Stuck in Limbo

We are now at the end of March and still have no official plan.  Joel's last day in Harbin is tomorrow.  We have made our own plan but that one could easily fail.  The last three months have just been crappy.  Between the cold and tons of snow we have gotten this year and the stress.... I just holed myself up for the winter.  February was the worst.  Milly was off school for their winter holiday so I wasn't forced to get out.  Besides grocery shopping and a handful of coffee dates.... I was in my PJs.  STRESSED.THE.HECK.OUT   Is it time to go back to the States, do we tough it out in China some more,  are there other options?

We had hopes for one job.  Unfortunately, there is too much down time between this launch ending and the next one starting. And no one wants to foot the bill for us.  We were offered two 1 year contracts. (One the timing was bad).  We have been there and done that.  It was hard even in a fantastic location.  Why would we want to do it in a really crappy location?  Yeah it is just one year to get thru, but is it worth it putting the kids in a potentially awful school? Our oldest is going to be in 8th grade, so that is a big consideration.

I have had a really hard time coming to terms with this all.  And have completely avoided this blog.  I have nothing fun to say.  I'm kind of cranky in real life.  My anxiety has overwhelmed me.  Even when I am not even worrying or thinking about it all.... its has a constant grip on me.  ACK!

 Everyday life has become a complete PIA.  The constant stares are bothering me again.  The new crackdown on the VPN makes my fun things annoying.  My newly fix iMac is on the brink of crashing.  I took it back to the Apple Service Center and the guy basically said, I told you not to fix it.  We can't do anything for you.  So my poor iMac is sitting upstairs.  I am afraid to turn it on in case it finally crashes.  I'm just going to wait until I can take it to you real Apple Store and have them pull everything off it.  I have a backup but I am not comfortable when it is from.  It was set to auto backup but with our constant internet issues, you never know.  I have so many amazing trips to share but haven't been able.   We have two trips coming up next month and I am hoping to just shake all this crap off.

 I KNOW we are moving July 6th.  Joel will not live in another city come tomorrow.  That right there I think has kicked my butt.  It is a heck of a lot different then him going off to launch in the States.   We have always been a team and can get thru anything together.  But this just plain sucked.  Maybe if I was off in Shanghai living the high life.... but being here... its always a battle.  For every small little thing.

So here is to our next adventure.  I will try to patiently wait and enjoy my three weeks of holiday with my family.  Because then.... it will be back to crazy.

Days 6, 7, & 8

Well, I am behind as usual!  Milly is sick yet again.  Sigh. This poor girl.  But that means extra snuggles for me.

Day 6 - I am so very thankful for the opportunity to live overseas.  And all the benefits that come with it!  We would have never been able to afford to see the world like we have with four kids.  To education them with world views.  They really don't know another life.... they have friends from every walk of life.  I think it gives them a great advantage in life.  Hopefully, they continue to be so openminded as they go into adulthood.

Day 7 - comfort food.  Sometimes when you are far from home and having a crappy day (or week), comfort food (and a glass or two of wine) can give you just enough warmth to get you out of your funk.  Or at least for a few short hours, you can hide in your little bubble.

Day 8 -  What else can you really be grateful for on Election Day - but being an American!  This election year has been a hot mess.  People are angry and jaded.  They don't think our country is great.  All I can put it down to is selfishness & ignorance.  The American Dream has become nothing more than almighty $$$.  Living overseas for the past 5 years has showed me that we American's have it so good.  Hard work can equal your dreams. Unfortunately, people confuse their dreams with what is in their bank account.  We can elect those that run the country, but need to remember they are only human.  We can speak our mind, even when we shouldn't.  We can even turn our heat on when we want to!  That was one huge shocker moving to China.... I have no control over my heat!

Don't get me wrong, there are things that could be improved.  But I think everyone needs to start with themselves.  Do you think all this nastiness is going to make things better?  No, it has set us back 50 years.  No one can make you happy but yourself.  Things, a newer car, a bigger house, the next Apple product?  No.  Wanting all that stuff just adds more stress.... figuring out how to pay for it all.  And now with social media and the great expansion of the internet around the world, it seems everyone wants everything and now.  The rest of the world just doesn't work that way.  I have really grown in the last few years and I look back at our life and think... man, I was an idiot.  But thru everything, I am damn happy to be an American!!

