Week 2

It's Week 2, here on the East Side. The semester doesn't really feel like it's in full swing, but I'm sure by next month, I'll be ready for a little break.

In my normal oral English classes, we are learning a couple of new vocab words and idioms. As well as having a discussion on questions students brought to class. So, far, these are some of the questions we've discussed:

What is your opinion on Syria?
Why do you prefer tattoos? (Just to clarify, I never said I PREFERRED tattoos. I have one, so I must prefer them, right?)
Are you for or against Cosplay? (I had to look that one up!)
Is it possible for you to marry and Chinese man and live in China forever?
What was your impression of Chinese before coming to America?
How do you deal with your meals on the weekend? Eat at a restaurant or cook at home?
What do you do when you face difficulties?
What kind of music do you like?
Do you like horror movies?
How many kids do you want to have? (They were shocked by my answer, 3 or 4.)

In the Bible class, we are discussing the creation of humankind. We also talked about human freedom, peace and love. When I asked "What is freedom?" This is what I got:

To be an individual
To have choose your own personality
To do what you want
To say what you want
To be able to NOT do something
Financial independence

When I asked, "Can you have rules and freedom?" There was a resounding YES. They thought there is no way to have a concept of freedom if there are no rules.

We also discussed how there is risk in love. You can give your love to another person, but there is a chance that they will reject that love and not return love to you. Rejection can be painful. They could easily understand this idea of freedom and rules and love and risk. When I related that to man and God, it was a little more difficult to accept.

Why would God give them a rule?
Why would God test man like that?

Overall, good discussion and good questions. What a good time.

Pinterest

So, this is my first Pinterest post. I first saw the idea last year. I REALLY loved it and was determined to figure out how to do it in China. Things take more time here and it takes more effort to find stuff. I first realized it was possible after I bought a few canvases from the local art store. I didn't like the paintings I had done and tore off the canvas. Not like a crazy person, but I was just bored. AND low and behold a simple frame waiting to be painting and hot glued!!!

So, after choosing some "color schemes" I got more canvases, tore off the canvas and got busy!

I suppose this is Stage 3. I should have taken a photo. On the back of the frames I hot glued twine to stretch across the back. I soon realized, a tighter line across was better than a looser one. And then on TaoBao, the Chinese Ebay, I orderd some adhesive velcro like 1" square. I stuck them on my wall and stuck the opposite one on the top corners of the back side of the frame. No measuring needed.

Getting some photos clothes pinned.

The Final Stage. I really love it. I think the colors work well, but I might have to repaint the center right frame. It was supposed to be bright pink, but it looks more red than I want. I'm thinking orange...We'll see...

More home repairs and Pinterest posts to come!

Pinterest Welcome Sign

 About a month ago, I painted this "Welcome" sign for my door. Originally, it was going to be a monogram, but there is too much confusion about which is my first name and which is my last name in China. So, I just decided to go with "Welcome"

It was a lot harder than I thought. Well, the chevron look anyway. You have to draw out a grid and then tape from corner to corner. Sorry, I don't have photos of that stage. Just look on Pinterest ;) 

Here is the final project and a photo of it on my door. I feel like it looks much more welcoming. Its a big hunky, green, steel door. Not very friendly. I wish I had thought through the colors more. Originally, it was going to go in my house, but I thought it would be a nice touch on my door. Next, I need to scrape all the locksmith stickers off.