A typical Saturday eve

As I’m writing this entry, I’m drinking tea and listening to music with Jean-Jacques. In many ways, it’s the fitting end to a perfect Saturday. 


We had a relaxing, but entertaining day. We held our regular tutoring session and discussed the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, art (Mona Lisa), persuasive writing, and fashion at the Oscars. We only had about five girls in attendance, but I think they learned some important things and enjoyed practicing their English speaking skills.


After the tutoring, I ran to the bakery to buy bread and cookies, while Jean-Jacques made a “drink run” for gatorade, juice, and iced tea. We made grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch. Following the meal, I read my new book (Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand) in bed for a little while before falling asleep for about an hour and a half. 


Once I awoke from the nap, I drank some tea and read more of my book. At around five o’clock, Jean-Jacques and I left the apartment to walk to a tasty Taiwanese restaurant that’s about twenty minutes away. We were extremely proud of ourselves because we successfully ordered, ate, and paid for dinner without any assistance from English-speaking friends. Look ma, no translator! We’ve really gotten adjusted to life in Anqing now.


This evening we watched an episode of The Event and have been tootling around on the internet. Sounds like a rough Saturday, huh?


P.S. I'm so thankful for the wonderful life I have. Seeing all the horrific images from the disaster in Japan (and elsewhere) has made me even more appreciative than normal. My thoughts and prayers are being sent to those who have been impacted by the disaster; my mental hugs are being sent to all of my loved ones, both family and friends. Love you guys!


P.P.S. Yesterday, there was a fire that emitted black plumes of smoke in a building relatively close to our apartment. For a little while some people were stuck in the upper floors, but they were safely rescued by firemen. Jean-Jacques was out buying groceries and observed the blaze close-up; I only saw the smoke because I was leaving the apartment at the time to get lunch and my view of the event was obscured by tall buildings. It’s been a sad couple of days...