tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-351581502024-03-19T04:34:54.074-07:00mik's mixthe latest and greatestUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35158150.post-86848667614984590542009-11-22T05:16:00.000-08:002009-11-22T05:22:04.098-08:00on the voice<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEhpLlhYFUmU5-ZKTUu4Ks2TINO58PsfOYhhvaD9Vb3zYSsRDxjksqft7ri6U6KOEExLFp_L-U3sTzUSsaUS32tCy-lce-zIQLJmNSOfJ0gdjCqKCT2M2y1a7uKUcp2fuOQM0P2A/s1600/voice_y2.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEhpLlhYFUmU5-ZKTUu4Ks2TINO58PsfOYhhvaD9Vb3zYSsRDxjksqft7ri6U6KOEExLFp_L-U3sTzUSsaUS32tCy-lce-zIQLJmNSOfJ0gdjCqKCT2M2y1a7uKUcp2fuOQM0P2A/s400/voice_y2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406917591841022274" /></a><br />Voices are strange animals. For example, you can't see your instrument. Secondly, when you get colds, you lose your instrument altogether.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35158150.post-42087790077076308822009-09-25T18:23:00.000-07:002009-09-25T18:31:42.473-07:00back to the future<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDp1771338XlrtLfNNhBla8su1IEwIdmlfWWsj6x5f0jjwqNGYThkTbbpte173qtvGcUQd9CsqyWicYsIpSaCYOMhoy-RPXK0uQEjpZgTnzSGXg10V1E9byw_nLI6IDZU0ik42YA/s1600-h/spokanecountyimage.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 310px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDp1771338XlrtLfNNhBla8su1IEwIdmlfWWsj6x5f0jjwqNGYThkTbbpte173qtvGcUQd9CsqyWicYsIpSaCYOMhoy-RPXK0uQEjpZgTnzSGXg10V1E9byw_nLI6IDZU0ik42YA/s400/spokanecountyimage.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385581287293921922" /></a><br /><br />We have moved back to my hometown- Spokane, Washington!<br />While I loved working with international students at UWSP, I'm enjoying a more artistic and theological position at Whitworth Community Presbyterian Church. Erik is still in education, but now he is an admissions counselor for Gonzaga University. It is really great to be home and employed!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35158150.post-85049041454585200822009-02-15T16:22:00.000-08:002009-02-15T16:34:35.200-08:00Valentine's Mix<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuvIA05eLMtxAlzb-LLnKWaOGaIZyIXL5w37nNybFxqXx8xaJjiarKIG33GqFvhjwCCcS-KLcml8c6I0rIDREkNUXwyqjf55CxZP3M-5leWDp3cC34v2w8zqq2sIaWei2HmpS68g/s1600-h/cupcake.jpeg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 114px; height: 122px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuvIA05eLMtxAlzb-LLnKWaOGaIZyIXL5w37nNybFxqXx8xaJjiarKIG33GqFvhjwCCcS-KLcml8c6I0rIDREkNUXwyqjf55CxZP3M-5leWDp3cC34v2w8zqq2sIaWei2HmpS68g/s200/cupcake.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303187010751635538" /></a><br />We all love a good mix tape. Here is mine from this year's Valentine's Day.<br /><br />Oye Como Va- Tito Puente (best dance song ever)<br />You're the one I want- Chris & Thomas (smashing charmer of a song)<br />Birds & Ships- Natalie Merchant (for the sad side of Valentine's Day)<br />Love You Madly- Cake <br />So Nice So Smart-Kimya Dawson (best lyric, "I like boys with strong convictions, and convicts with perfect diction")<br />Sea of Love- Cat Power (this cover is pure romance)<br />Wonderful Night-Fatboy Slim (another great dance tune)<br />Anthony- Nickel Creek (for the one that got away)<br />A Wink and a Smile- Harry Connick Jr. (A classic)<br />Do Your Thing- Basement Jaxx (I dare you to sit still during this song)<br />Beautiful Life- Ace of Base (oldie but goodie)<br />Sweet Pea- Amos Lee <br />Aux Champs-Elysees- Gilles David OrchestraUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35158150.post-89097632574144123362009-01-20T07:05:00.000-08:002009-01-20T08:27:36.963-08:00Celebration of Discipline<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj356FpglS5XPB4YATF0faxtnTbsjMPWIj1-qQsoT3ZI41LNDCkkU81-ztaHq5AcKQGBiWJV8OkDSZZECHmJPYLqh1bKUSEC_ha7KXashmPSyURAkyEs3zNObL2jmXfZ-DOr1A79g/s1600-h/discipline.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 92px; height: 137px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj356FpglS5XPB4YATF0faxtnTbsjMPWIj1-qQsoT3ZI41LNDCkkU81-ztaHq5AcKQGBiWJV8OkDSZZECHmJPYLqh1bKUSEC_ha7KXashmPSyURAkyEs3zNObL2jmXfZ-DOr1A79g/s200/discipline.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293413220975333138" /></a><br />One of my favorite books is by Richard Foster. <br /><br />I like him for 3 reasons:<br /><br />1- He is a Quaker.<br />2- He is insightful and nuanced.<br />3- He wrote "Celebration of Discipline"<br /><br />It is great book to use in discussion with others or just to read on your own. I read it first by myself, and found myself wanting to discuss the ideas with others. This year we are reading it with our small group. One of Foster's main ideas is that the disciplines bring freedom. We are freed from our dependence on always having our own way when we submit to God's will. We are freed from our worry and selfishness when we practice the discipline of prayer. We are freed from hurry and business when we practice the discipline of simplicity and let God fill the space in our lives that we filled with other things. <br /><br />May we all find peace in life by making room for God to give it to us.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35158150.post-17312014970436167022008-11-12T09:56:00.000-08:002008-11-12T10:25:47.693-08:00A few tired phrasesmassive bailout plan<br /><br />insurance giant AIG<br /><br />historic election<br /><br /><br />in the spirit of change- <br /><br />prodigous bailout plan<br /><br />insurance titan AIG<br /><br />election of consesquenceUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35158150.post-83273199018461705182008-10-09T12:38:00.000-07:002008-11-12T09:56:05.454-08:00Coming home crazy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXOrGmEmCZLwC4mGqWcMJF_0xrH3f8IRtCCdhq2SPYC1DWFGsESKiT4bRkx33GyW7g6YkZXSQxXVSY5GnpDL_CBmkhsjBJCZgzlhSZlOLftnFeqAnnlInQCJgWYueKzvRVtq_RBQ/s1600-h/ComiH.