Organizing the crap

Yesterday we took a huge load of books to the Bell Bar, Amay's place. As it rained and gusted all day this was not a fun trip. We had to go down first and get our room cards turned back on, again. We were standing on the curb waving to the taxis when this black guy stood out just a little beyond us. I just could not help myself, I looked at him and said, "You know you are not getting into a taxi before me, right. Because I will beat your ass with this umbrella." He laughed and said yea, he knew. People are always trying to sneak up and steal your taxi. If they are the anorexic Chinese girls BD just grabs their arm and moves them out of the way. They only weigh about 6 pounds.

Handed over the books, got some coffee beans and took some refreshments. We met the most unusual young man from Germany. He thought Hitler was an okay guy. Hitler built great roads. I know I missed something in this conversation, I just can't put my finger on it. It is unbelievable how many young people are here studying Mandarin because they can't get a job in their home country. Are there no jobs in Germany or are these kids not educated for proper jobs, I mean the one kid has a degree in Physics. Or maybe when daddy pays it is easier to just keep going to school.

The fireworks have started. I wondered as it snowed and rained again today. But the Chinese are fearless of the cold and going to town. So far no spectacular light displays.

We also cleared out the old DVDs and BD took them down to the gym. There were some poor students, again studying Mandarin, and they were thrilled to get the movies. Better than in a landfill.

BD is grilling rib-eyes and making butter beans so life is good.

Planning our escape

We need to start packing for the home leave. We also need to think about what to take home and how we can get it there. This is the last year for China and decisions need to be made. We have a few plans, A, B and maybe C-.

Big Daddy has 1 and 1/2 job interviews when we are back in the states. A company he talked to this week sounds perfect and that scares me. Perfect just does not work out often. And I will never forget the time he got a great offer overnighted and it was rescinded. The HR Director came back from maternity leave and was pissed they filled the position without her input. So she changed the job description and qualifications. And to this day they have never filled that job. 5 years and no takers. BD stays in touch with the guy that kinda hired him. The other job he wanted just moved into their new headquarters  and are in sticker shock at the final cost. So that job will not be filled this quarter anyway. And of course, the call us right away if you get on offer people. To me that smacks of no integrity. It reminds me of people who quit thinking the company will try and woo them to stay. Nope, if I give you notice I am leaving.

This is the last day of work before the Lunar New Year and BD needs to get a shopping list and tomorrow I get my hair done. The fireworks are going off as I write this. I will have to look outside tonight and see if the colorful fireworks have started.