My (So-Called) China Life, Year 3!

I say 'so-called' because I have not actually lived 'in' China... Taiwan and Macau are both technically China, though. All of those SAR, PRC, SEZ China acronyms are hard to keep track of. :)

I had an incredible summer as I had the opportunity to spend quality time with a lot of really amazing people. Lucky me! I also was able to Crossfit it up with Deanna and the Crossfit Zone crew in Vic AND with Chad and Crossfit Lethbridge! It helped that I wasn't working (ahhh, life of a teacher, perk 1,634) so I was able to take a trip out to Alberta and do the rounds of family and friends all over the prairie map. It was sooo good to see everyone that I was able to visit. I also had a lot of time to reflect, clarify, and re-focus which definitely has helped my transition back to Macau.

So, now here I am, entering my third year away from home. It's funny; when I moved to Taiwan I thought that I would only be away from home for a year. Then I was hired in Macau for a 2-year contract and here I am, fulfilling my 2nd year of that contract. I flew back on Saturday and I am really happy to be back. Slid right back into the groove of things, back with the morning running crew (Road Runners) and my lone biking buddy as we attempt the arduous hills of Coloane (aka Tour de Coloane). I am living in the same place I moved into in June, but with a new roomie, Cassie (aka travel buddy!). Fun fun fun!!

It is great to be back in the classroom as well. I am very fortunate to have followed (or stalked as they like to say) my students from last year to Grade 10. This semester I am teaching 3 classes of CALM (Career and Life Management) and next semester I teach 2 classes of LA 10-1 and 1 class of SS 10-2. It has been really great to not have to deal with the 'September hoopla,' a love-hate time for most teachers. I know my kids, they know me, let's go! I'm feeling great about this year so far.

What lies ahead? A break in October is screaming MAINLAND CHINA so I am going to book a trip to Guilin very soon. A weekend in Bangkok is booked for November (Plans: 10k race, shopping, and eating copious amounts of thai food). Then, Christmas in India- can the travelling get any better?? As for anything else I am playing it by ear. Hoping for some more family/friend visits this year?

Holidays in case anyone has the travel bug!!!!
October 24-November 1
December 19-January 3
February 13-21
April 2-11
May 21-23

I am going to try and update this more regularly... so stay tuned!!!!

Lisa xo