We had a huge dinner in celebration of Polish Peter’s new daughter, Feng Feng. And by huge I mean I don’t think I’ve been to a dinner that big since the Weifang City Foreigners Banquet.

On the way to dinner I had a rather interesting run in with a new student. Julie, Charlotte, Roina (Charlotte’s beautiful baby daughter) and I ran into one of my students as we were waiting to catch a cab. I had volunteered to push the stroller as we were in our complex and never even contemplated how it might adversely affect my reputation. My student approached me and quickly began oohing and awing over Roina. She introduced herself as my student, they are are all new so I had no idea so I just smiled and nodded, that is until she started directing Roina’s compliments at me. I quickly pointed the finger at Charlotte vigilantly naming her the mother. Just what I need a rumor around school that I have a baby. So I guess pushing the stroller will no longer be an option even within my own complex, and I thought moving off campus equaled freedom. So if and when pictures of a baby girl begin showing up on my blog lets make this clear. I did not sign up for a second year to hide a pregnancy. And if you happen to hear such a rumor please squash it. Remember this is Kayte you are talking about the longest I stay in the presence of a single child is about an hour, two of a good day.

My new Dinner Pal

With that said the Dinner.

The next part might come as a shock goodness knows it did to me. Peter now has two daughters, the eldest is Monica, who for some strange reason has taken a liking to me. Whenever we go out for dinner I’m her playmate and dinner partner. Mind you the first time we met she wouldn’t speak more that two words to me but now I get rather enthusiastic Chinese and just enough English to catch her drift. Thank goodness she knows Polish is only for her father because that would be completely out of my element.

Julie is in the corner.

The dinner was to celebrate Monica’s new sister and the unofficial meet the new foreigners dinner. I was shocked at all the new faces when I walked into the room. Good thing Brad reserved the BIG room.

L-R Andrew, Manuel (German), John (American), Brad, Didn't catch his name, Leah, Ryan is leaning over Mary-Chris

There are two more pictures of people but wordpress isn’t cooperating. Needless to say there were tons of people many of whom I didn’t know. The night was filled with talking and food. Have you ever seen a Lazy Susan that big! We decided with the effort it took to turn that thing we’d call it Work-Out Susan, it wasn’t really suited for lazy people.

Monica and I had a fun evening playing with my pearls although she was disappointed I didn’t ware my separating butterfly ring, sometimes I think she only likes me for that piece.

Dinner was delicious. I walked home this evening with Charlotte and Roina. The weather is finally cooling off and it was a pleasant stroll.

I’ve signed up for the gym today. One whole year paid up front there is no getting out of that commitment. Great. Julie is just the gym partner I need she reminds me a lot of my physical therapist, relentless. The only way to describe it is with my favorite joke:

What’s the difference between a Physical Therapist and a Terrorist?*

When I signed up I got a free gym bag which was great! The gym is fairly new and has quite an assortment of machines. We worked on the Elliptical for a majority of our hour and half session. Then did a circuit around the machines. Its so much more efficient to have a partner.

Then the reality hit as I realized I was the prude American walking into a very open locker room. Needless to say I’ve opted for waiting to change at home. So with the semester starting next week I’m finally settling into a routine which will be nice.

*You can negotiate with a terrorist.

Today was far less productive. It rained practically all day only letting up for about a half an hour at a time. I spent the morning looking for the Book Nook, a foreign run bookstore downtown. I didn’t manage to find it but came across another small bookstore Sonoplace hidden away in an Alley. I spent the afternoon at the hostel enjoying the atmosphere and putting together ideas for the coming semester. In the evening I went out searching for the Indian Restuarunt everyone keeps mentioning.

I discovered Google maps works in China and got bus directions from the hostel. I had an idea for the general area of the restaurant but got completely turned around by the bus route Google suggested. I finally orientated by self again and stopped by the DvD store for directions. It turns out Fatima Indian Restaurant is just one alley north of my favorite DvD store. Couldn’t be more convenient. I know know where I’ll be stopping after EVERY trip to the DvD store.

