I took a picture of some of the examples of Qi Baishi's artwork. He had a very simple technique, which many artists today still appreciate. And he never had any formal training in art--he was originally going to be a carpenter. His parents were quite poor, and he still managed to make a big impact on Chinese art. He was a very good role model. Below is a picture of Jeff and I with my students. We feel very tall in China. I frequently hit my head on the hand-rails on the buses. But that's okay. I love being here.

My classes are going pretty well. My students seem to enjoy my lessons, for the most part. Yesterday, I showed them some American money. They then had to convince me to invest in their ideas for tourism companies--I gave the winning team members dimes, which they thought was really quite nifty. They were amazed at how small dimes are. Of course, they are ridiculously small when you think about it. My students were also very curious about what presidents were on the various coins and bills in America. I personally have always been curious about money in other countries. I'm definitely going to bring some examples of Chinese money home. So, for those of you who see me on a regular basis when I'm not in China, make sure you ask to see my Chinese coin collection. I'll love to show it off, I'm sure. And I'll probably also have something to give you. Jeff and I have started our souvenir shopping.

Well, I should probably get started on my lesson for Monday. If you wanna see a few more pictures, I've put some online here. Enjoy the quiet video I took of the fish!

I've been tagged by Liz (my sister-in-law) to post seven random facts about myself. They will likely be quite random--I'm tired right now. I put off doing my lesson plan until about 5:45 this morning...so...yeah... My lesson went well, though. No worries. Here it goes:

1. I love Joss Whedon's work. For those of you who don't know, Whedon created Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, and Firefly. I love all three series. He combines drama, science fiction, fantasy, humor, and reality so well... I wish I could write something as witty as Joss Whedon or with as much emotional impact, actually. He seems to be able to do anything he wants to, and does everything he wants to do well. The premise and thought behind Firefly is astounding. Sadly, Fox cancelled the show (I'm still bitter about that) and all that was created was one season, but it's amazing. He clearly understands the way that language evolves over time, and the way he integrated Chinese into the show is really neat. Watching Firefly is really interesting now that I'm in China. I actually understand a few of the things that they say. Neat, eh? Anyway, if you haven't seen any of his shows and you like well-written television, I recommend you check him out. He has a new series premiering on Fox this January called Dollhouse. As a warning, though, sometimes his shows can be dark and full of adult content.

2. I'm a total sucker for romance. Which is really embarrassing to admit, but it's the truth. I'm easily manipulated by chick flicks into thinking that a story that is entirely impossible is plausible. I used to love reading romance when I was a teenager. And, sadly, I must admit I've even written some of it. Bleh. I mean, there's nothing wrong with the genre...but a lot of what I used to read didn't have much depth to it at all. Which is a problem with a lot of books, really. But kudos to the writers anyway for trying! Woo! I'll keep reading and watching romances, I'm sure, even if I hate to admit they get to me. I like to keep my emotions separate from what I see on screen...

3. I'm afraid of animatronics. Seriously. They wig me out. When I went to Disneyland, I couldn't stand the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. It scared me. There's just something about the way that they move--it's so cold and mechanical. If robots were to ever take over the world, I'd probably end up in a loony bin because I couldn't cope with them and their looking humanness when they're not even human. I think most of it stems from when I was a child. We visited Mt. St. Helens once, and there was this mannequin of a park ranger with no face. When you walked past her, a face was projected onto her...very creepy. Aliens scare me too. And spiders. But only when they're near me when I'm trying to sleep or shower or something. Earwigs creep me out too.

4. I've had my cat since sixth grade. Her name is Simba. I used to sneak food to her on the way to school, for she lived underneath a trailer next to the gate leading to Lakeridge. I didn't ask Mom if I could have a cat when the owner of the trailer said that we could take her. We just brought her home. I remember I faked being sick the next day so that I could stay with Simba, who was absolutely terrified by the change in venue. Thankfully, Mom didn't make me get rid of her. I love my kitty. She's been with us for nine and a half years. I miss her. I'm tempted to find a cat here and bring it home, but Jeff says that would be bad. He won't let me get a turtle or a bunny, either. Which is sad. They sell baby bunnies all over the place. And turtles. Some of the turtles are really small and cute. I like having a pet. When I was little, I couldn't have one. Devin and I used to catch snakes and stuff and keep them as pets for a while, but...they're not as nice as having something warm and fluffy to curl up with. Simba is a good cat. She likes to sleep next to me on my bed, and even climbs under the covers with me when its cold.

5. I used to want to grow up and be a cub scout. Mom was a Scout leader at the time I told her that. I was really jealous because they got to do all sorts of fun things, like crafts and races. I didn't have anything like that to do because I was a girl. I got over that desire pretty quickly. Shortly after I said that, I went back to wanting to be a baker.

6. I plan to live in Katie's basement in a cardboard box someday. It's a running joke between us that I'm going to end up there in a refrigerator box 'cause she's going to get married first and will have a basement in which I can live. I'm also okay with living in a box under a bridge. That's about all my degree is good for. Kidding. I want to write and actually get something published. But first I have to finish something. Being successful is hard work. Yeeesh. I have been writing since I was a sophomore in high school, actually. Nothing that can get published, mind you. And it isn't all that good, in my opinion. But, if you're really bored and happen to marginally like Pirates of the Caribbean, I'm "working" on a fanfic (a piece of fiction written by a fan) exploring the illustrious career of Captain Jack Sparrow. You can read it here.

7. I detest tomatoes, yet like ketchup. Tomatoes have the wrong texture. I can't stand them. I'm not generally a picky eater (I've tried chicken feet, after all), but I always pick tomatoes out of my food if I can. I just can't stand the way they feel in my mouth. I like the taste of tomatoes, though. I drink V8, I like pizza sauce, and I enjoy ketchup on my fries. I just can't stand tomatoes.

Righto. Seven rather random facts about me. I hope you weren't too bored. And for fun, I'm tagging Katie and Tasha to write seven random facts about themselves. Ciao!

Labels: Angel, animatronics, Buffy, cat, Jack Sparrow, Joss Whedon, pet, tomatoes