Chinese with my hands.

Sunday 4-21-13

So today started out just like any other Sunday, got up, got ready and went to church. Today Susan actually gave a talk! That was pretty cool, never seen a sacrament meeting talk given with the speaker sitting on the couch and talking on the phone! That's a first! After church I chilled in my room... literally chilled, nearly froze. It was warmer outside than it is in our rooms its freezing. But I had some journal writing to do. I wrote in my journal and hung out with the girls. We watched a super cute movie and really did a whole lot of nothing. I got some pictures sent to my mom and was trying to get the internet connection to be consistent so that they would upload when I got a QQ message from the Deaf girl I met on the bus yesterday! I told her hello and asked her if she was deaf. She told me that she was congenitally deaf and asked where I was from. I told her I was from Utah and that’s when she asked if the hand gestures I was using yesterday were American Sign Language. I told her that they were and I wished I could learn Chinese sign language so that I could communicate with her. Now with QQ I get a message, copy paste it into Google translate, read that, write my response in English and then translate that to Chinese and then copy paste it into the text bar and then send it. The Google translate was being weird so I gave up on trying to chat for a little while and just talked with my friends. I noticed that I got another message from my new deaf friend. I figured I might as well try to translate it and it worked! I panicked a little when I read “I video chat you and you learn?” “okay?” yikes! But I have learned in the past year and especially these past two months, if I am about to do something that makes me nervous or takes me out of my comfort zone, like try a rip-stick, ask Candice if I can try painting, watch the Chinese martial art teacher practice and offer to teach him English in trade for some training, pee in a squatter, eat a chicken foot or go to a foreign country and teach English solo and hope I make friends, it means I am about to learn something or push myself to grow. I've spent too much of my life worried about making mistakes. I have let the fear of striking out keep me from playing the game and I am tired of sitting on the bench. I not only accepted the video call but I signed with my new friend for an hour.  

 I got the system down. She sent me the word in Chinese, I Google translated it and then watched her sign it. I repeated the signs and tried to mix up the words and use them in different sentences so I made sure I got the context and meaning correct. I learned how to sign my Chinese name as well as. I am a teacher I come from America and I am 20 years old. I learned “I’m sorry” and “it’s alright” she told me I was very beautiful and smart and taught me “thank you” “i am happy that we became friends” and many more phrases that keep coming to me. It took me an hour and I feel like I can communicate more in CSL than I can in Chinese and I have been hearing it as well as trying to pick up on it for the past two months! Why people wouldn't want to teach their kids sign language is beyond me. Not only can I hear and speak, but I also have people who can help me translate and pronounce things. Why would parents not allow their children to learn a Sign Language to help them in life? Ignorance. I honestly believe than it has to be pure ignorance. I love the language. In fact, I find that when I teach my students or even Lee and they have a hard time pronouncing the word or understanding it, I will say the word slower and sign it. Hello Dell, not going to help ha but I guess ASL is just in my blood and you know what? I’m totally fine with that! I will defend the language and culture until the day I die; I found a passion and love for something that has provided me a very awesome experience while over here in China that I can only thank Ms. Bolton for. 

I’ve got guts and I ain't afraid to show it.

Saturday 4- 20-13

Today was super cold! What is this china?! I left Utah to get away from the weather and now you bring it to me? Geeze. Me, Mark and Kristen met Candice at the gate and hopped onto the 15 bus headed towards downtown. We piled in and sat ourselves comfortably on the back row ready to endure our 45min bus ride. I was sitting there people watching as I always do when I noticed a hand gesture being made towards another person on the bus... no way... I’m imagining things... nope, they are totally signing! Shut up this is awesome! Yupp you better believe it, I was the obnoxious one who sits and stares but I was fascinated! I couldn't understand one thing they were saying! At first I was a little sick thinking I had lost all my signing skills but then I started to notice some signs here and there piecing facial expression and signs together I leaned over to mark... “hey was there an earthquake or something bad that happened recently??” “oh yeah! It was in Bejing! My family emailed me about it today” … crushed it. I thought I would get some video so I could sent it to my sister to show Ms. Bolton maybe she could score some extra credit points or something … but mostly I was hoping Mrs. Bolton could tell me more about the signs or really anything... here I was sitting on a bus in china waiting for my high school teacher to tell me about what I was seeing. Wow Dell, grow up. Not only would it take at least a week or so to get everything communicated what would I do then? I couldn't talk to these guys I couldn't learn more about them, it would be pointless. So, I took a breath, stood up, walked over to the seat next to one of the girls signing and tapped her on the shoulder... AHHHH!!! What am I doing?! ...she turned around and smiled a friendly smile and waved.

I waved back and pointed to myself and showed her my name sign. She looked at me a little funny and that’s when I remembered my Chinese to English books in my bag. I showed her “my name is” and then she signed that to me and I did my name sign. I am not sure what the procedure is with name signs so I showed her my Chinese name and then she told me what that sign is.

 I pointed to the phrase “nice to meet you” and she taught me the word. She gave me her QQ and I gave her mine just in time as she had to get off the bus.... YESS!! I did it! Its like standing on the edge of a diving board ready to jump. Knowing that you wont get hurt, you can swim, the only thing stopping you is fear and thinking to hard. I jumped off into waters unknown but I know how to swim and I kept my head above water. I remember Bolton telling us that there are dialects and totally different sign languages everywhere around the world but somehow deaf people usually can meet in the middle. I know she met more so on my side than I did hers, but I am so excited about my new friend and hope that I will be able to sign with her and learn some CSL. Maybe if I show Bolton she will go back and give me straight As for all the classes I took from her! ;)

We got off the bus 11 (the one we take to go into the city to the noodle shop and KFC ice cream etc) and then hopped onto another bus to an area I never would have known existed! We walked into some underground looking line of shops and went into an art shop. We crowded around these stones that resembled the Stamp my dad and I tried to get in Korea. Oh man I am excited! I got my stones as well as the ink I am supposed to use to stamp my stone! This is totally what I hoped it was!! yes!!! its basically a stone that I will have my Chinese name carved into and stamp my artwork with as my signature! After we got our stones and ink, we went to a Korean Restaurant to eat! YES!! oh man, I know I will never be able to find words in the written language to fully express how much I love Korean food.

