Day in Paris

Today we spent the day in Paris, France.  We enjoyed every minute of it and the city has so much culture!  I've attached the pictures from the day and will write more later.

Paris

Day 1 Belgium

Hi all,

We had a tiring but nice first day in Brussels.  Short and sweet tonight will update more tomorrow.  Attached is a link to the pics...

Erin

Leaving on a jet plane

Today Brian and I leave for Brussels, Belgium.  OC has an office in Brussels and Brian is using this time for his own little mini vacation from work!  This weekend we're going to travel into Paris and around Belgium.  I will try and keep this up to date each day with the goings on of the day and new and exciting things we try!

Enjoy!!!

Erin

Update 5 weeks out!

So I am just about 5 weeks out from Surgery and I am feeling pretty good, still no migraines and my back feels better than it ever has!  Still sore (mostly at the breast-line), but feeling so much better than a few days out from surgery.  My breasts are finally no longer bruised and look like I ran into a sea of knives.

I also went back to work this week!  WOW now I know why my surgeon recommended that I go back to work mid-week.  As a person that went from sitting on my butt for 4 weeks recovering from surgery to then having to walk a quarter mile just to get from my car to the office and then work throughout the day it's been very tiring.  I went from maybe 2,000 steps a day back up to 10,000 steps overnight!

I am starting to get used to the smaller breasts and actually like them.  I know I still have a long way to go before the final product, but I am very happy right now!  I highly recommend the surgery to anyone that is contemplating having it done.  Thankfully insurance paid for part and our out of pocket was less than $2,000. But again, well worth the money!

Update - 3 weeks out

Tomorrow is 3 weeks out from surgery and I am doing better.  I was totally prepared for the surgery, what I was not prepared for was the emotional roller coaster that I've been riding since the surgery.

So for most of my teenage years as well as the majority of my adult life one of the things that "defined" me as a person was my overly large chest.  It was admired by me, my hubby, men and women a like.  Not saying that everyone wanted my chest because I didn't even want it!  It was just so large that it was hard to miss!  Trust me I did my absolute best at trying to minimize it, minimizer bras that pushed them in so far that I had armpit boobs, wearing a size smaller because it would tighten up my chest, always wearing suit jackets over my clothing at work. You name it I probably tried it.

I'll be honest I did like the attention that they got occasionally.  My college and high school friends and I would joke about them and it was fun, but underneath it all I wasn't happy with how they looked.  As I grew (and trust me 2 kids I grew both in weight and in my chest) they grew!  I think they grew 3-4 times faster than I did weight wise.  Every time I would lose weight they would stay the same size.  So by the time I was ready both physically and mentally they had grown to 42Hs.  These boobs didn't just grow with kids.  To put it in perspective, when I was in high school they were 36DD, when I graduated from UT (my lightest adult weight) 36DDD.  So as you can see they've always been pretty big...

Here's the problem, if you've always gotten attention from your boobies and you feel that they had a hand in defining you and one day they're gone, how would you feel?  So now you all are asking oh crap is she regretting the surgery?  The answer is absolutely not!  My back feels the best it ever has and my migraines have pretty much disappeared.  However it feels as though a piece of me is missing, in fact a very good friend of mine texted me after the surgery and provided condolences about the loss of the "twins". So I am coping and realizing that my breasts are not the only defining part of me.

This has been the hardest part of having the surgery as it has been very emotional for me.  For those of you who know me I am not the most "emotional" person.  Yeah I cry on occasion, but it's not like that at all, I spilled wine on Friday night and instead of my normal explicative I started crying uncontrollably for no reason.  One minute I feel great and the next I feel like I am going to burst into tears.  Hence the reason why I felt the need to extend my leave.  As Brian put it perfectly, he could totally see my boss asking for a report for me to only break into tears, and I don't want that happening!  So one additionally piece of advice, if you are not "mentally" ready for surgery don't do it!  I know I was ready, I had been prepared for it, but I was not totally mentally ready for the after effects.

So for the after pictures...  I've posted 2 after pics, they aren't very good and I am still swollen, but it gives you an idea of what they look like in clothes!  I promise that I will post pics that are a little better than these soon!  I've also posted a pre-surgery pic from my sister Nikki's wedding.

Caldwell Blog

~Erin

Update on Recovery

So I haven't blogged lately and I thought I would keep everyone up to date. 

Days 1 - 2 after surgery:
I was feeling pretty good, but I was still on prescription medication and wasn't fully feeling everything that was going on.  I was super swollen from the IV's and was having some stomach issues as well. 

