This has been one of the fastest/longest/most stressful weeks on a long long time. To start things off, last Saturday, Tommy's mom called with really terrible news. His cousin's daughter, Bella, 14 mos. went in for emergency surgery on a brain tumor. Tommy is very close with his cousin, and this news just tore him up (as it would with any human with a heart)...so he made the quick decision to fly home and be with his family. (Not to get too gushy...but) I can say that his decision to drop everything (he had a business trip planned for the following week) and go be with his family made me love him even more...if that's even possible. I am so proud of him. Weird, but whatever.
So, with that news, and knowing that conditions would be about the same until Tuesday, when they went in to take the tumor out, I was just kind of this walking blob.
I had a very unsuccessful trip to the fabric market to pick up a khaki trench coat and new black peacoat. The trench coat wasn't ready, so she told me she'd have it delivered, and because of a miscommunication w/ the peacoat lady, she was going to remake it...so it wasn't ready either. I went home, sat around like a bum and watched movies all afternoon. Sunday, I spend the entire afternoon on the phone w/ the trench coat lady trying to track down my mis-delivered coat...They delivered it to the wrong apartment and couldn't track it down.
Monday was just a long day, but to my surprise, when I got home, my trench coat had finally made it to my doorstep!
Tuesday was long due to a "conference" with a parent (drinks and chatting-totally fun, but late late night)...
Wednesday and Thursday were both 1/2 days with parent conferences. I don't mind those so much, but they take a lot out of you, and I had to stay at work til 6 both nights...which to most people, no biggie, but getting to leave at 4 most days makes 6 seem really really late.
Then, Friday was a 1/2 day and trick-or-treat and carnival day. PLUS my after school arts and crafts club that lasts til 5...the trick-or-treating was so chaotic and unorganized, and the carnival was slightly better. I did, however, manage to convince 150+ students (age 3-10) that I accidentally killed Frankenstein, cut open his head, pull out his brains and eyeballs, and put them into some black, dark boxes...they thought it was cool, gross, and just crazy...AND I was a red lego block...which was great. Legos are an international hit!! (why wouldn't they be, right?)
On Friday, I went out with two of my colleagues, and that was great. Then Saturday was a bar opening that was 100 RMB (~$15) for all you can drink and eat til 12...and about 30 minutes into me being there, I fell down the stairs. sober. I had on very high heels and jeans that were about an inch too long. My jeans got caught under the heel as I was taking a step down, I rolled down about 9 stairs, spilling my drink everywhere, dropping my cell phone and landing in a puddle of said spilled drink...needless to say, those heels are going to be put away for a while, and I will have very strange bruises for the next week.
Luckily, today was a nice relaxing Sunday. I got a lot of work done, cleaned the apartment (took pictures of it (FINALLY), and posted them on facebook), and watched a couple movies. I am so ready for Tommy to be home tomorrow, and then a (hopefully) short month and a half later, and I'll be home for Christmas.
Time is flying by out here, and I'm just now starting to really take it in and see as much as I can before saying Zaijian to Shanghai. --Better late than never, right?
I hope everyone had a great halloween and has a good week ahead.
-Jen
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Life Lately
So, things in Shanghai have stayed consistently busy lately, which is nice, because it's made time go by quickly. With 19 ESL students, I am constantly looking for new ways to approach teaching English to them, and it's proven to be just the challenge I was looking for. I sure do whine about it a lot, but, when I really sit back and think about it, it's the best thing for me. I am reminded time and time again just how patient I need to be, and that although I'm not seeing immediate results from the students, progress is being made. Friday felt like one of the best days I've had so far this school year (could've been the semi-overdose of caffiene from a grande coffee), but things seemed to click just right. I'm hoping this week will prove to go like Friday, and my new ideas will work better. As I learn new things about myself and my students, the year just seems to get better and better, and it had been flying by! I feel like I just started yesterday, but really, I've only got about 2 months left for this semester. Crazy!!!
In other news, I have been trying to get into running...it's been quite the battle...I have discovered that I am an excellent excuse maker...which isn't so great...BUT, I've been able to think through all of the excuses of why I don't want/need to get up, and then I finally guilt myself out of laying in bed. I know that a)I'm not going back to sleep anyway, b)Tommy will give me a hard time about being a lazy butt, and c)I will feel like a lazy butt...everyone I talk to that is a runner says that once you finally get into a groove, it's great...but I'm still in the VERY beginning stages, and the groove for me seems very very far down the line...but alas, I will keep it up and hopefully begin to really enjoy and be jumping out of bed to get going...so, runner friends, any advice or encouragement would be greatly appreciated! ;o)
Well, I'm about out of updates worth reading for today--I will try to be more regular with my updates, for those of you who actually do look forward to seeing my posts..
In other news, I have been trying to get into running...it's been quite the battle...I have discovered that I am an excellent excuse maker...which isn't so great...BUT, I've been able to think through all of the excuses of why I don't want/need to get up, and then I finally guilt myself out of laying in bed. I know that a)I'm not going back to sleep anyway, b)Tommy will give me a hard time about being a lazy butt, and c)I will feel like a lazy butt...everyone I talk to that is a runner says that once you finally get into a groove, it's great...but I'm still in the VERY beginning stages, and the groove for me seems very very far down the line...but alas, I will keep it up and hopefully begin to really enjoy and be jumping out of bed to get going...so, runner friends, any advice or encouragement would be greatly appreciated! ;o)
Well, I'm about out of updates worth reading for today--I will try to be more regular with my updates, for those of you who actually do look forward to seeing my posts..
