A quick update to let everyone know I moved into my apartment last night. I could almost write a book about what I’ve been through the last two days, to get in the front door. For now, I’m very busy teaching and what little time I have, I’m gathering up the basics to have at least a marginally functional apartment.
Until I get internet service, my postings will be light as the only connection I have is at work and I have little time to compose anything. Tonight, Saturday, the office closes early so I have a bit of time. I am so happy to get out of that hotel and unpack my suitcases after almost three weeks. I use to- used to- think that living in a hotel was fun. I’m cured of that notion, once and for all.
I bought an iron/ironing board today, so tonight’s activity will include plenty of ironing. I never thought I would actually bother to write about something so incredibly mundane, yet I want to look as professional as possible for teaching and the rumpled look just doesn’t do it. I will also attempt to wash clothes in the washing machine in my apartment. It’s a “front loader” and has lots of dials and buttons, all in Chinese. Wish me luck that the door won’t open mid-way through or for that matter, to get the thing to operate as intended.
Nevertheless, now that I have a place to call my own, I now feel much more grounded and some of my most pressing issues (ironing aside) have gone by the wayside. Establishing a new life in a new country isn’t as easy as I had thought. Of course, plenty of readers would ask: ‘Why would you even have such a notion.” I don’t know, actually. Anyway, as Rachel Maddow is fond of saying: “Watch this space.”
Hi Brian – You’re doing a great job on your blog, which is not only informative, but entertaining with your wonderful sense of humor. I’m catching up on your musings after a trying and busy week with Shauney preparing for the VSS Conference. When I arrived home late last night, I clicked on the TV and there was Anthony Bourdain in Shanghai on CNN. Ironically, he was interviewing a Chinese English teacher. When asked how has life changed in the last decade, he answered, “One, it’s becoming more and more difficult in China to get homemade food, like the large, delicious-looking pork and ginger wontons they were eating. He said that people are eating more processed foods. Not a good trend – just look at America! Second, he said the Internet – people aren’t communicating among themselves; couples are seen at eateries not talking, but instead using their individual phones. Of course, the second point is universal. I enjoyed the pics from your team building excursion, especially the one of you about to munch on that chicken foot. Did you really eat that, Brian? What other interesting foods have you tried, and liked? Ironic you can only get Fox News, since you despise it so. You may know that Trump and Hillary nailed New York, as expected. Kasich is staying in until the bitter end, which is understandable since the polls say he’s the only one who can beat Hillary. He says, “I’ve got good friends who are going to be on the rules committee.” Yeah, right, that will go over big with the Trump followers. I’m over and saturated with this election cycle – can’t watch anymore. In my opinion, which ever way it goes, it will be a disaster. Nuff said. So happy you got your apartment, albeit a difficult feat. Fortunately, ironing is one of your skills, since Rumpled-stiltskin, you do not want your students to see! LOL Good luck with setting up your new abode. Carry on…