RubyA

Thank you guys!! It will be exact 1 year on the 24th of July. Will it help if she re-enter the US before then?

Hi, My mom is a greencard holder. It will be one year staying in China in July, no re-entry has applied. Will she be able to return to US in September? She will be outside US for 14 months? She's taking care of my grandfather in China. Thanks, Ruby

Hi all, Just want to stop by and say hi. How's everyone? Times goes by so fast. It's been eight years for me living in the states. Had a baby boy in 2015, and had baby girl in 2017. A lot of ups and downs - And I am blessed that I am alive and going on strong. Hope you all are doing well. Be healthy and happy. Ruby

That's awesome, thanks, Thomas! Appreciate your help.

thanks!

thanks, Wawster.

thanks, mick.

aww thanks!

thank you so much.

Hi guys, I started a cooking website, http://www.rubyinthekitchen.com, you may come and visit. please feel free to move this topic. Thanks , ruby

Happy Birthday, Dennis!!!! Have a good one!!!

From my own experience living in both China and America, what I like about living in America: First of all, I live in the Southern part of America, I really enjoy the warm weather (I come from Northern China), a lot of trees and grass. Second, the pace of lifestyle in where I live is slow, I can take my time and enjoy my life. Third, I enjoy what I do for a living here, it's not stressful at all. Fourth, I enjoy living in a house that I can afford, some apartments in China are more expensive than the houses in America, and they are tiny, I don't think I can afford one on my own in China. Fifth, I can afford buying and owning a car without a loan ( of course it is a used car, haha, the important thing is I am stress free), if I am in China, I doubt that I can afford a car in my 20s with my own income, it seems cars are more expensive in China too. Sixth, Living in America, I don't see people compare with each other as much as in China (again, stress free), I don't have a brand new car, but I do have an vehicle to take me to places that I need to go, and that's all it matters. I wish there are buses in where I live, but there is not since it is a small town. As to what I don't like about the life in America, it is probably that my family are not here with me. I do get homesick once in a while. But I do have a loving husband, sweet mother-in-law, and other family members on my husband's side. I guess I am very easy to be satisfied with my life, and I like to live my life stress free. Not sure if I answered your questions or not, Dennis. Ruby

Welcome to Candle, Xiaoyan!! From my own experience, I really enjoy spending time with my mother-in-law, she has helped me in many ways. When I first got to the States about five years ago, I moved in with my in-laws and lived with them for about one year. I still remember my mother-in-law made baked potato, green beans, and salmon for dinner, she fixed my plate and brought to my bedroom, she is so sweet, I don't think my mom ever let me eat in my bedroom, haha.. Then when my husband and I decided to get married without a wedding, she said she would pay for the weddding and dress, she doesn't want me to regret later. I really appreciate her for giving me a wedding that I will never forget. When I first went to my job interview, she is the one that encouraged me so much, and belived in me. I guess that's why I was so confident at my interview and got the offer. She's always buying me a lot of clothes, I remember I always get the most gifts on every Christmas (It seems I am the baby in the family).. haha... My husband is the only son, so my mother-in-law never had the chance shopping for girly things before, now she's always getting me so much clothes that almost fill my closet... She also helped me with my baby nursery ( the baby will be here next year), from crib to car seat, stroller, she is very thoughful and excited about her first grandchild. I think of her as my mom, not really mother-in-law, and she never interferes my husband and my business. My mother-in-law just turned 52 years old this year, she said she would probably retire in 5 years, but working doesn't mean she won't be able to help me with my baby, she certainly wants to be involved in her grandchild's life. Anyway, I don't think I offered much advice, but telling my story. Everyone is different, I wish you the best, Xiaoyan!!

Hi Catherine, Happy Chinese National Holiday to you!! As far as I know, nursing is a hard-working field, no matter it is CNA or RN. Of course, if you work at a clinic as a RN, it might be easier, and it is very rewarding..(financially too). When I first came to the states, I wanted to go for nursing, I have never attended College in the states, I assume I couldn't find a decent job, however, within 2 months after I received my greencard, I got a job offer, and I have enjoyed working here ever since. I think if you are sure that Nursing is a career you would enjoy, then go for it. I also want to go back to school to get a higher degree one day. Best wishes!!! Ruby

My mom will visit me and my husband in US for the first time in December, I am not sure how she will like it being here. But she plans on staying for 6 months. I am very excited for her coming, and pray for the best.

My American husband doesn't cook at all, as a Chinese wife, I found my husband still likes most of western dishes, or Chinese dishes that's been transformed to American dishes. Such as Kung Pao Chicken, Sweet and sour chicken. He doesn't like Chinese dumplings or hot pot, and he couldn't stand spicy food, maybe mild. His favorite dish in winter is pot roast beef with potato, carrats and celery in a crock pot, he likes to eat with steamed rice or mashed patatoes, he also enjoys my version of American Chicken and Dumplings, Japanese style of Curry Chicken (with lots of potatoes, carrots again), Baked Honey Chicken, Eggplant sauce pasta ( note: he doesn't like eggplant, but when I make eggplant as pasta sauce, he always enjoys it), Chili soup, Chicken tortilla soup, Sushi ( with no raw fish) ... He also enjoys my own pizza and bread ( I got a bread machine from my in laws on Christmas, it works great). Overall, my hubby is not a picky eater which I am very glad, he eats everything I cook, except Chinese dumplings or hot pot.