Friday, August 27, 2010
First Week of School
So, this was my official first week of school. Last semester and my previous job, I was just thrown in to the class with students who knew all of the routines and had no issues other than getting used to a new teacher.
Wow--real first days/weeks are tough! My students are GREAT! 2nd grade is going to be a very fun year. Last year's 1st grade teacher did an excellent job with these kids, and they are so eager to learn and have such wonderful personalities! Even better, last year's 2nd grade teacher left me with quite a bit of helpful things, so I am so so grateful for both of them.
My Language Arts kids are all of my 2nd graders but one, who goes up to LA 3. I have 9 3rd graders come to my class and all but 4 of those are brand new to LAS, and even more, brand new to English!!! AHHHHHHH!!!!! So, here I have my 2nd graders, who are almost ready to move up to LA 3, and then I've got 3rd graders who are really at a Kindergarten English level. Can you say modifications? I have 18 LA kids, which, I know to all of my teacher friends state-side, that sounds like a dream, but out here, it's super tough. Although I am currently feeling quite overwhelmed, I feel so lucky to have this experience to add to my resume and still know without a doubt that I was born to teach!!!
On and even better note, we are revamping most of our curriculum and it is so awesome. Our WASC accreditation requested that we have our standards stated more clearly, and also give better examples of how our curriculum meets those standards. We have already met to decide all of our various units for the year, and now we're working on placing those under the correct benchmark category and then creating a really great year-long outline. I have a feeling I will be returning to school soon to get my Master's in Curriculum and Instruction...and I am so blessed to have the opportunity to actually help develop a new curriculum and "get my feet wet" before shoveling out loads of money to figure out that I don't really enjoy it.
On quite a different note...this week in China, not so great. Aside from school excitement and stress, I have had a rough week. Wednesday, I had no money left in my wallet, no money left on my transportation card, and I ended up shorting my taxi driver 11RMB (roughly $2)...I originally thought he was being nice and giving me an 11RMB credit because he got lost on the way to school and stopped the meter early. I exited his taxi saying "sorry, I don't understand you [I really didn't]", and he proceeded to get out of the taxi and come around and yell at me! He followed me into my school grounds, past the guard shed (which the guards did a very pathetic job of 'stopping' him) and then kept following me. *I should mention I was carrying a HUGE IKEA bag full of big pillows for our classroom libraries and my school bag.* HE tried to steal one of my pillows to make up for the 11RMB charge (pillows were actually 29RMB), and then started pushing me away from my school. My not so proactive school guards sort of attempted to get him to leave...I, of course, start crying and then taxi driver says he is going to call the police. I say, fine call them and tell them how you yelled at, tried to steal from and push the foreigner (frowned upon in China), and then see how it goes. The guards finally got him outside and I made it to my principal's office in tears. Awesome.
Turns out, he did call the cops and my amazing boss happened to be in passing when that event happened, so she gave the jerk taxi driver the 11RMB and had a very stern conversation with out guards.
Later that day, I had a Chinese lady practically sit on me on the subway as I tried to sit down. My butt was touching the seat and she still shoved me out of the seat...OH CHINA!
THEN! (yes, there is more to my week!!!)
As I was walking to work yesterday, I got hit by a bike...really hard. Knocked the wind out of me, and literally stopped me in my tracks...now, I should note, I was not crossing at the cross walk (shame, shame). But, this man was supposed to be riding on the sidewalk and he was not. He was also riding down the wrong side of the road. So, yes, of course, I looked both ways...but call me crazy, I did not check my immediate right, because I didn't expect someone to be coming that way. The man did try and yell and swerve to miss me, but he didn't. So...I say we were both at fault, but, of course, as I limped away, I started crying...and not even a minute before it happened, I thought, "today will be better..." HA!
That night, it was pouring down rain, and Tommy and I were leaving a restaurant. We decided to RUN across the street to catch a taxi, and my flip flop got suctioned/stuck to the pavement and I proceeded to eat it. Big time. My pants were soaked knee-down, as was my entire back. I tried to then get up and walk across the street but couldn't get my shoe on right...finally got my shoe on and crossed the street, soaked and pathetic, and yep, you guessed it, I started crying.
But hey! Today, nothing happened bad on my way to or from work...and aside from the whole "no English thing", my day was alright. Now Tommy and I are about to take our friend out for dinner for his birthday/thanks for our wonderful US sized/quality couches...and then out with lots of friends for a much needed fun night.
Hope everyone's first weeks of school, whether as a teacher or student went well!
Wow--real first days/weeks are tough! My students are GREAT! 2nd grade is going to be a very fun year. Last year's 1st grade teacher did an excellent job with these kids, and they are so eager to learn and have such wonderful personalities! Even better, last year's 2nd grade teacher left me with quite a bit of helpful things, so I am so so grateful for both of them.
My Language Arts kids are all of my 2nd graders but one, who goes up to LA 3. I have 9 3rd graders come to my class and all but 4 of those are brand new to LAS, and even more, brand new to English!!! AHHHHHHH!!!!! So, here I have my 2nd graders, who are almost ready to move up to LA 3, and then I've got 3rd graders who are really at a Kindergarten English level. Can you say modifications? I have 18 LA kids, which, I know to all of my teacher friends state-side, that sounds like a dream, but out here, it's super tough. Although I am currently feeling quite overwhelmed, I feel so lucky to have this experience to add to my resume and still know without a doubt that I was born to teach!!!