Days 2 - 4 after surgery:
I hit my bottom on day 3.  Sore, breasts were leaking and felt so sick.  Pain from the stitches and just overall body pain.  I started weening myselft from the pain meds on day 4 and continued with the stomach issues as I was going off the pain meds. 

Days 5 - 6 after surgery:
I was starting to feel more human and started moving around more, helping around the house, etc.  I learned my lesson quickly that although it's breast reduction surgery, it's still major surgery and I don't have the stamina I did before the surgery.  My body is healing and I need to take everything slow!

Yesterday/Last night:
The tiredness started in yesterday and continues on to today.  The sharp pains started last night at 4 am and continued on until 6 am when they finally subsided.  Needless to say I didn't get much sleep last night.  I am no longer on prescription pain meds and as you can imagine Motrin is not all that spectacular to take away all of the pain that I am encountering. 

Overall I've been asked if I like my breasts.  It's a hard question to answer as they are not the final product.  They are smaller than before and I noticed that when I wear t-shirts and other tops my breasts are no longer in my armpits (yippee!).  But they are all bruised and still leaking puss and other stuff, but I have been assured that this is normal and it will eventually subside.  I am able to sleep without feeling that my breasts are going to suffocate me and the relief I feel in my back and shoulders is terrific.   Looking forward to the future progress.  For now it's just laying low and resting. 

Some tips for people that are considering reduction surgery...

1.  Make sure that you have all of your help lined up.  My mom spent 4 days with us and it was terrific.  She helped with laundry, picking up the kids and the house.
2.  Don't think that by week 2 you no longer need help!  LIES I tell you!!!!!  Your husband or spouse cannot handle the kids and the house by themselves!  I am learning that more and more.  I am still super sore and cannot make meals and do laundry, or clean up the kitchen and let me tell you the kitchen needs some drastic help!  Last night we had take out for dinner for the 3rd night in a row! 
3.  If you are a stay at home mom, makes ure your kids are going to summer camp.  I can't tell you how much I've been able to relax during the day because the girls are not here. 
4.  If you work full time out of the house, make sure that you take enough time off from work to recover, don't check emails, answer your blackberry, etc.  It's not worth it!!!  I've turned off my blackberry so I wouldn't check the emails that are coming in while I am out of the office. 

I hope this helps anyone considering a reductions.  I've enjoyed writing the blog and will continue to do so throughout the remainder of my recovery. 

~Erin

Down the recovery path

So day 2 after surgery and I am typing so I am making progress.  I am in a lot of pain, although the Tylenol 3 with Codeine helps a lot.  My chest is sooo much smaller than it was before.  Here's the run down of the day of surgery and after effects.

Day of Surgery:
I was shuffled into a room and given a gown to wear with nothing else.  That is not fun!!!  Then was given a patch for nausea and also a little shot to relax me.  I was then wheeled into the operating room and moved to the table.  From that point on I don't remember a thing.  Next thing I knew I was waking up in recovery super hot and sweaty.  I stayed a couple of hours in recovery and then was moved to a room with an 81 year old woman who I think was dealing with dimensia.  I was given morphine and Tylenol 3 for pain and wow it put me to sleep!!!

Recovery:
Came home from the hospital on Wednesday and I am doing ok.  The soreness and pain has not gone away, so I am still taking Tylenol 3 with Codeine and it is working to take away the pain.  My chest is still swollen as is the rest of my body from the I-Vs but I am super happy with the results of the surgery.  I will hopefully post pics later on this week when I am feeling up to it. 

~Erin

Twas the night before...

Twas the night before surgery and all through the house, not a creature was stirring not even my spouse...

Alright so it's the night before the surgery and I am NERVOUS!!!!  Don't get me wrong, I asked for the surgery and I want it, just very nervous because tomorrow for 4 - 6 hours I will not be in control of my body.  For anyone that knows me I am a CONTROL FREAK!!!  So handing over control to someone else is concerning for me.

So an update on where we are at, I've been taking Iron pills (hate them) because my doctor says it will help in the healing process, however they constipate you and make you sick to your stomach.  YUCK!  So I have to take them with food, which just constipates you more and makes you miserable...  I will be super happy after the surgery is over and I can stop taking them.  Also I've been given this anti-septic soap that I have to use and it dries out your skin fierce, the bad thing is I can't even use lotion on that area to make my skin feel better.  But this is all for the greater good so I continue to follow doctors orders and use it.  I had my final consultation last week, no golf for 6 to 8 weeks (boo!), no driving for 1 to 2 weeks (double boo!), so it looks as though I will be housebound for a while, which again if you know me well, that is going to be super hard.

