The Engleson Files

I am not too sure how much coverage this story is getting in Canada but the on-going debacle in Myanmar surrounding Aung Sun Suu Kyi is an absolute joke. For the past 15 years this woman has been locked up in her home because of her family connection to Myanmar (her father was the hero of independence and head of the nation who was then assassinated) and also because of her pro-democratic stance. She was due to be released from house arrest within three weeks time, but then completely out of the blue, a stranger swims up to her home and is caught and now Suu Kyi is up for trial which could see her thrown into prison for yet another 5 years. The timing and set up of this whole sham is so painfully obvious and ridiculous that it makes my blood boil. I find it hard to believe that this day in age such amateur and blatant theatrics can be achieved with no repercussions. The SLORC government is an absolute disgrace and I hope their time comes to a painful and abrupt end! They do not represent the people at all and I hope that justice can prevail and Aung Sun Suu Kyi, and the people of Myanmar, can live in peace for once in their lives!

One thing I have not discussed yet that I desperately want to is the family visit of 2009. In May, my Mom, my aunt Joan and Kristin’s Mom all came over to China for a visit. While the house was most certainly full, we all figured it out and had an absolutely wonderful time! - Not too sure how many bottles of wine were consumed during their stay but it is safe to say the wine industry did not see a decline in their profit margin - see picture below for proof. For my Mom and Joan it was a trip back to the familiar, while for Judy it was her first time visiting China. For us, it is so nice to have family come over and visit so they can see our lives in this crazy situation. It’s so nice for family to see things like the school where Magnus and Svea go and be able to have that reference point for further connections down the road. Living here has been absolutely wonderful and it is so nice to be able to share that family back home; and it was just so great to have family around to create more great memories with! Dalian was fun, Beijing was great and, all in all, everyone had a great time and we are just so thankful all made the time to come and see us.

Click here for a sneak peak.

Thanks to the wonderful graces of Blake Defieux, Magnus, Svea and I have been enjoying this fantastic series of Star Wars: The Clone Wars on my shiny new computer every night before bedtime. As I have detailed earlier, Magnus is absolutely bonkers about Star Wars and cannot stop talking about it: lightsabers this, Anikan that - it does not stop! And really, I love it as well; everynight I get to transport myself back to the good old days of my youth and live out these great stories again. This new animated series is great and I cannot wait to get on with Season 2!

On the same day of our 10th wedding anniversary Magnus lost his first tooth. This event came as a huge surprise since none of his teeth were loose, but while enjoying an ice cream cone his bottom middle tooth just popped off and fell out. Now sadly, Magnus unknowingly swallowed the tooth and lost it for good; magically though, the tooth fairy still arrived and left 20 rmb under the pillow (I hear Magnus say he wants to buy a new lightsaber!) Congrats big guy on another milestone!!

Well folks, I am very sorry for my inactivity on the blog lately but I was swamped with organizing extra-curricular activities and then just got totally fried with everything else. Will be back in fine form soon enough but for now I am enjoying a much needed break!

Photo courtesy of Susan Colorado

I know you are not supposed to say this when you get married, but: Wow, I never thought I would see the day! Ten years have passed since Kristin and I got married in Prince George, BC on May 22nd, 1999. We were with each other for almost 3 years prior to that, and are eagerly continuing down our happy and interesting path. While everyday has not been a bed full of roses, I have loved spending the past decade married to Kristin and cannot say enough about the wonderful family we have. Thank you very much for all the patience you have shown and the wonderful memories we share - I love you and I look forward to another 10 and further!

Team Yong Jiu (my team) top left

Whew! Well, I am back from a crazy May holiday. Lots has happened and there is so much to tell: Tour de Dandong highlights and my family’s adventures in Dalian and Beijing. This very second I am dead tired and just need some rest - but please stay tuned, I will give the skinny on all once pictures and memoirs have been processed.

For the Marshall’s perspective on the race click here for a sneak peak…