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Studying and playing harD/Y?

30/4/2019

I'm "studying hard" this week as I have returned to ChongQing to have another go at passing the exam I failed a few weeks ago. It's my last attempt - if I fail again, I move on!!
But with everything closed tomorrow for May Day (a National Holiday here), I should also get a chance to "play hard" too. I'm looking to get some good views of the Yangtze by boat or cable car.

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When Spielberg calls...

28/4/2019

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I was summoned to my University last Friday to appear in a promotional video they are filming. About a dozen foreign faces were there, though most were students or S.E. Asians (in their national costumes). My role was to "look at a book, adjust my glasses and smile at the camera". My demands for a character backstory and a fruit-filled changing room were ignored. But I suspect Hollywood will be in touch soon enough...

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Hippy heaven

26/4/2019

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Unhinged

24/4/2019

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JD and I finally tackled one of his birthday presents last weekend - a rather complex Lego set with lots of hinges, firing missiles and hidden compartments. 800 parts! It took us (mostly me, it has to be said) over 6 hours to finish. Looks good now it's done though.

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The only (ph)one

22/4/2019

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On the subway the other day I struggled to find anyone who wasn't engrossed in their smartphone [I think I spotted one]. I wonder where this self-absorption will end?

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See for yourself

18/4/2019

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I wish someone would tell the people that hang
mirrors in China that not everyone is a dwarf!

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The truth hurts

16/4/2019

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JD has been involved in a few incidents of naughtiness at his school recently. Nothing serious, but he's now finding out what a punishment feels like! One small positive to come out of it was that he was quick to confess each time, without us having to pressure him or investigate. So at least he has a conscience....!

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(Virtual) Reality

14/4/2019

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JD and I finally got to Kunming's new Science Museum yesterday, meeting up with a family we know who are due to leave Kunming for good next week. To our surprise, the Museum was excellent - very interactive and modern. And free, too! We'll be going back again soon.

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The Gummers

12/4/2019

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Great win for my team, Everton, last weekend beating Arsenal aka "The Gunners" 1 v 0 ...or "The Gummers" as they have it here in China!

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A door able table

10/4/2019

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Our first proper meal in the new flat.
The tabletop is a repurposed antique door!

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Tomb many days off

8/4/2019

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This weekend has been a three-day "Tomb-Sweeping Festival", but I'm back to work tomorrow and JD returns to Kindergarten for his last few months there.

Spot the cheekiest boy in the class!

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Feeling moved

6/4/2019

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For the last 20 months we have been living in a tiny flat while our main house has been gutted, extended, renovated and redecorated. Finally, this weekend, we moved back. Ten full car trips to take over the last of our basics we are finally all in - if not quite unpacked or tidied yet.

We now have an extended office, central heating, new kitchen (with new oven, microwave and dishwasher), two new bathrooms, two walk-in wardrobes, new floors and stairs, a utility room, under-stairs storage, new furniture and new double-glazed windows. It was a mammoth task designed, planned and overseen by my good wife. She has really stamped her unique artistic sense on every room, from the "random" tiles to two antique doors re-purposed as table tops!

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If at first you don't succeed...

2/4/2019

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I flew back from my training last night, arriving home at 3am this morning, Up again at 6am to get JD to school and do two lessons at University. Unfortunately, some disappointing news was waiting for me when I got home this afternoon - I had failed the final 3-hour exam on the course. Only just, as it turns out, but it means I have to return to ChongQing next week to resit the two parts on which I didn't get close enough. Disappointing, but apparently it's fairly common for people not to get through first time.

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Studying and playing harD/Y?

When Spielberg calls...

Hippy heaven

Unhinged

The only (ph)one

See for yourself

The truth hurts

(Virtual) Reality

The Gummers

A door able table

Tomb many days off

Feeling moved

If at first you don't succeed...

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