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 197px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXOrGmEmCZLwC4mGqWcMJF_0xrH3f8IRtCCdhq2SPYC1DWFGsESKiT4bRkx33GyW7g6YkZXSQxXVSY5GnpDL_CBmkhsjBJCZgzlhSZlOLftnFeqAnnlInQCJgWYueKzvRVtq_RBQ/s200/ComiH.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267829925244398594" /></a><br /><br />I just received a letter that I wrote myself at the end of my year spent in China. It was hilarious in its predictions of the future and specific in its recommendations. The things that the letter asked me to do haven't yet been done. I've got to get going. I think the list holds some keys to the reconciliation of everything that is swirling around in my head about the world. One of the things it asked me to do was tremendous amounts of reading. Something about living in China gave me this HUGE appreciate for the vast amounts of amazing reading (in English) we have here in the US, and I wanted my future self to take advantage of it. <br /><br />I've been reading a book lately called "Coming Home Crazy", by a man who taught English in China right before T-square in 1989 (Bill Holm). The book is filled with very humorous and insightful essays about his mishaps, adventures and observations about a Minnesotan man bumbling around in a 6,000 year old culture. One section made me laugh a lot today and I'm going to type part of it here for your enjoyment. <br /><br />"About twenty Minnesotans arrived in Xi'an when I did. Some were old, some middle-aged, some young, but all Midwesterners united by their fat, by continual complaining abuot it and by imaginative and expensive plans to do something about it. Unconsciously they had done the only useful thing possible. They arrived in China for a long strech. Dieting, planned exercising and the twelve-step program are about as effective against fat as slingshots against howitzers, or herbal teas against brain tumors. They pass conversational time and facilitate the exchange of goods but leave the bellly pressed snugly against its buttons. But China works. You walk or ride a clunker bicycle slowly for miles a day; you shiver indoors for six months and sweat for six; both activities dispose of your stomach; you each when you can and what you can and buy whatever you have enough language to ask for, if it is available, though probably not; you have diarrhea occasionally, a gift from the local bactieria, and therefore think intelligently about what you put in your mouth..."<br /><br />This makes me laugh especially because many times I hear international students complaining about how much weight they have gained after coming to America. We try to warn them when they arrive, but they usually think we are joking. I also laugh because I just started employee wellness personal training (planned exercising, imaginative and expensive plans) and we'll see if I can work on my post-China pudge (cringe...) in the heart of cheese country. <br /><br />Wish me luck people. I'm a far cry from those daily hour long power walks in 130% humidity in Nanchang.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35158150.post-60478609067717198932008-09-25T09:01:00.000-07:002008-09-25T09:52:28.880-07:0024Yesterday was my golden birthday. When I was little I looked forward to the day when I would be 24 on the 24th of September. I wondered what my life would look like, if I would even be alive, and what crazy thing I could do to commemorate the day. I remember thinking that going up in a hot air balloon might be an appropriate activity. Hahha... well.... on my actual golden birthday I didn't do anything very out of the ordinary except for lock my keys out of my car. But, I did receive a lot of love from family and friends and I had a wonderful day. I have decided that 24 hours is much too short to celebrate something as cool as turning 24, so I'm going to spread this celebration out over the whole year. 24 is going to be a good one. Please leave your suggestions on appropriate celebrations.<br /><br />Also, to celebrate turning 24 I have posted some of the lyrics from Switchfoot's song 24. I've always loved this song, and while I think posting song lyrics can be really anti-climactic compared to hearing the actual song, I posted most of them. Check out the actual link to the song below too.<br /><br />Twenty four oceans<br />Twenty four skies<br />Twenty four failures<br />Twenty four tries<br />Twenty four finds me<br />In twenty-fourth place<br />Twenty four drop outs<br />At the end of the day<br /><br />Life is not what I thought it was<br />Twenty four hours ago<br /><br />And I'm not who I thought I was twenty four hours ago<br />Twenty four reasons to admit that I'm wrong<br />With all my excuses still twenty four strong<br /><br />But I want to be one today<br />Centered and true<br />I'm singing Spirit take me up in arms with You<br />You're raising the dead in me<br /><br />I want to see miracles, see the world change<br />Wrestled the angel, for more than a name<br />For more than a feeling<br />For more than a cause<br />I'm singing Spirit take me up in arms with You<br /><br />And You're raising the dead in me<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlagfciU_PU&feature=related">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLagfciU_PU&feature=related</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35158150.post-62618453579268381542008-09-18T08:20:00.001-07:002008-09-18T08:28:08.827-07:00The Spirit Catches You<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiteYPyo419oCjdfmr3IJJu-ZNrX7bvX4nmIvJH9ZT545nNBCfTam-JHZO1kVM7holbT1NVRAUdHfN7P2-8RMNZSr9Hnw_TnPR-4r0pBbqmF0NB_As_LKWiEz7wnUo4SUhyphenhyphenr5lWsw/s1600-h/Sprit+catches.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiteYPyo419oCjdfmr3IJJu-ZNrX7bvX4nmIvJH9ZT545nNBCfTam-JHZO1kVM7holbT1NVRAUdHfN7P2-8RMNZSr9Hnw_TnPR-4r0pBbqmF0NB_As_LKWiEz7wnUo4SUhyphenhyphenr5lWsw/s200/Sprit+catches.