It's a good thing I can multitask...
Here's the skinny: I am completely, 100%, without a doubt addicted to NoiseTrade.com. There is no way of denying it. Around 90 songs have been successfully downloaded (I'm actually downloading now :D ) within...a pathetic amount of time. You all should know though that I am great at multitasking and have gotten things done while downloading all this new music. Some noteworthy artists:
Lindsey Kane
Green River Ordinance
Adam Wright
Tim Halperin
Sleeping at Last
Snowden
Katie Herzig
Indelible Grace
Brianna Gaither
Red Shepherd
Matthew Smith
Alright, now that's out of the way. Had the most beautiful/fun weekend ever. Had lunch on Saturday with two of my favorite students. We stopped by Wei's Cafe where the girls had their first cappuccino. It was hilarious. I took a video, maybe one day I will exert enough effort to figure out how to upload videos. Later that day we played frisbee for a while. Sadly I must admit that my poor athletic skills reach all the way to frisbee. Oh well.
With three weeks left of teaching I am feeling...weird. Mixed emotions have been a constant companion the past few days and I think they will be sticking around for a while. People talk about change. Change is good, change is bad, change is hard; your character develops from change- but no one really tells you how to deal with it. I've encountered change before, but never like this. Sometimes the change has come suddenly and unexpectedly; other times I knew it was coming and prepared accordingly. I know change is coming, that's not the issue; the issue is how do I prepare for this new change. How do I prepare to go back to a place and people I love when I have become so different? How do I focus on the forthcoming change without checking out too early? How do I leave behind students that I love? How do I say goodbye and let go of this life I've been living and grown so accustomed to?
I'm rereading Donald Miller's book, Through Painted Deserts. If you've never read it before, I highly recommend you do. It's great, and I want to share a passage with you that hit me like a ton of bricks and (I feel) is quite fitting for what I'm feeling/experiencing:
"It occurs to me, as it sometimes does, that this day is over and will never be lived again, that we are only the sum of days, and when those are spent, we will not come back to this place, this time, to these people and these colors, and I wonder whether to be sad about this or to be happy, to trust that these hours are meant for some kind of enjoyment, as a kind of blessing."
Word.
Fake Nails and Birthdays
Hola.
Today was a good day. The weather is still cold, but the snow is completely gone and I saw a part of the sun for a solid five minutes this afternoon. In English Corner Chris and I taught 'American Slang' and it was the best EC of all time. Not only did Chris and I get to practice our improv skills to demonstrate the use of slang, but we recorded the students doing the same. EPIC. Can't wait to post some videos.
Last weekend our friend Jenn from Harbin came down for a nice little visit. We had fun, had an awesome dance party and a Mexican fiesta. The most memorable part of the weekend was hands down taking Jenn to the train station. Train stations in China are insane and perpetually crowded. We barely got there on time, I think she had like seven minutes to spare. My taxi ride back to school was hilarious/terrifying. It was a pain to find someone to take me, then I sat in the back of his taxi listening to the Avett Brothers for 15 minutes waiting for him to find more customers. Finally we leave. Taxi drivers are scary, but this guy could have made me cry/vomit. Constantly swerving and cutting people off had me focusing really, really hard on the Avett Brothers lyrics (although I'm proud to say I could probably tell you most of them now). My taxi man almost got hit by a bus, so he decides to cut off the bus and slam his brakes off/on and hassle the bus. I wanted to slap him. Until he made things right by asking me my name, then telling me his: Sting Ray. For real. Then Sting Ray gave me a piece of candy. It was an interesting ride. :D
The 28th was Massawe's birthday! The Saturday before we went and got our nails 'did' in honor of her birthday. I got acrylic french manicure tips put on. Let me tell you, it was weird. By Monday afternoon they were off. Well, they're not completely off (the women put like 10,000 layers of gel and glue on my fingers) but they look better and I can play the guitar again. So, I think it is safe to say I am not a girly girl. I just couldn't do it.
Feminism: 0 Me: 5.
This Sunday is Mo's birthday and I am stoked. I love that woman and I'm happy I get to not only celebrate but help plan her birthday festivities (don't be scared Mo).
I want to write more, but I think I just hit a wall which means anything I type I will end up regretting and getting teased for. Love you all.
Happy Easter!
Good morning and Happy Easter. I am sitting at my computer this beautiful/windy Easter morning with cup of coffee in hand and a full heart. This year Easter has taken on a new meaning for me than it ever has before. I feel this day has taken on different meanings throughout the years. As a child the highlight was my Easter basket and whatever was in it. As I got older I become more excited about buying a new Easter dress and comparing my taste to my other eight year old friends when we went to fellowship. Then there was the I-hate-everyone-and-care -about-nothing teen years. As much as I hate to think about this time, I remember going to fellowship to celebrate Easter was just a burden, cutting into my time of doing nothing (although in my mind I was plenty busy).
