Andelu’s Rants from Shenzhen

My father has taught me many valuable lessons, most I didn’t realize or want to believe how good the advice was until years later. The importance of goals was one such lesson. Not merely establishing them, but writing them down and reviewing periodically. For many years I didn’t do a very good job at following through, but have gotten better as I realized how important they are as milestones are reached, bigger ones can be created.

This particular list contains some things that are on my personal goals list but most aren’t and doesn’t contain anything I have already done (at list currently).   So without further a do, here is the beginning of my life list…

1. Visit all 7 continents

2.  Sail around the world (or at least across the Pacific or Atlantic)

3.  Attend an Olympic event

4.  Re-learn to play the piano

5. Publish a book

6. Own my own business

7.  Scuba the Great Barrier Reef

8. Be in fluent in at least three languages (English, Chinese and Spanish)

9.  Cherish my soul-mate each and every day for the rest of my life

10.  Attend my 20-year high school reunion in better physical shape then when I graduated.

11.  Ride the Trans Siberian railway

12. Participate in building a Habitat for Humanity home

13. Run a mini-marathon

14. Renovate a home

15. Blog at least weekly

Well, that is a good start… More to come.

I have always loved Thanksgiving, not so much for the food but rather because of the reflection on what we are thankful for. While the list of things I am grateful for is not much different then it was before I moved to China five years ago, the meanings have changed just a little.

Tonight we had a nice pseudo traditional dinner at a western hotel tonight that was way overpriced, but worth it. Ran into some old acquaintances, ate turkey and stuffing, gourged ourselves with too much pumpkin pie, and talked about the things in our life that we are thankful for.

Having a loving and wonderful partner has made my life more whole and rounded then ever before and is the single most important thing in my life and what I am most thankful for. Wonderful parents and extended family who love and support me and my partner is a wonderful blessing. Friends, some around the corner and others half a world away, who are there no matter whether we need a shoulder to lean on, a voice to comfort us, a joke to brighten our day, encouragement, and loving us for who we are. Being employed by a progressive company that respects me and Pei Lin and provides us domestic partner benefits. The good fortune to be born as an American and the freedoms that affords me. Those are just some of the blessings in my life and the things I am thankful for everyday.

Regardless of our nationality, our religious beliefs or status in life we all have things for which to be grateful. My Thanksgiving wish is that each of us is able to recognize those gifts and make sure we share those blessings with the people in our lives. Happy Thanksgiving wherever you may be.

We started moving over the weekend to our new place. Saturday we hired two men and a trunk to move a few bigger items and they were an interesting pair. One had a broken foot and both of them stank something horrible.  Saturday afternoon while Pei Lin played soccer I worked on screwing the shelves back into one of the bookcases and unpacking one load of suitcases. When I went to pick him up after his game, he could hardly walk because he took a full force kick to his side.

Yesterday, we moved three car loads of stuff and starting making our new place a home. Pei Lin was in a lot of pain but helped carry stuff to and from the car and didn’t complain once. He commented now he knew what pain I must have felt with my back a few months ago. That only served to make me feel bad because he was working so hard…

We have a white box style bookcase that I had this idea to paint different colors using the leftover paint from our apartment. When I told Pei Lin what I wanted to do he seemed skeptical, but as soon he saw what looked “fun” he came out to the balcony and wanted to helped me paint. While not my typical idea of fun it was enjoyable doing something together, at least until I stepped into the paint lid and my back foot found out how easily paint lids can slide.

Over the next two days we have things being delivered and a few final things to be installed.  Thankfully, Pei Lin’s sister is here, until Wednesday, so she can help let the workers in and out while we are at work.

Well everything is almost back to normal on our website after my Web Woes. Was a worthwhile learning curve though, lets just hope I can remember next time.  Quiet around the house again tonight since Pei Lin is in Beijing for his company wide semi-annual retreat.

I had the intention of blogging the sequel to Taxi Rage but for some reason I lost the urge and am going to go watch TV for a bit…Guess you will have to check back in a day or two!

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!!