She ordered us a big pot and some BBQ. Oh yes! There is this sauce that goes with the BBQ wraps, I have never known what it was or how to figure it out, until I looked over at Candice and realized, she is just the person I need to fix this problem! She told me what the sauce name was and that we can get it at the JiaJiayue! Yes!! we went to the Jiajia and she showed me that sauce so I can have it now when I come home dad, it’s me and you, BBQ it up!

After the Jiajiayue we hopped on the bus to head home.

I was so tired. So I got a 15min nap just in time to wake up and sneak with Crista, Sam and Rachelle to the gate. The head teachers have had a really rough couple of weeks so Mark and Kelly decided to throw a surprise party for them tonight. We planned to go to the Korean food place I went to with Kelly and Chan last week. We started walking and got near the place we needed to turn and I got a little worried. I had a whole group of ILP teachers and the surprise factor of the head teacher’s party riding on my shoulders. I had the picture of the place on my phone but of course after we were half way there it died... dang it! Our walk turned into a jog as we got closer and closer to the time we were supposed to meet and finally, I saw it. That was the place I remember it! We all piled in and saw Kelly's car pull up. The ladies at the restaurant thought we were crazy but then got that we were trying to hide and were shooing us into corners away from the front door. The head teachers came in and we all jumped out. They were so surprised! The jumped so high! It was great! We all sat down and Kelly got us all Ban Fan. We all went around and told the head teachers thank you for everything they have done for us when Kelly started to go she said she loved them and then the tears came... what?! It was sooo sweet!! we were all about ready to tear up from Kelly.

After the dinner, the group went to go get massages. I just got one last week so I opted out with Rachelle,Sarah,Andrea and Maddie so we walked to the Jiajia and got some ice cream and then headed home. I am so tired I just want to pass out! So that’s what I am going to do! Goodnight world!

Dellany, Out.

What a Day!

Friday 4-19-13

I woke up today feeling 1000% better than yesterday! I don't know why or how, but I am not complaining or asking questions. Just going to roll with it! I was actually hungry this morning so I made myself some oatmeal and filled my tummy right up! I decided to take one of my last few Sudafed’s to try to clear everything up then headed down to the gate. When we went into the security room Hannah told us that her package was in there. I remembered getting an email last night from Kelly saying Congratulations on your package so I started searching around with Hannah to try and find our packages. I finally spotted the brown box covered in decorative packing tape.. if that’s not my momma I don't know who it could possibly be! I walked over and grabbed the box, sure enough, Kelly was right on with congratulating me because I have just gotten my second package: D I love packages from home! I really love it here but it’s always nice to get something from home! If anyone feels like giving their left eye for shipping and right eye for good luck to send me a package my mom's got the address!! haha. After Hannah located her package we sat down in the little waiting room of the security check point. We sat and chatted and waited and chatted and waited till finally we realized that our first class had already started and was close to halfway done! What the heck is going on? Dani was late, Sea Perl was late, and now Jinhua was late as well?? Is something in the water that only affects the Chinese ILP schools? Crazy Chinese government! After waiting for 40min we took our packages and headed up the stairs with a little more briskness than normal... we were feeling a little rebellious this morning and thought we had waited the perfect amount of time we will just go upstairs and enjoy our package and then go shopping now! Since our building is the very back of the campus we walk past every office or building on our way up to our rooms, including Kelly's so we thought we would get double coverage and just go tell Kelly that our driver didn't show up and we are going to go shopping now ;) Kelly hates it when people are late so I know she wouldn't have cared. We walked into the room she shares with Julianna and Ella. Ella is the principle of the primary students here and Julianna helps out here and there with ILP things but I’m not quite sure what her job is at this school but it has to be important because she is in the same office as Ella and Kelly. Ella and Julianna were both there so we were going to write Kelly a note and go on our way. Julianna speaks well, but not Kelly status English. So she was saying Kelly wasn't there so we told her that’s fine we will write a note. I asked Julianna how she was doing and that I missed her when Rachelle told her that our driver didn't come. Julianna smiled and said okay! So Rachelle repeated it again... same response so Rachelle said it AGAIN and in my head I’m thinking “isn't this the opposite of what we were trying to do here??” Julianna got it the third time and Called Kelly. Kelly came in the room and got on her phone to talk to the school. It turns out that next week Grimm kindergarten is having Parents come watch day or something like that so they are having us go Wednesday morning and Friday morning and not go to Jinhua next friday. Well, they thought that it meant this Friday. There is the confusion. Nothing in the water, we are all good. See? Asians aren't all perfect. Because we have a 30min break in between our first and second class, there was enough time for us to be picked up and be driven over to the school... gosh dang it! What a terrible attitude right? Especially after I worked so hard on my lesson this week. We got to the school and I set everything up in my classroom. I should have taken a picture because I thought it was pretty awesome ;) I will next week... er... or not. O well, this week’s lesson was shopping. So I took pictures that I got from my mom and put them on my computer in a power point of an American store. I also brought some $1.00 bills that I also got from my mom in my package (isn't she awesome?) and found a Fake 10.00 and 20.00 in the supply room. I brought simple things like a pencil, ball, bunny, fork, Barbie, hat etc and had their “price” on a Popsicle stick like 10 cents or 13 cents. I also pulled out a big bag of pennies and put a pile in the middle of each of the 4 desks. When the kids came in, I passed out their papers and pencils and welcomed them to class, after our routine run down of the rules; I pointed to the American flag on the board and shrugged my shoulders. I heard America whispered in Chinese so I knew that they got what I was asking but didn't know how to say it. After 3 seconds of silence, (its a short time in your head but standing there looking at 24 squinty eyes staring back at you, it seems like 20.. but I remember brother Haws once saying something about how teachers are encouraged to listen and pause to seek answers out of their students instead of giving in and not letting them think for themselves) I told them America. “Teacher Dell, is from America” I pointed to another student and said America? They all frantically shook their heads while pointing outside towards the Chinese flag flying in the wind hoisted above every other flag in the vicinity.

That’s when I pulled out the Bills and taught them “American Money” and “dollars” and then showed them a store from America. I asked them if we go swimming at stores then pulled out my imaginary shopping cart to make sure they understood 

 

we were talking about a store before I gave it away by using my next slide of the grocery aisles and toy isles on the next slide. For some, I could tell these two slides made it click, for others, they confirmed the conclusion they had made in their heads with my charades routine before seeing the pictures. Either way I could see the light bulbs turning on and there is no greater source of energy or excitement humanly possible than seeing those light bulbs come on and the pride in my students eyes for figuring out this is an American store.