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247383472962532178" /></a><br />I just devoured a book by Anne Fadiman called "The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down". It details the history of the Hmong people in the US (and their role fighting for the US in Laos), traces a compelling medical case, and the difficulties in intercultural communication between a Hmong family and their American doctors. I couldn't put it down. Wausau has a large Hmong population and those that I have met are really fabulous people. I'm glad I read this book because it gives me a more basic understanding of Hmong culture and history.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35158150.post-61228974370772316542008-09-08T10:23:00.000-07:002008-09-08T10:31:36.548-07:00Choir is for Lovers<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_0SkjydxsJisNsrX1ni5Ck51_OdTaDNEP5iOKY9rDZKXQe2KFwZ97duuWTOH82bM6YESweTBg9evcjIpj_YMl37QJqaBSPoT5Le2Vf4UhKnTT6UAYocXnQ6ij6hfCDGDHNr8GLA/s1600-h/opera+singer.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_0SkjydxsJisNsrX1ni5Ck51_OdTaDNEP5iOKY9rDZKXQe2KFwZ97duuWTOH82bM6YESweTBg9evcjIpj_YMl37QJqaBSPoT5Le2Vf4UhKnTT6UAYocXnQ6ij6hfCDGDHNr8GLA/s200/opera+singer.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243702458969854370" /></a><br /><br />Last night Erik and I had our first night with the Wausau Lyric Choir. Its been two years (!) since I have sung in a choir. Its been two years too long.<br /><br />We are going to perform The Messiah at The Grand Theatre Saturday, December 13th at 7:30.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35158150.post-59536004249184854672008-08-26T08:59:00.000-07:002008-08-26T14:03:00.822-07:00The entire world in the middle of nowhere<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMAuUNEeo2e1dJNUi6flOyuePvqqqExpe-pTyEfDyPYX_BV9AadKqjXqSqdF2sn2PZK8TqVwEszopV-1DqbPGUkR-WcJDwGE8Cub7FDTLekTc3hjDXIyMSC6aR7SOjneSdPJ8qbQ/s1600-h/Georgian+Flag.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMAuUNEeo2e1dJNUi6flOyuePvqqqExpe-pTyEfDyPYX_BV9AadKqjXqSqdF2sn2PZK8TqVwEszopV-1DqbPGUkR-WcJDwGE8Cub7FDTLekTc3hjDXIyMSC6aR7SOjneSdPJ8qbQ/s200/Georgian+Flag.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238857780394883522" /></a><br /><br />I used to be afraid of North Central Wisconsin. Hunting, beer... football... We had been planning on Chicago. Music...art...culture... My imagination hadn't included a smaller city as an option. But its definitely growing on me. Of course, with a year under my belt and a growing community of friends I'm feeling more optimistic. <br /><br />One thing I'm loving about Wisconsin is the people I meet at my day job (I teach music lessons- <span style="font-style:italic;">by night</span>). As a program assistant with the International Student Office I spend my days supporting students from all over the globe. This week orientation began at UW-Stevens Point. The international students converged from 16 countries. I got to each lunch today with German, Vietnamese, Japanese and Canadian students (and that was just a my table). My favorite part was when a German student was complaining about how much English sounded like a hammer. He said German is more poetic. <br /><br />Old friends from this year are coming back with tales of the their summers. Some of these stories are exciting (travels with family, being at the Olympic opening ceremonies and getting home at 3 a.m., job offers with theater companies in the U.S.), and others will be fearful (stories of sudden war in Georgia, earthquake recovery). When I moved back from China I never thought that I would remain in this cosmopolitan of a setting, but here I am. Suddenly, the entire world is in the middle of nowhere.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35158150.post-35866919938360117772008-08-15T09:05:00.000-07:002008-08-15T12:36:14.154-07:00Book Club Mania<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBqPVAawE3jHlhb9JG3bXUX0Yek-NfygTFf8H4E2-A3QvDp2fodpwc58GDBdPPprDF0Xlu1wAW1m9K_dUyse4fEf8oCwnCHpY1FKQ3T5U3Kvl_yjmeHg1S8Ln7AbEifSlaQwo9lg/s1600-h/Brothers+K.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBqPVAawE3jHlhb9JG3bXUX0Yek-NfygTFf8H4E2-A3QvDp2fodpwc58GDBdPPprDF0Xlu1wAW1m9K_dUyse4fEf8oCwnCHpY1FKQ3T5U3Kvl_yjmeHg1S8Ln7AbEifSlaQwo9lg/s200/Brothers+K.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234776709816702722" /></a><br /><br />It all began when I learned about Melissa and Andrew's book club in Ottawa. They got together with friends at a local coffee shop and discussed a portion of Augustine's Confessions. I realized that I was missing out. Thankfully, Erik and Mac agreed to form a Wausau Chapter (I know..I know its small) We've chosen the Russian classic Brothers Karamazov by Dostoevsky. Perhaps it should be placed on your "Must read before death" lists. The reading experience has been greatly enhanced by having freakishly intelligent people in the book club with me and some friendly accountability to read the next chapter.<br /><br />People! Book clubs are so great! I propose you start one now. Here are the simple steps to beginning a fabulous book club.<br /><br /> 1-Start talking to your friends about it. See if you have any dream reads in common. ex. "I've always wanted to read War and Peace, but I can't!" Make sure to recruit at least 2 English/Philosophy/Anthropology types so you can listen to their analysis. <br /> 2-Choose a book. Preferably a good one. Research the most excellent translation.<br /> 3-Choose a time, preferably on a Friday right after work, to meet and purchase the books together. This builds group unity. Then go out for pizza after you buy your books and think about how cool your book club will be.<br /> 4-Meet once a week and discuss the characters, plot, epic themes and hilarious moments. <br /><br />Book Club Wausau is currently researching our second book choice. Any suggestions?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35158150.post-71208305176475596702007-10-31T10:20:00.000-07:002007-10-31T11:00:19.895-07:00Vortex (Knot) / winnie the pooh!!**<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXNHZZVEsNqVx3Ets9_t0J2PHEHRIhrwFLtLi_Jvv70S0TZWFNwvPLh1TvZAXUXMNYd4T8VwI2_OuNkOZDH9piTV2AcEk6XLEIQVUU7hIs8vYknkQaG_ONmctmjgbAGwhhyphenhyphenO10hQ/s1600-h/Leaf_Engagement_Pictures_034.