I BELIEVE THE CHILDREN ARE OUR....whatever

This pass week, I've had to convince many people that I love and adore children. Those of you that know me, know that that involved some Academy Award winning performing. I don't hate children, I'm just not their biggest fans. Well it turns out teaching kids is lucrative here in China and the kids tend not be snotty ass brats like you find VERY often in the States.

I have a demo class tomorrow with some 4 year old. I have to impress the principal who will be giving me thumbs up or down and perhaps not kill the children. I'm a little nervous. I want to work for Scholastics (yes that's Scholastics!!!)

Any and everyone is looking for English teachers. My other interviews(5)were "quick and dirty" as Jake says. They ask you 8 questions and you're done. This is not a merit based society for sure. They like you or they don't for whatever rational/irrational reasons. We'll see if any of them call me back...

I'm still keeping all of my options open, sort of.
For example, I went to an interview today with a huge expat company Austen Morris Wealth Management Firm. 100% non Chinese, they don't hire Chinese of any kind. I'm sure some money laundering is happening with the "handling of off shore accounts and managing wealthy clients". Considering I'm looking for teaching jobs, I did not go into this interview with my A game. They were looking for a Business Development Director and somehow ended up with my resume. Whatever. Mr Very Large British White Guy whose name escapes me, was selling (interviewing) me on the position. I humored him...for about 15 minutes. I then asked him if this position involved "cold calling". He said yes and that you can make a lot of money here, because its commission based. I smiled and said "I hate to say it, but I'm not a good fit for this position." He graciously thanks me for my honesty and proceeds to go down some strange memory lane about "when I first moved to China...blah blah...now I'm making real...blah blah..." I kept thinking that I might as well hang around, not like I have a job to get to or anything to do today. The reception was keeping the lattes coming, so I couldn't really complain. He was an interesting fellow and the lattes were delicious. He ask me again if I was sure about the position because "you are very personable". I laugh and said like an asshole, "of course I am, but not over the phone. I don't do call centers". Mr Very Large British White Guy apologizes to me for taking up my valuable time and thanks me for coming. He begrudging walks me to the elevator, gives me a handshake and his card. I thought he was going to try and hug me because I listened and talked with him. (I'm not even kidding)I told him that I will add it to my Rolodex (do people still use those?) and that it was nice meeting him. I get on the elevator and started laughing loudly at how ridiculous I was for coming to Shanghai and having the balls to turn down (not like they really offered it to me) that job.

I will not have any regrets because "I believe the children are our future...blah blah blah"

Jake's gone to the States...lots of time to do some thinking on my own. oh boy

This is not China…

Almost a month in and it’s just becoming more and more entertaining. As I sit in the café recovering from dancing til 4AM and setting up job interviews for various Language Schools, it hits me that Shanghai is the Hollywood representation of China. Shanghai is not China. I think Chinatown in LA and Chicago are more Chinesey than Shanghai. Sarah, yes I’m on a first name basis with the employees at the café, just brought me my latte that I didn't ask for yet. I’ve become freaking Norm from Cheers. Not sure how I feel about this…good grief.
My cell contacts have increased to 10. To go from 200+ phone numbers to 0 to 10, is hilarious. Not being attached to my phone has been a life changing thing. I wish I was kidding. If you know me, you know that my phone was my right arm, boyfriend, child, soul. It’s embarrassing to admit, but whatever.
I’ve been “socializing” the past week. Going out and dancing like my life depended on it and meeting people. One of Jake’s school mate said “you really can dance and wasn’t lying about liking it”. HAHAAHHAHAHA, they don’t know. They will pffft.
It’s definitely a place that “its not what you know, it’s who you know”. I’ve not spent a dime going out, these people are crazy. A friend of a friend visiting here from DC told me that I’m working on my “Gwin qi”. This is why he’s in Shanghai. “Gwin qi” is the idea of meeting people and establishing and developing your worth with them. Scratch my back, scratch your back type of thing…
*(I apologize Marilla for all the idioms in this post, but that’s exactly how it is here)
My first mandarin lesson involved a lamented pinyin chart (thanks Jake for having that done!) Thomas, the teacher that’s in medical school and wants to work on his already good English, and myself desperate trying to mouthed and speak strange sounds. The pinyin chart looks like the Periodic Table of Elements…I’m not exaggerating or bullshitting you. Look here. Moving here is nowhere near as challenging as learning this language. I told Jeff that I would have a child (I don’t want to bear a child EVER!) and give it up to learn this language…that’s where my determination and/or craziness lies.


