I spent almost all of Monday on the phone, unsure of what language to be speaking and whether or not I should really be calling. (Simon is eager to get rsvps for the dinner, which means I end up calling everyone to ask them if they've gotten invitations by email that clearly say they don't need to rsvp until August 8.) It made me really comfortable calling relatively important strangers, which is good. I also went through Simon's email to find rsvps, and called the people whose emails had bounced back to get corrected addresses. And somehow, that took from 9-6 with a relatively short lunch and about a half-hour of downtime.
The kids get here tomorrow morning, and I think I'll have some flexibility as to how much I am glued to the camp. Tomorrow since they are just settling in and there are things to do at the office, I'll head in as usual in the morning, but hopefully go to tour GM with the kids in the afternoon and then who knows what. I kind of have to play things by ear, which is not my favorite thing in the world, but I can probably do it for five more days.
Made hostel reservations for Qingdao and Beijing, ate dinner, all that fun stuff. Rager had sent me a rough script for our MCing, so I looked up words I didn't know. He ALSO found me a spare keyboard at work, which is what I am now happily typing on.
Ever since I got past the first week or so, I've been about the same level of homesick. Nothing consuming, or that stops me from appreciating where I am or what I'm doing, but enough that I'm kinda happy when I look at my calendar and see how fast the time is going. Interesting to me that it hasn't gotten worse or better significantly.
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3 comments:
Hi, Ali! I'm happy to hear you mention a bit of homesickness. I was so afraid that you'd love China TOO much!
Soon the camp will be in full swing and you will see the results of your past weeks' work. I hope all goes well and that you enjoy your sessions with the kids.
Will we get to see a pic of you as an MC!
I would hate that--following up on stuff that wasn't due until the 8th anyway. But I suppose it's time for anxiety to start rising a bit and this is a manifestation. Comfort in calling relatively important strangers will not doubt come in handy many times in the future--and most times you'll probably know what language to talk in.
It's great that Rager found you a keyboard to use for now. Nice to get an advance on the script, too.
Glad you're looking forward to coming home (but have enjoyed your experience, too, of course.) I can't wait to see you & Joey in San Francisco and do some fun stuff together.
good for you for getting comfy with stranger phone calls. that's always stressful.
i think you and i are going to have to learn to be more spontaneous next year.
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