Man down!

It's the final day of 2013. I spent the final hours at hotpot with friends. This little meatball managed to escape my chopsticks when I was pulling him out of my soup :(

Recap of the past year:

~Survived another year in China.
~I started a new job teaching high school. It's been a lot more challenging, but a great deal more rewarding.
~I spent 3 weeks in SE Asia in Thailand, Malaysia, and Cambodia. Definitely my travel highlight of the year.
~I visited home and met my adorable nephew. My brother and sister-in-law are expected #2 soon!
~My friend Greg visited me in China. It was fun playing tour guide for a week.
~My mother always visited for two weeks.
~My group of friends in Suzhou continues to expand and shrink with the new people who come and go. I've met and said good bye to so many amazing people this year.
~I was named one of the most interesting people in my city. It's mostly because of the photos I take of the local band scene, but it was an amazing honor to be recognized for it by a local website.
~I adopted a kitten who at the same time manages to drive me crazy and be the love of my life.
~I moved in with one of my friends. After a year and a half of living on my own, I forgot how nice it is to live with someone. She's an amazing roommate and friend and this year wouldn't have been nearly as much fun without her.

All in all, I have to say it's been a roller coaster of a year. I can only hope 2014 is just as good.

Happy New Year!