因为在神没有一件事是不可能的

Project 365

2010-01-06T23:26:00.000+08:00

During December I became inspired by many great photographers.

I have therefore challenged myself to take a picture a day and post it on my flickr page.

It is becoming more of daily photo blog also.

If you care about my daily life and want to see some (hopefully) good photography, start following that.

Because, as you can see, I don't update this anymore.

This is just...

2009-09-04T14:59:00.001+08:00

...a test.

Sent from my iPhone.

These Poor Kids!`

2009-07-14T10:24:00.000+08:00

My students are taking tests today. I don't know why because they already finished their finals. I think these tests are to help prepare them for university entrance exams. I just administered an English test. While they were taking the test I grabbed an extra copy and attempted it myself. The test is taken from a website called youacademy.co.kr and I have no idea how any of my students could pass something so ridiculous. Here are a couple sample questions taken from the test (I haven't changed a thing):

Choose the one that best completes the sentence.
They nodded wisely to each other and exchanged sagacious remarks.
A. indignant
B. perspicacious
C. imprudent
D. indescreet

Something that is sumptuous is luxurious or magnificent, and obviously very expensive.
A. opulent
B. contemptuous
C. lustrous
D. devastating

The refractory horse was eliminated from the race.
A. hirsute
B. tenacious
C. furry
D. fop

Select the one that best fills in the blank.
Mr You recalls from his childhood _________ skill on ice skates marked her as "Olympic material."
A. which a girl's
B. that a girl
C. a girl whose
D. a girl that
E. a girl who

Select the underlined part that is grammatically incorrect.
You do not own the beefsteak in the most important sense until you will consume it and get it into your bloodstream.

The test goes on and on with questions like that! About 60 questions on this. An average American couldn't pass this test.

These poor kids are struggling to describe what they ate for dinner last night and they get things like this thrown at them.

No wonder many of them just shut down when it comes to English. I would do the same if I were given tests like this.

2009-07-12T16:48:00.002+08:00

Yesterday ZouNan and I went out to a park. It was raining most of the time, but it was still fun.

While we were eating we remembered there was a heavy metal show in a small venue at 8:00. We figured we would just bum around downtown until it started. I probably wouldn't have brought my camera to the show if I had gone home first. I'm really glad I brought it though. Despite getting slammed into a wall and stepped on several times I still got some decent shots.

Here's a preview of what you will find on my Flickr page. Give it a look.

If you were wondering...

2009-07-09T10:13:00.000+08:00

I can't publish any comments on my blog due to the Great Firewall of China being tightened as of late.

I also can't access facebook.

When Your Mom Joins Facebook

2009-07-07T19:06:00.000+08:00

How do I even begin to address this subject?

I'm naturally a private person. I don't want a million people to be my "friends" on facebook. I was never good at the popularity contest in highschool, and to be honest I'm sad that it has followed my generation online past university. I'm not going to add someone as my friend, so that they have access to all my embarrassing photos, videos, and other friends comments, if i don't even know them! I don't need a bazillion fakebook friends.

That said, I'm also naturally a nice person.

I don't like it when people I met one time dig me up on facebook. First off, how did they even find me? I usually don't remember their name 5 minutes after we talked! But I can't just deny their request. So I leave them hanging. I have about 40 people waiting for me to accept or deny them. I'll never do either. They are simply out of the question.

Yesterday my friend's mom joined facebook.

How do you even deal with that? Do you want your mom to see the results for a "How Good Are You In Bed" quiz? Or to have access to all the embarrassing pictures, or videos(!), that friends put up of you after a looooong night out? I don't think so.

But how could someone deny their mother's request to be their friend? Aren't there rules against that?

With all the people in my friend request folder I can sleep at night knowing I will never see them again. But you will see your mom. And your mom will ask about it.

So you become your mom's friend on facebook.

At first it's nothing, but then quizzes and status updates start popping up from the mom. First it's small things like, "What Beatles Song Are You?" and "What Nationality Are You REALLY?" But then it's not just updates, it's naked baby pictures tagged with your name, it's videos of you learning to ride a bike, then it's comments on pictures of you ranging from, "Oh your friends look lovely!" to, "Why are your cheeks red?" to, "Why are there four people on that bicycle with you? And what's in those cups?" to, "Are you SMOKING?!?"

And finally when all your secrets have been revealed, when you thought that nothing else could make it any worse, you mom's friends join.

Then your friend's moms join and become friends your mom and her friends.

Then they all begin talking about you and your friends.

Just when you thought that awkward conversations would finally be limited to holidays and special events you get comments from your old friend's mom asking where you have been. If you wanted to tell her where you have been, wouldn't you have done that?

What once was a place for you and some friends to share photos and videos of your latest crazy night, to plan the next crazy night, and to console each other the day after a crazy night, has now become a bad thanksgiving dinner with every one looking at embarrassing photos of you and your friends.

And it has just started for me. My friend's mom just sent me a friend request. I will never see her, so I will ignore it. Unless she reads my blog. In which case, I will delete my account.

2 Years

2009-07-04T21:30:00.000+08:00

I was out with some friends last night. One of them asked me how long I had been in China and I realized that it was two years exactly!

pinhole lens

2009-07-03T18:58:00.000+08:00

I made a little pinhole lens for my little D40x last night. It actually turned out to be a lot of fun. I think I will have to make a better version and keep it in my bag. Pinhole photography is so cool, and it's so much more fun when you can see the picture right away to determine how the shutter speed and ISO settings need to be changed.

Because the Great Firewall of China has been tighter recently I can't post pictures. So to see these photos you'll have to visit my Flickr site.

Do check it out.

Zao Zhuang vacation and Tian an men anniversary

2009-06-04T12:19:00.006+08:00

I went to Zao Zhuang over my last holiday. Zou Nan has a very good friend that lives there so we stayed with her friend. We spend a couple days hanging out with her friend Hui Hui and her brother. It was good fun. We also climbed Tai Shan. I still don't understand why Chinese put stairs on every mountain. It's not fun and it's much harder. Over 7200 stairs up and then back down again. We climbed at night so we could watch a sunrise that didn't happen because of clouds. But at least we did it, no matter how much our legs punished us for it.

Here are some pictures:

In Zao Zhuang

A big park we went to outside of Zao Zhuang.

Zou Nan in the park.

We took a boat in the park, got some nice shots because of it.

A water fountain in the same park.

The four of us.

Up on Tai Shan.

Yes, people actually live on the top and carry their supplies up.

In other news, Today is the 20th anniversary of what didn't happen in tian an men square in 1989. As such many websites are blocked. I had to jump through hoops to update this blog.

I also woke up to sirens all over (I live by two universities). I expect it was because of some pretests and whatnot. I was late to work so I took a taxi and saw a big group of students marching, holding flags with something I couldn't read written on them, and saying things in unison. I asked the driver what they were doing and he just said they were crazy.

Sigh. China, China, China...

不礼貌！

2009-04-20T15:20:00.002+08:00

That means impolite.

That's what I want to tell people every day when they stare at me.

On Saturday I didn't have to. It was wonderful. I was walking back from Jusco and a group of people were walking the other direction. I would say there about 7 people. One of them was a little girl, about 6 years old. They were all staring at me, except for the little girl

After they passed me I heard the little girl yell out, "这样看他，不礼貌！不礼貌！不礼貌！" Which means, "Looking at him like that isn't polite! It's not polite! It's not polite!"

I was so happy. That little girl is awesome.

LAUX GTB700c

2009-04-07T08:50:00.008+08:00

That's right, you're looking at a genuine LAUX bicycle here. I'm sure you can only buy these Italian made babies in China. They were telling me how good this puppy is because it has a real Shimano shifter. They were trying to convince me that it was Italian made. The whole time I was thinking to myself that one real Italian part would cost more than this entire bike.

I was surprised how smooth it rides considering it was 600 yuan (87.78 USD).

I'm looking forward to getting a little more exercise! But I do need to buy a patch kit, some tools, and a pump before I take any long rides (the seat needs adjustment too). I also need a way to hold water, some new pedals, and shoes...

I'll Never Do That

2009-04-02T10:17:00.008+08:00

I finished recording my second Chinese song. Zou Nan helped me out a lot with the lyrics. It has an English name because it's way more catchy to say "I'll never do that" in English than Chinese.

It's a song to a girl that has been hurt over and over again. It's about seeing her pain and promising that you'll never do that. It's difficult the translate the verses for me, but the chorus goes something like this:

I don't want you to feel like you're alone
I'll never leave you by yourself at night
I can't believe the other guys that lied
How can they sleep at night knowing you cried

It sounds better in Chinese... hehe

Anyway, give it a look and tell me what you think!

I'll Never Do That

Eat Your Food!

2009-03-18T11:51:00.008+08:00

I throw away food.

Let me rephrase that.

I throw away a lot of food.

(I know over 800 million people will go to bed hungry tonight because they couldn't afford one meal today. If I could give them my food I would. But I can't.)

Maybe being from an extremely obese country has made me think this way, but if you're full stop eating!

Most of the time I buy my own food. It's my food and like anything else I own I can choose to do whatever I want with it.

If I buy a pen that I don't end up using I don't have a second thought about throwing it away. If I buy something that doesn't work properly it ends up in the trash.

If I have food that tastes bad I don't eat it.

If someone else buys, or I'm at someone's house, I'll eat as much as I possibly can. I'm not rude, I'm just not a glutton.

However, when the school I work for begins placing guards by the tray depository to make sure everyone is finishing everything they are given I get a little pissed.

Especially when half the lunches they serve deserve to be thrown away before they reach any creature's mouth.

I understand their logic. They want to make everyone eat everything.

After forcing kids (and apparently teachers also) to stuff themselves silly for a couple day they think that the over stuffed people will learn to take less.

If everyone takes less food the school saves money.

In theory.

But I don't think it will work.

This is obviously an idea cooked up by the administration.

These people never talk to the students.

Student's study all morning. By the end of the 4th period there isn't a student that isn't complaining about being hungry.

Most of them always have and always will take too much food.

What will happen is that the average weight of the student body will rise.

I don't really care, I just think that applying this rule to teachers is a bit degrading.

I'm not their child.

Sad day

2009-03-18T11:46:00.002+08:00

I came home from work on Monday to four angry neighbors. Apparently the dogs made a lot of noise while I was away. I assumed that they represented more neighbors also. So I decided that I had to say bye to the dogs.

Luckily good homes were found for both of them fairly easily on Tuesday.

I'm going to miss Sam though.

小狗... x2!

2009-03-16T09:55:00.004+08:00

I'm either stupid, crazy, or a strange combination of the two.

Say "hello" to Sam.

ZouNan and I were just walking around downtown. It was a beautiful Saturday. The air was a little cool, but the sky was so clear that the sun warmed everything up quite nicely. I was almost hot.

