The next chapter

I think I’m getting sick.

At least I hope so. I sure hope it isn’t allergies. I think it more plausible to be the first.

Anyway, this is my second full day in my apartment.

Good news is, I have had power for those two days.

Two bedroom, one bath is too big for me. This apartment has never been lived in, so I am in the process of cleaning, fixing, and making sure things work. Tomorrow we’re going to get my gas working so I can cook. So, I’ve been doing laundry. I think I actually enjoy doing laundry because it is mindless. Like doing the dishes. Or cleaning. Or most the other things I’ve been doing when I’m home. Here, there are no dryers.

Now, I want all of you WITH a dryer to be thankful for them. Next time you do laundry, please, remember me.

Then go drink a glass of milk.

Honestly, those are two things I miss. Milk and dryers.

And now you’re wondering if I’ve lost it. Admit it.

But seriously. Dryers are fast, they shrink your clothes, AND they get rid of lint. On hot days, I know things will dry fast. 100% cotton shirts? Oh look how they get bigger! I just pulled my black pants (which I think I’m going to have the lady a few building down hem) out of the wash to see them covered with lint.

I swear, pretty soon my socks will be to my knees.

But I did get fabric softener today (which I’ve never used in my LIFE. I guess cause my folks never did) and I hear it makes a difference. Otherwise, things can be stiff.

But I enjoy it. It’s different.

The neighborhood is large. There are 17 buildings or something. At night, under street lights, groups gather. I’ve seen cards, mahjong tiles, and just talking. The children all rollerblade or run around wildly. Any time they see us they all say, “Hello! Hello!” and gather around. Today, they helped me lock up my bike. The other day, they helped me with my groceries. Dale has taught they different hand shakes. So I give them a hand shake or a high five and talk with them in English as they talk with me in Chinese.

Favorite moment? Today, while locking my bike up, I said in Chinese, “I am American.” They all laughed and giggled and said, “American!” in Chinese (meiguoren). Then I stopped suddenly, caught their attention, and said, “You are Chinese!” And they giggled again and ran off.

I know you’re laughing. But I’m pretty sure that’s the most complicated thing I can say. I think I can say what name is. And, “I want ____” (insert random food words or drinks that I know). I think the girls are working on a Chinese name for me.

It’s pretty easy when the verbs for “to be” are the same. We have am, are, is, was, were, will be. They have one word (shi and I forget the tone. Say things fast and no one cares).

I’m thinking about teaching them a word or a song maybe. They repeat everything you say. I also want to go watch a game of mahjong sometime.

EDIT: I am sick. A cold, nasal congestion. I'm a bit relieved. Everyone is taking good care of me.