Well as summer is getting closer and closer - so is grad school! Luke and I were both admitted into Concordia University's MAT program that begins in June. It is a one year program and we are really excited to start.
We just got an email from them explaining the placement process that goes along with it. Normally this wouldn't scare me but it asks you to chose your PRIMARY and SECONDARY choices for teaching. Basically, what grades you want to teach. I always thought that I wanted to do something like 1st grade or Early Childhood Education - but when I saw how it was broken up, I decided that I would make Early Childhood Ed. my secondary option and opt for Elementary Education (4-6th grade).
I was really surprised when I decided to do this, but I am super happy about this choice. I mean - after two years of teaching, I have been really surprised at myself and finding which kids I prefer to teach. After teaching middle school kids - I am just in love with that age! However, Chinese students are a lot different (innocent) than American students - so I figure 4th grade is about the social equivalent to Junior Ones here.
Anyway - I had to update my resume and tell them which districts I would be interested in teaching - so hopefully all of that will match up with Luke's. He is taking one more week to teach the Junior students to see if he wants to focus on Middle or High school. Personally - I see him going middle school.
I will let you know what I learn when I do - hopefully I will figure out which school I will be in sooner then later since I start visiting the schools in September! Oh I am geeking out I am so excited.
: )
4.07.2010
4.05.2010
Are you in the frenzy?!
Well - for most of my friends, they know that I enjoy writing. I did go to college and get my degree in writing so that always helps. Anyway - last year, two of my friends joined this writing frenzy thing online - where you pledge to write 100 pages in a screen play in the month of April.
So this year - seeing has how I haven't really written in forever, I decided to join the frenzy and write 100 pages.
Currently, I only have 2, but that is because I just started about an hour ago. I decided to write a screen play about the zombie take over of the world. I feel that this is a neglected topic and I enjoy writing about this kind of sci-fi/fantasy thing. Who knows - I may change my topic but we will see.
If you want to join the frenzy - I highly encourage it and help to promote creativity in this day and age! Here is the link to my page so you can check on my progress.
http://scriptfrenzy.org/eng/user/630982
So this year - seeing has how I haven't really written in forever, I decided to join the frenzy and write 100 pages.
Currently, I only have 2, but that is because I just started about an hour ago. I decided to write a screen play about the zombie take over of the world. I feel that this is a neglected topic and I enjoy writing about this kind of sci-fi/fantasy thing. Who knows - I may change my topic but we will see.
If you want to join the frenzy - I highly encourage it and help to promote creativity in this day and age! Here is the link to my page so you can check on my progress.
http://scriptfrenzy.org/eng/user/630982
3.31.2010
The Lonely Werewolf Girl
So, as I have been reading more and more my best friend Katrina has been fueling my need. >.<
She is also living in Asia and knows the need for books and passed one along that I just finished. It is called 'The Lonely Werewolf Girl' by Martin Millar and is a good to so-so book.
It is very British and a fun quick read. It follows the royal werewolf family from Scotland and all of their crazy family adventures. One of the reasons that Katrina liked it was because it was inspired by the TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer. You definitely get that feel when reading it.
Overall, I would give this book a B+ as it is entertaining but the ending is only so-so. My favorite character had to be the Fire Queen who was not only the funniest character but also obsessed with fashion.
So, if you are looking for a quick read to pass the time, I would recommend this Buffy inspired novel.
3.30.2010
Jon Hunter II
Another day another baby! My cousins Jon and Katie just welcomed their lovely baby boy named Jon Hunter II after my uncle Jon.
He was born on March 26th and is healthy and happy. I was excited but really - another March baby! >.< March is a busy month with birthdays (all at the end too) with Luke and I but we are happy to welcome the little guy!
I cannot wait to meet him and give him some Chinese baby clothes.
3.18.2010
Praxis I - Check
Awhile ago - I mentioned that Luke and I traveled to Beijing to take the Praxis I exams (math, reading and writing) as our acceptance to Concordia is conditional.
But great news - WE PASSED ALL THE TESTS!
I know what most of you are saying/thinking, 'of course you did silly' but you have no idea the test anxiety this blonde...brunette gets. I was mostly worried for the math section, since really, I suck at math. Luke was nervous about the writing section - but we both did extremely well.
Phew.
Now we just have to rock the ORELA exam and Luke has to take a Praxis II exam in History. That shouldn't be an issue for him since he is one of those smarties. >.<
Just thought I would update everyone on what is going on.
But great news - WE PASSED ALL THE TESTS!
I know what most of you are saying/thinking, 'of course you did silly' but you have no idea the test anxiety this blonde...brunette gets. I was mostly worried for the math section, since really, I suck at math. Luke was nervous about the writing section - but we both did extremely well.
Phew.
Now we just have to rock the ORELA exam and Luke has to take a Praxis II exam in History. That shouldn't be an issue for him since he is one of those smarties. >.<
Just thought I would update everyone on what is going on.
Looking for a good read?
So - one of my goals for 2010 was to get back into my reading groove. Since college, I sadly have not been reading as much as I have wanted. I do not know exactly why - but I am trying to change that. Luke and I have been making a point to read a lot lately and I have really been enjoying it.
Now for the shameless plug - some of the books that have really caught our interest were recommended by our friend Travis and they are called the 'Sword of Truth' series. They are a great fantasy read for any of you interested in them. I have really loved reading them and have gotten Luke and Lili both obsessed as well. Terry Goodkind is an amazing author who can capture your imagination.
The books are about a character named Richard, who by chance is thrown into a world of magic and has to help a woman who he barely knows save her part of the world. I know - it sounds crazy but there is action, romance and sooooo much good stuff, you will enjoy them if you like fantasy.