On and even better note, we are revamping most of our curriculum and it is so awesome. Our WASC accreditation requested that we have our standards stated more clearly, and also give better examples of how our curriculum meets those standards. We have already met to decide all of our various units for the year, and now we're working on placing those under the correct benchmark category and then creating a really great year-long outline. I have a feeling I will be returning to school soon to get my Master's in Curriculum and Instruction...and I am so blessed to have the opportunity to actually help develop a new curriculum and "get my feet wet" before shoveling out loads of money to figure out that I don't really enjoy it.
On quite a different note...this week in China, not so great. Aside from school excitement and stress, I have had a rough week. Wednesday, I had no money left in my wallet, no money left on my transportation card, and I ended up shorting my taxi driver 11RMB (roughly $2)...I originally thought he was being nice and giving me an 11RMB credit because he got lost on the way to school and stopped the meter early. I exited his taxi saying "sorry, I don't understand you [I really didn't]", and he proceeded to get out of the taxi and come around and yell at me! He followed me into my school grounds, past the guard shed (which the guards did a very pathetic job of 'stopping' him) and then kept following me. *I should mention I was carrying a HUGE IKEA bag full of big pillows for our classroom libraries and my school bag.* HE tried to steal one of my pillows to make up for the 11RMB charge (pillows were actually 29RMB), and then started pushing me away from my school. My not so proactive school guards sort of attempted to get him to leave...I, of course, start crying and then taxi driver says he is going to call the police. I say, fine call them and tell them how you yelled at, tried to steal from and push the foreigner (frowned upon in China), and then see how it goes. The guards finally got him outside and I made it to my principal's office in tears. Awesome.
Turns out, he did call the cops and my amazing boss happened to be in passing when that event happened, so she gave the jerk taxi driver the 11RMB and had a very stern conversation with out guards.
Later that day, I had a Chinese lady practically sit on me on the subway as I tried to sit down. My butt was touching the seat and she still shoved me out of the seat...OH CHINA!
THEN! (yes, there is more to my week!!!)
As I was walking to work yesterday, I got hit by a bike...really hard. Knocked the wind out of me, and literally stopped me in my tracks...now, I should note, I was not crossing at the cross walk (shame, shame). But, this man was supposed to be riding on the sidewalk and he was not. He was also riding down the wrong side of the road. So, yes, of course, I looked both ways...but call me crazy, I did not check my immediate right, because I didn't expect someone to be coming that way. The man did try and yell and swerve to miss me, but he didn't. So...I say we were both at fault, but, of course, as I limped away, I started crying...and not even a minute before it happened, I thought, "today will be better..." HA!
That night, it was pouring down rain, and Tommy and I were leaving a restaurant. We decided to RUN across the street to catch a taxi, and my flip flop got suctioned/stuck to the pavement and I proceeded to eat it. Big time. My pants were soaked knee-down, as was my entire back. I tried to then get up and walk across the street but couldn't get my shoe on right...finally got my shoe on and crossed the street, soaked and pathetic, and yep, you guessed it, I started crying.
But hey! Today, nothing happened bad on my way to or from work...and aside from the whole "no English thing", my day was alright. Now Tommy and I are about to take our friend out for dinner for his birthday/thanks for our wonderful US sized/quality couches...and then out with lots of friends for a much needed fun night.
Hope everyone's first weeks of school, whether as a teacher or student went well!
Friday, June 11, 2010
Wordless Weekend
This isn't actually wordless, but then again, when has my life ever been that way? ;o)
I really just wanted a title, annnd I have the most amazing picture to share with my mom and Drew!!
I don't know/remember what the packaging looks like...but can it be? The only place to find it is China?!?!? hehe
So, this time next week, I will be (hopefully spread across 2 seats and "sound" asleep) on a plane, on my way to Texas! I am so excited! I am so ready to be in America and I can NOT wait to see all of my family and friends that I love so much!
Come on summer break, hurry up!!!
I really just wanted a title, annnd I have the most amazing picture to share with my mom and Drew!!
I don't know/remember what the packaging looks like...but can it be? The only place to find it is China?!?!? hehe
So, this time next week, I will be (hopefully spread across 2 seats and "sound" asleep) on a plane, on my way to Texas! I am so excited! I am so ready to be in America and I can NOT wait to see all of my family and friends that I love so much!
Come on summer break, hurry up!!!
Monday, June 7, 2010
My oh Monday!
Getting a quick breakfast here is pathetic. No T&T Donuts, no Sunrise (or what ever the LBK shop is) Donuts, no Krispy Kreme (last choice), no Jumburrito(!), no Sonic, and even McDonald's doesn't have my typical nasty breakfast burritos.
So, if I forget to buy my $10 box of Cheerios (the medium sized box, and yes, they do cost me $10 over here)...and I don't have bread ($2 for 6 slices), then I have to stop at Starbucks for overpriced coffee and an OK muffin. Of course, I could actually try to Chinese cuisine (called Baozi, pronounced bow-zuh) that only costs $0.25, but, then I'd actually have to try something new...Baozi is a dumpling like thing that usually contains green veggies in it...something I do not crave often, let alone at 7:30 in the morning...
So, that being said, I will be enjoying T&T Donuts, Jumburrito and even McDonald's for breakfast! Along with those, I have a nice long list of foods and restaurants that I will be eating at when I am home. I will get nice and fat, and I think it will be totally worth it!
13 days...so ready for it!!!
