And I just realized I never ate dinner.
When did my life get so busy here?
Friday, October 30, 2009
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Just a Sunday Night
I'm sitting in my and Katie's apartment right now, next to a fresh, warm plate of muffins Katie just baked, and a lit scented candle, drinking hot cocoa and admiring the coziness of our apartment on one of our first chilly nights. I'm anticipating students to show up at anytime for another one of our evening "studies". I love my life. I'm looking forward to this week and all the surprises a single week in China are sure to bring. We had a girl's study about peace the other day, and I thought to myself: When was the last time I felt so at peace? I really can't remember. I love being somewhere where I know I'm actually doing GOOD. I'm living for THE purpose. The only one worth living for. This makes those tough days (really, REALLY tough days) truly worthwhile.
Today is day 3 of the splitting headache that has been mercilessly plaguing me. Last night I actually went and got a genuine Chinese massage in an attempt to squelch it. The massage was wonderful.. and kind of painful. Today, I just feel wonderfully painful. I have actual bruises from the petite woman that kneaded my back muscles. BRUISES. I am in awe of her finger strength. *Pops a tylenol*
In other news, I got a bike yesterday. Thanks to one of my students, Alex. I mentioned to Alex one day that I was looking to purchase a second-hand bicycle, and what do you think happened then? He and his friends posted flyers about purchasing a bike all over campus, met with a perspective bike sales girl, tried out the bike, bargained it down, and, finally, called me. I had no idea any of this was going on. This is a prime example of friendship in China. I'm learning that I have to make sure not to mention any little desire in front of a Chinese friend unless I expect them to dedicate their lives to the cause until the need is met. It blows me away. And while it is fantastically sweet and kind, it makes me feel nothing short of terrible to cause someone so much trouble.
Anyway, it's yellow and fabulous. :) (The bike) I rode around for an hour on it today and discovered parts of campus that I never knew existed. I don't even mind that everyone stares at me and honks at me relentlessly as I ride it. (That's a lie.) I'm trying to enjoy it while it's still warm(ish) and while I can (I've been promised that it will get stolen from me by every Chinese person I know.. I'm pretty sure my Chinese friends worry about me more than my mom ever did.)
Oh, China.
Today is day 3 of the splitting headache that has been mercilessly plaguing me. Last night I actually went and got a genuine Chinese massage in an attempt to squelch it. The massage was wonderful.. and kind of painful. Today, I just feel wonderfully painful. I have actual bruises from the petite woman that kneaded my back muscles. BRUISES. I am in awe of her finger strength. *Pops a tylenol*
In other news, I got a bike yesterday. Thanks to one of my students, Alex. I mentioned to Alex one day that I was looking to purchase a second-hand bicycle, and what do you think happened then? He and his friends posted flyers about purchasing a bike all over campus, met with a perspective bike sales girl, tried out the bike, bargained it down, and, finally, called me. I had no idea any of this was going on. This is a prime example of friendship in China. I'm learning that I have to make sure not to mention any little desire in front of a Chinese friend unless I expect them to dedicate their lives to the cause until the need is met. It blows me away. And while it is fantastically sweet and kind, it makes me feel nothing short of terrible to cause someone so much trouble.
Anyway, it's yellow and fabulous. :) (The bike) I rode around for an hour on it today and discovered parts of campus that I never knew existed. I don't even mind that everyone stares at me and honks at me relentlessly as I ride it. (That's a lie.) I'm trying to enjoy it while it's still warm(ish) and while I can (I've been promised that it will get stolen from me by every Chinese person I know.. I'm pretty sure my Chinese friends worry about me more than my mom ever did.)
Oh, China.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Long time, no blog
Well, let's see.. I've been living in China for about 2 months now. This would be a good time to catch ALL of my readers (yes, all of you) up on all that's gone on in my life (since you're dying to know) now that I've switched countries...
First, there was the day i moved here. First visual that comes to mind--squatty potty. *gag*
First thoughts that came to mind: "Mhmmmm, and where's the edible food?"
Then I got settled in, started teaching, made some amigas and amigos, traveled, taught some more, set up some "important" studies (hallelujah), aaaaand, we're back. And now--I love it. China + Me = Togetha 4 Eva (or for a year, anyway.)
Today I taught an 8:00 class to my "naughty" students. (This is the common term Chinese people use for bad behavior, I promise) Truly, it was the closest I've gotten to losing my cool. I have a few rich, spoiled students so it's not always all fun and games. I really like them, though... this particular class is just a bit loud and crazy. They need a dose of healthy fear. Maybe I'll bring in a yardstick and start slapping the tops of their desks with it with every point I make and thens start slapping the backs of their heads every time they speak in Chinese. Brilliant. I should have asked myself for advice earlier.
it's actually chilly today. Yay, Autumn!! I love me some cool, crisp air. Scarf time?! Yesh!
First, there was the day i moved here. First visual that comes to mind--squatty potty. *gag*
First thoughts that came to mind: "Mhmmmm, and where's the edible food?"
Then I got settled in, started teaching, made some amigas and amigos, traveled, taught some more, set up some "important" studies (hallelujah), aaaaand, we're back. And now--I love it. China + Me = Togetha 4 Eva (or for a year, anyway.)
