october break recap.

Last week I posted our—rather unambitious—goals for October break. Here's a recap of what we did and didn't do: 

Massage: Done. In fact, it was done before I wrote the list but hey, who hasn't written something down just so they can cross it off? 

Manicure + pedicure: Grey on my fingers and wine on my toes. It's silly how happy this combo is making me. 

IKEA: Do you see those dishes up there? And the beer? Success. 

Update résumé: I'm not getting a new job, but I am getting a new passport to go with my new name(!), so HR needs an updated résumé to switch my visa. P.S. Did I tell you guys that I signed a 3-year contract? I don't think I did. I signed a 3-year contract which includes benefits like maternity leave, and insurance for spouse and dependents, and a pension of sorts, which all feels very grown-up and a little scary. (Before you get all, Ooh! Maternity leave???, read this tweet.)

Seal windows: Tony handled this like a boss, so yay, less pollution for us this year! Just in time for the hazardous air quality we've had the last few days. 

Vote: Voted! Delivered to the embassy! #oustHarper (I think this is the first time I've mentioned politics on the blog. Will I get hate comments? ;)

Slow Boat: Didn't happen, but we'll be going for brunch soon. A French toast tower and beermosa? Yes, please. 

京A (Jing-A): I had the grilled cheese and it was delicious. When in doubt, add the bacon. 

Sneakers: Tony has wanted new basketball sneakers for awhile now, and although he is usually one of the least picky people I know, this he is picky about. Alas, no new sneakers for him. 

Take a bath: So simple and yet so hard to make time for. (But somehow I have time to lay on the couch and watch multiple episodes of Criminal Minds. Hmm...) I did have a bath though and like every time, I immediately resolved to do it more often. 

Watch Forrest Gump: We've both seen it multiple times but Tony really wanted to watch it again. So one rainy afternoon, we did just that.

Read a book (at least part of one): I read the first few chapters of The Royal We and have stayed up too late every night this week to read more. 

Blog (read + write): 4+ posts were written and 23828 posts (slight exaggeration) were read. 

Other highlights included: The return of Grey's Anatomy, Scandal, and How To Get Away With Murder; I bought bunny slippers; T and I played crib (I won); a Mexican Fiesta dinner party hosted by Melissa; Cards Against Humanity and magic tricks; a lunch date at Modo; dinner at Annie's; a sale on dill pickles (a big deal in China!); brunch at Twosome Coffee; an afternoon at Houhai; dinner at Taco Bar; a new food processor; many episodes of Criminal Minds; so much relaxing and laughing. 

All in all, a great vacation. 

P.S. My very first staycation in Beijing + dirty feet.