Kirsten Captures

I’m back! Finally!

Sorry for the crazy long hiatus. Exactly one week ago our VPN crapped out. This meant no Youtube, no Google, no Twitter, no Hulu, no Facebook (not that I am on FB anyways), and no WordPress! Gasp! China blocks such essential websites.

It took a week to get the VPN back online and during that week we were surprisingly productive. We finally set up our DVD player and speakers and bought some movies at a local store. Less than $3 for one movie! I love China.

Life in China Update 

So I have been working my butt off these 3 weeks since the cruise networking like a mad woman while setting up the groundwork for my Health and Fitness Coaching practice. I am getting involved with the American Women’s Club of Shanghai and will be writing two columns for their monthly magazine. One is a fitness column featuring a different fitness class each month and the other is a chronicle of my expat experiences in China. I am also in the process of developing a fitness program for international schools and additionally considering coaching gymnastics .

OH I also joined a netball team AND a Crossfit gym.

I am so BUSY but so DRIVEN and most importantly, I am HAPPY. This is the life I have always envisioned for myself.

Plus Peter and I have booked two amazing trips! After Christmas we are spending a week in northern Italy to ski/snowboard at Val Gardena. Then for Chinese New Year we are going to Hawaii!!

I cannot believe this is my life right now. I am living my passion (well, working hard at it!), living in a foreign country, and saving my money to travel to amazing places. For now, I am absorbing as much as I can and going with the flow. But I am also pushing myself way out of my comfort zone, facing my fears, and working my butt off! It has certainly been paying off.

Now it’s time for some major Photo of the Day catch up. So please bear with me and enjoy the view 🙂

Monday, October 8th

“One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”

This is certainly true in China. A day after returning from a week of awesomeness in Japan, I was quickly reintroduced to the many quirks of China. For one, the insane recycling/trash hoarding behavior that goes on, usually while stacked on extremely small bicycles.

It makes me happy in a “this is so ridiculous it makes me laugh” kind of way. This is the way I approach my life in China… with a big smile and laugh at all the insanity. It makes for a better day.

Since it was Monday and all I met Peter for lunch then plopped myself down at my favorite Starbucks. Ugh, the post-vacation email inbox is just horrible. Good thing I have fantastic coworkers back in the States that help pick up the slack. They rock.

It was great to get my mind back on work and get set up for the weeks to come.

Things really took off from here! Stay tuned 🙂