Hello! and Welcome back!
As I'm sure many of you have realized, its been over a month since my last post!
Whoooopsies! 😳
I've received a few texts/emails asking when I'm going to post again, and my mom put the link in her Christmas letter she mailed out, so I figured- Ehhhh it might be time again. 😂
Whoooopsies! 😳
I've received a few texts/emails asking when I'm going to post again, and my mom put the link in her Christmas letter she mailed out, so I figured- Ehhhh it might be time again. 😂
Life has been.... well its been life! 🙃
I've been exploring, celebrating holidays, vacation planning, enjoying a little R&R for myself while battling a killer cold (I'm talking like 4+ boxes of tissues bad), and of course having the BEST time teaching my students.
Since its been way too long since my last post, this will mostly be pictures and some probably rather wordy descriptions/captions. lol
I hope y'all enjoy! And I'll make it my New Years Resolution to be better about blogging.😜
EXPLORING:
We did a little exploring of Shenzhen a few weeks ago. We rented bikes and rode around Mangrove Park. This park is on the bay. From where we were we could see (well it was actually cloudy/hazy) Hong Kong.
We did a little exploring of Shenzhen a few weeks ago. We rented bikes and rode around Mangrove Park. This park is on the bay. From where we were we could see (well it was actually cloudy/hazy) Hong Kong.
I went on a Teachers event with some friends a few weeks ago, and had a blast. We went hiking at Nanao Dong Xi Chong. It was similar to the previous place we went, but definitely different. This hike was WAYYYYYY more intense than the other one. So intense that Selene, myself and some others made it half way and then paid to have a boat take us to the destination where we enjoyed some beach time while waiting on the rest of the group.
Selene and I also took a day trip to Hong Kong with Elizabeth (my boss) and her boyfriend Martin to celebrate Elizabeth's birthday! We went to see "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" (my first movie since moving to china!) and then to eat & drink! We had Mexican food and pitchers of margaritas. Then moved to a 24hr diner for alcoholic milkshakes. And then finally ended at a pub for some cider before catching the bus back to the border. It was a really fun day/night, but the hangover the following day was no joke. 🌮🍻😷
CELEBRATING HOLIDAYS:
A few days before Thanksgiving Loli had Amanda and I over to her apartment for dinner. I considered it a Chinese style Friends-giving. We had a wonderful time just hanging out and talking.
Since I couldn't be home to help my mom cook for Thanksgiving I put my talents (and our family's cheese puff recipe) to good use and helped prepare a "Staff-giving" for the teachers and staff of Shenzhen12 (my school). We had some traditional Thanksgiving food, as well as some yummy Chinese dishes. Just about everybody pitched in to help with the cooking or brought a dish to contribute.
It was a fun evening! 😃
VACATION PLANNING:
I spent a good part of November finalizing things for my parents visit and helping them with applying for their visas. Everything is all set and now I'm counting down the days and hours until they arrive! We should have an epic 10 days exploring China! Imagine the Great Wall on Christmas Day celebrating my Dad's 60th birthday!! 🙌🏻🎉
Some more exciting news is that I AM GOING TO BALI!!!!!! We get 7 days off for Chinese New Year (aka The Spring Festival) and one of my coworkers and I decided to take the time and go relax on a beach. We are both beyond excited!! Bali has always been one of those *Dream* locations for me. So I cant believe that this is really happening... We found a really nice and good priced full service hotel right on the beach in the Sanur neighborhood.... If anybody has been to Bali and has any tips/recommendations please let me know!
R&R:
As mentioned I've been battling a cold that just wont seem to go away. Just when I start to feel better it bites me in the butt again. Needless to say my nose shines brighter than Rudolph's on Christmas Eve. But I have enjoyed having some "lazy" time at my apartment. I've been able to catch up on some American TV shows, as well as watch some Netflix/Hulu (Thanks to Makayla and Liz for letting me use their accounts)
TEACHING:
I love my job. I love the people I work with. And I absolutely LOVE the kiddos. Please enjoy some pictures from my classes the last few weeks.
One afternoon during my planning time i let my OCD take over and I organized and color coded our story cards. I have to say I'm pretty proud of myself.
Since it is already the middle of December and my family gets here soon, I highly doubt I will post again before 2017. Sooooo look for a post around New Years Day (or after if we are being honest) to see pics of the Mellons in China!!
I hope everybody had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and that you are surrounded by family, friends and love this holiday season!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from me to you!
🎅🏻🎄🎆🎉
Adios for now!
Margaret💛
Chopstick update- I haven't had to use chopsticks in over a month. So needless to say there has been zero progress on this front... The good news is I still have 11.5 months in China, which is plenty of time to learn (I hope).
Happy, happy birthday sweet Margaret!!!! I left my cell phone at work this morning, I had an early morning conference and I didn't want the day to pass without wishing you a day as fabulous as you are!!!!
ReplyDeleteLove you,
Ha Ha