Spring is here!

This title comes from a recent song I learned in class today, a very famous song that all East Asians apparently learn as children. The title is, "Spring is here!" It goes on to say that spring is in little friend's eyes and the blooming of pear trees. Oh, I love East Asia. We were learning the song because yesterday was the first day of the Spring Equinox. Springtime is here! The weather is little bit by little bit getting warmer...verrry exciting, of course... Dave and I went to the park on Friday and  sat on a blanket and actually studied, and it was so fun. Parks here are interesting because they have super sweet East Asian flavor (as in, touches). For example... I like to call EA "land of the random" because you really never know what to expect, and most things that you come across are unique and, well, random. So there are carts that sell food, they sell hot dogs, sweet popcorn, and corn on a stick. There is actually an aquarium (Ocean World) at this park, so there are signs all over the place with mermaids and whales, etc, pointing you to different parts of the park. In front of the aquarium there is a car that is filled with water and living fish! There is a lake that runs through the park that has boats that look like cars that you paddle your feet to move. The toilets are squatties but they are clean. Lots of people are flying kites, and every time I've been there have been people taking wedding pics (though no wedding). There's also a small amusement park There are lots of cute elderly people and small children. There are speakers that play music, and there is lots of construction. It is my favorite place in the city, and it's only a fifteen minute walk away! When you come visit we can all go together and sit on a blanket, and lots of people will look at us because, well, people here don't do that! When Dave and I were sitting and studying, a group of people (with fishing rods) walked by and remarked, "Look at the foreigners! What they are doing is so strange!" They didn't say anything about the man 3 feet from us sleeping withOUT a blanket who was very audibly snoring. Go figure!

Things are going great here. We are back in the full swing of class and that is great. In other news...I recently developed a skin... something (not a disease, not a virus, don't know what to call it.) About 3 and a half weeks ago I noticed by my right shoulder a big red...mark, I guess. About the size of a quarter. It kind of looked like eczema, which I don't have, but I thought maybe it was related to that since it had been suuuper cold and I was wearing tons of layers and showering sparingly. About a week later, in the shower (proof that I WAS showering, just not often), I noticed a few little red dots near it...and then I looked on my stomach-- and low and behold I had like, 30! At first we thought maybe it was the chicken pox round two? (First round was in 8th grade) but that just didn't make sense, especially given the big spot that came first. So we started doing some research (so thankful for FREE online searches!) Our looking first led us to this online discussion board and I wanted to share a little with you because we thought it was really funny. So here's the opening question and what transpired:

photographingfairies

replied on October 2nd, 2006

New User

two days ago (saturday 9/30) I went to get in the shower and noticed my stomach, from about my pelvic bones to the top, below my breast bone, was covered in medium sized red spots. They don't itch or hurt, the skin might be slightly more sensitive and the spots might be very slightly raised but they otherwise do not bother me accept for the fact that they're there. I have a couple spots that are more like a red circle and are more or less normal skin color in the middle but they aren't really round, they all look like a splattering, like I splashed an irritant on my skin (i didn't). I don't have spots anywhere else on my body and today (monday) they seem to have possibly gotten redder and/or new ones have appeared. The largest is somewhat larger than a pencil eraser. 

stiffy30

replied on June 20th, 2007

New User

Re: Red Spots On Stomach/back/chest

omg did u find out what it was because i hav the exact same thing and its really worring me so plz reply ASAP thank you

Re: Red Spots On Stomach/back/chest

OMG - i have the same!!! did you find out what they are?

hgblondi

replied on September 28th, 2007

New User

Red Spots On Stomach

Ok this is so different to me also. I woke up on Monday and have these spots on my stomach only. But they are getting really dark red!! They don't hurt or bother me. Did anyone find our anything?????

slahey33

replied on October 21st, 2007

New User

Red Spots

Just wondering... I have them also and have been told it related to my thyroidism.
Do any of you have hypothyroidism (underactive)??

mcbutter32

replied on March 30th, 2008

New User

red spot

I've had both of the same symptoms, have you found out anything

Sakura21

replied on March 30th, 2008

New User

red spot on chest

Also wondering . . . a red spot, circular clear in the middle about the size of a half dollar on my chest.. Doesn't inch at all. It just showed up and has remained for a month now.

