This is me preforming 天黑黑. I got Third place in the contest. I am still having trouble with my voice so please forgive me it sounds bad. The contest was a lot of fun. The video was shot by Crystal, a fellow USAC student.
Friday, December 26, 2014
Chengdu - Singing Contest Video
This is me preforming 天黑黑. I got Third place in the contest. I am still having trouble with my voice so please forgive me it sounds bad. The contest was a lot of fun. The video was shot by Crystal, a fellow USAC student.
Chengdu Week 18 - China Christmas
Dec. 23-25, 2014
The lead up into Christmas was unspectacular. I have work on the 23rd, so that is what I did. I gave my little students their stockings which was a lot of fun. They looked really excited to get a gift for Christmas. China is a Secular nation so there are no religious holidays off. This means that everyone is used to working on Christmas. Thus I have class on Thursday night, so I will be working on Christmas. Christmas eve was actually quite nice. Wednesdays are my day off from work, so Jesse and I made a quick Trust Mart run for kitchen essentials in the morning. The rest of the day was spent on the couch not having to do anything. It was magical not having to do anything. It actually felt like a normal Christmas Eve. We watched TV for far too long, but it was far more relaxing than anything I had done in a long time. We were supposed to have Mexican food for dinner but Cassidy and Brennan came back way late so that was postponed. I also managed to get my entire Science class planned out and sent off. Lots of projects for all ages!!
Christmas morning began with cooking breakfast. Jesse and I had bought the fixings for eggs and toast. After some deliberation over what we were going to put into the eggs for flavor we had Sichuan style (spicy as we can make it). Toast was made in our toaster oven, though we didn’t have the usually fixings, thus it was settled on for peanut butter and honey. Breakfast was amazing, tasted a little bit like home. The afternoon was spent lounging but eventually I got myself up and off to work. I had to leave extra early as to not catch rush hour. When I arrived I received a gift from the staff: a lovely white scarf. I tried it on, it’s definitely warm. It looks maybe a little sill yon me, but it’s the thought that counts in my opinion. Work itself was a bit difficult to start, the children have a problematic dynamic that was allowed to fester under the last teacher. Now I am charged with breaking really poor habits, we’ll see how it goes. The Christmas half of the class was a lot more fun. I had them make stockings, which was surprisingly a lot of effort on their part. But we managed and I was able to leave. I had dinner alone which was kinda a bummer. I was back late and the others had left to go out drinking with a friend who was leaving the next morning. Oh well I just listen to music an enjoyed the tacos. Overall certainly not the best Christmas I have ever had, but such is life. I think it will help me appreciate the ones I have with my family more.
Dec. 26, 2014
My morning began with a phone call from Jesse asking to be let in. The gates closed fairly early in the evening so all of my roommates were forced to spend one last night in the dorms. I felt mild smugness at being in my very comfortable bed. To was the first day I only ate food only cooked at home (finally a functioning kitchen). Breakfast was eggs and bread again, we are experimenting with flavoring the eggs. Breakfast was good none the less. I actually didn’t have work today which was mildly magical. I made it up to my dorm to start the cleaning process. I have until the 30th to get myself together and clean it. I’ve started hopefully I will be able to finish before the weekend is over. Qiyi came by and gave me a mug for Christmas, it was super sweet of her. After lunch Jesse and I popped out to Trust Mart again. It was a misty day today, just wet and cold. We got food for dinner, I decide I would making dinner with Jesse acting as kitchen wench. I made breaded chicken, with vegetables all over noodles. It was pretty tasty, I need to get the proportions right but it is a work in progress. The breaded chicken I think was the best part. The Weekend is beginning and I am not really sure where the week went, soon New Years will be here. I think it’s going to be a good year.
The lead up into Christmas was unspectacular. I have work on the 23rd, so that is what I did. I gave my little students their stockings which was a lot of fun. They looked really excited to get a gift for Christmas. China is a Secular nation so there are no religious holidays off. This means that everyone is used to working on Christmas. Thus I have class on Thursday night, so I will be working on Christmas. Christmas eve was actually quite nice. Wednesdays are my day off from work, so Jesse and I made a quick Trust Mart run for kitchen essentials in the morning. The rest of the day was spent on the couch not having to do anything. It was magical not having to do anything. It actually felt like a normal Christmas Eve. We watched TV for far too long, but it was far more relaxing than anything I had done in a long time. We were supposed to have Mexican food for dinner but Cassidy and Brennan came back way late so that was postponed. I also managed to get my entire Science class planned out and sent off. Lots of projects for all ages!!
