notes upon returning to beijing for a third year.

I flew back to Beijing a week ago, so I've officially begun my third year living and working halfway around the world. Of course, everything has seemed kind of a jumble since then, but luckily, not so jumbley as the past two years. (Autocorrect is telling me that "jumbley" is not a word; it's suggesting "jumbled" and I thought oh! yes! jumbled! that's what I meant! but my mind thought "jumbley" first, so "jumbley" it will remain.) 

Anyway... 

I was really lucky that I sat between my two friends Paula and Alanna on the long 12+ hour flight AND I managed to sleep almost the entire way. I didn't watch a single movie or read at all and I can't believe it! There's a first for everything I guess. 

I also haven't been too jetlagged, although I have obviously felt sleepier than usual, but that might also be a side effect of spending hours in meetings and setting up a classroom, etc., etc. Duh. 

And I've been getting up at 5:30AM. On purpose. I know! I know! But one of my goals this year is to not be rushed. So I set my alarm for 5:30 and then I can take my time puttering around the kitchen, making coffee (I brought back two bags from Second Cup and a bag from Tim Hortons), brewing tea to take to school, eating breakfast; brushing my teeth; showering; make-up applying and hair-drying; all while listening to my favourite podcasts. We'll see if I can keep up the momentum throughout the school year. 

Other than that, I've been re-adjusting to the apartment. Again, I know! I lived here last year! What needs re-adjusting to? But don't you find that if you've been gone from home for a length of time, when you return it feels like you're being reaquainted with an old friend? I've been taking baths and admiring our mismatched water taps, getting used to the odd way they turn. It's taken me a few times to remember which are hot or cold. Then there are the noises. The hum of the water cooler, the gentle roar of the air conditioner, the thumping and bouncing of the washer. 

Finally, I've been drinking tea from the new mug Alanna gave me because she saw it and thought it was perfect for me. (Isn't that the best feeling, knowing you're thought of?) That's it in the photo above and it is all kinds of perfect. Especially when paired with all of the tea I bought from David's Tea while I was in PEI. (So far I can tell you that I love Watermelon Mint and Birthday Cake, but Caramel Corn from the Carnival Collection is my current most favourite.)

P.S. Is it just me, or does my hand look like it belongs to a mannequin?