Category: stateside

Being chased by the new year

I finished teaching my last class at 5 PM today. Starting at 4:30 AM tomorrow morning, and continuing for the next 30 some odd hours, I will be chased by 2011 and be clinging to the last remnants of… Read More

The best Christmas gift

This week…this week has been one of the fullest I’ve had in China to date. Countless banquets, parties, and performances. Hundreds of cookies baked. Numerous presents purchased and wrapped and delivered. Hours upon hours of grading thesis papers… Read More

Sunday snapshot: Summer moments

The summer always begins and ends with lists.  At the beginning, it’s the papers and finals to grade, the students to see one last time, the meals that use up the lingering ingredients in the freezer, and the… Read More

Sunday Snapshot: {More} Ethan

Today.  Because the other day he sat in a chair for what must have seemed like forever to a two year old–all for his photo lovin’ and snappin’ aunt. Because he calls me honey. Because one day he’ll… Read More

It doesn’t take much…

…to fall in love. I may only get to see him 9 days out of 365, but one thing is absolutely certain. Aunt “Haffrin” is unequivocally, undeniably smitten.

They grow up so fast

I’m currently down in Florida hanging out with my nephew, sister and brother-in-law.  Actually, mostly with my nephew.  My sister is in her last year of residency and my brother-in-law just started his practice, which means I get Ethan… Read More

Go green

Being my first trip to the Pacific Northwest, I decided to stay on in the Portland area a day after the wedding. I figured if I had come all that way, I should at least see some of the beauties… Read More

Sunday Snapshot: Marriage did us part

We met three and a half years ago.  A teammate of mine and I were traveling to Vietnam during the winter break.  He happened to have a good friend who was just returning to Vietnam with our organization. … Read More

Sneak peek

After a day of hiking, waterfalls, and some of the prettiest drives I’ve ever been on, I’m tucked away in a Portland coffee shop.  I should be writing papers…but I thought I’d take just a moment to give… Read More

Bits of my day

I woke up at 4:45 AM. I put on my jeans after a quick shower.  I felt something in the pant leg.  I reached up to grab said object and ended up fishing out a large beetle bug… Read More