New Beginnings

It's been so long since I've posted.  Things can develop so rapidly.  I began looking for a new job in January so I could move when this contract was up,   I applied to a range of positions, from teaching in Saudi Arabia ( the money is good, and I figure I am adaptable) to other training schools here, to administrative secretary, which I have done before.

I was hired to do application development with an IT company here in Shanghai.  I am now working as a UX designer with a graphics, writing, and programming team to develop new online platforms and products.  It's a great job, reminiscent of what I have done in the past with online learning, but with the added information architecture aspect.  It uses so many of my skills and experiences I can't be sorry to leave teaching, though I miss the students.

Here is a picture of the building I work in, our office is on the 17th floor.  I have been at the new job two weeks and it feels like coming home.  I am now living in the center of Shanghai in a studio apartment and I'm getting to know this vibrant city.  I am enjoying it.

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 I live in an old 3 floor apartment building and take winding stairs up to my apartment..

 and I walk the subway stairs morning and night for exercise.

I live two subway stops from where I work, and I live two blocks from the subway stop. It is just enough for me to get outside and take a walk and feel part of everything here.

This Saturday I went back to my old suburb of Songjiang and visited with students and went to the Botanical Gardens there again.  It was a great time.  I was invited to a family birthday party of one of my student's father in law.  It was a wonderful experience, and such a privilege to be present.

So much to say, and I don't get back to my blog often enough, so so much gets left out.

Blessings to all,
Ann