By His grace I am out of the apathetic hating everyone teen stage. This year He has brought me to a place of understanding my desperate need for Him, which has completely changed my outlook on this day. He has used this year to change me through every experience, whether it has been good, difficult, or confusing. My heart has been broken over the wickedness that so easily directs my thoughts, actions, and words. Those things that not only hurt me when my eyes are opened to them, but hurts Him as well. The truth that He loves me the way that He does has surrounded me and never been more evident to me than this past year. Yes, I am a sinner who has struggled with brokenness, shame and pain. By no means am I the person that I should be, but by His grace and love I am getting there. Thanks to His love for me, I have freedom and healing that I certainly would not have if it were not for His Son and the sacrifice He made.
He was pierced for our transgressions
He was crushed for our sins
The punishment that brought us peace
Was upon Him
And by His wounds
By His wounds, we are healed
We are healed by Your sacrifice
And the life that You gave
We are healed for You paid the price
By Your grace, we are saved
We are saved
I can see grass!
Another week of teaching done. Except I really only taught two of my seven classes. How did I manage that you ask? Simple really. I got sick and lost my voice. I went to teach my Tuesday morning class and couldn't speak. It was really funny because my kids were freaking out and worried about me. Of course, they felt bad for me so they listened and did what I wrote on the board so that was awesome. My wonderful team taught the rest of my classes for me. I'm cooking them dinner as soon as I'm better. If I didn't mention it before, I absolutely ADORE the group of women I have here with me in Changchun. They are amazing for so many reasons and I'm proud to call them friends.
Speaking of my team, we've been doing a Beth Moore study on the Psalms of Ascent and I am loving it. Beth Moore has great insight. Plus she's a spaz and has big hair. Love her.
The other day I was talking to Mo about how wonderful it is when the Father gives you understanding when you read the Word. Seriously, it's been amazing. I'm not about to write a commentary about it or anything, but those moments when you are studying and you read something, and you just get it. The light flips on. The planets align. Fireworks are going off in the distance. It's awesome. That's how it has been lately. I'm soaking up the Word and what the Father is teaching me. Hope you're experiencing the same thing.
One thing I have been dwelling on is the idea of dieing to myself daily and serving others. Selfishness is something everyone struggles with and I am no exception. This year has been highlighting my deep relationship with selfishness. We've been together for a while and are rarely apart. My heart is heavy with the weight of how often I choose to plug in my ipod rather than interact with people, spend time with my friends I enjoy instead of showing love and kindness to someone else who might really need it. The Father is definitely working in me and I'm excited about it but getting to a new place with Him is sometimes tough, especially when I finally comprehend that I'm the problem. Regardless, I'm really excited to see how He continues to work in my life and use me.
The ice and snow are melting and I can see grass for the first time since October. I'm trying not to pee my pants. I can't believe it is almost April. This semester is going to fly by. Well I'm going to go practice the guitar. Amazing how when you practice you improve. Who knew.
Amanda
Mid-week thoughts.
I'm sitting at my desk, listening/rocking out to Safe Haven and thinking about the recession. Random, yes. Earlier this evening I decided to catch up with what's going on in the States so I hit up the NY Times online. After reading a few articles about our economy, recession and bailouts I can't help but be thankful that I can rest in the strength of the One who is above recessions, worry, fear, money and bailouts. While I am still trying to figure out what next year will look like, I'm going to be honest and tell you that the idea of going back to the States and finding work kind of sucks. The thought of putting on business attire, printing my resume and smiling constantly makes me want to turn on my ipod and ignore. Everything. Yes, I realize that sounds terribly immature and irresponsible, but in my defense I have never claimed to be completely mature or responsible.
Pretty sure this is just me processing what will happen if I'm back in the States. Of course the thought of a 9-5 job sounds dreadful, especially if it is doing something you don't love. I know all will be well and fine. Let's move on, shall we?
The first week of teaching after holiday has gone well. This week we're reviewing stuff from last year and I'm making them talk about their holiday. There is this activity where I write five things on the board about my holiday and I have them write stories about me, using the five things from the board(1. button 2. headphones 3. sticks 4. stairs 5. 16). So far, I have married a king; married a 16-year old boy, then had 10 kids with him, then we got divorced; I have beaten people up with sticks numerous times; I have been beaten by people with sticks numerous times...you get the idea. I love my students.
I have a meeting to go to. Love you.
Adventures in Thailand
Hey there. I'm sitting at the Cooper's table listening to James Taylor. Is he still alive?