Thanks, Joecy! I always enjoy telling people about Sugar, she is a sweetheart, and I am very glad to have her... she is very protective too, when I walk with her outside, if a stranger approaches to me, she would walk right in front of me, and bark at the stranger, it is really cute to see such a little dog barking like a big guard dog.....

I can't imagine how painful it must be for you and your wife....sometimes I think to myself what if one day Sugar is gone, how desperate I would be... I told my husband that we would not get another dog... but I will continue volunteering at the shelter to help other dogs..

yes, there is a good Asian grocery store nearby, I guess I am just not as a good cook as my mom....I guess this is what is called homesick..

Hi Everyone, I am Ruby, I am from Liaoning Province, I came to the US in January, 2010 through K-1 Visa, and got married in MS. Before I came to the US, I was a student in College, I have never worked in China. I started working for an office under SSA since November, 2010, I really enjoy helping people who are in need, especially the ones who are grateful. I always take my time listening to their concerns when they call, and try to answer their questions with my best ability, sometimes I feel like I would make a good therapist, I can understand how stressful it must be for people who go through medical illness and financial problems. On weekends, My husband and I volunteer at a local animal shelter, I mostly help with their event, we transport several dogs and cats to local PetSmart/PetCo for adoption, and a lot of them get adopted faster than being at the shelter. When I first started volunteering in 2011, I always want to bring all of them home at the end of day if they are not adopted...but over the years, my husband said it seems I am not as emotional as before...the truth is that I know I can't take them all home...and I will continue do my part to help them find a good home. I rescued my dog from the shelter three years ago, she was found walking on the street by a police officer, he took her to the shelter, after they examined her, they found out she was pregnant, however, none of her puppies survived due to her poor health. When I first saw her, she was in her kennel trying to hide her food under the newspaper, I felt so sad. I got her out of kennel to spend some time with her, she couldn't stop trembling, I felt so sorry for her, especially after hearing she recently lost her babies. My husband and I took her home that day. She didn't have a name when we adopted her because she was a stray, my mother-in-law named her "Sugar" because she is snowwhite and sweet. Now Sugar is very spoiled by both my husband and I, she always jump in bed when I get in bed even though she has her own comfortable bed, it seems she just wants to get close to us. My husband and I are expecting our first baby in January, 2015. I hope Sugar will not feel left out, and love the baby as much as we love her.

Yes, for most part, I can find the things I crave...but it just doesn't taste same as homemade...I guess I am just homesick. I can't wait for my mom to be here. Everything will be better.

Congratulations, Mrs. Gravestey! There is another one of us on the way to be a new mom, I'll let her announce the news herself Such a good timing to finish your school! What are you studying? Congrats, Mrs. Gravestey!! How many weeks are you? When is your due date? My due date is in January, 2015. I am very excited, but anxious being a first time parent. I came to the US in early, 2010, and I have enjoyed all kind of food, American, Mexican, Indian, Greek.....and now I only want authentic Chinese food. I realized how deep my Chinese root is... I have been homesick a lot ever since I am pregnant. A big culture shock I noticed over this weekend, my in-laws came by our house to visit, my mother-in-law and I started talking about the baby, she mentioned that when she had her baby ( my hubby), she didn't get any help, she said her mother visited her and the baby the day they got home from the hospital, and then left in an hour... I explained to her that in China, most of mother-in-law and mother would stay for a few weeks to help out with the newborn and new mom, the new mom will be confined to bed for the whole month...after hearing what I said, she was very shocked...not to mention when I told her that we can't shower or wash hair for at least two weeks. A big congratulations to you and your husband Ruby. I can just immagine the cravings for the Chinese food. Larry Thanks, Larry. I miss hot pot the most....but I think I will be okay...it's only nine months

Congratulations Ruby! So you will have a little "sheep" Your conversation with your mother-in-law sounds fun! I really like to see her look when hearing "can't shower or wash hair for at least two weeks". Have you started to crave about any Chinese food yet, any desert, snack, noodle, Xiao Long Bao, stinky toufu, thousand year old egg? Do you plan to have your mother come to help? My mom plans on coming to the states a month prior to my due date. I can't wait....I missed my hometown snacks, especially hot pot....I have been craving for spicy food, but my doctor said not to eat spicy food because it will give me heartburn.... Fortunately pregnancy is only nine months, the baby will be here before I know it...

Dan, I know what you meant. haha... when I was in China, my best friend and I always hold hands walking together, but that was when we were in school... now that we have grown up, and got married, we don't really hold hands like before.. My husband always jokes about females holding hands too.. I've mentioned my theory about this before and I still believe there's some truth in it. Young children need and crave hugs and affection. Because they don't receive those from their parents, they seek it out through their classmates. It's not uncommon at all for my wife and her female friends to walk together arm in arm today. I find it quite endearing. I think Carl mentioned once how it wasn't so uncommon for American boys to walk together with their arms around each other. It's since times have changed and stigmas being attached where those displays of affection are taboo for boys now, but not for girls. I think you have a point, Dennis. When I grow up, my parents rarely tell me they love me or give me hugs. Even my parents themselves don't say "I love you" to each other that much. Now that I am married to my husband, he tells me " I love you" all the time, after four years of marriage, I am still not used to hearing it all the time. Sometimes I am wondering if I will be like my parents when I have my own baby. One interesting fact is that I rescued a dog from animal shelter three years ago, and I tell her that I love her once in a while, and I treat her just like a princess...I guess I would be a good parent..