Oh what ever, I’m frustrated, well no that is the understatement of the week.

I’M FUMING!!!

All I can say is this, substitute where you feel appropriate, I trust you get the gist.

I have no idea why I ever feared Middle Earth would take over the world. Yes their short program is wonderful. All flash and show but lets face it their long program stinks. Or to be honest, they have no long program. They are incapable of a long program. They can’t figure out what’s going on next week let alone next month. How hard is it to look at a calendar at the beginning of a school year  map out holidays, vacations, school events and in-services? Huh, obviously  not that hard as ever backwoods school in America has seemed to figure that one out. Heck, in Argentina as a foreign exchange student I had a better clue what was going on then I do here as a teacher!! I am tired just tired of being told of schedule changes the day before they are to happen. Why on earth did I turn in a teaching schedule at the beginning of the year. I was told last week my classes have been rescheduled or canceled for next week. The week I’m suppose to give finals! Umm am I suppose to just skip finals then? Well, umm, anyone, anyone?

ARRGGG, what is a holiday you have to make up on the weekend!! Do Saturday mornings mean nothing to these people! Obviously not.

Okay after I hit publish I’m sure I’ll reflect on this post and blush a little for the dramatic flippancy with which I wrote but I refuse to retract. GET IT TOGETHER PEOPLE – This is no way to live!

“Many Westerners plan their schedules at the beginning of the day, or perhaps a day of two in advance. If you would like to meet with a Westerner, you should generally call at least a day in advance. If you want to invite a  Westerner to dinner, you should plan it about one week in advance. If you are planning a party, you should give one or two weeks advance notice. If you do not, the person might plan something else during that time slot. Some people may have a flexible schedule and do not follow this pattern. However, in the Western culture, having a schedule is stressed as a form of good planning and organization in one’s life. “  – pg 26 Challenge to Speak Student Edition

Now if I could just pass that passage around to all the Chinese I come in contact with. Just to be clear I’m not asking for the two weeks notice here, I’m just saying TWO days would be nice. I can easily rearrange my schedule with two days notice.

Last week I’d made plans to go out this evening, they’d changed of course over the week but by this morning they were set! At lunch James springs on me that today was the Korean girl’s birthday. Oh by the way, there will be a dinner for her at 5:30. I couldn’t brush off another dinner. As by the end of last semester I’d stopped rearranging my schedule last min. I called around made new plans and headed for the Dining Hall.

Dinner was pleasant, the usual mouth watering meals, octopus, jellyfish, radish soup, etc. I’m still trying to get use to being the one explaining the ropes to the newbie. Banquet etiquette is a big one and I tried my best.

Towards the end of the meal Shiggy asked if we were still going out as we had invited him to join us a few days ago (note the advanced invitation). He asked if we’d left the school yet today. I was a little puzzled by his comment and admitted I hadn’t yet left the school. He then, much to my horror, began to relate the current state of construction at the end of our road.

James soon chimed in to confirm that the buses were no longer running to the front of the school or along the main road due east of the school. Essentially we have been cut off from town. No cabs, cars or buses are allowed along Qingnian Rd until construction is finished. They are currently trying to update and widen the road as it is becoming a main artery into town. James then recounted oh by the way, the projected completion date is June 22. Yes I typed that correctly the MAIN ROAD along the river will be closed for 3 1/2 months! Well that inconvenient truth merited another round of drinks for everyone and left me fuming. The closest place to catch the bus, as James learned by sad experience this morning on his commute to work is 1.5km up the road!

Well so much for going out tonight that’s for sure. I was ranting the entire walk back to the apartment. Katie and Brad both got more than they bargained for when they took my call this evening. If its not one thing it sure seems to be another around here. Just as I was warming up to the idea of sticking around this school for another semester or so I’m reminded why I want to leave so bad. Location, location, location. Really people how do you cut off a main road like this for 3 and 1/2 months!

I guess I have a weekend to assess the damage and find a solution. Hey life’s all about learning to live with the bumps right?!

