Stork Watch

Rumor has it the stork is on the move...finally! I am so hoping that the families from my agency with a 10/14/05 LID are included. Doncha love this time of the month?! I'm trying to not live from referral day to referral day, but sometimes it's hard ya know? Keep flappin' those wings, stork! =)

Update: Almost 5pm ET and it's not looking good for those with 10/14 LID. You all will definitely be next! Congratulations to those families who are included in this batch of referrals! I've been visiting blogs...what cute babies...and a wide variety of ages. One family was referred a son! (Yes, they requested a girl or a boy.)
Still hoping the CC** decides to update their site tonight and notify those of us with a Feb 06 LID that we're out of review. That would be a nice birthday gift.

The Lovers, The Dreamers...

Looking for that Rainbow Connection via the CC**. =)
Plus this waiting for the stork and/or review room update (anytime, ya know?!) has me needing some laughs. Thanks for the clip, Tammie.
**If you want to listen to the clip, turn off Mat Kearney at the bottom.**

Picture Extravaganza

First, meet Knut the polar bear cub, born on December 5, 2006. living at the Berlin zoo. EDITORIAL USE ONLY REUTERS/Handout (GERMANY)
Cute, isn't he? He's either waving hi or doing a Pilates move. Doncha love the name Knut?!
Second, here is my "out of the past" picture in the footsteps of Connie, Melissa and others.
What, isn't it normal to wear a pie for a hat? Thankfully my mom wrote the caption on the back. "Shannon on her way to feed Smirnoff." Smirnoff was the family dog, BTW.

I usually inherit a lot of my parents furniture at some point and time, but not this set! Darn. =) *Update: Ok, so I do have this side table and the matching coffee table in my living room. But the coffee table is a great height to sit on the floor and color/play with playdough on! And both were free!*

And I had to include this one of my brother Shane so his wife could appreciate it! Their son is this age right now.



Thanks to everyone for posting and emailing their prom-ish pictures and kindergarten pictures. You all make this endless wait so much better. =)

This Gwen song is ridiculous but just so darn catchy...Whoo-hoo-Yee-hoo. Yup, the guy in the background part is Ak*n of Sm*ck Th*t fame. The preschoolers love that song, huh Mary? Eye roll...

Book Tag

Kim tagged me to pick up the closest book, go to page 123 and quote line 6-8.
Since the nearest book "Creating a Treasure for the Adopted Child" didn't have 123 pages, I had to go to the coffee table. No, I didn't use the China photo collection coffee table book or the Complete Works of Shakespeare my SIL Dannette placed so beautifully on the table to impress my SW at my homestudy!
Luckily I have "The Ch'i-Lin Purse: A Collection of Ancient Chinese Stories" Retold by Linda Fang out right now. This is one of the many fabulous reads and gifts that my Aunt Karen sent me (you know the aunt you all wanted to adopt you?!)
Page 123 is the glossary (Guess since grad school I don't read very long books, hehehe!)
Peking Opera: one of the major schools of Chinese opera dating back almost two hundred years. Peking opera is known for its singing, gestures, monologues and wu-kung (martial arts), and draws heavily on mime. It inherited many traditional stories from storytelling texts and from scripts by the great playwright Kuan Han-ch'ing, who flourished during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368).

My adoption agency flies to Hong Kong so it doesn't look like I'll get to visit Bejing and walk the GW. I hope I'll at least get to go to the Opera!
C'mon Stork!

Prom Picture Challenge

Way back in this blogging career a bunch of us shared our Kindergarten pictures. My attempt at the current book meme bombed. Lifebooks-Creating a Treasure for the Adopted Child only has 96 pages, not the required 123. So I'm gonna see if we can start a prom picture trend. Are you all game? Let's see those stylin' gowns!=)


Chuck, Kitty, Kevin F., Tracy, Kevin S. and me. I'm thinkin' the group of us were all pretty much girlfriend/boyfriend-less at that time of the year. Anyway, we all went as friends and had a great time. I'm still friends with Kevin F. He, his wife (Hi Sharlene!) and their three kids (!) live in the area. Get those dresses/gloves/hairdo's!
You won't find the Senior class of 07 caught dead lookin' like this!!
Kevin S. made sure to find a "seafoam" green tie/cumberbund. I don't think any of our group did the formal pictures at the prom. I think it was our small way of being 'alternative'.
Ok, your turn. I'll be makin' the blog rounds and hope to see some gorgeous, outdated glad rags!
Damn but I'm desperate for blog material...c'mon stork!!

Bowling For Soup - High School Never Ends

If you want to see and hear this great video (created by a BFS fan) be sure and click the 'pause' button on Mat Kearney (at the bottom of the blog).

Sun Enters Aquarius Today

Year 2007 Overview for myself and my fellow Aquarian readers.