So surgery is tomorrow and although I am nervous I am excited as well.  So please keep me in your thoughts and prayers.  Surgery is at 8:45 am...

~Erin

2 weeks

Holy Cow we're really coming down to the wire!!!

Surgery is in 2 weeks and I have all kinds of emotions flowing through me right now.  What if I don't like the results, what if Brian can't handle the girls for the 3 weeks with little to no help from me, what if something happens during surgery, OMG you name it I am worried about it!!!

I've got all my work "suff" all figured out for the time being, the business analyst that works for me is going to get a taste of what it's like to be me at work for a while.  I also worry about how he'll handle it as well as if he'll resign after 3 weeks reporting to my boss...

Overall, happy and excited just starting to get very nervous!  Wish me luck.

~Erin

Before I considered the breast reduction I considered getting this!!!

Apple does it again!

From Blogger Pictures

Apple announced today that it has developed a breast implant that can store and play music. The iTit will cost from $499 to $699, depending on cup and speaker size. This is considered a major social breakthrough, because women are always complaining about men staring at their breasts and not listening to them...

24 Days!!!!!

It's all coming down to the wire now!!! We are just 24 days away from the big day!!! I am super excited (and a bit scared) about it but the countdown has begun. 

What's interesting is that I cannot take any pain relievers (other than Tylenol) from now until the surgery.  That being said, guess who woke up this morning with major pain in her back?  That's right and I can't take any Aleve or Motrin.  So I guess I am going to be focusing on yoga and stretching over the next 24 days... 

Additionally the following are the instructions I received from my Plastic Surgeon:
1.  Stop all ibuprofen and medications containing ibuprofen at least 2 weeks before your surgery
2.  Stop aspirin or medication containing aspirin for 4 weeks prior to surgery as it interferes with normal blood clotting (i.e. Execdrin, Midol, Alka Seltzer, Anacin, Bufferin...
3.  Stop Vitamin E for 2 weeks prior to surgery as it may also interfere with the clotting process. 
4.  Avoid exposure of all chest and back skin to sun or tanning booths for one month prior to surgery. 
5.  Do not take or smoke any intoxicating substances for at least 1 week prior to surgery. 
6.  Use a germ inhibiting soap for bathing such as dial or safeguard, for at least 2 days prior. 

No drinking for 5 days after surgery!!! 

Holy cow... So that's only a subset of the list I have.  Scheduling the surgery for the summer sucks though since for the last month I have to cover my back and chest in the sun.  Not like I tan topless, but when she means no exposure, that means all of the chest and back!!

I keep telling myself it will all be worth it in the end. 

5 Weeks!!!

We are down to the final 5 weeks!!!  I've been getting a lot of questions lately and so I thought I would blog about them today.

1.  Why a reduction?
     -> Growing up I always had a larger chest then any other girl in my class at times it was embarrassing especially when guys would notice or say stuff (especially in high school).  Trust me it happened regularly.  I remember having the nickname "watermelon" because they were as big as watermelons, or wearing my swim-team bathing suit only to have to HOOVER cut off at the end of the first O and it looked like it was saying HO.  I really wanted to have the reduction earlier in life, but never did anything about.  Then came marriage and I wasn't sure how Brian felt about me getting a reduction and before I knew it we were having kids.  Funny thing about the girls (meaning my daughters), after every pregnancy and nursing etc they got bigger.  Now I have friends who have nursed, etc. and theirs got smaller, mine just got bigger (lucky me heh?).  Since Ella was born, I've endured horrible back pain, migraines and numbness in my arms from the enlarged breasts.  Over the past 7 years my chest has grown from a 34DDD to a 42H.  So now 10+ years later I am made the decision that I want them smaller and I am lucky that B is super supportive (only wish in all these years I could find a bra so supportive).

2.  How did I get the insurance company to pay for it?
    -> This was easy, since I've waited so long, throughout the years I've documented EVERYTHING...  I've been asking my physician to do the same so that when the time came and I finally decided to go through with it I had years of documenting back pain, migraines, etc. the insurance company approved.  Additionally with as large as my breasts were it was a no brainer on their end.

