Update

Oh, yeah...so this blog will be out of commission for a while. Now that I'm traveling, I have a travelblog going, and two at the same time was just a little much for me.

If you want to visit the new blog, go to www.ususbaby.com.

And They All Fall Down

One by one, the things of my life are disappearing. Before I left for Missouri, my bedroom became a bare room. On Sunday I sold my living room furniture. Yesterday, I sold my old computer to Sony. Today was the biggest sale of them all; my truck is no longer my truck. I think Devante went to a good home. But I'm still pretty sad.

But do you know how freeing it is to have so few earthly possessions?

Before I Go

Of course there's always family and friends that I'll miss. But on my few previous stints abroad, I missed the weirdest things. Like having anti-perspirant readily available. Or watching baseball games on TV. Or dancing to R&B music without people staring at me like I'm a freak with three heads.

But what I'm pretty sure I'll miss most about America isn't even American. I love Mexican food and being in L.A. for the past four years, I've had lots of good Mexican food. Lately, I've been ODing on any place that serves guacamole, though, and the thought of not having it so available is freaking me out. So, if you know of any good Mexican restaurant in Beijing, let me know.

Ain't No Sunshine

This weekend, the fam and I ate at Steak 'n' Shake (ah, gotta love the Midwest). I noticed my sister was super tan, so we were comparing skin colors. I was the palest of us all. And this even includes my white dad and brother.

I can't wait to get some color on this skin o' mine.

The Show-Me Weather

Saturday's weather was a definite reminder of how much I love equinox seasons of Missouri. Perfectly sunny, a light breeze, and just enough humidity to keep my skin moist but without making me sweat. Ahhh!

Yesterday and today are definitely "hot" qualifiers...but I still LOVE Missouri (non-ice) weather. In fact, I know I love Missouri in general. The weather, the sports teams, the general politeness of people...

Sign Language

I've often stumbled through life looking everywhere for signs. Literally and, probably more often, figuratively I'm constantly searching for definite signs to provide a definite message.

Today, though, I realize that some of those literal signs are just as powerful as the figurative ones I'm seeking.

Remember back when I was quitting teaching, and I got annoyed that I wasn't able to take my welcome-to-my-classroom sign down? Well, once again I'm realizing how final the taking down and putting up of signs are. Today, Devante (my truck, in case you were unaware), began sporting two new "For Sale" signs. Although I'd posted ads online and in my office before today, this just seems so much more final. And for every moment I'm in my dearly beloved truck, I'll be constantly reminded of the fact that he's no longer mine. I know it's silly and that I really shouldn't be this attached to a vehicle, but I can't help but feel a bit sad and helpless.

I just hope he goes to a good home.

Here, Kitty, Kitty, Kitty!

The cat is FINALLY out of the bag. But it's not even really a big secret for most of you...but...

I bought my tickets for a six-month (plus) trip last week. I leave May 10. And I can't wait!!! ARGH!!!

Because some of you probably have the same questions my co-workers/bosses/roommates have had, I'll answer the my-trip-around-the-world FAQ below:

Why did you decide to do this?
I usually tell people it's because I've always wanted to do it, and I feel that now while I'm mortgageless, husbandless, childless, and petless I should do it. But the answer is actually much longer and more complicated than that and will probably get its own post soon. (Forewarning, though, this future answer does have something to do with Roger Clemens)

Where are you going?
As of right now, my tickets have me going through India in the fall. Before that I'll be in Beijing, Seoul, Thailand, Australia, and Malaysia. After that, if I still want to/am able, I may be going on to eastern Africa.

What are you doing with your silverware?
I'll probably see if I can store smaller things like my kitchenware and clothing at a friend's house in LA. All the big things (such as bed, TV, truck), I'm going to sell.

Where are you staying?
I don't know. Hopefully not hostels. I don't do well with that whole "sharing" idea and don't want to wake up to a strange man sleeping underneath me again. But I don't think I can afford a JW every night.

Speaking of money, do you care if I ask how much you'll have on this trip?
Well, the tickets are already bought...and besides the money I have set aside for visas, shots, insurance, etc. it is definitely enough to get me through the first six months even if I don't freelance write at all. But let's just say that it's enough to buy a big trendy Hermes bag (maybe even a few scarves too), a trailer and few acres in my hometown, or a boob job, liposuction, and nose job. If you want to know exact numbers, we can talk off blog.

So you're going to write during the trip?
Of course I'm going to write. But I also do want to use a good portion of my time to volunteer for some really cool programs.

Who's going with you?
It's a one-woman deal. My sister is meeting up with me in Korea...but other than that, I'm doing it solo, Hans.

Aren't you afraid you'll get lonely?
I probably will. But I'll have to get through it.

Will you do a blog?
Well, there's this...but I do plan on making another blog that will be shared with the whole world.

What if I want to call you?
Whoa, Charlie! I haven't even gotten there yet. I'll figure it all out eventually. I'm sure I'll have a phone of some kind.

And that's all for tonight...more answers to come.