24 Hours to Go!

At this time tomorrow, I’ll be on my way over the Pacific Ocean on my way to Seoul, Korea, en route to Beijing, China! I’ll still miss you, ladies and gentlemen, but are you ready to go on an adventure with me?!

(Here’s hoping you say yes! If not, whatevs, I’ll see you on the first day of school!)

I’ve been away from this site for a while because I’ve been busier than I thought I’d be this summer. Part of that has been because I’m trying to get ready for our new reading program next year.

Teacher books for Daily 5 and Balanced Literacy!
Holy cow, teacher books for Daily 5 and Balanced Literacy!

Some of the time was spent visiting my fantastic parents!!!

With Mom and Dad at Pike Place Market
With Mom and Dad at Pike Place Market

And the rest of the time has been taking care of getting stuff together for my trip! A lot of time has been spent talking to various doctors about my migraines (you know, headaches that make me seem spacey and forget how to talk when I’m teaching).

Today, I finished up the host gifts I’m going to give to the family that’s taking care of me when I’m in Taiwan at the end of my trip. Host gifts are important because they show your appreciation for the family that’s letting you stay in their home. Here’s hoping they like mine!

Cherry preserves made from cherries picked at Toby's mom's house. Very serious business.
Cherry preserves made from cherries picked at Toby's mom's house. Very serious business.
Little sachet stuffed with lavender and spearmint
Little sachet stuffed with lavender and spearmint.
Face Steam -- you boil it, then sit in front of it and it's supposed to do lovely things for your complexion and sinuses. It fits inside the nice gift bag.
Face Steam -- you boil it, then sit in front of it and it's supposed to do lovely things for your complexion and sinuses. It fits inside the nice gift bag I sewed from scrap material.

Anyway, I fly out tomorrow. It’s a 13-hour flight, so I have a ton of books packed (typical). Our first few nights in Beijing we’ll be staying here, at the Crown Plaza Sun Palace. Mom and Dad, I know you’re reading this and if something horrific happens, you can reach me at 010-6429-8888.

Our room. Seriously?
Our room. Seriously?

I really can’t think of anything profound or exciting to say. I’m so grateful as always to the CE folks for making this trip possible! I’ll leave you with the quote that’s on the door of our classroom:

“There’s so much left to know, and I’m on the road to find out.”

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4 thoughts on “24 Hours to Go!”

  1. So excited for you; Cora and I are waiting in anticipation for your next post. Good luck and best regards to you and your travel companion(s).

  2. Ms. H,
    Would you be willing to share some of your China adventures with my class here in Dallas? We would really love it!
    Love,
    Miss Hauk

  3. I hope you have a safe trip and a great time! I look forward to reading about your adventures!

  4. Dear Shannon:

    I think it’s so cool you pack homemade jam and sachet as gifts. The hosting family in Taiwan is sure lucky!

    Wish you, Ms. Heffernan and Ms. Silver the best. Leave anything you’ve read and heard behind and enjoy the trip with the fresh eyes. Hongkong/Taiwan/China is a big open book waiting for you to explore. Stay safe and healthy.

    Isadora Tzung :O)

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