So, if I forget to buy my $10 box of Cheerios (the medium sized box, and yes, they do cost me $10 over here)...and I don't have bread ($2 for 6 slices), then I have to stop at Starbucks for overpriced coffee and an OK muffin. Of course, I could actually try to Chinese cuisine (called Baozi, pronounced bow-zuh) that only costs $0.25, but, then I'd actually have to try something new...Baozi is a dumpling like thing that usually contains green veggies in it...something I do not crave often, let alone at 7:30 in the morning...
So, that being said, I will be enjoying T&T Donuts, Jumburrito and even McDonald's for breakfast! Along with those, I have a nice long list of foods and restaurants that I will be eating at when I am home. I will get nice and fat, and I think it will be totally worth it!
13 days...so ready for it!!!
Monday, May 24, 2010
Moody Monday
I. want. to. go. home. Texas home.
There, I said it. Shanghai is definitely my current home, but I want to go back to my original one.
I have a had one heck of a Monday...and you know what the sad part is? It wasn't even all that bad. Just a long day with a couple of little things that didn't go right. I think I am mostly just ready to go home. I am totally fine with completing the school year, but June 19th couldn't come soon enough!
I actually almost started crying at lunch/planning time today. Pathetic....blehk...anyway...I am so ready to be home and see my wonderful family and friends...I hope I get to see a lot you guys!!!
Off to cook dinner and get in a better mood (I hope)...love ya!
There, I said it. Shanghai is definitely my current home, but I want to go back to my original one.
I have a had one heck of a Monday...and you know what the sad part is? It wasn't even all that bad. Just a long day with a couple of little things that didn't go right. I think I am mostly just ready to go home. I am totally fine with completing the school year, but June 19th couldn't come soon enough!
I actually almost started crying at lunch/planning time today. Pathetic....blehk...anyway...I am so ready to be home and see my wonderful family and friends...I hope I get to see a lot you guys!!!
Off to cook dinner and get in a better mood (I hope)...love ya!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Topic Tuesday
Today's Topic: T-E-X-A-S!!!!
Yay!
In 5 weeks and 4 days, I will be in Dallas, Texas...and it will be awesome! I am so excited to go home. I have so many people I want to see, and if you are one of them, get ready!!! You know who you are! ;o)
I will be home June 19-July 25...Hopefully that will be enough time to make all of my rounds. Tommy's annual birthday river trip is June 25-27, so if you'd like a fun weekend of river floating and hanging out with the coolest people ever (us), then you should join in. Let me know!
I am also very excited because this will be the first year that I join the hill country ride. I am also hoping that I can maybe learn to really drive a motorcycle, but we'll see how it goes.
The weekend I land will be a bit tiring, so if you're in the Dallas area and want to see me, let me know, and I'll try to catch up with you when I'm there on July 24th...also, if you saw my last post...you know that I don't have a phone anymore...or phone numbers, so email them to me or facebook them or something so that I know how to reach you!
I can't wait! I've started the countdown!
Yay!
In 5 weeks and 4 days, I will be in Dallas, Texas...and it will be awesome! I am so excited to go home. I have so many people I want to see, and if you are one of them, get ready!!! You know who you are! ;o)
I will be home June 19-July 25...Hopefully that will be enough time to make all of my rounds. Tommy's annual birthday river trip is June 25-27, so if you'd like a fun weekend of river floating and hanging out with the coolest people ever (us), then you should join in. Let me know!
I am also very excited because this will be the first year that I join the hill country ride. I am also hoping that I can maybe learn to really drive a motorcycle, but we'll see how it goes.
The weekend I land will be a bit tiring, so if you're in the Dallas area and want to see me, let me know, and I'll try to catch up with you when I'm there on July 24th...also, if you saw my last post...you know that I don't have a phone anymore...or phone numbers, so email them to me or facebook them or something so that I know how to reach you!
I can't wait! I've started the countdown!
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Muggy Monday
So, most of you have probably heard or seen by now that my friend, Gracie and I were mugged while on holiday this weekend. I am fine. They got my purse, and not Gracie's, which is good that one of us ended up with something. Other than that, my trip was fine. It was definitely good to get home to Shanghai. I feel so much safer here and I just know the city, so it's more comfortable. Those of you that gave me thoughts and prayers, thanks!
OH! I also came home looking like a lobster! I put sunscreen on a bit too late! Oops! Well, it is about bed time. Just wanted to update the few people that read this and let you know the situation sucked, but I'm alive and well.
Tomorrow's blog will be more upbeat...if I remember to blog at all!
Love you guys!
OH! I also came home looking like a lobster! I put sunscreen on a bit too late! Oops! Well, it is about bed time. Just wanted to update the few people that read this and let you know the situation sucked, but I'm alive and well.
Tomorrow's blog will be more upbeat...if I remember to blog at all!
Love you guys!
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Wordless Wedneday
*I can't figure out how to get my pics bigger. Tried clicking large and uploading the original, but it wouldn't work...so I have to compress the image and then selected large...and it still isn't much bigger.
Oops! This was supposed to be wordless! ;o)
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Things I Love Thursday
Yes, I am stealing blog ideas. Today's thing I love: Grewsome Drewsome!
My big brother's birthday is tomorrow, so why not talk about him?
Andrew Wayne Paxton was born on April 23, 1983. He was my dad's birthday present that year...so that was cool.
Drew is one of the most unique (truly) individuals any one could ever be blessed to know. My description of him always goes into his personality, his eleventy billion hobbies....and I always end it with "he's kind of a modern day renaissance man." If you know him, I'm sure you'd agree.
I honestly don't think I could have asked for a better brother or friend. He always has just the right thing to say or do to make you feel better, he'll make you laugh, even at his own expense. Actually, he'll make you laugh especially at his own expense. I miss him so much and can't wait to see him this summer. I am realizing how hard it is to put into words how much he means to me. So Drew...I want you to know that you are one of THE most important people in my life, and I am so blessed to be your little shitter.