 After this, I was pumped. Thank you Julianna for calling Kelly, thank you Jinhua for giving me today. Thank you students for loving learning and letting me teach. Thank you Bob and Kathy for your awesome emails and Support. Thank you Mom and Dad for packages and supplies for me to survive out here. Thank you Grandma for watching over me and helping me have a better attitude and not be so sick today. Thank you Grandpa for insisting you help me with the ILP tuition. Thank you Morgan, for understanding how happy this place makes me. Thank you family and friends for donations and excitement for me with my adventure! I am just loving Life, can you tell?

After we established Stores from America and money, it was time to go shopping! I called up a student and had them pick an item they had to ask “how much is this?” and I would let them know how much, they would have to give me that many pennies from the middle of the table usually with the help of their class mates. Then they got their item in a bag and sat back down at the table. I replaced the pennies at their table and picked another student. Each student did the same thing, only with every time, there was a new phrase added. “How much?” “i need to pay” “I bought” the last phrase was I thought going to be hard until I had a brilliant Idea to break a student’s pencil... he looked at me wide eyed as I walked away and he sat there with a broken pencil. I had the class write down “i need to buy” and watched him out of the corner of my eye so confused. If I wasn't so proud of myself and this brilliant idea, I would have felt bad but it was too good. He raised his had ever so slightly hesitant to say anything and then pointed to his pencil.. I said “oh no it’s broken!” had him stand up and say “I need to buy a pencil” he walked over asked how much and went through the routine and bought a pencil from our store. Golden. I love teaching.

After we reviewed the words and phrases I collected the pencils and left one penny for each student. I said goodbye and they tried to give me the pennies I left. I let them know that it was theirs to keep.

  

“American money” they erupted “thank you miss Dell” “thank you English teacher dell!” hugs all around!! its a penny. 24 cents.

And I made their day. I would do it all again tomorrow and the next. I love my job.

After we got done teaching we may have told a fib and said we had a meeting. I was ready to go home and start the weekend. We headed back and hit the lunch room. Today we had potatoes and rice yummy yummy! Leslie came up to me today in the lunch room and threw her arms around my neck extra tight today. I was about ready to tap out from the building pressure in my head but she showed enough mercy to let go long enough to say hello and squeeze again but I was ready this time to squeeze back. This is the only sad thing about Fridays. No Leslie. I tried to give her the home visit papers but I don't think she understood. Ill try again next week. After lunch I grabbed  some Banana’s left on the table because they are green and took them up to my room so that I could let them ripen up!

It was sooo cold today I don't understand why China is doing this to us but its getting pretty annoying, all this hot cold stuff is taxing. I was sitting in my nice warm bed typing away when Luke walked in and told me that Chan has invited me and him to go with the Korean students to eat some Korean food. Um yeah I’m totally down for good food. Plus I know that Luke can't go alone.

So I got my coat on and headed out. We met in Chan's office with a few other Korean boys and headed down the street and then got out next to some apartment buildings that are close to the JiaJiayue (and that’s close enough to walk) a little background. Luke is supposedly tight with these Koreans because he teaches them English as a trade to eat the Korean cafeteria food or something like that. So he and Talon would hang out with these guys all the time.

We went up the apartments into the room and turns out it was the cooks at the school's cafeteria, that cooks for the Korean students,  house! We sat around and chatted for a little while  as the food was being made. It was me and a bunch of Korean boys too shy to talk to me so they were all on their electronic devises. Luke and Chan both kept commenting on how quiet these boys were being. I asked them all questions to try to get them to open up like if you had to choose would you get rid of your arms or legs? A few of them started to talk more and others not so much but once the food was served I didn't mind one bit. Oh my gosh I love Korean food!!! its so delicious! Its soo much healthier than the food at the cafeteria. I could eat and eat and eat all day and be totally fine with it. I admit that I am a Korean food aholic but I won't admit that it is a problem. I love love love the BBQ. I remember in Korea me loving this place we ate at twice it was sort of a meat Buffet and it was my absolute favorite. I remember the food being really yummy but I don't think I was old enough to realize what an opportunity I had been provided with. I didn't soak it all in like I should have. I know that with all my training etc that I was exhausted so I can't be too hard on myself and hind sight is 20/20 but I am never going to forget this stuff. We sat down on the floor cross legged along the 1 ft high table, (how in the world dad survived in Korea is a mystery to me) while being served our meal. Oh man this food is so good! You get the rice of course and serve the lettuce leafs along with the sauce you dip the meat in as a main course but it doesn't stop there, in Korea or any Korean style meal, if done right, you won't have any uncovered table space. They will always serve Kimche (gag) along with 5 or 6 other dishes full of radishes or beans or some other random seasoned vegetable. Those plates are sort of the appetizers and free for all. All I have to say is those who served their missions in Korea are the luckiest people alive. Talk about food heaven.

I was still chowing down on an appetizer for lack of a better term when I saw Luke reach over and take a piece of lettuce and shove it in his mouth. Holy Rabbit! I can't do that, I need something to eat with my lettuce so I pulled out my Korean and took my lettuce leaf filled it with rice, dipped my meat in the best sauce ever and rolled it up and shoved that sucker in my mouth. I am sure I looked like a Hamster, cheeks bulging but yet perfectly content. All my table manners have gone out the door, so I apologize to anyone who has to eat with me for the few months while I am home before I adjust to life as an American. After doing that a few times Chan saw me assembling my next bomb shell of flavor about to explode in my mouth when he said “oh! You know how to eat!” I laughed and said thanks and then let the bomb explode, all in one bite. I almost spit it out laughing when Chan said “oh! I like her, she can really eat Korean food!” remember, hamster cheeks bulging but I was so content!  We sat around after a while after eating while Chan talked to the cook and I talked to the Korean students. One of them is an incredible beat boxer! But after a while we were all getting a little tired. I wanted to go home so we hopped into a Taxi and headed back to the school. I got home to a ton of QQ messages from Kelly and Candice about tomorrow if I am going to go into town or not to get the stamp. I can't go out with a teacher alone so I got Mark and Kristen to agree to come with me because they were going to the Calligraphy class too. I have been talking to Dan Dan and Mars for our vacation next week to Xian and I’m pretty sure we have the best local tour guides ready to greet us off the train in Xian! I am so wiped out and my nose is getting pretty stuffy so I am going to call it a night and hope to get better for tomorrow! Goodnight!