The rain was still coming down as I walked back to the bus stop. But I’ve finally learned the trick. Always carry a spare pair of flip-flops with your umbrella. I don’t mind the rain its just the wet socks and shoes I detest so if you eliminate those the puddles become fun again. I got to the hostel and hung around the lounge reading and working until about 10. I’m going to miss wifi and being able to write posts in bed.

I can only hope for beach weather tomorrow although I’m not going to hold by breath. I should have looked at the weather forecast before booking a week at the beach but with the weather being so blasted hot for the last three weeks straight really how was I to know it would take a turn for the stormy this week.

I would love to sit at the beach at least once this week but oh well what can you do when the gods conspire against you!

Well I’m headed off to Qingdao in the morning. I’ll be there until Thursday so although I will attempt a post or two I’m not going to stress about it.

Ahh Vacation!

I’ve finished my Summer job and will begin teaching at the University next week. So this week is me, my kindle and the sea! What a lovely combination.

Of course as with most trips I’ve been stressing about this one for the past week. Started putting things aside a few days ago and have repacked twice tonight. I am proud to say I’m learning to be a lighter packer. I’m not yet a light packer but I am lighter than before.

I'm I think I'm getting slightly obsessive when it comes to packing.

I admit I’m a slow learner oh and I have a very bad habit of forgetting perfectly sound lessons. The past two days have been frustrating to say the least. To be completely honest I’m having trouble deciding which parts are the most aggravating, the situations that start the frustrations are the ending results that eliminate my ability to complain. I’m a complainer, when you take that I way I guess I’m just fumbling for something to say and silence is just something not to be stood for. To my mother’s utter horror I made the following quote my motto all through my teenage years:

Ah! Oh, don’t the days seem lank and long
When all goes right and nothing goes wrong,
And isn’t your life extremely flat
With nothing whatever to grumble at!
~ William Schwenck (W.S.) Gilbert, Princess Ida (1884 opera). Act III

The past two days have seemed like the world has turned against me, from ridiculous class decisions to being swindled out of ¥500. But as I’m in the middle of writing a perfectly sound rant to upload to my blog blessings come pouring in and I just can’t complain. I actually delete the Note and start laughing at the entire situation. I know Mother, I’m recording this in hopes of remembering in the future. Here are a few examples.

Yesterday the Chinese teacher I work with for the young class asked if I was up for class by the river. As I mulled over the plan I knew it was a bad idea but couldn’t pass up the chance at reduced class time. Why a rambunctious class of eight year-olds who can’t managed to sit still in an air conditioned classroom would sit still in humid 98*weather by a river beats me but hey for less class time in front of them I’ll do just about anything.   Things just seemed to go from bad to worse throughout the entire expedition including arriving late back at the school. I was tired cranky and dripping sweat when I finally arrived at my lunch appointment with Kelly. The unproductive trip to the train station after lunch did nothing for my mood and I was fuming by the time I caught a bus home empty handed. But then came the most undeserved blessing of the month. As I reached my apartment I caught up with Julie the new French teacher. I helped take up her groceries and chilled at her place for a while. As I ranted about the horrors of purchasing train tickets in China she chuckled and then did the unthinkable. “Since you have to work tomorrow I can go back to the train station in the morning and get your tickets for you. Just give me the times and dates.” I was dumbfounded. I quickly backtracked and declined the offer. She obviously didn’t know what she was agreeing to. It was at least a two hour errand, it wasn’t like she was running my trash down the stairs. She insisted it was not a big deal as she had nothing to do in the morning and this would give her an opportunity to see more of the town. Finally, on the verge of tears with gratitude I wrote down the information and remained horrified at all the bitter feelings I’d been accumulating all day. I doubt Julie had any idea what the offer alone did for my morale. I was on cloud nine the rest of the day.

Late that evening Kelly called with exciting news, she had ran into Polish Peter at Walmart and was informed of a Train Ticket Booking Office around the corner. She gave me the directions and insisted it was a breeze. I was grateful to be able to call Julie and cancel her ticket run in the morning. I still felt terribly guilty about accepting her offer.

