1 April 2011 ~ Beijing Bound

Leavin' on a jet plane...

Susan (Fourth and Fifth EL Teacher), Janet (Elementary Art), Nancy (Secondary Art) and I all jumped on a plane tonight for a weekend get-a-way to Beijing.

And it was no April Fools joke...

...we really were in Beijing!

I would really love to tell you the most incredible story about our arrival at the Far East International Youth Hostel, but I just might get kicked out of the country if I do! Let's just say it involved four different hotels, a few drinks in the bar, an hour or so on the internet, and a very caring taxi driver. It was a very interesting welcome to Beijing! It's one of those "Only in China" stories that ya just gotta love....

You must ask me to tell you in person some day...it's a doozy!

31 March 2011 ~ You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown

The secondary drama student put on a performance of You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown.

Dr. Nordness (Head of School) introducing the musical

Trina (Librarian) and Stephanie (Secondary Music Teacher)

Schroeder playing his piano

Lucy and Schroeder

Lucy giving "advice" to Charlie Brown

Snoopy (Brandon, Secondary Math Teacher), Woodstock (Jess, Secondary Math Teacher) and his fellow yellow birds

Peppermint Patty

Charlie Brown and Linus

It was an amazing production...way to go, Stephanie!

30 March 2011 ~ Gifts from the Kids

I was showered with gifts today! I love my job and my sweet kids!

Quintessential Chinese gift...I absolutely love it! : )

29 March 2011 ~ Flowers

One of my students brought me a beautiful bouquet of flowers today.

Thank you, Tyler! : )

28 March 2011 ~ Teacher Appreciation Week

It's Teacher Appreciation Week at DAIS.

Monday-Big beautiful banner signed by whole school welcoming us in the door

Tuesday-HUGE breakfast and massage during school day

Wednesday-many gifts and yummy things to eat from the students

Thursday-lunch with foods from around the world

Friday-feeling very grateful and very much appreciated!

27 March 2011 ~ I Love You, Mom

"If you can stop and look deeply, you will be able to recognize your beloved one manifesting again and again in many forms. You will again embrace the joy of life."

~ Thich Nhat Hanh

Six years ago today, in the early hours of Easer Sunday morning, I was with my mom when she took her last breath here on earth. Since that moment, Mom truly has manifested again and again in many forms all around me ~ dragonflies, the moon, and heart shaped stones along a beach. And I am finally embracing the joy of life once again as Mom leaves her footprints right along with mine where ever I go.

I love you, Mom.

26 March 2011 ~ Now That's a Yolk!

These Chinese chickens sure have big yolks!