We ended up looking around a little animal market downtown. I thought it might be nice to get a cat. Cats are low maintenance; I thought it would be perfect for me.

But then I saw Sam. He was in a cage with four other similar looking dogs. I asked what kind of dogs they were, the lade said 狼狗 (langgou literally "wolf dog" but Google Translate says, "shepherd"). Whatever that is.

I was looking at him and he was so calm, so relaxed, not at all behaving like a puppy. His sister was a puppy, jumping, running, going crazy. We flipped a coin. Heads was for Sam, Tails was for his sister. It landed on heads and I was the proud new parent of a 3 month old 狼狗.

He's so smart, so lovely, and adores me so much. That when night came it was a nightmare. I didn't know puppies could cry this Sam did on Saturday night. If China had noise laws - or if they were enforced - my neighbors could have called the cops. I finally caved and let him in my room. At that point he quieted down to a law whimper. I slept about half the night.

I met ZouNan for lunch on Sunday. When we were coming back to my house we could hear Sam from roughly 30 meters away. I am not exaggerating. This dog has a voice that carries like no other sound I've ever heard. When I was talking to ZouNan about this on Sunday she decided I had two choices. Give him back, or get another dog to keep him company.

At the park.

Say "hello" to 美女 (meinu = beautiful girl). I sent ZouNan to pick out a dog. I told her to get whatever she liked. She came back with this tiny little creature.
It is so funny to see them play together. Sam nibbles on 美女, then she gets pissed off and chases him back a few feet at which point he remembers that he is 5 times her size and knocks her across the room with one swift blow. After playing they get tired and fall asleep. 美女 prefers to sleep on top of something. Either my feet or Sam if he's available.
And if you're wondering, Sam only cried a little bit last night. He would moan some, then 美女 would shut him up.

Band Club

2009-03-13T16:28:00.003+08:00

Well, the guitar club I was going to do got turned into band club. Not the geeky band club you might be thinking of. I'm talking about drums, bass, vocals, distorted guitars, the works.

Everyone wants to be there. They were all helping each other and teaching each other new things. They are all so motivated that I don't have to do hardly anything. It's fantastic!

Club Activities...

2009-03-05T15:18:00.003+08:00

New rules passed down from the boss this semester. All us foreign teachers must be involved in a club. They say involved, but they mean in charge of.

Last semester I got stuck being in charge of the English Newspaper club, which was the worst thing I've been forced to do. Even worse than M1 in CCBC.

This semester they asked me to do it again. I politely explained that I would gladly put the paper together, but would not be involved in the club meetings because I was going to start a guitar class. They were actually a little excited about that and totally agreed.

Now I have to deal with room full of students making noise on guitars for two hours every other Friday. What have I gotten myself into...

Beijing

2009-03-05T13:27:00.009+08:00

As promised, a short blog about my short trip to Beijing. Unfortunately I didn't have my camera for the best stuff...

It was a spur of the moment decision. Then after 14 hours on a train I was in Beijing.

I did the touristy stuff:

Great wall.

Old (trying to look it anyway) town outside of Beijing. It was lame so I only have close up pictures.

The cat was more interesting than the stuff at this place.

Ming tombs.

Then there is this guy... Like it or not, strange feeling when I watched them raise the Chinese flag at sunrise in Tienanmen Square. I actually saw a couple people crying...

It was the things that I forgot to bring my camera to that were the best. I went to an area near an art university that had loads of small shops, coffee shops, music shops, and live houses. It was so fun. I really with there was a music scene in Yantai. I even ended up playing a few songs at one of the coffee shops. Made friends with a few guys there and then made music with them. It was so fun. Stinking camera stayed home...

That was my time in Beijing. Now I can say I've been there.

2009-02-25T10:57:00.003+08:00

A few days ago I had some friends over for dinner. I made shepherd's pie; MingMing and LingLing (pictured left and middle) brought some fish soup and cooked some vegetables. ZouNan also made a simple cucumber dish.

After dinner MingMing and I played a little guitar.

By the way, MingMing and LingLing have the cutest names for a couple, don't you agree?

美梦

2009-02-23T20:05:00.003+08:00

Well, I re-recorded 美梦 (sweet dreams) because while in Japan I played around with a ukulele (thanks to Izak). This song fit so perfectly on it that I had to lay it down. I recorded the ukulele track in Japan and finished it up back home. I'm very proud of this song. The lyrics, instruments, chords... everything. It just seemed to fall into place.

Tell me what you think!

Back From Beijing

2009-02-23T19:10:00.003+08:00

Yes, I went finally to Beijing.

Quite frankly it's a shame that I've been in China so long and haven't made the trip. When i got back from Japan I still had more than two weeks of vacation left. Spur of the moment decision on the 14th. I was on a train that night.

Two things come to mind when I think of Beijing:
1) Expensive.
2) Music.

I'll put pictures up later, along with a more informative - but not too imformative - post.

It's always a bummer when vacations come to an end. I go to work on Wednesday. classes start the following Monday. I'll be ready when the time comes.

Back in China!

2009-02-11T14:34:00.003+08:00

It's so good to be home. Coming home after vacation is almost as good as the vacation itself.

Although I did come home to one strange thing. Everything was right were I left it in my apartment. But one kitchen cupboard was open, and I know I didn't open it because I never use it except to check the gas gauge.

Also my kitchen floor was covered with water. I cleaned it up before I went to bed and when I woke up it was covered again. I can't see or hear a leak anywhere. Thought when I mopped it up I saw a little more water seep out from under my counter. I think it just seeps out until it's level, then I mop it up, then it seeps out some more.

It must have flooded fairly early after I left because I can see watermarks all the way in the dining room... sigh.

Other than that everything is fantastic. I'm excited to get back to church and work.

On two completely unrelated notes:

The girl next to me is playing a game and absolutely smashing the keyboard. It's very irritating.

I cut my hair this morning. So much fun.

2009-02-08T15:16:00.002+08:00

.YOU.

2009-02-02T15:57:00.004+08:00

Even when you can't see God
He is right in front of you.

Church

2009-01-27T17:03:00.011+08:00

Here are some pictures from church on Sunday. It's a totally new building. The lighting made for some neat pictures.

Ayu and Masaki

Tokito

Daniel

Upstairs in the church. We had a potluck.

Josh.

The cutest little girl, ever.

Tim.

Your's truly. (photos by Daniel)

gigapan

2009-01-26T12:34:00.003+08:00

I came across a pretty amazing photo of President Obama's inauguration. It's on a website called Gigapan. It's made up of 220 photos taken and stitched together by David Bergman to make an amazing 1474 megapixel panoramic view of the whole situation. You're able to zoom in and check things out close up. There are some pretty amazing situations in there that people have taken snapshots of. You should definitely check it out.

It reminds me of the old Where's Waldo books.

Rob Bell and Nooma

2009-01-24T16:50:00.006+08:00

I've always been a fan of Rob Bell. I can't tell many people that. They'll go off and quote one thing from one fanatical teacher who quoted one thing Rob Bell said in a two hour video and tell me how he's some emerging, new age leader bent on destroying the church with bad theology.

There is no need to listen to him, read him, and make a decision for oneself.

But that's for a whole different post.

Right now I will show you a video. He makes a series of videos called Nooma. They are little truths about God applied in unforgettable ways. This one is called Lump.

Go watch all of them.

Instruments

2009-01-24T16:34:00.002+08:00

I did it.

I bought a cajon.

Unfortunately this means I'm going to have to leave my cheap guitar in Okinawa.

I doubt I can carry on my cameras, a guitar, and a cajon.

I don't care about the guitar, but this makes me a little sad because of the art on my guitar.

That said, I bought this guitar for about $60 in order to have a guitar I can drop and not care about. You can't see from the picture, but it had quite a few dents and scratches.

So whoever I give it to must do one thing: not care if they hit, drop, scratch, or damage it in any way. I'm going to make sure they do this by forcing them to drag it on the street for a few seconds before I let them have it. It's going to be so much fun.

Okinawa Update

2009-01-21T11:21:00.006+08:00

Well, one week down three to go.

I'll be back home soon. I do miss China.

Here are some pictures of what I've been up to. Just bumming around with friends.

I'm going to buy some instruments I cant get in China before I go back. A cajon for sure.

I like everything about this picture.

Tamiko on the beach.

Ina with some dead animal.

Daniel and Sosimo.

很可爱！

Sakura.

Sosimo.

Tokito.

Izak.

2009-01-15T11:59:00.007+08:00

So, my first couple days in Okinawa have been good. I was playing with Tamiko, just walking around, taking pictures, talking, when we realized that we could take pictures through the viewfinder attachments for my DianaF+. Here are some pictures from the day.

Tamiko — with my glasses.

Me.

Here are the pictures through the viewfinders. This is Tamiko and the gear.

Diana F+, Ricoh GR, and a lens for my D40x.

Self explanatory.

Diana F+ through a fisheye viewfinder.

Daniel playing guitar.

Okinawa, here I am!

2009-01-13T21:09:00.002+08:00

A funny story on the way here.

As I went through customs I only wrote Ginowan on the address where I will stay because I didn't know the address. So they asked me for the name of the person. I said Tommy Ruiz. Then the lady said, "The Christian?" - "Yes." Then she asked me, "What's the name of the church?" I replied with "Calvary Chapel." Then she laughed and said, "I know, I know. Have a good trip."

Haha, Tommy has so many visitors that they know he's Christian and what church he's at! I thought that was amazing.

Okinawa, here I come!

2009-01-11T14:10:00.003+08:00

Tomorrow afternoon I leave for Okinawa.

I'll spend the night in Korea on the way over.

I'm going to eat Burger King for dinner and Dunkin Donuts for breakfast in the airport.

I'll get into Okinawa at 11:35 on Tuesday the 13th on flight OZ172.

I should probably tell them that so maybe someone will be at the airport.

If not, I'll take a taxi or bus to Ginowan. I think my broken, rusty Japanese can get me there.

Travel Log: Harbin

2009-01-11T13:01:00.011+08:00

(Disclaimer: These photos looked really great on my computer, but they look really dark on the computer at this internet cafe. Sorry if they look like crap.)

January 4
After 28 hours on a train Alexis, Emily, and I arrived in Harbin on the night of the 4th. The train wasn't as bad as expected. It was like an excuse to be lazy for 28 hours without any residual guilt.

Hungry and tired, the first thing we needed to do was find a bed. Now, if you ever been to a Chinese train or bus station you know that half the people waiting outside are not waiting for any in particular, but rather waiting for someone they can sucker into taking to their hotel. And as it is China, one must stay on their toes if one does not was to get ripped off.

