I was supposed to be in the Philippines today. Or at least, flying over the Arctic circle on my way to the Philippines, via Tokyo. But instead, my plane in Boston was delayed by mechanical problems and weather, and I was stranded in Minneapolis. Better here than NWA's other hub - Detroit. NWA provided lodging at the Days Inn in Bloomington and a few meal vouchers. I had 24 hours to kill until the next flight to Manila. It wasn't long before I learned that a very famous place was right here in Bloomington - the Mall of America. America is [View Full Entry]

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We are at the Airport with Jer and Renee! Mom and Dad are expected to arrive soon. Renee looks so sweet carrying her "big white garmet bag" with the dress. Time to board.... [View Full Entry]

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Our bags are packed, and were ready to go!!! Were going to Mexico for Jer and Renee’s wedding!!! It’s Monday March 24th and we can’t wait!!!!! The Easter bunny gave us new snorkels and flippers!! We also got new swimsuits!!!!! We can’t wait!!! Bye!!!!! [View Full Entry]

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Are you ready!?! Today I was walking outside half day dreaming and half thinking about South America. I called Jenny extremely excited to get everything underway. Tonight is another workout night to make sure I'm ready for our *extreme* adventure. I hope everyone is as excited as I am. Until next time, enjoy the weather and make the most of the rest of the semester. [View Full Entry]

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It's just past midnight-thirty on the 20th, marking the beginning of the one week countdown to Chile. I've wasted a bunch of money buying new things for the trip - who doesn't want to impress the locals with a killer wardrobe? But now that my worries over the visa and illness and supplies have passed, the fear is beginning to set in. Holy Crap. For some reason, I am convinced that I am screwed. Because honestly, what was I thinking? And who decided I was a reasonable candidate for this??? An entire semester in Spanish? Where I probably won't even have [View Full Entry]

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An article on Buenos Aires appeared in the New York Times travel section this weekend. New York Times [View Full Entry]

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With just a few weeks to go, moving is now a reality that can’t be ignored or dodged. Yesterday, we organized our container, which will be filled with our belongings and shipped off to the United Arab Emirates. According to the customs information, prohibited items include alcoholic beverages and anything of Israeli origin. Religious material needs prior approval from the Ministry. Since a large part of our shipment will be made up of the Toddler’s toys, books and his Thomas the Tank Engine table, I’m pretty confident that our container won’t raise any suspicions at cus [View Full Entry]

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Hello all! I hope you are all as excited as I am as we embark on this adventure. Before the trip, it would be great to see everyones reason for going on this trip, their goals and expectations, and what they are the most excited about. Please add! [View Full Entry]

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Hey everyone that stumbled on this Blog... I figured I should set up my account before I leave for China. And a little over 12 hour before I leave seems like the best time to any. **Boring information about why I am going to China** I will be teaching Conversational English at Henan Normal University in Xinxiang, Henan province. I have been planning on going to China for a least a year now, however I didn't know where I would be going in China until about two months ago. It is kind of daunting to find a school in China that [View Full Entry]

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The Toddler’s social calendar is busier than mine. Much busier, in fact. While I’m rather pleased these days to get to the supermarket unaccompanied, the Toddler has gym membership, a wide circle of friends he sees regularly and a chauffeur to ferry him to music class, the zoo, library and children’s museum. Organizing his diary - and getting him to all these activities wearing clothes, clean and on time - is no small feat. Excellent time-management skills, the negotiating skills of a presidential candidate and the strength of an ox are required. Loading the car with all [View Full Entry]

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