Ok so I have spent the last two weeks in Chiang Mai, Thailand. I love Thailand. Not just because of the warmth, banana rotees and thai iced teas. Thai people are incredible. Not once did I encounter a rude or unpleasant Thai person. All of them are kind, funny, talkative and very helpful. When Beccs and I arrived in Chiang Mai on the 19th, we grabbed a taxi to the Chiang Mai Thai House where we met Sexy Moon. For real, that's his name. Sexy Moon. He worked at the Thai House and he was great. Not only would he sit and talk to us, but when we would leave or enter the hotel he would say something to the effect of, "Ohhh....sexy ladies come back to see Sexy Moon..."
There was a night market not far from our hotel. It was setup along the sidewalk and it was super. Lots of jewelry, shirts, hats, sunglasses and anything else you could ever want. From Thailand. One "culture shock" from China was the bargaining. In China you usually have to be firm and walk away during the bargaining process. In Thailand you have to be nice and don't walk away because they don't care if you walk away, they still will not go down in price. I successfully purchased (along with Mo) the ipood shirt I've wanted for a while.
Let's take a second and talk about the banana rotee's. Oh. My. Word. Listen: they are delicious. Especially with sweet milk poured on top. Apparently they come from India; you can get egg rotee, banana rotee..and some other kinds. I always had banana rotee. It's some kind of thin bread...stretched out on a hot plate....cut up bananas inside...the bread is folded over, cooked for a second then sweet milk poured on top. They cost 20 baht and they were completely worth it. I miss them already.
So that first week before conference was filled with eating, shopping, Starbucks, laying poolside. It was stupendous. I had Thai food for the first time that week. Pad thai is yum.
Alright conference: LOVED IT. The sessions were very helpful and educational. Meeting new people and catching up with other friends from training in Co was so much fun. We stayed at the Duwangtuwan Hotel (the spelling is probably off...) which was awesome; they even had the Discovery Channel(that means they were legit!).
The best part about conference was fellowship. It has been so long since I have been in fellowship with a lot of people and I did not realize how much I missed it. Some super fun people from AZ came and they were great. It was such a blessing having them at conference. Some of the people who led singing are in a band called Safe Haven. Listen up kiddos: they are awesome. Not only are they a stupendous band, they are some of the coolest people you could ever meet. Check them out at safehavenrock.com or find them on facebook. Buy their cd. Support them. Promote them.
Obviously there is so much more I want to write but can't for two reasons: 1. I can't remember it all 2. it's too much work and a bit impersonal(in my opinion). If you know me, you know I would rather sit with some coffee and lay everything out in person. June will come quickly. :)
Oh dude..just remembered this: at the moment I am in Pakse, Laos with my friends(who are like family) Russell and Bethany. Let me recall the story of how I got here, because it is good.
So I left Chiang Mai on Friday night. I took an overnight train to Bangkok. During that 14-hour fun-filled adventure I killed two cockroaches(one of which was in my bed) and met a funny couple from Paris. Stayed in Bangkok for one day with David and Karen Rigsby. Got up at 5am to catch my plane to Ubon, Thailand where I was going to meet Russell and Bethany at the bus station. My flight landed at around 9am and I was meeting Bethany and Russell at 3:15 that afternoon so I asked a taxi to take me to Starbucks. We pull up in front of a Black Canyon Coffee and my driver says, "Starbucks?"
I spent the day at an internet cafe/the Black Canyon Coffee place. I go to the bus station and sit waiting for Bethany and Russell for like 3, almost 4 hours. A really concerned Thai woman who did not speak any English was trying to help me, but kept speaking Thai, so we just laughed and smiled at each other(it is amazing to me how a smile can go a long way). So this very concerned woman calls her sister who has exceptional English and we discuss my situation. The very concerned non-English speaking Thai woman had to leave to catch her bus. She looked like she was going to cry when she left me.
So Bethany, Russell and I find each other. We make it to the border of Laos and I fill out my paperwork for my visa. About thirty minutes later we realize something: they gave my passport to the wrong person. Who already left. After another thirty minutes(give or take) of phone calls and confusion, we drive to meet the woman who has my passport. Now, I was calm through all of this, I mean it would not have been the end of the world if I had to get another passport; BUT I have worked hard for all those stamps on my passport, you know what I'm saying?
Anyways, all is well. I'll be here in Laos for the next two weeks and I am pretty stoked. I'm definitely ready to see my students, but another two weeks of vacation will not kill me. ;)
Love ya like whoa,
Fretter
So happy Starbucks is in China.
Ok, I know I am a terrible person for not writing since December. Forgive me.
Right now I am sitting in Starbucks in Chongqing and am very excited to catch everyone up on what's been going on.