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXNHZZVEsNqVx3Ets9_t0J2PHEHRIhrwFLtLi_Jvv70S0TZWFNwvPLh1TvZAXUXMNYd4T8VwI2_OuNkOZDH9piTV2AcEk6XLEIQVUU7hIs8vYknkQaG_ONmctmjgbAGwhhyphenhyphenO10hQ/s320/Leaf_Engagement_Pictures_034.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5127562218708002962" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwOMNbNfvPUAKyR36OGKKBQYIQr5ZH6eEf_ra7a-zF-T2EP_s3GSyuhjAzdrG8LZ0cNjWi8RHdGHCWmdJuSPDKNLfoe3Vo63w38FhMVEqbCs5Yutp7TRBb33ljaSOxBa3vW0clQA/s1600-h/knot.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwOMNbNfvPUAKyR36OGKKBQYIQr5ZH6eEf_ra7a-zF-T2EP_s3GSyuhjAzdrG8LZ0cNjWi8RHdGHCWmdJuSPDKNLfoe3Vo63w38FhMVEqbCs5Yutp7TRBb33ljaSOxBa3vW0clQA/s320/knot.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5127555179256604802" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOB2YDz-eAcpebMSVs9RB9VqtR-LHyZCV6PJXpPoBSXN97zJup48oyHJUofOUBDzOCIQrAmg99SNP-JgSY4zn_DoqHPqdS0aYbicmJOBCrg7_n80zAdHgIVcWLMVSDMdBDK3BcpQ/s1600-h/Vortex.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOB2YDz-eAcpebMSVs9RB9VqtR-LHyZCV6PJXpPoBSXN97zJup48oyHJUofOUBDzOCIQrAmg99SNP-JgSY4zn_DoqHPqdS0aYbicmJOBCrg7_n80zAdHgIVcWLMVSDMdBDK3BcpQ/s320/Vortex.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5127552662405769330" /></a><br />A vortex (pl. vortices) is a spinning, often turbulent, flow (or any spiral motion) with closed streamlines. The shape of media or mass swirling rapidly around a center forms a vortex. It flows in a circular motion.<br /><br />I don't really understand exactly what a vortex is, or how it works, but I feel that it is an apt analogy for the past few months of my life. I think I am finally to the point where I can sit back and reflect a little on events, instead of swirling around in a turbulent and spinning circular motion. Reflection is usually an important part of my existence-- I enjoy journaling and day-dreaming, blogging and "processing" life with others in long conversations. (Even though I dislike to equate people with machines, the word "processing" is a helpful descriptor. I'm suddenly remembering a moment during a class debate last year in China when Stella yelled out, "WE ARE NOT MACHINES" and thrust her clenched fist into the air... simply amazing.) It is noteable that since I have arrived back from China I have spent VERY little time writing or blogging. With the advent of this renewed urge to write (spurred on by Alli's recent prolific blogging and a desire to keep in touch with people, (Shout out Grandma!) ) I think this is a good sign that I am arriving at a bit more stability of life! Yay! <br /><br />My life has not been unstable in a negative way... on the contrary there have been such incredible blessings of the past few months that I can't begin to take it in. June-October has definately been characterized by TRANSITION. Transition to good things, but transition nonetheless. <br /><br />Breathe. <br /><br />One of the truly wonderful blessings has been getting engaged to Erik. He is truly amazing and I am so glad and richly blessed to spend the rest of my life with him! <br /><br />(WOW!!!!) <br /><br />I am currently wrapping my brain around the fact that we will be married in less than 2 months! An example of how mushy I am right now is characterized by my experience in a flower shop last week. I was glancing around at the decorations they had on the wall and I read these words on a sign...<br /><br />“If you live to be 100, I hope I live to be 100 minus 1 day, so I never have to live without you.” (Winnie the Pooh)<br /><br />And I started crying. And its true. I hope I never have to live without you Erik. I love you!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35158150.post-60036680184312042472007-08-30T15:13:00.000-07:002007-08-30T15:24:13.435-07:00Summer 2007<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzNPDrHOCxpgzcyr3_SKJkhyWEV9odBHPbu11t2Q26qFjixjM3i6yKQiwecWhb79rElq173csS3QK-B6htzgwZUDUCc4gXq1B_4IFumNeYV7rt0uh0lVq4PbvgVPjOVp49U6ecfQ/s1600-h/Alley+in+Europe.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzNPDrHOCxpgzcyr3_SKJkhyWEV9odBHPbu11t2Q26qFjixjM3i6yKQiwecWhb79rElq173csS3QK-B6htzgwZUDUCc4gXq1B_4IFumNeYV7rt0uh0lVq4PbvgVPjOVp49U6ecfQ/s400/Alley+in+Europe.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104622817968953586" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgur-Ei3jXktbH4CZNrs5TslwzlbYNr1tmmm4ZyOO9J1_tBL-ggMF4dO-xBlKnwajVIKF1KH-I2ALPas04IQxFQcCkOddnif3EzZZd1ZzLps3rgeBRF0znXzgfWc0Ch50UopwD_g/s1600-h/stained+glass.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgur-Ei3jXktbH4CZNrs5TslwzlbYNr1tmmm4ZyOO9J1_tBL-ggMF4dO-xBlKnwajVIKF1KH-I2ALPas04IQxFQcCkOddnif3EzZZd1ZzLps3rgeBRF0znXzgfWc0Ch50UopwD_g/s400/stained+glass.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104621228831054050" /></a><br /><br />This summmer I had the incredible opportunity to go to Europe with Erik and his parents. We saw so many amazing art museums, churches, cities and people. One thing that really stood out to me was the richness of the cultural heritage of faith. I saw the story, again and again in such beautiful ways.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35158150.post-61886370503781539612007-07-06T09:56:00.000-07:002007-07-06T10:56:17.343-07:00Green Grass and Coming Home<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZiwUBqDJHBFd-0T9yHXgDf1gcGnguF8Tgtj2N9Kh3GgBWu2TQ0FxsVMVa4GifeBrINJfz1H8WRI_TCW_DW28wVwai4vaBCyDYxDs4aW5tgUTKVfHfhNPKzF22oZLTdr3YonvjIA/s1600-h/lawn.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZiwUBqDJHBFd-0T9yHXgDf1gcGnguF8Tgtj2N9Kh3GgBWu2TQ0FxsVMVa4GifeBrINJfz1H8WRI_TCW_DW28wVwai4vaBCyDYxDs4aW5tgUTKVfHfhNPKzF22oZLTdr3YonvjIA/s400/lawn.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5084131366391530290" /></a><br /><br />I have arrived back to the USA!<br /><br />My journey looked something like this:<br /><br />-a farewell from about 20 of my students<br />-a van ride to the trainstation<br />-an all night train from Nanchang to Beijing<br />-a debriefing session in Beijing<br />-a 14 hour plane ride from Beijing-Shanghai-LAX (at this point I got to hang out with my cousin in LA! She is awesome!)<br />-a 2 hour flight from LAX to Spokane<br /><br />It has been so wonderful to see my family again and to feel at home.<br /><br />Before I left I was warned about a phenomena called "reverse culture shock".<br />So far I am experiencing the "honeymoon stage" of "reverse culture shock". <br />While it hasn't been difficult to be home I have noticed some interesting differences between China and America. I keep seeing everything through the eyes of my Chinese friends and imagining how they would view America. Things that I always assumed were normal suddenly strike me curiously. <br /><br />For example:<br /><br />-the abundance of wonderful green lawns. I did not see any lawns in China and I sometimes wonder if the thought of a sprinkler system would be offensive or miraculous to the water depleted northern areas.<br />-the abundance of cars and the absence of motorcycles and bicycles. I think the driving lifestyle in America as well as the relative order of the traffic would be very interesting to my Chinese friends. <br />-the absence of people outside.<br />-the fact that everyone is speaking English. I have been so happy to be able to make small talk with strangers! I've always enjoyed talking to people at the grocery store or talking to little kids, but I couldn't do this in China. <br />-the material I can access on the internet<br />-the things I can say<br /><br />Often when I told Chinese students that I was from America they would say something like this, "Oh! America is a very developed country!" This struck me strangely as the first comment to make about a country, but in fact, after being back, that might be one of the first comments I would make too. <br /><br />G.K. Chesteron said, <strong><em>"The whole object of travel is not to set foot on foreign land; it is at last to set foot on one's own country as a foreign land."</em></strong><br /><br />I like this quote because I think it has helped me to understand what has been happening to me this year. I leared a lot about China, but I also see my own country differently. I think one of the main changes that has happened in my life this year is that I see my role here differently. I have been welcomed into the land of China and I want to be a person who welcomes newcomers into the land of America. Its hard to be away from your own culture and America has so many people coming from different places that its easy to build friendships with people from all over the world. This is an amazing opportunity and it is at our front door if we open our eyes.<br /><br />How I have changed in other ways:<br />-I say random things in Chinese instead of Spanish or English. I will say "due" instead of "si" or "yes". I will say "shi shi ni" instead of "gracias" or "thankyou".<br />-The way I speak has changed. I have stopped using reductions and slang. (I do not understand, instead of I don't understand). I speak slower. I use smaller words. Being an English teacher has decreased my vocabulary.<br />-I am more grateful.<br />-I am relatively obsessed with Asia! The continent has come alive to me and it is a real place with a fascinating history and a fascinating future even though it is far away. <br />-I am not afriad to move to a different country.<br />-I will never look at a "made in China" label the same again. Many of my friends worked in factories before they came to college.<br /><br />I am really glad to be home and while I don't know exactly how this year in China will play into my future I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to go. <br /><br />I look forward to catching up with you all! Please don't hesitate to call or write!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35158150.post-8507300647586521362007-05-28T19:11:00.000-07:002007-05-28T19:13:06.068-07:00More Pictures!I have created a flickr site! Check it out! You can download photos too! <br /><br />www.flickr.com/photos/missmikaylaUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35158150.post-55719810249644102082007-05-25T06:10:00.000-07:002007-05-26T21:57:07.933-07:00A day in the lifeToday I woke up and got ready for my 8:00 freshman oral English class. I had a pretty good nights sleep, except for some mosquitoes. My roomate and I have been struggling with keeping them out of our apartment, and have been experiementing with various combinations of sprays, coils and sleeping completely under the covers. <br /><br />I walked over to class with Alli across the basketball courts to the English building. Its hot and humid in Nanchang, even in the morning! My class is on the 4th floor of the building. I greeted the class as I walked in and explained to them that our final exam would actually be this next week instead of in 2 weeks like I had told them the last time we had class. I had just received word that our classes would be pushed up a week. I'm still not sure why, but at the beginning of the year we were told to be flexible. The kids didn't bat and eye at the news. They are used to things changing around them. China is changing so rapidly as a nation, and I think that sometimes China has succeeded for so long because their people are so flexible. Nanchang itself is changing quickly too. <br /><br />Class went well and we practiced our speeches and reviewed for the final written exam. I noticed a student reading the school newspaper and she pointed out that Blue Sky had just recieved the rating as the number one private school in China. Sweet! I teach here! I wondered what kind of schedule changes were going down at number 49! <br /><br /> I taught two, two hour classes and then headed back to my apartment to take a rest, or as we say in America, "siesta". I got a chance to talk on the phone with my boyfriend for awhile and then with my mom and dad after that... It was great. I can't believe I'm coming home in about a month! I like it here, but I definitely miss home. <br /><br /> I had some penne pasta for lunch that I bought at the German import store called Metro. We can find some more familiar food there, and while it is more expensive than Chinese food, it is not too bad. My favorite things to buy there include whole wheat ceral and pasta sauce. You know, the necessities. <br /><br />Friday is a day for Chinese lessons, which are usually held at the Old Campus office. However, the OC office was shut down because the whole building was being sealed for use the next day. The college entrance exam is going to be administered in the building and it is being cleaned and guarded so there is no cheating, etc. Emily is visiting her cousin, so it was just Alli and I for the Chinese lessons with Billy. Mr Li picked us up in the school van and took us to the New Campus office (about 10-15 minutes away). We met Billy (Billy is our FAO, or Foreign Affairs Officer) and began practicing the vocabulary for asking about the time and scheduling appointments. Billy always like to joke around, so we had some good laughs. He taught us how to say, "You look very ugly", and he also told us some stories of humorous English mistakes he has witnessed- like a sign that said, "THe toilet will provide you with free kidnappings" or ," Lushan Mountain attacks more than a million tourists each year." <br /><br />After our lessons Alli and I stayed at the New Campus office and waited for the van to take us back to the Old Campus. Rachel introduced us to a group of about 8 students who had come to visit her and ask questions in the office. They were trying to reschedule their final exam because they were leaving the school to go do some recruiting of other students. I heard Rachel say, "You can take the exam if you get back before June 13th." The girls came over and started talking to Dan, because he could speak Chinese. This makes him really cool, all of the time. I feel jealous and wish that I knew more than I did. Dan went to intensive language school for 2 years though, and I'm not sure that is for me, just yet anyways. Alli and I began to "adjust" things on Steven and Emily's desks, (which we were sitting at for our lessons). The Japanese teacher Takao San was giving finals for his Japanese class, so there were people speaking Japanese and Chinese at the same time. I smiled.<br /><br />We took the van back to the Old Campus and made some jokes about being ugly and about smelly feet in Chinese. Then we had dinner at the local team favorite, "Babylon." One of the joys of being in China is coming up with alternative names for restaurants. Dan, Rachel, Alli and I chose to have eggplant with meat, potato slivers, tofu wraps with meat and onions and a green pepper and egg dish. Yum! I really like Chinese food. I never liked eggplant or most of the food I eat here before, but I think its scrumptious now. Just not for every meal though. Dinner cost 8 yuan a person, which is equal to $1. <br /><br />On the way back a group of kids yelled hello at us as we walked through the alley. Dan and Alli decided to get haircuts and Rachel and I came back. I grabbed a cup of tapioca mlik tea from my favorite stand first. It costs 1.5 yuan, or about 20 cents. I got my standard, original flavor, and the girls who worked there smiled at me. There she is, the foreigner, getting her milk tea again... didn't she get one yesterday? Yes, she did. <br /><br />I came back to the apartment and received a text message from my student Robin. She had told me earlier that day that she wanted me to visit her dorm room and that she had a present for me. She came and met me at my apartment and walked me over to her dormitory. There are 8 girls in one dorm room. They had red Chinese lanterns and paper cranes hanging from the ceiling. Each girl had her own mosquito net and had posters decorating the area near their bed. I noticed a HUGE Allan Iverson poster and asked Robin whose it was. She smiled and said, "It's mine!" I just had to laugh. <br /><br />She gave me a traditional red paper cutting that her mother had made. It was an intricate design with the character for "double happiness" and birds. Double happiness is a character which is often used at weddings and festivals. Robin also gave me some hand embroidered foot pads that she had made herself. They were really beautiful. She gave me some more milk tea. My classes know that I like it! This flavor was taro root, and it is a purple color. Yum! She had also bought me some food from her hometown province, but I had just eaten dinner so she said I could take it home with me instead of eating it right then. <br /><br />Robin asked for a picture of me, and I had brought one in my purse. Students always ask for pictures and I had brought some small ones with me, as well as U.S. coins and stamps to use as gifts. We exchanged addresses and she wrote out her home address in character for me. She asked what I would do when I came back to America. She wondered if I would come back to the same school, or even China. I asked her about her family. She is the daugher of farmers who grow wheat and beans. She said that her parents work very hard and always tell her to work hard so she doesn't have to be a farmer. She explained to me that in China farmers work very hard because they do not have machines to do the work for them. She has a sister who is 28 who will have a baby soon. Her hometown is from further north, so she was struggling with the heat of Nanchang. <br /><br />Her roomates smiled at me and we exchanged a few words. I stayed for 2 hours and then came back to my apartment. After an hour or so Rachel called and said that the computer monitor of their computer broke and so she needed to get the one from my apartment. My internet in my apartment doesn't work, and I always use the one upstairs anyways. Rachel's laptop broke earlier this year, and so this is probably the second set of data she has lost. <br /><br />Its quiet in my apartment because Emily is gone. I am having friends over tomorrow morning early, so I should go to bed soon. I just hope there are no more mosquitos.