*pictures are from a day at century park with Thomas and Jake. It was a great fall day for walking around the park

...Bah!!!

The season is changing here Marilla. I've been here 17 days (12 of which I was actually conscious for), and it seems like I've been here forever. It feels like Chicago fall without the leaves changing and the lake smell. Its a little dreary but liveable. Turns out walking outside without a hat in the chilly rain can give you the sniffles...ugh. I just want to be a vegetable all of a sudden. Oh hey bank account, I know...I know.

I found a fancy version of Julius Meinl in Shanghai to do some JOB HUNTING at. Its appropriately called Wagas. Depot for non Chinese foreign jerks to hangout and listen to great music (i.e. Tracey Thorn remixes I've never heard before) while being snotty about their coffee (yes my hand is raise because I like good coffee, sue me). Super trendy but not obnoxious. Prices are so so (meaning cheaper then in the States but hilarious to pay more then 10RMB for a cup of coffee)...FREE INTERNET. Which isn't saying much, its free everywhere here. (They just block the HELL out of ALL the good sites) The coffee is illy, good salads and fruit that I've deemed safe for now. My paranoid diet has become crackers (there are a million varieties here for only 2-5RMB awesome), water, coffee, tea. I don't want the near death experience to happen again. At least not anytime soon.

How's that nosey Rachel doing Marilla? Sorry no scandalous stories for her to share with the world. There might be some youtube footage of me dancing with 10yr old plum whiskey, a dj, and a stage somewhere. I've blocked it from my memory...

You should be happy to know that as much as I've cursed the spreadsheet gods, I've started one for job searching. I think its a good idea to keep track of the people I'm meeting (not that its THAT many) and where I'm dishing the resume out to.

So I've discovered that most yoga studios want someone that speaks some Chinese in order to work there...fine. Learning Chinese just moved to #1 instead of #2. Now to start doing that.

Now thats all for me Anne with an "e"

*now enjoy my picture of me looking like I want a job and/or a prisoner maybe. not really sure. its bad either way, ARGHHHHH...


"Don't give up trying to find your way. But do remember that sometimes it takes bending to avoid breaking."
~Katinka Hesselink

The real transition and work begins

I didn't die, surprisingly, from the "China Bug", but I felt pretty damn close. Jake saw me at my lowest and he still wants to be my roommate...he's a keeper for sure.

So Eliz is gone and the time for Jake to leave for the states is growing closer. I will admit that I was a little nervous at first to think of being here by myself. Then I realized that I'm not by myself at all. I've discovered this thing called NETWORKING...maybe you've heard of it. I usually have a negative (moreso annoying actually) connotation with this term and never took the idea of it very seriously. I mainly associated it with people in suits having meetings, fake smiling and doing lots of dog and pony shows to impress. I'm well aware of my narrow minded view and will be the 1st to admit that that is a dumb way to look at it. I don't think I've really tried to "network" before per se, but I'm finding it interesting and useful now. I feel like a sponge wanting to meet and talk to people. I've never been this excited to look for work and actually want to meet people. (Because I don't like most people so this is kind of a big deal)

China was never on the list of places to go and actually live. Its always been Japan. After some encouraging words from Jake and Josh over some delicious soup and Baos, I laugh at myself for having doubts and feeling discouraged. Of course in my head I'm skipping and jumping in excitement (in the Mary Tyler Moore fashion of hat tossing and twirling in the street) I really am in my own little world sometimes. China will do for now. Its going to be my stepping stone. I am in Asia which was a goal...now to get even closer and learn a new language. Whose going to be marketable? HOLLA!!!! (I'm trying to pump myself up for this ridiculous hill I'm about to climb)

While Josh was here (all of 13 or 14 hours)I got to meet some really good people with his program and got some connects that live here in Shanghai!

