The man behind the name

Since Saint Patrick's Day is fast approaching I thought it would be nice to talk a little about the man, Saint Patrick himself. I've noticed over the past few years this holiday has become increasingly more popular and it got my little brain started (when my brain kicks in there's no stopping it). Once I craned my neck to see past all the hoopla of green hats, pots of gold, shamrocks and green beer (thank God that one only surfaces once a year!) I realised that I didn't know much about the man himself. Well, that's not entirely true, I know all about how he suspposedly chased all the snakes from Ireland, but beyond that I knew nada. Horrible isn't it. ('m not Catholic and not very religious - I know there are tonnes of people out there who could tell me all about him, but come on, cut me a little slack and humor me) Added to this, I've come, embarrassingly enough, to associate Saint Patrick with those little jolly Leprechauns (damn that commercialised retail society we live in!). So, with an itch that needed scratching I set out on yet another research mission to find out who the heck the man behind the name really was.

Who was Saint Patrick? Well, sit down and let me tell you...

He is the patron Saint of Ireland and one of Christianity's most widley known figures yet he and his life remains somewhat of a mystery. His is a life that has been abound with numerous stories, one of which being the famous casting out of all the snakes in Ireland (which has been proven false by the way). But, who was he?

He was born in Britain to a wealthy family during the 4th Century. Surprisingly enough, his family was not a very religious one. When he turned 16 years old he was captured on his family estate by Irish raiders. These Irish bandits brought Patrick to Ireland where they kept him prisioner for 6 years and it was during this captivity that he looked to religion for comfort. While in captivity he also had a dream. In this dream he believed God spoke to him telling him to escape. He listened and escaped fleeing to Britain. Once there, he experienced another dream, this time it was an angel that appeared. The angel wanted him to return to Ireland and preach. He followed the angel's advice and returned to Ireland with the intension of becoming a Missionary. During his time spent in Ireland he noticed that much of the religion practiced in Ireland was pagan based (even the Christians) and he decided to incorporate these traditional Irish rituals into his Christian preachings. The best example of this is the "Celtic Cross". Patrick had the Sun (an extremely imprortant Celtic symbol) fused on to the Christian Cross and it is still widely recognised today. He also decided to intermix Irish lore and culture in his Christian teachings as well and this may be why there are so many stories surrounding the life of St. Patrick now. Lastly, it is believed that he died on March 17.

That is what I've found. Does it answer my question of who was Saint Patrick? Well, it's a start. Perhaps I'll plan a trip to Ireland and see what else I can dig up. Interestingly enough, I was in Britain a couple of years ago and not once did I hear or see anything that was linked to Saint Patrick but for now, my brain is statisfied with this little peek into his life so I shall leave it alone.

On Saint Patrick's Day, when you have your green beer in hand and you raise your glass to give a "Slainte" (a toast) perhaps you'll remember my little post and choose to say one of these little ditties;

1. May God bring good health to your enemies enemies.
2. May you live to be a 100 years, with one extra year to repent
3. May you be in heaven one half hour before the Devil knows your'e dead
AND my personal favorite;
4. Here's to you
Here's to me
The best of friends we'll always be
But if we ever disagree
Forget you here's to ME!

Happy Saint Patrick's Day everyone!

A beautiful name for a beautiful baby wherever she may be

I just came across the meaning of the name Jade. (The Chinese character and pinyin for Jade is found on the blog on the right hand side) The meaning of Jade connotes honor and conviction - also beauty, grace and purity; often shows the love felt for the person named. Everything I hope my daugter grows up to be; A perfect name.

Look who's talking!

Recently I've noticed much commotion on a hot topic called "Signing". I don't know if this is new or if it has been around for a while and has now just become mainstream. I admit the idea of talking to Jade before she can speak has me intrigued. Hey, anything that keeps the tantrums and frustration to a minimum is a BIG bonus to me and God knows we'll have enough to deal with when we come home. I also thought that it would be worthwhile to post about this for those mommies that will return from China with a toddler who can speak Mandarin but Mommy can't - yikes!! (Do you hear me Carolyn?!) Some of you may be familiar with this concept so if you are and you know some good books or just want to give me your opinion please comment.

I've been reading up on the subject and here is what I've learned so far;

The crux of signing is communication (I know you've already figured that one out!). Through signing you will be able to figure out what she wants, needs, sees and even remembers. Babies develop their body muscles LONG before they can speak and they LOVE to mimic so doesn't it make sense to avail of this "communication"? I also look at it as a great way to further that bonding and attachment.
Perhaps this should be included in the PRIDE discussions.... hmm.. if I ever get a chance to serve on one of those panels......