There are 12 books total and currently we are on book 6. Believe me - you will be in for the long haul with these ones. I am excited to get back to America and continue reading the next 6.
Just thought I would spread the word.
3.17.2010
The Martins are heading home
May 29th!
Luke and I just received confirmation that we indeed have our tickets to Seattle on May 29th and will arrive in the states around noon. It is still strange to me that we will leave Beijing at 4pm and arrive in Seattle the same day four hours earlier - but oh well.
Dogs are going to be with us. Sadly, Henan Airlines (or whichever we are flying) does not allow animals in the main cabin so they will have to be below with the luggage but that shouldn't be too bad as long as they can be in the same crate. This weekend they are going to get their rabies shot and then we should be good to go until about a week before we leave - then they need to get checked for screw worm or something and be quarantined for some reason in China. As long as they get home I will do whatever it takes.
As for getting home Luke and I couldn't be more excited. We have had a good time in China but both of our patience is running thin as we feel we have definitely been taken advantage of this year. The school last year was really understanding and went out of their way to help us and this year, nothing except expecting us to do all the work for not so much as a 'thank you'. Forgive my vent.
I am also excited to get back because I have signed up for a 1/2 marathon in July! I was originally going to run Crater Lake with my friend Barbie (who I love!) but it turned out it was going to be a little too much with school and funding to do that one. Also, I would have very little time to train for the hills which was not sounding so awesome - so, I found a run on Sauvie Island that is known as the 'flat' run and I am very excited about it. So far Bob, Helen, myself and maybe Casey are doing it. Yes, it is on the 4th of July but I don't care - I am going to run a 1/2 marathon!
Anyway - we have a busy couple of weeks coming up (and by weeks - I mean months). Tomorrow my friend Aenne flies in (hurray!) and Jean and Terry also arrive. The next Tuesday, Katrina comes which is going to be awesome! Luke and Lili are peacing out with Jean and Terry and heading to Shanghai while my girls and I roll out to Xian. The next month, JR and Brett are coming to visit for a weekend which will be pretty fun and then after that, my mom, brother and friend Hollie are coming. Phew - plenty of people in so little time. Over the course of the visits we will be heading to Xian, Beijing, Shanghai, Qingdao, Dengfeng, Luoyang and possible Chengdu/Yangshou... not sure on those yet.
Anyway - my amigo Chad let me know that I have been not the best about updating so that is where things are at now. Hope all is well and I will get to see you all soon!
Luke and I just received confirmation that we indeed have our tickets to Seattle on May 29th and will arrive in the states around noon. It is still strange to me that we will leave Beijing at 4pm and arrive in Seattle the same day four hours earlier - but oh well.
Dogs are going to be with us. Sadly, Henan Airlines (or whichever we are flying) does not allow animals in the main cabin so they will have to be below with the luggage but that shouldn't be too bad as long as they can be in the same crate. This weekend they are going to get their rabies shot and then we should be good to go until about a week before we leave - then they need to get checked for screw worm or something and be quarantined for some reason in China. As long as they get home I will do whatever it takes.
As for getting home Luke and I couldn't be more excited. We have had a good time in China but both of our patience is running thin as we feel we have definitely been taken advantage of this year. The school last year was really understanding and went out of their way to help us and this year, nothing except expecting us to do all the work for not so much as a 'thank you'. Forgive my vent.
I am also excited to get back because I have signed up for a 1/2 marathon in July! I was originally going to run Crater Lake with my friend Barbie (who I love!) but it turned out it was going to be a little too much with school and funding to do that one. Also, I would have very little time to train for the hills which was not sounding so awesome - so, I found a run on Sauvie Island that is known as the 'flat' run and I am very excited about it. So far Bob, Helen, myself and maybe Casey are doing it. Yes, it is on the 4th of July but I don't care - I am going to run a 1/2 marathon!
Anyway - we have a busy couple of weeks coming up (and by weeks - I mean months). Tomorrow my friend Aenne flies in (hurray!) and Jean and Terry also arrive. The next Tuesday, Katrina comes which is going to be awesome! Luke and Lili are peacing out with Jean and Terry and heading to Shanghai while my girls and I roll out to Xian. The next month, JR and Brett are coming to visit for a weekend which will be pretty fun and then after that, my mom, brother and friend Hollie are coming. Phew - plenty of people in so little time. Over the course of the visits we will be heading to Xian, Beijing, Shanghai, Qingdao, Dengfeng, Luoyang and possible Chengdu/Yangshou... not sure on those yet.
Anyway - my amigo Chad let me know that I have been not the best about updating so that is where things are at now. Hope all is well and I will get to see you all soon!
2.28.2010
Sydney Meryl Coleman
I received some very sad news today that one of my friends from elementary school passed away on the 26th this month. I had recently re-connected with Sydney and was so shocked to hear this news. For all of you who read this and new her, she will be remembered on Saturday, March 6, 2010 from 3:30-5 pm with a potluck gathering at Childpeace Montessori School where we attended preschool.
1516 Northwest Thurman Street
Portland, OR 97209-2517
I am so sad that I cannot be there.
My thoughts go out to her family. Please keep them in your thoughts.
I will miss you friend.
Goals of 2010
Well - one of our goals from 2010 was to get back into shape. Since Luke and I have been together for some reason (work/injury) we have been slipping out of shape. So - in light of the new year, we decided that it was time to kick ourselves back into gear and not let ourselves have any excuses.
Like most resolutions - that lasted about 3 weeks and then we slacked again (I blame vacation but whatever). Anyway - today, we got back on track. Luke and I signed up for a three month membership to a gym called 'i love sports' that is about a 5 minutes bus ride or 30 minute walk away. There is no pool (sad news bears) but they have all of the equipment that we want and need. So, we signed up and are super excited for all of the classes that they also offer.