We started talking to a guy who said he would take us to a hotel. He seemed nice, and he only asked for a little bit of money. It turns out that his sister lives in America and she told him that Americans always help her out when she has problems. So he said that he always tries to do the same with foreigners. We later found out that he just happens to be the nicest man in China.

He gets us to a hotel and gets them to drop the price 100RMB lower. We arrange for him to pick us up at 10 in the morning and drive us to the different things we want to see. He only asked for 30RMB for driving around to find a hotel. Unheard of.

January 5
We here Wang (the driver) knocking on our door at 9:30 in the morning. We had a very busy day ahead of us. First, he informed us that he found a cheaper, better hotel. So we were going to move.

We were planning on staying at this hotel but he didn't give us much of an option as he walked out the door with two of our bags.

After checking into the new hotel, which was better, we went out for breakfast. Nothing special, just baozi.

Then we headed to see the snow sculptures. They were beautiful, indeed, but after half an hour we were laughing about how much our feet hurt from the cold. I'm talking -25 to -30 degrees Celsius.

I never knew snow could be so pretty!

Watching the people carve this was like watching elves in the North Pole.

I really liked the contrast of youthful beauty (see top picture) and the beauty of age.

Elvs, I'm telling you.

We met up with Wang after that and he suggested to go look at a tiger reserve. Siberian tigers, I believe.

On the way there Wang spotted a foreigner waiting for the bus that takes people there. He immediately stopped and asked if he wanted a ride (free of charge). I told you he was the nicest guy in China!

Christopher was a German fellow on a bit of an expedition. He had only been in Harbin since that morning. We went through the tiger reserve together and dropped him off at the snow sculptures.

They really are just big cats. I know my cat would eat me if he could.

After that we told the driver that we were going to go to an internet cafe to buy plane tickets. Right away he was on the phone to different people asking how much they could get us tickets for. After a couple calls there was no need to go online.

So we bought our tickets, then went to lunch.

After lunch we went to the main attraction, the epitome of a winter wonderland, the ice buildings. It was already incredibly beautiful with the snowy ground, ice buildings, and amazing lighting. On top of all that they had the happiest music playing. It felt like Christmas.

The three of us in front of the Harbin 2009 sign.

One of the many times we were buying over priced coffee and hot chocolate to warm up we ran into Christopher. He hang out with us the rest of the evening and we all shared a cab back downtown. We had some delicious Chinese food at a restaurant near our hotel and then hit McDonald's on the way back for desert.

January 6th
Today we didn't really expect to do anything. Our driver insisted that he take us out. He said that because he couldn't pick us up from the ice buildings that he would take us downtown for a bit, free of charge. We told him we would call him, but he ended up just showing up at out hotel at 9:30. sigh... No sleep in for us.

First we headed to the train station to pick up Christopher and then we headed to Zou Nan Da Jie — a street that cars can't drive down. It was alright. Nothing special really. We had some coffee at Star-ucks Bar. No, it wasn't Starbucks Coffee, it was actually Star-ucks Bar. I think it is owned by some famous Chinese actor. His face was plastered all over the place. We were happy to finally find a place to sit and warm up.

The rest of day was nothing special really. We just bought some snacks for the next day's trip.

January 7th
We had to wake up at 5:30. A bus was supposed to take us to China's Snow Town (Zhong Guo Xue Xiang). 6:00 came and went. Then 6:30, then finally 7:00. No bus. I get a call from a lady asking why I wasn't there. I told here I was there, and that she hadn't come. We finally figure out that there was a miscommunication. We were told by the office the bus would pick us up, they were told that we would come to them.

The bus was a miserable thing to be stuck on for 6 hours. And for several of those hours I couldn't tell we were ever driving on a road. I may have to check the dictionary again to make sure I know what a road actually is. Some of these were literally chunks of asphalt puzzle-pieced together with gaps just far enough apart to ensure that passengers traveling on sketchy tour busses would rhythmically smash their forehead against the seat in front of them and then ricochet back to complete the cycle as they pounded their head against their own seat.

After the nauseating drive was over we came into a beautiful little village/resort. The meals were served family style. So shortly after we got there and were showed to our room they yelled out that lunch was served. You know that setting where the mom rings a bell on the farm and yells out, "Come an' get it!" then everyone comes running in, the food is gone in less then a minute, and plates are left to settle in an empty room? That's a good description of it. But the food wasn't bad.

But the beds were the best part. They literally light a fire under your bed to heat it up. Coolest beds ever.

We signed up to watch the sunset on the 8th. We'll get back to that.

After lunch we were free to bum around. We went in a couple shops. I made friends with a local, he tried to get me to take his son back to America. After warming up in his shop he showed us, what he thinks, was the best restaurant in town. We would come back there for dinner later on. And it would cost us. It was the most expensive dinner I've ever had to pay part of. 1644RMB. Over 200USD for three of us. But is was good. And everyone was super friendly. So I guess it was worth it.

They actually used donkeys for useful things, pulling fire wood and whatnot. I though it was funny that this one was tied up the a motorcycle.

I told you it was a small town.

Yes, they were actually selling these.

One shop owner took a liking to us and made us wear everything in his shop.

Emily.

It's interesting to see how they actually plan it all out.

Here is Emily wearing a fox. Yeah, the whole thing. They rig it's mouth to bite down on its tail. So disgusting.

Our fire bed.

Here is the really nice shop owner. He tried to get me to take his son back to America with me.

We had to all sleep together on this fire bed.

The town at night. Pretty.

One of the dishes, frogs. Frogs stuffed with little black frog eggs.

They really weren't all that bad...

I woke up at 5:30 for this???

January 8th
(I was informed by my bed mates that I speak Chinese in my sleep. They didn't remember everything I said, but they said it was definitely Chinese. I know that I dream in Chinese a lot, but now I know that I speak Chinese in my sleep too!)

Another 5:30 wake up call. We had to get up early to take a van up a mountain to watch the sunrise. Now I know I've mentioned how cold it harbin is several times, but it's worth mentioning again. Standing out on the snow, waiting for a sunrise I know will be disappointing, and losing feeling in my feet is not something I would wish on anyone. By the time we all got back in the van (with no heater, I might add) I had completely lost feeling in my feet, I could feel how chilled my blood would get when it went through my feet and came back up my legs spreading the cold up my legs. I was tired. I've never been so cold I got tired. It was miserable. The only good thing about the ride back was knowing there was a fire bed waiting for me.

We all went back to bed and slept until lunch. After lunch we piled in the tour bus from hell and headed back.

Upon arrival in Harbin we were greeted by the friendly face of our driver, Wang. He called the company to find out where they were going to stop and waited there for us. Nicest guy ever.

He took us to a hotel and we arranged a time for him to take us to the airport on the 9th.

January 9th
Finally, a morning without a 5:30 wake up call. We slept until 1:00. It was fantastic. Then we grabbed some lunch, and stopped by Star-ucks Bar one more time. Remember how I mentioned a famous person probably owned this cafe? He made an appearance this time we were in there. He was dressed up in crazy clothes just like all his pictures. I didn't take a picture, but believe me now a famous Chinese actor has said hello to me. haha

Our super nice driver picked us up and took us about half way to the airport. Then he stopped, flagged down a different car, and tossed us in there. He kept saying that we don't need to give this driver any money. I just wanted to know why he tossed us out of his car...

After talking to this new driver he explained that our drivers little van isn't fast enough to go in the highway that gets you to the airport. So he stopped someone going that way and paid them to take us the rest of the way. Nicest driver ever.

I love it. You can see where they scratched out the 'B' - I can only assume they got in trouble for it at some point.

This was in the middle of town, the only reason I mention it is because it actually worked. Pretty darn cool.

All in all Harbin is a fantastic place. If it weren't so darned cold I would consider moving there. Everyone I met was incredibly friendly. Sure, your toes are black and frostbitten, there are icicles hanging from your nose, it's so cold it looks like everyone around you is smoking (though in China they might be), and your fingers are on strike because you took them out of your pockets to try to take a pictures, but if you ever get the chance you must visit harbin in January.

If you do ever visit Harbin tell me so I can hook you up with Wang, the driver. For everything he did I think we paid him around 500RMB. We tried to give him more, but he wouldn’t take it.

2008

2008-12-30T10:42:00.006+08:00

It was an eventful year. And a non-eventful year. Old friends left, new friends came. A whole lot changed, and nothing changed. It seems like things became vary monotonous, but at the same time much more enjoyable. Only two big things went down this year.

I got a better job than I ever expected when first coming to China a year and a half ago. I've been able to be with the same students and teachers for a year now, and it's great to see how my students are growing, mentally, physically, and spiritually. And I've signed another contract with the school so I will stay in Yantai at least another year.
And the biggest, and most significant, happening of the year was finding a great place to fellowship. A small place with other like-minded people. A place to serve on Sundays, and keep my spirit sharp. At first I just attended, then shortly after they learned of my background in music I became worship leader. As they knew me more, and as circumstances changed, I became a teacher in regular rotation with the other leaders. Now I preach every other week, and am stretched beyond what I ever thought possible. I'm not worthy, nor ready, for where I am and where I am going. I only know that His grace will continue to abound through it all. I've made countless mistakes, and am unfit to be in the leadership position he has placed me in. Yet still, the service is growing spiritually. As relationships are built, bonds are made. A community of followers in The Way from every corner of the world (Philippines, Brazil, Korea, and America) is growing closer to Him as we commune together. What a wonderful year it has been. I can only ask Him for one thing as we enter '09: Encore.

Christmas '08

2008-12-26T09:22:00.002+08:00

I didn't expect this Christmas to be anything special. It often isn't anything special in China.

However, it turned out to be wonderful.

(Aside from having to work.)

After work I opened some gifts from home and friends. A couple great books from home that will keep me entertained and thinking for awhile. A great scarf from Zou Nan, too.

We had planned on going to a nice hotel for a nice meal with some friends. But then some other friends invited us to Jackie's (A really good western restaurant) for a big Christmas dinner.

I'm talking 17 people, loads of delicious nachos, salad, pounds of mashed potatoes, two turkeys, two sea salt baked bass, and multiple cakes.

We probably have a kilo of leftover turkey.

Turkey sandwiches for dinner tonight.

It was a wonderful Christmas and I regret forgetting my camera.

Dream

2008-12-24T15:56:00.003+08:00

I wrote a new song last night. It's called Dream. The quality isn't fantastic, but it's not too bad either.

I've been trying to get more creative with my chord progressions in recent songs.

There are several other songs that I haven't recorded since The Color of Love. Sometimes I get in the mood to record and just lay down my most recent song.

Let me know what you think.

Puzzle time!

