Settling In

I'm slowly settling in.  I finally found a gym and paid for a 6-month membership today, which worked out to around $25 a month. Not bad considering it also has a pool. It's not a fancy place by any stretch, but it has what I need, and will keep me from having to exercise outdoors, which I am opposed to due to the air quality.  I don't mind walking outside, but I am not OK with doing anything which will require me to take deep breaths of the smog; though it IS much better in Sujiatuo than it is in Beijing (you can actually taste it in there), it's still more than what I am used to.  Anyway, I must work off the beer belly I've developed over the past 6 months; besides, it'll help me keep up with the kids.

I have no classes until Saturday and Sunday.  I'll prep on Thursday and Friday; tomorrow I have to go into Beijing to take care of my residency permit.  If I have time, I'll swing by the gym ...

Went to a Chinese mall today with Amy, Kevin, and Tracy. They bought stuff for the school, and I grabbed a yoga mat and a swim cap (a must here, apparently).

Week 3 photos here:  http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10101657750047692.1073741826.28108784&type=1&l=15d03d73b3