This past week was very good. I was able to complete week 7 of going to the gym without cheating once! Almost 2 full months of working out 4 nights a week ... I'm pretty excited about it! I feel good, and although my body is still adjusting to life here in Shanghai with different foods etc., I feel amazing! Random insert: I found peppermint tea! ( Read more... )

Today I participated in my first organized run. I wasn't really thinking about being in city of 17 million people when I signed up. There were thousands of people there and a band playing at the start and finish line! I did the 8km route although we all agreed that it felt more like 6 or 7 km. There were so many people that we had to walk for the ( Read more... )

Today I received a letter in the mail from my cute wee grandmother. It made my day! I will have to remember to write her tomorrow while the little guys sleep ( Read more... )

So ... I often think it would be neat to do a day in the life photo essay for everyone .. but that would require me having my camera on me all day and remembering to take pictures so instead I'll do a written break down, if your interested you can read on ( Read more... )

So I am procrastinating from making a to-do list for tomorrow during nap time. My kids take a nap from 12:00 - 2:30 and I get to use that time to plan (or read, sleep, daydream etc.) Tuesday is our Halloween party and I have to make some fun props and signs for my SPOOKY activity. I want to use my time well and get everything I need done sorted in ( Read more... )

Today I strolled around the old town. I have been there a few times before but you can go somewhere in this city 100 times and still discover new things! In my travels I picked up some little orange gift bags for the kids to decorate for trick-or-treating on Tuesday and a wall hanging thing that I think I will use as a bedroom door (as it is just a ( Read more... )

I finally had a meltdown at school, luckily it was minor and didn't last long. I say finally because there is a lot to get used to with the cultural differences and it can be very ...VERY difficult to share a classroom with two people who do not speak the same language as you. That being said, my chinese partner and classroom assistant are amazing ( Read more... )

So there are two animals in particular which have inspired this entry. One is a little grey, white and orange cat, and the other a scraggly dog who belongs to a migrant construction worker. These animals roam around in a city where I almost get hit by vehicles on a daily basis. They just don't seem to cross the road ...or go near it. I have never ( Read more... )

So I stumbled on this lesbian club tonight ... my friend Dave and I went in and had a drink. I sat there and admired these women. As difficult as it may be to be out and live a gay lifestyle in Canada .. it is illegal here. The scene is so underground that its common for clubs to shut down and for gay/lesbian nights to move venues almost monthly. I ( Read more... )

I have been meaning to give and explanation about having a week off .. so here it is. October 1st is my birthday .. but it is also National day in China. Pretty convenient if you ask me! October 6th is the moon festival. I'm still not exactly sure what that means but I think its similar to our Thanksgiving .. its a fall celebration of sorts ( Read more... )