Christmas morning began with cooking breakfast. Jesse and I had bought the fixings for eggs and toast. After some deliberation over what we were going to put into the eggs for flavor we had Sichuan style (spicy as we can make it). Toast was made in our toaster oven, though we didn’t have the usually fixings, thus it was settled on for peanut butter and honey. Breakfast was amazing, tasted a little bit like home. The afternoon was spent lounging but eventually I got myself up and off to work. I had to leave extra early as to not catch rush hour. When I arrived I received a gift from the staff: a lovely white scarf. I tried it on, it’s definitely warm. It looks maybe a little sill yon me, but it’s the thought that counts in my opinion. Work itself was a bit difficult to start, the children have a problematic dynamic that was allowed to fester under the last teacher. Now I am charged with breaking really poor habits, we’ll see how it goes. The Christmas half of the class was a lot more fun. I had them make stockings, which was surprisingly a lot of effort on their part. But we managed and I was able to leave. I had dinner alone which was kinda a bummer. I was back late and the others had left to go out drinking with a friend who was leaving the next morning. Oh well I just listen to music an enjoyed the tacos. Overall certainly not the best Christmas I have ever had, but such is life. I think it will help me appreciate the ones I have with my family more.
Dec. 26, 2014
My morning began with a phone call from Jesse asking to be let in. The gates closed fairly early in the evening so all of my roommates were forced to spend one last night in the dorms. I felt mild smugness at being in my very comfortable bed. To was the first day I only ate food only cooked at home (finally a functioning kitchen). Breakfast was eggs and bread again, we are experimenting with flavoring the eggs. Breakfast was good none the less. I actually didn’t have work today which was mildly magical. I made it up to my dorm to start the cleaning process. I have until the 30th to get myself together and clean it. I’ve started hopefully I will be able to finish before the weekend is over. Qiyi came by and gave me a mug for Christmas, it was super sweet of her. After lunch Jesse and I popped out to Trust Mart again. It was a misty day today, just wet and cold. We got food for dinner, I decide I would making dinner with Jesse acting as kitchen wench. I made breaded chicken, with vegetables all over noodles. It was pretty tasty, I need to get the proportions right but it is a work in progress. The breaded chicken I think was the best part. The Weekend is beginning and I am not really sure where the week went, soon New Years will be here. I think it’s going to be a good year.
 |
| Sorry I couldn't get it to rotate! |
Monday, December 22, 2014
Chengdu Week 17 - Moved In
Dec. 20-22, 2014
No individual blogs for these days, I have had too much to do. So essentially I am totally moved into the new apartment. I did a ton of work the last couple of days. So much so that I managed to make myself sick with exhaustion. I forgot how much working double takes out of person. I was walking in haze and at one point had to turn down a few offers for work. I just needed to sleep. I did manage to get my room totally set up. I am extremely pleased about that. The public areas are not yet totally set up but I don’t really mind. I am just happy to have a functioning room. The first night spent here was extremely cold because no one had figured out the heating system. I would like to report that it everything is well and I slept wonderfully. I think I scared everyone with how much I was trying to pack into a day, but in the end it turned out for the best. Living with everyone so far has been awesome. I am buying gifts for everyone at the apartment. I have a few people outside the apartment with whom I will be exchanging gifts. All and all life is pretty darn awesome. Now if only my voice would return to me for use. Please enjoy the pictures of the new apartment!
No individual blogs for these days, I have had too much to do. So essentially I am totally moved into the new apartment. I did a ton of work the last couple of days. So much so that I managed to make myself sick with exhaustion. I forgot how much working double takes out of person. I was walking in haze and at one point had to turn down a few offers for work. I just needed to sleep. I did manage to get my room totally set up. I am extremely pleased about that. The public areas are not yet totally set up but I don’t really mind. I am just happy to have a functioning room. The first night spent here was extremely cold because no one had figured out the heating system. I would like to report that it everything is well and I slept wonderfully. I think I scared everyone with how much I was trying to pack into a day, but in the end it turned out for the best. Living with everyone so far has been awesome. I am buying gifts for everyone at the apartment. I have a few people outside the apartment with whom I will be exchanging gifts. All and all life is pretty darn awesome. Now if only my voice would return to me for use. Please enjoy the pictures of the new apartment!Friday, December 19, 2014
Chengdu Week 16 - Moving and Work....
Dec. 17, 2014
Today was an impromptu adventure day. First I slept in, which was mildly magical, the puttered around generally being lazy. After I actually got my act together enough that I could be seen outside I went with Jesse to Trustmart. First we did some inspection of items we would need for the new apartment. For example I need a blanket and a table to act as a desk. It looks like all together is roughly 400RMB. A bit out a down payment, but I need to keep warm during the winter and have a place to work when the semester starts up again. The second reason for going to Trustmart is I am making stockings for the class that I teach on the regular. My little guys have been so good for me, I wanted to make them all little stockings for Christmas. I will hand them out at the end of class this Saturday (or maybe Tuesday since it’s right before Christmas). I think it will be all so very cute.