2008-12-19T11:07:00.003+08:00

Here is a puzzle that people generally say Einstein wrote. Some people say he didn't because some of the brands of cigarettes didn't exist when he might have written it. It also is usually accompanied with a note saying he predicted that only 2% of people who attempt the puzzle will solve it. (Probably because they give up. It took me a long time but I did it!)

FACTS

There are five houses in five different colors.
In each house lives a person of a different nationality.
These five owners drink a certain beverage, smoke a certain brand of
cigarette and keep a certain pet.
No owners have the same pet, smoke the same brand of smoke or drink
the same drink.

HINTS

The Brit lives in the red house.
The Swede keeps dogs as pets.
The Dane drinks tea.
The green house is on the left of the white house.
The green house owner drinks coffee.
The person who smokes Pall Mall rears birds.
The owner of the yellow house smokes Dunhill.
The man living in the house right in the center drinks milk.
The Norwegian lives in the first house.
The man who smokes Blend lives next to the one who keeps cats.
The man who keeps horses lives next to the man who smokes Dunhill.
The owner who smokes Blue Master drinks beer.
The German smokes Prince.
The Norwegian lives next to the blue house.
The man who smokes Blend has a neighbor who drinks water.

Who has fish?

Diana F+ Shots

2008-12-16T09:18:00.002+08:00

Here are some pictures that I took recently with my Diana F+. These are pictures of pictures, so the quality isn't amazing. Open them in another window to larger versions.

The first set is from Lex's B-day party last week. The second set is just random.

I want a dog.

2008-12-13T20:38:00.003+08:00

I want your imput. I want a dog -- good idea or bad idea?

I'm going to stay in Yantai another year. In China longer than that. Most likely in Yantai longer than that. I've no reason to leave, and several to stay. But you never know. I've already been here a year and a half.

As I get more settled and see myself staying here even longer I see the reasons for not having a dog become less and less valid.

I know I had a dog once. I didn't buy it, I didn't want it, it wasn't my choice, so I got rid of it. This is totally different.

I also had a cat that I loved dearly, but she ran away when I moved. I looked for her for a long time beforethe taxi driver threatened to leave with all my things. I actually have a suspicion that one of my neighbors stole her because several of them really adored her. In any case I hope she's still well.

All in all I'm getting a hankering for a big furry four-legged companion; a big commitment that I can hold onto for many years. Maybe even see my children play with one day. (Did I just say that?!)

After talking to a vet today I told him I would continue thinking about it and get back to him after vacation. Yes, you talk to vets when you want to buy a good healthy dog. He told me that with the kind of dog I want I would have to tell him in advance and he would find one somewhere in Shandong that they could send to me. It would cost from 1000-3000 RMB. It's expensive and hard to find because small dogs are all the rage in China and this particular gentle giant is not very popular.

I want a Great Dane.

Snow Day!

2008-12-05T18:13:00.005+08:00

When I went to bed last night there was maybe one inch of snow. I snapped this picture before I went to bed. I used my digital camera and ring flash. I love that flash.

Then when I wok up this morning I had a text message from Leo at work. He said not to go out for the bus. There was too much snow. I oculdn't believe it, but when i got up and looked outside I saw this:On a side note. Guess which house is mine...

A First in China.

2008-12-02T16:02:00.002+08:00

Yesterday (Dec 1st) was a day I'll never forget.

After unsuccessfully trying to buy a Christmas tree I had most pleasant taxi driver I've had in China to date.

After a nice conversation about work, China, America, and politics (which I had no idea I could talk about in Chinese, though it was baby talk) we arrived at my house. After I paid him he said, "圣诞快乐!" (sheng dan kuai le = Merry Christmas)

This is the first stranger in China to tell me merry Christmas. Everyone Stateside says "happy holidays," or "merry Christmas" but I've never heard it in China. Not even last year.

I was so happy.

I never used to get excited about Christmas. I never used to get into the whole Christmas thing. But something about being away - living in a country that doesn't celebrate it in the same way - makes it that much more special.

Maybe because out here it's hard to get caught up in the materialism of it all. The foreigners away from home aren't worried about buying gifts, they aren't lost in discounts and bargains, they just value Christmas for what it is.

There is nothing like Christmas at home, but I feel like it's going to be a great time despite my location.

2008-12-01T08:44:00.003+08:00

An awesome staircase.

A pretty sunset.

A new hat.

2008-11-28T12:22:00.002+08:00

It is the day after thanksgiving. It is also the day to start listening to Christmas music. So why don't you pep up your playlist with happiest most upbeat version of Winter Wonderland ever recorded?

School Festival Pictures

2008-11-27T16:23:00.004+08:00

As you all know I was asked to play guitar at the school festival. The art teacher was taking some photos and he told me that a couple were put up on the school website. He has a lens I'm totally jealous of. So beautiful, this lens is. These are the first pictures I have of me playing guitar. I'm glad they're nice

My poor school

2008-11-26T11:10:00.003+08:00

Literally. They're broke. This new building put them under by a lot. I think they had two fund accounts one for building and one for general things (salary and the like). The building funds ran out and they had to start taking from the general funds. Whenever that happens it's a bad sign.

I think they thought that the Korean exchange rate would be in their favor also, but Korea's economy is going down too. The exchange rate is half what it was a while ago.

This has led to the school being late on construction payments. And since the construction company is connected with the electricity company our electricity is not very reliable. It will be shut off at 12 today. It went out yesterday also and we got to go home early because of it. Today they told us to pack lunches.

If you think of it, pray for our poor school.

The Color of Love

2008-11-26T08:25:00.003+08:00

I wrote a new song. It's called The Color of Love. I'm really really happy with it. You'll notice it has drums and bass to accompany the chord changes I'm so terribly proud of.

I should really write more jazz songs.

A Very [EDIT: Early] Late Thanksgiving Post...

2008-11-24T11:12:00.004+08:00

There are not many blogging traditions I have. If fact, I can think of only one. And that is a thanksgiving post. I missed it this year because I didn't realize it was thanksgiving. It's easy to forget when it's not celebrated by anyone you know.

So, here it is. I'm thankful for:

Continued grace.

A good, yet sometimes frustrating, job.

Life in China.

Music as an outlet for emotion.

Wonderful friends, both near and far.

Heat lamps in the shower.

Health (being sick makes me value it so much more).

Love.

New socks.

Last week.

2008-11-18T08:27:00.003+08:00

I got my first two rolls of film developed. Made some very obvious beginner mistakes when shooting. Digital had spoiled me. But a few pictures look great.

There was no power at school all day yesterday. That meant no lunch. So everyone had instant noodles. No one was happy. I also had two extra classes. No heat + no power + extra classes + bad lunch = terrible day.

Today is the first snow of the winter. I should buy a heater today.

I didn't pay for heat in my apartment, but for some reason it's on. Maybe I can wait on the heater...

I'm working on recording a song. It'll take a while though, so busy.

The end of the school year is coming, and with it comes tests. Lots of tests. Lots of tests means lots of work

My winter travel plans are almost finalized.

I'm exhausted. My weekends are not restful. I spend Saturday getting ready for Sunday and it's taking a toll on me for sure. I need a break. I need a Sabbath.

I bought a new guitar. Just 350 yuan, about 50 USD. It's something to travel with, beat up, and not worry about. It sounds surprisingly good.

Life is good.

11/11 in China.

2008-11-12T08:14:00.002+08:00

I didn't know this until last night, otherwise it would have been in my blog as well.

In China 11/11 is a day for Single people. They have single parties, set up blind dates, etc.

Apparently it started on Universities in the 90's.

University students, and anyone in their 20's really, are pressured a lot by family and friends to get married. So singles day is a good day for them to relax and take pride in their singleness.

So happy late singles day!

11/11

2008-11-11T15:47:00.002+08:00

Today is Pepero Day. For those of you in Japan, you may know today as Pocky Day. 11/11 looks like four sticks of Pepero lined up.

Pepero, or Pocky, are long thin cookie sticks dipped in chocolate.

Today is the day that boys, girls, and couples exchange Pepero sticks.

What does that mean?

Today is a day that I have to try to teach kids hopped up on 20 boxes on Pepero.

Not easy.

I did, however, get a few boxes of Pepero today!

Short weekends

2008-11-10T15:23:00.003+08:00

You know, I do love my job. I love my students, my coworkers, everything about it. But it does feel like I go to bed on Friday night and wake up on Monday morning.

Saturday is usually free, but only because I turn so many people down. Students want help with things, people want to study guitar, lunches and dinners, so many things to do. All I want is a day to do nothing. I believe in the Sabbath. Well, the spirit of the Sabbath. I think it's wonderful to have a day to relax.

But would it be too much to ask for two days like that? Because my Sunday is very busy as well...

In case you live under a rock.

2008-11-07T11:19:00.003+08:00

Black Man Given Nation's Worst Job.

On a more serious note. This is the first example of someone actually doing what we're told growing up. We tell people they can be anything they want to but c'mon, everyone knew a woman or African American could never be president.

What an historic moment.

I'll admit it. I welled up a little watching Obama's victory speech.

2008-11-06T10:39:00.002+08:00

Why aren't these kids at my school fluent yet? I was looking over their schedule and depending on their grade and English level they have anywhere from 8 to 14 English classes a week! 4 with a native teacher, 4-6 with a Korean teacher, and then some of them have subject classes in English with a native teacher.

I would have killed for that many useful classes in high school. For Korean students English is extremely important to get into a good University and a good job.

Man, America's education is a joke. Good thing we make up for it in arts and entertainments.

Music competition

2008-11-03T16:12:00.004+08:00

I mentioned last week that I was going to a music competition on Friday night. It went really well. We played two songs. And places in second among 16 other people. Not bad. There were nearly 1000 people there. And they all loved it. I felt famous. There is something about 1000 people screaming I that could really get used to...

A friend of mine took some video but then her camera died. I really wish it would have lasted through the whole song because we ended with a really cool guitar solo. I might do this song at our school festival. I say might because I don't want to hit my guitar like that again. There is a crack that is getting worse so I need to be more gentle than I have in the past... I only have one or two sentimental possessions, and my guitar (custom made for my Dad and passed down to me) is one of them. I couldn't live with myself if I hurt it any more.

Here is the short clip of What Will You Do:

New songs.

2008-11-03T10:19:00.005+08:00

I recorded a couple of new songs. One is called Falling. It's pretty long as far as my songs go. About 5 minutes. It really really needs a full band though.

The other song I recorded is my first attempt at a singing Chinese. It's called 美梦 (meimeng = beautiful dream). The second verse is in English because it was really hard to try to makes sense in Chinese. I even got Dream Star (a Chinese friend of mine) to help me and he couldn't figure out a way to make it work.

Basically it's just a sweet, childish, love song. Give them a listen when you have a chance.

EDIT: For some reason the characters for 美梦 didn't upload, so it's the file with no name (.mp3).

