WEDNESDAY, 8/13/14
It’s Judy’s first day with students. This is her 39th “first day”. There’s always some excitement and anticipation on day 1. But with 38 “first days” behind her, she’s more focused on events and activities that are happening weeks from now. She stays after school, not getting home until after 7pm, putting together lesson plans.
My day is spent searching for some travel ideas. I did get out to the local “wet market”, and then ate at the local noodle restaurant. I’m killing time until my school begins to have activities next week. We do have some new “Major Crimes” episodes that will entertain us in the evening for a few days.
THURSDAY, 8/14/14
Judy’s beginning to get her morning schedule established to including the walking and exercise. She’s usually out 30 and 40 minutes on the walk. She’s been leaving for school a little later than last year, but hasn’t had a taxi problem yet (not getting one). Some of the “old hands” at school told her it will get tougher when the Chinese schools start up on Sept. 1.
I’ve decided I’m going to ride my bike over to the table tennis club. It’s a long ride, but without problems. When I walk in, a few people recognize me from back in June, so it’s not long before I’m playing. I’m improving, but they’re still working me over pretty well.
On my way home, I have a “close encounter” with a rose bush. I was riding down a narrow side road, and a car came along. As I moved over, to get out of the way, I brushed up against some lovely shrubs. Unfortunately, the shrubs were roses. My arm got pretty chewed up, and my shirt was torn. When I got to the apartment, I cleaned up the scratches, and even pulled out a few thorns. I had to throw away the shirt.