3.  What size am I going to be?
     -> This is a hard one to answer, as there is no "one size"...  She's taking me down about 4 sizes that will leave me with a DD. I have been working hard at losing weight over the last month (only have 5 more weeks to lose some more) so that they will be more of what I am looking for.  I was not very excited at the thought of still having a DD to deal with, however anything less is better than a "H".

4.  How long will I have to take off for work?
    -> I am taking 3/4 weeks depending on how well I heal.  I've got up to 6 weeks of 100% salary continuation and then another 6 weeks at 60% if I need to take it.  I am very lucky that my company is so supportive and understanding (although telling my boss was a real treat!).

5.  What are you looking forward to the most?
    -> This one is hard because there are so many, but I think not having to buy grandma bras anymore that cost $70 - $90 each.  I would love to buy a bra at Victoria's Secret someday!  I think the next is having a button down blouse that I can button and fits off the rack.  Not having to buy 2 - 3 sizes larger just to fit the breasts would be awesome!!!

Ok so that is all for now.  Thanks to everyone who reads the blog, let me know how you like it!!!!

~Erin

Update on Surgery

We are coming close to the 6 week mark...  My surgery is only 6 weeks away and I am looking forward to having it done and over with.  I am a little nervous about the whole going under general anesthia and having a breathing tube down my throat during that time.  Most people are concerned about the pain, me it's about having a tube stuck down my throat! 

I just passed my last hurdle and have had my short term disability at work approved.  I am lucky that the company has salary continuation at 100% of my salary up to 6 weeks and then after 6 weeks it reverts to 60%.  I am only being told at this point I have to be out for 3 weeks, but just in case something happens it is good to know that I am covered. 

It looks as though Brian will still be taking the week off for vacation and my mom is coming up for 3 days to help out with the girls and with recovery.  So we've got all our help in place for after the surgery and now I just have all of the pre-op work that needs to be completed.  I got the list and was floored at everything I have to do to prepare for the surgery.  Start taking Iron pills, stop sun exposure to the chest and back, no Ibprofin and asprin 4 weeks before, etc.  WOW.  I have my pre-op testing scheduled for July 27th and final consultation on August 2nd.

Hope this finds everyone well.

~Erin

Today is an awesome day!!!!

Well for those of you that didn't see the post on facebook, I was approved by the insurance company to have the reduction surgery!!! I am thrilled...  What a wonderful day today is!  Now I just have to chose between 2 dates, August 10th and August 24th... 

Frustration

Today my topic is not the reduction, however I am frustrated because they said 2 weeks and I should have an answer and it's been two weeks and I still don't know. 

Besides that I am frustrated about what I just read on GreatSchools.com.  This website allows parents to "rate" their school.  Here's the thing some of these parents when they talk about CK do not have anything backing them up on their arguement.  There was actually a parent that was complaining that they had to attend mass on Sundays to get their "parishoner" discount.  HELLO????  You are getting a discount of $700 - $1000 a year by saying you're a parishoner if you don't attend mass then you are not one and should have to pay the non-parishoner rate.  There was another parent complaining that the kids got too much homework, and another that parents had to be involved with the school.  Is this really what it's coming too?  People lying to get discounts, mad that their kids have to work for something and for them to be involved in their kid's schooling?  So for anyone that is reading this and is a parent at CK please go to greatschools.com and put in an honest to goodness real review. 

~Erin

Update

Updates…


I haven’t written in a while and I apologize, when life gets busy, this is one of the things that get set aside.

Update on the reduction – I still have yet to hear from the insurance company this is week #2 and I was told I should know by the end of the week. I checked the mail at lunch time and no approval letter, so I just need to hold tight and I am sure it will come soon enough. I just want to get it scheduled and know that I am covered. Funny story, Brian and I went out with friends on Sunday night and one of the comics continued to talk about women who want breast reductions, etc. I was laughing so hard…

Update on the girls – Emma and Ella are doing great, unfortunately I have not been keeping up on the pictures like I have in the past so I apologize. Emma is starting to play baseball and Ella just finished soccer. The last day of school is Thursday morning and they are both excited for the summer.

We had a super busy weekend visiting with family and friends and the girls had a great time too! We got to see grandparents, aunts and uncles and cousins as well as our friends here in Toledo. I hope this finds everyone doing well.

~Erin

The Waiting Game

So today marks 1 week and still no news from the insurance company.  I know they told me two, but you would think that a girl who has waited 10 years so far would be able to wait 2 weeks, but I am going stir crazy.  Thankfully it's a long weekend and I'll be able to think about something other than surgery and insurance companies, etc.  But I am praying that they saw the request and immediately approved ;-)  I know it's wishful thinking but a girl can dream can't she?