Today we had a good work out together and are excited to go back again. Luke is doing lots of weights and is even going to join the spin class! I am mostly excited to run inside vs. outside. The bad air and road running was really taking a tole on my body and now I can have a small break.
I will let you know how it is going in a couple weeks. >.<
Like most resolutions - that lasted about 3 weeks and then we slacked again (I blame vacation but whatever). Anyway - today, we got back on track. Luke and I signed up for a three month membership to a gym called 'i love sports' that is about a 5 minutes bus ride or 30 minute walk away. There is no pool (sad news bears) but they have all of the equipment that we want and need. So, we signed up and are super excited for all of the classes that they also offer.
Today we had a good work out together and are excited to go back again. Luke is doing lots of weights and is even going to join the spin class! I am mostly excited to run inside vs. outside. The bad air and road running was really taking a tole on my body and now I can have a small break.
I will let you know how it is going in a couple weeks. >.<
2.24.2010
Julianne DiSenso
I just wanted to say congrats to our friends Jeramy & Adrianna! They now have a lovely little girl named Julianne who was born on the 24th. I can't wait to meet her.
2.15.2010
Spring Holiday Travels
Okay - get ready for a long blog.
For our holiday, Luke, Anna, Lili and I headed south to Thailand and Cambodia for 5 weeks of craziness. It ended up being a trip full of adventures and a lot of fun.
We started out by heading south on a 26 hour train ride to Shenzhen where we met up with our friend Andres from last year. He is living in Shenzhen and teaching there and we were able to crash at his apartment which was really nice while we waiting for our flight to Bangkok the next day. While we were there, we went to Hong Kong and were able to show Anna and Lili around. Luke and I went last year but didn't do Victoria Peak and were happy to see some new things in this amazing city.
We left China and arrived in Bangkok nice and early in the morning. Bangkok was amazing and so was the food. I am not a huge fan of Phad Thai, but I am now. We ate lots of yummy street food and were able to walk around the city. I loved going from cold cold China to super warm (well it was overcast) Thailand. We walked around the city and had a low key day before traveling south to Ko Phi Phi.
Ko Phi Phi was so awesome! As you know me, I love the beach and this was an amazing beach. We spent the first three nights on Long Beach which is known for swimming and relaxing - which is what I did for 4 days. After, we moved the city (which is more of a town) and went scuba diving. We actually were able to convince Lili and Anna to join us which was awesome. We saw all kinds of fish and even a Leopard Shark! No wonder people keep telling us that Thailand is the best diving ever - because it is! We also experienced our first 'buckets' which are literally, buckets filled with mixed drinks. It was amazing.
From Ko Phi Phi (pronounced P.P.) we headed over to Ko Phangan which is known as more of the party island. Sadly, on the ferry boat, Anna, Lili and Luke all had things stolen from their bags. Luke lost his awesome pocket knife, Lili lost her head lamp and Anna lost money. It was the first time we really had to deal with theft on our vacation/travels around Asia and we were pretty discouraged. Oh well - from then on, everyone was extremely careful.
Ko Phangan was awesome because we stayed at this place called the Seaflower Bungalows. We had a 'bungalow' that was pretty nice for really cheap. I spent most of the time on this beach as well, doing what I do best, reading and soaking up the sun. However, we went to this island mostly for the Full Moon Party. This party is huge and everyone flocks to this island to celebrate. We traveled south the beach and had a great time and met some new friends from Canada and Germany. We danced and watched the craziness. Anna also saved a man from the ocean (kind of) and there were lots of fun stories from the night that I will not go into. I think that there were close to 30,000 people on the beach for our Full Moon Party, but I am not sure.
After the island fun - we went back up to Bangkok to meet up with Lili's friend Barbara who came to visit her. We met up and quickly traveled over to Cambodia to check out Angkor Wat. This is where Vietnam 2.0 began for me. We first had to get our visas at the boarder, and anticipated them being about 20 USD (because that is what every guide book tells you), well - our travel company charged 35 USD and there wasn't too much we could do about it. It was just annoying because we could have gotten e-visas for only 25. Oh well. When we crossed the boarder - the guide told us to change all of our money and things because of the lack of a fee and stuff which Luke promptly jumped on. I didn't really care but was convinced that he was telling the truth. When we got into town - we learned that it was the complete opposite. Not only did we get the worst exchange rate - Cambodians prefer to use USD and even Baht versus their own currency. So, in the transaction - we lost around $150 which made me really upset. Oh well.
In Siem Reap - we went the the Angkor Temples which were fantastic. We hired Tuk Tuk drivers and went around to various different temples and then rode an elephant up a hill during 'sunset'. It was really fun and I enjoyed this part of the trip.
Cambodian food is terrible. Not much more to say there.
After Siem Reap - we headed south to the beach in Sikoh...ville (I still have no idea how to write this town's name) and learned to dislike Cambodia even more. We had reservations on a beach away from the city where we were going to share a bungalow and when we went to confirm, the b-wad gave away our bungalow! 'Sorry' she said - 'you never called and confirmed'. My ass I didn't! I made these reservations a month ago - but that doesn't mean anything. I understand giving it away on the day we were supposed to show up - but she gave it to some guy the DAY BEFORE! WTF!?!?!?! Safe to say - I will leave a mean review on Tripadvisor.com for them. Grumble.
The next day was spent trying to figure out what to do. I had finished all of my books and two others and the beach was not good - not good at all. Luke and I ventured to try to find scuba diving/snorkeling and found that even the dive masters said it was lame diving. So - we decided to wing the trip from there. I had looked at going to Khao Yai National Park in Thailand and decided that maybe we should push that up or look at getting to Laos. Laos was too expensive to get to - so Luke and I peaced out from the group and headed back to Thailand where I didn't want to kill all the people.