I'm excited about going to the gym after being sick. Makes me angry when I feel like crap AND I can't workout. I did a 2 hour run/walk, weights, yoga session at the gym. I've seriously never wanted to be Madonna, but if her lifestyle lets her do ALL of those things ALL of the time...I seriously want to be her!

Now off to gym/network/get job and stuff...

~lovable Anne

the views...

Don't feel like writing, so look at pictures now... ayi lovely veggies

Feeling Blah

Dearest Diana,

I've discovered the pollution EVERYONE was talking about. Ugh. It was kind of miserable. It made my skin super dry (beyond cocoa butter levels) It felt life draining just walking across the street. Surprisingly, my asthma wasn't affected by the thick dense cloud that wafted through the city. I was given some Chinese pellets (I know, but it was safe) with ginseng, mint, a root (that I was not thankfully allergic to) and I felt better.
Jake is really handy with his phone and translated hanzi(Chinese character)to double check and make sure I won't die from ingredients. I'm really grateful...
Speaking of which, I had to get a new freaking phone that supported Mandarin because OF COURSE my WONDERFUL HTC does not. It supports every other damn language under the damn sun, except the one I need. Whatever I'm over it. (I'm not actually)

The past 28 hours have been a little rough. I believe too much oil from the ayi's wonderful cooking caught up with me. I won't go into detail, but the porcelain god and I have gotten closer. Jake is on it sprite and cracker duty...once again he's amazing. Gilbert should be concerned hehehehe.

Well that's all I have to report for now my bosom friend :)
(I'm pretty sure Anne Shirley would've be all over emoticons)

~Anne Shirley

Dear Marilla...

I am still wrapping my head around the idea of instant gratification here in Shanghai. ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING CAN BE DELIVERED TO YOUR FRONT DOOR. From sushi, cigs, McDonalds, or whatever you want even from the convenient store downstairs in your building. It can be done...crazy.

Anyway

I registered with the police and got my paperwork work for temp residency. Apparently they will send an officer to your place to make sure you really are dwelling at the residence. It seems a bit much but it should be fine.
Although I should be heavy job hunting, I'm finding that there is so much more to do. I want to put myself on a schedule so that I can be more productive. I'm waiting for this coma I'm in to pass. As I stood on top of yet another rooftop bar and looked at the insane skyline, I kept thinking "wake up". My bank account isn't dreaming though. Thats my reality check. Its really cheap being here, but when the balance is decreasing and with no income, it becomes a little worrisome. I'm seriously not stressin' about in.

I'm going to go pick up my new tailored suit next week, so that I will do some classy job interviewing. My tailored suit from the fabric market (a warehouse like place that you pick your material and show them a picture and bam new outfit) approx $50USD. Ridic!!!

I'm sure once I get a job, I'll be using the market for lots of homemade tops *if you know what I mean*

Thats all for now. Gilbert has things for us to do today.

Love,

Anne Shirley

No real adventures...

I'm not sure if its jet lag or what, but I keep waking up at 7am. It makes for long days.

...continued departure/arrival

After a crazy check in (having to check all my bags, laptop falling off the ticket counter as I desperately take out what I would need for 19+ hour flight from the hiking bag because it could not come with me on the plane...ugh)
I get on the plane and have the best flight EVER. It was super comfortable. If I wasn't sleeping, I was eating (they'd wake you up to hydrate you and feed you...I love Asiana Air!!!!). Sat next to a Korean husband and wife that were adorable. Got to Seoul and napped and chillax because it was 4AM...
Made a friend on the plane from Seoul to Shanghai, Jolene. She schooled me on getting pass customs and calmed me down a bit, because I was worried (completely unnecessary)

I get to Shanghai and start learning the neighborhood immediately. I've not encountered the cultural shock yet. Perhaps because the area that I'm living looks like Michigan Ave Mag Mile. A freaking flagship Apple Store, flagship Gap, H&M, Uniqlo, etc, etc. Its funny how western this city is...oh well whatever.

