Christmas EveSince we had school on Christmas Eve, the whole day was dedicated to fun and games. Movies were watched and each class had a party. I spent the day before searching for gifts for all my students. Each student ended up getting a bunch of candy, a yo-yo, a little book, pencil, etc- just a grab bag of fun stuff. I ended up getting some nice gifts from my students as well! At the end of the day, we opened our presents, recorded the video in my last blog and then played some games. For working on Christmas Eve, it was not bad at all!
After school, I went to Carrie Jones and Vicki's house (the same house I celebrated Thanksgiving at). There, Carrie had been working very hard all day with a gourmet feast prepared for the three of us. It was a delicious meal and a very relaxing Christmas Eve. We watched some movies, played some games and called it a night.
Christmas Day
Christmas morning in China was Christmas Eve back in the states. This made for an interesting morning- I spent the morning jumping back and forth between Skyping with my family back home and celebrating here in Xi'an. My Christmas celebration here consisted of a brunch and gift exchange. Later in the day, we played more games and had some dinner. It was a great Christmas celebration and very fun.
Meanwhile, during breaks in my Christmas day festivities, I was running to my computer to Skype with my family while they were celebrating Christmas Eve- confusing, I know! I was able to talk with all my relatives, open my gift for that gift exchange (which TJ had delivered during his visit), watch my gift being open and play in a family game of poker! It was hilarious; my brother's laptop was placed on the table and people would hold cards up to me and I would place bets, just like a normal game! The funny thing is, I did really well (third, I think- right mom and dad?). It was a lot of fun and a great opportunity to visit with family. Technology is incredible. I really felt like I was right there in the room!
The Day After Christmas
The morning after Christmas in China was Christmas Day in the states. So, I celebrated again! This time, it was just dad, mom, TJ and Grandma SaLeal. I was able to open the rest of my presents with them over Skype and watch them open their presents. Again, I was amazed at technologies ability to help me fell as if I were in the same room as my family! I am so thankful I was able to spend so much time with my family. Although using the webcam is no substitute for spending Christmas with my actual family, it made this Christmas away much easier. It was a fun and new experience!
A Year in Review
2008 was grrrrrrreat (and it rhymes)! It's hard to imagine a one year ago I was a student at Western Washington University and living with Brad, Eric, Blake and Katie- it seems like a lifetime ago! Big moments from this year: I continued to make incredible friends in college while having way too much fun with the one's I already had, I ran my first Marathon, I graduated from college at WWU, I was at the Olympics in Beijing with my family, and I traveled farther from home than I ever had to teach for a year. In honor of this time of reflection, here is a note that I found that I wrote during my flight to China over 4 months ago:
08/09/08 (6:11 PM/5:11 PM?)
I just passed over Anchorage, Alaska. I really feel that the magnitude of this trip has only just struck me. I was watching "Bee Movie" (fair at best. I'd rather watch 3 episodes of Seinfeld back-to-back) and I started thinking about the movies on my return flight. Then it hit me; I don't have a return ticket. In fact, the only ticket I have is sending me farther into China! Well, no turning back now. It will be a whole YEAR before I cross this ocean again. Here goes nothing! (P.S. I think the guy next to me has restless leg syndrome!)
Thank you to everyone who has supported me over the last year. For my parents putting me through college and always encouraging me in everything I do. For my amazing friends who still talk to me even though I left them for a year. For my family who is so awesome. And to you! All the people who continue to read my blog and follow my journeys, it makes it much easier to write! Thank you for you updates to- I love hearing about life in the states. I love all of you very much!
Looking Ahead...
Only 4 days until 2009?!?!?! WOW! I can't believe it! Here are some exciting things coming up soon:
A new roommate! I will be having a roommate living with me here in Xi'an. I've been reorganizing my apartment in order to make room for him (TJ, you wouldn't even recognize it). He is a college student who is coming to Xi'an to do an internship. I'm very, very excited to meet him and share some adventures!
My Vacation! Because I'm in China, our school did not give us the traditional break that schools in the states receive for Christmas during the winter. Instead, I received a 4-day weekend. Although Christmas is not a huge deal here in China, the Chinese New Year is! So, starting January 16th, I will have a vacation until February 9th! Not only do I have 3 weeks off, I will be spending these weeks in THAILAND! I'm a little sad to miss the Chinese New Year, but I can't wait to travel in Thailand (and to feel some warm weather)! I'm so excited, I've included this countdown:
Engagements! There have been so many engagements lately! I just wanted to say congratulations to all my friends and loved ones and that I will do my best to be back for your weddings!
Amanda and Sasha
Treavor and Heather
Blake and Christie
Cody and Al
Alex and Tyler
Congratulations all!
Finally, HAPPY BIRTHDAY DANA!!! I know this may come a little late, but I hope you had a great Birthday and thanks for sending my Christmas gift with TJ. I know Catch Phrase will be a huge hit!
3 comments:
Brad thank you so much for the video. My mom sister and I died laughing. Merry xmas and have a happy new year!
Oh my gosh Brad, seeing you in that laptop and learning that you played poker with your family that way and took a family picture...hilarious man! I died after I saw you wrote that and weren't kidding. =) I'm glad it was a good Christmas bro!
Happy New Year, HBF!
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