Rundown

This morning I found myself in a fetal position rocking back

and forth quietly in a corner of my room. I think I was beginning to suffer from a minor breakdown. There was so much to do and I feel so ill prepared. I think I was doing too much by myself and wasn't humble enough to ask for help until the last minute. Well I got the help anyway so good. I'm well recovered....

The flight was disappointing and by disappointing I mean that I didn't do what I know I ought to have done because I was so tired and sleepy. I sat next to an interesting woman who seemed to be a female Indiana Jones. She told me where to buy a down coat in LA which I still haven't bought. Anyways, I regret not taking an initiative to talk to her about more substantial things.

This is where I am and where I plan to be: It's 5:20PM PT and I'm sitting at LAX airport waiting on the Air China ticket counter to open. so I have exactly 4 hours and 10 minutes to sit here and idle or finish up some last minute business before I can get rid of my checked luggage. It will be another 3 hours before the plane actually leaves. I won't be in Beijing until January 8th 5: 30 AM China time.

Then there will be the ride to my Aiyi's house in the taxi where I will get to practice my pointing and gesturing skills (I have notes) and then a ten hour staring contest with my Aiyi whom I've never met but who is obviously a very hospitable woman. After that it's back to Beijing airport to take a train that departs at 10:25 PM bound for Linyi, Shandong province. I should be there, barring any delays, by 9:45 AM January 9th. This is going to be so interesting...

Trevor, Tyler, and Olivia I miss you already. Because "I feel like I like" you all and you like me. ;-)