All posts tagged: random

Take Care of the Dryer

Published by Sula H.

Yes, we have dryers and washers. And they regularly make it on the list of topics that need to be discussed during our faculty meetings. Here’s just one of the reasons why (and since we received the notification in such a wonderful email, I thought, I’d simply share the contents of that email with you here): Dear _____, Since the new dryer was installed, we found out some teachers put the very wet clothes in the dryer. The dryer would be broken by this. The attachments are the pictures of the wet clothes. We have asked the worker to fix the dryer once. Can you please mention all the teachers who live in your building that spin and dry the clothes before put them in the dryer? And would you please mention all the teachers that please pour the water in the box of the dryer before use it. It because that if the box fulls of the water and the dryer won’t work. Thank you for your help. No more questions, right?

April’s Fools

Published by Sula H.

I’m a happy girl. Because for once, I made it through April’s Fools day without being on the fooled side of things! Yes, Fool’s Day is practiced in China, which I come to realize anew every year. But while there certainly was potential to get fooled yesterday, this year I was prepared. For anything. So, when one of my dear friends sent me an urgent text message yesterday, saying that so and so was trying to tell me that such and so was trying to get a hold of me, because he needed to discuss something important with me, had tried to call me, and hadn’t been able to get through, I was on my guard. It could’ve been true, but the message just as well sounded like a hoax. So, I carried my cell phone to class with me to have my students vote on whether it was a trick or not, and they all voted with one voice, which saved me some later embarrassment and gave us something to be amused about. And …

Bananas and Such Things

Published by Sula H.

I got a problem. Well, it’s a good problem because it’s got to do with the generosity of one of my good friends. And yet, it’s a problem. A banana problem. Well, here’s why: The other day, my friend visited me, and of course, quite suitably according to Chinese rules of visiting etiquette, that friend brought me a gift, as visitors are supposed to do to honor their hosts. My gift – I’m sure you can guess – was bananas. Nothing wrong with that. I like bananas. They taste well (especially when they’re well ripe and sweet), and you can make lots of delicious things using bananas. The problem is, that my friend, likewise quite suitably according to Chinese rules of generosity, didn’t just bring me two or three bananas (which would perfectly match a single-person household like mine). That friend brought me 10 bananas (which, let me tell you, these bananas don’t last as long as ten days. They won’t even last 7 days, that’s for sure.). And now, I’m desperately trying to find …

About Schoolbags and Buried Treasures

Published by Sula H.

I learned another useful lesson again today. And that is: Check your schoolbag for trash more often. It’s something I actually rarely do, and when I get to it, I marvel at the stuff that I can find in there. Stuff like an old slice of cheese, that I collected a couple months ago, put it in my school bag and never thought of taking it out again. Remember? Cheese is a rare commodity around here, so it definitely should be treasured. Except: that treasure shouldn’t be buried in your school bag for months and months. On the other hand, it wasn’t as bad as you might think now, because it neither was moldy nor smelly, or else, I would have gone treasure hunting in my school bag a lot sooner! PS. Lesson on schoolbags and buried treasures learned. Check.

Never Ending Winter

Published by Sula H.

If you’ve been following my blog for a little while, you’ll know that I love snow. Indeed. I do. I love snow. Except when the white stuff coming down from the sky doesn’t stay white as soon as it hits the ground. Or when it comes down at a time when my little heart is actually preparing for the sweet time of spring. Like today. I thought, spring’s supposed to be around the corner. But not here. Not today. Today, it’s snowy but not white; it’s just wet and cold. Surely, winter is trying to hold on as long as possible. Brrr!

A Lesson on Water

Published by Sula H.

First, let me start out with this: A couple of years ago, I’d never have thought that drinking hot water would grow on me. But I guess, living in China has marked me some way or another. Now, on a cold winter day, I couldn’t even imagine downing a cold cup of water that would make me shiver all over. And that’s my problem now. Like today, when I was getting ready for class, and wanted to fill my water bottle with warm water from the water dispenser. (I have to add, though, that our classrooms here can be as cold as outside, so I use the hot water from my bottle not only for warming up my insides, but also to warm up my outsides!) But alas! Problem #1: One of the two water coolers on our floor was completely out of water by the time I had to leave for class today, and Problem #2: The second of the two dispensers was turned off, which means: Cold water only for class today. Brrrr! So, …

Today is the day …

Published by Sula H.

Today is the day when for the first time this winter I could go and play tennis without a scarf since it was nice and sunny outside. Today is the day when for the first time this winter I was overrun by people and balls at the tennis court – yes, the students are back! (But I also get to have someone to play with, which is fun!) Today is the day when the streets on campus are filled with students again, and most of the stores are open. Today is the day when the supermarket downstairs has piles of toilet paper set up in front of the entrance – yes, the students need to stock up on necessities. Today is the day when I decided that I’ll go and get a meal in one of the student cafeteria some time soon, and treat myself to a cup of caramel milk tea. Today is the day when I’m glad that life is back to normal again.

Getting Ready

Published by Sula H.

The end is near. The end of the winter break, that is. I can tell because of all the changes that are going on on campus. … Like the washing of the streets and squares they did yesterday. Yes, that’s right! They were scrubbing all the major roads and walkways. After all, streets and squares need bath-days, too, i presume! … Or like the number of students carrying their little suitcases around campus. That number of suitcase-carrying students is increasing daily, and so are the number of folks just hanging around campus. And so are the number of students gathering around the basketball facilities (and tennis court for that matter – yay for me!). Soon, our campus will be hustling and bustling again, and I’m not sure whether I’m excited about the return of the students, or rather sad that soon there’ll be no more quiet corner on campus! Anyways, the end is near, and I’d better make the most of my last days of the winter break!

Bad Showering Moments

Published by Sula H.

Bad showering moments are those moments in which you stand in the shower, and while you’re scrubbing away, doing whatever needs to be done, slowly but steadily the water ceases to flow. Of course, even worse than that is it when you’re fully covered with soap, and the water stops coming entirely. I’ve had my fair share of such moments happening to me – and not only once. So I speak from experience. Which is why I feel that I’m quite qualified to write about it. And it is also why I feel like I’m aptly suited to define such instants as “bad” showering moments. I’m an expert, you see. And a man of experience, they say, is never at the mercy of a man with an argument. A statement that I have find to be quite true – except for one part, of course: I’m not a man! But I do have experience. At least when it comes to bad showering moments!

Hot Water Days

Published by Sula H.

It’s cold outside. So cold, in fact, that on and off it’s been snowing these days. Not that we actually get to have some snowy-white winder wonderland, but it’s at least cold enough to be shivering all over, if you don’t know how to keep warm. The best way to stay warm (and healthy for that matter) is to drink lots of hot water – at least according to the Chinese and their traditions! How many times have I been kindly reminded by my students, friends, and any other locals who are good enough to share their wisdom with me: “Drink more hot water! It’s good for your healthy!” And after hesitatingly trying out what plain heated water might taste like, I must admit: There is some truth to that old wisdom – a cup of hot water can do a thing or two indeed to keep you warm on a cold winter’s day, esp. when there’s nothing else to be had; and so I may pass on that old wisdom to you now: Drink …