Blogs from Feng Tai District, Beijing, China, Asia - page 3

Sorry for the long delay. Because of an earthquake off the coast of Taiwan the Internet has been down. Only in China could the Internet collapse and the only people complaining are the foreigners. All of Beijing not having Internet did not even make headlines news here. While it is up and running its slower than dial up and sporadic. So.... I made it through my open classes. The kids did not sing there songs it was like those r Vacation Bible schools where the music is running but you can't here the kids. The director was pleased and Steven was happy. I am now just trying to finish up my New Bridge classes. I just finished one of those weird Chinese vacations where they give you Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday off but they make Saturday ... read more

Dear brother and sisters, If you could remember me this coming week. This week has been especially stressful because it is the last week to practice before next weeks performances. I have been thinking of it like the last day of vacation Bible school when the kids get to show off what they have learned all semester. I had in my head what I wanted it to look like. Now with no more time to practice and some classes even to see the kids before I am being told to add this and change that. Steven told me to put together a powerpoint for the class. I did but wanting to focus on the childrens English I did not make it very elaborate. Yesterday i was informed that I have to turn in powerpoint along with ... read more

Monday What a sense of pride I have in knowing all thirty students names, finally. The more I teach the more I love fourth graders. they are the perfect age. Not old enough to be rude and obnoxious and not young where they can't understand anything. They are so smart. The weather is getting colder and drier it seems that all the students are getting bloody noses. I am finally well. I am allergic to the pollution and the doctor says to wear a mask. Tuesday I was in full force Chinese teacher mode today. I yelled at the students. I think one student almost cried. But they understood they apoligized so I think they are understood. At least they knew that I was very very mad. I have my Chinese lesson every Tuesday. I think ... read more

Well I have learned a great deal about myself. 1. I don't like confrontation. As much as I like watching politics and debating people when it comes down to my own life I really hate confrontation. 2. I will be nice to people and let things boil and fester until it reaches a point that I cannot handle any more and then explode. Question: Is it better to continually nag someone about something and let the problems always be present. If so then maybe they will get fixed before they are to much to handle. Or is it better to keep problems to your self in hope that the other person being made aware of the situations on several occasions will eventually do something about it and then blowing up when it becomes unbearable. Answer: I ... read more

Ohhh you will never guess what I ordered and ate!! Pizza!! I had pizza delivered in Beijing! You can order really wierd toppings like corn and fish but also ham and mushroom mmmm. Most people know I have always battled days when I hate everything about myself. I mean really just don't want to look in the mirror hard to make myself get out of the bed kind of days. I have learned for the most part how to manage these episodes. However, China has a major lack of chocolate chip ice cream and doughnuts. So yesterday, I dealt with it by cutting off my hair. I found the shortest haircut I could find and went. It was a very good experience. They guy was really nice very gay but nice. Soon the whole salon was ... read more