Another term has started. The first year is suppose to be the hardest, or so they say. I sure hope so. Well one more semester to go and never again will I have my very first  year of teaching. I”m looking forward to being able to look back and say I did it. I have one year under my belt and a full foot in the water of teaching.

This semester I’ve lucked out with a decent schedule. Three morning classes and the rest right after lunch.

I must admit I did not think I would enjoy teaching as much as I do. I could never understand my parents enthusiasm but I’m beginning to understand a little. I’m still not ready to make this my career but I’m thoroughly enjoying my time as a teacher.

This semester I’m excited to use the pronunciation text I’ve brought back. I’ve learned the vital importance of textbooks in lesson planning. Oh how naive I was last year to think freedom from assigned curriculum was a good thing. Ha, well you live and learn I guess.

Cheers to the upcoming semester!

Nothing Screams Practical like TP and Laundry Detergent!

I’m becoming more and more like my mother everyday, which is a very good thing! One such thing is the belief that practicality really wins the heart!

Like all recognizable holidays in China the faculty is presented with a gift.  For Women’s Day each female member of the faculty received 2 bundles of Toilet Paper and 1 bag of Laundry Detergent. With two females in our apartment it looks like we are set for the semester!

One must really admire the Chinese sense of practicality, last semester I received such gifts as boxes of pears, milk and dates. And to be honest I was going to run to the store today to stock up on Toilet Paper as we were running low.

Another trait I learn from my mother, one can never have enough Toilet Paper in storage, that and femine products, which again knowing I was coming to a country with limitations, I’ve got that base WELL covered.

China most definitely has its perks, one is its enthusiasm to celebrate just about any holiday deemed International. One such holiday is Women’s Day. I’ve heard about it, but as I’ve never considered myself a feminist, I’ve never really paid much attention to it. To be honest before last week I couldn’t even tell you what month it was in let alone the date. When James informed me Friday March 5th was Women’s Day he was shocked at my ignorance.

The school would be holding activities on the field in celebration and Kelly and I were invited to attend.  Due to bad weather Friday the event was rescheduled to today. Wendy came and got us at 2.

The event included an assortment of games and races for the female faculty. Each department contributed a team, we joined our department Applied Foreign Languages. The Department head Mrs. Liu asked if we would like to participate in any events. Thanks to Kelly’s more than obliging volunteering we both got roped into an event.

The events included the following (American Counter Part)

• Place the Mouth (Pin the Tail on the Donkey)
• Ball Pass (Over Under)
• Jump Rope
• Shuttle Cock (Hacky-sack)
• Relay Race

Yes this is for real!

The first Event was by far the most entertaining. Instead of Pinning the Tail on a Donkey they pin a mouth on a man.

The art students drew the boards. I loved the worker hats on the last easels.

Aren't those foreigners entertaining!

Want to know the perfect cheat free blindfold? A sports head band, lets just hope they were new.

Luckily the universal start signal is a whistle.

Over Under Ball Pass

Mixed emotions, okay not really, just plain relieved. I’ve survived my first term. One more to make my first year and then Mom promises it only gets better.

Teaching has been surprisingly invigorating. I’ve enjoyed the challenges and am beginning to see real potential for travel opportunities in the future. I still find it odd some days that I have followed in my parents footsteps.

I’ve most definitely learn more about myself this year as I’ve had to confront my fears and frustrations on my own. I’m learning to explain things more clearly and simply. I’m learning for the first time in my life to go with the flow. If there’s only one lesson I’ll take from China it is the lesson of flexibility.

I’ve still not been able to drop my Americaness of needing to know WHY before doing anything but there are worst qualities to hold onto I guess.

Overall this semester has been a learning experience I wouldn’t try for too many things. I’m looking forward to next semester with eager anticipation.

A few weeks ago I was approached by a student about judging and English competition I figured I’d wait for Wendy to mention something before I made any inquires. I’m not going to lie, I was hoping the comment would come to nothing, what do I know about judging an English competition.

No luck, Wendy approached me last Friday and asked if I would be willing to participate. Of course, for Wendy I’d do anything. As the Foreign Teacher I was to ask questions for the practical application section.