Fun with flash.

2008-11-03T08:35:00.002+08:00

Now I have two extra flashes laying around my apartment. I've been messing around with using them at different angles and trying to get used to it. And this ring flash i have is so cool. Anyway, it's a lot of fun to play around with. Here's just one of the cool pictures I have. I'm not going to put loads up, but you can imagine they look pretty neat.

Lucky

2008-10-30T12:08:00.001+08:00

I just have to say that Lucky by Jason Mraz is one of the best songs I have heard in a really long time. The lyrics, melody, harmony, and music all are so perfectly put together. It's amazing. Go listen to it.

Have fun with this one.

2008-10-29T13:16:00.003+08:00

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QQGGG
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.

It couldn't get better!

2008-10-28T15:49:00.002+08:00

I try not to rely on material, or even physical things and feelings for happiness. But I must admit that over the last few days I have been happier than I have been in a long time.

I have wonderful friends. An excellent family. And cool stuff!

I just got my birthday/Christmas box from home. My parents rock. They got me the DianaF+ with all kinds of cool goodies, film, and accessories. Also included in the box were some gloves that i will make good use of, my grandma's which I missed dearly, and my marine jacket. I probably won't make much use of the jacket because it's not exactly work friendly. But it'll be so nice to have again.

This on top of other recent things has made this month the best month I can remember in a long time. Why is He so good to me?

Off to Qing Dao.

2008-10-24T12:19:00.003+08:00

Well at 4:45 today I'm going to Qing Dao with some friends. I excited about going, but a little bummed at the same time. I'm going to miss a good friend's birthday. I gave her her present last night, but it would still be nice to be here for birthday because she doesn't have anything to do. Oh well.

I'll make sure to take pictures. I'm not forgetting my camera this time! I did forget the charger though, and my spare battery is dead. I'm too busy to remember all these things, I didn't have time to pack until this morning because I got home at 11:30 last night.

Other than my absent-mindedness I'm doing better than ever!

2008-10-23T15:33:00.003+08:00

So I have one of two nearly identical twins in one of my classes. On Wednesday they changed classes, so I had the other one who wasn't supposed to be in my class. Apparently he wanted to get his brother in trouble because he was being absolutely terrible. I didn't notice the switch. I gave him a fitting punishment which he didn't hand in the next day because he was in his proper class.

I got a note from him later that day confessing and apologizing. I think his brother forced him to write it to smooth things over.

So tomorrow they will both be with me at lunch writing an essay with two different color pens switching off every word. It's fit for trouble-making twins, isn't it?

Critical Thinking.

2008-10-22T13:34:00.003+08:00

I'll be the first person to admit that I don't think about things very deeply. But I have been talking with friends about critical thinking recently and some very good points were brought up.

Our society brings up people to join a system and agree with everything within that system. If someone is a Christian, they must be pro-life. If they are pro-life they must be a republican. And if they are a republican they must agree with all the things that go along with that.

It's much easier to join a system where beliefs are laid out, then seriously consider each issue and come to a conclusion.

It goes even deeper. Once in this system it becomes like a family. Anyone who has a mother knows that no one can insult your mom and walk away unharmed. Nepotism the problem with these systems. If someone says something against your system you immediately go into defense mode. "Don't talk about my mom like that, man!"

But wait, it gets worse. The same way that people outside your system can't criticize, people inside can't be wrong about anything. When children grow up one of the hardest things to realize is that their parents aren't perfect. They're people. And like any other person they will do things that you agree with and things that you don't agree with. But in many people's case this lesson is never learned. So the parents, or leaders, in a system can say anything and their followers will justify what they say. After all, your parents are perfect.

That is one of the problems with the way people vote in America. Because they may be pro-life they vote Republican. Because they want better health care they vote Democrat. They don't consider the other issues. Or maybe they say, "Yeah, I don't agree with everything McCain/Obama says..." But if you ask them what they don't agree with they won't know.

To go through all the issues and say that you like a few things about this guy, and a few things about that guy, then weigh the matters out yourself is hard work. Something people don't do.

I've never seen it more than in China though. I love this country. But nobody thinks. Everything China does is right. All the time. No exceptions. Obviously Taiwan is part of China. Every Chinese person will tell you that, but not one can tell you why Taiwan might think they should be independent.

To realize your country isn't perfect is up their with realizing your parents aren't perfect for some people. But to find out where you think your system isn't perfect is much harder.

Eventful Weekend.

2008-10-20T08:37:00.008+08:00

This weekend went by far too quickly! Here's a run down of basic events (With photos!)

On Friday our school had a huge field trip to Happy Land. Yes, it's actually called Happy Land. And surprisingly enough it does not live up to its name. Though we did have some fun.

I made some delicious sandwiches to bring. I had never made a Monte Cristo before, but it came out really tasty.

Here are some photos:

Here's Leo, very happy about Happy Land.

Carrie and Lex.

Clan, one of my old students.

There was a little singing competition. This is my student Dolry.

I don't know his name, but he could go places as a rapper and entertainer. Very talented.

Two of my top students, Vanessa and Sally.

A really sad bear.

Dogs should not be in zoos. I wanted to take him home, so big and sweet.

On Friday night I had to play guitar for a guy who will judge the competition I'll be in later. The audition was on Sunday so I couldn't go to that, but he agreed that if he thought I was good enough I wouldn't have to audition. Of course it wasn't a problem. I'm actually going to see him tonight to jam together. So maybe I'll have some original songs in Chinese soon!

Saturday was pretty busy also. I had to get up early (9:00) to teach one of my students guitar. You know, it's easier for me to teach something I'm not particularly interested in (English) than to teach something I love (guitar). In any case, she practices and seems interested so I won't be the first one to back out.

Then I had to run some errands, buy some food for dinner, get a new sim card for my phone, nothing special.

At 5:00 a few friends were supposed to come over to my house to play. (Alright, I realize a 23 year old talking about playing with friends is strange. However, I've gotten used to saying it because it's used so commonly in Chinese.) They were late. Really late. But with a legit excuse, they were at the hospital because a friend broke a tooth... or something.

Then they finally call me and for me to come meet them at the gate. So I go meet them. We walk back to my apartment and I realize that I locked myself out! I usually carry two keys. One on my key chain and one in my wallet because I never leave the house with one or the other. Well, almost never.

So I pay 150 RMB for some guy to come open the door. I'm totally embarrassed because this is the first time for me to meet two of these people. They are my friend's friends. But we all have a good laugh.

I make some pasta, the girls make some fruit salad and after our delicious meal we play card games for a while. Over all it was good fun.

From left to right, this is Kathryne, (Oh no! I forgot her name), and Zounan. I've known Zounan for a while, her friends wanted to meet me so we got together for dinner.

A better one of Zounan.

They went home at 9:00 and I went to Prince Coffee to meet some friends that came from Penglai for the weekend. They didn't have a place to stay so they were going to go to an internet cafe and stay there all night. Instead I got them to come crash at my place.

Look at me being all hospitable!

And that was the end of Saturday.

Sunday rolls around and I finally get to sleep in. Wake up at 11:00. You know, I love being able to sleep in on Sunday and not miss church. Best of both worlds.

It was my week to teach, on top of leading worship, and I've been going through James. This week we went over 2:14-19. All about faith and deeds being inseparable. It stuck me how practical our faith is. Following Jesus is a very hands-on experience. Some people would like to limit it to completely invisible, spiritual, things. But when it comes down to it, who's more spiritual: the guy who gives food and clothes to someone in need, or the guy who prays that God would give food and clothes to that person?

So what? We should pray less and do more! Not really, but you know what I mean. If someone is going through a tough time don't just pray for them, do something about it!

Couchsurfers

2008-10-16T10:51:00.003+08:00

This weekend I had my first visit from a fellow traveler and couch surfer.

Couchsurfing.com is one of the greatest resources for all you travelers. It's a networking site where you create a profile of you and the accommodations you are able to provide for people traveling through your city.

Leo stayed at my house for four days. He is from Austria and is spending a couple months traveling around China. Overall it was fun. I hope he has a safe trip home.

Anyway, it made me want to travel so much. I don't like being stuck here for so long. Next summer will hopefully be full of adventures. And believe me, I'll be surfing quite a few couches.

I've done my part.

2008-10-16T10:45:00.002+08:00

I sent my ballot in yesterday... express so it will get there in plenty of time. Paid a pretty penny for it too.

I figure anyone who doesn't vote doesn't have the right to complain about anything the president does for the next 4 years. And darn it, I want to complain.

So all you people in America (or not) you had better get off your butt and vote! Compared to what I had to do to vote, you've got it easy.

Korea Trip Summery

2008-10-10T13:08:00.001+08:00

October 1st
I woke up at 6:00. My flight wasn't until 12-ish but i couldn't sleep. If only I could be so awake on every other morning. I usually can't get up early enough to even catch the school bus!

We got into Korea a little after one, had Dunkin' Donuts at the airport (YAY!), then took a bus to meet up with Yuri. She lives in China too but was visiting her parents during vacation. We went to her parent's house which was a little outside Seoul and very nice I might add.

We decided to go see a movie that night. So we bought tickets for Mamamia. I would not recommend it. The only reason I didn't kill myself in the theater is because I was in Korea. And being in Korea we had two versions of the movie to see. The normal version and the sing along version. In that version they have karaoke style subtitles during the songs. And yes, people were singing along.

The movie finished around 10:45 or so. What do you do at 11 In Seoul? Go shopping at a night market of course! We got there at midnight or so. Who goes shopping at midnight? Anyway, I bought a couple shirts, a jacket and a hoodie. Korean style is awesome. But it was really really strange to be shopping for clothes at 2 in the morning. Yeah, we got home at 4.

October 2nd
We had planned to meet one of Lex's friends for lunch, but waking up at 11 pushed that appointment back a little bit. We packed our bags so we could stay in a hotel in Seoul for a couple days. Let Yuri be with her parents a bit, try not to impose too much.

We ended up staying on a hotel just off of Intaewon. A nice street with lots of sort of tourist shopping and whatnot. I have never seen so many foreigners in my life... since I left America... and Okinawa.

A restaurant we had a small lunch at. We're drinking dongdongjo (however it's spelled). From left to right we have Yuri (we stayed at her parent's house with her), Lex (coworker and good friend), Amanda (same as Lex), and Kaylin (who we just met in Korea, but also had lived in Yantai studying Chinese for a while).

We went sightseeing a little bit, there's really not much touristy type things to see in Seoul. We went to a tiny old palace. It only seemed tiny because things like this in China are huge. It was pretty unimpressive.

Lex and Amanda in front of one of the buildings there.