Surprises around every corner

Thursday 4-18-13

Today was full of surprises! I got up today stuffed up and feeling like a brick just hit me in the face. Just grand, I just got done with being sick and have no more decongestant left... fabulous! Well, better now than in a week while on my vacation I guess. I got up and cleaned up my room, got ready for the day. I was set and ready to head down to the gate right on time and took the trash down with me. It would be so nice if I could get to the gate at 8:50 every morning. I met up with Rachelle and we waited...and waited... and waited... 20min later, the car pulled up. We hopped in and started planning how we would work the rotations with us being late and all and needing to be done by 11:00.

We arrived and rushed into empty classrooms.... uhhh.. Now what... Rachelle walked over and found a Chinese teacher and said “where are my students” in Chinese. Thank goodness I have her! The Teacher turned and hurried off and less than 2 min later our kids came filing in!

We taught our two classes and then waited for our next two classes to come in when the principle come over to us and told us “finished” huh?? No more students? Uhh okay? So she waved us over to follow her so we did as we were told. We walked into a room full of crazy excited little kids. Tugging us this was and that way. I am starting to feel my nose getting to my head. With the yelling and laughing built so did the pressure in my head. But, I am not going to let that get in my way! Nope, I am a champ and I can do this! I sat in a chair and sang itsy bitsy spider, twinkle twinkle little star, once there was a snowman and every other song I ever sang during my time spent in nursery. Who cares if it’s a church song, they can’t even pronounce the words let alone understand them and I was desperate to get myself through whatever we were doing. Finally the teachers said we were going out to play. Okay, I can handle that. At least the sound waves won’t be bouncing off the walls, increasing by the second.

We went outside and had a blast. Yet again. These kids are so adorable!

We played on the swings and jungle gym ran around and raced with tires you name it. I am a hugger, Always have been, so I started hugging my cute kids when they said hello or goodbye remembering the in-service we had yesterday.

And I without a doubt think it is 100% true. I mean I know that the teachers are nicer to the little kids but still, I could see how once one got a hug, the others would quickly fill in. I don't mind giving out love. I hope that these kids can see that I love them more than they will probably ever know but it doesn't mean I won’t stop trying to show it to them. Hug after hug I kept thinking no wonder I’m always sick and can't breathe, but you know what, its totally worth it. The kids all started lining up and waving we were saying bye as they chanted “bye sister!” I’m sure everyone knows in china you can only have one child or two if both the parents don’t have siblings, so when the Chinese people are really good friends with people they call them Brother or Sister. So really, in China these people have many siblings just from other parents. But in this case I was very happy to be considered a big sister to all these little kids.

We were waving to our kids saying bye when the teacher said “no bye, Lunch!” whelp! Here we go again! This week’s lunch wasn't as bad but it’s definitely better now that it’s over. We headed home at got to the school. I felt even worse than this morning so I skipped lunch and headed up to our room.

I unloaded my lesson and tried to get things organized but then found out that we had a meeting in the common room. This was a surprise since our trainings are all over but when we all got together, Susan held up a sign “It's a girl!” yupp we are getting another teacher! Apparently Talon needs to be replaced so they got a girl to agree to come for the last little bit to fill in for Talon. Welp, that’s exciting. Haha I guess she is coming the day before our week long vacation and we are going to need to try and book everything for her. She is going to be just like us in Bejing only quite possibly worse.. this will be interesting. Especially with our group after our last trip I have learned the claws do come out when people are tired and hungry.

I face timed with Moe for a little bit and then headed down to the field to watch TKD. I wrote out a lesson on School for Lee with pictures and words so that he could learn more but I knew I couldn't talk with him because I have Calligraphy today and would have to leave before we would be able to talk and I would be able to teach him any more English.

He did however give me the letter he tried so hard to explain to me at dinner yesterday.

It was a very nice letter and quite long for him to have to translate and then write so I very much appreciated the gesture.

  

Dear Dellany:

Nice to meet you, in fact, there are many words to tell you but my English is poor. I do not know how to say. Yesterday thank you for your visit. I'd like to call on you but I no way. Thank you for helping me with my English yesterday and waiting for such a long time and if I would be very boring. I would like to teach you Chinese Martial Arts. But my English is too poor can not communicate. But if you want to learn we can use body language.

Last night for dinner I made a mistake. Because the feeling to you alone should take you to the first floor, so I apologize but wouldn't say reason I really stupid Ah.

Don't go to school Friday – Saturday. I forgot to tell you I’m afraid and I, Im longing for the U.S. To because the freedom and democracy. My English better tell me the story of the United States of America.

I now mainly because the words are forgotten, I feel I should first learn the words. There are many different manners between China and the U.S. If I were to offend, please excuse me.

Finally once again, thank you for helping me. The next time I will invite you for dinner on the 1 floor.

  

I watched Lee's class for a little bit and gave him the lesson and headed off to Calligraphy. I got there a little bit early, just to make sure I could find the class. I poked my head in and was afraid I had bothered something but Candice was totally fine with me coming early because her class had just ended. She was talking to her “sister” when I came in so I started to get out the Calligraphy supplies so I could start my work and get some practice in trying to keep to myself. Candice brought be into the conversation between her and her sister by asking how to say some words in English. I asked her sister if she could do some Calligraphy work and that’s when Candice jumped in to reassure me that she could not only do calligraphy work but she could do it better than Candice could! So I handed her my brush and told her to prove it! Okay maybe it was a little more graceful than that. I asked Candice's sister if she would show me some calligraphy. Candice wasn't kidding! She was great! She wrote the quote
 “with hard work comes success”  

 and my Chinese name (Ling Shi) in many different styles of characters. I was in awe, at the way she was able to stroke her brush with such ease and perfection. I couldn't help but feel the utmost admiration and total despair realizing there is a high possibility that I will never be able to master this art.

As if seeing her calligraphy skills weren't humbling enough, that’s when she pulled out another blank canvas and colored ink and started to paint. Each seemingly sloppy and mindless stroke turned out to be a beautiful painting. Again, I was amazed. I asked if I could have the picture. Candice translated for me and from her body language I thought I might have asked an insulting question, perhaps I should have offered to pay for it? Candice turned to me and said “are you sure? She sayd she could do much better, this was just for fun” ….. Yeah,... I’m sure... I want it. By now, Mark and Geoff had come in and we spent the next few minutes wiping the drool from our faces after snapping out of the trance we were in from watching Candice's sister so effortlessly create in our minds, a master piece. Candice told me that her Sister's husband carves rocks and if we want, she can take us to pick out rocks and get them carved. I wasn't 100% sure what she meant by that, but I wasn't about to turn down an opportunity! I gave her my QQ so that we could set up a time to meet and go get rocks to get carved...

