The Thirty-Third Day

Up at about 720, I was excessively tired this morning. Mom called which helped inspire me to get going. I had the usual for breakfast - a peach, yogurt, and a jujube bar and then went to work at 800. (I know I inundate you with my food selections...guess I get that from my food scientist mom and aunt plus all my years in food group and food challenge with 4-H). At the lab this morning, and I hate to admit it, I did absolutely nothing. Not because I didn't want to be engaged in doing something, but I already completed the tasks Yulan set out for me (did those in the first day, actually) and no one really knew what to do with me. I slept for another hour in a chair and then played solitaire. I filled up a few things for the autoclave and then we went to lunch. I have got to start bringing my ukulele. I thought that Yulan was supposed to be back by today, but she was not. Lunch was good, they had that tofu entree that is absolutely awesome.

This afternoon was pretty much the same as the morning, I did not do much. I talked a little with Chungli and Leo, and took another nap (I told you I was excessively tired). Chungli asked about a normal day in my life. She talked about a normal day for a high school student here involves studying for 12 hours a day. She also tried to talk to me about TV shows, the Big Bang Theory in particular as lots of Chinese like that. She said that the last two seasons have not been allowed in China though as some department in the government did not want them shown. They must have found them threatening to the Chinese way of life...who knows?

After Lab I walked to the Renmin pool; I thought it was Rieman but it is Renmin. It is a good 30 minute walk away. I ran into another American who was leaving the pool and is here for the summer. I did 3000 meters. There are some very random swimming patterns that the Chinese "follow" (i.e., no pattern at all). They do not seem to know how to watch out for people. There are also no flags at this pool so backstroke is a challenge - thank goodness, it is a 50 meter pool so less turns to make.

I walked back to the dorm and made dinner tonight. I had purple sweet potatoes with brown sugar and butter, sauteed mushrooms, garlic, and chicken breast in butter and some corn oil  for the main course. It was really good. Vincent was down there with another guy and they were cooking a pork stir fry thing. It looked good as well.

Not a very eventful day. Tomorrow I should have some more interesting topics to share (I hope). I am going to go to English corner at Renmin University and talk to people and give them the chance to practice their English. Another random side note: Leo really likes League of legends. He was up until 2 AM last night (or this morning as it would be) playing. He leaves to see his grandparents this weekend and will be there for a week.

Good night to all and God bless.

Another photograph from home: This is my dad and the rooster that terrorizes my mom. We keep telling her to stand her ground and that the rooster will eventually get the message but.....she still freaks out.