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35158150.post-86422198188791553822007-04-30T20:54:00.000-07:002007-04-30T22:29:21.915-07:00Two trees in the ocean<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdo9UOa5by6CUTNG510o3IQuSKChFbOnCM_RHWdj8dNyYfTyK0mX3ORs08vkJ2RdiDo185ulLPvUO7YPuB6X-4cwqszUNko5UsmIxnnBp4EY2qxz_gDaskGDa5R4TIlgbyTeR5Hg/s1600-h/S3600105.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdo9UOa5by6CUTNG510o3IQuSKChFbOnCM_RHWdj8dNyYfTyK0mX3ORs08vkJ2RdiDo185ulLPvUO7YPuB6X-4cwqszUNko5UsmIxnnBp4EY2qxz_gDaskGDa5R4TIlgbyTeR5Hg/s400/S3600105.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5059459878756635250" /></a><br /><br /><br />Koh Payam Island, ThailandUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35158150.post-3039653231138954942007-04-30T20:53:00.000-07:002007-04-30T20:54:09.783-07:00Mr. Gao and his son in the longboat.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif8_zkB3oyTNKeTxt1kVrOpgMUm7T6o39pedMHs0bWy5_mYPa3tC_tz0VA1jmZaPjn-z-ZKrUkUjIAYK3_9Vum3JKgbAmHeZ9wDtihutwcex-rRVeyzhyfWmyySe0JkumB45YopQ/s1600-h/S3600047.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif8_zkB3oyTNKeTxt1kVrOpgMUm7T6o39pedMHs0bWy5_mYPa3tC_tz0VA1jmZaPjn-z-ZKrUkUjIAYK3_9Vum3JKgbAmHeZ9wDtihutwcex-rRVeyzhyfWmyySe0JkumB45YopQ/s400/S3600047.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5059435517702132306" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35158150.post-10126867263797233072007-04-30T20:50:00.000-07:002007-04-30T20:52:17.911-07:00Thai tree<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEuqnLSeppZqSaORgHDKiAIYWkErMBJj40xE9GzHwcGHE_ehlg4pM31wBnWiZv-FT-rqir4rNx3QemzgHPECXJDjX3p5G-nNbrqo-NfIBF6LNyLCh7Y2-5gQuYRQXQOd8OFtstmw/s1600-h/S3600003.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEuqnLSeppZqSaORgHDKiAIYWkErMBJj40xE9GzHwcGHE_ehlg4pM31wBnWiZv-FT-rqir4rNx3QemzgHPECXJDjX3p5G-nNbrqo-NfIBF6LNyLCh7Y2-5gQuYRQXQOd8OFtstmw/s400/S3600003.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5059434907816776258" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35158150.post-9340468922153714192007-04-30T20:35:00.001-07:002007-04-30T20:44:44.925-07:00Mark<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h3Tj9hrLA2E/Rja26xyhUjI/AAAAAAAAABI/czTg2OGrpZM/s1600-h/S3600307.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h3Tj9hrLA2E/Rja26xyhUjI/AAAAAAAAABI/czTg2OGrpZM/s400/S3600307.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5059432352311235122" /></a><br /><br />Mark, selling books enthusiastically at the English Market. This is an activity which allows students to practice their English and buy newspapers in English, or other used English books. Mark always greets me with a big grin and a "Hello Miss Mikayla! How are you a doing?"Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35158150.post-83004701131005753322007-04-23T03:48:00.000-07:002007-04-23T04:02:52.798-07:00Stella<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia71f8WVeBV7UAujtXTE393gDqUIOEgQSf8X74o_L7qtaMm26cE74pvavk-OsmXAHL-MN9i0uKCbAL2eEl1roUYUrY3H388aH1_kdR03IHbnULbVkYP1cz_oXovqbnXCMpwHHd2Q/s1600-h/S3600335.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia71f8WVeBV7UAujtXTE393gDqUIOEgQSf8X74o_L7qtaMm26cE74pvavk-OsmXAHL-MN9i0uKCbAL2eEl1roUYUrY3H388aH1_kdR03IHbnULbVkYP1cz_oXovqbnXCMpwHHd2Q/s400/S3600335.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5056574084099112706" /></a><br /><br />Today I saw Stella compete at the school ping-pong tournament. She didn't win, but she had a good time. Stella is characterized by her pig tails, an incessant giggle and a flair for the dramatic. At one moment she is like a little girl, and the next she is a serious student, trying to grasp a concept or word and make it her own. <br /><br />I met Stella in class and had the privilege of naming her. She wanted to be named Steve, but after a peek at her purple shoes, I thought we should go with Stella. Stella always makes me laugh. Her Chinese name sounds similar to "Wrong Way" and she likes to joke about it. She also has frequent hilarious dreams which she describes in detail.<br /><br />Today was a pretty hard China day, but was good to see Stella in the middle of it and have her be so excited to see me. I took this picture while she was trying to run away from the camera, and I think it captures some of who Stella is.... (When she saw it she said, "Monster!" and pretended like she didn't like it, but I'm pretty sure she did.)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35158150.post-4698947978217179572007-04-20T01:49:00.000-07:002007-04-20T02:45:32.152-07:00Pollution<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyfmUzm-UbXz2BHB0hO84R1zc4Zwq3HgGIVKJrwj6iZSeRBVfAd6ySs-Ymd-b1frCr4Zb7gkNjwvFL1eELjcl3dfJ0B5_Z9U02zk_7R5G6RzD0eprWDWn_XwGJQu1R8HOchPzf1g/s1600-h/big+river.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyfmUzm-UbXz2BHB0hO84R1zc4Zwq3HgGIVKJrwj6iZSeRBVfAd6ySs-Ymd-b1frCr4Zb7gkNjwvFL1eELjcl3dfJ0B5_Z9U02zk_7R5G6RzD0eprWDWn_XwGJQu1R8HOchPzf1g/s400/big+river.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5055430050840346354" /></a><br /><br />Here are a few interesting news items I read lately:<br /><br />China: Yangtze is Irreversibly Polluted (April 13, 2007, AFP)<br /><br />China's massive Yangtze river, a lifeline for tens of millions of people, is seriously polluted and the damage is almost irreversible, a state-run newspaper said Monday. More than 370 miles of the river are in critical condition and almost 30 percent of its major tributaries are seriously polluted, the China Daily said, citing a report by the Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The pollution, along with damming and heavy use of boats, has caused a sharp decline in aquatic life along the Yangtze. The report said the annual harvest of aquatic products from the river has dropped from 427,000 tons in the 1950s to about 100,000 tons in the 1990s. It also showed that the huge reservoir created by the Three Gorges Dam, the world's biggest hydropower project, was seriously polluted by pesticides, fertilizers and sewage from passenger boats.