The next part of the adventurous day involved walking around Chengdu. Essentially I needed to send some postcards and Jesse had nothing to do. We walked over down by Panda Post. It took in total maybe three or four hours. It was a good walk though, it felt nice to go have a wander. So Jesse and I can say that our day was an active one even though we probably did very little. I have started packing for the move, just little things. The issue isn’t getting everything tightly packed, it’s more just bringing everything together so that it is easy to transport. This weekend is the big move so we shall see how it goes. The two big things I have are the mattress pad and my chair. Otherwise it’s clothes and nicknacks that I am moving. Tomorrow is an early day going with Qiyi (I found I was spelling her name wrong) to see a shopkeeper about a coat.
Dec. 18, 2014
My day was veritably insane, in a good way. So first thing I went out with Qiyi early to go look at coats that could made into my size. I really can’t fit into Chinese coats they aren’t made Jenn-shaped. Getting one made was a tad to expensive right now, or really ever it was almost 125 USD. I am really glad I didn’t decide to splurge on myself. After I got back Cassidy and Brennan grabbed me and explained that renting practices are a little bit different in China. Apparently we will pay multiple rent’s month at a time. Our landlord wanted 3500 RMB from each of us (3 months rent plus a down deposit of one month rent). Naturally none of us had that kind of money that day or really access to it in the next couple hours. We were able to get it down to two months rent making our first payment 2625 each. So that was a fun scramble, getting all the money together for our first down deposit. It was a silly amount of money I had in my purse. Everything is done in cash here, so I just handed her a wad of 100 RMB bills. We now have a key and the moving in process will begin shortly. I hope to be totally moved in by Monday, as long as internet is working. I kinda spaced on pictures I will have them up later, maybe a before and after situation.
I also had work today, which was interesting. I had my older kids again, I think I am used to dealing with little guys. Little guys are easy to please, these older students I think got away with more. So now it is a matter of retraining them in how to act in my classroom. It also doesn’t help that my TA Vivien can not speak English efficiently enough to have proper communication. I have yet to find a rhythm for my class but not to worry we will find it soon. I just need them working together instead of against each other. I made it home by nine but I am exhausted. I am going to falling into bed soon. Good night, tomorrow we begin moving.
Dec. 19, 2014
The day started with trip to Trust Mart. I needed to buy a comforter for my bed (the school provided one in the dorms) and a little table that will act as my desk. We were up early enough that most of the other shops weren’t really open. It’s kind of interesting watching people set up for the day. The trip went well enough everything was retrieved in a timely fashion. Jesse was able to haul the table up our four flights of stairs. He has been a big help in getting heavy things moved. After that point I kinda felt the urge to just go for it a move in all the way. However, there is a weird situation with the beds, so until that is sorted out moving in totally will have to wait. Essentially the issue is we have one too many bed frames, because when Cassidy and Brennan bought their bed it came with a bed frame and every bed room in the apartment has a bed frame. It’s a little bit of a problem one that will hopefully be resolved. I backed up everything on my shelves in a single duffel bag and a brown paper bag. I realize how little I actually have here, I just haven’t felt the need to collect things.
After our morning of moving it was off to work for the afternoon and evening. Jesse had been called in for a training and I am covering for Brent. He is off traveling for the next two weeks and I essentially have all but one of his classes. This is awesome for me because my hours have doubled. It will help make up the money that I needed to spend for rent earlier this week. I tutored a little girl, I was impressed with her English, I suspect she has an English speaker for a parent. If the child has an English speaking parent they are usually better at learning the language. Then it was a bit of a waiting game for me, I was too meet Cassidy and go introduce her to Cindy and Dolly. Cassidy needs the money more than I do, so I am giving her my tutoring job. This allows me more time to work in a place that most certainly gives me more money per hour. Also Cassidy prefers the one on one tutoring. I am finding that classroom settings work better for me. I took one last round of things to the apartment after work even though it was late. Cassidy and Brennan are night owls, they eat way too late for me. I stuck around to be social and play a game of chess with Jesse. Now I am going to bed, work starts at 9 am tomorrow.