2009 Business English Speech Competition. Yes, I know it says 2008 but "Welcome to China!"

The competition consisted of three parts. First: Read a provided text regarding business. [Students would be judged on pronunciation, intonation and fluency]

Second: Provide and explanation on a graph displayed. The topics varied and so did the graphs. [Students would be judged on content, clarity and explanation]

Third: My part, Answer questions from the foreign teacher using an advertisement provided. No pressure just direct the questions and confuse the poor nervous participants.

I’ve never participated or even watched a language competition before, so can some one please tell me how I qualified to be a judge. Yes I know I speak English but what qualification is that in the world today?

Some examples of the above stated advertisements.

Questions: What three services are provided by this company? Is this a convenient service for the customer?

Questions: To what group of people is this advertisement marketed towards? What are the selling features of this product?

Robinson and Roxanne hosted the event, their English was great! I'm not going to lie they are my top students.

During an intermission a few students sang songs, it took me about two verses to figure out these girls were singing in English.

Matinda took 1st! I felt it was well deserved. (She is my Chinese tutor, she teaches in English)

The panel of judges and winners.

After the competition the teachers presented me with a beautiful kite.

"Zhou Jing" one of the Seven Beauties in Chinese Literature

would anyone like their number?

Merry Maids of China

I should have taken before and after shots or at least the process. Katie and Thomas through insanity, is my only guess, agree to help me clean and move in.  The came over around 11am and stuck it out til the bitter end at 7pm. Those two can clean an apartment like professionals. They are so organized and thorough. By the end of the day we figured he could count half a year done for home-teaching.  

They dusted, swept, scrubbed, mopped, wiped down, sprayed down and cleaned out. It was such a relief, I was able to pack, arrange, transfer and move. Yes, my list was a lot easier for that I apologized profusely. I know I will never be able to repay Thomas fully for scrubbing the bathroom floor. Really could I please find a guy that is able oh and willing to do that.

By the end we had taken out 3 loads of garbage, done 6 loads of laundry:bedding, rags and towels and moved just about every piece of furniture in the apartment.

The topper of the day though had to be beating the rug. Katie and I took the rug outside and threw it over some exercise equipment across the courtyard. (I promise to add pictures later) Both of us where in short sleeves, and flip-flops from cleaning indoors. We were quite a sight to be seen beating a rug outside with a broom in 30* weather. Of course 3 different students passed and asked what I was doing, I would have figured that was obvious but hey when the Americans do something it is always a spectacle. Thomas came out to join us and we all took turns whacking that thing. Boy is beating a rug therapeutic. I love that scene in the new Sense and Sensibility when Eleanor takes a good whack at the rug, really it helps.

Once all the cleaning was done I told them their slave hours were over but they still offered to remain and help move the last of my things down. Troopers to the end. Thanks to them it was all done by 7.

Unfortunately, the customary doughnuts and take out pizza was unavailable for the moving crew but we were able to settle for McDonald’s after a long day. I felt truly pathetic repaying they entire day with a Big Mac but that was as good as it got.

So here is another THANK YOU, to Katie and Thomas, I could not have done it without you.

At lunch today Wendy dropped a bombshell. With head hung she said, ”There is something I need to tell you.” Red lights flashing, I had just asked her to review some lesson plans I have to turn in, and my heart sank. I thought I was in trouble or the school was asking one more thing of me. I don’t know what was worse, what she said or what I had anticipated.   

The school has asked her to take a business job next semester so can apply the theories she teaches and come back in the fall to teach more business courses. I am losing my lunch buddy and best friend next semester! I was devastated to say the least. My only consolation is that I will have Kelly. I was so hoping there would be three of us next semester for lunch but Wendy has promised to come by and see me.

So new goal get my Chinese at a conversational level and bug Peter next semester. I did ask Wendy to put in a good word for me.

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?num=1&t=h&hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=111339267398628592226.000474994180243f527da&ll=36.682428,119.089469&spn=0.003932,0.006856&z=17

I found my college on Google maps. I’ve flagged some places around town that I usually go, you can view them by clicking on the Goooogle pages in the search box on the left. You might have to zoom out to get the picture to come up.