Christmas, Exams, and then some

I can't remember the last time I blogged. I think it's been a while.

I had to write lots of exams and now I'm grading those exams. I made 3 versions in one class and 2 in the other. The kids still haven't caught on because today I received a version A and a version B with the exact same answers. Tisk tisk. I'm done grading the exams given last Friday (yes folks, Christmas), so now I need to get cracking on the exams given today. Instead of napping, I finished a book. I know I wasn't going to read until exams are over and grades are done, but I needed a break and read the first chapter a few days ago....Anyway, it's called The Boy who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer. I normally don't talk about books on here and just list them, but this one is notable. It's so inspiring! It takes me back to Africa. I highly recommend it.
Okay, so Emma and I went ugly sweater shopping on Saturday for the party that evening. Apparently, Chengdu is out of XXXXXL sweaters under 30 rmb, so I didn't buy a sweater. Nobody did either. I also ran into a pizza problem. I found a great website for pizzas in Chengdu. I called the number but to no avail. Mutts Nuts Pizza is out of business or changed their phone number without updating it online. So, we ordered from High Fly pizza. They can't deliver between 6-9, so we got the pizzas at 5:15. I forgot that they are "Chinese" sized pizzas...basically the size of an American personal pan pizza. Oh well. I think everybody had a good time. I didn't take any pictures because I was feeling a bit large after shopping today, so I just ate some more. We had pizza, peanut butter balls (thanks Mom :), salsa, chips, velvetta (the one I brought over here in July), ginger bread house, raw veggies and dip, sugar cookies...I went to sleep at 3:30...the party rolled on until 6. I guess I'm a pumpkin.
Andrew and I are still planning our vacation. I was hoping for 22 days, but he was thinking more like 10. In America, people take vacation basically whenever they want. It seems like in China, everybody takes vacation at the same time so the prices are tripled. But, I am getting a membership to The Bookworm in January! So excited!! (It's like a library, but you have to have a membership...lame, but if there is demand....)
A volunteers' birthday is on January 1st, so there will be another party this week. And, 2 volunteers' birthdays are next week. Par-ty!
I've decided that once I get my grades in, I will be celebrating by drinking my Dr. Pepper. Dr. P is quite expensive, so this is the same one I moved in with. I'm saving it for a special day. I thought I would splurge and drink it all the time, but just knowing that I can buy it in Chengdu is comforting.
Oh, ABS!!! I need an email from you!! The suspense is about to kill me!!!

Procrasination is making my life stressful

To Do List:
1. grade papers for writing class (MUST RETURN THEM THIS MONDAY)
2. document grades for writing class
3. write Business Oral exam (2-3 versions)
4. write Writing exam (2-3 versions)
5. write Oral exam (2-3 versions)
6. clean house for Christmas party :)
7. pull out Christmas tree from closet
8. write Christmas letters
9. mail Christmas letters (which will be quite an accomplishment because I have YET to go to the post office...I'm a bad friend/daughter...forgive me)
10. plan vacation (Philippines or Malaysia?)
11. study Chinese because I have to take a test in January
12. exercise

I went to Dufu's Cottage last week. When I get 1 & 2 done, I'll post pictures.

T-23 until BREAK