Archive for the 'America' Category

Frantic Search & Restless Sleep

Saturday night as I was preparing to head into Hong Kong to stay the evening before my flight I had a scare. Earlier that morning I packed my suitcase and had all my clothes ready but waited until later to get my rolling briefcase straightened away. As I started to get ready to head out I couldn’t find my laptop. Panic ensued as I frantically started throwing things around trying to find it under a pillow, some dirty clothes or all the odds and ends we hadn’t yet put away. Pei Lin ran down to the parking garage to check in the car, wasn’t there. I was sure it was stolen, but where. I called our office admin manager to see if the maint. guy could meet me at the office if my chance I forgot to take my computer home. Thankfully, it was there… I had turned it off but just didn’t take it home. I think that is the first time in almost 5 years I have left my computer at work and on the one occasion where I absolutely had to have it. The panic subsided and I headed into HK for the evening before my Sunday morning flight.

Flight was uneventful, which was nice. Sat next to a guy who said “hello” and not much else until we landed and just before deplaning. Was fine by me. Although I prefer somewhere between the non-stop yakker and no-words at all.

Didn’t sleep very well last night. I thought with not getting much sleep on the flight over I just might be able to sleep decently but didn’t happen. One nice solid three hour stretch then up every hour or so and finally up for good about 4:30.

It is early Monday morning in the US and just got back from working out. Yep, you read that correctly. I worked out this morning. 20 minutes on the treadmill, 10 minutes on the elyptical machine and 5 minutes with some hand weights. First morning in the US and the plan is to do that everyday for the trip. Time to get serious about getting some weight off.

Off to see the wizard…Well, actually to see the boss.

Independence Day

Yesterday was the 4th of July, the mid-summer holiday in the United States and the celebration of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 declaring independence from Great Britain. The day is usual spent celebrating the history, government and traditions of the USA by having barbecues, picnics, parades and other traditional “American things” with friends and family. The day is capped off with fireworks in every city and town. Other then not having any email from our US colleagues, yesterday didn’t seem like much of a holiday here in Shenzhen.

Since Pei Lin is in Beijing for work, last night I went to a BBQ at a local expat members club alone. There were 75-100 people and it was very traditional American picnic style in that everyone brought a dish and the meat was provided. There was the option to pay more if you didn’t bring a dish - am sure you have a good idea which I took advantage of. Loads of potato salad and the best hamburgers I have had since moving to China. Normally I dislike the hamburgers here because they are so dry but these were perfect. Only things missing were my better half and fireworks.

While I don’t agree with the stance my government takes on many issues and I live overseas I am still very proud to be an American. As I head to work this morning, the evening celebrations are just beginning back home, Happy Birthday America!!