Today was an impromptu adventure day. First I slept in, which was mildly magical, the puttered around generally being lazy. After I actually got my act together enough that I could be seen outside I went with Jesse to Trustmart. First we did some inspection of items we would need for the new apartment. For example I need a blanket and a table to act as a desk. It looks like all together is roughly 400RMB. A bit out a down payment, but I need to keep warm during the winter and have a place to work when the semester starts up again. The second reason for going to Trustmart is I am making stockings for the class that I teach on the regular. My little guys have been so good for me, I wanted to make them all little stockings for Christmas. I will hand them out at the end of class this Saturday (or maybe Tuesday since it’s right before Christmas). I think it will be all so very cute.
The next part of the adventurous day involved walking around Chengdu. Essentially I needed to send some postcards and Jesse had nothing to do. We walked over down by Panda Post. It took in total maybe three or four hours. It was a good walk though, it felt nice to go have a wander. So Jesse and I can say that our day was an active one even though we probably did very little. I have started packing for the move, just little things. The issue isn’t getting everything tightly packed, it’s more just bringing everything together so that it is easy to transport. This weekend is the big move so we shall see how it goes. The two big things I have are the mattress pad and my chair. Otherwise it’s clothes and nicknacks that I am moving. Tomorrow is an early day going with Qiyi (I found I was spelling her name wrong) to see a shopkeeper about a coat.
Dec. 18, 2014
My day was veritably insane, in a good way. So first thing I went out with Qiyi early to go look at coats that could made into my size. I really can’t fit into Chinese coats they aren’t made Jenn-shaped. Getting one made was a tad to expensive right now, or really ever it was almost 125 USD. I am really glad I didn’t decide to splurge on myself. After I got back Cassidy and Brennan grabbed me and explained that renting practices are a little bit different in China. Apparently we will pay multiple rent’s month at a time. Our landlord wanted 3500 RMB from each of us (3 months rent plus a down deposit of one month rent). Naturally none of us had that kind of money that day or really access to it in the next couple hours. We were able to get it down to two months rent making our first payment 2625 each. So that was a fun scramble, getting all the money together for our first down deposit. It was a silly amount of money I had in my purse. Everything is done in cash here, so I just handed her a wad of 100 RMB bills. We now have a key and the moving in process will begin shortly. I hope to be totally moved in by Monday, as long as internet is working. I kinda spaced on pictures I will have them up later, maybe a before and after situation.
I also had work today, which was interesting. I had my older kids again, I think I am used to dealing with little guys. Little guys are easy to please, these older students I think got away with more. So now it is a matter of retraining them in how to act in my classroom. It also doesn’t help that my TA Vivien can not speak English efficiently enough to have proper communication. I have yet to find a rhythm for my class but not to worry we will find it soon. I just need them working together instead of against each other. I made it home by nine but I am exhausted. I am going to falling into bed soon. Good night, tomorrow we begin moving.
Dec. 19, 2014
The day started with trip to Trust Mart. I needed to buy a comforter for my bed (the school provided one in the dorms) and a little table that will act as my desk. We were up early enough that most of the other shops weren’t really open. It’s kind of interesting watching people set up for the day. The trip went well enough everything was retrieved in a timely fashion. Jesse was able to haul the table up our four flights of stairs. He has been a big help in getting heavy things moved. After that point I kinda felt the urge to just go for it a move in all the way. However, there is a weird situation with the beds, so until that is sorted out moving in totally will have to wait. Essentially the issue is we have one too many bed frames, because when Cassidy and Brennan bought their bed it came with a bed frame and every bed room in the apartment has a bed frame. It’s a little bit of a problem one that will hopefully be resolved. I backed up everything on my shelves in a single duffel bag and a brown paper bag. I realize how little I actually have here, I just haven’t felt the need to collect things.
After our morning of moving it was off to work for the afternoon and evening. Jesse had been called in for a training and I am covering for Brent. He is off traveling for the next two weeks and I essentially have all but one of his classes. This is awesome for me because my hours have doubled. It will help make up the money that I needed to spend for rent earlier this week. I tutored a little girl, I was impressed with her English, I suspect she has an English speaker for a parent. If the child has an English speaking parent they are usually better at learning the language. Then it was a bit of a waiting game for me, I was too meet Cassidy and go introduce her to Cindy and Dolly. Cassidy needs the money more than I do, so I am giving her my tutoring job. This allows me more time to work in a place that most certainly gives me more money per hour. Also Cassidy prefers the one on one tutoring. I am finding that classroom settings work better for me. I took one last round of things to the apartment after work even though it was late. Cassidy and Brennan are night owls, they eat way too late for me. I stuck around to be social and play a game of chess with Jesse. Now I am going to bed, work starts at 9 am tomorrow.
