up late, bits and bobs

It's 1 a.m local time and even though I didn't nap today, I'm wide awake.  I haven't been writing much here or anywhere, I do well to journal once a week at this point.  For a few weeks I was going pretty hard--fully taking advantage of the 4-day weekend, plus a week-long holiday spending as much time as possible with my foreign friends while we were free.  I met even more new people (still boggles my mind that I can do that here so often), got to know some new friends even better, and had sooooo much fun!  It's taken a couple weeks, but I think I've recovered well enough.  Today I was beyond productive, doing laundry and sweeping and EVERY LAST DISH, even threw a little schoolwork into the mix.  Payday is tomorrow, and I at least am a little on edge to hear whether or not I'll be re-signed at my university.  Sure, the restrictions can be frustrating, but I'll take those for a steady job that I know well and an apartment I have made into home.  I really don't want to have to look for another job, let alone move into a new place.  If I am let go, it wouldn't be for my teaching: we were finally evaluated a couple weeks ago and I'm happy to say I got rave reviews.

I've been thinking more and more about being home as the fly date approaches--June 27th!  Seeing my family and friends and hometown again after 18 months will be amazing and different, have to admit I'm a bit nervous how I'll fit in again after so long away.  I'm excited about everything though, high points will be the family vacation to Colorado, 4th of July on the lake, eating all of those delicious foods I miss, finally meeting my brother's girlfriend, having my sweet cousin practice driving me around, meeting Bryce Burrup for the first time, and being plain lazy with Dor and Keen.  It's going to be lots of good times, then Dor will be joining me for two weeks here in China in August!  It's unfortunate that some of my best friends won't be here to meet her, but regardless I'm ready to take her out and about and introduce her to my family here.

I've been watching movies all day while tidying, two Adam Sandler movies in particular.  After seeing the preview for his newest movie, I'm sad to say that I think his best days are behind him.  I am looking forward to Will Ferrell's new film, though--anything with Diego Luna and Gael Garcia Bernal is bound to be great.  Honestly, I don't really keep up with newer movies lately, I've been watching more TV shows than anything.

Time is flying fast now that spring and better weather are here...hopefully in a week or so I'll have good news and can just enjoy the rest of the term!