I priced and visited a few yoga studios and gyms. Decided and got a gym membership (its across the street and its pretty decent)Got a transportation card (can be used on buses, subway, taxis...so awesome!) and sim card for my phone. Jake, the roomy, has an ayi (like a housekeeper)She cooks really good foods that are vegetarian. I'm still trying to wrap my head around the idea that an "auntie" coming in to cook and clean for you is cheaper then eating out or doing it yourself...so crazy. (avg $2-$4USD a meal is flippin insane)

This all seems so boring as I write, but whatever.

The few job leads I had where super suspect. I've decided to give myself a few weeks then go hard into looking for a job. I need to get to know this place a lil before diving head first. Especially since I don't know the language (which is top priority now, learning mandarin)

I will feel more at ease once I get my visa switched over.
This weekend Eliz, Jake and myself took a lil trip to the countryside. Jiaxing was a bit of a cultural shock. Had Shanghai been like this, I sadly would not have stayed. Really dirty. We were shown a good time from Jakes friend AJ. Some KTV and good food and 10yr old whiskey. So much fun!!!

That's enough for today. I'm heading to the gym now to work off all the delicious food I've stuffed myself with.

Love,

Anne :)

am in China...

While I've been here almost a week, I've just gotten pass the damn China firewall. Apparently, blogspot was blocked too.Good grief. This did not hinder me from documenting the accounts of my departure/arrival...



Oct. 7th

It starts with the last minute attempt to do everything...I call it simply tying up the loose ends.
I didn't A) realize that the document shredder was not industrial strength, B) that I had so many things to shred and needed perhaps an industrial sized shredder.
After having a relaxed (nothing should have been relaxed about my last day in Chicago and leaving the country) day with Del – him making my last latte, target trip, and cleaning, Bajaj – DMK eating after the search for tapas failed and him giving me a very large and supposedly airline approved hiking bag - I started getting down to the nitty gritty.
Washing my last load of clothes and linens and FITTING EVERYTHING left into the luggage and hiking bag. Futile attempts so I decided that shredding the documents would proved more productive...Turns out no. Devin shows up to lend a much need hand and she miraculously got everything into the luggage...(my suspicions should have started at this point) I then jokingly mentioned that I wish I could just burn all the documents that I needed to shred and call it a day. Devin said seriously “you can”. Thus my last BBQ in Chicago began. Not ideal to burn papers or according to Brandon legal to grill papers (luckily he was there to dispose of the evidence)...you live you learn right. Devin took action and led the charge to burn my papers. She's amazing!!!! We both smelled like campfire. (Total Anne and Diana Barry moment)
I'd gone numb and tired of thinking at this point and ready for this 2 and half month world wind of stuff to do, to be done.
Brandon, Kim, Vikki show up at this point to gather me and my things...
I say bye to Del...the first person I met in Chicago and last person I'd want to leave. No tears, just laughs (how I prefer it)
The get a long gang (Devin, Kim, Brandon, Vikki) and I got to the Chicago Diner one last time. Very entertaining. I could not have asked for a better send off. We head to the airport while listening to Vikki's mixtape “Goodbye, Good Luck and Good Riddance”. I appreciated the fact it started off with “Ain't No Sunshine When She Gone”. Only Vikki can bring that level of cheese to any situation and I not get annoyed with it. A nervous panic starting creeping up the closer we got to the airport. I say my goodbyes to everyone in a most kept together fashion and there I am in line with all my luggage.

Then the story begins...

