Top Ten: things I like about Shanghai

I can easily give you a list of all the things I hate about living here. It's a long one. But what's the point of focusing on the negative, right? So, in the spirit of Pollyanna.... it's only taken me two years to think of ten things......Ladies and Gentleman....I give you my TOP TEN favorite things about living here in Shanghai:

10. transportation- It is so nice not having the responsibility or the expense of a car. For 30 cents I can take the subway or bus wherever I need. Or if I'm really feeling extravagant, I can take a cab- meter starting under $3. Easy peasy. But, the best way to get around is to walk. Not only have I caused myself to inadvertently "exercise" but walking out in the elements has toughened me up.

9. food delivery - Who says you have to go walk in the elements to find food? Nope. You can get any kind of food you want delivered to your door. Thank you Sherpa's and Mealbay! Such a much appreciated luxury, especially on days when facing the outside world is not an option.

8. taobao - What is this foreign thing you speak of? It's kind of like the Chinese equivalent of Amazon.com. The website that has everything. China can be so frustrating sometimes because you just don't know where to go to find [insert object that should not be that difficult to find]. Lo and behold, there it is on Taobao! Raisinets! Thai milk tea! All the things!

7. shanghai mamas - I have no idea where I'd be without Shanghai Mamas. It's an online social network specifically for expat families living in Shanghai. It is here I found an answer to a prayer. This site led me to my friend Delia, who led me to a lovely hospital to deliver my baby. I'm so thankful! The website also has a great classifieds section, where I managed to score all kinds of used baby furniture and goodies.

6. access to travel - Ok, China's not necessarily close to America. But it IS close to a lot of other really cool countries. And traveling Southeast Asia is way affordable. Hello Brittany's birthday bonanza in Boracay!

5. safe environment - The very biggest threat a foreigner may have in Shanghai is being pick-pocketed. There's really no risk of getting shot. A lady can walk alone at night without the fear of being mugged. Did I tell you about the time Josh and I couldn't find a taxi on New Year's Eve and ended up walking 3 hours home with our then one year old in the middle of the night? No biggie.

4. cost of living - Shanghai is actually one of the most expensive places to live in China. But, you're comparing it to China, not America.With the exception of western foods, things are cheap. I already mentioned the affordable public transportation. Affordable medical care is also a perk. We don't have insurance but were able to afford the birth of our son in the VIP section, costing just over one month's rent.

3. english - I'm thankful that I live in such an international city. With that said, I'm not meaning that everyone speaks English. They don't, but they are accommodating. All street and subway signs are in English. For that alone I am thankful. When we were in Korea, I could at least read the Korean alphabet. Chinese? Looks like scribbles. I'd be lost without the English street signs. And how freaking awesome that you can "Press 2 for English" when you want to order Papa John's. Sweet.

2. expat community - I mentioned how awesome the site Shanghai Mamas is, but even beyond that, the expat community here is fantastic. I've met people from all over the world. Being expats together is something unlike anything else. Besides getting another perspective on the world, you form a bond that is maybe opposite of any friendship you have at home. These are the people who come from such different backgrounds, but share the feeling and emotions of the present. We're all in this together. We've become our own little makeshift family. It's beautiful.

1. opportunity - The million dollar question I hear all the time is, "How long do you plan on staying in China?" If I only knew!!! The frustration seems to hit me most when I'm sick, Josh is working, and I have to take care of the baby. I just want my mom and dad! I miss my family! As much as Josh and I would love to just move back to be near family, we feel it's important to stay here for now. The opportunities that have opened up to us are incredible. We came over for a little adventure teaching English. With it came a huge career change for Josh (and me really) plus a baby.We like to think of Shanghai as the wild west, ready to be pioneered. So many expats have found their niche here. The beer scene in China is beginning to take off, and Josh got there just in time. I'm fortunate enough to stay at home with the baby, and make money on the side teaching English once a week. Oh yeah, Danny's been hard at work too. He's been doing a bit of modeling! We're all three gaining awesome career and life experiences.  Mostly we're just waiting and praying to find the right time for the next chapter to start.

There, Mom. I did it! I found 10 things. Are you proud? Took me long enough :P