Pizza & Pumpkins

We've had lots going on around here lately. Lots of school, lots of classes (even on Saturdays), grading, but also some time for hanging out, making pizza, etc.

 I'm pretty sure this was their first time to make pizza.

 But it worked!

And they liked it.

 And then we had a Halloween party. Also really fun.

Happy Halloween. Happy Fall.

Laundry Day

These pictures are from Shanghai...so, a little bit old, but I wanted to share them nonetheless.

Anyway, I love clotheslines, and they were all over in Shanghai. I don't know why it is, but I like them. 

I guess it's because they're kind of a picture of normal everyday life.

I at times wonder why some people complain so much about doing laundry. What is it that they find so hard--sorting lights and darks? Pushing the button to start the washer? Turning the dryer back on because their jeans need a few more minutes to dry?

I've been challenged lately to take note of the things I complain about. And to be thankful for so many things instead...including my washing machine. :)

Enjoy your laundry day today. :)

Sports Day 2011

Last Saturday was Sports Day for all the senior high students. It was a beautiful day full of class camaraderie and competition. I always look forward to sports day because it gives students a chance to get out of the classroom and do something different. 

 flag raising ceremony.

 The theme for sports day was World Cities, so each class represented a different city in the world (such as Houston, shown above). There was a very long parade of classes, about 71 in all, each doing a little performance to represent their city.

 I walked with some of my students, Senior 1 Class 9, who represented Pretoria, South Africa. (not sure why they asked me, but they did.) Here we are before the big show, laughing at something. :)

We did a little African dance. Actually, the girls did the little dance and we guys stood around the back and kicked our legs up in the air. Sorry, there's no video to prove that I can indeed dance to "Waka, Waka."

 another class doing their thing.

 long jumping...

high jumping...

 running...

 running...

 and relays...my favorite part of the day.

 Sports Day is a good time just to hang out with each other. I was so thankful for such nice weather.

 Here are some more relay shots. We're kind of out of order now. 

and, done.

Shanghai, take 2.

I once mentioned on here that I didn't know how long was too long for a blog post. I definitely still don't, because this one is way longer than ever. But don't hate. There are some interesting pictures in here, and my internet has been finicky, so I'm posting all I've got right now while I have the chance. 

It'll be a bit more like you were actually there on the trip. Shanghai is a lot to take in, much like this blog post. :)

This is the reason that it only takes 5 hours to get from Beijing to Shanghai. The world needs more of these.

 Speedy.

the train station in Shanghai.

Shanghai has lots of people. Shanghai on the National Day holiday has even more people. 

 Nanjing Lu... 

 again... 

 ...and again. If you hate large crowds, this street might freak you out.

My favorite part of Shanghai was the older part of town, little back streets full of people, fruit stands, food stalls, and clean laundry hung out to dry. But that's for another post. More pictures from that for another day.

 These are some mighty good dumplings.

The China Pavilion from the 2010 Shanghai World Expo.

 the Bund at night.

hustle and bustle.

it's not crowded everywhere.

 Fuxing Park feels nothing like a Chinese park, showing European influences from long ago. 

I really do.