Lex and I, we are very happy about having Carmel Fraps

We had Indian food with Lex's friend and her husband. Then we went out on the town for a while. It was a fun night. I will never see FamilyMart in the same way again. I'll just have to leave it at that. This is a family friendly blog, after all. ha!

Lex hurt her foot and we ended up having to go to the hospital at 3 in the morning. Sigh, poor girl is on crutches now. But it was really fun racing her around the hospital in a wheelchair!

October 3rd
We woke up late, around 12 or so. Yuri went home to hang out with her parents. We got ready to meet Lex's friend, Brendon, at 3. Went out, shopped, went to dinner with Lex's little brother (not really, he's Korean, but we just call him that) and then Brenden's little brother/my boyfriend (again, not really, we just call him that because he's really really friendly... hehe) showed up. It's strange to see all these people I know from Yantai in Seoul. Sure, they're Korean but it felt like some kind of Yantai reunion in Korea!

We ate dinner at little brother's restaurant – a pretty nice place. Then we went to a more relaxed venue with a little live music and played games for a long time. It's was another fun night.

I was so tired when I got home I took a bath and fell asleep in the water! I woke up when Lex came in our room making loads of noise. The lights were off and I was naked in cold water. Three things came into my mind: Where am I? Why am I in water? Where are my kidneys? Hahaha

October 4th
The girls went shopping again, I couldn't be bothered so I got a newspaper and some coffee and relaxed in a real coffee shop. It's been so long since I've been able to do that!

After that we went to meet Yuri again and have some dinner. I had Mexican food. It was delicious!

When we went home we decided to be Korean and have some Soju together. Not too much, mind you. We brought everything on the roof and hung out for a few hours. It was a great last night in Korea.

Soju on the roof.

I don't think I have laughed as much in the last year as I did on this trip. It was so fun.
October 5th
Went to the airport.

I can't believe it went so quick. Seoul makes Yantai seem soooooooo boring. Next time I move I'm going to talk to schools in Seoul and Tokyo. Yantai is nice, but I need more excitement. Life is meant to be lived, not just survived. Sometimes I feel like I'm just surviving in Yantai, not really living.

Penny wise, nickel dumb.

2008-10-08T12:57:00.004+08:00

I heard this phrase the other day and it struck quite a chord with me.

Before I went to Korea I was in the market looking for a small bag to pack my things in. I'm no idiot, everyone at the market will try to cheat everybody else. Myself being white, I will have people try to cheat me even more.

I find a bag I like. It's cheaply made, an obvious knockoff of a real bag, but it'd do the job. I ask how much it is.

Shop Girl: "I usually sell that bag for 300RMB but for you 250RMB (about 36US)."
(Ok, the bag's not that nice.)
Me: "I'll give you 100 (around 15US), no more."
SG: "No, that's impossible. I buy the bag for more than that."
(I lose my patience really easily when people lie to me.)
Me: "No you don't, I know you're trying to charge me more because I'm a foreigner. I've lived here long enough to know better."
SG: "Alright, but 150 is as low as I can go."
(Then this really sweet Chinese girl came into the shop looking at purses and listening to us argue. She wondered over and started taking my side.)
Chinese Girl: "He knows what he's talking about, that bag is only worth about 100."
(Then the shop girl got really angry that another Chinese called her on it. In my experience Chinese will cheat anyone, but when they're caught by other Chinese they lose face and have to back pedal pretty fast.)
SG: "OK, OK, 100."

After I bought the bag I talked to the Chinese girl for a while. Really sweet University student studying business or something. She said she hates it when people cheat each other. She said that everyone is the same and there is no need to cheat someone else just for an extra buck.

I haven't heard one person say that out here. For someone to admit to a foreigner that we're all the same is huge to me. Now it may be because Yantai is a fairly new city and was completely uneducated and just a farming community until fifteen or so years ago. No matter the reason, it's huge for someone in Yantai to say that to me.

She pointed out that most of the people who will cheat others are the ones who are selling things in little stalls on the street, not the people running big businesses. She had a vary karmic approach to the situation. Essentially she was saying that if you cheat people out of small money, you will cheat yourself out of big money.

Later that night I heard this phrase: Penny wise, nickel dumb.

Tadaima!

2008-10-06T08:45:00.001+08:00

Unfortunately I'm back. It was a wonderful trip and I didn't want to come back at all.

I'll post a big update with pictures eventually. But none of the pictures will be mine because I forgot my camera!

Korea trip to-do list:

2008-09-30T15:45:00.005+08:00

Amazing home-cooked Korean food.
Burger King.
Dunkin' Donuts.
Mexican food.
Indian food.
Starbucks.
Shopping.
See a movie in a real movie theater with real movie popcorn.
Find out if all Koreans dance the same.
Bring back Subway from the airport in Seoul for dinner on Sunday.

Chinese news...

2008-09-26T13:14:00.003+08:00

Apparently the Chinese astronauts were able to send their first report from space back in time. Xinhua published their first night in space before they even left earth!

That's how good their news is here, they write it before it even happens!

Sigh... A Student's Life.

2008-09-23T13:59:00.004+08:00

I really miss being a student. I met some students on Sunday. They are studying Chinese at Yantai University. One of them is Japanese, the others are Korean. We all could only communicate because of Chinese. Well, the Japanese girl actually speaks fantastic English, but the Koreans couldn't so we stuck with Chinese.

It made me miss student life so much because they seemed so carefree. Talking about their homework, what teachers they liked and didn't like, helping each other with homework. Where as I have all these responsibilities. It made me really sad. I want that again.

Then I was thinking about what I would do if I ever were to go back to America. I have no skills, no degrees (worth anything), no training in anything! In China I'm an expert. But in America I'm nothing! How would I live? The real world is so harsh!

Suddenly I had this crazy thought. I have this golden opportunity. I'm living in China making a lot of money and my Chinese sucks. I make enough in 6 months of teaching (at my current job) to take six months off and still be able to to afford all my living costs on top of tuition if I live simply.

But at that rate it would take 8 years for a B.A. So I need another way to make it work. But I'm seriously considering not renewing my contract and going back to school. I live right across the street from the University and my house is paid up for almost a year from now. If I don't live on campus I think tuition is pretty cheap. So I'm going to look into it.

The only down side is that it would take a lot away from my winter travel plans. I would probably find some part time work or something and have to give up traveling.

My point is that if I ever decide to go back to America I would have a very good skill if I had a degree in Chinese with the fluency to go with it. Translation, teaching, whatever. Maybe even study some business and go into something like that... I don't want to be stuck digging ditches if I ever go back.

That said, I probably won't ever go back for more than a visit.

hmmm

2008-09-22T15:16:00.006+08:00

Imagine with me for one moment, if you will. You're at a hypothetical bar, having a casual hypothetical drink, with some hypothetical friends, maybe enjoying a hypothetical dance, and meeting some new hypothetical people when two of your hypothetical students walk in. Not the kind of students you would expect to see sneaking out behind their parent's back. These, or at least one, are top students. almost all homework in on time, quiet in class unless asked to talk, etc. Obviously terrified to see a teacher they cling to your arm and beg you to keep a secret.

Would you:

Contact the parents.
Blackmail them into even better performance at school.
Do nothing and enjoy the night.
Other.

Now, I know that high schoolers are crazy. And shoot, I've had my share of crazy things in high school (ignore that, mom). So it's an interesting thought. It reminds me of one of my friends back home who would take her friends ID to go dancing. Great girl, now almost a nurse I believe...

Anyway, what do you all think?

Korea here I come!

2008-09-18T10:16:00.004+08:00

I have a vacation in October. So on the first I will be going to Korea with a friend until the fifth. So right now I'm trying to learn a little bit of survival Korean. So far I know:

Hello.

How much?

Too expensive!

He/she/you are crazy.

Stupid.

Get out of here!

You're pretty.

Will you go out with me?

I love you.

Marry me.

I think that will get me around quite nicely. Most likely I will just say every work I know consecutively and hope for the best!

I also know a wide array of cuss words because I listen to my students. I won't list those.

We are all going to die.

2008-09-09T10:41:00.005+08:00

I feel the obligation to give everyone a heads up. The world will be torn to pieces in about a month. (Ironically enough you will be able to watch a live feed online if you are so inclined.)

CERN, the world's largest particle physics laboratory is about to fire up their Large Hadron Callider. It's basically a particle accelerator with gigantism.

100 meters undergrounds and 17 miles long this doomsday device will push a proton beam close to the speed of light doing 11,000 laps a second. Once the counterclockwise test is complete they'll repeat the test clockwise. After that they will do some serious atom smashing.

Why?

To explore the tiniest particles and come closer to re-enacting the Big Bang. To finally figure out what that antimatter, or dark matter, is. To create mini black holes and strains of never-before-seen matter that will endanger the very existence of our planet. Oops, did I let that last part slip out? Oh well, this informative rap video about it will put you at ease.

I say after a decade of construction and 4 billion dollars it's about time to see what this baby can do, risk of destroying the universe notwithstanding.

(As a side note there are lawsuits and death threats against CERT and it's physicists because of this thing.)

Uh Oh...

2008-09-08T08:40:00.004+08:00

I haven't shaved in 2 years. Ever since I came to China I've had people tell me over and over again to shave. Chinese guys don't really have any hair so it's follows that it's considered more handsome to have a clean face. Then I came to the Korean school. They're even worse. Nearly ever day someone tells me I should shave.

(And my girl said she wouldn't kiss me if I didn't shave. Just kidding! Haha!)

I finally broke down and shaved.

Here's the best recent before picture I could find.And here's now:

Sigh, I look like a 15 year old girl...

Song

2008-08-29T12:32:00.004+08:00

I recorded another song the other night. It's the kind of song that should just be kept simple, so it didn't take too long.

It's called Fork in the Road. I actually wrote it during my first semester in Bible College. Flipping through my notebook the other day I found it and changed the chords a bit. It sounds much better than it did a few years ago. But I am surprised at how well it was written in the first place, in my humble opinion.

So here it is: Fork in the Road.

Ha! And I thought I was busy last semester!

2008-08-28T10:37:00.004+08:00

This semester is even worse than last! I'm teaching just as many hours, but with more responsibilities.

I have totally different classes, so just when I figured out all my kids I have a whole new lot. I'm glad to be rid of some, I miss others. Overall I don't mind having different classes, but it's the other things I have to do that I'm not too thrilled about.

On top of all my classes I'm stuck with the English school newspaper club. It's a lot of extra work. I have to think of articles for them to write, organize the whole layout, put it all together, get it printed, all that stuff. What a pain! I know the kids enjoy working on it, and I know it will be fun in the end, but man is it going to be exhausting.

I also found out that I'm an assistant homeroom teacher for a 7th grade class. That won't be much work as long as the homeroom teacher doesn't get too busy. At least the 7th graders are good kids, for the most part.