Day 4 & 5

Yesterday was a busy one.  My lovely friend Grace had a get together for her birthday.  She is so kind and quiet and I am very happy that I was introduced to her.  I haven't been sleeping great for a while and it is finally catching up to me.  I wasn't in a very social mood when I arrived.  Even though, I was not my normal chatty self, it was nice to be around these woman.  Grace lives in the "German Village".  This is an area were everyone works for VW.  It was quite a surprise to see this very clicky group.  But I have come to realize, the long time expats are so welcoming.  But the ones that were dragged here for two years for their husbands' careers..... I just steer clear.  They rarely associate outside their peer group.  And really don't leave their compound much.

So this brings around my Day 4 of thankfulness.  I am quiet and reserved coming into each new location.  But I am very grateful that my parents gave me the foundation to deal with this.  I see these woman that stick to their little circle and to me, they are missing out on so much.  I have always had friends from all different circles. All the way back to high school.  I had one main group of friends, but also friends for all kinds of groups.  And as the years have gone on, I find myself the same way. Even here in Changchun.  I would have missed out on so many new experiences!  That is the whole point of living abroad.

This morning, we woke to snow.  I'm was slow to crawl out of bed... another crappy night of sleep.  Partially my fault.... sucked into another book!  I was kind of blah this morning.  So while Joel took three of the kiddos out to play in the snow, I opened up my Macbook to check FB and my email.  I remembered today was a very good friend's bday and send him a message.  He responded back and we chatted for a bit.  We don't get to do this often with the 12 hour time difference.  But every time we talk, he can always cheer me up.  No matter how long it has been, it's like we still can banter like we are still in high school.   I have a handful of friends that are like this.  We have know each other for 20 plus years.  Again, they are from different groups.  Some have crossed paths and some not.  Anytime I am struggling or just need a friendly "face" to talk with... they are there.  And then all is right with the world.   I am so very thankful for these friends.

Thankful - Day 3

I am thankful for  my friend that introduced me to Tradition Chinese Medicine (TCM).  I am still fairly new to it and will be avoiding a few things!  I woke up Wednesday morning in so much pain.  I just popped around the corner and one hour later, I feel a million times better.  And it was only about $4!  I really think this is where we go wrong in the US.  Your body needs care.  Not just from a medical doctor.  Massage prices are so out of reach for most American.  I used to pay over $100 (but she was well worth it in the end).  That is a lot of money to go to on a regulator basis.  I have been quite shocked by the effects of cupping.  I have only done it about 6 times, but I plan on getting back into it.  I just felt so much better.  I was less tired and my anxiety was barely noticeable.  I will definitely have to figure out how to keep this up when we leave!

Happy Halloween from Changchun!

I miss trick or treating.  I miss all things fall.  The kids school does a really lousy version of Halloween.  But they still managed to have a good time.  Milly just couldn't understand why the Chinese don't trick or treat!  

Secondary did their dress up day on the Friday before Halloween.  They waited so long to plan anything that the Halloween Party isn't until Nov. 11   But this is how all things at CAIS seem to be.  Jocy picked out her costume awhile ago when my favorite website Chasing Fireflies was having a clearance sale on costumes.  She looked beautiful.  And so grown up.  I swear she was just Cinderella like yesterday.

Primary got to dress up and have a parade on the actually day of Halloween.  They also did a little  "trick or treating" around the classrooms.  Elly had picked out her costume the same time as Jocy's.  I was surprised by her choice of "Bird of Paradise".  It took her until the end of Halloween to realize she was just a fancy parrot. Ha!  But she looked amazing.  Nate had a hard time deciding what to be.  I had picked him up a Spiderman costume to add to his dress up collection.  He had stated that it was unfair that his sisters had a big chest full and he didn't have much.  He also got a Jedi costume from Disney Paris that he said he was going to wear.  But last minute, he went with Spiderman

Milly didn't get a school party.  I'm not sure if they had done it the Friday before or what, but I let her pick what she wanted to wear on Halloween.  She is a huge fan of her new Bat girl costume.  Joel picked it up at Target while in Troy, NY.  She has been in love with it ever since.

Nate with his BFF Sebastian

Nate's class

Elly's class

This picture came up on the School's Wechat account.  It said, "I am a child, but I am also a Super Model"  Sigh... this school is filling Elly's head too!

