Asides

Oh dear. March 9th was the last update? Seriously? Sorry world, I've fallen off the blogging wagon. I'm working on a few surprises, a new blog design and, yes, new posts. Now that it is practically summer here in Beijing, it is time to come out of hibernation. Stay tuned. (0)

Maybe I should consider taking down the Christmas themed photo at right? Is it true what they say that if your Christmas tree is up after a certain date you have to leave it up all year-long? (1)

Success in Beijing - Found a great apartment and will be signing contract tonight. Posts and photos as soon as settled with Internet. (8)

• I agree with many Americans that illegal immigration is a major problem, can't deny that. What I do not agree with, however, is the way immigration laws treat married couples, when one spouse is a US citizen. (Especially when the spouse originally entered the country legally.) It sometimes seems US immigration's aim is to break up families. I'm speaking from personal experience here. The NYTimes has been running a lot of immigration articles lately that I can really relate to. This one surprised me, because the lawyerly advice the couple in the article received is exactly what I'd always been told. Someday I'll write about my experience with family immigration in Spain, and how it seriously contrasts with the US. (0)

• Why do I do this to myself? Out of a fit of boredom today, I spent the afternoon browsing Spain blogs, mostly maintained by expats. I am now utterly homesick. All I want to eat is fabada and chorizo. All I want to drink is sidra and la rioja. All I want to do is hike in the Picos and hang out in small Spanish cities. When will I get the chance!? (4)

This immigration story caught my eye this morning. Oh and yes, they are serious about those ten years. Let me tell you all about it. Good news - as of last year we are ten years free and clear. (0)

For those interested in health care in China, My Health Beijing has a nice overview of China-related coverage found in The Lancet's current issue. Also, the Asia Healthcare Blog I mentioned last week has a China-specific sub-blog: China Healthcare Blog. Great reading. (0)

I spent a great deal of time yesterday blog reading - some good stuff and some horrible stuff. Words that shall henceforth be banned from my blog: Interesting and amazing. They're both meaningless and annoying. And I realize I use them too much. Oh, and I'm back on my global_gal Twitter account, too. Internet - I love you. (3)

I've talked in the past of blogging more about the healthcare situation in China. Alas, I have been unable to do so. That's why I'm enjoying the Asia Healthcare Blog. Today I read a particularly interesting post about eldercare in China and how the concept of filial piety is not universal here. Even in situations where children do care for their parents, a lack of knowledge in eldercare methods may lead to further decline and disability. With all my years of hospital nursing behind me, I must say that it makes me smile when I see an elderly Chinese man or woman out for a healthy stroll, even if hindered by the effects of an obvious stroke. (0)