Anonymous

replied on December 22nd, 2008

red spots

hello i am 13 i have had chicken poxs already and i have small and big spots on my stomach and there is more and more every day . Please let me know if you have any info

dinkyblack

replied on January 28th, 2009

New User

I think I got it!

Hey guys;
I got the same thing pretty much but a bit more widespread, it's on my stomach, chest, back, upper arms, neck and a bit of my upper thighs. I have one really big red spot (about an inch across and round-ish) on my upper arm which has been there sometime and then recently, the hordes of smaller red spots in the above-mentioned areas. I did some poking around and I think I figured it out. 

**At this point, Dave and I were laughing hysterically. First of all, no one offered anything helpful at all and everyone was freaking out (as was I, slightly). Secondly, can you believe dinkyblack!? "I think I figured it out"...hahahaha. At this point all I know is that it possibly has to do with hypothyroidism...?

...about 10 later

caitlinniltiac

replied on May 17th, 2009

New User

Red Spots!

I have the identical thing; "my stomach, from about my pelvic bones to the top, below my breast bone, was covered in medium sized red spots. They don't itch or hurt, the skin might be slightly more sensitive and the spots might be very slightly raised but they otherwise do not bother me accept for the fact that they're there. I have a couple spots that are more like a red circle and are more or less normal skin color in the middle but they aren't really round, they all look like a splattering, like I splashed an irritant on my skin (i didn't). I don't have spots anywhere else on my body and today (monday) they seem to have possibly gotten redder and/or new ones have appeared. The largest is somewhat larger than a pencil eraser. "

All i've read it might be is a viral infection. I recently sprained my ankle and am now on strong ibuprofen, but it's not that. I've had the spots longer. I just looked in the mirror and there are more. I'm freakin out!

I also just got sick, about 3 or 4 weeks in to having the spots. I had strep throat, lost voice, congestion, and much coughing.

CAN ANYONE TELL ME WHAT'S WRONG?... whats the diagnose!

Rowan1

replied on May 23rd, 2009

New User

same

Well dinkyblack I'd love to hear what you came up with ????

Sakura21 , mine are plus two years, they don't bother me; but what are they?

caitlinniltiac I totaly agree with your description . I started out the same , but they are spreading , under arms , between the legs.

? Any ideas any one please, thanks.

caitlinniltiac

replied on May 26th, 2009

New User

good news

they are going away! so no worries guys, they'll slowly fade after about 2 months.

everything will be okay. just a rash, i guess.

Rowan1

replied on May 27th, 2009

New User

Thanks caitinniltiac , but mine have been here a year os so. Good to hear they are going.

(Here's the link in case you're interested in reading more. There are some pretty funny ones. Don't get me wrong, I feel for these people! Solutions range from dirty bathtub water to soap allergies... http://ehealthforum.com/health/topic63482_20.html)

A page or two of this later, we finally came across someone who had some information. They informed us that this mysterious skin rash is called Pityriasis Rosea. And once we looked that up, it seemed pretty sure that it was what I had (and since then we've learned a lot more)-- confirmed by my "Mother Patch" (or "The Herald") that came first. Basically, it's a sometimes itchy, always not too cute, cause unknown, non-contagious, on my body spreading skin something (they don't know what it is). And it can't really be gotten rid of. It just goes away with time, it seems like minimum 6 weeks, maximum, years (see Rowan1 above for example). I think 2-3 months is the most standard. It is the most on my stomach, chest and neck. I look like I have the craziest worst case of the chicken pox ever. But the One who made me is so faithful and if you're going to have something wrong with you I think this is the thing to get! The effects are minimal and thankfully Dave still thinks I'm cute :) It's only really red and itchy after showering and exercise, and I have an excuse to wear cute neck attire. Oh, and did I mention He's faithful!?