Guerilla packing done and 48hrs to go

Sooooo that just happened...Not sure how the hell a week just flew but it has. I'm getting so many positive vibes from friends and family. I can't thank them enough. 1 day of work left, yes I'm working to the very end because I will be unemployed and not sure when the next paycheck with roll around.(not worried at all)

Responsible Anne however did put in a change of address and made copies of important documents to be sent to parents in the event of emergencies. Organized meds and other fun stuff to be properly sent to me as needed.

Not to over simplify the situation, and minus the not having a job aspect of my move, this all seems right.

more to come...

Now see my sister enjoying Tuesday at the Golden Nugget, my mom being a comedian, and the boxes of my crap :)



Now in an Anne of Green Gables fashion, a little day dreaming...

I'd like to pretend that this quote is representative of my life at this moment.


"Usually, when people get to the end of a chapter, they close the book and go to sleep. I deliberately write a book so when the reader gets to the end of the chapter, he or she must turn one more page."
~Sidney Sheldon

Anne is out of control...7 days

So many people are helping me pack (i.e. making me get rid of things) and I have no desire to get rid of all my "prized" possessions. I've donated and sold so much and still, I HAVE TOO MUCH CRAP!!! Well I took a new approach to packing last night...drinking while doing it. Turns out that's not very productive. If Nichole had not joined me, I would have perhaps passed out from a few bottles of wine with clothes and pictures spread all over the place.

Thank you Nichole for being a voice of reason...

Backpack, job, shoes and camera are my only goals right now.
Keeping it simple...



"A man cannot be comfortable without his own approval." ~Mark Twain

With 14 days left

I realized that I had to get emotionally strong, in order to get physically ready to be mentally prepared for this leap...

In retrospect, it was never a question of "if" I go to Asia but a matter of "when". When has come and of course I feel completely unprepared and scared. I've decided it will be fine. I really do acclimate well to various situations.

I have my TEFL certificate, 7 work days, and 2 mind sets PACK & GO.

I really want to be ready for any and everything. I'm slowly understanding that that is impossible. Mistakes and mishaps are inevitable, expect the worst hope for the best type thing.

My decision to take the cheesy cliche "the world is your oyster..." and live my life like so makes me think I've gone crazy. Turns out I'm ok with crazy. I welcome it with open arms (^.^) *Note: must learn more absurd emoticons to become more hip in Asia

I've decided on WWAoGGDIC as the new title for various reasons:
A. Anne of Green Gables is amazing
B. please refer to A
C. Although she never went to China, I think I can speak on her behalf
as to what might have transpired and/or decisions she would've made.
D. Although Gilbert probably would have never allowed Anne to go on an adventure w/o him, he'd be supportive of "that crazy Anne" had she wanted to go to China.
The list goes on.

I've packed and unpacked several times. I think I will be more decisive about what I'm taking after my "planning to get rid of as much shit of mine as possible" party this weekend. (which has turned into a going away sort of shindig) Folks have started calling dibs on things, but little do they know I'm going swap meet style. FIRST COME FIRST SERVE FOLKS!!!!

Harsh Realities I've come to terms with 1. I don't need to take my rice cooker, 2. I don't need to take my WOK, 3. I can buy stuff there and I won't be living in a damn third world country for crying out loud!!!

I can't tell you how excited I am for my mom and sister to come see me off. Yes, yes, I know that you're all thinking "She's going to make them do all the work". Of course I'm going to TRY and do that, but I know better. But I'm seriously just looking forward to seeing them. (like teary stuff kind of excited)

I can't thank all the people that are supporting me enough for their help and encouragement. I now have more contacts in China than I had when I move to Chicago from Dallas. It would be a lie if I said I wasn't nervous, but this feels so right and I'm not too worried (which is insane)

I will try to make more annoying post to track my final days in Chicago.

cheeeeers!!!!!!!!!!



