Today is already Thursday and Thanksgiving here in China. There has been a lot going on which is true anywhere you are. Teachers especially can relate to this time of year and the school year in general.I would not really be aware that Christmas is coming other than the “cable box” which includes some US channels now regularly has Christmas commercials. I might also add the Black Friday ads in my inbox and blog feed that I see but am glad to miss the actual event. I still however search on weekends the channels I know are most likely to play Christmas movies. But I’m glad there is not the craziness here or that I don’t have to do much gift giving as family does not do that anymore. For the kids, I fly them out to see me once a year instead.A local store in the expat area does bring out the seasonal goodies and I am on charge of the secret Santa at my school.
I have had fun joining a craft club. This month we used glass paint to decorate glasses. We meet at a local restaurant, eat, and craft. Fun!
I am thankful to be in an area where good fresh food is cheap. Everything in this picture was 85 kuai. That is about $12. These before were purchased for a Thanksgiving dinner I cooked for a Chinese friend of mine who had never had an American Thanksgiving dinner. For reference the turkey we bought was 280 kuai or about $40.That is a good system that is honest in what it costs to bring something to the table. The US good system has everything skewed incorrectly. The food here is fresh and must be used in a few days unlike the week or so veggies last in the states.The night of Thanksgiving dinner. Lily and her son had never had roasted turkey, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie. She loved mashed potatoes and wants to learn how to make them. Lily brings international people together. I met her at a ball and was welcomed into her group. She does so much for us that we loved to do this for her.
From left above is Killian the athletic trainer, Lily, Edward her son, Stephen, Evan, and Siqin who are good friends at the school.I also go to Internations events once a month. Each time they are at a beautiful hotel with great food and people from all over the world who are members.The Canton tower from the hotel deck of the last event.
Since I’m training for a half marathon on December 8, my life is pretty much just running. This includes after school with kids, with the Nike run group, and on my own on weekends.At the last run with Nike at the sports center there were more groups dancing including these women in traditional Chinese clothes and umbrellas. One of these days I’m going to just join in their dancing. Very graceful and beautiful. You can see groups dancing in every park throughout the day.
On other runs on the weekend I run along the river…
…Or I run through the mall of the world pedestrian area. It is always beautiful.
Our school did have a Thanksgiving dinner the weekend before and a barbecue with corn hole competitions the night before. Both were a wonderful time but I forgot to take pictures!As for school work, my students turned in their individual assessment. This is a scientific experiment that they create and report on. Think college level publishing of an experiment. They take a long time to grade.Tso Tso loves the pencil but waits patiently until I put it down.