Teacher needs caffeine!

     I am halfway through my first week of teaching. I never imagined something could come so natural. I have become somewhat of a D-list celebrity. The kids will look at you like something they have never seen or like they are walking into Disney World. Either reaction works excellent for starting a class. I was not too worried about discipline, and it has yet to be an issue. I have had some classes that might as well be a room full of statues, a musical chairs class that won't sit still, classes that are absolute angels, and a couple classes who could give a damn. Much of my class consists of me making them sing English songs I learned in elementary school, tongue twisters, and games. Sometimes they go over well, sometimes not. I find the more animated I am the more attention the class will pay to me.

    The lack of caffeine in this country is concerning. If it were up to me and were safe I would have a  coffee IV drip going all day, especially between classes. It has been a bit challenging to transition from eight plus cups a day to zero. China surprisingly has very little coffee, mostly 3-in-1 powder (milk,coffee,sugar). As a strictly black, Cuban style coffee girl, I've switched to tea. It hardly does the trick, but if I drink enough of it it feels like having half a cup.I started my unhealthy habit at the ripe age of 7. My mom thought I was a bit hyperactive and gave me coffee loaded with sugar and cream to calm me down. Now I'm 25 and am victim to persistent migraines without my daily caffeine. Living the dream.

   Other than my caffeine withdrawals my life here has been nothing short of perfect. It is everything I wanted in a living abroad experience. They say life begins when you step outside of your comfort zone. I believe this to be true. Every time I am not in my hometown I am exponentially happier. Life becomes an adventure and not a place where I know what to expect.

   I found some more interesting things at the grocery store this afternoon. In America the "lady products" are typically tucked away in the corner. When you buy them it is somewhat of a relay race to grab the best one as quick as possible before someone spots you lingering in that section. There are no end-caps, no POP's (point of purchase displays), and especially no signage. A curse that has plagued our gender for centuries is still very much subdued in the states. Not in China.

I give you, pad castle. Smack in the center of the store. More garish and gaudy than ever. 

And in case you weren't sure, you can make sure it'll be comfortable when you're feeling the monthly curse.

On an unrelated note, Minnie Mouse showing her colors. It was a set of pencils.