Good morning, all!

I don’t do New Year’s resolutions, but if I was going to, I might add “send more update emails” to the list. I really want to stay in touch better this year. I know that some of you enjoy reading my emails but aren’t so hot on hitting the reply button – just wanted to say that’s fine! I do the same thing sometimes. But I always love to hear random updates on what you’re all doing. And if you know someone who’s not getting my updates and wants to, just tell them to email me!!

The wedding I was in!

So I’ve been back in Beijing over 4 days now. I’m surprised by how un-cold it is! I thought I would die, but it’s really not bad. No below freezing maximums (that happened while I was away! hehe!) and no really bad wind. Hopefully I’m not speaking too soon, but I think I’m okay. I’m actually enjoying the cool air and wearing my sleeping bag coat again. Today I’m wearing my big boots for the first time, so that’s fun!

Amanda and Andrew left this morning – *sniff* – and I got up early to say goodbye and help take bags downstairs. We went to bed around 11:30 last night and they were up at 4:30am and left at 6am so… I’m tired. Of course we also stayed up talking fairly late on Wednesday night as well! But all worth it, given that they won’t be around any more. I will miss them terribly, but I know I’ve been spoiled rotten to have them here as long as I have. I have had so many friends and family visit me since I moved to China – I am blessed beyond words.

So seeing as I was up early I came into the office early so it’s not even 10am and I’ve already got a lot done! (Hence time for a little break to send this to you all!) Geting stuff done early today is good because I think I will end up leaving pretty early. I have a meeting at 1:30 and I think I’ll go home after that – really not feeling well. I usually get sick when I go on holidays but that didn’t happen when I was home – I think I’m going to be making up for that now. Hopefully I’ll take lots of pills and feel better?? Sleep is probably what I need – I haven’t had much of that in the past month. But hey! Who needs sleep anyway?

I got a text message from Carla last night – apparently Siberia is cold. Who would have known? It was so fantastic to hear from her! I was so excited that I read her message to the whole table. Don’t worry – my friends are used to having to pause life in order for me to bubble about something or other. Good thing they’re also quite practiced at ignoring me… ;) Anyway, she gets to Beijing next Friday night. I am really looking forward to seeing her! I’m also sort of wearing a skirt of hers today, which she doesn’t actually know I have… I brought it back to have a tailor copy it for me, but I figure I should wear it once or twice first while I have the chance? Hehehe hope she doesn’t kill me… but hey! After all the clothes she’s borrowed over the years (with and without permission) I think I’ll be fine.

Ohh random cool thing! A friend from Canberra was in town for a couple of days and had dinner with the kids and I on Wednesday night. Anyway, I was talking to the guy at the front desk of her hostel so he could help her get a cab to where we were going to meet. And halfway through our discussion he asked me if I was Chinese!!!! How cool is that?!?! I was just a little excited/chuffed at that one.

Anyway, I’m pretty sure that passes as an update email! I’m attaching a couple of photos from my time home. Enjoy!

love Tanya