First Snow

A week before Halloween, we got our first dusting of snow.  It was gone as soon as the sun came up.  But it still happened.  A week before last years first snow.  I have already been told that this year is going to be a crazy year for snow.  And just today, I saw an article saying El Nina is going to sweep in and freeze us more than last year!  UGH!  And they have no way to predict how much snow we will get but that it is coming.

Heading into the week, the Weather Channel app said there was a 50% chance of snow for Sunday.  But by Friday, it was no longer saying snow.  The kids were a  little bummed... but it is OCTOBER!  We have plenty of time for snow.

Saturday was a cold one.  We are finally in the single digits for highs.  Usually around 5 or 6.  But the sun is helping quite a bit.  Sunday a bit before lunch, I was in my office doing some things and looked out the window.  ooo.. flurries.  I yelled down to the kids and was rewarded with squeals.  But I figured it would be another dusting like before.  But then it didn't stop.  And the flakes got bigger and bigger.  It was so pretty.  I wanted to throw the Christmas tree up and light a fire.  Oh I miss having a fireplace.  But wait... its not even Halloween.

After all was said and done..... everything was white.

The kids' school has even built in snow days this year.  We didn't have them last year.  So I may not be seeing anything but white til April.  Glad we have a few warm weather holidays planned!!

Fun fact Friday

I see some of the crazy things here in Changchun.  I really should have my camera out at all times to document them, but alas.... I have a life.  So I am going to try by best to post them on her.

So the fun one today.....  Stopping in the middle of the road to check your phone.... totally acceptable.

But I am guessing... those are the people that are trying to be "safe" because everyone else is on their phones ALL.THE.TIME while driving.  Getting rear ended or causing a 10 car pile up must be better.  I thank Ford everyday I don't have to drive.

Summer is officially over in the CGQ!

Today is the First Day of School in Changchun.  All four of mine have started!!  My house is oddly quiet.  My Ayi is looking sad.  But I have had the most productive morning... in two months.

Now, I don't love the alarm going off at 5:45am.  And I usually don't like dealing with the mass amount of grumpiness that flows thru the house starting at 6am, but today was quite surprising.  They all bounded out of bed (minus Milly), got dressed, ate, and backpacks ready to go by 6:20am.  By 6:40am, Elly was complaining, let's move it already.  As soon as our driver arrived, we did quick pictures and then they loaded onto the bus.  It was 6:48am.  That had a good ten minutes to get to the school bus....which is a two minute drive away.

My handsome boy ready for 2nd grade!

Elly off to 4th Grade

Jocy headed to 7th Grade! GASP

 The Clan ready for CAIS

Climbed into Stella the bus way too quickly!

Next was Milly.  She woke up sometime before the sun was up.  I let her crawl in bed with me so I could go back to sleep.  It worked!  When I made my way back upstairs....

          

I grabbed her clothes and mine and decided I'll get ready before waking her.  I finally kissed her good morning and she sort of woke up.  She does the most adorable stretch when she is woken from a deep sleep.  Then... "I don't want to go to school.  I want to stay with you".  I nicely said Hell No and reminder her that she has been asking multiple times daily, when does school start.  I knew she was just tired and would soon change her tune. And thankfully, I was right.  By the time we got downstairs for breakfast, we couldn't go fast enough.  We made it out the door by 7:35am.  I was a bit worried how long it would take to get to school since it was raining.  It should really only take 10 minutes to get to her school.  But because of the Chinese have no common sense and driving is a clusterfuck, it takes no less than 30 minutes.  It is a good day if I can get home within the hour.

So oddly enough, traffic was fairly tame and drop off area wasn't too crazy.  Milly popped out of the bus and headed right on in, like she owned the place.  Sounds very familiar (cough - Elly - cough).  I wanted a first day pic at school.  But as soon as we walked in the door and everyone was yelling for Milly, she ran right off and jumped into Ms. Ruby's arms.  I got a quick kiss and out the door.  I am so happy that her teachers are staying with her this year.  She is so excited to be in the Big Kids room on the 3rd floor!  Looking forward to what this school year brings for her.