This year, idealistic Aquarius shines brightly. (Yeah, baby!) You truly are a visionary with a high sense of purpose and an advanced way of thinking. (Don't I know it!) It will be very easy for you to express your individuality and altruistic ideals. New opportunities will arise to express your true feelings and perceptions in ways that increase your confidence. (By way of blog, perhaps?)

You will find that you have unique ways of earning money this year. (Just signed on to teach summer school!) You will be able to bring your visionary ideals to a personal level and attract tangible rewards that benefit your value system. (Obviously not at school...testing my value system everyday...) Take on a more imaginative way of expressing yourself. (A new wardrobe would be good.) You may choose to experiment with different lifestyles this year. (What????? Um, I don't think so...not that there's anything wrong with it! Different lifestyle, different lifestyle...healthy? Pffffttt! Poor maybe!) You have a tremendous drive for independence and don't like to work for other people (Who does?) as much as having your own business, so you may be motivated to think about how to manifest a new business. (Professional RQ site stalker maybe?!) Your career may take on more of a passionate way of using your intuitive abilities to get to the inner meaning of things.(What does bus duty truly mean in the grand scheme?) Your efforts will allow new resources to evolve in your life and lead to the greater good. (Um. Yeah. Ok.)

You will also likely be concerned with changing your physical environment. (I always want to move. That's not happening...Let's see...ok, I'm taking down the wallpaper in the guest bath!!!!!!! Yeah, ok, this horoscope is really on target!) In love relationships this year, you will be very energetic and may very well attract a flamboyant and energetic significant other. (A flamboyant other? Sorry, but the guy can't use more hair products than I do! I'm energetic?? HAHAHAHA! Wait...go back to flamboyant other. No! Help! OMG, this thing is totally off!!)

Your magnetic personality will bring you a good match (The Refrigerator Perry?!) who will be equally giving and excited to have a whirlwind of passion, love and joy in life. (OOoh, oooh, go back to A GOOD MATCH!!! Scrap (haha) The Fridge...can this mean Ellie???)

Provided by Astrology.com (The "who's who" in this kinda stuff, I'm sure!)
Here's wishing you all the best as Aquarius makes it's influence on your sign. Or whatever. =)

Friday

The first hint of referral cut-off rumors are in and they are crappy.

Enuff said.

PS to Mary. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Tag-along Tag

A -Available or Taken: Available, but not really.
B - Best Friend: Other than my mom, Angelique from the early days back at UC Irvine! Hmmm, both are Anteater alumni. Zot!
C - Cake or Pie: Cake, cake, cake. No whipped cream icing either. Give me the sugary crisco kind!
D - Drink of Choice: water with lemon or diet sprite/7-up with cranberry juice
E - Essential Item You Use Everyday: Puffs Plus. A nose in need…
F - Favorite Color: Green. Even if I wanted to change it, Kaitlin wouldn’t let me!
G - Gummy Bears or Worms: Eww. See’s chocolate, please.
H - Hometown: San Diego
I - Indulgence: My mom’s famous chocolate chip cookies.
J - January or February: February (My birthday month)
K - Kids and Names: My ‘girls” Bernadette and Grace Lynn Marie and of course, Elena Jacquelyn some day… soon!
L - Life Incomplete Without: Family.
M - Marriage Date: Let me check the Magic 8 ball and get back to you.
N - Number of Siblings: 1 brother, isn’t that enough?! (J/K, Shane!)
O - Oranges or Apples: Red delicious. And Granny Smith covered with Caramel!
P - Phobias or Fears: Hitting the back of my neck on the faucet after washing my face. I know, ridiculous. I must have been beheaded in another life.
Q - Favorite Quote: “You travel to China about 6-8 months after your paperwork is logged in.” Ok, so I’m in a snarky mood tonight!
R - Reason to Smile: My PS and Kindergarten students. They crack me up.
S - Season: Fall. Especially when things start to cool down. Humidity wilts, you know.
T - Tag 3 People: I think I’m the last to break down and fill this out. Please feel free to tag yourself and let us know!
U - Unknown Fact About Me: I’m not a natural blonde. Bwahahahahaha! Ok, so that’s known.
V - Veggie You Don't Like: Just one? All the ones I’ve never tried. And what’s that fancy bitter lettuce that looks spidery...mesclun?? Scratchy going down and is for rabbits only. I'm a boring romaine kinda person.
W - Worst Habit: Oh, so many to choose from…
X - X-rays: TB Lung Check to ok being an exchange student in England, The usual dental/ortho stuff. Oh, and possible escaped rays when I interned at the local Hospital and did Modified Barium Swallows. Yup, speech-language therapists work on swallowing disorders, too.
Y - Your Favorite Food: Broccoli and ice cream. NOT together.
Z - Zodiac: Aquarius. So amazing they wrote a song about it.

Eleven Months

...since my dossier was logged in at the CCAA. Are we halfway yet?