Finals ended on the 18th of December. They were fine, a little mundane listening to students answering the same questions, but there were some definite highlights. For example, I had two male students try to hit on me in order to pass the class during their final exam. A female student and I were talking about coffee and she told me coffee was very bad for you to drink. I told her that I drink coffee almost everyday. With a genuine look of concern on her face she replied, "Coffee is very bad for you. It is bad for your brain. It makes you stupid."
Christmas was wonderful. On Christmas Eve both teams got together, sang songs and read through the story of Jesus' birth in Luke. Monica gave us each parts to read. I was the angel. Just so you know, I did a really good job reading my parts. That night I opened one present from my Coker's, and I was super excited to open my Christmas pajamas. Especially because they are from Target and I love Target so much it is unhealthy.
Random Insert: They are playing Norah Jones at Starbucks in China! Yay!
Christmas morning was delightful. Monica made us a feast and I helped with the pancakes. After we ate until our hearts content, we began the present opening process. I got a purse from Mary Elizabeth, a handmade blanket from Beccs, a really pretty scarf from Massawe, a WHOLE stocking from Monica (best team leader ever, hands down!), some awesome Chinese t-shirts, and a beautiful ring that says faith, hope and love in Chinese. Overall, it was a wonderful day and I was reminded of how blessed I am to have my team.
So before I tell you all what we did for Monica's Christmas present, let me go into some more detail about her. As you know she's our team leader, but she is so much more than that. She is crazy generous to everyone; she is always willing to stop what she's doing to help someone and has become one of my favorite people to sit down and have a good cup of coffee and great conversation with. She takes care of us so much that Chris has affectionately nicknamed her "Momica" (which she doesn't like, so we call her that behind her back...sorry Mo). My teammates and I constantly talk about how blessed we are to have her as our team leader. She is amazing; obviously, since I have just written an entire paragraph about her.
Anyways, back to her Christmas present; so I thought it would be cool to make a video about why we love her. So Beccs and I came up with a Top Ten List of reasons of why we love her. I can't remember all of them off the top of my head, but trust me, they were good. So I talked to Dan and Scott, two of her teammates from last year and Chris to be in the video with us. Chris dressed up as Monica. Since we couldn't find a blonde wig, I stealthly (Ash, you would have been so proud of how stealth I was) stole her hat and Chris wrapped a scarf around his head that kind of matched the color of her hair and put her hat on top of the scarf. He also put a skirt on over his jeans.
We recorded scenes that matched with each reason for why we love her. Then Beccs and I stayed up most of the night editing and adding music and making it stupendous. Let's just say, Christmas morning, she totally cried. It was awesome. Love ya Mo.
For New Years we went to Harbin, about three hours North of us. In Harbin there is the Ice Festival. Now, let me just say that in Changchun it is freezing, like, I don't leave my apartment unless absolutely necessary. Harbin is colder. And the wind is stronger. It's like 1,000 mph. Ok not really, but it feels like it when you are waiting on the street for a taxi. So imagine the cold of Harbin and now imagine walking around an ICE Festival. It was amazing and beautiful and freezing. Definitely worth the money and freezing though.
The day after we returned from Harbin, Mary Elizabeth, Beccs and I began our travels. We started out in Xi'an. Oh man do I love Xi'an. It is beautiful, well-developed and it was the place where we had Starbucks for the first time in six months. The first day we were in Xi'an we spent close to six hours in Starbucks. I'm not kidding. While we were there we stayed with an awesome family, the Sanders; Steve, Carrie and Noah. Noah is two and adorable. I love that kid. He would walk around the house and say, "Manda! Lunch is ready! Mawry Elizabeihtkn...Becca...lunch!" The Sanders were wonderful and gracious and made our stay in Xi'an wonderful. Ana, I want Noah to marry Ansley. While in Xi'an we saw the Terra-Cotta Warriors. SO cool! If you ever have the opportunity, go do it.
We took an overnight train (16 hours) into Chengdu. Let me just say, no one looks good after traveling 16 hours on an overnight train in China. No one. We met twin girls who were very entertaining. In the morning they woke Mary Elizabeth by shaking her. We all ended up listening to our ipods. I made one of the girls listen to Phil Wickham since I don't have any Chinese songs on my ipod. Chengdu was great. We stayed at Sim's Cozy Garden Hostel. If you ever find yourself traveling in China, go visit Chengdu and stay at Sim's. It is a great hostel. It is run by two backpackers with years of experience, so they know what they are doing and are very helpful. Our friend Danielle joined us in Chengdu and Whitley followed her a few days after. Mary Elizabeth left the day after we got into Chengdu to go see her family in Italy. I miss her.
While in Chengdu we saw the Giant Buddha. Really neat. Got a lot of good pictures that will be up here probably after conference. There was some other things we did in Chengdu but I can't remember. On the 14th we took a two hour train into Chongqing.
