Recent

I went to a traditional Chinese funeral. It was all that can be expected of a funeral, so I'm not going to write many details. I traveled a long time to show respect and love although the actual time spent taking action was only a few minutes. Someone high in the business came a long too and drove others. Respect and love are big in China. It was a bonding road trip.

Today, I bought a small toy compass for 2 kuai. Supercheap! - But it actually works, so I am very pleased with it and I went back to buy all that were available (3). I will give the other two away to some expat friends. Sometimes someone says, "Go West" and then you're up shit creek without a paddle.

I spent a moment to see the business plan of a young gentleman and I was impressed. Not so young, really. 28. Although he's getting the shaft when he goes to banks or seeks investors. He's on to something and he's done his homework. It WILL be successful. He just needs about 280k RMB to make it possible. My lazy math pegs that at about 50 USD. I'm going to pass on a recommendation to some friends who might be in a position to invest.

In China, you meet exciting, different, and interesting people. A dry and uninteresting sentence like that becomes loaded when 'you've been there' and you 'get it'.

Tomorrow, I get my new assistant. The first was great for the job but didn't want to do personal things like translating gibberish to a dentist when he's got a big drill in my mouth. She preferred office work. Following that, we had a guy who got himself fired within a week because he tried to bribe a few people at work and also threatened one at the same time. Ooh, way to get ahead in the world! - And now I'm on #3 and if anything goes wrong, I'm going to look like a bad boss because I go through assistants like hits of crack.

The assistant makes me happy. Tomorrow, I can go to the bank and prepare to wire some cash home. Desperately needed. I got bills to PAY. And I need my debit card so that I can get a VOIP (internet phone) account going again. It's time to call relatives.

I saw 'Sliding Doors' (a movie) tonight. It made me feel sappy and romantic. I guess it's been about nine months that I've been in Nanjing and stayed single. Sometimes people ask me about that.

Trying to avoid a long story, I told one guy, "I just don't like girls." - You should have seen his FACE!! - Total panic. He for sure thought I was coming out of the closet and was about to lovingly embrace his hand and tell him he'd look cute in a pink tutu... as I moved in for a passionate kiss.

I find girls attractive, but I have this image that friends treat each other way better than lovers treat each other. So the logical thing to do is avoid the drama and just be friends. I'm also not up for the maintenance of a relationship. People develop needs, and they can show some surprising sass if they don't feel those needs are well met.

I could go for a man's best friend. I've been thinking of investing in a Husky or German Shepherd. First, I shall pay my bills. A dog is always a dog. It will never get sassy with me unless I really deserve it.