the response has been wonderful. the list is dwindling.
delaware and ohio people: drop stuff off at the Schnaars or call me and I will pick up.
colorado people - let me know what you have and when i arrive, i'll pick up from you.
Candles
Blankets
Knives
Step stool
Waste baskets
Hooks
Rolling pin
Blender
Flower pots
Mortar/pestle
Bath mats
Broom
Microwave oven
Toaster oven
Juicer
Area rugs
Mop
tupperware
Bookcase
zester and ladles
the farewell cookout last night was fantastic. it was so lovely to have so many people i love to congregate and to enjoy each other.
all of my crap is out of the attic and ready for staging. woo hoo!!!
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Monday, April 12, 2010
a virtual shower UPDATE
A Virtual Shower - UPDATE
Thank you to those that are starting to send me stuff. Below is an updated list of needs:
Candles Blankets Salad plates Knives Step stool
Christmas lights Mugs Waste baskets Hooks
Rolling pin Blender Flower pots Mortar/pestle
Bath mats Broom Microwave oven Toaster oven Juicer
Area rugs Mop Cookbooks tupperware Bookcase
Remember, this is a virtual shower with a deadline of April 19th. You can do either of the following:
1) Leave your items at the Schnaars house in Delaware
2) Call Katie and she’ll pick up the items!
Make sure you forward this message to others that might be able to help.
Thanks and enjoy the spring!
Thank you to those that are starting to send me stuff. Below is an updated list of needs:
Candles Blankets Salad plates Knives Step stool
Christmas lights Mugs Waste baskets Hooks
Rolling pin Blender Flower pots Mortar/pestle
Bath mats Broom Microwave oven Toaster oven Juicer
Area rugs Mop Cookbooks tupperware Bookcase
Remember, this is a virtual shower with a deadline of April 19th. You can do either of the following:
1) Leave your items at the Schnaars house in Delaware
2) Call Katie and she’ll pick up the items!
Make sure you forward this message to others that might be able to help.
Thanks and enjoy the spring!
Just in time for Spring - A VIRTUAL SHOWER!!
‘Tis the season to celebrate new beginnings! The flowers are blooming, grass is getting greener (on both sides of the fence!), and Katie is moving and is in need of help with her new nest.
In this economy, it is not smart or environmentally sound for Katie to go out to Target to buy all new things. What would be so much better would be for her community, nay, her TRIBE, to help her with this task. It is her hope and her goal to get almost everything she needs for her new house (sans the bed) through friends and family. She doesn’t want you to buy things for her – rather this is a call for you, while you are spring cleaning, to help get rid of things you don’t need and give them to the needy (read Katie)!
The following is what she is need of:
Towels Queen sized sheets Candles Free weights
Blankets Salad plates Knives Step stool
Christmas lights Mugs Waste baskets Hooks
Rolling pin Blender Flower pots Mortar/pestle
Bath mats Small TV Broom Microwave oven
Toaster oven Area rugs Mop Juicer
Cookbooks Tupperware Bookcase
Since this is a virtual shower, we are asking you to gather what you have for Katie at Syd and Jasey’s house in Delaware. Just drop it off on their side porch! Or call Katie and she'll pick it up from you!
Make sure you drop off your offerings BEFORE APRIL 19th. Any questions? Call Katie.
Make sure you forward this message to others that might be able to help.
Thanks and enjoy the Spring!!
Colorado friends: Hold on to it and I'll pick up your stuff AFTER April 19th.
In this economy, it is not smart or environmentally sound for Katie to go out to Target to buy all new things. What would be so much better would be for her community, nay, her TRIBE, to help her with this task. It is her hope and her goal to get almost everything she needs for her new house (sans the bed) through friends and family. She doesn’t want you to buy things for her – rather this is a call for you, while you are spring cleaning, to help get rid of things you don’t need and give them to the needy (read Katie)!
The following is what she is need of:
Towels Queen sized sheets Candles Free weights
Blankets Salad plates Knives Step stool
Christmas lights Mugs Waste baskets Hooks
Rolling pin Blender Flower pots Mortar/pestle
Bath mats Small TV Broom Microwave oven
Toaster oven Area rugs Mop Juicer
Cookbooks Tupperware Bookcase
Since this is a virtual shower, we are asking you to gather what you have for Katie at Syd and Jasey’s house in Delaware. Just drop it off on their side porch! Or call Katie and she'll pick it up from you!
Make sure you drop off your offerings BEFORE APRIL 19th. Any questions? Call Katie.
Make sure you forward this message to others that might be able to help.
Thanks and enjoy the Spring!!
Colorado friends: Hold on to it and I'll pick up your stuff AFTER April 19th.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Last Month as a PC!!
It's been a long time since the last posting, and yes there has been a lot going on and sometimes it’s difficult to reflect for the blogging audience. Tonight changed things - I must tell you what happened; this is what everyone should read.
Usually I have my women's salon for sophomores and freshmen on Thursdays and women's salon for juniors on Fridays. Last night was a "Zai Jian" party for class B. In both women's salons, the students provide the snacks and I provide the space; but I decided that I should provide more. Tonight we held a joint meeting in which they got to experience my 3 bean chili and garlic bread bing zis. Twenty women (my living room can usually only fit 13) crowd together eating a small morsel of the western food in order for everyone to enjoy. This was the first time for some to experience butter for the first time.
Four hours of English speaking! Mingling, small groups all speaking a second language. It's amazing to watch. And that is what I did for most of the time. A couple of students and I start talking in the kitchen about the difference in conversational dynamics within cultures and what we appreciate about each other. They wanted to know if everything can be explained - I said yes - that is what poetry is for - when you cannot find the words, use the literary techniques to explain yourself - our definitions are subjective; what is "interesting" for some might be considered "horrible" - that's the beauty of language.
Then the best thing happened - I felt it - when they changed their view of me - not as a teacher or other, but as a friend. We have made plans to have a slumber party; to spend as much time together as possible.
One student, Katherine, wanted to take a few of my beers because she wanted to learn how to drink - an essential skill for any potential Chinese business person. Once everyone left, Katherine and I had a small tutorial. I got to teach Chinese etiquette to a Chinese person! How cool is that! So much to learn - how to toast, what to toast, the position of your glass (if host is a superior, make sure when you clink your glasses your glass is lower than theirs), how to pour beer, how to avoid hangovers - it was amazing - to jump that boundary of teacher/student and into something else.
We were a bit drunk and I insisted on walking her home and she did something that I have been dying for - she entwined her arm with mine - the symbol of friendship in
I explained to some of them that my heart was the size of my torso, begging to expand even more.
This last month (nay, three weeks!) could be the death of me; the most defining moments of my two years here. I want to cry, can't sleep, digging my heels - I don't want to go. This is the glow time – the time when everything is sprinkled with glitter, the time when everything is perfect and real - felt this before I left the
But I feel it - many of these students will be my good friends for life. My impatient part is pissed and wants to yell "about damn time! I've been waiting for this since day one!" I'm so glad it did come.
These are the times that spank me. Today I love
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
The Odyssey in China 11/4/08
This is the first time in Lanzhou University's 100 year history that a foreign teacher ever directed a play.
Insert gulp....
There is an old Chinese saying (there is ALWAYS an old Chinese saying) that in order to achieve greatness, there must be great struggle, or obstacles or something akin to that. After living here for over a year, I believe it and it does happen. Right before you embark on anything, there will be times when your heart’s like a squirrel’s and you think all the worst things will happen and rarely do they. I almost had a few anxiety attacks from snafus or sudden changes or abrupt switcheroos, but I gotta tell you something....
When I was watching last year's play, an adaptation of Tagore’s "Chitra", I envisioned myself standing on stage and feeling it - the energy, the love of my students, whatnot. As I stepped onto the stage Tuesday, it was a deja vu. Exactly how I thought it would be - perhaps even better. The auditorium was packed. Even some of my students from last year, who are now on a different campus, showed up - even bearing flowers for me.
Before the show, the custom is to show a short video of the rehearsals - I taught them the banana dance to get them energized and they loved it. Then the two hosts arrive on stage, welcoming the faculty from Lanzhou University as well as visiting faculty from other local universities (most PCV friends of mine, god love 'em). Then the Dean of the Foreign Language School comes up and delivers a speech.
Finally it was time for me to come out and say something. I expected the gasps and the "whoas" from my students, since I was wearing a skirt and makeup - both rarely seen in the classroom, but the fierceness of the outburst made me believe that my skirt was bunched up in my underwear or that boogers were covering my face.
While the show was going on, the left side of the stage showed the English text and the right side the Chinese version. It was a short one act - only 45 minutes, but the entire time I kept my guard or anxiety at a high level - always awaiting something.
When the cast came back from their curtain call, they all quickly shuffled to me and stood silently beside me, waiting for my reaction. I opened my arms and we all got into a big group hug - unorthodox for Chinese, not wanting to show affection. Many said afterwards that they wanted to perform it again and again!! Check out the pictures. picasaweb.google.com/macdirty/theodyssey
I now can sleep, but I am back to being bored. Back to learning Chinese, reading voraciously and walking around the track late at night. Last night, my site mate, Joe, Kathleen, and I were talking about what I plan on doing with my life (10 year plan crap). After many beers, we started fantasizing about putting on ANOTHER play, nay, MUSICAL next semester. It took me 6 months to put on the Odyssey, but we think wecould do it in 3. Don't know if it will happen, but it was fun talking about it.
Insert gulp....
There is an old Chinese saying (there is ALWAYS an old Chinese saying) that in order to achieve greatness, there must be great struggle, or obstacles or something akin to that. After living here for over a year, I believe it and it does happen. Right before you embark on anything, there will be times when your heart’s like a squirrel’s and you think all the worst things will happen and rarely do they. I almost had a few anxiety attacks from snafus or sudden changes or abrupt switcheroos, but I gotta tell you something....
When I was watching last year's play, an adaptation of Tagore’s "Chitra", I envisioned myself standing on stage and feeling it - the energy, the love of my students, whatnot. As I stepped onto the stage Tuesday, it was a deja vu. Exactly how I thought it would be - perhaps even better. The auditorium was packed. Even some of my students from last year, who are now on a different campus, showed up - even bearing flowers for me.
Before the show, the custom is to show a short video of the rehearsals - I taught them the banana dance to get them energized and they loved it. Then the two hosts arrive on stage, welcoming the faculty from Lanzhou University as well as visiting faculty from other local universities (most PCV friends of mine, god love 'em). Then the Dean of the Foreign Language School comes up and delivers a speech.
Finally it was time for me to come out and say something. I expected the gasps and the "whoas" from my students, since I was wearing a skirt and makeup - both rarely seen in the classroom, but the fierceness of the outburst made me believe that my skirt was bunched up in my underwear or that boogers were covering my face.
While the show was going on, the left side of the stage showed the English text and the right side the Chinese version. It was a short one act - only 45 minutes, but the entire time I kept my guard or anxiety at a high level - always awaiting something.
When the cast came back from their curtain call, they all quickly shuffled to me and stood silently beside me, waiting for my reaction. I opened my arms and we all got into a big group hug - unorthodox for Chinese, not wanting to show affection. Many said afterwards that they wanted to perform it again and again!! Check out the pictures. picasaweb.google.com/macdirty/theodyssey
I now can sleep, but I am back to being bored. Back to learning Chinese, reading voraciously and walking around the track late at night. Last night, my site mate, Joe, Kathleen, and I were talking about what I plan on doing with my life (10 year plan crap). After many beers, we started fantasizing about putting on ANOTHER play, nay, MUSICAL next semester. It took me 6 months to put on the Odyssey, but we think wecould do it in 3. Don't know if it will happen, but it was fun talking about it.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Essay for Lanzhou University
What do you hope to accomplish from this class?
On the first day of class at Lanzhou University, I wrote the above statement on the board looking forward to learning how I can help my students.
One student answered: “I hope that we become good friends!”
My reply was: “Thank you, but I came here to China to teach. I know we can become friendly, but I came here to be your teacher, not your friend.”
As a high school teacher from the United States, this was what I learned – teachers and students cannot be friends. There must be a boundary; there must be a clear distinction made between the roles of teacher and student. I had made the mistake in the past and learned the only way to be a good teacher was to be friendly, but not their friends. I had to make sure the students knew I was there to teach and not to be their friend. It made the learning easier for both parties – student and teacher; child and adult.
The student who answered this question had a foreign teacher, another volunteer, last year. She told me later that the foreign teacher was a great friend but not that concerned with teaching. I resolved that I was going to blow their socks off from what they learned from me.
I love being a teacher. I love that I am in a position to constantly learn from my students and to guide, cajole and motivate them to be the best they can be. Through working with my students I learn how I am guided, cajoled and motivated as well to be the best teacher I can be. I love to be in a community of learners, never afraid to take risks, make mistakes and learn from each other.
I came to China because I believe in education and wanted to explore this profession in a new country, immerse myself in a new culture and to learn from a new group of learners. I brought with me my not only my resource books, my ideas for lessons and my passion to be in the classroom, but also my preconceived notions of what it means in the United States to be a teacher.
As I learned quite quickly while teaching in China, boundaries do exist, but they are very different. Living on campus with the students, something that few Chinese professors are able to do at Landa, I learned that the boundaries were cultural. Language, different life experiences, age, different world views and environmental comfort were some of the new boundaries I quickly noticed. But it was English, their zeal to learn it and my fervor to teach them, that brought my students and me together.
By relaxing my old view of boundary and becoming friends with my students, they became my teachers as well; showing me the way around campus, taking me on a climb up the mountain, introducing me to amazingly delicious foods in the various restaurants, and learning from them about their life experiences and world view.
It was overwhelming in the beginning, the dismantling of previous boundaries and constantly running my head against the new ones. But it was my relationships, my friendships with my students who held my hand as they weaved around the new walls that I became comfortable with life in Yuzhong and in China.
Now after a year, I am amazed at what we, my students and I have accomplished. I have never felt so empowered and so secure with my life in Yuzhong. The students know me, know that I care deeply about them and I know that that feeling is reciprocated. I look out for them as I weave them through the new boundaries for them as they learn English, Western Culture and Literature and they are my guides for my new walls.
Pretty soon all those boundaries are the size of the net that separate me from my weekly badminton buddy. We recognize each other and respect each other, knowing what they are learning and what they have accomplished. I know that my students are my friends. I know that teaching in China has and still is a wonderful experience that I will treasure the rest of my days. I hope to continually learn from them and deserve their friendship.
My socks are blown off by my students. Boundaries are relative and can be, when needed, dismantled.
On the first day of class at Lanzhou University, I wrote the above statement on the board looking forward to learning how I can help my students.
One student answered: “I hope that we become good friends!”
My reply was: “Thank you, but I came here to China to teach. I know we can become friendly, but I came here to be your teacher, not your friend.”
As a high school teacher from the United States, this was what I learned – teachers and students cannot be friends. There must be a boundary; there must be a clear distinction made between the roles of teacher and student. I had made the mistake in the past and learned the only way to be a good teacher was to be friendly, but not their friends. I had to make sure the students knew I was there to teach and not to be their friend. It made the learning easier for both parties – student and teacher; child and adult.
The student who answered this question had a foreign teacher, another volunteer, last year. She told me later that the foreign teacher was a great friend but not that concerned with teaching. I resolved that I was going to blow their socks off from what they learned from me.
I love being a teacher. I love that I am in a position to constantly learn from my students and to guide, cajole and motivate them to be the best they can be. Through working with my students I learn how I am guided, cajoled and motivated as well to be the best teacher I can be. I love to be in a community of learners, never afraid to take risks, make mistakes and learn from each other.
I came to China because I believe in education and wanted to explore this profession in a new country, immerse myself in a new culture and to learn from a new group of learners. I brought with me my not only my resource books, my ideas for lessons and my passion to be in the classroom, but also my preconceived notions of what it means in the United States to be a teacher.
As I learned quite quickly while teaching in China, boundaries do exist, but they are very different. Living on campus with the students, something that few Chinese professors are able to do at Landa, I learned that the boundaries were cultural. Language, different life experiences, age, different world views and environmental comfort were some of the new boundaries I quickly noticed. But it was English, their zeal to learn it and my fervor to teach them, that brought my students and me together.
By relaxing my old view of boundary and becoming friends with my students, they became my teachers as well; showing me the way around campus, taking me on a climb up the mountain, introducing me to amazingly delicious foods in the various restaurants, and learning from them about their life experiences and world view.
It was overwhelming in the beginning, the dismantling of previous boundaries and constantly running my head against the new ones. But it was my relationships, my friendships with my students who held my hand as they weaved around the new walls that I became comfortable with life in Yuzhong and in China.
Now after a year, I am amazed at what we, my students and I have accomplished. I have never felt so empowered and so secure with my life in Yuzhong. The students know me, know that I care deeply about them and I know that that feeling is reciprocated. I look out for them as I weave them through the new boundaries for them as they learn English, Western Culture and Literature and they are my guides for my new walls.
Pretty soon all those boundaries are the size of the net that separate me from my weekly badminton buddy. We recognize each other and respect each other, knowing what they are learning and what they have accomplished. I know that my students are my friends. I know that teaching in China has and still is a wonderful experience that I will treasure the rest of my days. I hope to continually learn from them and deserve their friendship.
My socks are blown off by my students. Boundaries are relative and can be, when needed, dismantled.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
EARTHQUAKE!!
On Monday (5/12) afternoon around 2:30, aftershocks of one of the largest earthquakes (7.9) to hit China in over 30 years were felt here in Lanzhou (a 22 hour train ride away from the epicenter). It happened around 60 miles north of Chengdu in the Sichuan province.
I have felt little tremors in Denver before and one medium earthquakein Guatemala years ago, but this was the largest one I have ever felt. I was at home, doing Pilates and stopped to take a drink because I was feeling dizzy. Then I realized the building was moving (rather swaying) and not me.
The shocks continued for about 2 - 3 minutes. I just sat down and rode it - like a roller coaster. I should've left the building instead. Most students were in class at the time and many of them told me that some students, as they were exiting the teaching building were pushing their way out. Phones are not working. Outside of Lanzhou, texting works and the internet is up.
I had some students call me late at night, worried that it would happen again, scared to go back inside. Overwhelming what is going on down south nearer the epicenter. Peace Corps has spoken to every volunteer and everyone is all right. Grateful to be all right but scared shitless about the people trapped in rubble.
Send good thoughts.
I have felt little tremors in Denver before and one medium earthquakein Guatemala years ago, but this was the largest one I have ever felt. I was at home, doing Pilates and stopped to take a drink because I was feeling dizzy. Then I realized the building was moving (rather swaying) and not me.
The shocks continued for about 2 - 3 minutes. I just sat down and rode it - like a roller coaster. I should've left the building instead. Most students were in class at the time and many of them told me that some students, as they were exiting the teaching building were pushing their way out. Phones are not working. Outside of Lanzhou, texting works and the internet is up.
I had some students call me late at night, worried that it would happen again, scared to go back inside. Overwhelming what is going on down south nearer the epicenter. Peace Corps has spoken to every volunteer and everyone is all right. Grateful to be all right but scared shitless about the people trapped in rubble.
Send good thoughts.
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