For our first day back on Thailand, we were so happy to have good food and nice locals to deal with. However, even after we left Cambodia - the country mocked us when we could not exchange all of our stupid Reil because it is a CLOSED CURRENCY! I was like - are you joking me?! So, the advice we got from everyone was to walk the backpacker road around 7 am and ask if people wanted to buy the money from us. And so - whore I did. I woke up bright and early with my prepared speech and went to various people asking 'hey - are you going to Cambodia? I know this is going to sound strange but...' and yadda yadda yadda. Luckily - backpackers are the coolest group of people in the world and I was able to trade our 250USD of Reil for about 190-200 USD. I decided that I didn't mind eating the 50 USD because we needed money. My debit card had expired and we were winding down our trip.
After walking the street - Luke and I took our newly acquired cash and went to an internet cafe to look up our Praxis I results. We both passed which made us happy and were able to talk to some people back in America. I also learned that my friend Hollie is coming to visit with my mom and brother which made me really excited! More people to send stuff home with! >.< And to see of course.
After contacting home, we traveled west to a town called Kanchanaburi and checked out the Tiger Temple where we spent the afternoon petting tigers. Really - you pet tigers and it was amazing. A lot of people don't know what to think about it, but I liked it. All of the animals were healthy (just chained) but they have them out during their sleepy time - so it isn't too bad. There were plenty of foreigners there volunteering which was funny - but cool as well. We met another couple there from Poland and had fun talking about all of our adventures. They were actually heading to America soon and so we gave them some good tips on where to go.
The next day - we traveled to the east to a place called Pak Chong and went to the National Park where we did a 1.5 day tour. We met another couple there Adam and Emily who we spent a lot of time with. They were English and French. For the night tour - we saw a Oriental Whip Snake (which was awesome!), spiders (not so awesome), a centipede and tons of bats. We went to this bat cave where over 2 MILLION bats fly out of at night. It is amazing to watch - hawks actually wait outside the cave when they come out and hunt. We loved watching it and had a great time.
We met up with Lili and Barbara that evening and they came with us on the full day tour. We had an amazing guide who was able to show us lots of birds and monkeys. We saw two types of Hornbills which included the GREAT HORNBILL. This bird is massive with a wing span of 2 meters! He got some great shots on Lili's camera with his lens and I will put them up sometime. We also saw black and white Gibbons and some other kind of monkeys. Lili and Barbara where in hog heaven because our guide was able to name all of these bird calls. We had fun just walking around in nature and checking things out. We didn't see any wild elephants but decided it was okay because we saw a troop of monkeys just walking around on the road. Pretty amazing.
We headed back to Bangkok with Emily and Adam because Lili and Barbara decided they wanted to stay for the night tour since they didn't get to see it with us. We spent Chinese New Year's eve with our two new friends and walked around Chinatown and ended up having Thai food because they were trying to charge way too much for Chinese food. Oh well. It was a great night and really fun.
Sadly - our vacation came to an end and we flew back to cold cold China. We are safe in Zhengzhou and eager to get our dogs back today. I am going to start getting back on track for running. I start with 4 miles today and we will see how it goes.
Miss you all and we will make our calls soon. I am going to post the photos on shutterfly and I will send you the link when they are up. We have to wait for Lili's camera.
For our holiday, Luke, Anna, Lili and I headed south to Thailand and Cambodia for 5 weeks of craziness. It ended up being a trip full of adventures and a lot of fun.
We started out by heading south on a 26 hour train ride to Shenzhen where we met up with our friend Andres from last year. He is living in Shenzhen and teaching there and we were able to crash at his apartment which was really nice while we waiting for our flight to Bangkok the next day. While we were there, we went to Hong Kong and were able to show Anna and Lili around. Luke and I went last year but didn't do Victoria Peak and were happy to see some new things in this amazing city.
We left China and arrived in Bangkok nice and early in the morning. Bangkok was amazing and so was the food. I am not a huge fan of Phad Thai, but I am now. We ate lots of yummy street food and were able to walk around the city. I loved going from cold cold China to super warm (well it was overcast) Thailand. We walked around the city and had a low key day before traveling south to Ko Phi Phi.
Ko Phi Phi was so awesome! As you know me, I love the beach and this was an amazing beach. We spent the first three nights on Long Beach which is known for swimming and relaxing - which is what I did for 4 days. After, we moved the city (which is more of a town) and went scuba diving. We actually were able to convince Lili and Anna to join us which was awesome. We saw all kinds of fish and even a Leopard Shark! No wonder people keep telling us that Thailand is the best diving ever - because it is! We also experienced our first 'buckets' which are literally, buckets filled with mixed drinks. It was amazing.
From Ko Phi Phi (pronounced P.P.) we headed over to Ko Phangan which is known as more of the party island. Sadly, on the ferry boat, Anna, Lili and Luke all had things stolen from their bags. Luke lost his awesome pocket knife, Lili lost her head lamp and Anna lost money. It was the first time we really had to deal with theft on our vacation/travels around Asia and we were pretty discouraged. Oh well - from then on, everyone was extremely careful.
Ko Phangan was awesome because we stayed at this place called the Seaflower Bungalows. We had a 'bungalow' that was pretty nice for really cheap. I spent most of the time on this beach as well, doing what I do best, reading and soaking up the sun. However, we went to this island mostly for the Full Moon Party. This party is huge and everyone flocks to this island to celebrate. We traveled south the beach and had a great time and met some new friends from Canada and Germany. We danced and watched the craziness. Anna also saved a man from the ocean (kind of) and there were lots of fun stories from the night that I will not go into. I think that there were close to 30,000 people on the beach for our Full Moon Party, but I am not sure.