Chongqing is a really neat city. It seems so different from any other city I've been to in China. Parts of the city are built on hills and there are tons of stairs in random places that lead you to random places. People seem so happy here and are constantly laughing and talking to us as we pass them by. Last night we walked around an old part of Chongqing with really good shopping where I picked up some really good gifts for some really cool people. ; )
Beccs and I will be in Chongqing until the 19th, then we head to Thailand and I cannot be more excited. It will be warm.
Backpacking has been an experience. Through our travels so far, the Father has been teaching me patience and what it means to love others-waiting in a crowded train station while your train has been delayed an hour; traveling with the same people who are very different from you for a long period of time; carrying a backpack that might just weigh more than you do while waiting close to thirty minutes for a taxi; through it all He is faithful and I am growing closer to Him and learning how to be more flexible. Not to mention a new appreciation for Starbucks.
I miss y'all and I promise to write something soon.
Amanda
Best read while listening to Sufjan Stevens
I can't believe it is December already. This semester has flown by. Finals started on Monday. We will be finished by next Friday. Crazy.
New pictures have been uploaded. There are some from a few Fridays back. My last class on Friday afternoon wanted to go play in the snow. Me being the responsible teacher that I am, dismissed class ten minutes early and started a snowball fight (it builds good teacher-student relationships). The pictures are some of my students and I building a snowman after the snowball fight. There are some from our Thanksgiving dinner. And finally, I uploaded a picture of the chocolate cakebox cookies I made. They were delicious.
Ashley sent me a package! Want to know what she sent me? Blueberry coffee. Some other things too, but the main thing is the coffee. I could smell it before I opened the box. It was quite delightful. My teammate Mary Elizabeth kissed the bag. As you can guess, we're a coffee drinking team. Ash also sent me a starbucks cup. Lid and all. I kissed it. For real.
A few students came over for dinner a few weeks ago. Yes, I cooked. I made meatloaf and pasta. With banana bread for dessert. It was pretty delicious. And FYI: I look super cute in an apron.
So the girls that came for dinner started making me all kinds of crazy cool snowflakes and random drawings. I had one student make me a girl and boy pig with 'luck' attached to each of them. Basically after they left my living room was decorated. Also, one of the girls is really good at painting traditional Chinese pictures or something; she made me a beautiful picture! For real, I've never seen anything like it. It's amazing. She said she spent four hours making it. Hopefully I can get it on here soon, my camera has been acting funny.
Today was stupendous. Wednesdays are alwalys wonderful because I don't teach. I skyped Katy Cobb all morning and talked to Bethany, Russell, Ash, Mrs. Bev and Mr. Steve too. It was a productive morning. This afternoon was even better: we watched Nacho Libre, one of my favorite movies of all time. I don't know how many times I've seen it, or how many times I've quoted this movie, but afterwards Monica said "having seen this movie, it explains so much about you". Super.
Well Tizo is starting soon so I need to roll bounce. (Roll bounce is a legit term for leaving. Just check urbandictionary.com. Seriously.)
Fretter
Introducing Big Poppa
Life has been crazy. We are now teaching on Saturdays in order to make up the classes that were missed in October because of the "swine". It's not that bad, but very tiring.
It's Sunday today, and I don't think I have ever been more grateful for a Sunday. Becca and I are going to the market this afternoon, then some much needed fellowship tonight. We are supposed to get snow tomorrow, so don't be surprised if I post silly pictures of me rolling around in snow soon.
I can't remember if I told you about the stray cat we have wamrly welcomed, Big Poppa. If I did not, sorry. I if I did, then awesome. Anyway, I'm attaching some pictures of Big Poppa in all her glory.
Love you all,
Fretter
Attachments:
Blame it on the rain. And Norah Jones.
This week has been good. Classes were cancelled due to "the swine" and I have successfully accomplished being unproductive for almost an entire week. Talent? You know it.
I have an office. Did I mention that? I have an office, with real office mates. The majority of them are Chinese with the exception of my team mate Becca and one of the guys, Stowe. So we have been going to the office most of the week. Wait-let me clarify that statement-we have been told to go to the office everyday this week...and we sure have. ;) Yesterday...or Friday, we moved offices. Becca and I pushed desks (which are oober heavy, mind you) from one office to the other with some of the other teachers. While the Chinese teachers had three to four of them pushing one desk, Becca and I called upon all of our strength and raced the other teachers to the new office. We won every time.
Earlier this week we started playing badmitten with our office mates. Did you know badmitten is popular in China? Me either. Well, it is. So we played. Now my arm hurts like none other but let me tell you, I am dang good at badmitten. Perhaps that's a stretch of my actual skill in badmitten, but I could be worse.