As for today, the big hoopla was my Summer Salary. It had been a struggle and a half to negotiate my terms and I had anticipated problems so came to the meeting prepared. I had printed and kept my weekly schedule and had to remind them of extra classes added last minute. In the end I was still jipped Y500 but have learned sometimes its just not worth the argument. I left determined to black list the school and began writing my daily post. But Heavenly Father was determined to stop the bitter feelings before they could germinate too long. I had a few errands to run and as usual anticipated frustration, miscommunication and more bad luck.

Instead things couldn’t have gone more smoothly. I found the ink refill stall in the Technology Market immediately and discovered that it was only Y10 to refill both my black and color cartridges. I think I confused the poor couple as I was so shocked with the price. After that I quickly found the wonderous Ticket Booking Office and managed the entire transaction in Chinese. To top it off the attendents were helpful and actaully slowed down and repeated things in Chinese instead of reverting to poor English. The blessings didn’t stop there as I caught the bus home a sweet Chinese Lady smiled and said “你好” . That’s all I really want a friendly greeting in Chinese every now and then. Not the constant screaming of “HEELLOO” behind you back from crude shirtless men. Oh and I forgot to mention that Kelly called and asked if she could come by with lunch, my choice, she’d meet me in about an hour. I declined the offer as it was out of her way but she was insistent and who am I to kick a gift horse in the mouth.

At this point I had to make a comment so I begged for the blessings to stop. Seriously Heavenly Father after this morning’s event all I wanted to do was wallow in self pity. I wanted a good well deserved rant towards all those that had made my last two days miserable but all I could manage was a happy light soul with nothing but positive thoughts. I almost burst out laughing as the rain broke as I stepped into my building. It down poured for two hours straight once I reached my apartment and I had forgoten my umbrella today, boy would that have been a disaster.

As I sat down at the computer Victoria Skyped and we had a good laugh as I relayed the last few days.

Why is it that no matter how hard I’ve tried the last two days to write my usual scathing posts of the atrocities of living in China all I can reflect on are the abundant blessings and tender mercies my Heavenly Father has bestowed these last few days. With my iPod I’ve started writing posts as they happen or on the bus between events. But within the hour something changes my mood and the feelings of frustration and self pity dissolve. For goodness sake can’t I just have one hour, one miserable hour to be my old self to find nothing good with my current situation and no sliver of sunshine on a stormy day.

So here is my Lesson learned: no matter how hard the situation there are always blessings around the corner that will lighten ones mood if you let it. I truly do live a charmed life and I spend too much time dwelling on the bad rather than appreciating the good. It is a better feeling going to bed each night reviewing the blessings in your life rather than your misfortunes. Now may I please remember this over the next year as I know many more frustrating days are ahead.

The other day I was speculating with Adam, another English teacher at the Uni, about the foreigner count for the semester. Who was coming who was being replaced etc. He commented, “Hey we’re the same, we’re both sophomores. It’s kinda strange to be the one showing people around now isn’t. ”

All I could think was may I never graduate! I must admit though it’s nice not to be the newbie always having to call for assistance. 

Yesterday Kelly and I accompanied James to the airport to pick-up my replacement. Ryan Jeppson, Sugar City, Idaho. 

Poor kid, Kelly and I practically gave him a years worth of advice and instructions in a matter of hours. His head didn’t explode but how much he’s retained has yet to be seen. Like so many before him he aspires to learning Chinese and with a semester of Chinese under his belt it’s looking like a possibility. He seems like a nice kid and has managed to stay on my good side for the past two days so thinks are looking bright for the semester.

I am thrilled Kelly and him are getting along so well and Kelly won’t be all on her on across town. Kelly is just happy she finally found a Badminton partner, something I refused to do last semester. Also Ryan is up for massages another no-no for me, what we all have our boundaries and mine is having a complete stranger rub my shoulders. Unfortunately the consistent knots in my back thrive on this boundary.

I refuse to use the reference ‘the Gang’ now as ‘the Gang’ will forever be Katie, Thomas, Dantezlle, Adam and I. Its hard to see the old group all gone. But new friends always bring new experiences.

