Oh For the Love of Grandma.

Excuse the doubling up of matriarchal entries.  Call it a belated Mother's Day tribute if you'd like :)

I've always wished for the baking-cookies-type of grandma...the one who would emerge from the kitchen with all sorts of good scents, with always a kind word and gentle laugh.  My paternal grandma passed away when I was two, leaving me with just one grandma, who lived an ocean away.

My grandma has since come to the States, and in recent years, we've developed a bond over what I call the 'ol lunch and mai choi (Cantonese for buying groceries).  This now being my third taste of 'unemployment,' I've had an opportunity to rekindle these weekly trips.  It's a symbiotic relationship--she needs me to drive her around--I, in turn, get a free lunch and also free groceries.

I love scooting my grandma around.  I turn into somewhat of a nag, hearkening thoughts of what I'll be like when I'm a mother.  Be careful crossing the street.  Let me carry that for you.  You don't need that.  Wait here and I'll get the car. 

I suppose we make for quite a sight.  The butcher at Ranch 99 always recognizes us, and I'm always happy to greet him with a hello (in Chinese, of course).  I never like it when people presume that I don't speak the language--someone once even thought I was white.  Dude.  My grandma always tends to be a bit naive, so I seemingly am always trying to make sure she doesn't get taken advantage of.  To her credit, she can just about kiss up to anyone and manage to charm the heck out of them.  Having such a lovely granddaughter at her side doesn't hurt either (Ha. JUST KIDDING).

Anyhow, my long preamble is to say this--I'd go out lengths for my grandma, including going back to the dreaded Dentist Dude's office.  My grandma goes to the same dental office as I do, but sees another dentist.  I thought about staying in the car, but realized that wasn't an option.  So I instead decided to cower in the waiting room, praying that the Dentist Dude was either A) Not there or B) Wouldn't notice.

No such luck.  There I was buried in Jesus in Beijing (thanks for the borrow, Mel!) when Dentist Dude emerged at the doorway and asked what I was doing there.  That's your grandma?? Yes, that's my grandma.  So this is all for the love of grandma, and yes, I leave for the motherland next month, thank you.

No more trips back to the dentist, please!