Year-in-Review & New Year's Eve

Last year was quite eventful for me, to say the least. I worked as a financial advisor with Merrill Lynch for 9 months, but then decided to leave given the fact that it would require a miracle (or someone's stupidity) for a 24 year-old man with no investment experience to find $15 million to manage within 12 months, compounded by the fact we're in a bear market that has baby-boomers clinching their computer mouse every time they check their declining portfolio values. So, given 1) that reality, 2) the dire economic situation in America, and 3) the fact that I'm unmarried and without any (known) children, I figured it would be a good time to SEE THE WORLD.

Prior to setting foot on Communist-Chinese soil, I interned at the City Council of San Diego for a little over one month and I stayed  with close family friends who were kind enough to let me live with them. In San Diego I learned how to drive a stick-shift (stalling out of the highway once), observed both the wonders and lunacy of American democracy through the lens of city-level government, bonded closer with family and friends, chilled out on the beach watching the waves, ate too many carne asada burritos, took early-morning hikes up Cowles Mountain with Jim, visited some of the California wine country with my sister, and I got to see San Diego as an adult.

When mid-June rolled around, it was time to embark on a new journey, down a path that still has an unknown end. I vividly remember the first couple of months here in China. Everything was new and interesting, I was starting to get my bearings, and I was trying to avoid getting hit by taxis (still a problem). Six months later, my experience in China is equally interesting as the first couple of days. I've started to pick up the language (which is by far the most difficult one I've ever tried), sampled all sorts of Chinese food (and gotten food poisoning twice), traveled a little, salsa danced around Shanghai, met many friends, gained an appreciation for my own country, and learned a lot about Chinese culture. Most importantly, however, the past 6 months have been very important because this time away from America and the "corporate world" has given me time to think about life and it has allowed me to live in another country, which is one of my life goals.

At times, I feel down when I think that my career is being side-tracked by this teaching job, especially when I compare my situation to friends who are working in top-notch companies and in positions that are preparing them for a great career. I have to remind myself, however, that it is okay not to know exactly where I am going in life and that it is okay not to be on a clear career path. What is important, though, is that I have never been as consistently happier as I have over these past 6 months.

New Year's Eve Party

Christmas in China

From dancing on bars in clubs to studying an Asia language, I've had a plethora of first-time experiences over the past 6 months of living in Communist China and today I can add one more item to the list: the first Christmas away from my family and country.

It was difficult to awake this morning to a cold, empty apartment in which there is nothing to resemble a Christmas decoration. Sure, it was great to speak with my family, but that can't replace sitting on the couch with my mother and brother as we sip coffee and eat breakfast together on Christmas morning. Although I awoke to an empty home, I didn't spend the day alone. A good friend of mine invited 8 people over for lunch and dinner, which turned out to be a fabulous time. He ordered lots of food, including a delicious turkey that I had the pleasure of carving, or should I say tearing apart with my claws. We sat at the table for a good 3 hours, watched movies, drank and ate, and spent a total of 12 hours together lounging around the flat.

The realization didn't come to me at first, but I'm starting to see and understand the new life I'm living and the emotions felt when living abroad, away from family and close friends. It's difficult to take in initially, yet there are always trade-offs in life and this time abroad has been a growing experience for me. As I've said since first arriving here in mid-June, I am truly living a dream and this has been the best time of my life thus far. Will I return to the colonies in 6 months for work? Will I go to another country? Or will I live in China for longer than originally anticipated? I have no clue, to be honest, but I am not opposed to living here for another 2-3 years. Only time will tell!

Last Sunday our EF XuJiaHui office had a Christmas party for the teachers and students. My official job was to be the MC for the event and make sure Santa didn't chase too many women. Throughout the part, we had copious amounts of drinks and candy, games, and also performances for the students. Three of those performances were songs, which I sang with other teachers, and needless to say, I don't think I will be performing at any weddings or birthdays anytime soon.

Chinese Basketball

A student and friend of mine invited me to attend a CBA game tonight to watch the Shanghai Sharks play another professional Chinese team. It wasn't like watching an NBA or college game by any means, but it was quite enjoyable. Another interesting thing to see was the Chinese players interacting with the foreign players on their team (a max of 2 are allowed per team), and to see how they communicated with each other.

Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving was unique and I have a lot for which to be thankful. It was the first time that I spent a major holiday away from family. Without family in town or country, I've found that friendships between foreigners tend to develop quite rapidly, and I've realized how much I depend on my friends here in China. So, I wanted to get a group together of foreigners and Chinese to share in the occasion. 

Although we didn't have a traditional Thanksgiving dinner by any means, the fourteen of us had a great time over the three hours that we ate together. Laughs filled the air, stomachs were stuffed, and good times were had.

What am I thankful for?

a roof over my head and a bed in which to sleep, loving family & friends, a job that provides an excellent living  by Chinese standards, the opportunity to travel the world, great health, and many more things