Bit of a ho-hum day. A fellow came to fix the Venetian blind that won't stay up and took it away with him. No class in the
morning so I had time for a bit of reflection on what's happened so far.
Even though I'm really enjoying all the new experiences, there's no way I'd ever
take another position like this if Don wasn't coming with me. So much for the fiercely independent woman I thought I was! We'd better go sailing next year
because it's going to be "till death do us part" literally from now on! I think I've been in danger of dehydration from a watery overflowing of the eyes several
times – and for someone who seldom cries for any reason, that has been a revelation.
The other pondering has been brought about by my dad's diagnosis of renal
cancer last week – he looks like having to have one kidney removed. Although he's 80, he's been in good health but I knew there was always the possibility that something could happen to him
while I was over here. That wasn't a major concern in theory but when it actually happens it's a tad challenging.
There would be no purpose to my going home for him because he's well cared for in the Retirement Home where he
lives and has three of my brothers in the general area who can keep an eye on him. What happens if it's Don, or one
of our kids or grandkids though? I suspect it will be a case of "Sorry guys, but I'm out of here!" – penalty or not!
Family has always come before work for me, and touch wood, I hope I don't have to make that deision!
Enough of the morbid!
Thought I'd share some of the English names my students have! One girl suggested "Rambo" for herself and when I
called "Ivan" a petite young girl responded! When I told a couple of other native speakers about it, they said they
have several weather terms and lots of fruit – several "bananas"! Yesterday's class had an "apple", "cherry", "star" and "eleven" in it!
Traditionally, shoes were taken off when you entered someone's home over here – nowadays (maybe in deference to
the high heeled knee-high boots!) they have plastic covers like cut-off theatre boots to put over your shoes, or else
you wear the soft slip-ons provided. I don't know who lives up above me, but I'd say she wears high-heeled boots and I can track all her movements through the obviously-not-soundproofed ceiling!
I'll have to see how long my passport is going to be Nanking because I'm
almost out of money after one of my very helpful students found me a couple of phone-cards. I had only asked the students because the ex-pats told me they
can usually get them cheaper than the face value – course I didn't tell the student that, and copped full price! Timing wasn't exactly the best with the
Suzhou trip on Friday, so I'll have to cash in some of my precious Aussie $. Bring on Saturday so I can say "Don is coming over at the end of THIS month!"
Thursday 30th.
Am hoping to get my passport back this afternoon. Apparently it still needs Nantong's stamp to make me officially a
"foreign expert" – someone has obviously explained about the "has-been and drip under pressure" meaning of "expert"!
I've got the measure of the Thursday morning class – roleplays and homework! Have them roleplaying all their
in-class readings and have given them topics to prepare 4 sentences on for homework. Anyone who doesn't do the
homework has to sing a song – Brian assures me they hate singing in public more than they hate speaking in public! The role plays went really well this morning.
Busy getting ready for the Suzhou trip. In case I get lost – enjoy your lives to the full and go out in a blaze of glory! You won't be hearing from me for a few days!