When I was in Korea with my dad, we were in Seoul and found a stand that would carve your name into a rock and you could use it as a stamp or a seal. It took about 30min and we only had 20min until our group was going to leave, but we tried to get it done anyway, we wrote down “Warrior Princess” (every one should know, that's what my name means... ;) ) and kept browsing around. It turns out that we were right in speculating that we weren't going to have enough time to get the stone back but it was worth a shot. We ended up loading onto the bus stone less and I have always thought about how cool it would have been to have that.

I tell you that because in the back of my mind I have hoped that this is the stone that Candice is talking about. Fingers crossed it's that or even cooler... but lets face it, a personalized seal of your name in Chinese is pretty hard to beat. Candice's sister left in a hurry leaving her brush and paint on the table next to me... I offered my calligraphy ink and brush to Geoff and leaned across the table to take Candice's sisters supplies... I asked Candice if I could try and this again is an example of the Chinese do or do not there is no try. Candice pulled out more paint and a new paper for me to practice with; I got a book full of flowers I could paint and the 411 on how to do buds and petals.

Mark said I couldn't do it partially joking around so you know me; I rolled up my sleeves and went to work! I spent the next 30min concentrating so hard to end the class with one decent looking flower bud. Gotta start somewhere! I am really excited for next week. I really enjoy this class and actually wish it was longer than just an hour.

I headed to dinner and ate my grub while trying to convince the other ILP teachers that I did both the calligraphy and painting... I came with a bunch of smarties, none of em believed me. But I can't blame em!

I put up the pictures of my calligraphy stuff and the painting Candice's sister made in our room so it makes everything a little more homey then chilled on my bed for a little while just chatting.

We cleaned out the fridge so that Crista and Rachelle could use it if they want, because theirs isn't … I can't remember the reason. So far Sam and I haven't really ever had a real need for it so we have just been using it as a cupboard for our food.. O well no big deal. After we cleaned it out. Sam and Crista were chilling in our room when Sam boy came in because he heard I was looking for him, which I was because weeks ago when I got locked out of my room Sam taught me how to make this anklet thing and I have gotten it done for forever I just didn't know how to tie it off so he came in and helped me do that. So now I am super cool, just FYI ;)

I am starting to feel the effects of my latest non stop go go go habbit. So today I am going to try to let my body have time to recoup and get to bed early.

Fashion Kindergarten

Wednesday 4-17- 13

Today is Grimm kindergarten day! I don’t know why but this school is still one of my very favorites! Instead of charades, I decided to go with a different approach; I stood up and started tapping on each child head. “duck, duck, duck, duck...” until I made it around to usually the student who seems to catch on quickly.. “GOOSE!” and started to run. Some needed a prompting to chase the teacher around the table, but others, I was fish tailing it around the table and burning rubber trying to get back to my seat in time! Then, I pulled out two animals. 

We talked about the Monkey and Elephant. Where they live, how they walk and sound, if they are big or small etc. then went on “monkey, monkey, monkey, …. ELEPHANT!” this time students had to hold out their trunk and stomp around the table like an elephant. That game seemed to be a much greater hit for the kids and lets face it, myself. Who wouldn't be thoroughly entertained to watch little Chinese Kindergarteners trying to run/stomp while holding their nose up to their arm as a makeshift trunk? Or perhaps run and scratch their arm pit and head and oooh oooh ahh ahhh! If you can't imagine it, trust me, it was good. Some classes didn't get to the actions and we worked on where they lived and how they sound with each animal after each round of chasing but either way, I really liked how this lesson altered.

After we got done teaching, we went back to the cafeteria and partook of the “candy mento.” if you don't remember, last week was the school that had butterfly mentos and now this week we bit into a roll that had a cinnamon sugar liquid with just the perfect 1:1 ratio of bread to sugary substance. HEAVEN! We realized today that our sugar and oil intake has hit a dramatic curve since being here. Almost like they took turns! We haven't seen butter here once and that’s because they just use oil to make everything not stick to the pan and why not add an extra dash to liven things up. Literally everything is dripping in oil and I don't understand why I didn't see it before and limit myself. Guh! China! You are so sneaky!

After Lunch we were headed out when I saw a girl with another duck sweater!!! I took some creepy photos of her and then Rachelle and I waved her over. She willingly wrote down the store and told me that its a Korean Brand... typical. Well we got the address and name of the school and then Lilly offered to go shopping. We totally would have but we had in-service today so we had to tell her no. we got in the car and she typed into her translator “we go shopping next week, ill take you” we told her we would get back to her on it and I gave her my QQ so we could ask the head teachers about maybe missing in-service.

We got back to the school in time for in-service. This week’s in-service was really really good! We talked about how it’s easy to forget why we came here and how much of an influence we are on these kids’ lives. We see Chinese teacher after Chinese teacher smack the kids on the back of their heads and yank them out by their collars etc. and signs all around that say “I must be the best” these kids are here Monday through Friday first grade through high school. I would die. I don’t know what I would have done if I didn't have my mom’s shoulder to cry on or after school snacks to come home to. We as ILP teachers have the chance to become some sort of love and comfort in these kids’ lives. It helps me have more drive to show these students that I love and care for them, Especially Leslie. I know that next semester she will have a whole new group of teachers, but at least I know that this semester she knows that I love her like a big sister. I try my best to plan each lesson for my kids so that they can learn the most English possible. My kids must take an English test to get into our school, only those who have the best English are allowed in. I want to leave China, knowing that I have taught them the best I knew how and that I have given them all the opportunities they need to get a good education and get further in their lives. There is not one student that I have that I wish won't succeed. It’s crazy to think that we have such a great influence on people's lives. I've always said I want to make a difference and now that I think of it, doctors heal people and the President leads us, but without teachers, where are the doctors or the leaders of our country? My teachers, my parents, Ms. Casper, Miss. Johnson, Miss. Adams, they are the people who shaped me and my foundation to the person I am today. I have always loved learning and going to school. Maybe not so much the students or people around me or the social games that happen as I grew older but I have always loved learning and I have now grown the deepest gratitude for my educators in my early years who helped me see the excitement in learning and growing and the only way I know how to show it, is by paying it forward. I am going to try even harder to love and teach these kids until the day I leave China.

