Well it's been a really long time since I've last posted in my blog; inexcusable really.
However, I traveled quite a bit this past month. First I chaperoned a trip with 75 eighth graders to the south of China to Yangshou. Then I traveled to the United States (Florida and New York), and finished the month of October with a trip to Hong Kong.
I have been traveling with my iPad, which doesn't have a VPN on it, so I can't access my blog until I am in front of my laptop. So there you have it... the reason why I've been M.I.A. from the blog. Damn great firewall of China.
In other news, this month I will be in Singapore for Thanksgiving weekend, and this Wednesday I will be flying to Manila in the Philippines for the 5th annual APAC Dance Festival. I'm super excited to be back in the Philippines. There is a magnetic energy and happiness about the rhythm of life there. Plus, mangoes, pineapples and papayas are available at any time of the day and sweet people are always greeting you, "Hello m'am/sir" wherever you go!
In regards to the actual festival, we have an exciting lineup of workshops to attend. My team and I will be attending jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, folk and fusion workshops. Of course, we've also been preparing for the culminating show at the end of the festival. That's also why I've been M.I.A. from my blog and business ventures. Our season is the longest of the fall activities, as we run from the first week of school in August until our Christmas Chapel, the day before Christmas break.
Compared to the past three years, this dance season has been pretty stressful. It's been difficult to coach this team because their ability levels are so varied, the grade levels are so mixed, and I have a lot of new dancers. I've tried really hard to build community with this team and plan events and performances for them. However, many of the girls have spread themselves very thin, have overcommitted to everything, and yet somehow always end up saying no to dance and my projects.
It's been disheartening. I wholeheartedly agree that one's commitment to their academics is important, but so are their commitments to the teams, activities and communities they decide to engage in. Furthermore, I believe it is important for each of us to pay our good fortune forward, give back to our communities and share our talents to bring joy to others.
Well no matter how stressed I am, spending time with my dog makes me feel infinitely better.
I want him to stay as healthy and happy as possible. I bought my dog yet another bag of the same Pedigree food I've been buying for him since we have moved to China. I'm not exactly what you would call "impressed" with the quality. So from time to time, I add extra healthy things to his food. Today he went wild for carrots, peas and corn.
I hope this cute video of him makes your day!
(Then again, I'm just a crazy dog mom who thinks everything he does is adorable).
I hope you all have a fantastic week, wherever you are in this great big world!
<3 paz.amor.felicidad siempre.
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