(Jump to) The Journey, Early Middle, Part 1: A Recap of Sorts

There are many things I can think of that would be true in a perfect world. One, for instance, would be that the earthquake in Haiti never happened. Two would be that I had perfect gaydar. Three would be that such a thing as internet censorship and firewalls wouldn’t exist. Four would be that my stomach and digestive tract could better withstand the oil and spice that plagues (and blesses) Sichuan cuisine. Five would be that I would never doubt myself, and that I would continue forth and try to constantly do the best I can to improve myself in every aspect of life.

Six would be that it wouldn’t have been nearly two goddamn months until I’ve updated this blog.

But perhaps it is a good thing we do not live in a perfect world, in that the opportunities and events presented to us act as lessons, reminders, and guideposts to the future.

The Prologue, part 2: Rumination

1:35ish to 2:15ish am, December 31st 2009

There’s not really much in the world that can make you reflect like seeing your mama cry. Well, she didn’t really fully cry today, but kind of. For the past few months now I’ve been looking so forward to my adventure that’s happening in just a few days. I was having a late lunch/early dinner with her and family friends Susie and Allen, and as we were eating Mom spoke for a moment of how she’s “Gonna miss mah baby boy! He’s leaving so soon!” with just the faintest wet at the bottom of her eye. And it’s true. I’m departing Saturday the 2nd for San Francisco, then the 4th from there to Shanghai, the first leg of my trip. I’ve been telling lots of people over and over how much I’m anticipating my study abroad: