The long and short of it...
I'm still around - I just haven't been up to putting everything into words. Not quite sure how to describe how I've been feeling recently. Saturday's are by far the worst day. Well I guess I'll tell the events that stick in my mind from my last real entry....
So we went on Holiday, and during this time the School was closed, which meant that we were unable to use a computer. The streets were packed, and things were happening everywhere. We went down to Computer City again and they had some deals going on. I tried to purchase a computer using my Credit Card from back in the states, but their machine wouldn't read my card, so I guess I can't use it here in China. Good to know! During that week we also went to a place called Metro. Pretty cool place, kind of like a Sam's except not bulk, and more expensive. It's supposed to be a store for foreigners and High Ranking officials, but how could they stay in business if they did that. So there are lots of regular people there too. Doug made some tacos, to celebrate our 1 month in China. It was pretty good, but the meat tasted like it was from an old cow, and I didn't like the bread we used much, but it was still pretty good. Went to some clubs with the co-workers one night too... I don't like going, but they start to question if I don't go every once in awhile, so I figured I'd endure boredum and go just for their sake. They did have some pole dancers at one bar though, they don't strip, but they sure can dance... It was quite amazing. She even traversed herself up the entire pole and was holding herself at the top for several mins. Good stuff - not the greatest looking girl eiher, but she could dance.
Let's see what else - Did a lot of walking, tried calling some people but couldn't get through, discovered this internet cafe that I'm sitting in right now. Just random stuff happened that week.
Yesterday (Sunday) we went bowling as a 'Team Building' activity for the school. I didn't want to go, but I ended up doing quite well. As a matter of fact, my team got first place out of everyone. I got a small prize. We then went to an italian place and I got a pizza. They messed it up, but I told them that it was okay, and I didn't think I made a big deal about it. When we were about to leave they brought out a little pizza with everything I wanted on it and appologized again. I was surprised and made sure to let them know I was thankful. The place is very European Feeling, another place I think Dad would enjoy.
Doug bought a guitar, it's got to be one of the most hideous things I've ever seen in my life. He thinks it's ugly too. Looks like a turd!
I feel like this whole EFL teaching might not be for me, so I don't know what I'll be doing next year, but I'm going to stick it out for this year. Still early, maybe things will change, but as of right now I'm not really enjoying the job much at all. It's too much of being an entertainer rather than a teacher, and that's not something I like.
Well this post was kind of scattered, kind of how I've been feeling lately, but my time in the Cafe is almost over, so I need to cut it off now.
-Tom
Tom, did you get some foil or something for your windows? It sounds like you are a little tired. On your off time try to find some things that you enjoy and do some of them if you can. Do you like to read? I know you enjoy computer games but I know this is probably out until you get one. What does the school offer? Maybe they have some things. I would think they would want to keep their employees happy. Check with some of the other teachers, maybe they know of other things to do. How easy is it to talk to your boss? Can you recommend some things to him to consider? Classes you might like to take? Think hard on what you would like to do now and later. To change the subject...we had cake with Grandma on Sat. and everything was good. Your dad came over to the nursing home and stayed till it was time for lunch and he had to go to McAllen. I unloaded pumpkins on Sunday and it was hot and messy. The pumpkins are not very good this year and we had a lot of rotten ones. Slimy!!! What do they do where you are at? What are their customs?
Take care of yourself, eat nutritonal foods and get lots of rest. It sounds like you are a bit depressed. We send our love. Linda
Your post, you think, sounded scattered all over the place. But look who you're writting to! I like to hear about you days and if there isn't a theme during the whole post, thats O.K. We can follow the story of your experience. But it's good to hear from you.
Since it is Octorber, are you guys getting cold fronts yet?? Leaves changing color yet??
Kevin
Most of our troubles and defeats, or "lack of success" is not the fault of others or the situation we are in...rather we are the primary reason. We have the power to shape our destinys within us. If you defeat yourself with negative thoughts and doubts it makes the outside work even harder/
What you think of youself, or how you see yourself will project out from you. You must first Love yourself and who you are....then love others....smile and be personable. If you do this your life will change for the better.