Who's Idea Was it That I Should be Born in New Jersey?

My parents are in trouble...

I am a Washingtonian! I swear I am. It's the only place I can remember living. Okay, so there's some pretty strong documentation that indicates I spent a bit of time early on in New Jersey, but hey, that was not my fault!

My mother is a native of Washington, shouldn't I get credit for that? My wife and both my kids are native Washingtonians. I like that word, Washingtonian. I like Bellinghamster even better, and since I've lived here longer than anywhere else, I claim that designation too! Hey, are people from Vermont called Vermontsters?

Anyway, my birth certificate has to be "Authenticated" by the Secretary of State of New Jersey's office.

Apparently you can just walk right in there on any business day and they'll take care of it for you while you wait. Isn't that convenient? What a great service! Maybe I'll just head on over there on my lunch break tomorrow and get that thing authenticated. Oh wait, their office is in Trenton!

Time zones, UPS, Return Postage....

Heavy sigh, count to 10

yi
er
san
si
wo
liu
qi
ba
jiu
shi

(that's counting to 10 in Mandarin)

So, I wonder if Kai will think of himself as a Washingtonian? As he grows up, will he remember anything from his life in China? I hope we can visit the SWI where he is living, and that we will meet the "aunties" who are caring for him. I want to have video for him to see as he grows up, so he can see and remember the people who have loved and cared for him.

Hmmm... His birth certificate is going to be from China. Man, I hope that's not a big problem for him when he's 43. I guess I'll quit complaining about the whole New Jersey thing...