I like noise. I’ve always preferred some sort of background noise to silence. I have according to some, a bad habit of walking around with the world tuned out with earphones in. I argue I’m a much pleasanter person when not constantly focused on the insanity and mayhem around me.

I love to listen to music even if I’m far from a connoisseur. Before coming to China I upgraded my mp3 player for a 32gb Zune which I promptly filled with music. To be completely fair to Microsoft I purchased the Zune second hand on Craig’s List so I knew I was taking a risk with quality.

I must say I was impressed how long it did last. But the inevitable came and not at a more inconvenient time the month before my Tibet trip. The truly frustrating part was that it wasn’t broken all the way to make it impossible to use   and therefore easy to throw away. Instead it just ate earphones. The only logical explanation I could come up with was that perhaps my accident I had forgotten to charge it with the converted which was causing a short within the Zune. It would work fine but within a week my earphones wouldn’t. Even for the cheap earphones ¥17 a pop adds up quickly in a month. With more self control than I thought possible I put away my Zune and resolved to have a music free trip. I know impossible. I did take comfort that I could add music to my Kindle but with limited space and bad luck I ended up with an eight song loop for two weeks!

Katie and Thomas have an iPod Touch and I love its Chinese dictionary as you are able to draw a character. For those of us still learning our radicals looking up a character becomes too laborious an effort. I’ve been a PC girl all my life. I got a Zune as I couldn’t stand iTunes but the dictionary sold me I’m not going to lie. Also I had no idea where a legit Microsoft store was in China. So at the end of the Tibet trip I gave Katie and Thomas ¥2,400 and asked them if they could swing by the Apple Store in Beijing to purchase an iPod touch. They were as usual kind enough to do me the favor even if Thomas did give me a heart attack when as a joke he claimed to have forgotten to pick one up. Mind you he kept up the charade nearly two days. If Katie had told that I would have laughed right through the lie but I didn’t think Thomas capable of such a joke with regards to an Apple product.

My new appendage, I never leave home without it.

Once the joke was up and my iPod Touch was safely in my hands the relationship began to blossom. Okay maybe not right away I had to get screen covers figure out how to sync it get over my hates for iTunes and then learn how to work this thing. But once I started playing, I quickly got addicted. The two winning features in my opinion, first with the Chinese keyboard I can write characters throughout and practice daily and two once I figured out how to sync it to Outlook I can transfer my Notes onto the computer. Writing blog entries on the bus has quickly become a habit. I find I am able to keep up with my blogs on a daily basis and enjoy the diversion. I don’t get aggravated at people staring at me constantly as I’m too busy to notice.  

All is right with the world once again, I have music and I am not eating through earphones on a weekly basis.  

I am even willing to say I love my iPod Touch. I’m still not convinced Apples is better than Microsoft, as iTunes still has a ways to go, but for now I am a satisfied customer.

I have a one week vacation coming up between my summer job and starting at the University. Boy do I have plans. Originally I was going to be productive and prepare for classes but with last weeks events I need a vacation and nice long beach vacation at that. 

So plans are already forming…leave Tuesday afternoon spend the evening tracking down the rumored Indian restaurant and enjoy a cool evening in the city. Wednesday maybe the Governors Mansion in the morning then the rest of the day on the beach until I’m crispy then the Diner for dinner.  Thursday shopping – Jimo for Victoria’s Rolexes and of course Carrefour for the imports, time to stock up. 

Yes that sounds good. Well off to book a bed before the hostels all fill up, I’m NOT dealing with that situation again.

Peter to the end! Left to Right Peter, Mary, Leah, Brad

 We had Peter’s goodbye dinner tonight. He’s off to Sweden to achieve the lofty goal of world peace and all – international conflict resolution masters program. But for all that we are down a Brit. I have no idea where I’m going to turn for my British English explanations now. I guess my students will no longer get the benefit of the doubt until proven wrong on British grammar. Sorry kiddos it’s Yankee English only until another Brit shows up in my circle.