My brilliant students:

This week rocked me. I feel like I'm in one of those movies where there is some tragic accident where everyone dies except for the lead character. He wakes from unconsciousness, looks around him, notices his bruises and cuts, and can't really remember what happened. That was how this week left me. Last night I was dreaming I was trying to jump on a trampoline after taking horse tranquilizers. That is the perfect visualization for the exhaustion I've been experiencing. Can you imagine?
Despite the overwhelm, I had an amazing lesson this week. My students really came up with some brilliant, creative and hilarious things to discuss. This week in class I asked: Is love more important than money? Some memorable quotes:

"My parents give me all the love I need, but I have no money. So to me, money is more important."
"Yes. I believe love is priceless."
"I think if I have love, money is more important, if I have money, love is more important."
"Yes. I think love is like water to a flower. Without it we can not grow. If we do not grow, life is boring."

And my favorite moment was when I asked: Are boys better than girls? Every girl said NO! Every boy said YES! Until I asked a very shy boy in the front, who has never spoken in my class. He stood and proudly said:

"No. I think boys and girls are equal. Lewis thinks boys are more important. To him I would like to say something, ok? (turns to Lewis and points) YOU. ARE. FULL. OF. S---!! Boys are not better than girls, girls are not better than boys. And we need each other."

Now I normally don't encouraging swearing in class, but man was I proud in that moment. I leaned in and told him that someday he will make a girl very happy. He groaned, blushed and covered his head on his desk, totally embarrassed. I love my students.

Well now that the week is finally over, I'm off to Hengshan, a famous mountain in South Hunan for a WorldTeach get together. All 50 of us are meeting for a conference and partying. I can't wait. Rumor has it there will be snow!

Oh one last thing. I was speaking with my work colleague who said to me, "Maria? I think maybe you are not sleeping? You have the eyes of a panda!" I explained to her I haven't been able to sleep because I stay awake thinking thinking thinking and that I'm worried about what to do once my teaching contract is over. She perked up, smiled and said, "You know...It is said, All roads lead to Rome! No need to worry!"

This place is so cute.