Yesterday I had planned my lessons for next week. I knew today that I needed to get all my supplies for my craft next week. I am putting two Popsicle sticks in and x and then twisting a pipe cleaner up the middle to make a butterfly. If the kids are really quick with that, I will put beads on each end of the “entente”. In order to get all that stuff I had to go make a run to the supply room which is in the building where the most  of  ILP teachers teach and Kelly's office. So after in-service, I headed over. On my way up to the supply room, I just felt like I should go sneak to Kelly's office to see if she was there and say hello. I did just that, and Kelly was there! We talked for a little bit and I explained to her my problem with the whole Martial arts thing. I kept trying to find the class but I don't think I am in the right place etc. she picked up the phone and gave Lee a call. She gave him my QQ number and then asked about classes. Well come to find out, he moves his classes around everywhere. Sometimes they are in the gym, others in the room Ben showed me and then finally, the track. I talked to Kelly for a little bit more about the outing we went on Friday and then ran out to the field to watch Lee's class. I wasn't quite sure if I was allowed to take class or if I had to wait and watch, but either way, I was fine because I know I was getting my foot in the door.

In between his first and second class, he told me he wanted to learn words about family. I explained mother, father, and brothers etc. he had to start his next class so I ran upstairs to get a pen and paper to draw out his family so I could give him a visual of what we were actually talking about. I came back down to watch him nunchuk class and draw pictures and words for Lee to learn.

After Lee got done with his classes, I walked with him to put away his things in the room. And I continued to help him with words he didn't know. By now, it was dinner time so we headed up to the cafeteria. He asked me to follow him so I did and thought I was waiting to get his food but he got me a tray of food as well. I usually eat on the first floor and from the looks of it; the other teachers usually eat up on the third floor where we were. He showed me to a table and that’s where we sat down! It wasn't like we were alone or anything was inappropriate in the slightest, I just hoped that he could meet the other ILP teachers and get more English exposure. But that’s okay, it’s no problem, I taught him more words like carrots, cabbage and rolls etc. he started to say something to me that didn’t make sense, but after more and more gestures and guessing I figured out that he wanted to tell me things but didn't know how to say it so he is going to go home and write a letter and translate it so that I can read it. By that time we had finished dinner and we headed out to the first floor. I introduced Susan to Lee since she was the only one left ( it took a long time to figure out the letter) and then we parted ways.

I headed up to the apartment, got all my lesson plans ready to turn in for next week and then headed back to my room to find a QQ message from Lilly, our driver from Grimm. She asked if we wanted to go shopping so I told her we would love to go with her! After a few bad translations on Google translation's part, we got it all figured out that we would go next week at 11:00 after we are done teaching! I am super stoked! Maybe I will get my jacket! After I talked with Lilly, I got the insanity from Mark and have been consistent so far with my work outs! Even if I don't slim down from the nasty oil food I am loaded up with, I always feel much better after working out. Its so true what they say about it making people happier. I find myself sometimes wishing I could just be alone or leave the campus just for a walk to get some fresh air. I guess this is  a taste of what the missionaries must feel now, but after working out and getting some exercise in, I am always happier and content with my living situation.

After my work out, I hit the shower and wrote in my journal. Now its off to bed for Dell! Goodnight! Or should I say good morning to those reading this!

Im feelin it!

Tuesday 4-16-13

Oh man I am definitely sore today! This is absolutely awesome! I made it to the gate on time and was quickly followed by Rachelle I was very relieved about that as you can imagine. But after waiting for about 10min I was starting to think, that they had given up on us and either weren’t going to show up or were coming late because of Rachelle. I was a little annoyed and worried until they showed up and apologized for being late. Phew, it wasn't on purpose. We got to the school and taught our classes. I have had a hard time with learning the kids names because the last two times I haven't been able to pass out name tags and it’s a big bummer but I have decided that I am going to make a special effort to remember these kids names. After we got done teaching, I was taken into a classroom and watched classes. The kids were getting served their food, when I looked over at two of my girls scooping air out of their imaginary bowls saying yucky or yummy while taking turns... what?! Oh man I was so happy! They listened to my lesson!!! There is no better reward than seeing that.

After the kids all got their food Rachelle and I were able to eat ours and then head back to the school. I finalized my ELE lesson which is going to be awesome because it’s on my favorite topic.. Shopping! We went shopping at the Jiajiayue for groceries and basic restock of our rooms and fridge and then headed back to the school and just got ready for the rest of the week. Today was a pretty low key day. But I will mention that I did get a mean insanity work out in, I told you, I’m going to get back to where I started! 

I’m cool now

Monday

4 – 15 -13

this morning was an early one like every Monday is. I pulled myself out of bed and got ready to teach. Since my pants ripped on me I decided ill just stick with the skirt for now and pile on the layers for another cold day.

I went down the stairs and walked outside to a gush of cold wind. Dang it, I should have put more layers on. O well, I was already past the point of no return so I kept walking. I noticed that Alicia and Susan were walking down the steps. At this early in the morning it only meant one thing, they are coming to evaluate us. Normally I love evaluations because I can get good feedback but I am already nervous for my lesson cuz I’m not sure my kids are going to be able to do it. We changed SPEs this week so I’m not doing Drama (I am so sad about that) anymore and I will be doing Games this week instead. I am just hoping that somehow I can get things worked out. I am pretty sure my first class might be rough but as always I am sure that I will be smooth out the wrinkles after the first few lessons. But I will most likely be scored on my first lesson with this SPE. Drat. O well, I’ll try my best! We all got on the bus and crammed ourselves onto the little seats and headed on our way! Stop after stop, the bus was filling up especially with two extra teachers in the back. We normally don't sit next to the kids and I think it’s probably how they want it. They have a routine down and saying goodbye to mom and dad in the morning has got to be the hardest part of the day for them so if you keep the bus routine down, then as least there isn’t that fear of the unknown for the kids. However, there was a little boy standing at the stop with his dad, the bus pulled up, his dad patted him on the back and he walked right on in. he wandered towards the back to fine Susan eagerly sitting in a row that definitely could have been his, waiting for a kid to sit by her. She pointed to the seat as he looked at her, looked back at the seat and then sat down. Susan was happy she got to share the bus ride with him and we couldn't quite tell if he couldn't care less about what was going on or if he was dreading the decision to sit by the crazy English teachers.