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Chengdu Week 16 - Some changes and a Contest
Dec 13/14, 2014
The start of break ended up being mostly working days. It was really strange to not have homework to contemplate or attempt. I am going to try to keep up with my studies over the five week break, hopefully it will work out. My Chinese friends have offered their Chinese as a way to help me study. We’ll see if it works out. I hope to clean my room up, it is currently covered in papers, as my room always is come the end of the school year. It’s time to drop off books and put things away. This weekend was also a weekend of goodbyes. Almost all the people who are staying for a semester have left. Hugging, long goodbyes, and a veritable garage sale of people’s rooms. I have acquired a few new items, most of which are cleaning supplies I regularly borrowed anyway. I have also acquired nice pillows and another set of sheets and towels. All in all a good haul. It trips me out a little to be think about when I will leave. People acquired so much in the three months they were here. I will be here for 11 months, I wonder what packing up my life will be like. Overall work was fun, I have been given a Sunday morning class. They are mildly more advanced than my regular kids, as they can read. I need to get the dynamic of the class down, so it’ll be some floundering on my part. Hopefully we’ll be able to settle down and have a good time. Otherwise not much to report on the break front. I am hoping to do some exploring of Chengdu, just to break up the lazing around my room feel.
Dec. 15, 2014
First Monday without class. I intended to clean my room and that most certainly didn’t happen. I instead just tidied up and rearranged a few things but overall it was a pretty lax day. I probably drank more coffee than I should have but oh well what can you do about that? I went to work around 1:30ish. I feel really bad for my tutee, she is in tutoring because her mother wants her to perfect in English, even though she has been learning it all her life. Her English for an 11 year old living in China is pretty impressive. She is starting in on the Harry Potter books in English which should give you an idea where her level is at. Her mother has demanded homework from our sessions so I decided to use the book. Every new word we find I help her define it then she will go home and write up a sentence for each word. Since often the words she doesn’t recognize are fairly complex verbs it should help her improve her vocabulary. Jesse and I walked back and stopped in to get dinner before going all the way back to the dorms. Tomorrow is the singing contest. I am singing a Chinese song, we’ll see how it goes. I practiced a bit, but I am still really nervous. We’ll see how tomorrow turns out.
Dec. 16, 2014
Today started with rehearsal for the singing contest. It was essentially chaos, because no one really knew what was going on. But we managed to struggle through it together (as is the Chinese way). Ashley and Jackie would be preforming as well. Originally they thought they were competing but it turned out that they were just fillers because Ashley was spinning her color guard flags and Jackie was singing an English song. I sang 天黑黑, which is popular, sad, slow song. Ballads are kinda a thing in China, so that’s what I sang. I needed the words because I only had about 16 days to learn a song that even Chinese people said was fairly hard. Unfortunately the microphone cut out a few times while I was singing. I also got really nervous for no reason, I just wanted to do well I think. I ended up with Third place over all and I am very pleased with that. I will try to get my performance up somewhere, but it may be a while before that is possible. It was fun day definitely something different from the usual experience. I had to miss work for the contest, but I will make up for it this week. I am covering for one of my coworkers, so yay for extra money.
So something interesting has happened. Brennan and Cassidy are looking to move out of the dorms into an apartment. They found one that is actually on campus and very nice. However, it was a little too big and a little to expensive. So they asked Jesse and I to occupy the rooms instead. The rent split between the four of us is 875 RMB a month. In the dorms I am paying 1500 RMB a month (I just payed it all up front). So over all it will be cheaper and we will be getting out of the dorm bubble. It’s been really fun living in the dorms but I think I am ready to get out of the English bubble that is the foreigners’ dorms. Internet should also improve significantly making it possible for me to commune more regularly with the outside world. I think this will be an interesting adventure between all of us. I will be moving over the next few weeks. I will keep you updated!!
The start of break ended up being mostly working days. It was really strange to not have homework to contemplate or attempt. I am going to try to keep up with my studies over the five week break, hopefully it will work out. My Chinese friends have offered their Chinese as a way to help me study. We’ll see if it works out. I hope to clean my room up, it is currently covered in papers, as my room always is come the end of the school year. It’s time to drop off books and put things away. This weekend was also a weekend of goodbyes. Almost all the people who are staying for a semester have left. Hugging, long goodbyes, and a veritable garage sale of people’s rooms. I have acquired a few new items, most of which are cleaning supplies I regularly borrowed anyway. I have also acquired nice pillows and another set of sheets and towels. All in all a good haul. It trips me out a little to be think about when I will leave. People acquired so much in the three months they were here. I will be here for 11 months, I wonder what packing up my life will be like. Overall work was fun, I have been given a Sunday morning class. They are mildly more advanced than my regular kids, as they can read. I need to get the dynamic of the class down, so it’ll be some floundering on my part. Hopefully we’ll be able to settle down and have a good time. Otherwise not much to report on the break front. I am hoping to do some exploring of Chengdu, just to break up the lazing around my room feel.