After the island fun - we went back up to Bangkok to meet up with Lili's friend Barbara who came to visit her. We met up and quickly traveled over to Cambodia to check out Angkor Wat. This is where Vietnam 2.0 began for me. We first had to get our visas at the boarder, and anticipated them being about 20 USD (because that is what every guide book tells you), well - our travel company charged 35 USD and there wasn't too much we could do about it. It was just annoying because we could have gotten e-visas for only 25. Oh well. When we crossed the boarder - the guide told us to change all of our money and things because of the lack of a fee and stuff which Luke promptly jumped on. I didn't really care but was convinced that he was telling the truth. When we got into town - we learned that it was the complete opposite. Not only did we get the worst exchange rate - Cambodians prefer to use USD and even Baht versus their own currency. So, in the transaction - we lost around $150 which made me really upset. Oh well.
In Siem Reap - we went the the Angkor Temples which were fantastic. We hired Tuk Tuk drivers and went around to various different temples and then rode an elephant up a hill during 'sunset'. It was really fun and I enjoyed this part of the trip.
Cambodian food is terrible. Not much more to say there.
After Siem Reap - we headed south to the beach in Sikoh...ville (I still have no idea how to write this town's name) and learned to dislike Cambodia even more. We had reservations on a beach away from the city where we were going to share a bungalow and when we went to confirm, the b-wad gave away our bungalow! 'Sorry' she said - 'you never called and confirmed'. My ass I didn't! I made these reservations a month ago - but that doesn't mean anything. I understand giving it away on the day we were supposed to show up - but she gave it to some guy the DAY BEFORE! WTF!?!?!?! Safe to say - I will leave a mean review on Tripadvisor.com for them. Grumble.
The next day was spent trying to figure out what to do. I had finished all of my books and two others and the beach was not good - not good at all. Luke and I ventured to try to find scuba diving/snorkeling and found that even the dive masters said it was lame diving. So - we decided to wing the trip from there. I had looked at going to Khao Yai National Park in Thailand and decided that maybe we should push that up or look at getting to Laos. Laos was too expensive to get to - so Luke and I peaced out from the group and headed back to Thailand where I didn't want to kill all the people.
For our first day back on Thailand, we were so happy to have good food and nice locals to deal with. However, even after we left Cambodia - the country mocked us when we could not exchange all of our stupid Reil because it is a CLOSED CURRENCY! I was like - are you joking me?! So, the advice we got from everyone was to walk the backpacker road around 7 am and ask if people wanted to buy the money from us. And so - whore I did. I woke up bright and early with my prepared speech and went to various people asking 'hey - are you going to Cambodia? I know this is going to sound strange but...' and yadda yadda yadda. Luckily - backpackers are the coolest group of people in the world and I was able to trade our 250USD of Reil for about 190-200 USD. I decided that I didn't mind eating the 50 USD because we needed money. My debit card had expired and we were winding down our trip.
After walking the street - Luke and I took our newly acquired cash and went to an internet cafe to look up our Praxis I results. We both passed which made us happy and were able to talk to some people back in America. I also learned that my friend Hollie is coming to visit with my mom and brother which made me really excited! More people to send stuff home with! >.< And to see of course.
After contacting home, we traveled west to a town called Kanchanaburi and checked out the Tiger Temple where we spent the afternoon petting tigers. Really - you pet tigers and it was amazing. A lot of people don't know what to think about it, but I liked it. All of the animals were healthy (just chained) but they have them out during their sleepy time - so it isn't too bad. There were plenty of foreigners there volunteering which was funny - but cool as well. We met another couple there from Poland and had fun talking about all of our adventures. They were actually heading to America soon and so we gave them some good tips on where to go.
The next day - we traveled to the east to a place called Pak Chong and went to the National Park where we did a 1.5 day tour. We met another couple there Adam and Emily who we spent a lot of time with. They were English and French. For the night tour - we saw a Oriental Whip Snake (which was awesome!), spiders (not so awesome), a centipede and tons of bats. We went to this bat cave where over 2 MILLION bats fly out of at night. It is amazing to watch - hawks actually wait outside the cave when they come out and hunt. We loved watching it and had a great time.
We met up with Lili and Barbara that evening and they came with us on the full day tour. We had an amazing guide who was able to show us lots of birds and monkeys. We saw two types of Hornbills which included the GREAT HORNBILL. This bird is massive with a wing span of 2 meters! He got some great shots on Lili's camera with his lens and I will put them up sometime. We also saw black and white Gibbons and some other kind of monkeys. Lili and Barbara where in hog heaven because our guide was able to name all of these bird calls. We had fun just walking around in nature and checking things out. We didn't see any wild elephants but decided it was okay because we saw a troop of monkeys just walking around on the road. Pretty amazing.
We headed back to Bangkok with Emily and Adam because Lili and Barbara decided they wanted to stay for the night tour since they didn't get to see it with us. We spent Chinese New Year's eve with our two new friends and walked around Chinatown and ended up having Thai food because they were trying to charge way too much for Chinese food. Oh well. It was a great night and really fun.
Sadly - our vacation came to an end and we flew back to cold cold China. We are safe in Zhengzhou and eager to get our dogs back today. I am going to start getting back on track for running. I start with 4 miles today and we will see how it goes.
Miss you all and we will make our calls soon. I am going to post the photos on shutterfly and I will send you the link when they are up. We have to wait for Lili's camera.
1.15.2010
Off on an adventure
Well blog followers - this will be my last post for some time - tonight in t-minus 7 hours, we will be heading out towards the train station to begin our Spring Festival shenanigans. I wanted to let everyone know what we will be doing so people can be at ease when I don't check in for a long time.