“The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.”
-St Augustine

Quietly Exiting

I really want to exit stage left (Chicago) as if I were never on the stage. (I laugh at myself for imaging I'm some sort of celebrity taking a curtain call...I am ridiculous) Its going to be so hard to leave. I seriously didn't realize how much I rooted myself here. Its amazing how significant each and every encounters become when you know they're numbered. *soak it up*

I keep jokingly saying that I'm about to jump off a bridge without a chord and am seriously praying that there is water or something below. That's exactly what it feels like. I'm not prepared enough, but who ever is. I've not posted in my blog because it makes the events that are about to happen more real than I could ever have imagined. *soak it up*

I'm dumbfounded at the support of people motivating and cheering me on. I'm doubting myself every step of the way, but am somehow keeping my determination.

Until I am willing to disclose all the details. I will leave you with "cold war" by Janelle Monae. This song is speaking to me RIGHT NOW...*soak it up*


So you think I'm alone
But being alone's the only way to be
When you step outside
You spend life fighting for your sanity

This is a cold war
you better know what you're fighting for
This is a cold war
Do you know what you're fighting for

If you wanna be free
Below the ground's the only place to be
Cause in this life
You spend time running from depravity

This is a cold War
You better know what you're fighting for

When wings of the weak can
Bring grace to the strong
Make all evil stumble
As it flies in the world

All the tribes come
And the mighty will crumble
We must brave this night
And have faith in love

I'm trying to find my peace
I was made to believe there's something wrong with me
And it hurt's my heart
Lord have mercy ain't it plain to see

This is a cold war
you better know what you're fighting for
This is a cold war
Do you know what you're fighting for


I can do this.

~soak it up is what i told people before i left dallas about 10 years ago. it wasn't for them, but a reminder for me to remember these times and treat the memories as a sponge...soak it up~

things to report...finally

Its been about a month since I've updated and I be damned if I was going to write a woe is me post. I don't have time for that. Enjoy the pictures. My new tat and some fun poses that I like doing...

I've started TEFL English teacher training. I have to be really strict with studying and not waste time going at a snails pace. I've given myself til September to have the 120 hours over and done with.

I've set up my 1st Piyo (Pilate's yoga mix)teaching class this coming Sunday. We'll see if anyone actually shows up. I mean its free and its at my apt. What more could they want?!?!?! Seriously!! I expect it to be the worst, but whatever. I'm looking to have fun and have my own playlist WOOT!!! WOOT!!!

I've got myself a yoga mentor I'm following like a puppy. Her name is Jill. I'm going to so many yoga classes and workshops that I've really lost my mind. I've decide that Vinyasa and Bikram are my favorite forms of yoga. I get so much out of them!!! On top of applying for English teaching jobs, I've started applying for scholarships through yoga ashrams and charity organizations overseas. I want to juggle all of these things and let the chips fall where they may.

No overthinking or overplanning anymore.

I'm in a good place and don't want to lose my momentum. I just have to continue to stay on track and focused. The lotus on my back is to remind me of my potential, my growth, and new beginnings. I seriously feel invincible...

I think Janelle Monae says it best...

"When you get elevated,
They love it or they hate it
You dance up on them haters
Keep getting funky on the scene
While they jumpin' round ya
They trying to take all your dreams
But you can't allow it...
See I'm not walkin' on it
Or tryin' to run around it
This ain't no acrobatics
You either follow or you lead, yeah
I'm talkin' bout you..."

You get the point, check out the song :)

Uber Pensive

Not much to report. I've been thinking of my Madea being in the early stages of dementia and how hard it must be for her right now. As I grasp on tightly to my sanity in this job, I'm reminded of her "Don't Quit" poem plaque that hung in her bathroom for so many years. I can't really quit my job, can't quit my drive and determination to move overseas, and I can't quit or give up this need to do great things with yoga for the rest of my life.

I can type the poem from memory even though I don't recall ever memorizing it. Maybe I spent too much time in her bathroom growing up. Who knows.

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest, if you must, but don't you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about,
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don't give up though the pace seems slow
You may succeed with another blow.

Often the goal is nearer than,
It seems to a faint and faltering man,
Often the struggler has given up,
When he might have captured the victor's cup,
And he learned too late when the night slipped down,
How close he was to the golden crown.

Success is failure turned inside out
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far,
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit
It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.