So normally I'm not too deep in my blog posts, but I'll try today. I'm happy here. Maybe a better word is content. Before coming to China, I was discontent with my life. My purpose felt unclear. Now I'm not saying my purpose is to teach English; if it is, I've got some serious work ahead of me. All I'm saying is since I left behind my comfortable world of drinking coffee at Portland Brew, going to concerts all the time, having all day marathons of How I Met Your Mother (which, technically hasn't changed), and doing the same things with the same people I have a different perspective of this whole purpose thing. I've always thought that a person's purpose is one thing; like being a teacher, a dentist, an accountant, etc. That once you discovered your "purpose", that was it. Boom. Done. That's what you'd do for the rest of your life, or you know, until you retire. When I looked at it from that perspective, I always felt terrified. With sarcasim and eating being my two major skills, what in the world could be my purpose? After being in China for over two months, being pulled out of my comfort zone (I really, really, miss Portland Brew), leaving behind my friends and family for complete strangers who are now people I will forever consider family, I think that maybe my purpose is exactly what I'm doing right now. That's right, I'm going to be a professional blogger. Website coming soon.
I kid. Maybe my life will not be as planned out as others. And that's ok. For so long I felt like I had to have a plan, everything I was going to do all mapped out and ready. Then I remember that I'm not like that. I may be the most unorganized person. Ever. I like the idea of not knowing what I'll do next year. I thought about this the other day and decided that my purpose is to just listen and go. Maybe father's plans for my life don't include having a 9-5 job (I hope not) and everything being planned out before. I'm ok with that. I know this "epiphany" is probably making you say "duh", but it's my epiphany, and this is my blog, so go along with it. Basically, all I am trying to say is that I have given up worrying over my purpose. I have a greater purpose, of course I know that; I have just been confused about how, or in what way I would be used to accomplish that. Now I'm not worrying much anymore. Father has it under control, all I need to do is listen and go.
If you had no idea what I was talking about, blame it on the rain. It's storming here in Changchun and I listened to Norah Jones this morning (excellent rainy weather music) and out came deep thoughts.
xoXXoOOxO
Fretter
Coffee, conversation, and clean hair.
So I have failed to inform all of you about the hair salon we have on campus. It is behind the third dining hall and it is stupendous. For only 5 Kuai you can not only get your hair washed and dried, but a head, neck, shoulder and back massage. For real. The first time I went I was about to marry the guy that washed my hair. Becca, Mary Elizabeth and I went tonight and I was not disappointed.
I have one more day to sleep in then my October Holiday is over. Right now I am listening to Norah Jones and trying to remember what I need to get together for class on Friday. Thanks to Scott/Becca I have my lesson plan for next week.
Speaking of old Norah, Ashley I honestly don't remember listening to her everyday freshman year. I know I listened to her a lot, but everyday? The point is this: the album is great, so I can't see how one could get sick of it. So there.
Oh highlight of my Holiday: finding seasons 1-4 of How I Met Your Mother at a random movie shop. Only 36 kuai! Mary Elizabeth and I split the cost. Now that all the girls are hooked on the show, the purchase was justified. Every time I get on here to share what's going on in my life I can never think of anything remotely interesting to tell you people. Of course when something happens I'm not near a computer and we all know I remember nothing..other then song lyrics and random quotes from tv shows.
Oh wait I remembered something. Today Becca and I went to a cafe inside of a bookstore not far from campus. It was very nice. I got a cup of "American coffee" and worked on my newsletter/lesson plan. There's something about a cup of coffee and good conversation that makes me feel happy like nothing else. Minus the couple doing something that should not be done in public (making a baby) on the sofa across from us, it was a fun trip.
Oh man I remembered something else! Last night I had dinner with Monica and some students. It was so much fun! One of them taught me to say "bing bing wawa" which, translated into English is "ice ice baby". True story.
Alright, I'm pretty sure that's all I can remember for now.
Tired with clean hair,
Amanda
October Holiday
Hello all. I apologize for not keeping up with this thing. Right now we're having October Holiday. Some teachers from Harbin came up and went hiking with the rest of the teachers here for a few days. I chose to stay here on campus with Monica and Dave. It was relaxing and I didn't spend tons of money so that was nice.
Today Scott made delicious waffles for all of us. Now I'm lounging around Monica's apartment with Danielle, Kristen, and Mary Elizabeth watching the Office.
It's funny how being in a foreign country changes things. I am more aware of my weaknesses and now more willing to see them as something I can bring before my Father. Whenever I read 2 Cor. 12:9, I am reminded that he can use everything about me, including my weaknesses and it is a wonderful thing. I'm really enjoying being in China. I look forward to the next few weeks before Winter break. I'm hoping my teaching abilities will get better. And my Chinese. That would be awesome.