Happy Birthday! Love, Gerdifer
*I searched for quite a while and there were more of these types of pictures than I knew what to do with...so enjoy!
*I really really tried to find a decent one!
At last...a good one! ;o)
My big brother's birthday is tomorrow, so why not talk about him?
Andrew Wayne Paxton was born on April 23, 1983. He was my dad's birthday present that year...so that was cool.
Drew is one of the most unique (truly) individuals any one could ever be blessed to know. My description of him always goes into his personality, his eleventy billion hobbies....and I always end it with "he's kind of a modern day renaissance man." If you know him, I'm sure you'd agree.
I honestly don't think I could have asked for a better brother or friend. He always has just the right thing to say or do to make you feel better, he'll make you laugh, even at his own expense. Actually, he'll make you laugh especially at his own expense. I miss him so much and can't wait to see him this summer. I am realizing how hard it is to put into words how much he means to me. So Drew...I want you to know that you are one of THE most important people in my life, and I am so blessed to be your little shitter.
Happy Birthday! Love, Gerdifer
*I searched for quite a while and there were more of these types of pictures than I knew what to do with...so enjoy!
*I really really tried to find a decent one!
At last...a good one! ;o)
Monday, April 12, 2010
Sick in Shanghai
Being sick in a foreign country, especially China, is the pits. Well, ok, being sick anywhere is the pits. Being sick and not having access to wonderful drugs such as mucinex and sudafed is really the pits. This is one of the few times that my sinus infection/chest crap is accompanied by a fever. It was up to 101 yesterday, which is so unusual for me. I am hoping I can kick this stupid thing soon...it is really more inconvenient than anything. It is also pretty hard to sneak past the morning ayi's that take your temperature before entering school...but I managed to do so! I am so sneaky! Now if this week can just end soon, I'll be good.
We're having our WASC visit this week, which is a little more than stressful when I am sick and don't have so much energy to teach/think straight. But, the show must go on...or something.
Anyway...so my mom was just out here, and it was such a good time. I'm so glad she got to come. If I actually knew how to upload pictures to this thing, I would...but I just haven't taken the time to learn. I will soon and then have a nice blog full of pictures from her visit.
So for now, miss and love you guys...blog to ya soon!
We're having our WASC visit this week, which is a little more than stressful when I am sick and don't have so much energy to teach/think straight. But, the show must go on...or something.
Anyway...so my mom was just out here, and it was such a good time. I'm so glad she got to come. If I actually knew how to upload pictures to this thing, I would...but I just haven't taken the time to learn. I will soon and then have a nice blog full of pictures from her visit.
So for now, miss and love you guys...blog to ya soon!
Friday, March 26, 2010
New Friends
So, it is really tough to make new friends. Especially in a foreign country. Shanghai is a big of a "boys club." Lots of businessmen around, some with expat wives, some just single. Most at least 30 years of age. There is nothing wrong with having friends who are older than me...and the few that I do have are actually really sweet and helpful and great women to know anywhere in the world.
But then there are those women who just know everything in the world, and love telling you "what's what"
Some common phrases I hear living in Shanghai from these type of women:
Oh my! You are so young!
You're the same age as my daughter!!
How did your mom feel about letting you come over here?
How did your family and friends feel about you moving?
You actually moved here for your boyfriend?
What do I REALLY want to say to these ladies?
Oh My! You are so old!
Yes, Mrs Obvious, I'm 22!
My mom didn't "let" me come over here...she doesn't run my life!
They LOOOVED the fact that I'd be living 1/2 across the world...how'd your family take the news?
Yes, I ACTUALLY moved here for a guy. Call me stupid...
What do I say to them instead? (To be polite, of course)
Yes, I am young, but this is the experience of a life time...better now than when I have kiddos.
Yeah, I graduated from college early, and left the US pretty young.
My mom supports me 110%. (She really does, of course.)
They weren't crazy about me leaving, but they, too, support me 110%...They are all THAT awesome.
Yes, I move here for my boyfriend. I wanted to be with him, and wanted to teach abroad...two birds, one stone.
Then of course, all of these mini-conversations lead to no where...and I'm still stuck with Tommy and his group of guy shipping friends. Who all talk about shipping. All. The. Time. They are fun to hang out with, but I need female friends.
I lucked out and Tommy met a great girl, Gracie at an American Chamber of Commerce event...
She is 22(!) and just graduated from college (!) and is awesome! She is my first friend that is truly "mine". It is great. She leaves in May to begin a training program at Cornell, but has plans to return to Shanghai after that. I reallly hope she does.
I also have a really cool Australian friend, Lucy, who is 23 and did the exact same thing as me...but even more on a whim. She decided to follow her fiance out here two days before he left. Quit her job and everything. She is a lot of fun too...
I've even got tons of female (American!) colleagues. We had plans to hang out last night...but due to a lack of communication and a lack of cell phone numbers...I was accidentally stood up at a bar. I was actually a lot more upset than I should have been. (I cried on the 10 minute walk home.) *That is one nice thing about our apartment location...it is so close to almost everything we want...so it wasn't a huge inconvenience for me. Granted, we were meeting at 9...and I'm in bed by 9 most nights...but oh well...better luck next time.
I do have to say that I really miss the easy making friends thing. You know one girl, she knows some girls, and you all get along and form unending friendships so easily. However, here, you have to luck out and really go out on a limb.