First we will take the train down to Shenzhen where we are going to meet up with our friend Andres - he taught with us last year and is now living in southern China with his girlfriend. We will stay there for about a day and a half and probably travel into Hong Kong since neither Anna or Lili have been there. Maybe a stop to Disneyland?
From Shenzhen we are flying to Bangkok where we will stay for a couple days before heading down to Ko Phi Phi for 5 or so days and then heading over to Ko Phangan for the Full Moon party. We are also planning on taking a couple of yoga classes while we are there that they offer on the beach - we are all oober excited for this, even Luke! Maybe we will all come back yoga freaks. We are also not sure, but thinking about climbing to the highest point on the island to check out the view. Luke and I are definitely going to be diving while we are on the islands and excited to check out one of the top rated dive places in the world. We will stay on that island for a week or so and then head back to Bangkok to meet up with Lili's friend Barbara.
After picking up Barbara - we are traveling to the boarder and crossing into Cambodia where we will spend a couple days in Siem Reap and Angkor Wat. I am really excited to see this part of SE Asia and to ride around on elephants around the ruins. Not too shabby.
After our temple visit - we are traveling south to Sihanoukville, where we will be staying on a private island for 30 bucks a day total! (I <3 SE Asia - except for Vietnam, hate that place).
From the beach - we will head back to Bangkok and do things around the city like the Tiger Temple and Monkey Temple (which will be pretty bomb dot com) and then we fly back to Shenzhen before heading back to Zhengzhou.
It will be a busy 5 weeks but we are really excited to get going since we have been planning it for so long! We are all packed and ready to head out the door and now it is just a waiting game.
If you need to get in contact with us for some reason - email. I won't be checking it very often but most of our hostels will have internet. We love you all and will try to keep in touch to let you know that we are still alive and haven't gotten into too much trouble. >.<
First we will take the train down to Shenzhen where we are going to meet up with our friend Andres - he taught with us last year and is now living in southern China with his girlfriend. We will stay there for about a day and a half and probably travel into Hong Kong since neither Anna or Lili have been there. Maybe a stop to Disneyland?
From Shenzhen we are flying to Bangkok where we will stay for a couple days before heading down to Ko Phi Phi for 5 or so days and then heading over to Ko Phangan for the Full Moon party. We are also planning on taking a couple of yoga classes while we are there that they offer on the beach - we are all oober excited for this, even Luke! Maybe we will all come back yoga freaks. We are also not sure, but thinking about climbing to the highest point on the island to check out the view. Luke and I are definitely going to be diving while we are on the islands and excited to check out one of the top rated dive places in the world. We will stay on that island for a week or so and then head back to Bangkok to meet up with Lili's friend Barbara.
After picking up Barbara - we are traveling to the boarder and crossing into Cambodia where we will spend a couple days in Siem Reap and Angkor Wat. I am really excited to see this part of SE Asia and to ride around on elephants around the ruins. Not too shabby.
After our temple visit - we are traveling south to Sihanoukville, where we will be staying on a private island for 30 bucks a day total! (I <3 SE Asia - except for Vietnam, hate that place).
From the beach - we will head back to Bangkok and do things around the city like the Tiger Temple and Monkey Temple (which will be pretty bomb dot com) and then we fly back to Shenzhen before heading back to Zhengzhou.
It will be a busy 5 weeks but we are really excited to get going since we have been planning it for so long! We are all packed and ready to head out the door and now it is just a waiting game.
If you need to get in contact with us for some reason - email. I won't be checking it very often but most of our hostels will have internet. We love you all and will try to keep in touch to let you know that we are still alive and haven't gotten into too much trouble. >.<
1.13.2010
Shredding It - Level 2
So yesterday, Luke and I were getting ready for our daily 'shred it' time and decided that we wanted to check out level two. We are leaving for Thailand in 2 days and decided that instead of putting the working out on hold (as we often do on vacation) that we would write down the moves and continue while we are in Thailand. I am still in awe at how motivated my husband is - I am really loving how he is feeling better about being able to do these moves and excited about getting back in shape.
So, after two days at level 1 - we decided to bump it up to level 2 to see if there were some more moves that we liked better. We found that not only was it different - but we loved the feeling we got from this work out. Level 1 is good - but not really as challenging as we would have like it to be - level 2 rocked! Rather than doing all of the advanced movements, I found that I had to do some of the modified moves and it made me feel great, like there was a challenge ahead of me and that I could improve.
After our 20 minutes of intense cardio and abs (strength was still pretty easy) we were sweating and feeling the burn. We are definitely looking forward to continuing this workout in Thailand.
This morning I am not sore - but I am sure after a couple more days of this we will start to feel it. >.<
Not only are we starting to exercise together - but we are also working on eating better. All of you who know me understand my love for the worst food. Moving to China has helped me a lot with my taste buds and forced me to consume more food than string cheese and Taco Bell. So yesterday we had grilled chicken, fruit and juice. I will let you know how our work outs continue in Thailand/Cambodia and hopefully we will be able to stick with it. (My goal is to get Jillian's arms)
1.12.2010
Welcome little Corbin Christopher Prudhom
Well not too long ago, my lovely cousin gave birth to her son, Corbin Christopher Prudhom in Oklahoma. My mom was able to visit and says that he is doing extremely well. I hope I get to meet the little guy soon when I move back state side.
He looks sooooo much like his dad. I wish them well and know that they are both going to be amazing parents (no questions there).
He looks sooooo much like his dad. I wish them well and know that they are both going to be amazing parents (no questions there).
1.11.2010
Shreding It
So - one of my obvious goals for the New Year was to get back into shape. I was running a lot and feeling really awesome about being healthier earlier this year until I was hit with the flu and sick for about two weeks. I was amazed at how my endurance went to crap and I went from running 7+ miles to 1-2 miles slowly. It also didn't help that it got extremely cold over here in Zhengzhou, negatives even. So sadly, I found myself sitting down on my butt and getting slowly worse and worse.
