Hibbets' Happenings

Today went really well. This morning I worked while David fixed us blueberry pancakes, yum. Then we got ready and went to the Shue Yan Christmas party. It was very nice. There was a long table filled with food. I took a few pictures. As you would expect, there was lots of pork and shrimp; the fried rice had both ham and shrimp in it that I know of for sure. Then there were several dishes to choose from -- a "real Chinese buffet!" It was all very good, even the spaghetti -- I'm sure my Dad will get a kick out of that one. It was different from our spaghetti, though; not nearly as tomato-ey. There was also satay, which we've learned is chicken on skewers -- they are either Indonesian or maybe Indian or Thai, but I don't think they're Chinese. But they're good and they're popular here. There was also a dish with vegetables -- cauliflower and carrots and some other things I wasn't as sure of, but good. And some things kind of like vegetable spring rolls. And a salad of some kind; I tried it but couldn't quite figure it out. Maybe kind of like a 7-layer salad with lettuce and green peas and mayo -- that basic idea, I guess. For dessert there was a chestnut layer cake and a mango pudding (but firm like Jello) and a gelatin/Jello type thing -- they said orange, but I don't think orange; maybe papaya? It was all delicious. We tried almost everything (we tried to stay away from the obvious pork) and wanted to go back for seconds, but were too full. Oh, and Jayden had her first juice box today; they are very popular here. She figured out how it works with no problem and drank almost the whole thing by herself. It was an orange one. I chose a lemon one and David got chrysanthemum -- very interesting! I tried a sip of his and it was good. Jayden lost the straw down in mine so I didn't drink very much of it. The other choices we didn't get were apple and chocolate milk. It was 2:00 before we got back up to the apartment after the party. Then Candy came by and we visited for a few minutes, which was nice. She brought me flowers and a Christmas card from Dr. Hu. I need to take a picture of the flowers; they are beautiful. Then I had last minute class and party stuff to take care of. But it all came together. Class went fine and the party was a lot of fun. We had 14 here -- all 12 students and 2 guests. They oohed and aahed over the food and tried it all. The meatballs probably went the least; they liked the cheeseball and the devilled eggs and the cheesecake and the celery (I thought that was funny), and the punch all went -- I could have used more of that. There's plenty of hot chocolate and egg nog left, though they did drink some of it. There's still fruitcake and sandwiches and fudge and cookies, and plenty of apples and grapes and carrots. They liked the Doritos and salsa. They liked Dirty Santa and had a good time with that; David talked about the first Christmas and what Christmas is really about for a minute, and then we played mafia. I think they liked it but by the end some needed to leave, so we only played one round. Then we took some pictures with those who were still there. They had the best time playing with Jayden. She had taken a great nap this afternoon so she did really well with it all. She was very good the whole time. They took pictures of her and played with her. Oh, and they brought presents: a Mr. Potato head and a worm stuffed toy and a bear that reads stories (the cute one that's popular this Christmas). And for us some candies and a candle which changes colors! We'll have to check it out. It does feel a little more like Christmas now. Joshua is sleepy tonight and perhaps a little feverish; if so, just barely. I hope he'll rest well tonight. I hope I do too! Tomorrow is church and walking around in Kowloon. I'm looking forward to it. It's hard to believe it's as late as it is, especially with how little sleep I've gotten lately. I'll get pictures added soon, but I think I'll wait until tomorrow. More later. Aleecia