If I haven't made it clear that China is insane.......thanks to Erin and Amana, the following:
Man bites panda
Man joins ancient army
Take the time to read them, it will be worth your while....

Xiao Fu got neutered this week. I swore I wasn't going to cry, but as soon as I got to the vet and they gave him the shot to put him to sleep and he screamed like a human, I burst in to tears. I swear the attendants at that vet's office have seen me cry more in this past year than my mother has in my whole life. Anyway, all is good....despite a small misunderstanding between another teacher and myself, when he thought I was having the cat neutered at the local supermarket.....I woke up several times the first night to check if Xiao Fu was still breathing but he is kickin it just fine now, even though he is half the man he used to be. In memory of Xiao Mao, I found this picture from last year on my hard drive yesterday. I think I will keep it forever, when I look at it, I realize that things always really could be worse!!

All right, this post is dedicated to Ashley, who is, apparently, a visual learner. Today was my first day of work. Despite a few first-day butterflies, it was a blast. I am obsessed with my kids already. Here are a few pics of around my house...the campus library...







... the quad..







....the canal...







Jackie is my new friend here. Her passport was stolen her first day in China. We went to Shanghai to pick up her brand-new one this week. We welcomed the new passport into the family with the best Mexican food this side of the Yangtze river.







Saturday night, Jackie and I went out in search of some new friends and good times. It is the first sunny day in Hangzhou since I arrived. I think I'll go out and enjoy!

I eat in/on/at my bed a lot because I don't have a table. It causes a rather serious crumb problem. I used to eat in bed in college too. Sus always said in a knowing tone "you know what they say about people who eat in bed......" but she never did tell me, and I never did know.

For the loyal followers of my blog, you now that I'm on my third bike after various encounters with thieves. I had my doubts about coming back after 2 months and finding my bike. Loe and behold, there is was. Elated I ran over to greet "Aunt Jamima" as we all lovingly call her. Only to find that my bike seat had been stolen. All that was left was two spring (talk about uncomfortable). The basket had also rotted out. The whole way to the bike repair shop, Chinese stopped, pointed and laughed. Luckily I was with my new great friend Jackie and we both found the whole thing hysterical as well. When I took the bike in, the repair men got really big eyes.
After replacing the seat and a basket, they informed me that I also need work on my chain, my lock and that I had no brake pads left and a new bell would actually function if I bought it, and air in the tires would definitely improve...well bicycling. Near the cost of a new bike later, Aunt Jamima was kickin it once again.
Jackie and I spent the rest of the day shopping and strolling. I tried to capture the mayhem of the supermarket on a sunday, but this photo hardly does it justice. Just think, people packed in like this throughout a whole super Walmart (or Target, if you prefer).
Finally, I love old people playing mah jong. I mean, it is soooooo Chinese. You can't get any more Chinese than old folks playing mahjong outside.
Tomorrow is my first day of TAKING classes in over a year. I am scared as hell, but I met a new Thai friend tonight, and I think if we stick together we will make it.....first day of school picture to come later......

Finally, I love old people playing mah jong. I mean, it is soooooo Chinese. You can't get any more Chinese than old folks playing mahjong outside.
Tomorrow is my first day of TAKING classes in over a year. I am scared as all g, but I met a new Thai friend tonight, and I think if we stick together we will make it.....first day of school picture to come later......
ps i can see blogspot now, for no reason at all, so feel free to leave comments, I can actually communicate back.

I can't help myself.......

I can't sleep. Jet lag....or jet leg as Si Si Jie calls it. Happy to be here, but missing home....My cat got fat while I was away.....Someone tell me a story.....Chicago....I miss thee