Dec. 15, 2014
First Monday without class. I intended to clean my room and that most certainly didn’t happen. I instead just tidied up and rearranged a few things but overall it was a pretty lax day. I probably drank more coffee than I should have but oh well what can you do about that? I went to work around 1:30ish. I feel really bad for my tutee, she is in tutoring because her mother wants her to perfect in English, even though she has been learning it all her life. Her English for an 11 year old living in China is pretty impressive. She is starting in on the Harry Potter books in English which should give you an idea where her level is at. Her mother has demanded homework from our sessions so I decided to use the book. Every new word we find I help her define it then she will go home and write up a sentence for each word. Since often the words she doesn’t recognize are fairly complex verbs it should help her improve her vocabulary. Jesse and I walked back and stopped in to get dinner before going all the way back to the dorms. Tomorrow is the singing contest. I am singing a Chinese song, we’ll see how it goes. I practiced a bit, but I am still really nervous. We’ll see how tomorrow turns out.
Dec. 16, 2014
Today started with rehearsal for the singing contest. It was essentially chaos, because no one really knew what was going on. But we managed to struggle through it together (as is the Chinese way). Ashley and Jackie would be preforming as well. Originally they thought they were competing but it turned out that they were just fillers because Ashley was spinning her color guard flags and Jackie was singing an English song. I sang 天黑黑, which is popular, sad, slow song. Ballads are kinda a thing in China, so that’s what I sang. I needed the words because I only had about 16 days to learn a song that even Chinese people said was fairly hard. Unfortunately the microphone cut out a few times while I was singing. I also got really nervous for no reason, I just wanted to do well I think. I ended up with Third place over all and I am very pleased with that. I will try to get my performance up somewhere, but it may be a while before that is possible. It was fun day definitely something different from the usual experience. I had to miss work for the contest, but I will make up for it this week. I am covering for one of my coworkers, so yay for extra money.
 |
| Greeters for the Contest |
 |
| Ashley preforming |
So something interesting has happened. Brennan and Cassidy are looking to move out of the dorms into an apartment. They found one that is actually on campus and very nice. However, it was a little too big and a little to expensive. So they asked Jesse and I to occupy the rooms instead. The rent split between the four of us is 875 RMB a month. In the dorms I am paying 1500 RMB a month (I just payed it all up front). So over all it will be cheaper and we will be getting out of the dorm bubble. It’s been really fun living in the dorms but I think I am ready to get out of the English bubble that is the foreigners’ dorms. Internet should also improve significantly making it possible for me to commune more regularly with the outside world. I think this will be an interesting adventure between all of us. I will be moving over the next few weeks. I will keep you updated!!
Friday, December 12, 2014
Chengdu Week 15 - Goodbye Dinner
 |
| Emma!! |
 |
| The usual dinner crew |
Last final today in Calligraphy, not that I really had strong feelings about the class. I did however get my scroll and as soon as I find a place to hang it I will get a picture of my calligraphy. Pretty much the day was spent milling around and helping people get ready to leave. The dorms became a veritable garage sale. I now have a proper mattress for hardly any money. I am really pleased abut it, I think I will sleep well tonight. My sleeping pad has been converted into a window seat, perhaps it shall become my place of study? I might sell it to some horrified soul when they arrive in China. The big event of the day was the goodbye dinner. Everyone including USAC teachers and staff went. It was held at the hotel where we did our orientation. I really do like it when things go back to the start. So we ate, joked, and laughed. I got pictures with some people. It just trips me out that most of these people I will probably not see again for a long time. I’ve spent the better part of the year with them and soon they will be friends of WeChat. I finally got a picture of Yin laoshi, you can finally gaze upon the wonder that is my Chinese teacher. Overall it was a good night. Corey leaves early in the morning, so he will be stopping by for one last hug and a send off. Break has officially begun.
 |
| Dinner Devastation! |
 |
| Yin Laoshi!! |
Thursday, December 11, 2014
Chengdu Week 15 - Finals Week
Dec. 7, 2014
Most of the day was spent doing nothing other than homework. I did however adventure to the outside world to get some ingredients for the grill night. Corey is leaving in a week and so he wanted to have one last hurrah with the grill he had bought. So we got meat and spices and went nuts. It was good fun and ultimately very rewarding. The food was amazing and spicy. I think everyone who chipped in thought it was pretty fantastic. Jesse and I managed to avoid clean up and watched Memento. The movie was a good way to end the night. Tomorrow is the last real class of Chinese for the semester, as the Tuesday class will be mostly review. I have finished my paper for History so now it is a game of study. Last week of the semester, here we go!
