I hope that you are all doing well. This blog post has a lot of random informations that probably is not interesting unless you’re my mother or are really bored. Any who enjoy!! Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. All is well.
Blessings,
Matisse
Fun facts:
I’m currently listening to Mozarts symphony no. 40 in G minor
my roommate is skyping her family
today I took a walk and while walking someone threw firecrackers out a window above me and I looked up to see the fireworks (dumb) and got something in my eye but after blinking a few times it came out! Yay God:)
I really like pocky sticks. They’re kind of like pretzels covered in random yogurt flavors or other things. So far I’ve tried blueberry, strawberry, vanilla, chocolate, seaweed, and pizza. They’re great.
Tonight I tried some food in a restaurant in nanchang and it was great but I almost died because I ate a pepper on purpose (dumb) because I was trying to be cool and local and it resulted on my mouth being completely on fire for the rest of the meal and me crying a bit. For the most part the food here has been amazing. I love it all. The only thing I’m not a fan of is the fast food restaurants which don’t compare to the local food/family run places. So far I think my favorite has been shrimp dumplings, bok choy dishes, and these chocolate rolls. The weirdest thing I’ve eaten so far is maybe chicken feet skin, pig intestines, and frog legs.
I like sleeping in a hot room much more than a cold room despite my previous ideas on the matter. I’ve joined team hot is better than cold after spending a few sleepless nights from being too cold.
I had some macaroni and cheese for the first time in 6 months and surprisingly didn’t really like it that much anymore which I suppose is good because it doesn’t exactly come in large supply here.
It’s raining outside
It’s 22:30 here or 10:30pm. Everything is military time which hasn’t been a bad transition it just takes me a few seconds to switch it in my head now! Yay!!
I’ve read so many good books since we got here. I think the hardest thing to leave in the states will be my library of paper/hardback books. Oh well se la vie
I have been super blessed and haven’t gotten sick this whole trip.
There are cute little shops here with notebooks and pens and adorable silly little trinkets. I love everything but hate heavy suitcases.
Which leads me to fun fact #whichevernumberI’monnow I cannot stand heavy suitcases. Granted part of traveling = carrying around baggage but I’m learning "less is more" which actually applies to a lot of things a.) makeup b.) hair product c.) junk food d.) luggage. I’m currently living out of a carry on and a backpack which the wolfpack has lovingly named Big Blue. Honestly it’d be nice to either work out and be able to carry more or live out of a small bag for the rest of my life. If only I was Hermione or Mary Poppins.
I went to Walmart yesterday. It’s probably the last place I’d want to visit in other countries because so much of my life has been spent there already hah. I bought nail polish and was surprised that they only had around 7 colors to choose from so I got hot pink.
I really don’t like pink but sometimes it’s needed
I think my favorite color right now is plum or dark purplish mauve maybe. or blueberry or eggplant color
Eggs and beans are very poplar here.
We went to the park the other day and saw the cutest little birds in tiny wooden cages
At the park there was this huge replica of a ship and on the ship we played badminton
Until just now I thought badminton was badmitton…. thank you autocorrect
Sometimes when I get homesick I play this SAT word app on my phone and it makes me feel better
Also when I’m homesick I listen to country music or french music or the gypsy kings
Goodnews- I haven’t been terribly homesick since I passed the 6 months away from home mark. Apparently the hardest time is the 6 weeks then 6 months then 6 years when it comes to being homesick. I miss people tons but I love being here and doing what I’m doing.
One time I downloaded 10 hours of rain and thunder storms onto my iPod so I could sleep on a flight but then realized that I could have just done a 10 minute rainstorm and put it on repeat. I’m internally a blonde.
The people here are beautiful. I’ve made so many new friends. They’re amazing.
I read the book A Severe Mercy again and loved it just as much as I did the first time. I want to visit Oxford someday.
I’m exhausted now so I think I’ll go to sleep
thankful for
fireworks on Chinese New Year
inspirational videos from soccer that I still watch and listen to because they’re inspiring. Thanks Coach E.
brilliant people who give book recommendations and good books that make me think about things and dream bigger dreams
learning so many new things about myself
the foundation that I am able to stand on because of the things that I have lived through. I feel so privileged to be able to be here doing what I love. It’s challenging but it’s better than I could have even imagined. and even if it wasn’t I’m learning that I’d much rather be in the will of God than any where else in this entire world.
a warm bed
xoxo-
Matisse
