- My class load is slowly increasing but is still very light in comparison to the other teachers. I had my first lesson observation last week and my probation appraisal is scheduled for Thursday. I told my parents to not book their trip to China until this meeting had occurred and I knew definitively whether or not I passed the probation period. However my boss has assured me I won't be fired on Thursday, so I guess this gamble paid off for them.
- In relation to my "things I miss" post, I have recently discovered that there are 3 Hooters in Shanghai. My joy abounds. I'm currently recruiting other people to go with me because despite spending a fair amount of my childhood at this restaurant, even I think it might be weird for an American girl to show up solo at Hooters.
- I locked myself out of my apartment the other day. I wish I could say I was surprised this happened, but honestly I'm just shocked it didn't happen sooner. Thankfully it happened on my day off and not on a work day when I don't get home until 9. Unfortunately, it happened during a miserably rainy day, which we've been having far too many of lately. Witness my joy at waiting for the locksmith in the rain.
- There is a definite difference in what is considered rude in China versus in America. For instance, in China it is completely normal for friends, coworkers, neighbors, etc. to comment on your weight. And not just the "Oh my gosh, you look so thin!" which is a compliment of the highest order in America. More often it's along the lines of "You look fatter since I saw you last. What have you been eating?" My coworker commented on my weight when she saw my passport photo, noting that my face is much thinner now (thanks, I think). The uncensored comments on appearance may be jarring at first, but at least you know no one is calling you fat behind your back because they will just say it to your face. Your fat face.
- One of my Chinese coworkers and I both have to take the metro home from work, so if our schedules allow we walk together. These walks and metro rides lend themselves to lengthy conversations, which inevitably leads to misunderstandings. Thankfully my coworker is very easy-going and laughs along with me as we attempt to untangle each other's meaning. A conversation sample:
(standing in front of metro doors)
D: 'Caesar, open the door.' Do you have something like this?
S: Yes, we have 'open sesame.'
D: Is it from a story?
S: Yes, Aladdin.
D: Ours too! What's sesame?
S: Like sesame seeds. I think you have them here. What's yours?
D: I'm not sure how to explain. It's spelled s-e-s-a-m-e.
S: That's sesame.
(cue laughter, which should then cause stares from other metro passangers)
- It's interesting having to explain English words and concepts that you've never thought twice about to a non-native speaker. One of my Chinese coworkers is playing matchmaker for another coworker, and I assured her it would be easy because she is such a good catch. When asked what that meant, I decided to explain using another sea-related metaphor (there's plenty of fish in the sea) rather than just explain the metaphor at hand. It's times like these that make me question my teaching ability.
- One of the joys of teaching in an English language school is the variety of the English names students and their families have chosen to use. A few favorites include: Superman, Ice Cream, Monday, Lucifer, Snoopy, Spark, Yoyo, Lion, Kiwi, Doo Doo, Apple. I had the honor of naming one of my students. I went with Olivia (you're welcome, Liv). My goal is to name a Chinese child for each of my immediate family and friends. That way, if I ever have children no one can pressure me into using their name because I've already named a child after them.