We arrived at the school and had our yummy breakfast and then headed up to teach, as I had feared, my lesson didn't go as well as I hoped it would and I got evaluated during my quietest class. Figures. Well, I’ll just have to settle with a low score this week I guess. But on a brighter note, I adjusted the lesson so there was more talking and found out that the boy sitting next to Susan is one of my students! I knew he looked familiar but he had a hat on and I didn't want to creep just in case I was wrong. My little 2 year olds were darling today. I was trying to get them to understand that monkeys are soft by pulling out a pipe cleaner and letting them pet that, I put it on my face and said “it tickles!” as I jerked it away. Of course they LOVED that. Their giggles are too priceless to not capture on camera.

I walked outside to a beautiful day. This school is built like a castle right next to the beach so you can only imagine how happy I was to walk over and sit in the sun and be a comfortable temperature. I found out that today we don't have in-service so we could stay for lunch if we wanted because they serve it at 12:00 I didn't really care either way, and actually would have rather gone home but it is Hannah’s Birthday and she LOVES this schools food so we decided we would wait for an hour to get food here. We spent that hour laying down on the cement resting and counting our blessings for the warm weather.

An hour past so we headed to the Cafeteria and got our food. I honestly don't think the food is that wonderful but it was sweet corn and pretty god rice so I can't complain. It’s better than our schools food so I wasn't bitter in the slightest. Hannah got up for seconds and Susan and I decided to take that time to plan a surprise Happy Birthday song for her because most of the Chinese teachers were in the lunch room too. Hannah sat down and we started our song. The teachers were so happy and enthusiastically joined in. we finished our meal and were about ready to go when one of the teachers brought in a big old cake like the ones they give us at Grimm almost on a weekly basis now, and said another kid had a birthday too! Haha can't complain! It was a yummy cake!

We got out and found our driver. He is so funny we really like him even though we can't speak any Chinese; there is a mutual friendship between us teachers and him. We all got into the van and then he told us to wait as he ran up to the gate, Hannah told me to hurry and get into the driver’s seat! Ah! I wasn't going to do it and my excuse was “I’m in a skirt!” but impulse got the best of me when Hannah replied “you can do whatever you want in a Maxi skirt!”. Yupp, I planted my butt right in the driver’s seat as he turned around to walk down to the van. I waved him to “hurry up” when he stopped in his tracks and started to laugh. I moved back to my seat as he got in and we had a good laugh when he signaled me to the driver’s seat and said “lets go!”. The drive back to the school is beautiful because it is along the beach but also with that we go down the BEST long boarding road. Our driver was going pretty fast so we held both hands up like we were riding a roller coaster and gave our best :look mom no hands impersonation” he had a pretty good laugh as he looked back at us, shifted gears and pressed on the peddle. I’m not sure if the raised eye brows and huge grin on his face was from satisfying his need for speed or our mock screams coming to life by our mixed fear and excitement getting the best of us, either way, he definitely won a place in our hearts with that drive home.

We pulled up and waved goodbye as we walked in the gates. The weather is amazing today. It’s the perfect warm with a slight breeze. It’s amazing how the weather changes perspective on everything. Or at least it does for me. If you ask Dellany, everything is better when it’s warmer.

I got up to my room and changed into my shorts and a T shirt and face timed Moe for a tiny bit because it’s important for him to sleep and the internet was bad. After that, Me, Sam, Crista and Rachelle headed down to the track to run. I got about a mile in before my feet started throbbing. I have never felt that pain so badly before. Both bottoms of my feet hurt so bad I had to sit on the side of the track and take my shoes off before I could start walking again. Why does this always happen? All I want to do is work out and exercise. I tried for another half mile or so and finally had to give in. I couldn't even walk so how could I run? So I picked up my stuff and headed up the stairs. I passed the TKD room and it was 3:15 so I waited 5min to see if the class would come and it never did. I talked to Kelly Saturday and she told me to get a QQ so she can tell Lee and we can talk with QQ and figure out when his classes are. I remember Mark telling me he had figured out how to use Google chrome to translate everything so I headed upstairs so I could be productive and create a QQ. I walked up to a locked door. Drat, I forgot Sam locked it. But good news, tender mercy, I left my lap top in Crista and Rachelles room because it gets good Wi-Fi so my drop box pictures would load and they never lock it! So I went into their room and got my computer and went to find Mark.

Mark helped me figure everything out. I downloaded Google Chrome and got my QQ account set up and because his room get such good Wi-Fi (even better than Rachelle and Crista's) my drop box uploaded everything! So basically, I am cool now and have a QQ ...Sweeto like a Cheeto. My feet may kill and I may be totally tired and wasn’t to curl up and sleep but I got a QQ and some to do's checked off before Sam came back up to the room. We got in and I curled up into a ball till dinner. I went down with Crista and Rachelle and ate a little bit and then went back up to our room and waited for Sam to get into the shower. So I could have a turn. While I was waiting I asked Susan and Alicia for my evaluations and it turns out I really did Crush my lesson on Friday because I got a perfect score of 5 and my lesson today didn’t suck that bad cuz I got a 3.5 which isn’t great but it’s not that bad. Better than I thought.

Today really has been an amazing day because not only was it warmer outside than in our rooms, but the shower was scalding hot with good water pressure! Spent so long in the shower. Its a good thing I don’t have a smoke detector in my room because I would have for sure set it off with all the steam! When I finally got myself to turn off the water and get out, I decided I am getting fatter. I am so bummed about it but after talking with Sam, we are going to use the next 2.5 months to get ourselves back in shape. We still aren't sure what is going on because we don't know what Chinese food is or isn't good for us and poor Crista is allergic to gluten so the other day she started researching because her stomach has been hurting her and realized that everything pretty much as MSG in it which I guess is terrible for you and makes you fatter. Hello China, why are you all so freaking skinny and I am getting fat?!

O well, Sam and I started doing her p90x ab ripper dvd and want to try that every other day and then fill in the other days with some cardio. We are also putting ourselves on a strict no snacking  diet and no eating after dinner. Fingers crossed this works! Sam and I also decided I need to sleep more so that I can get at least 8 hours of sleep. Here is to the start of day 1!

I already got to chat with my friend Dan Dan on QQ today! I am so hip now! I have a QQ! But I feel like my mom when she first gets an electronic devise, instagram or face book while using it because well, its all in Chinese. But I have got the jist of it! Haha well I need my 8 hours of sleep so its time to say goodnight!