~Erin

Telling my boss

So this morning I got up the nerve to tell my X-Marine Boss that I am having reduction surgery and I will be out for about 3 weeks at the end of August/Sep timeframe.  I have to say I have never  been so nervous to talk about it before as I was today. 

I started out by saying that I had something to tell him that I was excited but nervous about and was a good thing for me.  At this point his face went pale (I think he thought I was going to resign), then I explained I've been having back problems for 10 + years and I am going to have surgery not on my back but other surgery and it was going to be a visible change.  Then explained that it was a reduction mammoplasty and I would be out for 3 weeks and you could see the relief on his face. 

Me on the other hand I was shaking and sweating... I don't know what it is but talking about the reduction to my boss is not my idea of a good time.  I am just happy to be done with this discussion and now just wait for the approval from the insurance company!!!

Consultation

Ok, so the consultation with Dr. Snodgrass this morning has me feeling like I am on cloud nine! I am definitely a strong candidate and I had pictures taken, and most of the pre-work done so they are going to send off my information to the insurance company for approval. She said that my specific insurance company is very easy to deal with and I should hear in no more than 2 WEEKS!!! For a girl that's been waiting 10 years two weeks is nothing!!!!!!

So the appt itself went like the following

1. General history of health, questions about what issues I have with my breasts today, etc.

2. Then came the examination this includes her looking and feeling the breasts as well as lots of pictures

3. Checked for curvature of the spine (yep my spine is curved)

4. Then I got dressed and she talked about the reduction process, costs, how large my chest would be afterwards, recovery, etc. You name it we talked about it!


So... After I get the approval they are scheduling surgeries in August of this year and I will be able to say that I am 4 sizes smaller in the chest... So what that equates to is going from a 42 H to a 42DD, any less she said would be too dangerous to remove. I know Brian was super excited to hear that I would still be a DD... ;_)

Needless to say I am elated and now the next two weeks will be excruciatingly painful to wait, but hey I waited 10 years for this I think I can wait a little longer!

~Erin

Mammogram Results

Well I have to say the Breast Care Center at Toledo Hospital ROCKS!  These people know how to make an uncomfortable situtation more bearable.  So on to the news...  When I got to the Center they proceeded to tell me why they were bringing me back (which they left out on the phone).  They thought there was a mass on my left breast and an enlarged lymph node on the right.  Once they told me that I think my face went white...  So they did another set of mammograms, these were more painful and there were a lot more of them from the first time.  After they were finished with the mammogram, they determined there was no mass in the left that it was just the way the breast tissue formed.  The right however required more testing and I was off to have an ultrasound on my breast.  I've never had an ultrasound on my breast, so that was well interesting...  The radiologist came in and ultimately my breasts are fine, just have an enlarged lymph node. 

Tomorrow morning is my consultation with the plastic surgeon so I will write more then.

~Erin

Mammogram (Round 2)

So I got a call today from the Breast Care Center at the Toledo Hospital stating that I have to go back in for an additional mammogram.  I am a bit freaked out because I fully expected perfect results on the first try.  My mom assures me that this happens often and not to worry.  So the hospital scheduled me for 3:00 tomorrow and I'll have my results before I leave.  At least I won't have to worry for days, I'll know for certain what's going on.  Here's hoping all goes well tomorrow...

Erin

Mammogram Thoughts

Ok so here is the skinny on the mammogram situation when you have a larger chest than most people.  It hurts like hell!  No Joke!  My chest hurt for a good 4 - 5 hours after the mammogram from all of the pressure from the machine.  The technologist that performed the mammogram was terrific and she kept me talking to keep my mind off of the fact that she was shoving my breast onto a platter and the pushing down so hard that my breast felt like it was going to explode. 

This week is the week that I meet Dr. Snodgrass and go through my consultation appt.  I know I have a long road ahead of me but I am super excited at the thought that this year I could be able to reduce my breast size by more than 4 sizes!!!! 

I've also started back on Weight Watchers.  I have a weight loss buddy too and that itself will keep me motivated.  Just from watching portions last week I've lost 2lbs!  I have a long road ahead but it's two pounds less than last Monday!!!

www.my-calorie-counter.com     The webs free Diet Tracker

Much Love,

Erin

Reduction

The closer I get to my consultation with Dr. Snodgrass the more nervous I get.  I am excited and nervous at the same time. 