By the way, my guitar skills are improving...slowly, but improving. The fingers on my left hand are very calloused and I am super happy about it. Can't wait until I can play an entire song.
Miss and love all of you,
Fretter
Just call me the Big Noodle
Hola.
So last Thursday was Becca's birthday. On Saturday all of us ladies treated her to a massage. It was stupendous.
When we arrived and got in our room for the massage, I turned to Monica and said, "Um this feels a little shady..." she laughed and replied, "This is the best place...you know, as in not shady..."
We changed into this pink flowery, shirt and short ensemble. I decided that I was going to wear it on my honeymoon (it's very femine) and told the girls I was buying each of them one for their weddings as well. They're excited. As our feet were soaking in a bucket full of hot water and what looked like stuff they picked out of the yard, women began massaging our shoulders.
Insert much talking between us and two of the five women massaging us, them teaching us Chinese while we taught them English, me naming the women massaing me Mercedes then changing it to Beyonce, us eventually naming all of the women: Jolie (for Angelina, even if she is a homewrecker), Sasha (for Sasha Fierce; she was Monica's girl-she was quite fiesty, so the name fit), Beyonce, Amy (she had hair like Amy Winehouse, pre-rehab), and Selma (she looked like she could be Selma Hayek; you know, if she was Hispanic).
Trust me when I say it was very entertaining. The only thing I did not enjoy was the butt massage. It was just too strange. We taught them our names, but Monica's girl (Sasha) kept pronouncing my name wrong; when you translate how she was saying my name in Chinese, it's "big noodle". Awesome name, right? Yeah my whole team thinks so too. :)
Started my fourth week of teaching yesterday. I really am loving this whole teaching thing. I think I put too much pressure on myself though; I'm starting to drive myself crazy. I know I will become better with time...whatever.
In English Corner today we talked about food and fashion in America. Chris talked about Taco Bell and now I feel like I am going to die if I don't eat a taco. So sad.
Note to Jon Dodd and Danielle S: When we open that coffee shop, can we also open up a Taco Bell?
Well it is about time to go and party off the pounds with Richard Simmons.
Ready for October Holiday and missing Ashley Coker,
Big Noodle.
I forgot
So I forgot to include in my last entry something quite pivotal: I ate dog. Yes, you read correctly. I ate dog. We all went out to eat on Saturday for Scott's birthday and they ordered dog. I tried a piece. It tasted like lukewarm pulled pork, minus the bbq sauce. And yes, I felt guilty. I felt like, somehow, I betrayed my childhood. I'm glad I can say I tried it. I will probably never eat it again because of the guilt. I have to stop writing about it, I feel so bad.
I taught this morning and as I was walking back to my apartment listening to Jon Foreman I decided I really wanted to take a shower, since this morning I chose to sleep in longer and eat toast and drink tea rather then shower before my first class. Well I make it to my place and soon after realize the water has been shut off. Yay China.
Well I am now oovooing Jessica, so later.
Backstreet Boys, Shopping and Snuggies
Hey.
This week has been busy. We started our English Corners this week. English Corners are kind of like classes, but more relaxed and we discuss topics that the students want to know about such as, American college life, music, etc. Tuesday was the first session. Chris, Mary Elizabeth and I just introduced ourselves and what we like. It was fun. Then Chris made us a celebatory(is that spelled correctly? I think I just made up that word) dinner for our efforts. Thursday was our second English Corner (we have them twice a week; "you don't do it right unless you do it twicest") and Chris and Mary Elizabeth did that one. Then I cooked them dinner for their efforts. Anyone see a pattern?
Thursday was "Teacher's Day". The school had an awards ceremony and I won for best new teacher! If you believed me, even for a second, smack yourself.
I was telling the truth about the Teacher's Day and awards ceremony though. After the awards were given out, there were some performences. Yes, we had to perform. We made up a dance to "I Want It That Way" by the Backstreet Boys. It was fun and slightly embarassing, but totally worth it.
Insert some more teaching, dance party on Friday night with my team, followed by watching G.I Joe with the guys team which we all agreed that the movie was lame except for two of the guys.
Saturday we went shopping. It was fun and I didn't spend a lot of money. I bought some brown boots (knee length) that are hot to trot! I'm excited.
Saturday was also Scott's birthday. Scott is another American teacher here in Changchun. He turned twenty five, so we had a big party for him. Rewind back to a few days before. I was talking to Monica and decided that we should make Scott a Snuggie for his birthday. There is a story behind it: we all were talking about Snuggies one night and watched the commerical for them online. So, anyway, Friday night after the guys leave from watching G.I. Joe, Monica, Becca and I raid the resource room that has extra clothes and such. We find an old blanket and sweater left behind by former teachers. With a little bit of cutting, some duct tape, and a lot of creative ideas, we made Scott a Snuggie. With pockets. I think the Snuggie was his favorite gift.