Today I taught an 8:00 class to my "naughty" students. (This is the common term Chinese people use for bad behavior, I promise) Truly, it was the closest I've gotten to losing my cool. I have a few rich, spoiled students so it's not always all fun and games. I really like them, though... this particular class is just a bit loud and crazy. They need a dose of healthy fear. Maybe I'll bring in a yardstick and start slapping the tops of their desks with it with every point I make and thens start slapping the backs of their heads every time they speak in Chinese. Brilliant. I should have asked myself for advice earlier.
it's actually chilly today. Yay, Autumn!! I love me some cool, crisp air. Scarf time?! Yesh!
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Hello World, Revolve Around Me
As far as summers go, this has been one of my faves. Yet, I am SO ready for August 21. It's become difficult to tear myself away from making lists and perusing my Lonely Planet in order to go to work or sleep. Patience is a virtue, I hear. I think that means I have none of it.
Just a week ago, I was getting myself all worked up over things I would miss in the 10 months while abroad. I was angry that my nieces and nephews would surely look different next I saw them, and would nearly burst into tears every time the thought entered my mind; then I would get irritated when friends and family dared talk about the holidays or make any plans for occasions that would take place while I'm across the world. How dare people continue living life without my presence! Seriously, now.
Yep, I've been preettyyy self-absorbed. But the last few times I was set and ready to feel sorry for myself or complain about people not being considerate enough of my feelings, I was touched by situations in which people have, you know, VALID concerns in their lives. The humility stung for a bit, but it popped things back into perspective pretty quickly. So, here's to wake-up calls--of which I am grateful. Cheers.
Departure = 16 days.
Bring on the adventure.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
The Countdown Begins
Departure = two months
Whoop! My first entry! I'm determined to get into the habit of journaling via this blog; so, here I am.
I have a loooong way to go as far as preparations for the big move. I went through a spurt, right after I graduated in May, where I was reading up on Chinese history and studying Chinese geography non-stop. The excitement has been tamed a bit and now I've fallen into a daily schedule of working and then coming home, relaxing, and spending time with family. I'm pretty excited that it's time to switch up to second gear. He is so good to me. Please lift up good thoughts concerning preparations, especially in the form of fundraising, for me.
I am very fortunate for the summer job that I've landed... times two. Fort Walton Beach, normally teeming with businesses eager to hire sales associates and waitresses to assist with the rush of summer tourists, has been strangely void of these miserable, minimum pay customer service positions. This, no doubt, is another effect of our stuggling economy. Therefore, I did not go back to my position at Belk among low-rise jeans and tube tops, rather, I find myself at a well-respected local day camp escorting bouncing, bubbling, and ever tattling 5 year-olds on numerous field trips around the Emerald Coast. No complaints, here.
I have an adorable Chinese girl in my Pre-Kindergarten group. She has been teaching me basic Chinese vocabulary per my request; mostly she has tutored me in numbers and body parts. She is amazing to me--what with being bilingual in such diverse languages at such a young age. Despite occasionally getting confused as to whether she is speaking Chinese or English, she is an excellent teacher. On the other hand, my skills as a language learning student are not quite so impressive. I have yet to pronounce her name correctly. This, as you can imagine, is the product of a lot of laughter--hers.
Just a reminder that I will be accessing this blog throughout my stay in China, so comments to be posted now and in the future should be done so.. thoughtfully. :)
EEEK! (Random squeal of excitement. Sorry.)
Whoop! My first entry! I'm determined to get into the habit of journaling via this blog; so, here I am.
I have a loooong way to go as far as preparations for the big move. I went through a spurt, right after I graduated in May, where I was reading up on Chinese history and studying Chinese geography non-stop. The excitement has been tamed a bit and now I've fallen into a daily schedule of working and then coming home, relaxing, and spending time with family. I'm pretty excited that it's time to switch up to second gear. He is so good to me. Please lift up good thoughts concerning preparations, especially in the form of fundraising, for me.
I am very fortunate for the summer job that I've landed... times two. Fort Walton Beach, normally teeming with businesses eager to hire sales associates and waitresses to assist with the rush of summer tourists, has been strangely void of these miserable, minimum pay customer service positions. This, no doubt, is another effect of our stuggling economy. Therefore, I did not go back to my position at Belk among low-rise jeans and tube tops, rather, I find myself at a well-respected local day camp escorting bouncing, bubbling, and ever tattling 5 year-olds on numerous field trips around the Emerald Coast. No complaints, here.
I have an adorable Chinese girl in my Pre-Kindergarten group. She has been teaching me basic Chinese vocabulary per my request; mostly she has tutored me in numbers and body parts. She is amazing to me--what with being bilingual in such diverse languages at such a young age. Despite occasionally getting confused as to whether she is speaking Chinese or English, she is an excellent teacher. On the other hand, my skills as a language learning student are not quite so impressive. I have yet to pronounce her name correctly. This, as you can imagine, is the product of a lot of laughter--hers.
Just a reminder that I will be accessing this blog throughout my stay in China, so comments to be posted now and in the future should be done so.. thoughtfully. :)
EEEK! (Random squeal of excitement. Sorry.)
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