Happy Children's Day?

We celebrated Children's Day today at school - yipee. This consisted of the children going outside to watch an hour and a half of stupid peformances put on by the teachers and their mothers. I can't quite explain what this spectacle is like - I've already seen it several times, and it's quite annoying. These adults put on full body costumes and act with pre-recorded skits that are played deafeningly loudly over the speakers. They also talk in the most annoying cutesy Asian voice EVER. Why they like this voice is beyond me, but apparently it's very good.

That was kind of a cynical start to this entry. The performances today were kind of fun because I basically just played with/distracted the kids during the performance. I had my favorite little (and fat) tyke sitting on my lap for awhile at one point. His name is Genre, and he's 3. Then he got too heavy so I had to get up. Also some older kids, about 5 or 6, told me they had never eaten American food. I said really? Have you ever been to McDonald's? KFG? Eaten pizza? They said yes. I said then you've eaten American food! One very cute boy told me - no! This was Chinese food! His Chinese teachers and I set him straight.

During my last class someone came to observe. During the class one of the students told me I was "hen bang" - very good/cool - an obvious ego-booster. After the class the lady told me I was great and all the teachers/administrators liked me a lot, so that was encouraging. I have been a bad influence on the kids this week, I think. I am teaching them fruit, and I ask them how to eat each fruit. We act out how to eat it, and then at the end I throw the imaginary peel behind me. Some of the kids tell me that is not okay and I should put it in the trash. I want to tell them to teach their parents this lesson! Chinese people litter like crazy. But some of them think it's really funny and love to throw their imaginary peel on the ground.

I am going to Yunnan province in August with my friend Rebekah! I am beyond excited. It is in southern China and borders Myanmar (Burma), Laos, and Vietnam. It is one of the most beautiful places in the world with mountains, rivers, lakes, flora, fauna, and all kinds of Chinese ethnic minorities, so it's very diverse. I think we are going to backpack for 1.5-2 weeks, so it's going to be a pretty intense trip. I've already been researching and planning for hours.

Tomorrow we are having a Lost finale party at my friend's apartment. Even though the episode aired almost a week ago, we wanted to make the finale special, and it's too hard to meet during the week, so about 6 of us have held off watching until tomorrow. We are each dressing up like a character and bringing food they might have eaten on the island. I am obviously dressing up as Claire, because I am blond and do an amazing "WHO TOOK MY BAYBYYYY?" impression.

And finally... I have really been missing my friends lately! Family, I miss you a little, but I get to skype with you a lot so it's okay. So, friends, save up and come visit me because I miss you! I am just realizing that it's strange leaving college where you are constantly surrounded by people your age who like to do the same things as you, and now I'm in an enormous city and that is not always the case.

Family, I have a special note for you:
1. My birthday is coming up (t minus one week exactly). Whoever sends me a package will be my favorite.
2. Mom is currently winning the prize for best family member, because we talk a lot. Elisabeth and Bobby, you do pretty well too, but Dad and Margaret...
3. Dad if you send me money I will forgive you. (just kiddingggggg)
4. Margaret you are currently winning the award for the worst sibling. You never call me. If I could rank the best siblings in order, you would get 5th - Austin AND Socks would beat you, because I probably talk to them more than you. Actually, you send me music so that bumps you up a few points. You also called me an hour ago accidentally right before school started. I was trying to eavesdrop and listen to what you were saying but I didn't get any juicy info.
5. JK, girl, see you soon!!!!!!!!!!!!