Finally, as promised in a recent letter, a little more on "renao" (which Dave mentioned in his basketball post, only he called it: 热闹). We recently had a couple over for dinner, and before they came I purposefully put on some East Asian music to help make our apartment a little more renao. But still, somehow, at dinner, things seemed just a little too...quiet. Low and behold, after dinner, the husband pulled out his cellphone and played some music for us. The music was so loud! I could barely here what he was saying. After he specifically played some for us, he left the music playing. We were fascinated and are still learning our lesson. A few days later, when a friend came over, we turned on the television (loud) and had it playing while we hung out. And it was the best time ever so far with this friend. Obviously, I don't think it was because of that, but maybe it did serve to make her a little more comfortable? At times, after my tutoring time is up, my tutor who is a great friend and feels totally comfortable with me (and has spent tons of one on one time) has gone to get Dave from his office because of RENAO. Maybe this can serve you if you are meeting with East Asian friends in America! We'll keep you posted as we discover more of what makes this special, fascinating people tick. 

Helpful Inventions

The past two weeks have been raaaainy here in the city! Raining and chilly, and we are blessed! The rain and chilliness has caused me to notice that here in East Asia there are many things that are used very often that people in America either don't have or use very seldom. I thought I'd share some with you guys today.

Weather related

The bike baby-seat cover- As most people don't have cars here, and most everyone has a bike, many bikes have baby seats for carting their little ones around. And when it's rainy, there is no other option. Thus introducing, the bike baby-seat cover! Think... sort of like a tent...but rectangular. They sit inside this little bright colored box with a little window in the front. Perfect for keeping your little baby snug and dry while you face the elements as you go about on your way. 

However, you don't have to face the elements too much, because you're wearing your bike poncho! This is a remodeling of the standard poncho, only bigger, plus hood plus visor. The front of the poncho has a clip that clips onto your handlebars to cover your hands and front of your body. 

Upon arriving home, one can feel pretty chilly. Introducing one invention that we have used pretty much constantly since winter arrived- our electric hot water bag. This little puppy is plugged in for 8-10 minutes and becomes a nice and toasty companion for any sincere studier. 

The toilet seat cover- sure are thankful for this when our bathroom is frigid! These are very popular here in East Asia.

Other

The lazy Susan- another invention that can be found in America, but is super practical and used much more often here. East Asian people love having lots of different dishes (types of food) to choose from at a meal. Rarely (at a meal when you eat out) do people have something to themselves- they share lots of different dishes. Hence the helpfulness of the lazy Susan- when you have had enough of "Stinky tofu" (okay, we've never actually had it, but it's a real thing, and I've heard it really lives up to it's name)  and you're ready for some "Fish flavored pork" (actually quite tasty and a favorite of many Westerners), you can just give the lazy Susan a spin. 

That's all I have for today! But now my eyes are peeled, and I will keep you updated about what I discover in this uniquely different country :)

"Finish them!"

Does anyone out there remember the sweet sweet movie known as Mortal Kombat? (yes, with a K) In this classic film (not to mention the video games), perhaps the most unforgettable line is, "FINISH HIM!" The opponent who has been weakened by repeated blows and barely able to stand is then decimated by a stunning, final blow.

Oh, nostalgia.....

So, anyway, why am I talking about epic films that will live on forever in the minds of those who were kids in the early nineties?

Last week I went with some friends to a pro basketball game. So much fun. And loud. And hot. And crowded. It perfectly embodied all that is 热闹. (this is a word that describes the prior adjectives I just used, and is something that East Asians generally love)

In America, there are certain sounds I associate with being a spectator at a basketball game. The sound of the rock as it rebounds off the wooden floor, the squeaking of shoes as players turn on the dime, guys cryptically calling out plays, etc.

At this game, I heard no such thing. People cheered. The. Entire. Time.... Music played. The. Entire. Game.

You know how when a real huge couple of points are at stake and the home team has to play defense? That's when people generally stand up and cheer, "DE-FENSE!" Thud, thud, thud. "DE-FENSE!" Thud, thud, thud.

Well last week, the defense cheer started from the first play in the first quarter to the final play of overtime. I am not joking.

There were plenty of other cheers as well, some spoken in the standard, national language (such as the "Defense" cheers; or another fan favorite, "Crooked ref!"), and others shouted in the local dialect.

At one point the audience was screaming as one person in the local dialect, and I had no idea what they were saying. I asked my friend (who was screaming this at the top of his lungs) what it meant, and he said it means, "Kill them!" (or "Finish them!").

Needless to say, we did finish them in overtime. Great game.