Today is birthday #29 for Brad, and #61 for me. I start out the day with all kinds of plans for table tennis, but as I go out the door around 9:00 to go over to the park, I notice it’s raining. Since the tables are outside, we can’t play in the rain. Later in the morning I go for a swim, planning to eat and play TT later. Thwarted again! More rain! It’s hard to complain about rain since Beijing has been so dry this year, and the pollution disappears after a rainstorm. I drowned my disappointment in a large pizza at Kro’s Nest.

Now my plan is to go home, take a nap, and play later this afternoon. Nope! More rain! I actually get so bored, I start working on ideas for travel for next year. So many dream destinations, and so few holidays, available.

Judy’s year is winding down, and she’s using every spare minute to prepare her room for the end of the year. It’s “girls night” at Pete’s Tex Mex. She feels pressure (her own, not mine) to stay at school and work, or come home and celebrate my birthday. Thankfully, she chooses to join the group at Pete’s. This will be the last chance for them to get together. They’re scattering all over the world. Some will be coming back next year, but many will not be returning. Chances are pretty high she won’t get the chance to see them again. There’s a strong sense of “family” that develops in a small school, especially in an overseas setting. It’s hard to watch quality teachers and individuals leave, knowing we won’t cross paths again! It’s all a part of the “international school” experience.