I just finished reading "When Less is More, The Complete Guide for Women Considering Breast Reduction Surgery."  It's a must read for anyone considering the surgery and it was written by Dr. Snodgrass herself.  That being said, there were quite a few things mentioned in the book that now worry me, like how is my husband going to handle the girls for the 2 weeks I am down and out, and not overdoing it even when I am back to work or back to playing mommy.  I  know that these are all good things, it just makes me wish I would have decided to do this sooner rather than later...  It's very frustrating. 

Additionally the good news, in the appendix of the book it talks about the author who happens to be my surgeon and states the following:
"Dr. Snodgrass is a consultant and case reviewer on plastic surgery issues for insurance companies, law firms and other third parties." 
This means she knows how to deal with insurance companies, as well as what they look for to determine if the case is medically necessary.  That makes me excited... 

Finally, I am starting back on Weight Watchers.  I figure the more I can lose before surgery the better and plus my insurance company offers a $75 incentive if I attend 80% of the meetings in the 18 week plan.  I also think I found a weight loss buddy too!  As anyone that has tried to lose weight before, when you have a friend doing it with you it is much easier to stay on track. 

~Erin

Mammogram Scheduled...

I think the stars have aligned. When I called for my mammogram appt, they had an opening this Friday. I took this Friday off originally thinking that I would get some stuff done around the house, but to be able to schedule it on my day off is amazing!!! Now I just have to get the order from my doctor and I am all set.

Thoughts on the mammogram itself… I am scared, I’ve never had one before and I hear that they hurt. But I’ve been reading a lot around what you can do to lessen the pain (like taking Motrin prior to the procedure). So Friday is the day of the mammogram and next Thursday is my initial appt with the Plastic Surgeon.

I will keep you all updated on how Friday goes.

~Erin

Measurement

So the Plastic Surgeon's office gave me some upfront crieria that they know the insurance company is going to need.  Additinally  they recommended me having this completed before my initial appt next week.  So yesterday went and got measured by a certified fitter at "That Special Woman" and wow was I surprised... I guess not too surprised, I wouldn't be getting a reduction if they weren't large but they are huge.  I measured in at a 42H yes I said H....  HOLY CRAP.  So next on my list is to have a mammogram.  Fun Times!  Will keep you posted.

~Erin

Who said perseverance won't work...

So I've begun my next journey of improving me inside and out.  I started down this journey last year when I decided to start running and also working out.  We have been attending church regularly with our girls this year as well and today I took the next step. 

I saw my new physician today and explained the back problems as well as tension headaches I have experienced over the last few years and how I attribute it to my chest size.  He gave me some great advice on who to see as well as what my next steps were.  I have made my first consultation appt with a great plastic surgeon in the area for next week!!!  I don't think I've been this excited since my wedding and/or having my girls. 

So I will be blogging about my journey (good parts and bad) as well as the process to be approved by the insurance company and the reduction itself.  Thanks to everyone who has been so supportive through this... The journey is just beginning and I am so excited...

Much Love!

Erin

Back from China!

Well today is my first day back from China and I am exhausted.  I am super behind on my training for the 5K I am running in with Brian just 2 weeks from yesterday and I ran today and thought my lungs were going to explode!  Confession is I didn't run at all last week.  YIKES and in 2 weeks I have to run this route  .



I have a lot of work ahead of me if I am going to run the entire 5K.  I am doing ok, got in a little over 2 miles today, but it hurt so I am just going to have to push myself more... 

~Erin

Day 4 - Shanghai

Welcome to Day 4, I am now officially losing my voice, which I am sure my family will love when I get back home.  I've been teaching a training class and I am not used to talking so much and have strained my vocal cords significantly.   It hurts to just swallow at this point. 

The training has been going well and I've actually gotten quite a few questions over the past 6 hours when we didn't expect to even have 1 question.  I am less jet lagged than yesterday and hopefully tonight I will be able to sleep better than last night. 

I've determined I need to learn a little bit of Manderin as it has been very difficult for me.  Don't get me wrong, many of the people in the class speak excellent English however when they talk amongst themselves I have no clue what they are talking about.  At times I have heard "American" and "Erin" in their conversations not to know what it is about.  From a cultural standpoint it is very frustrating.  I now know that I need to be a better example when I have guests in the US that have English as a second or third language as well. 

Tonight we will be going to dinner as a group at the hotel that I am staying at so thankfully if I am feeling jet lagged I will be able to just head to my room.  Only a couple of hours and then on to my final day in Shanghai!  Hopefully the remainder of today as well as tomorrow proceeds well.