Dec. 8, 2014
Class was interesting, we talked about the geography of China. There are some interesting stereotypes about each region, not so dissimilar to America. After was lunch and then homework. I need to get everything done before work today. Normally I would have a tutoring session, but that was cancelled. Instead I took over for another teacher, who is in Shanghai taking the LSAT. It was interesting teaching a class that was older. For one they could read, something I was most definitely not used to. My kids have to have pictures and prompting still, of course they are only 5. Also these students had more forceful personalities, one student’s whole life goal was to disrupt the class. I feel like I shut him down pretty quickly, often times Chinese kids don’t experience the same level of discipline (or it’s a different form) that I am used to in the United States. But despite all that, I think it went really well. I also picked up a bunch of extra hours with Brent, who is adventuring out to Vietnam right before Christmas. So hopefully this month I will have lots of working hours, which means lots of money for gifts. I have a few ideas about gifts for the people staying in the dorms. After work I rode the bus home, in which I was informed that Corey had decided not to do hotpot, and I didn’t know the restaurant we were going to. So instead I got take out from my usual noodle place. It’s kinda fun when the waiters all know your order and are happy to see you. Dinner and shower complete it is bed time, last dictation tomorrow!
Dec. 9, 2014
Last Chinese class of the semester and it went so slow. I think everyone is on edge just waiting for the classes to let out. Those going home are ready to go, and those who are staying have plans for break. So class ended and it was off to lunch, cafeteria food for the win. We ran into Lynn, and found out someone in his dorm had been diagnosed with TB, which means he had to go get checked out. He was clear of the disease, but still that is really interesting that things like that are still very much a threat.Work was interesting. I went very early as Raphi had a interview and didn’t know exactly where it was. I got pancakes that actually were pretty darn close to real pancakes. They were reasonably priced for Western food as well. Class itself was interesting, the parents of the kids came and sat in for the first half. According the Lilly, all the parents have seen an extreme improvement in their child’s English. They are happy to keep me as a teacher, something I am very pleased about. It is finally cold here in Chengdu, not the bitter cold of Nevada but wet and chilly. I am not used to this kind of cold, we’ll see if I can adapt to it. I don’t need a heater or anything at night so I think I will be ok, it’s probably not going to get any colder. Tomorrow is my free day though hopefully it will be for studying. Test on Thursday for the win!
Dec. 10, 2014
Today was a crappy day. I found out that the university will not fund me next semester. So how I am going to pay for my time in China I do not yet know. I shall figure it out though, not to worry. Hopefully everyone whom I sent emails to has read them I should be getting responses within the next couple of days. Unfortunately the terrible morning coated the rest of the day, it was difficult to do more than study. I also realize what a joke the education system is, but that is a discussion I don’t really need to have. I will be remaining in China and I am now more determined than ever to come back here for a little while. It’s kinda sad when a foreign culture makes far more sense than the one you grew up in. China is by no means perfect but I can at least understand more motivations than the ones in America. Tomorrow I have my final exam but I am not sure how I will do considering how I can’t really think about anything else other than the problem at hand, even though the solution is easy enough. Never the less I shall do my best on the upcoming final.
Dec 11, 2014
Chinese final is done! Classes are all but over and we are hurdling towards break. Time certainly flies, but I think it was a good run. Having finished the test I did also have history. To be totally honest it was pretty difficult to sit through. Papers were already turned in, and the lecture as usual didn’t yield but in the way of actual historical discussion. That is alright. I think next semester I am just going to sit in on the class when I can, instead of paying for it. Since the University isn’t funding me next semester I will only be taking 12 credits, the bare minimum, which should bring down the cost of the tuition at least a little bit. It’s kind crappy to think about but this is how I have to do things for now. Next semester I will be focused on language only, which is what I came to China for in the first place. Break essentially starts tomorrow, we will be having a goodbye dinner as well. Overall I am looking forward to the next couple of weeks, I wonder what this time will bring those of us staying behind. I will start saying goodbye tomorrow, I am honestly fairly sad about it, I will miss those I have come to call friends. Everyone in the program at least on some level I got to know, and I genuinely liked everyone. Traveling together really bonds people, I hope we will be able to stay in touch.
