China. Construction continues…
China. Construction continues…
For reasons I’ve been making a point of “faffing” about with my phone a lot less this week. At work it stays in my bag and at home it sits, mostly, by the front door. Often, in those places it’s switched off. I can’t be trusted. It is hard though and this short piece is good for thought.
Is Our Fear of Smartphones Overblown? [www.calnewport.com/blog/2019...](http://www.calnewport.com/blog/2019/08/23/7280/)
I find it hard to be on the Internet and to stay positive so this music video shot from the front of a toy train (https://youtu.be/yjmZLaymJU8) and this channel of someone making this channel of someone making things (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoC47do520os_4DBMEFGg4A) are just what i need.
First day of the new school year. It always feels like starting again and not like continuing.
When we are away from Chongqing L always craves spicy food. So she’s getting some now. Veg and meat cooked in a spicy broth.
What does that mean in terms of friends?
I often say, I rudest to people I feel closest to. Because I don’t want to offend people I don’t know well or don’t know at all. It would cause conflict or because why would I? Maybe I just do it with close friends because I find it difficult to say I really feel? These are the people I know best, that I want to know me best.
But it also means that these relationships are the most challenging for me. These are the people I don’t want to offend, whose opinions I value. Whose off-hand comments can sometimes shake me most.
It’s inevitable though isn’t it?
(In no particular order.)
Flavours
“I think one of the hardest bits of living abroad is missing home. And I mean that in the sense of it being things and people that you know. The familiar. The things that comfort us.
And sure, there’s plenty of things that make living abroad great but being away from immediate family, friends and these things is hard.
It is for me.
So, to have something that reminds you of home, that can connect you to it is important. And what that is might be different for everyone. An activity or a type of food.
Natalie is that connection for me, I think.
Talking to her feels like home.
I’ve got so used to having you here. It’s going to be strange when you’re not next year.
I’m going to miss you.”
I had to write some farewell words for a friend who was leaving today. It is the nature of the work, people come and go every year.
This hit me hard though. I sobbed before, during and after. Should have been 20 seconds or so but took a few minutes to compose myself.
Dinner. I couldn’t finish it, because it was SPICY and I’m about to do a few drinks. I don’t think that’s a good combination!
As I’m less than two weeks away from going back to the UK. It’s making me reflect on what home means to me and daily life being so different to the UK. China is home but will never be home. Yet, the idea of going back to the UK makes me nervous now. Being able to understand everyone, easily communicating, not clearly being different.
These circles represent where Mum and Dad, brother, sister and I live. I’ve followed dad and moved to a new country for work and married someone there. My sister moved to a new country for work, met someone and then moved to his home country. It means we’re a little, spread out.
The problem is that I’m trying to use my phone less and eat less crap, but with two small children it’s really hard…
I know she was asking me to wait, that she was giving me a refund and then I would need to pay again. Except I didn’t understand a word she said.
Performance in the shopping mall.
Today is Duanwu festival. Which is famous for dragon boats racing zingzi - sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves. We’re visiting L’s uncle for lunch. After lunch we’ll go for a wander and the family will play mahjong.
We are allowed to officially wear shorts to work today. I am comfortable because 30 degrees and shorts but uncomfortable because I’m wearing shorts to work. Aren’t brains great!
The storm that passed over this morning was crazy.
Between this and Years and Years on the BBC, I’m feeling very aware of my own mortality. This book starts with the world ending. As with Years and Years, it’s a little too real for me.
Hot.
Interesting reading reviews of authentic Chinese food in the UK. My first thought is - that sounds gooood. Quickly followed by realising I probably take for granted all the good food I actually eat in China. Final thought is - how much money!? Link
Out for lunch
Morning meditation cancelled today when the 3yo climbed into my lap for a cuddle. Totally worth it.
Today is children’s day. So the shopping centre was packed in a way that is totally normal to me now.
Was nice to go out without the kids but even two drinks was enough. The thought of an actual hangovers terrifies me.