I will also be responsible for putting many of the English tests together for middle school and high school. This means getting all the foreign teacher to write questions for their classes, compiling them into one test, and checking them to make sure they are all reasonable questions for the student's level. It doesn't sound like much, but I will be staying late (Not to mention the occasional Saturday!) when midterms and finals roll around.

Any who knows what school festival things I'll get stuck with. It could be nothing, or several things. I don't know yet, but I know some of the students want me to help them with different projects.

Here's to another busy semester!

The New Pad

2008-08-25T09:06:00.003+08:00

Alright, I've lived in my new house for about a month now. I finally have a few pictures for y'all. This as after a rough day of cleaning.

The spare room.

Dining room / Kitchen

Living room. The closed door is my bedroom. I told all my girlfriends to hide in there while I took pictures, so you don't need to see my room. ;-)

2008-08-16T14:58:00.007+08:00

On Thursday my brothers and I went to Penglai. It's a town about an hour or two out of Yantai. It's known as sort of a mystical city because it is the place where the eight immortals crossed the sea. Also if the conditions are right there is an amazing mirage of a floating city that appears over the sea. I've only seen picture of it, but I would love to be there in person. It's very rare though.

We looked around some place called three divine mountains which represents the unity of the three major religions in China - Taoism, Buddism, and Confusianism. It is also home to the largest jade buhdda in the world. I didn't get any pictures of that, but it was pretty cool to see.

I liked this because the background made such a great contrast.

This is a copy of a painting the last emperor or China made. The three people represent the unity of the three religions.
A picture of the whole three mountains place.
All the hand and eyes represent seeing all and being able to help all the working people. I like how each hand has a different tool.
They also had a pretty neat shaolin kung fu demonstration.

And finally, this guy freaked me out. He have advice to an emperor that the emperor didn't like so his eyes were plucked out. Then an immortal took pity on him and gave him these arms with eyes in the hands... Highly disturbing if you ask me!
Penglai is a great quiet little town. It has brilliant seafood, which we partook in, and a great environment. I could totally see myself going there again just for fun.

And before you say it, I will put a picture of me and my brothers up sooner or later. I actually don't have one yet. Call me what you will...

Why China is not ready for the Olympics.

2008-08-10T20:46:00.005+08:00

I'll be polite to Chinese people and tell them I like the Olympics, which isn't a lie, but I do wish that China did not get to host it. It all goes back to the whole saving face thing.

Yantai is close enough to Qingdao that we are feeling a bit of the fist that is gripping Chinese people during this period. Qingdao is hosting the sailing, or something that no one cares about. Here is a short list of things that make me feel China was not ready to host the Olympics.

I see 10-20 cops every day. Two weeks I would be surprised if I saw 1. After the Olympics it will change back.

People living in the apartments close to the beach where the sailing will be were forced to leave their apartments for a couple months.

The law is enforced far to strictly now, and far too loosly a month ago. For instance, a international business owner took a picture (on his phone) of some historical thing he wasn't supposed to. Did they take is phone? Yes. But they didn't stop there. He was deported that day and not allowed back in China for 6 months. He owns a business here and he can't come back!

If you are wearing something offensive on your shirt at the games they have stickers that they can come up and put on your shirt.

The torch was going to run through Yantai but it was canceled at the last minute. During the rehearsal they made everyone is the surrounding apartments sign contracts saying that they would not hang any laundry or anything else out their windows. I can deal with that, but they also said that they would not be allowed to come out of their apartments and watch the torch run by. They could watch it on TV. I had several friends living in those apartments. They were not happy.

There are two Chinese girls in gymnastics that look no older than 14 but have passports that say they are sixteen. I've taught Chinese students enough to know there is no way they are 16, but they have all the right papers from the government so too bad. ridiculous.

The list goes on and on. I love China, but it does have it's problems.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. I hate face and I hate the need to control people so much.

All that said, I love this country and think it's a wonderful place to live with friendly people and a beautiful culture. If I have children (girls more than boys) I would like to raise them here. America doesn't raise girls, it creates ~~monsters~~ women that are not very women-like. China raises women that know how to be women. I've been thinking about this a lot recently and I'll probably write about it exensively in the near future.

The Joys of Jusco

2008-08-07T19:21:00.002+08:00

For those of you who haven't lived in a foreign country, or haven't life in a real foreign country, you haven never experienced the feeling you get when you find bacon, guacamole dip, Skippy's peanut better, pancake mix, and the like. I went back to Jusco to buy a couple more things and just ended up walking around the place with a big stupid grin on my face. Not only do they have an assortment of western delight, but they also have good Japanese things. Things like furikake, curry mix, and onigiris, or 饭团 (fantuan) in Chinese.

For some reason I found it necessary to share my glee.

New Song!

2008-08-04T19:49:00.002+08:00

Onlt this time it's not mine and you won't be able to understand it unless you bruch up on your Korean.

I met a really cool guy who was down here for a bit helping out a church. Leinad (Daniel spelled backwards) is a really good piano player and song writer. He wrote a song while he was in Yantai called Paris.

But don't be fooled by the name, apperently it has nothing to do with Paris! So here you go, Paris.

2008-08-04T18:49:00.005+08:00

No internet at home, so I'm in an internet bar now.

First a little story. I was just relazing at home today when this lady came to my house. She said that one of my neighbors had told her I play guitar. At this point I was a bit worried because I do tend to make a lot of noise. But she went on to say that CCTV is in town doing auditions for the next music competition (Chinese Idol???) and wanted me to come down for an audition. I told her I was busy and couldn't so she gave me her number and told me to call her back about the next audition. She explained it has a 10 yuan entry fee, but if I win my fame and fortune would easily make up for it. So what do you think, should I give it a go? I seriously doubt I could win seeing as how I can't sing Chinese songs, but if I made it past the first couple rounds I'd be on Chinese TV. Then people would stare at me even more on the street.

Before that happened I took a few shots of my new area. Sorry, I forgot to take pictures of my house...

My apartment is the last on the left, first floor.

At night this is covered with BBQ you eat on the street. Great stuff.The local music shop I go to. I met a drummer there today.
The neighborhood market.

Good place to go if your cheap and lazy.
All you folks from Japan should know this place! Yes, a Jusco just opened. I went there today and was to excited by the things they had. Things like granola, and pancake mix. I was nearly drooling on the packages.

2008-07-31T11:38:00.002+08:00

For this being my summer vacation I sure am insanely busy. It'll probably calm down next week.

I've been planning a nice big update with photos and all, but the weather in my free time hasn't been to photo friendly. I'll have pictures of my new neighborhood, house, hangout spot, etc. eventually. Maybe next week. But I'll have to find an internet cafe by my house. I'm still trying to figure out where everything is exactly.

I've been studying Chinese everyday. I can see it helping a lot now too. I just need to drill vocab like nothing else!

I'm still writing music. I'm going to start playing at a local coffee shop every now and again. Should be fun.

I bought seasons 1-18 of The Simpsons on 10 discs for under 100 yuan. That is probably the best purchase I've made in the country!

Summer camp ends tomorrow!

I think I'm going to buy a new phone today or tomorrow...

A Year in China

2008-07-08T08:43:00.002+08:00

This post should have been put up on the 4th of July. That was the day I arrived in China in 2007. But my lack of time on Friday kept me from writing.

I've learned a lot about myself, God, and people in general over this year. I've been challenged in nearly every area of my life and come out on top only to be challenged again.

Not everything is serious, of course, there are the humorous things like being better with a pair of chopsticks and a fork and knife. Asking people what they earn and expecting them to answer. Rolling my pants up to my knees whenever I sit down. Looking in other foreigners shopping baskets to see what a foreigner eats. Not wondering why people are staring at me, but wondering why somebody isn't staring at me. Having to ask somebody if they speak Chinese (in Chinese) to shake them from assuming they won't understand me. Spitting bones and anything else out directly onto the table. Trust me, the list goes on and on!

Those are just the little things though.

We'll start with other people. If anything I've learned that I can't trust people nearly as much as I would like to. I would like to just be able to believe what people say but it doesn't work that way. There are always two sides to everything. It's true that nothing is as it seems and out here that rule seems to be multiplied by a gazillion. I've had more people try to rip me off than Solomon had wives.

Now let's move onto self. I've discovered that I still have no discipline. Sure I run sometimes and I study sometimes and I read sometimes. None of those things are something I do all the time though. It seems like the only thing i can be disciplined with is music. It took me a year out of college to figure that out. Once I'm not forced to do something is when i will find out how much I actually want to do it.

Now on to God and more directly, fellowship. I can't remember if I wrote about this or not. There is a huge difference between not going to church just because and not going to church because it's just not there. I was completely without any like-minded friends for about 8 or 9 months and I don't think I have ever been closer to Him than I was during that time. We're told not to "forsake the gathering of the saints" but it says nothing about not having any saints to gather with. Now it's a little presumptuous to compare China to jail, but i imagine that while it was impossible for the early saints to fellowship in jail, God was closer to them then ever. It's the attitude of staying faithful when there is no one else around. He comes even closer in those times. I almost wish I didn't find a church because now I don't feel as close to Him (call me blasphemous if you want).

Over all it's been a wonderful year and I look forward to many more in Asia.

DS

2008-07-02T08:54:00.003+08:00

The acquisition of my DS may have been the best or worst thing I've done in China to date. Well, second worst -- we won't go into the worst. So here's the low down:

The Good:

The World Ends With You.
I don't have to buy games. I can download any game for free and put it on my DS. I won't waste money on games.
Hours of fun.
It gives me something to do on the bus.

The Bad:

I have so many good games that I can't stop playing the darned thing.
Study Chinese? Pfft, I need to get to the next level!
I don't look like a teacher on the bus anymore, I bust out my DS like half the students.

New stuff.

2008-06-30T08:31:00.003+08:00

On Friday I recorded a new song. It's called worst enemy. Give it a listen and let me know what you think.

I also bought a DS on Saturday. It's been a while since I bought myself a toy. What's really cool is how much China doesn't care about the law. The guy told me that if I buy a memory card to put in the game slot he would just load it up with loads of games. So I buy a 2G memory card and he puts over 30 games on it. Then tells me if I think of any specific games I want just tell him the name and he'll download them for me for free. haha! I love this country!

General Update

2008-06-27T09:09:00.004+08:00

I'm back to 100%! No bad food can keep this little train from chugging along. Here's the recent happenings:

I'm working on getting my visa renewed. It's a bit more troublesome than I expected. I needed to get letters from my old work that I honestly didn't expect they would give me. But I'm still on good terms with the boss so it wasn't too much trouble.

