my first 1st place + more unrealeased footage

Well, my first 1st place in a contest unrelated to math or spelling.

This morning when I got to work, I was informed that there would be an all-teacher race around campus in the afternoon, and that I would be participating. I never know what to expect with this kind of sudden announcement, so I wore my regular clothes to work (jeans with tights underneath - it's getting chilly! - and a long-sleeve shirt.

Turned out the race was quite a production; all 700 teachers lined up, with ~400 men running first and ~300 women running after they had finished. The beginning of the race was the several-hundred-meter hill leading up to the ISS (I'm trying to give up exaggeration for 2009, so I restrained myself from using the word "mountain") and I got to the top with my lungs burning. But there is something about having your students cheer you on that makes pain disappear, and I continued at a near sprint. I soon passed the one teacher ahead of me - Lisa, my POI co-teacher and one of my favorite people in China (she got first last year, but didn't seem the least bit resentful that I stole her glory). I have ran in quite a few races and never even been at the front, and I don't really care to do it again. It was a really odd feeling; I kept checking back over my shoulder, half-hoping someone would pass me. No one did. So yes, I got my very first first place. For which I apparently win a blow-dryer and some shampoo. (Wonder if the men get the same prize?)

I keep coughing now and my lungs still hurt, so maybe there's a good reason I don't usually push myself this hard when I run. But regardless, I'm going to be fully enjoying that shampoo, and blow-drying my hair with a whole new sense of pride.

* * *

In other breaking news, my endless kung fu dance practice have finally ended; we performed last night on stage in a big teacher's production. Each department within the school put on one act, meaning that all 700 teachers who ran today were also in attendance last night. I sat next to the Vice Principal, a very quirky and outgoing lady who told me, "This show - very Chinese. We show teachers have fun, then televise, then everyone wants to teach at Tsinghua. Much propaganda."

Andy taped the second half of our dance on my camera, and I thought I might as well take advantage my newfound video-posting capabilities to show you what exactly I've been rehearsing during the past month(s).

Also, family: our principal has promised me a copy of the televised version of the show, so if you're interested in catching the intro - which features Jaris and I in a ridiculous pose, center stage - I'll be happy to share it when I return.

* * *

Finally: I leave for Phuket, Thailand tomorrow, so this will be my final opportunity to wish you all a 新年快乐 (happy new year), or as they often say in China, 恭喜发财 ("congratulations and be prosperous"). I hope 2009 finds you in peace.