Sunday, June 22, 2008

I'm BACK!

It's not my fault! Really!

I haven't updated my blog for the last couple of weeks because I haven't even been able to sign on. Every time I tried, my internet would stop working. Struggles...

However, do not fret, I am back! It's working! I can sign on! At the U.S. Consulate, anyways... Yay!

So, you are probably wondering what I have been doing for the last couple of weeks here, right?

Well, let's start with my job...

I'm enjoying it! Yay! The atmosphere has not been as stiff as I had anticipated, which is great. In fact, all my co-workers are really laid back. Everyone is on first-name bases here.

Anyway, I was placed on the team that covers transportation, environment, construction, and energy. I have been doing a lot of research on various topics, mostly focusing on environmental protection technologies. There are others, but I should avoid mentioning them on this blog (in fear of being blocked, again).

Also, right now, I am writing a speech for the Consulate General. About what? Industrial Energy Efficiency. Yeahhh... I don't know anything about that topic...

Screwed? :/

It's for our huuuge conference next weekend where giant corporations, such as G.E., are coming and showcasing their most advanced technologies. Streeeessss.

Speaking of that speech... I should keep working on that since I am at work right now...

But, I promise I will update later about life outside of my job.

Saturday, June 7, 2008

Highs and Lows

High: I have an apartment to myself! Since I am the only occupant, I have a larger bed. I have a living room, kitchen, and bathroom. Everything is thoughtfully furnished. The staff is very accommodating and incredibly nice. By arriving at past one in the morning and not being able to sleep, I have already made friends with several of them. I can see the Pearl Tower and the Jinmao (Grand Hyatt) from the patio. There is also a very nice, good-sized private garden in the back. Creeks and oriental trees and ponds, you know, all that good stuff. Definitely important for the overall fengshui.

Low: The day took a turn for the worse. I was out scouting out my job site and its neighborhood (both of which, btw, are amazing!) when an enormous thunder/lightning storm came through. Caught without an umbrella, I stood underneath a small canopy for an hour before I was able to flag down a taxi who was willing to take a miserably soaked man.

I return to the apartment to find my patio door was left open (so stupid) and that my room was pretty much soaked. Bed, carpet, table, and computer. It didn't help that my patio also flooded, leading more water to enter the apartment. The staff was great and cleaned up everything and fixed the problem with the patio. I dried my computer and let it sit overnight. Now it works just fine (I'm writing this post on it!). Gosh, I love Macs. So hardy. My poor Macbook Pro has taken and survived so much punishment from me over the past few years. Works as if it was new.

Also, my cellphone stopped working all of a sudden. I don't know why, but it won't turn on or charge. Hmmm... gonna have to fork out more RMBs... =(

Friday, June 6, 2008

Flying Blues

After 30+ hours traveling and the plane breaking down twice, I am finally here.

Shanghai.

Hungry, tired, and not sleeping. Hm, what's on TV...

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Just Missed Him...

So I'm flying out of Bristol tomorrow morning, bright and early at 7:16AM.

However, guess who's coming to speak at my local high school later in the afternoon?

BARACK OBAMA

*fumes*

Anyway, away I go. The next time I sign on, it will be from another continent!