Spring Break

Walking home tonight, I passed by three wedding receptions. I guess it's wedding season?

As you all know, I spent the past 6 days in Fuzhou for Spring Break. There are three words that best describe this past week: food, family, and relaxation. It's been wonderful (hence the lack of posts). Fuzhou is completely different than Beijing. The past two days have been nice and hot with 70 degree weather while Beijing is not so nice with cold weather in the 40s and 50s. The weather called for snow in Beijing today...is this serious?

Other than the weather, Fuzhou is so much cleaner, the air is WAY better, its less crowded and there's also something else that I can't put my finger on. But, I was able to stuff myself with delicious food, including nice green vegetables. Oh, how I've missed my vegetables! One other thing that I will cherish from this trip would be spending time with family, for sure. I was lucky enough to visit my great-grandparents twice this week. They're getting up there in terms of age so any time that I get to see them, I jump at the chance. I was also able to meet one of my uncles for the first time...ever. Weird, right? We all went out to dinner tonight and he is hilarious and like I said, time with family is always my favorite!

I guess I should throw in some pictures. One thing I need to work on is taking pictures. I don't take nearly enough! Such a pity...

View from my room

I got a haircut while in Fuzhou! Don't know if you can tell but it's a lot shorter, thinner, lighter, and it has a few layers.

Clams anyone?

My ride around town the past few days. Oh how I held on for dear life on this thing.

Compilation of the photos my grandparents have of my brother and I. Can't believe we've changed so much through the years...but thank God we did.

One of my supermarket finds--Birthday Cake Oreos. yummmm

Cherry Blossoms at one of the parks we went to

Bakery. Absolutely DELISH

Family! Aunt+Grandma+Cousin

Hope you all have/had a wonderful Spring Break!



Pinterest Wednesday

So...I lied. There won't be an update on my Spring Break trip just yet. That's because it's Pinterest Wednesday! Nonetheless, I'm thoroughly enjoying my oh so very relaxing Spring Break trip. Update for sure tomorrow!

I've been starting my own stack. So far I've got a super cute watch and bracelet that go incredibly well with one another. Pinterest has got me on the hunt for new additions to my arm candy. One thing about me is that I'm very picky and it takes me awhile to make a decision because each piece HAS to work well with one another. Come on, that's the meaning of a stack, right? Cohesiveness?

via

How beautiful is this Michael Kors watch?? Drooling over this piece.

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LOVE these. I'd totally go for the rose gold colored ones. It'll match the rest of the pieces.

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Follow me on Pinterest! I'm quite the pinner!

I also want to make a shout out to my friend Miss Shannon Hansen! It's her 23rd birthday. This lady means so much to me. She has been there by my side since my freshman year of college. I miss our spontaneous coffee dates, constant laughter, and silly-ness in general. She is one of the most encouraging people I know and never fails in cheering me up when I'm feeling down. HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHANNON! ...I would post a pic of her but then I realized we have no pictures together. Is this serious??

Tuesday Tunes

DAVE BARNES NEW ALBUM!

I have been awaiting this day for months now. It is finally here and this album is BLOWING MY MIND. It's been on replay for the past 54 minutes (the download started promptly at midnight) and I absolutely can't get enough of it. The entire album is phenomenal and there are no filler tracks whatsoever. Dave Barnes, you never fail me. It's his sixth album and he still finds a way to amaze me time and time again. Do you think my grandparents will be humming Dave Barnes by the end of the week? Most likely!

I love the title of the album Stories to Tell. The album is just that, Dave Barnes singing stories to us. It's beautiful and quite intimate. We're getting a little glimpse into his life and what he has experienced. They may be his stories but it's so relatable to any person. You've loved someone before right? You've missed someone before yeah? You're growing up aren't you? You've left home before? See, it's such a relatable album!

Picking a favorite will be tough. Each song is its own story and is so well written, recorded, and produced. I honestly can't pick. I've been sitting here thinking and debating and I CAN'T! Maybe in a few weeks a favorite will emerge. You all, seriously go and check it out. When have I ever failed you all when it comes to music?

Don't you all love the album cover? It's simple yet totally approriate!

Happy Listening!

PS I'm also loving the release of Passion 2012 album, White Flag. The song "White Flag" is just amazing!!

PPS Spring Break Day 1 and 2 update tomorrow!

Spring Break

Chinese midterm in less than an hour...freaking out right about now. You are all probably wondering, "If you have a midterm in less than an hour, why are you blogging?" Well, to clarify, I actually have had this post written up in advance, thank you very much. I can't wait to be done with this three hour midterm. The second I turn in this exam I am officially on Spring Break! I will have to dash back to my room, grab my luggage, and head straight to the airport.

I'm hoping that getting onto the plane and to Fuzhou will be a breeze. I have this knot in my stomach and am terrified that something will go wrong. Let's hope not? How tough can a two and a half plane ride be?

I am beyond excited to be in Fuzhou for Spring Break. I desperately need to get away from campus and the school environment. A week with family sounds perfect. In Fuzhou awaits family, relaxation, HOT weather (it's nearly 60 degrees there compared to the 40 degree weather in Beijing), delicious food, endless amounts of seafood, and great shopping. Don't get me wrong, I will still have homework to do seeing that my professor thought it'd be great to assign an essay over break as well as a quiz on the day we get back. Thanks buddy. But, at least I will be able to relax while doing homework!

Cross your fingers that I do well on this midterm, get through check-in easily once at the airport, and arrive in Fuzhou safely. Prayers would definitely be much appreciated. Hopefully I'll also be able to blog through the week in Fuzhou. Not too sure about the internet situation at my grandparents!

If I don't update within the next week, I wish you all a FABULOUS week.