Strawberry AWSOME-MY-PANTS!!! :O

Sunday 4-14-13

I got up this morning dragging my feet more so than I ever have before as a result of sleep deficiency and just straight up being worn out. But I told Sam I would go with her so no backing out now. I took Kelly's advice about it being cold today and layered up and headed out.

I met Crista in the hallway and we headed out. We strategized how we were going to make it back by 12:00 so we knew for sure that this wouldn't be drug out any longer than we could handle. We decided if the girls ask us we will say we have to be back by12:00 that was simple, but if they don't ask, its finding the right time and way to ask that is the tricky part. After roll playing scenario after scenario we arrived at the gate, Greeted by the guards. We sat out in front waiting for our unknown hosts for the day. We saw a white Mercedes ride up and pull over. Out hopped a Chinese woman who said “strawberries?” yupp! That’s us! Crista took shot gun as I sat in the back with 11 year old Azalea. She spoke great English and really impressed me when she told us bout her travels to America and Korea. She automatically became a favorite when she told me she does taekwondo and loves ice cream. We drove off for about 2 min before her mom Helen, pulled over to ask for directions after we told her we don't know where it is haha. Never hurts to ask! She called her friends and got directions so off we went. We found out that we weren't going with a few girls our age when Helen got off the phone ‘ and that we were in fact meeting up with Azalea's whole class at the strawberry farm. This will be fun! During the drive, Helen gave us a hardboiled egg and a dumpling for breakfast. It was pretty good. They have hard boiled eggs over here a lot which is kind of my saving grace.

   About 45min of driving and waiting to meet up and follow the bus, we arrived at the strawberry farm.

 The kids from this school were not at all excited nor surprised to see white people and really paid no attention to us which was weird for me but then also kind of nice because I didn't feel like my every move was being monitored.We got these boxes that I wasn't so sure about and headed down to one of the green house looking things. We walked inside to find rows and rows of strawberry plants. Hence the name strawberry farm right? We were told eat eat eat its no problem and to fill the boxes. So I reached down and gave it a shot... best strawberry I have ever tasted! I ate and ate and ate... there was no stopping me.

I spent about 90% of my time eating and 10% of my time

picking which is probably the reason by the time the kids had gotten bored and were filing out to go play outside in the dirt, I had maybe ½ a box full of strawberries while everyone else’s was almost full if not gaping open... ooops good thing Crista was there to help me find some!

I don't know what it was about them but they tastes just like the baby ones we grew in our garden back home only they were bigger than my nose, they were so soft, every bite brought a heavenly, sweet, juicy taste to my mouth leaving my taste buds begging for more.

We were standing there with our boxes watching the kids play. I was thinking to myself about how I hope they are all able to stay uncrushed and subconsciously, slightly swinging the box of strawberries. Helen came over and told us to put the boxes on the ground so that they don’t hug to tight and cry. Haha that’s one way to put it!

We headed over to a Korean restaurant. One of the many things Azalea told us was that her mom is part Korean so Helen knew the places to go. We arrived at the restaurant earlier than the other group we were going to eat with and headed out back since the area we were in was like an up and coming gateway.

 It was really nice and made us feel like we were back home. Azalea pulled out a couple rip sticks out of the trunk and pulled them over to where we were hanging out. She put one on the ground and told us to hop on. um... I’ve never even touched one of these. In fact the closest I have ever been to one is seeing the neighbor boys riding around on theirs.

The normal Dellany would have said no and just watched but this Dellany walked on over and hopped on that sucker and took off riding like a horse off into the sun set... yeah right. I almost died. Fell right off that sucker right as my foot left the ground. But after a few tried and good hard laughs I managed to get on and move without falling off.  I am by no means good at it. But I had enough fun trying to ride it that I want to get one when I get back to the U.S. So I can master it!

 On the way to the strawberry farm, I told Helen my favorite was Korean BBQ and that’s exactly what we got. Crista and I were in heaven.  We also got a plate of sushi so as you can imagine, be the end of the food we were overloaded but still eating... really attractive I know. After eating we went back outside to play with the kids. We were playing what’s called hunters and animals which I a fun version of monkey in the middle and dodge ball. You have two people on the outside and everyone else in the middle of the two “hunters” the hunters throw the ball back and forth to each other but have to try to kill or hit the animals in the middle (us) if they hit an animal they go to the outside and watch. If an animal catches the ball or hacky sack then an animal from the outside that was killed gets to come back in the middle. The object of the game is obviously hunters want to kill the animals and the animals want to stay alive. I was the last animal in the middle when I saw the hacky sack coming at me, I caught the hacky sack with a slight bend, Ever so slight like not bending at all, when I felt my pants on the butt start to fit differently. I was wearing my favorite pair of jeans. My MEKs so you can imagine the horror I felt when I casually felt my back pocket had separated down my butt and ripped a hole in my jeans! This is not real life. It can't be! But yes. I could feel my Nike shorts meant to be underneath my jeans showing through. 

 Alright. Time to go this is a disaster, I purposely got hit and went back upstairs and got my jacket to tie around my waist. It was already 1:00 an hour later than we had planned on being home and we hadn't even heard a comment about going home. Crista was tired, I was borderline devastated and we were throwing in the towel. In hopes that they would see we were tired, we sat down together with our heads on our hands. We did it. Helen started rounding up the kids and we were heading home. It was about an hour drive since she drives so incredibly slow, I had to fight the whole time to keep me eyes open. Crista fell asleep in the back so I tried to keep the conversation going. She told me about how her parents live in Korea and they had a dry run nuclear bomb drill. She told me that, and it all became very real to me. I am in a bubble over here with no news or information. It’s easy for me to think that everything pauses back home while I am over here in this dream world. If Korea does something stupid so I have to come home from China they better watch out. A Nuclear war is the least of their worries; they will have to deal with the wrath of Dellany... that aint pretty.

I came home and went upstairs mourning the loss of my new pants by downing every strawberry in that box... it’s a tragedy it really is, I was talking to Sam about it and I feel like I was just betrayed by a boyfriend. I trusted those pants to take care of me! But no, they just gave up and tried to expose me to the world at the least convenient time in the most inconvenient way! How could they do that to me?! Whatever, I can't think about it without getting sad so I am just going to talk about something else. I had some last min preps for my lesson that I needed to get done so I finished my drawings and colored my pictures. Sam is still feeling pretty under the weather and I am overly exhausted so I followed her lead and hit the hay pretty early.