Happy 2016!!

It's 9:30am and my kids only just woke up. Not bad at all!

When I look at 2016, I don't feel that same excitement about change and moving that I used to. I think after 5 years in the FS (our anniversary is this weekend!), I'm getting used to all the movement. I am definitely used to weird FS habits like using up products in the pantry. In fact, it's been bugging me for a good six months (beginning a full year before our departure) that we have a bunch of bags of lentils, beans, and cornmeal that need to be eaten.

But this year will be a big one! We are going to try to travel a bunch before we leave China. Then we will have a whirlwind home leave in the US, and then on to settle into our new home in Mexico!!

Here are the photos that I think best represent 2015 in theory. Having adventures together as a family, and wishing for good health and happiness for my kids.

 And 2016? When I think of moving to Mexico, I see more color, music, beaches, and vibrancy in our lives. And of course, more time with family! 2016 looks more like this:

50 books in 2015!

6 days ahead of schedule, I met my goal of reading 50 books in 2015! When I set this goal, (~1 book/week!), I didn't think too much about it. I figured with all my traveling, I would easily reach it. But around September, I realized I was way, way behind. And I realized I really wanted to meet this goal. Not sure why, but I did.

I learned a lot about myself and the world over this last year. I most love books that give me a glimpse into a world I have never experienced, whether it's a different country or a part of America/group of Americans I've rarely encountered. This year, I experienced a lot of new worlds.

I also learned I am an even pickier reader than I thought (my DR book club friends would not be surprised, as I always disliked our books!). Even though I was mostly choosing books that I was interested in and that were recommended, I only loved or really liked a handful of them. There were quite a few books that I really disliked, and yet I forced myself to finish them because I was already halfway through. After suffering through a book I hated (Lila), I decided not to do that anymore. So I started abandoning books I was not enjoying.

I have to mention e-books and U.S. libraries here. I am so grateful for the advances in technology that allow us to borrow e-books from the library all the way from China! Especially when it comes to my kids, who read a book in a few hours! I would be broke if I had to purchase all those books. Now I make a list on the library website, put the most popular ones on hold, and also use Kindleunlimited ($10/mos). I am so grateful for U.S. libraries.

In case anyone needs some book recommendations, here are the ones I most enjoyed. Not that I'm necessarily a good judge!

The Light Between Oceans * by far my favorite. I thought about this book long after it was over.
The Snow Child
Me Before You
Girl in Translation * this was my second favorite, not because the writing was great, but because the story was so compelling and connected to my life right now. This is the story of a young Chinese immigrant, very gifted in math, who moves to NYC and struggles to survive and excel in school.
The Invention of Wings
Mudbound
Orphan Train
When the Moon is Low
One Plus One
Harry Potter series of course

I really love being able to look over my year and see what I read. I liked having a goal, but 50 books added some stress to my life that was unnecessary. Next year I am shooting for a smaller number.

You have read 50 of 50 books in 2015.

• Your 2015 Challenge Books
 Date Read Rating

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