Day to Day in China

Hello All,
I have not posted in a while.  I am sure you have been waking before your alarms in the morning, rushing to the computer with that same nervous excitement that we all get on Christmas.  Then when you see I have not posted it is as if Santa passed you over that year....right?....yes?....no?  Well Santa has not forgotten you, he is just so busy with all those damn elves and reindeer that he can't sit his butt down and make you your rocking horse that is this post.  I feel a bit like Santa with my expanding waist.  The food continues to be appetizing and the air dirty enough to be nervous about running much.  The result is too much fuel not enough fire.  Not that I am complaining.  I was wondering if I would lose interest in the food here.  The fact that I am half way through my time in China and still happy when meal time roles around is a good thing.  Additionally, when I do run I have not had any of the knee or hip pain that has plagued me over the past year, also a good thing.
As for my teaching duties, I am still pleased with how classes are going but I am ready for our upcoming trip to Yunnan and the break from classes.  I was told a long time ago that the best qualities for longevity in teaching teenagers are a sense of humor and patience.  I am learning the limits of my ability in these areas.  That is all I will say about that.
Laura was here.  That was awesome.  I am so happy that she was willing to make the long trip.  I miss her but in many ways I am glad that she and baby-to-be are back in close proximity to those Boston hospitals.  Skype continues to be a lifeline and I am grateful.  Below is another video we shot while out and about in Xi'an. 

That is all for now.