Think happy thoughts!

I’ve had a few disappointments and down days recently. Instead of blogging about what has made me miserable, I’m going to grit my teeth and think of some positive things to say. Here are some nice things that happened recently:

1. Cycling home from work in the cool night air last night, I looked up at the sky. It seemed to be alive with twinkling stars. Checking no-one was about to step in front of my bike, I took a longer look. They weren’t stars, they were kites: special night time, lit-up kites flying very high in the sky, their glowing tails flickering in red, white and blue. A handsome sight which brought me a smile.

2. I met a colleague today with a delectable northern English accent. In an ocean of Chinglish, it was like listening to music!

3. Having got over the disappointment of a series of stultifyingly bad Chinese lessons, I braved a new class. It was really excellent- interesting, relevant, pitched at the right level and good fun to boot. My brain fired up at the stimulation and I relished every stimulating second of it!

4. Today, for the first time in 5 and a half months, I was cold. I got caught in a thunder shower and as people ran past me holding things over their heads, I slowed down to a stroll.  I stopped to listen to the thunder and breathe in the same earthy smell you get when it rains  heavily in England. There's something so universal and healing about heavy rain. More please! (but not too much!!!)

5. National week is coming up... To celebrate the anniversary of the formation of the People’s Republic of China, the entire billion-strong nation gets 4 days off. Given the general scarcity of annual leave, this is a real special treat. Add my weekend on top, and I now have a blissful 6 day break. Aah. Someone put the kettle on!

There- I've done it! That wasn’t too difficult!