Update......

I had dinner tonight with the regional team it was the most traditional I've had yet,  it consisted of chicken feet, Duck Livers, Bejing Duck, Fish Balls and a very potent liquor. I "tried" everything, but definitely only liked some of it. So now I am eating Pringles and drinking a Coke in my hotel room!  The company was of mixed cultures, some Chinese, there were people from Korea, Japan, Thailand, and Australia as well.  The Thai colleague brought gifts for all of us and I now have a beautiful back scratcher and some other items that I am not quite sure what they do...  At first dinner was a bit uncomfortable as our Chinese colleagues continued to speak in Chinese which was very uncomfortable.  However the women were corrected by my new Korean friend that they were in mixed company and needed to speak English.  I am now back in my room getting ready to "try" and sleep tonight.  Wish me luck!!!

~Erin

Shanghai Day 3 - UGG Jet Lag!

Hi everyone!

So I am writing this at 2:26 am as I fell asleep last night at 7:00pm and woke up at 1:30 am.  This is getting super frustrating, but I am trying to sleep as I get tired.  Yesterday (Wednesday) was a very rough day.  I was super jet lagged and also very homesick.  I don't think I've ever been this homesick before! 

It was a very "fruitful" day at the office.  I had a wonderful lunch that consisted of a noodle dish that was superb and Jasmine tea.  After a full day at the office my hostess Sunny and another Finance staff member took me to the Market.  To get there I had the great pleasure of riding the subway in Shanghai, the ride there was not bad as it was not during "rush hour" time.  The Market is located in the Science and Technology subway station and it is full of all these little stores.  This place is full of people "pushing" purses, wallets, jewelry, etc.  I did find some very good deals although I think I got taken on my purse/wallet purchase because after I got back to the hotel I have no clue what a Gacho purse is, it is beautiful, but still not exactly what I was expecting but what can you expect for $20 USD (for both the purse and wallet).  Then I did buy some pearls and they are not perfect, but for real pearls, matching earings and bracelets for my daughters I paid 110 RMB or $16 USD I think this was my best purchase yet.  Although I bought scarves (for my mother-in-law and mom) and paid $16 USD total for both although initially they offerred them to me for 580 RMB or $84 USD.  What helped me was that I brought my hostess with me to help in the negotiations.  Although I am proud of myself for not getting to invested.  At one point we actually walked away from a stand, but there are so many similar shops that we were able to find what I was looking for later on.  I would call it a very sucessful day as I have a lot of great things to bring home for my family and spent very little USD on them. 

I am exhausted and plan maybe go back to sleep here shortly but wanted to blog about the day in Shanghai.  Today and tomorrow look to be very full working days and should go fast. 

~Erin

Shanghai Day 2 - cont...

Ni Hao to all of my friends or Hello! I found a Starbucks! For those of you who know me well, I LOVE Starbucks and this one is just as good as the one back home.

Today I traveled to our office in Shanghai and met with my counterpart Sunny as well as one of the other Finance Leaders Kenneth. It was a productive day in the office (I think because I was able to cross a lot off of my to-do list) as well as a wonderful start to my time here.

For lunch Sunny and Kenneth took me for Dim Sum. The food was wonderful. I think it helps that I am open to trying new food and I was ready today. We had shrimp dumplings, pork dumplings, as well as Lo mai gai (rice filled with chicken, Chinese mushrooms, Chinese sausage, scallions and shrimp.) Additionally we had some type of custard for desert. I loved the green tea. Not a ton of food just enough to fill you up without feeling too full.

This evening my colleague Sunny took me on a tour of the city. Some more interesting learnings include the differences in the districts of Shanghai, they are all very unique. I am staying in the PuDong district and today I visited the PuShi district. I have to say PuShi is beautiful. The architecture is older so the buildings have much more character. The PuDong side is beautiful as well in it’s own way as the architecture is much more modern.

So I had the joy of riding in a taxi this evening and held on for dear life! Then as we were site seeing the rain started up as did the wind and I will be lucky if I don’t get pneumonia. But the city in the evening is amazing which made it all worth it. We also went to Yu Garden and saw some amazing architecture as well as gardens (pics are on the site as well). We had a horrible dinner at a Gino’s bistro. The place Sunny had planned on taking me to was closed due to construction. For many of us that don’t know (I can admit I was one of them), Shanghai is hosting the Expo this year and it begins on May 1, 2010. The government has poured money into the city widening streets, beautifying buildings, etc. So many places are in the process of remodeling or reconstruction to get ready for the Expo. Therefore several of the restaurants she had planned to take me to in PuShi were closed. Therefore we at the worst Italian food I’ve ever had but then we headed out for a boat ride on the river and got to see Shanghai at night and it made it all worth it.

