of every day is not necessarily indicative of the other 23. But if my instinct is correct, shame shame shame. But man are they cute!

Now onto other matters. I think I mentioned "she-who-has-yet-to-be-named" before. She is the one who I met at the BBQ, she wanted to take me out to dinner to talk so that she could practice English and I could practice Chinese and so that I could give her and English name. Mom came along and we went out last night. She took us to a nice place and we had wonderful food and great conversation. I know your dying to hear her new name. I wrote down all of the female names in our extended family and let her choose, that way any name she picked would be special. Who is the lucky winner? Well let's just say that there is another Suzy in the world now. That's right, she picked my name, and I didn't even write that one down. Well, there is a cool twist to this story. My teacher, Lin Lao Shi, (Hi if you are there!) gave me the Chinese name of Su Xi (it is pronounced almost like my name) and the Su character means and area in China that is legendary for beautiful women. As it turns out, my new friend (Su Rong) uses the same character for her "su" as I do because she is actually from that area. When we discovered that she got really excited and said "Oh! It seems as if we are sisters! So we exchanged emails and skype addresses and hope to stay in touch. She said she wants me to explain more to her about you-know-who. She also wants to take me to Karaoke before we leave. That could be interesting.

Mom is doing great. She is such a help in the classes. It turns out that we are in just the roles we were made for. We are working nicely together and have a routine down for sharing close quarters. She battles the sweat more than I do, and she has given up on hairspray, but other than that-she is fine. I'm really glad she is here!

I am also really glad that we can Skype Brian and Dad about every other day. It is nice to hear what is going on. A few times we've been able to even catch the kids for a quick sound bite. I know my older two are in New Orleans right now. I bet it is every bit as hot and humid there as it is here. I hope they are having a fun and meaningful time! I heard there is a guy who does what we are doing only longer term in Hong Kong who is going to be speaking down in New Orleans. It would be cool if they could hear him!

So tonight's pictures are of the twins, their house, the two Su Xis and a couple shots of some other work we've been doing (just kidding)