Birthday with an Octopus

Well, I had a fantastic birthday that lasted for a whole week! First I spent a weekend with my fab friend, Amelia. We went to the Winchester Mystery House, then to the Mystery Spot of Santa Cruz, and finally to the very mysterious Monterey Bay Aquarium. Okay, so maybe that last one wasn't so mysterious, but check out the show the octopus gave us! (Not the best lighting, but you don't want to freak out the critters.)



Also, there were some pretty sweet jellies in my favorite room of the aquarium.

The following week, my friends threw me a wine tasting and dinner party. What a great birthday!

(63 days to go!)
--Sarah--

Beijing Time & Skype

I added Beijing Time to my blog on the right. Whenever I get an email from someone from my school or I am expecting one, I start thinking about what time it is in Beijing (+15 hours from California Time). So, now when you want to see if it is a good time to try to Skype me or call me, you can check my blog quickly and see what I might be up to.

Also, if you want to talk to me while I am in China, Skype would be a good thing to download. You can call me for free that way. All you need is a microphone and speakers. If you get a little webcam, you will be able to see me while you are talking to me too! Check it out at www.skype.com

87 days to go!

--Sarah--

Fun-Filled Family Weekend

Last weekend I traveled down to southern California to visit the fam. Friday morning we went to Grandfather's school and talk to the kids about who he was. The kids were great and we plan to visit again to do a whole school assembly in June. Then my sister and I had lunch with Great Aunt Burneal, Great Aunt Audrey, and Great Uncle Earle.

Friday night my mom and I visited Catherine, Naysan, and my new first cousin, once removed, Kian. He is darling! Unfortunately, the only pictures we took are on my mom's camera so I have nothing to put here.

Saturday was the 60th wedding anniversary party for Great Aunt Pat and Great Uncle Burl. There were about 50 people there and it was very nice. My favorite parts were:

meeting my new cousin, Mikhial:

Seeing Pat and Burl dancing:


And dancing with my little brother:


I feel very fortunate to have been able to visit with 6 great aunts and uncles (Burneal, Audrey, Earle, Pat, Burl, and Maxine) this past weekend. I am so thankful that I have a close family.

--Sarah--

Meet Kian!

My cousin Catherine had her beautiful baby boy on April 13th. I'll get to meet him this weekend but I got to see some beautiful pictures today. Here is the family: Catherine, Naysan, and Kian.




--Sarah--

More Beijing Apartment Pictures

I just got an email from two soon-to-be fellow teachers who currently live in the apartment complex where I will move in August. They like it so much that they signed a two-year contract in October! It looks like I will basically be living in a swank hotel for a year with lots of country club amenities like tennis courts, a driving range, a couple of pools both indoor and out, restaurants (probably much more expensive than in the city), and utilities that are dependable! Woo to that!

Check out the photo tour they sent!

--Sarah--

Cross your fingers for Blue Sky Days!

Hopefully I will get to see lots of "Blue Sky Days" and not many days like these:



Let's hope for days like this:


123 days to go!

--Sarah--

A few more Fiji videos

Now that I have finally gone through all the pictures and video everyone took in Fiji, I have a few more neat videos to share. And, check out my Flickr site for all the photos.

First, we have Magic Coral.



Next, we have an anemone fish swimming through its anemone.



And finally, we have a lionfish (also known as a turkeyfish or a dragonfish) swimming around.



Now, go look at my Flickr pictures. They are finally all uploaded.

--Sarah--