So, if any of you recieve a homemade Snuggie in the future, you will know why.
Going back to bed,
Amanda
Jyess, this one's for you.
Jyess,
Thanks for the oovoo video. It was fantastic and made my day. I haven't watched the other one from just you, but I will later.
Ok so out of curiosity, I went to Brandon's site to see if I could get on his twitter and see the pictures you talked about. While I was there I saw that he is going on tour with Leeland. Are you kidding me? I am ticked. Of course when I leave the country he goes on tour with Leeland. If you see him, smack him.
Love ya.
I will be the Biggest Loser
So I just finished doing some more work on my lesson plan for this upcoming week. Technically this is my first official lesson plan where I will actually be teaching my students something other than where I'm from and that I like Relient K. Funny story about that-I was doing this circle activity to help my students get to know me. I write random words on the board that are important to me or that explain who I am. One word was the band Relient K because A. I love them, B. I have listened to them since I was in high school. Anyway, I write certain words on the board and give my students a minute or two to guess what they are and why they are important to me. Well in one of my classes on Wednesday or Friday, I had two girls think that Relient K was the name of my boyfriend. As you can imagine, that answer caused much laughter.
I'm learning how to play the guitar. Did I mention that already? Anywho, I'm learning and really enjoying it. All the fingers on my left hand hate me, but it's totally worth it. Tonight I learned how to strum a certain way...or something like that...basically, I learned how to strum correctly. I tell you all of this because for those of you who laughed at me for not having rhythm, booyah! Apparently I do. ;)
Tonight we went to the import store and I spent tons of money on food that I actually know what it is saying on the box. Needless to say I am happy. I never thought I would be so excited about buying cheddar cheese. Also tonight I joined (you may want to sit down for this one....are you sitting down? Seriously, sit down) Changchun Biggest Loser. Some of the other teachers here in Changchun are starting a Biggest Loser competition. Remember how I told you about that addiction to Magnum ice cream bars? Yeah...
Finally, if anyone talks to Jessica Folsom tell her to get on oovoo once in a while. Maybe email me. Better yet tell her to come and check out my shutterfly. If she complains, tell her I watched Nacho Libre today and missed her. That should bring on enough guilt, don't you think?
Listening to Kings of Leon and craving SATCO,
Amanda
Week one
So I am in the process of trying to upload a video from our ten hour train ride from Beijing to Changchun. Hopefully I can get it up this weekend.
It's Saturday morning here and I slept in the latest I have in about a month: 9 am! Woo hoo! I woke up to a little rain and much cold. A student told me that it will start to get very cold within the next month. Super.
The other night all the girls went through old clothes that have been left behind by other teachers. I found a sweet winter coat that almost goes past my knees. With fur around the hood. If someone wants to send me a gold pimp chain, I think I've found my halloween costume. Maybe a money sign, or perhaps a big A...?
I survived my first week of teaching. Seven classes. Lots of faces. My feet ache and my throat is sore. And I'm totally loving it. Seriously. Of course I know it's been one week and there are many challenges ahead, but so far it's been awesome. I wish I could record my students saying "Miss Fretter". It's so cute/funny.
Speaking of teaching: I must apologize. Apologize to every teacher that I walked in late to class with a cup of coffee in my hand, every teacher that I fell asleep while you were teaching, when I passed notes, doodled, complained about doing...well basically anything you told the class to do. I totally get it now.
Great pictures from the Great Wall
So I added some pictures from our trip to the Great Wall. As you can see from the pictures, it was great indeed.
Had a day off from teaching today and it was super. I slept in til almost 8:30 before I woke up to the gardners yelling at each other below my window.
Ok, so they have these ice cream bars on campus called Magnum bars. Let me tell you something: they are amazing. I think I have had one almost everyday since we arrived. Including today after lunch. I think I'm developing a problem.
I have to go write lesson plans now. Perhaps I will write something more in depth one day.
Missing most of you,
Amanda
Catching up
Ok, so here's the reader's digest version of my life the past month:
Training in Colorado, not enough sleep.
Training in China, not enough sleep, lots of diarerra.
Arrival in Changchun! We took a ten hour train ride from Beijing to Changchun last Friday and got to our school early Saturday morning. I began teaching on Monday and have had at least one class everyday since. It has been an amazing month so far. Lots of changes, new faces and several opportunities to be flexible.
I uploaded an album with some pictures right after we arrived in China and hit some tourist spots. I plan on upolading a brief video of our ten hour train ride to Changchun. I promise I will write more later.
Fretter
