I recently received a letter from a good friend who is also living abroad. She expressed that lately, for her, "it just feels like life most days." But its true. While I'd like to think I'm living it up as much as I can, most of the time I think I'm living. But there is something comforting in that, that "settled in" homely feeling that in its own way transcends the "adventure" feeling of before. (Which probably relates to love and marriage somehow, but I'll draw those conclusions later.)

And because China is so vast and varied, the moments of adventure are not past and gone forever, so I still have much to look forward to (like my trip to Beijing this weekend which I leave for in 10 minutes), but I guess what I'm saying is that it doesn't feel a perpetual adventure anymore - "it just feels like life most days." And I like that.

Drinking - Root Beer. That's right. Michael spotted an empty can of "Sasasparilla" (mispelled) in one of the schools and went to Carrefour, the only possible source in town, and discovered the wonderfully familiar (albeit substandard) drink. We had a moment together, as we drank, but it wasn't good enough for me to crave it again.
Listening - Rifle Street Music. I was a big fan of the short-lived "Pictures Can Tell" before the mish, and just out of curiosity, I just googled em, and I found latest project. Check these guys out, they're indie enough I dig 'em, but pop enough I think most other people would too.
Admiring - Columbia Brand backpacks. I take my trusty backpack everywhere, and although I've had it for over a year, theres not even a sign of wear. I got mine at Ross, but even if I had paid full price, it would still be worth every penny.
Watching - The Emperor and the Assassin. A film that put me in this way contemplative mood - that only a hour long walk by myself near the West Lake could quench. It deals with the same historical figures as the popular film "Hero," but it is an entirely different movie. Watch it.