Most of the day was spent doing nothing other than homework. I did however adventure to the outside world to get some ingredients for the grill night. Corey is leaving in a week and so he wanted to have one last hurrah with the grill he had bought. So we got meat and spices and went nuts. It was good fun and ultimately very rewarding. The food was amazing and spicy. I think everyone who chipped in thought it was pretty fantastic. Jesse and I managed to avoid clean up and watched Memento. The movie was a good way to end the night. Tomorrow is the last real class of Chinese for the semester, as the Tuesday class will be mostly review. I have finished my paper for History so now it is a game of study. Last week of the semester, here we go!
Dec. 8, 2014
Class was interesting, we talked about the geography of China. There are some interesting stereotypes about each region, not so dissimilar to America. After was lunch and then homework. I need to get everything done before work today. Normally I would have a tutoring session, but that was cancelled. Instead I took over for another teacher, who is in Shanghai taking the LSAT. It was interesting teaching a class that was older. For one they could read, something I was most definitely not used to. My kids have to have pictures and prompting still, of course they are only 5. Also these students had more forceful personalities, one student’s whole life goal was to disrupt the class. I feel like I shut him down pretty quickly, often times Chinese kids don’t experience the same level of discipline (or it’s a different form) that I am used to in the United States. But despite all that, I think it went really well. I also picked up a bunch of extra hours with Brent, who is adventuring out to Vietnam right before Christmas. So hopefully this month I will have lots of working hours, which means lots of money for gifts. I have a few ideas about gifts for the people staying in the dorms. After work I rode the bus home, in which I was informed that Corey had decided not to do hotpot, and I didn’t know the restaurant we were going to. So instead I got take out from my usual noodle place. It’s kinda fun when the waiters all know your order and are happy to see you. Dinner and shower complete it is bed time, last dictation tomorrow!
Dec. 9, 2014
Last Chinese class of the semester and it went so slow. I think everyone is on edge just waiting for the classes to let out. Those going home are ready to go, and those who are staying have plans for break. So class ended and it was off to lunch, cafeteria food for the win. We ran into Lynn, and found out someone in his dorm had been diagnosed with TB, which means he had to go get checked out. He was clear of the disease, but still that is really interesting that things like that are still very much a threat.Work was interesting. I went very early as Raphi had a interview and didn’t know exactly where it was. I got pancakes that actually were pretty darn close to real pancakes. They were reasonably priced for Western food as well. Class itself was interesting, the parents of the kids came and sat in for the first half. According the Lilly, all the parents have seen an extreme improvement in their child’s English. They are happy to keep me as a teacher, something I am very pleased about. It is finally cold here in Chengdu, not the bitter cold of Nevada but wet and chilly. I am not used to this kind of cold, we’ll see if I can adapt to it. I don’t need a heater or anything at night so I think I will be ok, it’s probably not going to get any colder. Tomorrow is my free day though hopefully it will be for studying. Test on Thursday for the win!
Dec. 10, 2014
Today was a crappy day. I found out that the university will not fund me next semester. So how I am going to pay for my time in China I do not yet know. I shall figure it out though, not to worry. Hopefully everyone whom I sent emails to has read them I should be getting responses within the next couple of days. Unfortunately the terrible morning coated the rest of the day, it was difficult to do more than study. I also realize what a joke the education system is, but that is a discussion I don’t really need to have. I will be remaining in China and I am now more determined than ever to come back here for a little while. It’s kinda sad when a foreign culture makes far more sense than the one you grew up in. China is by no means perfect but I can at least understand more motivations than the ones in America. Tomorrow I have my final exam but I am not sure how I will do considering how I can’t really think about anything else other than the problem at hand, even though the solution is easy enough. Never the less I shall do my best on the upcoming final.
Dec 11, 2014
Chinese final is done! Classes are all but over and we are hurdling towards break. Time certainly flies, but I think it was a good run. Having finished the test I did also have history. To be totally honest it was pretty difficult to sit through. Papers were already turned in, and the lecture as usual didn’t yield but in the way of actual historical discussion. That is alright. I think next semester I am just going to sit in on the class when I can, instead of paying for it. Since the University isn’t funding me next semester I will only be taking 12 credits, the bare minimum, which should bring down the cost of the tuition at least a little bit. It’s kind crappy to think about but this is how I have to do things for now. Next semester I will be focused on language only, which is what I came to China for in the first place. Break essentially starts tomorrow, we will be having a goodbye dinner as well. Overall I am looking forward to the next couple of weeks, I wonder what this time will bring those of us staying behind. I will start saying goodbye tomorrow, I am honestly fairly sad about it, I will miss those I have come to call friends. Everyone in the program at least on some level I got to know, and I genuinely liked everyone. Traveling together really bonds people, I hope we will be able to stay in touch.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)