But, one of my friends motivated me to get off my rear and to kick myself back into gear. (You know who you are miss Emily). I downloaded the '30 Day Shred' video by Jillian Michaels and was excited to start 'shredding' myself into shape again.
I did the work out once before going to Beijing and found it pretty easy - except for those bicycle abs things - wow. The next day I wasn't sore and realized that I maybe needed to kick it up a notch. I was going to go to level two when it dawned on me that I didn't have to do this alone. I turned to Luke, who was playing cards and asked him to join me. Normally I would be met with a laugh, but today, he smiled and got up and did the work out with me.
I was really happy to be doing it with him - he didn't have too much trouble doing it, even with the brace. He found the kicks and things a little trickier than some would but said he would continue to do it with me. I am so excited that my husband and I are getting back into shape. We have been getting a little soft.
When we return from Thailand, I am going to continue with the 'Shred' but also start my 1/2 marathon training again. I am excited to run my race in August and think I will be ready by then. (Cross your fingers).
But, one of my friends motivated me to get off my rear and to kick myself back into gear. (You know who you are miss Emily). I downloaded the '30 Day Shred' video by Jillian Michaels and was excited to start 'shredding' myself into shape again.
I did the work out once before going to Beijing and found it pretty easy - except for those bicycle abs things - wow. The next day I wasn't sore and realized that I maybe needed to kick it up a notch. I was going to go to level two when it dawned on me that I didn't have to do this alone. I turned to Luke, who was playing cards and asked him to join me. Normally I would be met with a laugh, but today, he smiled and got up and did the work out with me.
I was really happy to be doing it with him - he didn't have too much trouble doing it, even with the brace. He found the kicks and things a little trickier than some would but said he would continue to do it with me. I am so excited that my husband and I are getting back into shape. We have been getting a little soft.
When we return from Thailand, I am going to continue with the 'Shred' but also start my 1/2 marathon training again. I am excited to run my race in August and think I will be ready by then. (Cross your fingers).
1.10.2010
Officially Grad Students!
Well - this was a crazy weekend for Luke and myself.
We traveled by train Friday afternoon to Beijing and took the Praxis I exam early on Saturday morning. This is one of those lovely standardized tests that we need to take to get into graduate school. Luke and I have been studying for a long time (over a month) and I think I did really well. I am hoping I passed all of the sections but who knows. I dislike testing with a passion. >.< Luke thinks that he is going to have to take the writing section again because he never really liked the sentence correction part of the exam. We should know our scores in 4 weeks and hopefully - they will all be good.
When we returned home on Saturday night, I had received an email from our contact at Concordia and she emailed us our acceptance letters - so we are officially in the program as long as we get passing Praxis scores by the second semester! I started jumping around and dancing when we got the news - my top choice school and to be able to move home this summer is like too much awesomeness. So we will be moving home either late late May or early June. Hopefully we will be able to be back on May 30th but we will see.
We also registered to take the ORELA exam on June 12th - as this is another test that we need to take. Luke will also have to take a Praxis II in his specialty and is considering taking it in Beijing because it is so laid back.
Anyway - I just wanted to let you all know that Luke and I really got into graduate school and can't wait to become masters!
We traveled by train Friday afternoon to Beijing and took the Praxis I exam early on Saturday morning. This is one of those lovely standardized tests that we need to take to get into graduate school. Luke and I have been studying for a long time (over a month) and I think I did really well. I am hoping I passed all of the sections but who knows. I dislike testing with a passion. >.< Luke thinks that he is going to have to take the writing section again because he never really liked the sentence correction part of the exam. We should know our scores in 4 weeks and hopefully - they will all be good.
When we returned home on Saturday night, I had received an email from our contact at Concordia and she emailed us our acceptance letters - so we are officially in the program as long as we get passing Praxis scores by the second semester! I started jumping around and dancing when we got the news - my top choice school and to be able to move home this summer is like too much awesomeness. So we will be moving home either late late May or early June. Hopefully we will be able to be back on May 30th but we will see.
We also registered to take the ORELA exam on June 12th - as this is another test that we need to take. Luke will also have to take a Praxis II in his specialty and is considering taking it in Beijing because it is so laid back.
Anyway - I just wanted to let you all know that Luke and I really got into graduate school and can't wait to become masters!
1.02.2010
Foreign Expert Dinner
Dec. 31st was the second foreign expert dinner for Luke and myself. It is a very formal event that brings some of the foreign teachers in Zhengzhou together to sit and eat with city officials. This year was very different because not only was it on New Years Eve, but also, I was invited to sit at the head table.
I sat between the vice mayor and someone else who had a very long title - both of which did not speak any English. It was pretty boring, but not bad. At the head table they actually served different food then at the other tables and it was really good.
The highlight of the night was when I was reading my menu and found that we were served 'Grilled American'. I am not sure which course it was, but I am sure that I enjoyed it. >.<
Overall it was a good night that ended pretty early. Here are some photos of the event.
1.01.2010
New Years Resolution
Well another year has come and gone and I can tell you overall that is was a twist of ups and downs. Last year we were still in China and heading to Vietnam (one of the worst vacations of all time(because of the location, not the people), teaching in China, visiting America and then coming back to China.
Some 2009 highlights that I will always look back with fondly:
Mexico - thank you Mandy for helping my blondeness. Mexico with Mandy, Cory, Sarah and Jason was fantastic and was, by far, one of our favorite vacations of all time.