Also...one sad fact...every girl I meet, I then think of how much I miss my best friends back home. Never satisfied...so just homesick?
So, now that I'm done rambling...enjoy your friends, and cherish them so much. It sucks when they're thousands of miles away and you just want a hug. :-)
But then there are those women who just know everything in the world, and love telling you "what's what"
Some common phrases I hear living in Shanghai from these type of women:
Oh my! You are so young!
You're the same age as my daughter!!
How did your mom feel about letting you come over here?
How did your family and friends feel about you moving?
You actually moved here for your boyfriend?
What do I REALLY want to say to these ladies?
Oh My! You are so old!
Yes, Mrs Obvious, I'm 22!
My mom didn't "let" me come over here...she doesn't run my life!
They LOOOVED the fact that I'd be living 1/2 across the world...how'd your family take the news?
Yes, I ACTUALLY moved here for a guy. Call me stupid...
What do I say to them instead? (To be polite, of course)
Yes, I am young, but this is the experience of a life time...better now than when I have kiddos.
Yeah, I graduated from college early, and left the US pretty young.
My mom supports me 110%. (She really does, of course.)
They weren't crazy about me leaving, but they, too, support me 110%...They are all THAT awesome.
Yes, I move here for my boyfriend. I wanted to be with him, and wanted to teach abroad...two birds, one stone.
Then of course, all of these mini-conversations lead to no where...and I'm still stuck with Tommy and his group of guy shipping friends. Who all talk about shipping. All. The. Time. They are fun to hang out with, but I need female friends.
I lucked out and Tommy met a great girl, Gracie at an American Chamber of Commerce event...
She is 22(!) and just graduated from college (!) and is awesome! She is my first friend that is truly "mine". It is great. She leaves in May to begin a training program at Cornell, but has plans to return to Shanghai after that. I reallly hope she does.
I also have a really cool Australian friend, Lucy, who is 23 and did the exact same thing as me...but even more on a whim. She decided to follow her fiance out here two days before he left. Quit her job and everything. She is a lot of fun too...
I've even got tons of female (American!) colleagues. We had plans to hang out last night...but due to a lack of communication and a lack of cell phone numbers...I was accidentally stood up at a bar. I was actually a lot more upset than I should have been. (I cried on the 10 minute walk home.) *That is one nice thing about our apartment location...it is so close to almost everything we want...so it wasn't a huge inconvenience for me. Granted, we were meeting at 9...and I'm in bed by 9 most nights...but oh well...better luck next time.
I do have to say that I really miss the easy making friends thing. You know one girl, she knows some girls, and you all get along and form unending friendships so easily. However, here, you have to luck out and really go out on a limb.
Also...one sad fact...every girl I meet, I then think of how much I miss my best friends back home. Never satisfied...so just homesick?
So, now that I'm done rambling...enjoy your friends, and cherish them so much. It sucks when they're thousands of miles away and you just want a hug. :-)
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Home Sick
Did you know that Shanghai is really far from Texas? Did you also know that Shanghai is 13 hours ahead? That makes for very shorts bursts of chat time with loved ones. That sucks. I have been quite busy and stressed at work...but on the weekends, I don't have anything to do, so I get to sit and think about how much I miss everyone. Especially when Tommy is out of town. Like now. For two weeks. March 29th can't come soon enough. I get to see Tommy and my Mommy. What a great day! Now if only my mom's trip could drag out slowly and then the next 3 months pass by quickly, I'll be set.
I know I can't complain about being here...after all, it was my choice to move here, and to stay...so I should quit whining. But it's hard. I didn't think it would be easy...but sometimes it seems like it is harder than it has to be. I know this isn't permanent and the time over here will fly by, and then I'll be complaining about how it is time to move to the next place, but still...
So, for those of you that actually read this, I miss you and love you all very much. Unless you are a random stranger, and then you, not so much. sorry. ;o)
I know I can't complain about being here...after all, it was my choice to move here, and to stay...so I should quit whining. But it's hard. I didn't think it would be easy...but sometimes it seems like it is harder than it has to be. I know this isn't permanent and the time over here will fly by, and then I'll be complaining about how it is time to move to the next place, but still...
So, for those of you that actually read this, I miss you and love you all very much. Unless you are a random stranger, and then you, not so much. sorry. ;o)
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Silly China, Blocking Websites...
Silly China, Blocking Websites...
So, I haven't updated in quite a while! I could've updated during my Christmas holiday in the states, but that would have made too much sense, right?? So I am updating now, while I am on vacation in London...my life is rough, and my boyfriend is horrible...I know. ;o)
It is currently the Chinese New Year holiday, so I got a week off of work...don't worry, I'll get to the job soon enough. Tommy and I originally planned to go to Thailand with a big group of friends...where it is nice and warm and all that good stuff. But that was in October, and a lot has happened since then. We put the plans off for a while, and then in January, Tommy's company gave him the news that they would possibly be relocating him to Germany by March 1st. When he told me, I said, "Ok...as long as I have a place t o live until the end of my teaching contract, I’m happy..." I was squealing with delight on the inside and also rheeling (sp?) with questions that I knew Tommy didn't have the answers to yet, so I decided to stay calm...as there was no sense in getting too excited. (Look at me growing and not getting too ahead of myself!!)
So about two weeks later, his company tells him that Germany is off the table. So we made plans for our vacation.
During all this Germany, Chinese New Year vacation, and new job business, I had to postpone buying my plane ticket home for my best friend’s wedding, and as a result, the price of the ticket doubled. So I would be missing her wedding, which was a very very sad realization. Life throws you curve balls like that, and you just have to learn to deal with them.