Other key learnings from Shanghai – In most parts of the city tipping your waiter, waitress and/or service person is not customary unlike in the States. Women in Shanghai are very fashionable more so than in the US. Riding bikes and/or mopeds are very popular watch out for the mopeds they will run you down if you’re in their way (I almost got hit twice). I know there is more but I am so tired I can’t remember.

Tomorrow is another full day including shopping!!! Yippee!

Day 2 - Shanghai

Well it's early morning day 2 in Shanghai.  I tried to stick to the new schedule but ended up in bed and asleep by 8pm Shanghai time and was up at 3:30am.  So now a quarter to 6am on Tuesday I am back on my blog.  A few more insights from yesterday. 

Going through immigration is very interesting.  They take your passport and scan it in the China database.  When I checked into my hotel then they scanned it again to show that I checked into my hotel as planned.  I am amazed at how high tech everything is...  Can you say "big brother?"

Thankfully there is some American television here, but the Chinese programs are very interesting so I think I could adapt.  I haven't tried any "ethnic" food per say, last night I played it safe and ordered a ham and cheese sandwich from room service.  Seafood is not sounding appetizing to me as I had a stomach virus last week and still don't feel that my stomach is at 100%. 

So we shall see what today brings.  I am headed to the office at 9am and will spend part of the time at the office and then my collegue Sunny is going to take me sightseeing in Shanghai in the afternoon.  I am very excited to see more of the town as well as maybe purchase a few purses... 

More to come later.  Hope this finds everyone well. 

~Erin

Shanghai

Well I made it!  What a trip it was... WOW!  First off let me just say that 14 hours on a plane not all that fun, especially when a 400 lb man (I'm exaggerating more like 350lb man) gets plopped right next to you on the plane.  That mixed with the wonderful body odor = not a great flight. 

That being said, I am here and WOW is all I have to say.  The city of Shanghai is huge!!!  My hotel was moved to the Purple Mountain, which is closer to the office that the training is being held, and it is beautiful.  I made it through immigration ok, and found out that it is illegal outside of the US to talk on a cell phone once the plane has landed.  The drive from the airport to the hotel was in one word "interesting".  I am not sure if they have speed limits or laws, but wow it was worse than being in a cab in downtown NYC.  The buildings are huge, the area is phenominal.  I am at a loss for words. 

The hotel is beautiful and I am posting pics from my room.  I am heading out here to go and get some dinner as well as find the office for tomorrow.  I hear it is just around the corner, so I figure I'll check it out before I have to go there tomorrow.  More to come on my Shanghai adventures...

~Erin

Ho Hum...

Well I guess I haven't been keeping anyone interested enough as I have 0 followers so far.  How frustrating is that?  I don't know what I was thinking maybe all of a sudden I would have a whole bunch of followers like that Julie/Julia movie?  Who knows.  All I know is that I plan to continue to write my blog as long as I enjoy it.  If I entertain anyone else then that is just the icing on the cake.

I have 2 discussion points today.  First, the Glass City Marathon, it is only 26 days away and I have totally been slacking on my workouts for the past 2 weeks.  I worked out 3 days last week but only ran once and then on vacation I only ran once the entire time.  So today I got back on the treadmill and did 2 miles, not terrific but better than nothing right?  I also am in love with my new watch that links to my Go Wear Fit band.  It's fabulous!  I have already walked close to 10K steps and burned 2000 calories so far today.  Like I said LOVE IT!!!

The second discussion point is my upcoming trip to Shanghai. I am not what you would call a world traveler by any means, but I have been abroad.  I am excited and sad all at the same time.  I have to leave my family for a week, but I have this terrifice opportunity in front of me.  I hate being conflicted.  I promise to post pictures when I am in Shanghai (although I have 0 followers so no one will really be looking anyway). 

~Erin

Start of our Blog

So I tried out the "blog thing" when we were on vacation in Orlando and I really enjoyed writing it, so I am starting a Caldwell Blog to document the important things in life, my family.  In just one week I will be in Shanghai, China and will blog from there as well so everyone can see what's going on. 

~Erin