One of the many classes I’m teaching is writing. What is great about writing with non-native English speakers is they don’t know the tired cliches and common word usage we are all so familiar with. Instead, they put together words
Hangin’ in Hangzhou
I went to Hangzhou (pronounced Hahng-joe) the other afternoon with a fellow English teacher Lynn. Hangzhou is the “big city” near us (with hospitals and dentists) and it was nice to get out. One of the key features of Hangzhou
The Case of the Missing Key
When you live in another country in which you can’t speak or read the language, everyday you deal with little mysteries that need to be solved. Take for instance the case of the missing key. I ride my bike to
“English” Names
So we have been here for a week and everything has been amazing. We are getting to know the place, the people, and even beginning to speak Chinese in everyday life. Of course the reason we are here is to
Teacher Day
Teacher Day. It sounds like another Hallmark holiday. In America, I think they do have a teacher’s day in which you are probably suppose to buy a card and give your teacher a shiny red apple. But here in China
Imagine if you Will…..
Your alarm goes off. It’s 4:30 am, and while you don’t jump out of bed, you do get up quicker than you normally would that early. After all today is the start of your year of living abroad. You’re sleepy
Warning: A Little Bit Romantic
The day Ryan and I fly off for our next adventure will be the 13th anniversary of us being together (and a few days after our 8th wedding anniversary). I’m not the mushy type but I like that 13 years
How to Pack for a Year Abroad
Organization is my middle name. And when it comes to packing I don’t like to leave things for the last minute. (You’ve probably figured that out since I’ve had my toiletries bag packed for over a month now.) We are
Little Becky and the Change Dilemma
I don’t know how old I was, but at some point (maybe 12-13?) I got one of those giant plastic Coke bottle banks. For years every time I had any change I threw it into the bottle, never spending a
One Last Look
I spent a few days outside on my land doing nothing but observing, appreciating and reflecting. I did manage to take a few nice pictures I wanted to show off thought you might like. I always tend to think of