I had to make a dash back to CAIS to get uniforms.  That school is just a HOT mess.  How can you not expect students to grow out of their uniforms over the summer?  The uniform store should be open the week before!  But no... they just have an open house for new people.  Then... the bus.  UGH.  At BISI, the bus driver would come round the week before and drop off a card with your times. CAIS waited until the day before to send SMS to Joel.  Not even me.  So I had to get in touch with all 3.  Because one is too easy.  There is a morning lady.  One for Elly and Nate on the 2:30 bus and then one for Jocy on the 4:20 bus.   I got the last message for the bus.... at 7pm.  THE NIGHT BEFORE!  

I could keep going on but once I was finished with school stuff, I got mom time!  I stopped in for a mani/pedi and then met some of the other moms for lunch. It was such a fun crazy day.  

I wish I had gotten pics of when they got home... because they were flat out exhausted.  All in bed by 7pm... on their own!  Milly usually likes a hall light on but she told me to turn it off... she was DONE.

Happy Independence Day!!!

Another year, another holiday missed.  This year we actually got to do a little celebrating.  It IS Monday and all.   I did manage a mojito and a very nice glass of wine.

Our new favorite restaurant in Changchun is the Jello Factory.  Unfortunately, no jello.  But great Tex-Mex.  The owner is an American who actually lived in Texas.

I have nothing but great things to say about the food.  The Chef maybe Chinese... but she can cook Tex Mex!!

Very Yummy Bean and Cheese Burrito

And so excited for a VERY good Margarita!!

So today, they had a lovely 4th of July shindig.  It was more geared towards adults but the kids and I had a good time.  It is always nice to come across new Americans!  And a Hoosier at that!

Hope everyone had a safe and wonderful 4th holiday!!!

It's Back!!!

When we moved to Spain, we have so many issues.  Which eventually lead to our deportation.  Never in my life did I think I would get deported.  Well, I guess it was a voluntary one since we left on our own free will. Well company enforced. But that is a whole long story.

But today is a very exciting day.... because I just picked up this!!!

Due to all the paperwork hold ups... our air shipment (that first thing you are supposed to get) didn't show up until 362 days after we first arrived in Valencia.  I was so excited when I got it!  It had all our photos on it.  Yes.. I did back it up but still.  I had to buy a new laptop while we were deported.  So getting it back with everything on it was excited.  Then I turned it on.....  The screen was a mess.  It looked dirty but it was all on the inside.  The left side was dimmed.  I turned around and packed it back up to put in the air shipment again.  This time it arrived on time.  Got my office set up in the new house (all the office stuff came with the house) and the screen was worse.  I couldn't edit any of my photos.  It was so slow and bogged down.  When we got our Transit, it didn't have a way to plug in my iPod.  So I thought I was burn a CD.  My poor iMac... the disc drive didn't work.

So after months of being settled here... I finally got it off to the service center here.  They tried to talk me out of the repairs.  They claimed I could buy a new version for not much more.  Why do I want to buy an new Old model?  Mine is already set up.  Just needs a new LCD and a disc drive.  Just fix the damn thing. But it is so much money.  Just get a new.  NO.  This is only $600.  I paid much more for this puter.  I love my puter.  Gosh... I am getting old.  Just fix my beloved computer.   Plus, if I'm buying a new iMac, I am getting a new fancy one.  But that is not in my budget.  So finally, the guy gives in.  He tells me that they will run a full diagnostic and call me with any new issues and the new price.  He tells me that in the next six month, they will no longer have the parts to repair this model.  OK.. fine.  But all it needs is a new LCD and disc drive.  Why does no one here believe me.  Whatever.   A few days later... yes it is just those two things.  I have to make the crappy drive back ( 2 hours round trip) and pay.  They tell me no less than 10 days but probably 20 since the parts have to come from Shanghai.

5 business days later.... its done.  Yea!  A few day later, I make it down to pick up.  Sigh. They wiped the whole thing. Thank goodness I backed it up before taking it. They never mentioned that they were doing that.  Then, they couldn't tell me how to turn it back to English!!!  Of course, I figured it out but part of it will always be in Chinese.  Which is kind of cool.

But the best part.  It is back to the gorgeous screen.  I'm just waiting for the new Memory cards to arrive and it will be back to the puter I love.  Of course, one of these days I would love to upgrade to a new one.  But I am so happy to have all stuff back.  Have so many photos to go thru!!  So many blog post to do!  Hopefully soon!

