Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Little bit of love, little bit of love

I was reminded by a few people (both here and in the States) that I am having an amazing experience and I shouldn't be boo-hooing about not experiencing what I experience every day when I'm home.

Thank you to those of you who smacked some sense into me and told me to suck it up. I needed to be slapped around a little bit, and I'm back on track.

I had my first day of work yesterday, though it was mostly team-building stuff and sport-specific training. We played games to get to know each other, and one of the games involved picking jelly beans up with chopsticks and running them across the room to deposit them in another bowl. I was nervous because I'm not the best with chopsticks, but I totally rocked at it, so maybe I'm doing better with little things like that than I thought. I am pumped for the Olympics to start. I am thrilled with what I'll be doing. I love who I'm working with. China still doesn't make sense to me, but I'm back to liking it again.

We discovered a place called "Grandma's Kitchen" that has American-style food, and we just got back from having brunch. It was fantastic and my Mexican skillet had real beef in it! Perfection.

I don't think I'm going to end up making it to Shanghai this weekend because I have to work, but maybe some other time when my schedule allows for it. Anyway, thank you to everyone who responded to my whining with either comfort or a reminder that I'M IN CHINA and should be using this experience to my advantage.

You know when things just... start to align? And your life almost immediately feels better? Well... the past two days have been that. It's like China knew that I was getting frustrated, and decided to fix itself. The weather has been so much cooler (meaning upper 80s! Woohoo!), and I'm getting more familiar with the subway. Our cab drivers have been pretty good about getting us where we need to go without almost killing us in the process. I haven't seen anyone peeing on the street, and I've had good food and company for an entire 48 hours. Thank you, universe, for reminding me how important it is to be rational and fair.

That's it... I'm off to take a quick nap before meeting up with the girls for a girls' night out at China Doll (I've rediscovered my love of dancing!). I'll be home by midnight. Lovely!

2 comments:

The Hollywood Apple said...

Yay, this post makes me happy, and I am glad you are pumped once again, and are stoked for work/Olympics/more culture! I am so excited to hear more of your stories and interactions when the Games begin, and if possible, seek out Olympic Swimmers and send them my way-sooo cute :) <3

artemis archer said...

I would also accept an olympic swimmer, if you happen to encounter one looking for a sassy redhead. Unfortunately my standards are high and I will accept nothing less than Mr. Phelps himself!