Wo Mang!

Today I need to collect my things, and move out.

I'll be storing my belongings and myself back at the old appartment where Chris is staying. Being that it is the May holiday, I have time to search for a new appartment. Since I will be starting university in September, it's important I manage my funds carefully as well, and that means finding a place where the rent is better, and hopefully closer to the university.

At the moment, I am getting ready to head into work to complete my students evaluations. After that, I need to come back, pack up, and transport my things to Chris' appartment. It should only take 2 trips, 3 at the most.

Once those are done, I have a lot of homework to do for my online course and my Chinese class.


Also, I need to take my kittens to the vet.

So that's what I'm juggling at the moment. It doesn't seem like a lot, but when you're on your last day for many things, ... nothing can go wrong.

Picture 1: It's only difficult if there isn't time.
Picture 2: My Mandarin books. I need to finish books 1 and 2 by June 1st.
Book 1 - ISBN: 9787561915776
Book 2 - ISBN: 9787561916377
Book 3 - ISBN: 756191072X ISBN-13: 9787561910726

Corrected.

Perhaps further investigation should have been taken before making a personal claim. I turned to someone more educated on the matter than I.

Michael says:
Ok, so how would you define me?
I don't think there is any proof or has ever been any proof of a God.

Kevin says:
Do you need proof?

Michael says:
To believe in a God?
Absolutely.

Kevin says:
You're an atheist.

Thanks again Kev!

Picture: Jebus has bad breath!

ALLERGIES!

Saturday afternoon, I suddenly felt ill. I found it difficult to swallow, a symptom from personal experience as being an illness called Strepp. This condition feels a lot like swallowing broken glass.

So this morning, I awoke to discover my kittens were sleeping on me. Also to my surprise, I discovered my nasal cavaties were blocked. After 10-20 minutes of nasal cavity cleansing revealed bloodfilled mucus. In addition, my right eye socket had become dark like my left eye socket commonly is.

So this explains why I've been sick, and sheds a theory on the cause of my dark circles. Cat dander in China may be far more potent and dangerous for me. I have lived with and have been around quite of few cats in my life, including dogs. But never have I had such a powerful allergic reaction.

My next step is trying antihistamines for symptom relief (extra mucus, bloody mucus, lifelong ear popping, dark circles, watery eyes, nausia). My last step (if I must) will be finding a new home for my kittens. I wonder, how long have I been suffering from allergies? What impact did it have on my life?

http://www.nyee.edu/cfv-spotlight.html - Insight on the affect of excessive mucus and causes.

Picture: A symptom I don't have

Two Tails

And here they are!

These are my two kittens. I haven't given them names yet. I thought of giving one of them the name Butters, as a tribute to the South Park character of the same name. However, both my kittens are girls. I thought about naming the white one Snow, but she has an interesting design on her head. Regardless, they are quite happy to be out of the tiny cages and stressful places they were rescued from. Names will come soon.


In other news, I have an assortment of photos taken from a mountain hike in Shaolin from two weeks ago. Simply request it, and I will email you a zipped package of these photos.

Picture 1: My two kittens
Picture 2: Picture of me, taken at an difficult angle.

EVICTION!

So, my 6 month lease ends this May. Already thinking about moving to a location closer to the university, I was notified today that my landlady wanted to increase my rent by 200 rmb/month. Looks like I'm moving!

I'm sad to leave this apartment though. It only had a few minor problems. Wont forget my neighbors either. My immediate neighbor was always happy and eager to help me, as well as always leaving an umbrella on my door for me on rainy days. I never used the umbrellas since I enjoy a little rain, but it's the thought that matters. My downstairs neighbor too, he and his daughter were very kind too.

Still, I'm excited to move. I'm hoping to find something up high, with an incredible view, and near trees! Although this time, I must insist of course on knowing that my next appartment will have 24/7 hot water, no leaks, no mice, and no surprises.

My new roomates are here! I took some pictures of them. I'd upload them for you to see, but I lost my flash drive long ago at work. So you'll have to wait until tomorrow.

Picture: Me in Xi'an 2007/09 posing next to an old granny. Not sure where she went to so quickly.

New Roommates!

Today, I'm cleaning my apartment. I really need to clean up in such a way to prevent any mishaps from my two special roommates coming tomorrow.

Oh, I thought about roommates, and how they come with pros and cons, but I've come to learn there are benefits to having company, especially of this kind. These special guests wont be paying any rent, so I'm not sure how I'll make them earn their keep.

Rationing the hot water, tv privileges, phone and door rules, leaving lights on, internet usage, late night snacking. Much to discuss.

As for my AC, I had visitors this morning. I've been looking forward to having someone fix this leak for some time. I wish I knew when they were coming, I would have expressed my need for hot water from the kitchen sink tap.

Anyway, I must prepare for my special guests tomorrow :)

Zhengzhou University

Zhengzhou Univeristy - East campus

So I've got plans to attend Zhengzhou University in September. I'm not sure what program I want to take part in, but I was informed that all courses are available in English.

English version of Zhengzhou U's website.
http://english.zzu.edu.cn/aboutus.htm

Chinese version.
http://www.zzu.edu.cn/

The size of the University is massive. A friend and I had to take a taxi to get to the school the other week. Instead of exiting the taxi at the front gate, we travelled a great distance through the school grounds curvy roads. No swift feat by any means.

That day, we acquired 3 textbooks on the study of Mandarin. With this, my plan is to excel in my procrastinated desire to become fluent in Chinese. So that in September, I could expand my studying options to include Chinese cultural programs.

I could have waited until September to begin studying these books, but I figured I had enough time, and live in the perfect place to study Mandarin. My speaking ability is embarrassing, although I'm told I have excellent pronounciation. It's time to kick into overdrive and make up for lost time.

Picture: Zhengzhou University - Digital arial POV.

The Butcher ...

I don't understand.

I have tried many times to get the same 15 minute haircut I used to get back in Canada. Here, a hair cut is 40-60 minutes, and is far from decent.

How easy is this?

"Trimmers for the sides and back. Blended into the top. Shorter in the back, longer in the front." I can say this with breath to spare. I can say it in sign language, or write it in hyroglyphics if I have to. If I went back in a time machine, I want to make sure I'm covered.

I'm convinced most of them don't know how to cut hair. Even my new Chinese friends have had teary experiences having their haircut here!

1. They don't have clip attachments.
2. It seems, "blending" is another word for "shock value" in Chinese.
3. They insist on using thinning shears, ... excessively.
4. "Shorter in the back, longer in the front." here seems to mean "You are Picaso, and I am your canvas."
5. They favour Korean media hair styles. Do I look like a Korean rockstar to you? Did I say, "Please keep the profile shape of my hair like that of a soccer ball." ?

Tomorrow, I learn how to say "Please pass me the razor."

Picture: Bad haircut. Dear kitty, I feel your pain.

1st Post

Hello everyone, and welcome to the first post in what is the continuation of my original blog from northkin.com (r.i.p. October, 2007).

Rather than give an extremely long history of things, let's just keep it simple.

Picture: Hail to our Chinpokomon masters!.