The Expat Struggle

Maybe it's the China Struggle.... but I am struggling here.  Big time.  I have totally avoided this blog.  I didn't want to say how unhappy I am here.  But there... the truth is out.  Changchun sucks.  OK... it really doesn't.  I'm sure the locals just love it here.  But, I just..... can't.   I had a completely meltdown on Mother's Day and the following Monday.  I felt so defeated and just wanted to go home.  I made myself feel even worse by clicking on my weekly real estate email.  There it was... the perfect house.  Exactly what Joel and I were talking about.  A smaller house with 5 bedrooms, a finished basement and a few acres.  It was even the mid century modern style I have been leaning toward.  Simple, clean lines and move in ready.  Of course, there would need to be a "few" changes in the future... but I could happily move into it tomorrow.  AND it was in our goal price range.  UGH.  So I made a deal with God, if this was meant to be... give me a sign.    I didn't quite give a time table, which was probably my mistake. LOL  But so far... nothing.

Eventually, Joel talked me down.  That is why we have made this work for almost 5 years.  Yes... it has been 5 years since we left small town life in Liberty, MO.   The next day it hit me that if we moved back to the States, my long list of travel destinations won't happen.  At least anytime soon.  That I think got me over my funk.  Plus the beautiful spring weather and so much green and flowers.  I resolved that we would be making another move Summer 2017.  But still within China.  And reminded myself that at least Joel would be home every night.

But here I am again, questioning wanting to stay.  China is HARD.  Ok, let me correct that.  Out in BFE China is HARD!  I see my friends in Shanghai having the times of their lives.  Doing amazing things and so many friends.   You just don't get that in Changchun.  I'm up to a handful of friends now.  But unless you are German or speak Chinese....  I really didn't think it would be this hard.  But everything is.  I mean EVERYTHING.  I can hardly stand to be in the car anymore.  I miss the Turkish driving!  I'm getting tired of the constant stares.  I ignore it best I can, but when you are having an off day.... man it sucks.  YES, I have 4 kids!  My country doesn't limit me!

I could go on and on about this.  But for now.... I am going to keep plowing forward and planning our travels.  

First Thanksgiving in Changchun

The first big holiday in a new location is always the hardest.  You miss your family, you haven't made your "expat" family yet and you are still settling in.  Is it going to be possible to have a little bit of home in China?  Things are a bit harder out here in Changchun.  If we were in Shanghai, we would have already met a ton of expats, had work friends and Joel could have been home on Thanksgiving.  Plus you have all the restaurants that cater to the expat crowd.  We did have two dinners in Changchun we could go to but with Joel working in Harbin during the week, our Thanksgiving would have to be on Saturday again.  Just like we did in Istanbul.

I was really considering skipping Thanksgiving all together.  Last year we had such a lovely day with my family in Louisville.  This year, I would be doing all the cooking for just the 6 of us.  I don't know how to cook Thanksgiving for just 6 people.  We end up with so much food leftover.  Plus there was the issue with finding a turkey.  I hadn't seen a single turkey or part of a turkey or anything turkey related.  For the most part, I found pretty much everything else I needed.  I just really didn't want to do it all.

The weekend before Thanksgiving was the CAIS Christmas Bazaar.  I wasn't really looking forward to it but the kids were singing, so off we went.  It was as crazy as I expected but with some Glühwein, it was slightly enjoyable.  While we were there, Joel waved me over to one of the food booths.  Turns out you could buy a turkey from them!  So, it was decided, we would be having Thanksgiving after all.

For the most part, the cooking went better than planned.  Until Joel went to pick up the Turkey.  There were three hours behind.  Sigh.  So I turned off the oven and popped open a bottle of wine.  In the end, we had a lovely day as a family.  

My pretty from scratch biscuits!

My awesome apron from Rachelle

So happy to have all my stuff back!

Pretty turkey!  Tasted great too

Our family Thanksgiving

Yum!

Nate was so happy.  He ate two!

It's all Chinese to me

Last night, the kids and I had our first Chinese lesson.  Well, I guess it was really just me.  The three oldest kiddos have been having classes at school for the pass two month.  So I am a tad behind.

Yesterday, was another bad pollution day.  I think it ended up hitting 300/500.  For the most part, just the smell bothers me, but yesterday was the worst effect on me.  The night before, when I took the dogs out, was the first time my eyes BURNED.  The smell leaked into the house a bit and it really bothered my nose and throat.  I'm also very sensitive to smell.  But I escaped to my bedroom, which so far has stayed stinky free!  Today was supposed to be cold and rainy, so I knew I had to get my shopping done yesterday.  I woke up feeling a little rough.  But I blamed staying up too late reading.  But as the pollution number went up, so did the headache.  Shopping with a three year old, battling Metro, the constant shelf stocking, and all the attention we attract, makes for a crazy shopping trip anyways.  Forget about it with a headache.  By the end of my trip, I just wanted to be back in bed.  And I have no idea how many things I failed to get.  It was just a big fat fail of a shopping trip.  Which means, I'm going to have to go again. Sigh.  Today is just too cold.  I could go but I just don't want to.  Plus, I still have a bit of lingering headache.  UGH.

Now that I am so OFF topic, after my awesome day, I had to take a nap.  I couldn't function anymore.  I convinced Milly to go down about 1:30.  At 4:30 my phone rang.  Crap.  Are the kids home, what is going on?  Thankfully, the Ayi was here.  I answered the phone and just couldn't get my brain to function at all.  It was our Chinese teacher trying to find our house.  Ugh... I can only give directions from landmarks.  I have no idea the name of the streets.  And our compound is split into two sections.  The apartment side and the townhouse side.  And each one has two gates.   I think I just confused her more, but she did finally make it here.

I was really not in the mood for this.  Jocy was giving my attitude that she didn't need more classes, she got enough at school.  Plus she had homework.  I told her just take this one class and then we would decide.  It's paid for.  So after a lot of craziness, we started.  And you know what, Jocy, Elly and Nate just started rattling off in Chinese.  WHAT?  I am so far behind them.  And my brain could not communicate with my mouth.  It was a rough start, but by the end, it was a good class.  Even Milly participated.  But I figure she will be fluent by the end of the school year.  I really like our teacher.  I have a feeling in the end, it will just need to be me in the classes.  Hopefully, I will learn something!

The Expat Struggle

Every time a holiday comes around, I have this internal struggle.  This Halloween was no different.  And I think it gets worse the older my kids get.  Seeing everyones wonderful Halloween pictures on Facebook makes me feel sad that my kids are missing out on that.  We used to spend every Halloween with Joel's cousin's family.  Plus, there were all the parties.  We had so many friends in Kansas City.  But here we are, again, the newbies.  Trying to figure out life and find new friends.  I don't even know if there is any Halloween celebrations in Changchun?  Mommy guilt in full effect here!

The kids had a great time at their school Halloween shindig.  But come Halloween night, they were all whining about the lack of trick or treating.  Nate actually said, "Tell the US President to tell China to have Halloween."

As I was sitting with my eldest watching everything we could find Halloweenish, I asked her how she felt about missing Halloween?  Really all holidays?  Would she rather we had gone back to the US?  She said that yes, she kind of misses all the events associated with American holidays (bad parents), but that school helped fill in those gaps.  Then she said, that while she wishes she was back doing all these fun things we see my friends and their kids doing thru Facebook,  none of them are spending Christmas in Japan, CNY in Thailand and spring break exploring China.  That right there, made my day.  I still have a bit of mommy guilt but I know when they look back at their childhood, they will be grateful for all the amazing adventures!

Happy Halloween!!!

Not bad for our first Halloween in China!

Settling in Changchun!

We have officially been in the house for a week now.  There are still a few odds and ends to get but for the most part we are functional.  We have a driver but using a rental car until our Transit is ready.  And I hired an Ayi.  What is basically a Mother's Helper.  But she does it all.  Cleans, laundry, childcare, and cooking.  Will even feed the dogs!

Speaking of the dogs,  they should be starting their journey today!  It's way to quiet around the house without them.  Looking forward to long walks and discovering our area.  There is a great walkway by a little river near by.  Plus we still have to check out Moonlake.

So far things are going really well for us.  It is a beautiful area and the people are so nice.  We have been enduring crazy amount of attention.  The kids aren't too happy about it but what can I say.  The Chinese just love their blonde hair.  And who knows how many Americans these folks have seen?

We are loving the house.  There are so many projects I want to do!  Can't wait til our stuff is here!  I will post some pics in another post.  I will admit, it is a bit too big for me.  It works for bedrooms and storage but some of the rooms are MASSIVE.  I don't need a Master bedroom bigger than most apartments.

Anyways, I think I am going enjoy our time in Changchun.