China Here I Come

Going through premature Colorado withdrawals. Enjoy the panoramas!

I just got done with a Skype call from China.

This is all pretty new to me, so that's super fun to say!

The past five weeks have been a whirlwind to say the least. In a nutshell, I am moving to Shanghai....in less than FOUR WEEKS.

That second week of June I was told my job would be done at the end of June. I have been nannying for a cute little red head for the last year. Her grandma has moved (from Iowa!) to take care of her. It came as a BIG surprise, but I now see the timing in it was perfect.

Several years ago a friend and I got our TEFL certifications thinking we'd teach english abroad together. Instead, we moved to different parts of the country. She decided to go to graduate school for; I decided to break my pelvis. Obviously she was smarter!

I'd begun praying a few months ago for a new job. While I'm thankful for the families and children I've built relationships with as a nanny, I've been more than ready to move on for quite some time. The plan: visit dear family-like friends in Kyrgyzstan this summer, come back, work a couple more months, then resign and find a job more in the field I went to college for. Specifically I would say, "I am willing to go anywhere. Even back to the midwest." (For all my Midwestern readers, you know I love the Midwest and will always be that small town loving Midwest gal, but there just aren't any mountains!)

Instead, I'm going to a city of about 25 million people. Have I mentioned I'm not a city girl??

BUT it's okay I have found a way to escape the big city and all it's madness! I found a Meetup group called "Shanghai Weekend Adventures." My email keeps getting updates about unique outings they're going on. Today I received this:

                  NEW MEETUP: Dead Volcano, stone forest, and Southern Great Wall exploration!

Last week I received this:

                 NEW MEETUP: Explore underground river and cave full of stalactites!

Another one:

                  NEW MEETUP: Anji Rafting + Bamboo Sea + BBQ + Hiking + Chinese Lanterns

I'm not sure what all that means but it excites me to know I'll be able to get out and explore outside of the city!

SHAMELESS PLUG:
If you know anyone who wants to buy a nice Honda Ridgeline let me know!

Finally...go ahead and plan your parties and shindigs and start writing your cards telling me how much I will be missed.  All of theses will be warmly welcomed! Along with promises that you'll be more than willing to chat with me even though we'll be 14-16 hours apart! And of course, I'll have my own place so COME VISIT!!!

You guys, I'm leaving in just over TWO WEEKS.

AHHH!!!