Hoarders: China Edition

Yesterday the kids and I went grocery shopping.  Our first stop was Metro which I really, really don't like and if it wasn't for their frozen blueberries I would go at all.  I'm not allowed to take the boys in because they have a rule that no children under 1.2m are permitted in the store.  I used to be able to sign something to say I wouldn't hold them responsible if anything happened to the kids but they won't do that anymore.  So, I have to leave the boys in the car with our driver which they are perfectly happy with but I don't feel overly comfortable doing.  Li seems smart enough to keep them cool and not lock the doors and go inside to pee (Ma did that once), but I haven't even known him a week and really it's not his job to babysit my children.  I asked though and he said he didn't mind so I ran in for what I thought would be a quick, five-minute trip.  Yeah, right.

I grabbed some envelopes, soy sauce, and diapers (for a friend) then to the freezer section for my blueberries.  Tim had been here on Sunday to get some and all the freezers had been emptied and were torn apart, wires everywhere.  I was hoping that by Wednesday everything would be back, but no such luck.  There were no wires but the freezers were still empty.  I took my three items and went to the checkouts to find huge lineups at the three registers that were open.  I saw another cashier standing at her station so I went up to ask her if she was opening.  She ignored me so I went to another line that had three people with carts.  Not even twenty seconds later she opened her register and started waiting on people.  I was PO'd.  I continued to wait in line until the people at the checkout started discussing something with the cashier, then all of them walked away.  I couldn't wait anymore.  I set my stuff down and left.

Next we went to YooHoo where, aside from the occasional bad behavior from the kids, I always have a pleasant shopping experience.  First we grabbed some lunch, rice for me and subs for the boys, then got a cart and went to get the few items we needed.  When we got to milk section I almost started jumping for joy.  For the first time in months they had chocolate soy milk, one of the few treats I allow myself to have.  So what did I do?  I bought every container they had.  Nicholas and I just started piling them into the cart.  I think I ended up with nine or ten cartons.  I normally try not to hoard things but here in Shenyang I have to from time to time.  When they run out it's hard to say how long it might be before they get more in again.  We also bought a small, $22 bottle of Canadian maple syrup, some juice and a few other things and we were on our way.  We came home and chilled out for the afternoon.

Today we had made plans with several other expats to visit the science museum.  Although we have been there twice before the others haven't so it was a new experience for them.  The last time we went there were twelve buses full of school children there so we only lasted fifteen minutes.  Today was much better and we ended up with a group of six adults and eleven children - ages six and under.  The kids had a fantastic time checking out the exhibits and playing around together.  I only had my iPhone so the pictures aren't great.

Afterward we went to Pizza Hut which was quite an experience for the staff.  They weren't sure what to do with us all but we tried to make it as easy as we could.  We ordered four pizzas, four pitchers of pop, six side orders of waffle fries (funny looking french fries) and two other dishes.  They managed to get the four pizzas right, but the drinks were way off.  Nick ended up with half a 7Up and a full glass of Pepsi, which I don't normally allow him to have.  I was a little worried about the monster I might have on my hands after that much caffeine and high-fructose corn syrup, but he did okay.  The meal was a little chaotic but everyone got something to eat and we all left happy.

Now we are home again and relaxing for a bit until it is time to get supper ready.  I think I will try to get out for a walk tonight, I need it.  Not sure what is up for the next few days.  It's hard to believe another weekend is here again already.  I guess that's it for now.  Have a great day!