(Flashback to) The Journey, Early Early, Part 2: The First (and perhaps only) Account of my Birthday Weekend

I know, I know, I haven’t updated for a little bit. However, let me say in my defense that I have improved my update rate by a full 100%, meaning that I have cut the time in between my posts in half. (Is the math right for that? Who cares, I ain’t no math major!) And besides, I know you all love me dearly, so it’s alright.

But at any rate, so much has happened since my last post, and of course, there’s all the things before then that I have not told you about. So, as per the author’s choice, I believe I’d like to start my series of flashbacks with the story of my elongated birthday weekend, happening from the 15th to the 17th of January (the actual date of my birth).

The first installment of the saga began on Friday night, in which my roommate Morgan took it upon herself to treat me to a great night out, with an emphasis on getting me absolutely and completely hammered. On both accounts she did a fabulous job, and it all occurred within the trendy, smooth locale of Le Café Paname. Of  course, before I can give any accurate account of the night itself, I must introduce the establishment where Morgan got me sloshed, hopefully giving an accurate impression of what it is.

In Roman times, a term called “genius loci” came into being, referring to the spirit or deity which is the essence of a place.

(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:

The Prologue, part 1: an Introduction

My name is Shane Henry Kwiatkowski, and right now I’m at my home in Vancouver, WA (no, not THAT Vancouver, that one’s up a couple hundred miles and across the US-Canada border). It’s the 29th of December, it’s snowing outside (which is definitely a surprise!), and I’m typing the first of hopefully many blog entries about my trip to China.