So far so good, now, how and where would I start? I read some more and learned that it was easy; all you needed to do was begin with the basics. The basic signs revolve around 'needs' (makes sense doesn't it) so you have a sign for milk, eat, drink, more, hot, cold, diaper (I guess that means she'll tell you she needs a new one), help, sleep, Mommy and Daddy. (one sign we've all been taught is to wave bye-bye - see you can do it!)

Start with one sign and show them the sign during the activity, for example feeding time. You then continue to use the sign before and after the activity and continue to show the baby the sign every time the activity is repeated. The key, is repetition and consistancy. Remember that they are babies and some will grasp the concept much quicker than others. It is important that when they do get the hang of it to be outwardly excited and full of praise.

As you and the baby become comfortable you'll add more signs thus increasing vocabulary, bonding and communication. (I would continue to use the signs until Jade could talk).

I'm going to research this further and see if I can come up with some books etc. so I'll post what I find.

My Sanity and Control have returned but a slave no more will I be.. (I think)

for a while anyway. The CCAA has decided to keep the public date box viewable for a little while longer. That being said I've decided not to pay any more attention to the CCAA or Rumor Queen. From now on I will not horde away feverantly crunching numbers trying to estimate TOA (time of arrival) for Jade's referral. Simply put, I will chaulk it up to the fact that Jade is not ready for us yet and when she is she'll let us know. If it happens that she is ready for us and I don't have a single hair left on my head, no teeth and need a walker (at the slugs pace that the CCAA is working lately that is how long it will take) then that's when I'll deal with it. I'm tired of being a slave to the numbers. I think I will lounge in a state of delusion - I hear its quite lovely there. Don't worry avid fans, I'll still find the time to blog! Well, I'm off to pack my bags for delusion island and I'll write soon. Now, where did I put that sunblock..hmmmm

International Working Women's Day in China

For those of you who don't know, Thursday, March 8 is International Working Women's Day in China. Some of you may have heard that in China there is a holiday in March well this is it. On this day women employees get either a half or full day off from work (paid) and apparently it is popular to give women heart shaped roses called soap roses. (the picture above shows a young lady with them)

I wonder how far China has come in terms of feminism and women's rights? Speaking of rights, if I can find my notes I'll post about divorce in traditional China. Its unbelievable the grounds for which a man could divorce.

Anyway ladies, enjoy the 8th and as a collegue of of mine used to say "You go, girl!" so give yourself a well deserved pat on the back for how far we have come and what we have achieved.

Perhaps you just 'might' find some soap roses waiting for you too! (with a little gentle prodding of the hubby of course!)

Hey! Who turned out the lights?!

I can't see! Come on, turn them back on! Please, pretty please?

Wondering what I'm ranting about? Well, as you know I've been following the CCAA website very closely this month. For anyone who is not familiar with the CCAA site there is a information box on their homepage which tells what date they have matched to and what date they have reviewed to. This little box is extremely important as it allows you to follow your file. Every month the CCAA updates this box when they send out the new referrals. I have come to call this little date box my 'sanity' box. Its where all my hopes and prayers are kept and it is the only thing that helps keep my sanity. That is, until now.....

According to the Rumor Queen (RQ) site, from now on my 'sanity box' will be no more. The Rumor Queen said that the CCAA has implemented a new policy whereby only agencies will be privy to the date information. These agencies will have a login code and will be the only ones who can access this information. The CCAA will not be updating the date box for the general public to view.

Now, what do you think the odds are that the agencies will be releasing the date information to waiting families, and, if they do, who is to say that you will be receiving the correct date information? I say this because my agency sent out a memo last week stating that they received word from the CCAA that matching had not begun, yet, on the Rumor Queen site referrals were mailed out and some countries were receiving them as of today. They (RQ) are saying that in this little private box the CCAA is stating that they have have matched files with a LID up to October 24, 2005.

I really don't like this. I mean come on, how am I supposed to know what stage our file is at and if it is out of the dreaded review room? By taking away my sanity box I've lost my deluded perception of having some sort of control. Do I have to lose this too? I'm a control freak for those that don't know me and as far as I'm concerned I have had no real control since I started this adoption. I've only pretended I've had it...

I was never afraid of the dark before but I am now. Jade, where are you? I can't see, its too dark! Can someone turn the lights back on and give me a shred of control? No answer huh...

Sitting, waiting and fretting in the dark...

CBC

Please do watch the CBC supper newshour next Monday. They will be airing part 1 of a story about a NL family that just left for China to bring home their baby. The 2nd part will air after they return from China on March 16.
so again, please tune in to the CBC newshour on Monday, March 5th.