<br /><br />China About to Become Biggest CO-2 Emitter: IEA (April 18, 2007, Reuters)<br /><br />China will overtake the United States as the world's biggest emitter of heat-trapping carbon dioxide (CO2) either this year or next, the International Energy Agency said on Wednesday. The estimate is much firmer than the IEA's previous forecast, last November, that on current trends China would overtake the United States before 2010. China is set to become the world's top carbon emitter just as serious talks start to extend the U.N.-sponsored Kyoto Protocol on global warming beyond 2012, potentially heaping pressure on Beijing to take more action on climate change. A copy of a so-far unpublished Chinese government global warming report, seen by Reuters, rejects binding caps on carbon emissions until the country's modernization, by the middle of this century, opting instead to brake emissions growth.<br /><br />The students are aware of these issues. In class this week we discussed global problems. I asked the students to brainstorm amongst themselves and then write their answers on the board. Most of the words written revolved around these two topics.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35158150.post-59253803782356424262007-04-10T09:16:00.000-07:002007-04-10T09:24:27.358-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjXJ7QM8YfFwpZVGz-cAUi9WAsXvp_B29ZYuK9Ioj0acO2CvL4QeSF6L5bKIokmwKrhwSSz-LXPooMEaU9090EZyLhfkoEdVXwR6Ps_WFaSyhtIDIuFXlGJ_jDNAojCmtg8EuQ1A/s1600-h/452141973_e5e3a0b0bc.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjXJ7QM8YfFwpZVGz-cAUi9WAsXvp_B29ZYuK9Ioj0acO2CvL4QeSF6L5bKIokmwKrhwSSz-LXPooMEaU9090EZyLhfkoEdVXwR6Ps_WFaSyhtIDIuFXlGJ_jDNAojCmtg8EuQ1A/s400/452141973_e5e3a0b0bc.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5051834314191041282" /></a><br /><br /><br />There were no chocolate bunnies, or rabbits or fancy eggs. There are no sparkly grasses in baskets or special performance. It was a pretty raw Easter. Just accapella voices and simple conversations about what Easter is. Not much hype. A cultural lesson in class. I got a few text messages, "Happy Easter Day Miss Mikayla!". I called my parents. There was not much of the earthquaking, tomb raising, curtain ripping events this year. But, they were remembered. They were remembered and with them is the hope and promise of new life. New life for our weak lives now, and for after our fragile lives on earth. This year we have seeds and the mystery that comes with things that are invisible, but growing.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35158150.post-50224850141166728332007-03-19T02:51:00.000-07:002007-03-19T03:20:16.371-07:00Kissing and Strawberries<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQA_6HqPm09SdgbCoWPN-8pZJ8yMHRkZaaleAvh-LHgkSxjAi1k440CA9l-qHPr8WxgiduZVbK9fECkU_yIqzzf9dMoxTZAU36wboVbmp1J11liyJJQIbbvxx9L15sR6OIGG_9Ew/s1600-h/S3600001_2.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQA_6HqPm09SdgbCoWPN-8pZJ8yMHRkZaaleAvh-LHgkSxjAi1k440CA9l-qHPr8WxgiduZVbK9fECkU_yIqzzf9dMoxTZAU36wboVbmp1J11liyJJQIbbvxx9L15sR6OIGG_9Ew/s320/S3600001_2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5043578412374498914" /></a><br />Today I had an interesting experience....<br /><br />After a morning of teaching I was running some errands in the neighborhood. I walked past students with mp3 earbuds in their ears, girls in baggy jeans with side ponytails, street vendors hoping just a few more people were hungry... I am always struck by the narrow alleys, the workers in blue uniforms, the old man, the child, even advertisements written on concrete walls... China seems new still, it seems fresh, and that is because it is always changing. Despite my months here, I am still such a stranger. The typical response to foreigners is always friendly, always curious. People often say "hello" or stare and tap their friends to take a look at the "lawai". Granted, I do the same thing if I see any foreigners here. The other day I saw a woman at Wal-mart who was clearly not Chinese. ... and Alli tapped me and we got excited and wondered who she was. So, today as I was buying fruit, I was not surprised when a high school aged girl started to talk to me. I wanted strawberries and she told me the Chinese word for strawberry and in English asked me if I was a teacher. I answered yes, then asked her if she was a student at my university. She shook her head no, and then kept staring at me. I told her this was my first time to China and apologized for my poor Chinese. She then stepped closer to me, and very deliberately kissed me on the cheek. This is not at all a Chinese thing to do. People do not traditionally touch when greeting each other at all, let alone a stranger. I was very surprised and confused, so I just said "thank you" and smiled and said goodbye. I asked a good Chinese friend about it, and she laughed and thought it was pretty strange, and suggested that the girl was just excited to see a foreigner. Needless to say, I felt welcomed.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35158150.post-22469330813717576612007-02-19T02:45:00.000-08:002007-02-19T02:56:31.616-08:00Leaving ThailandKiwi Orchid House, Ranong- Thailand.<br /><br />I am waiting for my overnight bus to Bangkok, where I will board a plane for China. It is funny to think about going back to China. I am excited to be back to a routine, I guess. I'm not much for routines, but I think I'm glad to go back to a place where I fit. In China I know more of the language and have more friends, but I also have a social role. I am a teacher. I have students and colleagues and favorite restaurants. It has been wonderful to travel and see more of Asia, but I have been watching from the outside, learning and taking pictures and surviving... knowing that I probably will not see the people I meet ever again. (I promise to post lots of pictures soon!) In China I am making lifelong friends. Travelling this break has made me so grateful to be in a place for longer than a few weeks...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0