People coming to visit us in Asia - thank you for all of you brave souls
Cousin at Christmas time - although this was really recent, it is by far one of my favorite memories in China
Getting accepted into grad school - we are so excited to be attending Concordia in the fall, it is going to be amazing
Road trip USA - Luke and I traveling around the US and being welcomed by all of our loving families
Baby Henry, Corbin, Fiona and Trudgeon - To all of the babies who were born or conceived, we are so excited to meet them all. Henry Li over here in China, my friend Sarah's little girl and my two lovely cousins who are coming along anytime now.
There is so much more I could write about but I am so excited to start 2010 with a bang! Luke and I spent a long time trying to figure out what we could do for our New Years Resolution and really - were coming up blank. It is really hard I think to keep on something really intently for 12 months, ideally I would love to say 'I am going to get in shape' or 'I am going to cut out junk food' but people, let's be honest - that would never happen. So Luke and I decided on a dual resolution: TO BE MORE GREEN.
I guess I really came up with this resolution for a couple of reasons. Our lovely hippie cousin Lili moved in next door and she is very green friendly. So all of the time I have spent making fun of her, she has put more and more information into my head. Another reason stems from my students. For their final exam - Lili and I decided to ask them to give a speech about how they would help the environment since it is getting worse and worse. I guess after listening to over 300 speeches in two weeks the message finally sunk in and I do want to help out our earth. So that is what we are going to do.
And in my effort to help out our mother earth - here are five easy ways to start going green yourself:
1. Bag it yourself - Bring your own cloth bag to the grocery store. This preserves resources by cutting down on the huge number of paper and plastic bags that are discarded after a single trip.
2. Save electricity - There are many ways to trim those electric bills. Wash your laundry in cold water instead of hot, line dry your linens, and use a toaster oven for small heating needs instead of a bigger electric stove. Open windows to let the light in, turn off unneeded lights and appliances, and unplug unused electronics to counter the 'energy vampire' effect.
3. Gas gas gas - Sadly, we cannot all go out and get Hybrids but there are still ways you can help. Every gallon of gasoline you burn produces 19 pounds of carbon dioxide, so it pays to conserve (in more ways than one). Your car will work more efficiently if you obey the speed limit and avoid rapid, unnecessary acceleration. Keep your tires properly inflated and get regular tune-ups. Forget warming up under most conditions.
4. Help a farmer - Check out your local farmer's markets and buy some products from them.
5. Drink from the tap - Those single use bottled waters are actually more harm then good for the earth, they tend to not be recycled. Go and pick up a tap filter today so you can start filling up the glass that way.
Those are just a couple ways to start, and I will continue to post more as I keep going on my green kick. Hopefully this will not just be a New Years resolution, but become more a lifestyle change.
Hope everyone had a safe and fantastic New Year! We are excited to travel in two short weeks to Thailand and then only three short months until we will be moving home. Love and miss you all!
Some 2009 highlights that I will always look back with fondly:
Mexico - thank you Mandy for helping my blondeness. Mexico with Mandy, Cory, Sarah and Jason was fantastic and was, by far, one of our favorite vacations of all time.
People coming to visit us in Asia - thank you for all of you brave souls
Cousin at Christmas time - although this was really recent, it is by far one of my favorite memories in China
Getting accepted into grad school - we are so excited to be attending Concordia in the fall, it is going to be amazing
Road trip USA - Luke and I traveling around the US and being welcomed by all of our loving families
Baby Henry, Corbin, Fiona and Trudgeon - To all of the babies who were born or conceived, we are so excited to meet them all. Henry Li over here in China, my friend Sarah's little girl and my two lovely cousins who are coming along anytime now.
There is so much more I could write about but I am so excited to start 2010 with a bang! Luke and I spent a long time trying to figure out what we could do for our New Years Resolution and really - were coming up blank. It is really hard I think to keep on something really intently for 12 months, ideally I would love to say 'I am going to get in shape' or 'I am going to cut out junk food' but people, let's be honest - that would never happen. So Luke and I decided on a dual resolution: TO BE MORE GREEN.
I guess I really came up with this resolution for a couple of reasons. Our lovely hippie cousin Lili moved in next door and she is very green friendly. So all of the time I have spent making fun of her, she has put more and more information into my head. Another reason stems from my students. For their final exam - Lili and I decided to ask them to give a speech about how they would help the environment since it is getting worse and worse. I guess after listening to over 300 speeches in two weeks the message finally sunk in and I do want to help out our earth. So that is what we are going to do.
And in my effort to help out our mother earth - here are five easy ways to start going green yourself:
1. Bag it yourself - Bring your own cloth bag to the grocery store. This preserves resources by cutting down on the huge number of paper and plastic bags that are discarded after a single trip.
2. Save electricity - There are many ways to trim those electric bills. Wash your laundry in cold water instead of hot, line dry your linens, and use a toaster oven for small heating needs instead of a bigger electric stove. Open windows to let the light in, turn off unneeded lights and appliances, and unplug unused electronics to counter the 'energy vampire' effect.
3. Gas gas gas - Sadly, we cannot all go out and get Hybrids but there are still ways you can help. Every gallon of gasoline you burn produces 19 pounds of carbon dioxide, so it pays to conserve (in more ways than one). Your car will work more efficiently if you obey the speed limit and avoid rapid, unnecessary acceleration. Keep your tires properly inflated and get regular tune-ups. Forget warming up under most conditions.
4. Help a farmer - Check out your local farmer's markets and buy some products from them.
5. Drink from the tap - Those single use bottled waters are actually more harm then good for the earth, they tend to not be recycled. Go and pick up a tap filter today so you can start filling up the glass that way.
Those are just a couple ways to start, and I will continue to post more as I keep going on my green kick. Hopefully this will not just be a New Years resolution, but become more a lifestyle change.
Hope everyone had a safe and fantastic New Year! We are excited to travel in two short weeks to Thailand and then only three short months until we will be moving home. Love and miss you all!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