** Don't forget to check out the beauteous clothing that was made to benefit MS Research. We don't know the size of our babies, but maybe a gift for a family member or friend?!!***

Just Another January Weekend

K in She-She's car on the way to the Aquarium! Future's so bright!
K and Bernie discussing the finer points of Squirrel Patrol.
On duty.

Bernie taking a break from Squirrel Patrol. The window is open. Mid seventies this weekend, snow flurries Wednesday!

Gracie & K watching Big Bird Goes to China. Notice K commandeered Bernie's dog bed!

72 Days...

in the Review Room. For a supposedly small month, February now holds the record for being in the Review Room the longest before being officially notified they are out. Oh goodie! =) Giggy supposes they will just skip February and announce through March. Either way, let's hope notification comes soon.
Picture of the Review Room in the new building. Can you see my file?!

Pink & Precious!

Aren't these booties the sweetest? And such an amazing dress!
These were made by my Aunt Karen's friend Marianne. She crochets these beautiful baby items to raise money for MS research. Last year my aunt generously supported this cause and graced Elena with this gorgeous dress! The pink trim dress, booties and sweaters are are the latest fundraiser items. Let me know if you need to contact Marianne. =)


Boy and girl sweaters! Maybe I should have requested twins...JUST KIDDING, MOM!

Panda Love Pt. 2

Giant Panda cub Mei Lan who was born on September 6, 2006 makes her formal debut at Zoo Atlanta in Atlanta, Georgia, January 12, 2007. REUTERS/Tami Chappell (UNITED STATES)
Mei Lan "just yesterday"...

Local Article & Questions

The local paper now has a story on China's new "rules." I've met one of the families in the article and the two girls are darling!
With all the uninformed articles/programs out, how does one override the impulse to try and educate someone about IA and instead know that you don't have to explain why you chose what was best for your family? How do I get to that place?

Greasy Memories

Ok, I spent today figuring out the scanner software problem. Resolution #37 completed! I don't feel like blogging about the disgustingly inaccurate and stereotype promoting "news" show on International Adoption presented by Paula Zahn last night.
Instead I'm going to have fun reveling in the glory days of High School while also recognizing a show on tomorrow night. A show I'm sure will be a huge success...(snicker)..."You're the One that I (We?) Want." I was into drama in HS and after moving my senior year, was pleased to find out that I could audition for Grease. Luckily that year a better singer didn't beat me out! So here are a few scary photos to prove I was in this very low key production! The play version doesn't include "You're the One that I Want," that was written for the movie. So we had to screech through a song called "All Choked Up" instead. A let down for actors and audience for sure!!

I obviously didn't get enough Grease that year. After college I worked front of house for Grease at the Dominion Theatre in London. Debbie Gibson and Craig McLachlan (Australian dude, right Lee-Anne?)starred. Ahhh, you've just gotta love Grease!
Ok, I'm sharing my *very cool* scrapbooked photos with y'all. Be kind! =)


Summer niiigghts!
Rizzo tellin' Sandy off. Rizzo had a great voice, but not the requisite short black hair!
All Choked Up. Sounded that way! My Danny was a junior! Ewwww! Oh and yes, that's me trying a bit too hard to look sexy! Final night thank yous. Notice I kept the leather jacket around my bum the whole time!! And look at the hair! Can you say perm outta control?!

Somewhere Out There

I went on a date last Saturday (yeah, don't hold your breath!) and as I was on a double date (THANKFULLY!) my friend brought up that I was adopting from China. The guy asked Don't you want to have your own children? I was infuriated by this comment previously by someone who had some right to know the answer, but who(m?) I thought was much better with "presenting" questions like this. My mom had suggested that most people (hopefully!) just hadn't thought about the semantic implications of this type of question. So after a moment I gulped down my fury and all the thoughts that were bombarding me (whaddaya mean my OWN? what if I couldn't physically have a child? check please,I am soooo outta here...) and tried to answer. I tend to get overwhelmed emotionally and my language skills become totally non-existent. I think all that came out was something kind of non-sensical like, "Because she's already out there."
Anyway, I think I'm over dating for good. And when I saw this video "All I really Want" by Stephen Curtis Chapman over at the Gallants site today, I found myself bawling. This is not really my music "genre" but it's been that kind of week! I guess whether Ellie is still "fairy dust" or already waiting for me at a SWI she is "out there" and we both really want and need each other.

Oh, and that comment isn't the overall reason I'm not seeing this man again. You know, no "sparks" and the fact he wore the same Navy issue glasses my dad wears! =0

ALL I REALLY WANT (by Steven Curtis Chapman) Music Video Code provided by Video Code Zone

CCAA Website Update...finally

Congratulations to families who have been "matched" with their child! The CCAA has updated the website to include LID's through September 27, 2005. Many agencies rec'd referrals today. The families from my agency with a 15 Sept LID have not rec'd the call yet, hoping for tomorrow.
No change in the review room dates. February has been in there long enough, dontcha think?!?! Hopefully any day now my dossier group's review will be completed.