Active, But Not Christmas Activities

This is our second Christmas in Beijing. It is definitely much, much colder than last year. Has not been much over freezing for quite a few weeks. Uncomfortable to bike. It is also shaping up to be busier than last year.  Living in a country that does not celebrate Christmas has some down sides, like not the fun of decorations, etc. but one of the plusses, is that usually it is not hectic with Christmas activities. However, the last week has been an exception.

1.      1.  A few days ago we were invited to a Chinese opera presentation at an opera house downtown. It is Monday, and I cannot go because I monitor a new Celebrate Recovery meeting then, but Rick will go. Chinese opera is always very interesting. Look up some opportunities to listen to it, if you don’t know what I mean.

2.      2. Last week all the English foreign teachers were called to an emergency lunch meeting the next day. The university is doing a trial writing lab and suddenly we are expected to staff it. That will happen this next week and we are to be available for 2 hours. There is pay involved, which is nice, but many of us are in the midst of finals, essays, portfolios, end of term activities. Rick and I have the appointments lined up for Thursday morning.

3.       3.Two days ago we were sent a request to work in teams starting next week to interview applicants from our university as exchange students to the US. I knew that I was just too busy with finishing my 280 double essays from this week. But Rick would be good at this and never has homework. The email asked when we would be available. Rick is free Monday, Tuesday, and Friday afternoons, so I said so. Well rather than choosing one or two of those openings, they signed him up for next Monday, Tuesday, Friday and the next Monday, Tuesday. So Rick will be interviewing kids on Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day after he teaches all morning. I told him I was sure he could beg off and only do one or two, but he said, “Nah”, he would do it. I guess he will be paid, but it is never really about money, is it.

4.       4. Yesterday we were invited to a Foreign Expert New Year’s party on Thursday night. I have to sidestep another Celebrate Recovery meeting, but yes, we will attend that as well.

So, not because of Christmas activities, but the next 2 weeks are suddenly very busy. Love how things are last minute, but most of our time overseas has been run this way, so at least moderately used to it.