Month: October 2007

Well, here’s where I am right now. I’m staying at the Guomao Hotel; if you ever come to ZJG, try to avoid this hotel. Not to say that there are better options (maybe the Jinling is better), because you won’t find American service in a Chinese hotel. There may be exceptions in some of the multinational chains in Shanghai or Beijing, but that would be atypical.

An example:

<rant>

My room is too hot. The windows face south and the sun had warmed the room considerably. I have already complained two days ago that the AC isn’t working and the room is too hot. I was assured it would be fixed, no problem. I got back to my room yesterday around noon and it was very hot. The air conditioning is set to the lowest possible setting, but is not working. I call the front desk and am told someone will be up immediately to check it out. The girl from housekeeping did arrive after 3 more calls. Argh!

Our conversation (slightly edited for brevity and effect):

Me: My room is boiling hot! Please fix the AC!
Housekeeper: No, it feels great.
Me: No, really it is too hot. Why doesn’t the AC work?
Housekeeper: (Fiddles with thermostat) It really is fine. See, the thermostat is set to cold – so it is cold. See?
Me: The thermostat has been set to cold all day and the room is still hot.
Housekeeper: (Calls front desk) OK, it will be on in 5 minutes. Then it will be nice and cool.
Me: You PROMISE it will be on in 5 minutes?
Housekeeper: Oh yes, it will be cold as an igloo in winter!
Me: We’ll see.

Several minutes pass and nothing changes. I need to leave and decide to talk to the assistant manager on the way out.

Me: Hi, my room is too hot, and despite several calls, nothing has been done.
Manager: I’m sure the AC will be working soon. Besides, it is very cool outside. Why do you need AC?
Me: My room is NOT cool! I feel like a turkey on Thanksgiving morning!
Manager: I’m sorry, I don’t understand your American holiday reference.
Me: Whatever! When will my AC be fixed?
Manager: Umm, well, actually, we don’t turn the AC on because it’s sooooo nice and cool outside. Gee whiz, why don’t you know that.
Me: Why did you tell me it would soon be fixed then?
Manager: Well, it’s a company policy.
Me: To tell me that the AC will be fixed when you have no intention of fixing it?
Manager: Actually, it’s a government policy.
Me: It’s a government policy to tell me that the AC will be fixed when you have no intention of fixing it?
Manager: Well, ummm. (Hoping the annoying American will leave) That’s that. Sorry. Enjoy your stay at the Guomao!
Me: Grumble, grumble.

</rant>

We’re in Washington for the blessing of our two new nephews this weekend and found a fun spot to go mountain biking. It’s called Cowiche Canyon — the mesa above the canyon is criss-crossed with single and doubletrack. The trail in the canyon below was a railroad line in a former life. The tracks have been removed and turned into a trail for hikers, bikers, and equestrians (all of whom we saw). It was a little over 8 miles on the loop we chose; I brought the GPS and here’s the elevation profile and an overview of the trail in Google Earth.

I had to snap these pics last night because this is a familiar scene in the Hirschi’s basement, and I want to remember it when we leave. Most nights Brooklynn begs either Aunt Rach or Uncle Adam to go in the hot tub, watch a movie, or scrapbook. Last night, Uncle Adam won.

Adam and Brooke have a bit of a love, hate relationship. Well, Brooke seems to have that with all of us lately–but especially uncle Adam. Often, I hear her tell him to get away and then the next moment find her snuggled up next to him watching cartoons. Last night was Curious George. Adam doesn’t mind Brooklynn duty because he can do homework or work on his laptop on the comfy couch.

Below is a double page layout I did for my wedding album. I love scrapbooking to preserve memories. My grandparents and great aunts and uncles have all had a major influence in shaping my beliefs and outlook on family, sacrifice, and dedication. This layout is just a small tribute to a few of them. I intend to do much more of this in the years to come so that my children and their children will understand how amazingly blessed they are to be a part of our family.

Announcing Baby Haiden Basford. My fifth nephew (third living) to be born. How precious is that? He belongs to my baby sister Lindsey. The black hair is his mommy’s. She was our little Indian baby when she was born, with that same amount of hair. Totally opposite from his big brother Logan who had his daddy’s features and hair from the beginning.

We are going to Washington this week to see baby Haiden and baby Chase. I can’t wait to snuggle and nuzzle them both. Below is Great Grandpa Harvey who lives with mom and dad.

6 October 2007…Logan, UT’s first snowday. We woke up conference morning to glorious falling snow out our bedroom window. The Hirschi’s were up at the Hideout with Brian’s family so Adam and had the gigantic house to ourselves.

It snowed all day and into the night. It was barely cold enough so the snow didn’t pile up too much. After the second session of conference, the neighbor kids were outside building a snowman–I wish I had snapped a pic. It ended up being like seven feet tall. It had five heads and was awesome. We are thoroughly enjoying the four seasons while we can. We only officially have eight more months until we start moving back to Las Vegas.

Finally, Jaimee and Brian’s landscaping is finished–well, everything except for the FENCE. Don’t ask. :) Â Isn’t it beautiful? They chose grass, bark, trees, and a water feature as the main materials. They are still waiting on the black fence that wraps around the entire property….complete with an extra gate in the back for the neighbor kids. Oh yeah, there’s also a beautiful gazebo on order that will be framed by two trees against the hills.