Before I begin, I must warn my readers- I have chosen to write tonight because I am home alone, feeling sorry for myself. It's pathetic, I know, but in my defense, winters in Shanghai can be quite depressing. We have so many gray days this time of year that it starts to feel like we will never see the sun again...I'm not even sure I remember what a blue sky looks like over here.
Not only is it dreary and still a bit chilly, it's a busy time of year at work. I have my class assembly this Friday, student led conferences a couple weeks from now and then our quarter 3 reports are due. I must say, I am really looking forward to March 30, when we board the plane to Bali for the second time...and as I think of that, it hits me...I should not feel sorry for myself, even though my sister is about to give birth to her second child and I will not be there to hold him on his birth day...I should be thankful for all that I am fortunate enough to have. (Rambling will continue in this post, beware.) Sometimes it's so hard to see the positives when the negatives seem to outweigh them. One last gripe and then I will move on to the cheery part of my post. Although I am extremely happy and excited to welcome the new baby to our family, at the same time I am reminded of the upcoming anniversary of my father's passing. It has now been 9 years, unbelievable to me and so sad that Gabby, the new baby and those to come never got to know him as their GRANDpa. No matter what, this time of year is always the hardest for me. So with that said, I am focussing on the amazing school year I have already had and am reminding myself of all the great fun. Here is the year (thus far) in review. This post is mostly for me...so if you don't feel like seeing things you have already seen, I would go back to doing what you were doing. I apologize for making you read the above. :)
First Happy Hour with the staff at Eddie's American Bar.
Bri's Birthday Celebration at Eddie's
One of my favorite days each year, the Chili Cook off!!! (With our new friend, Franck)
Adriana's Birthday Bash at Club Air...oh the memories of that night!
Staff Halloween Party!
Hanoi! I miss the coffee...
Bike Riding in Vietnam
Halong Bay, one of the most beautiful places I have ever been to!
Elton John Concert
Stache Bash 2012
Pink Party for Krystle's Birthday!
Staff Christmas Party
My beautiful girlfriends!
More lovely ladies!
Elephant riding in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Christmas Day in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Waterfalls in Thailand
Travis enjoying the waterfalls of Laos.
Travis being a tourist in Laos.
Me trying to enjoy Laos with the stupid Dengue!!!
Our Phuket beach vacation in January!
Smiling faces at the beach!
My Polka Dotted 32nd birthday party! Look at all my amazing friends!!!
CNY in Singapore
I fell in love with this city!!!
Now I remember how fortunate I really am. My life is pretty fantastic, and all of these people (plus more) make it what it is. I look forward to the rest of the school year and the memories I still have to make. This summer is getting closer and closer and I know I will see those that I am missing deeply at the moment.
xoxo
C