Ok, so my job. I am the 4th grade teacher at Livingston American School, an international school with a focus in ESL that bases their curriculum off the California school system. I had no idea what I was getting into when I accepted the job, and I still have no idea what I’ve gotten into...although we base our system off that of California’s, we don’t really have a curriculum. Or standards. Or guidelines. A teacher’s dream; right? TEACHER FRIENDS: Embrace your curriculum and standards. I know, I know, we don’t like to have a program that is too scripted and no one likes “teaching to the standards”, but the opposite, which is where I am, is just as stressful. I have no real foundation to base my lessons on. I have text books that I create complementary units with, but there is a lot of prep work and background work to do before introducing the book. Social Studies? Psshh...kick that out the door...teaching U.S. geography to a bunch of students from Asian countries doesn’t make sense, so aside from study skills and world geography, there is little more I can do with that.
Our elementary staff is currently working on things we can teach and do to give them some history of the Asian continent..
Our entire school has been working on getting WASC accreditation which is the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, and it is basically to say that when you graduate from our school, your diploma holds the same importance as a US diploma, and you can attend a US university provided your grades and test scores are good enough...many other international schools currently hold the accreditation, and if we can obtain it, we will be more marketable. Part of that is creating a clear scope and sequence, which we also want to create an ESL based standardized test, to make sure our kids are where they should be by the end of each grade.
Coming in the middle of a school year with a school that is undergoing a huge accreditation process if really really overwhelming. I am nervous to be a part of it all, as I feel like I’m doing good to teach my kids every day, let alone worry about what the elementary department or even the entire school (PK-12) is doing. I also know that all of these things are excellent challenges that will help me grow so much professionally and be a good kick start (more like drop kick across a football field) to my career. As my mom has said, nothing about my current teaching position is “normal”. So I should embrace my position and learn as much as I can from my colleagues.
One big challenge is the lack of resources. I have no supplemental handbooks or kits that come with typical textbooks, so I have to be very creative when it comes to extensions beyond the text. I also have little access to typical supplies; no ‘Learning Resource Center’ here...no teacher supply stores (though I may have actually found one...we’ll see when I return to Shanghai this weekend)...I just have an order form I can fill out, and hope that some of the items can be found in Shanghai.
I am still feeling things out and trying to get my daily schedule to work how I want it...and I feel so sorry for my kiddos, who were used to an experienced teacher that had it down pat...it’s a good thing they are so nice and forgiving! To give you an idea of my kids, I have 1 American boy, 2 Chinese-American girls, 1 Chinese-American boy, 2 Chinese-Taiwanese boys, 2 Japanese boys, 4 Korean girls, and 2 Korean boys. One boy is 8, but the rest of the kids are 9-10. It is so interesting to see the differences between kids over here and kids in the states. Education is definitely taken more seriously over here, but then again, the parents or the parents’ companies are paying somewhere near $20,000 a year for their child’s education.
I think that about sums up my job so far...I am sure I’ve left something out, but oh well...I can add it in my next update, months from now, unless I actually get a VPN to access all the sites China blocks.
“Oh, China...” That is mine and Tommy’s choice phrase when things don’t go quite as we wanted them to, or when we get frustrated with something in our daily life. It sure beats getting really upset and yelling about it...then we just laugh it off.
So, about London. It is cold and wet, but still relaxing and fun. Tommy’s friend, Dennis lives in London, so we spent time with him Saturday, Sunday and Monday. We didn’t do too many touristy sight seeing things, as we’ve both been to London before and they were really expensive. We walked around the city and took a lot of great pictures, and had a good time with Dennis. Tuesday, we drove to Stonehenge, which was quite an amazing sight to see. We then went on to Bath, and stayed in a cute Bed and Breakfast in a small town called Lacock. Wednesday, we drove up to Oxford, saw some of the neat buildings around town, and then drove down to Weymouth, a coastal city southwest of London. Thursday, we drove to Windsor, and decided against touring the castle as it was raining pretty hard and really cold. We fly back to Shanghai on Friday and start back to our ‘normal’ lives. It has been a good trip to just relax...which is something I am still learning to do.
My mom is coming to Shanghai on March 29th for 10 days and I am so so so excited!!! I have to work the 1st week she is here, but as luck would have it, my school’s spring break is April 5th- April 9th, so we will get to spend some time together then. I plan to take a day or two off the 1st week she is there to show her some sights she may want to see, or at least some good parks to sit and read in while Tommy and I are working. We will go to either Beijing or Xi’an, or possibly both, and then, of course. Shop. What we do best! It will be so great to have my mom out in Shanghai so that I can share my life with her. I know the time will fly by, but hopefully so will the 3-4 months that follow before I return to the states for summer.
Well, I have rambled on for quite some time now, so I will leave. I will hopefully get a VPN soon so that I can update on a more regular basis.
I hope everyone is doing well and miss and love you guys!
So, I haven't updated in quite a while! I could've updated during my Christmas holiday in the states, but that would have made too much sense, right?? So I am updating now, while I am on vacation in London...my life is rough, and my boyfriend is horrible...I know. ;o)
It is currently the Chinese New Year holiday, so I got a week off of work...don't worry, I'll get to the job soon enough. Tommy and I originally planned to go to Thailand with a big group of friends...where it is nice and warm and all that good stuff. But that was in October, and a lot has happened since then. We put the plans off for a while, and then in January, Tommy's company gave him the news that they would possibly be relocating him to Germany by March 1st. When he told me, I said, "Ok...as long as I have a place t o live until the end of my teaching contract, I’m happy..." I was squealing with delight on the inside and also rheeling (sp?) with questions that I knew Tommy didn't have the answers to yet, so I decided to stay calm...as there was no sense in getting too excited. (Look at me growing and not getting too ahead of myself!!)
