I like me.

I just love looking forward to a New Year. I tend to get excited about all holidays, but there is something even more anticipatory about a new year. The Chinese New Year isn't until February, so I took the liberty of make this week a 2011 themed week. I taught my kids about resolutions, and failed attempts at keeping them, I told stories about previous New Year's celebrations, and tried to elicit excitement for change from them. Mostly, they wanted to know if I play "truth or dare" on New Year's eve--uhh--do "goggles of truth count?" We watched Death Cab for Cutie's "The New Year" video and talked about the lyrics and what it feels like to have a disappointing year-which is usually an easy conversation to have with teens--they thrive on emo. However, Chinese teens are different. I had them journal about one thing they regret about this year and they had the HARDEST time thinking of something. After more discussion, it was apparent that these kids are taught from a young age to leave regrets behind and look ahead. The world they see is shiny, and full of hope. I wondered what it is like to hold an oyster like that.
I have been putting off making resolutions which is tough because I asked my kids to, and they wanted to know what mine are; but, I find it so uncomfortable to think about this year...what will I resolve in my life? 2010 was largely about learning to kick back and relax, learning to sweep things under the rug and leave those things there until they disintegrate or sneak out, and learning to ask less questions of people (especially if I am not sure I want the answer). I have learned to feel more satisfied with silence and un-resolve, I have learned to speak to strangers in predictable places, and I have learned how to yell at my students fluently in Chinese. My 11-11 gangstas helped me think of New Years resolutions and this is what they wrote for me:
1. Marry a Chinese man who love you beautiful adoring everyday. Love is most, he must love forever. We love you most forever.
2. Marry Zack. He love you and think you our funny (Zack is one of my students! Haha!)
3. Chinese lessons each day, so speak our chinese and fight most battle great! Beautiful fighter!
4. Drink Chinese tea it because so good for healthy.
5. Movie for us everyday!!
6. Have baby with Chinese husband. Beautiful baby! White skin and why freckly? Green eye so shiny and brown hair so crazy! We love!

Dang, they are so adorable!! We had such fun coming up with these! They make some good points...haha!
Anyway, I'm not sure I will make resolutions this year, because I'm happy and I don't feel unresolved.

Well, I have to jetsky into the city to get ready for New Year's Eve!
Happy New Year, my loves. I hope you are happy.

xox

P.S. Playlist:
The Radio Dept; Heaven's on Fire, Video Dept.
Shakira, Waka Waka!