Then I figure out that it's pretty hard to get a residence permit if I continue live in Kaifaqu. It will cost me about 2000 yuan more than if I lived elsewhere in Yantai. So I opted to move. That is a mixed blessing. It will be a little more expensive, probably a little larger also. It's much closer to work, but much farther from church. Closer to some friends, farther from others. I should buy a car...

Only two more weeks of school. One week of tests and another week of nothing. We'll sort of teach, but the students won't want to do anything knowing that the tests are over. It'll be a lazy week. Then summer school starts. I think I'm going to do that. It's only three weeks and it's decent money. It'll make up for the money I will have spent on moving.

I forgot how silly high school drama is. As I get closer to my students I find out some pretty ridiculous things their girlfriends do. I'm so glad those days are past.

I've written a couple more songs. I'm planning on recording them this weekend. I don't know what will actually happen though.

One of my student's had their electronic dictionary stolen right before class. I was pissed off. I nearly took some kids heads off! Not really... I was able to track it down in about an hour. I couldn't find the culprit though. The girl was so happy. She told me that if she had just told her homeroom teacher nothing would have happened. I don't know how they could just let a student be violated like that and do nothing! I nearly had every seventh grader in the school empty their bags and pockets. Luckily I found where the little punk hid it before it came to that. I don't think the parents would have been to happy if I searched their children.

And that's the end of that.

What We Choose

2008-06-19T10:43:00.003+08:00

It seems like I've heard nothing but bad news recently. So I wrote a depressing song about it. Check it out.

As for something I didn't choose. I ate some sketchy food on Tuesday. Missed work on Wednesday. And I seriously don't think I have ever been closer to dying. Just from a day of that I have visibly lost weight (if you look at me with my shirt off). I came to work today, but in hindsight I probably shouldn't have. It is best though because another teacher is sick. It would be madness with two teachers missing.

...ugh

Weihai

2008-06-06T17:04:00.009+08:00

There was a trip with some of the new teachers at the school last Saturday. We went to Weihai for a little sight seeing. It was such a blast. It was really good to get a bit closer to some of the Korean teachers I haven't had a chance to talk with.

Language is a problem as always. We are forced to break out our crappy Chinese. But it makes for some good fun. I'm dabbling in Korean a bit, and as I do so I realize that it is probably the harder than Japanese or Chinese. It's like Japanese grammar with stranger sounds than Chinese... in my humble opinion.

We went to a couple places. First we hit a temple. It's really famous for Koreans because of some great Korean general who killed loads of pirates or something. There were too many people to get many decent photos. But here are the cream of the proverbial crop.

I like taking photos of statues, they never make a bad pose!

Avi and Leo. Really great friends.

Most of these people were Chinese students. I got bombarded with people asking for photos with me. Funny kids.

Dan, a new teacher. He showed up only a couple weeks ago. Nice guy. Really smart.

This is Mary. Not my student, but a great kid. Victoria is in the background. That girl is probably smarter than me. She's only 14 and her English is so good she should be teaching. We were talking about the Aztecs and she told me more about them than I even knew! How random is that?

Then we hit up a zoo.

Without a doubt the best photo I took all day.

These guys were in a pit called "Harmonious Paradise" which also had a lion and a panther (not pictured). These animals looked quite a bit fatter than the others...

This wins second best photo.

And this might pull up in a close third.

Poor little guy.

I don't think I've seen a monkey look so wise.

Pretty.

Depressing

Unfortunately this Saturday will not be as much fun. I have to give another mock TOEFL test. At least I'll get paid a bit for it. And it should also be the last Saturday I work all year! So I guess it's not so bad, but I did want to go out a bit tonight. Sigh.

Riddle me this.

2008-06-02T16:29:00.004+08:00

All semester we've been giving students tests, giving students homework, marking tests, organizing projects, grading speeches, etc. Now we come to find out it was all for nothing.

Why?

No student can get a grade in English below 70%.

How fair it is to have a student that puts everything they can into a class only get 30% higher than a student that comes late, does nothing, and disrupts the class?

And I thought my last school was a joke.

EDIT: Last night (6/2/08) I dreamed that I was in one of Hitler's concentration camps moving loads of dirt from one spot to another. Then back again when we were finished moving it. That about sums up how I feel about all the work I've done up to now. There's nothing like doing loads of work to find out it was for nothing.

That said, I still love all my students, and life is always getting better and better. So no worries.

A couple new songs.

2008-05-30T09:05:00.005+08:00

I've recorded a couple new songs recently. You can listen to it on my drop.io page.

One is called Being Here With You. One of my coworkers, Kevin, wrote some lyrics for his wife and never had anyone put them to music that he liked. I figured I would give it a go. He was really happy. He said I hit it dead on.

The other one is called You. I'm extremely happy with how it sounds.

Give them a listen and tell me what you think. What you really think. I'm trying to work on improving my song writing so critique is greatly appreciated.

No more internet.

2008-05-26T14:59:00.002+08:00

The internet when off at my house a few days ago (on your B-day jeff, so that's why there was no email) and I'm not going to pay for another 6 months. I waste too much time on crunchyroll and talking to people.

This way I will be forced to do better things like read, write, study, paint, clean, exercise, etc.

So don't expect as many updates, not like there have been many recently anyway.

Oh, I also have a class open to teachers and staff this Thursday, and one open to parents next Thursday. Let's hope I don't get fired! hehe

What a week.

2008-05-17T19:27:00.000+08:00

One of the teachers pulled a runner after payday. Just never came back to work. He didn't seem like the type that would do that. I guess he couldn't cope with the complete lack of discipline in this school. The students are insane.

Because of that we've all had to pick up his classes.

On top of that I planned tests all last week and this week. So massive amounts of paperwork.

I stayed late Thursday to catch up on paperwork and prep Friday's classes. I had 6 classes on Friday — no time to prep. Thursday was a 13 hour day.

Then I'm told on Friday that I have to come in on Saturday to administer a mock TOEFL test. I ended up having to stay late Friday also to prep for the TOEFL test. Another 13 hour day.

Then I had to catch the bus at 7:30 this morning, give the test and grade it, and starve because they didn't bother to make lunch for us.

And this month will continue going down. I've got classes opened for other teachers and staff to sit in on. Other classes that parents will be allowed to sit in on. I detest that kind of thing. There is no respect for the foreign teachers in this school. It's like we're some kind of animal that they can blame thing on when they make mistakes.

That said, I do love my job and all the students.

你要狗肉吗？

2008-05-07T19:22:00.003+08:00

There is a shop that a farmer couple opened up right next to the school. Teachers will usually stop by after lunch to grab a coke or some snacks.

When a few of us went in today we started cracking jokes about their dog. We figured it was probably going to be dinner some time soon. As the discussion progressed we decided to ask if we could buy the dog to eat. We figured it would be a pretty obvious joke and we would get a good laugh out of it.

Not so.

When we asked her she said that this one isn't good for eating — it was too small — but if we wanted she could take us to her house and let us have a look at their bigger dog. There was no tone of jest in her voice either. We kept talking about it trying to make sense of what was going on. She really didn't think we were joking! We told her we were only joking, but she wouldn't let it go. She wanted us to enjoy her dog! As we were leaving she saw us out and told us that if we ever were to reconsider she would take us over to her house to look at her big dog.

I couldn't believe it. If I joked about buying someone's pet to have for dinner in America I would be killed on the spot. If I joke about that here they offer the best tasting pet they own!

2008-05-03T18:29:00.006+08:00

I seriously think I need to start taking some vitamins or something. Especially some calcium.

Last night I was joking around with a friend and he gave me a bear hug from behind. The only problem with that is the fact that I'm tiny, and he's not. He's this tough Chinese dude named Tiger that has studied Kung Fu for years. I was picked up from behind and squeezed when suddenly, CRACK! Shooting pain comes from one of my left ribs close to my sternum. I can even feel a dent in it right where it hurts. I definitely have a cracked rib.

How lame is it that someone can break me just by giving me a hug? I've got to do something about this.

What have I learned?

Love hurts.

Face...

2008-05-02T19:03:00.003+08:00

...and the result of "saving" it too much.

I hate the whole concept of saving face. It basically shows yourself as a different person to everyone else. You have to say one thing to one person and say something completely different to the next.

Essentially, people who save face have the tendency to turn into pathological liars. I have met many, many people out here like that. After knowing them for a little while you have no idea who the heck they are! Drives me insane.

Sports Day.

2008-04-30T20:12:00.009+08:00

Today was sports day for the mid and high school students. The elementary students had sports day on Saturday while we were in class doing the classes that should have occurred today. Working on Saturday sucks.

For anyone who knows me, a "sports day" sounds like my worst nightmare. (Actually I had a dream I punched one of my students the other night. I don't know why, he's a good student... Heh heh.)

It turned out to be fun. There were all kinds of fun things for the kids. Soccer, basketball, volleyball, badminton, tug of war, and for some reason, karaoke.

I was asked to bring my camera and take some pictures for the next English school newspaper. So I didn't even have to play any sports! Oodles of fun. I'll say one thing though, sports photography is hard! I read a little bit about it to get some ideas. One of the big tips was to keep both eyes open instead of closing one eye to look through the view finder. That way you can use your peripheral vision to catch what else is going on and keep an eye out for a good shot. Also, your eyes don't get as tired after hours of looking though the camera. But really, I'm telling you, sports photography is hard.

As always you can click any photo to see it in all it's glory.

Tug of war.

Some of the guys.

The school president playing badminton.Soccer. Some of these kids are actually really good!

Great shot.

On to the basketball.

And I'll finish it off with some portraits.

Stephanie and Melissa - 10e (1oth grade, lowest level) class. They'd be great students if they cared! But, to be fair, their English has improved a lot in the last couple months. Now they give me excuses in full sentences why they don't have homework! Just kidding.

Leo. Another English teacher and all around great guy.

Gabe - 9b. Funny kid, always has crazy things to say.

Stephanie again after singing karaoke. She got really mad at me for keeping this picture.

I like to let students take my camera and play around a bit. If I'm here next year I'm going to run a photography club for the kids.

Tomorrow and Friday i don't have to work! Yes, I can finally do all the things i've been wanting to do — like sleep. Actually, I may take a trip to another nearby city. Either Penglai or Qingdao. My camera will, of course, accompany me.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go figure out how to yell at my maid for breaking my electric shaver.

Room 101

2008-04-26T12:46:00.003+08:00

I seriously doubt anyone will comment on this. Either because you don't know, don't care to find out, or don't want to say.

What is in your Room 101?

I think mine would have hate or silence.

2008-04-24T22:40:00.003+08:00

I found this website via photojojo. It takes your photos and makes them look old. Pretty nifty. I don't know why you would want to do that, but it's still interesting. I don't know anything more than that about the site as I can't read Japanese. Just put your photo in and hit the blue button.

Take this...

...and make this!