Welcome to my life

We made it… to Korea. Our flight to Changsha is in a couple of hours so Anthony took up some modeling while we are waiting.  The flight wasn’t too bad although Anthony and I did not get to sit together AND we both had middle seats. The flight included everything including wine (Michael:)), a hot towel, orange juice, nose-picking and yummy food. THey had an in-flight entertainment system too. It sounds as though I’ve never flown before… or like I am 12 years old.

I didn’t sleep well Tuesday night and we were busy moving all of Wednesday so I was exhausted when we boarded. I did manage to sneak in 30 minutes of sleep. The ladies on either side of me slept VERY comfortably on my shoulders… sigh… I just wanna take a nap.

I don’t have much of an experience to relate yet but I will be sure to: eat McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets with sweet and sour sauce for Molly, buy a tiny pair of chopsticks for baby Jackson, drink some fine rice alcohol for Michael, and have a bad-ass adventure for Chris.  Any other requests? I’m open

TIE… Heather

Well… we got our visas!! Jake bought the plane tickets today as well so, we will be leaving on Wednesday the 17th at midnight. I am glad we are finally leaving, it seems like it took an eternity! I am a bit nervous but, what’s done is done.

I forgot to put the newspaper article in here so here is the link to read that and a crude scan of the hard copy. 

So… if anyone has any ideas on what I should teach while I am there…

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Today we drove down to the Chinese Embassy in LA to apply for our Visas. I walked in the door and stood there like an idiot and I bet I had my mouth hanging open too. I had no idea where to start. I turned around to ask this security guard-type person if he could help me. He pointed to a machine by the door with four buttons… luckily the buttons were labeled. Oh, but they were labeled in Chinese and I am not quite fluent yet so I looked back up at him with a big smile and eyes that said “Please God help me!”  He said “ONE!” so I pressed the first button and an English number came out. The next half-an-hour was better. I guess it had to be.

We applied successfully and we will pick them up tomorrow!  Yahoo! (not the website)

As far as everything else… it is the same. I am packing things up… and Anthony is unpacking them. He decides to have green beans last night. A can of green beans, mind you, that have been in the cupboard for a couple of years. Well, what does he need???? To unpack the kitchen boxes… completely of course. “I didn’t want to microwave them,” he says. I have rarely seen Anthony use the sauce pot before and he chooses now, literally the day after I pack it. If this is my only problem I guess I have it pretty good.

Last night Anthony and I went to see Stone Temple Pilots at Morongo. It was a great show!!! I thought I would never see them after they broke up… luckily (for me) Scott Weiland can’t stay sober and I got to see them!

Hey Congrats to our little Ashley and Baby Jackson!  It looks just like her…

Anthony’s nephew Daniel awww… Following in uncle’s footsteps… obviously.

     The beautiful Redlands Bowl

Yay! The Vice Principal at Franklin Elementary let me volunteer today. I cannot stay home or wander around anymore… I had to shake my sillies out.  I was very glad for the teammates that I had at JC after working with different teachers… yay Kindy! 

The letter of employment request was sent yesterday from China so, maybe up to two weeks.. argh.  

Yup… that’s it.

PS – making couscous with mexican rice seasoning sounds like a good idea but is fun for no one.

Molly’s cute little nephew

Anthony and I got interviewed by the Redlands Daily Facts this morning, we will have a big piece in this Sunday’s paper yay! Talking about the program really reiterated the fantastic opportunity that we are so fortunate to have. How many people get to experience teaching in another country? Although I guess it is getting more and more popular which I think is great for the world and the new face of education. Just think how great we could make our school system with a little shared knowledge and dedication.  As I step down from my soapbox thanks again for reading and being part of my adventure!

heatherbaltz… OUT

I saw the Dave Matthews Band at the Staples Center on Wednesday, August 20th. What a great band to see live, the jam sessions were amazing. As far as China…

We have not left yet… we are still just waiting. I will update this as soon as I know anything about our trip not only to inform the fantastic people who take time out of their day to read about my life but also for my own sanity which we know doesn’t exist anyway…

I really want to know how everyone is doing, please drop me a line and let me know what you’re up to. I am curious to know how the school year started.  Take Care…