So about two weeks later, his company tells him that Germany is off the table. So we made plans for our vacation.
During all this Germany, Chinese New Year vacation, and new job business, I had to postpone buying my plane ticket home for my best friend’s wedding, and as a result, the price of the ticket doubled. So I would be missing her wedding, which was a very very sad realization. Life throws you curve balls like that, and you just have to learn to deal with them.
Ok, so my job. I am the 4th grade teacher at Livingston American School, an international school with a focus in ESL that bases their curriculum off the California school system. I had no idea what I was getting into when I accepted the job, and I still have no idea what I’ve gotten into...although we base our system off that of California’s, we don’t really have a curriculum. Or standards. Or guidelines. A teacher’s dream; right? TEACHER FRIENDS: Embrace your curriculum and standards. I know, I know, we don’t like to have a program that is too scripted and no one likes “teaching to the standards”, but the opposite, which is where I am, is just as stressful. I have no real foundation to base my lessons on. I have text books that I create complementary units with, but there is a lot of prep work and background work to do before introducing the book. Social Studies? Psshh...kick that out the door...teaching U.S. geography to a bunch of students from Asian countries doesn’t make sense, so aside from study skills and world geography, there is little more I can do with that.
Our elementary staff is currently working on things we can teach and do to give them some history of the Asian continent..
Our entire school has been working on getting WASC accreditation which is the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, and it is basically to say that when you graduate from our school, your diploma holds the same importance as a US diploma, and you can attend a US university provided your grades and test scores are good enough...many other international schools currently hold the accreditation, and if we can obtain it, we will be more marketable. Part of that is creating a clear scope and sequence, which we also want to create an ESL based standardized test, to make sure our kids are where they should be by the end of each grade.
Coming in the middle of a school year with a school that is undergoing a huge accreditation process if really really overwhelming. I am nervous to be a part of it all, as I feel like I’m doing good to teach my kids every day, let alone worry about what the elementary department or even the entire school (PK-12) is doing. I also know that all of these things are excellent challenges that will help me grow so much professionally and be a good kick start (more like drop kick across a football field) to my career. As my mom has said, nothing about my current teaching position is “normal”. So I should embrace my position and learn as much as I can from my colleagues.
One big challenge is the lack of resources. I have no supplemental handbooks or kits that come with typical textbooks, so I have to be very creative when it comes to extensions beyond the text. I also have little access to typical supplies; no ‘Learning Resource Center’ here...no teacher supply stores (though I may have actually found one...we’ll see when I return to Shanghai this weekend)...I just have an order form I can fill out, and hope that some of the items can be found in Shanghai.
I am still feeling things out and trying to get my daily schedule to work how I want it...and I feel so sorry for my kiddos, who were used to an experienced teacher that had it down pat...it’s a good thing they are so nice and forgiving! To give you an idea of my kids, I have 1 American boy, 2 Chinese-American girls, 1 Chinese-American boy, 2 Chinese-Taiwanese boys, 2 Japanese boys, 4 Korean girls, and 2 Korean boys. One boy is 8, but the rest of the kids are 9-10. It is so interesting to see the differences between kids over here and kids in the states. Education is definitely taken more seriously over here, but then again, the parents or the parents’ companies are paying somewhere near $20,000 a year for their child’s education.
I think that about sums up my job so far...I am sure I’ve left something out, but oh well...I can add it in my next update, months from now, unless I actually get a VPN to access all the sites China blocks.
“Oh, China...” That is mine and Tommy’s choice phrase when things don’t go quite as we wanted them to, or when we get frustrated with something in our daily life. It sure beats getting really upset and yelling about it...then we just laugh it off.
So, about London. It is cold and wet, but still relaxing and fun. Tommy’s friend, Dennis lives in London, so we spent time with him Saturday, Sunday and Monday. We didn’t do too many touristy sight seeing things, as we’ve both been to London before and they were really expensive. We walked around the city and took a lot of great pictures, and had a good time with Dennis. Tuesday, we drove to Stonehenge, which was quite an amazing sight to see. We then went on to Bath, and stayed in a cute Bed and Breakfast in a small town called Lacock. Wednesday, we drove up to Oxford, saw some of the neat buildings around town, and then drove down to Weymouth, a coastal city southwest of London. Thursday, we drove to Windsor, and decided against touring the castle as it was raining pretty hard and really cold. We fly back to Shanghai on Friday and start back to our ‘normal’ lives. It has been a good trip to just relax...which is something I am still learning to do.
My mom is coming to Shanghai on March 29th for 10 days and I am so so so excited!!! I have to work the 1st week she is here, but as luck would have it, my school’s spring break is April 5th- April 9th, so we will get to spend some time together then. I plan to take a day or two off the 1st week she is there to show her some sights she may want to see, or at least some good parks to sit and read in while Tommy and I are working. We will go to either Beijing or Xi’an, or possibly both, and then, of course. Shop. What we do best! It will be so great to have my mom out in Shanghai so that I can share my life with her. I know the time will fly by, but hopefully so will the 3-4 months that follow before I return to the states for summer.
Well, I have rambled on for quite some time now, so I will leave. I will hopefully get a VPN soon so that I can update on a more regular basis.
I hope everyone is doing well and miss and love you guys!
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