August update

Lots has happened since our last update I don't know where to begin..........

I bought an electric moped a week ago, and I'm loving it. I've been driving everywhere. I decided to get one after my friend Michael let me ride his. Before that I thought, these things are weak - only 35 mph. It doesn't seem like much, but it is a surprisingly fast speed. Plus, it's good for the environment. Unfortunately, the batteries are a hot item for thieves, and mine was stolen two nights after I bought it. Problem solved, however - for only a dollar a month I signed up for a parking spot in a guarded garage right in our apartment complex.

My computer took its last breath yesterday, and i am mourning it's loss. Luckily, we still have Amara's but it is having connectivity issues.

Today we went swimming with our friends Benjamin and Grace at East China Normal University. It's a really nice swimming pool, and it's really clean - they make you do a physical before you can swim in the pool. Amara joked to me that a physical like that would cost a fortune in the states (assuming you don't have health insurance). Speaking of insurance, I was informed the other day that we can get coverage here for 800-1500 yuan a year (about 100-200 dollars). So i'm thinking about getting it, especially with the dangerous vehicle I ride around on all the time.

Teaching has been going well. This month is much less crazy than July (im working only 5 days a week instead of 7). But the good news is that pay day is in three days!!!!

The other night we went out to KTV with my co-workers from Kid Castle. They are all really nice. We had a lot fun. I feel like i've gotten a lot out of teaching - they pay really well and the friendships that we've acquired with our tongshi (co-workers) are priceless. I also feel like my chinese has really improved by communicating with my students.