Give a man a video camera and 8 hrs on the road. And it looks something like this. Premiering for the first time ever: “Road Trip To Aiken.”
Road Trip To Aiken
July 2nd, 2009See You At Sea Thai
June 30th, 2009
June 30th. This date was circled on my calendar for some time. I knew that after I returned to America, I would miss those special people. People that have shared life with me over the last year.
One of these friends came to Orlando today with her mom (Welcome to the blog, Mrs. Suttles). Sarah is infatuated with Thai food. And we ate plenty of it in Thailand this past January. Personally, Chinese food seems to have more appeal (but don’t tell her that).
In any case, it was great to see a close friend today. I hope that the rest of her time in Florida is pleasant.
See you again in August,
Hux
P.S. Don’t forget to check out Sea Thai in Orlando. Awesome food.
The Waiting Room
June 30th, 2009Just an update. I wrote an earlier post about some exciting news. Guess what? Still waiting.
The waiting room is a great place to be (unless it involves the dentist or doctor). In His timing, I will know. For now, patience continues to be the ongoing theme. And this new, potential job is worth the wait.
P.S. Don’t worry. The job is still in China.
The Latest Additions
June 29th, 2009
When I woke up Monday morning, I had no idea that a shopping spree would unfold. I knew that a video camcorder was needed for capturing more adventures next year. In order words, something that was Mac compatible. But I didn’t expect to walk away with a flip HD camcorder and an Ipod Touch.
To my surprise, a friend was wanting to sell his Ipod Touch and I just couldn’t pass up the price. My hope is to show you what this flip camcorder can do in the next few days. stay tuned.
A Barbie World
June 27th, 2009Here is a write-up from The Global Post from March on Mattel’s pushing of Barbie in China:
On Mar. 6, Mattel is opening a six-story, 38,000-sq.-ft. Barbie superstore in Shanghai. In addition to dolls — lots of dolls — the boutique will feature a hair salon, a bar and a $15,000, adult-sized Vera Wang gown.
“This is not just a store for children” said Laura Lai, general manager of Barbie Shanghai. “Girls of all ages will love it.”
Barbie’s made-in-China makeover is part of a push to re-brand the iconic American doll on the eve of her 50th birthday. With domestic sales slumping, Mattel has set its sights on China, hoping to the weather the financial storm in the relative calm of the country’s vast — and comparatively untapped — consumer market.
The plan is to turn America’s favorite doll into fashion fodder for China’s upwardly mobile, trend-setting elite. By moving up-market and focusing on Barbie-branded merchandise, the company hopes to widen profit margins and attract a new demographic: Chinese women.
But, will they buy it?
Summer Wang, an assistant at a film production company, certainly will. “Barbie is beautiful like a princess,” she said. “And every Shanghai girl wants to be a princess.”
End of article and back to my opinion:
This is the last thing China needed. Girls thinking they must look and act a certain way. Sometimes, I wish Westernization would stop leaving its footprint all over world.
A Day In Lakeland
June 26th, 2009It was a long and busy day. Mostly enjoyable. Here’s a recap of what I will take back from the last 24 hrs.
1) Michael Jackson is a legend. I enjoyed listening to 1 hr of pure greatness on the drive to Lakeland. PYT is one of my favorite songs. What is one of yours?
2) The Lakeland Ledger has quality people working at its branch. I enjoyed meeting Sarah and Barry for the first time. Thanks guys for following my blog and meeting with me today.
3) Black & Brew is a nice change of pace. I often wish that China had more coffee shops and places to read.
4) When visiting a Starbucks, do not ever use the word, “frap.” I was reprimanded by an employee for abbreviating frappuccino. If you ask me, a little over the top.
5) My friend referenced Indian food as an option for dinner. I politely declined. The mere thought of Indian food takes me back to the horrific food poisoning experience in Malaysia.
6) I randomly saw Ms. Pat at my former university. She was walking around campus, smiling as usual. Her job consisted of maintaining the cleanliness of my freshmen dorm and this was no easy job. I still remember her voice echoing through the halls at 7 AM: “Woman in the hall. Woman in the hall.” Such a wonderful wakeup call.
River Town
June 25th, 2009I have heard so many great things about this book. My aunt sent it to me two years ago as a Christmas gift.
Shame on me. I had to first locate it. Dust it off. And now I’m finally reading it.
In all fairness, the book seems to be much more enjoyable now. After spending a year working and living in China, I can totally relate to the author’s struggles, frustrations, and concerns. Not only to mention his victories and triumphs while pushing through the language barrier.
Here are two excerpts from the book: (1) language learning (2) the truth about taxi drivers
“Virtually everything I did with the language was budui (not correct). I was an adult, and as an adult I should be able to accept criticism where it was needed. But that wasn’t the American way; I was accustomed to having my ego soothed; I wanted to be praised for my effort. I didn’t mind criticism as long as it was candy-coated………” (pg 70)
“Drivers in Fuling honked a lot. They honked at other cars, and they honked at pedestrians. They honked whenever they passed somebody, or whenever they were being passed themselves. They honked when nobody was passing but somebody might be considering it, or when the road was empty and there was nobody to pass but the thought of passing or being passed had just passed through the driver’s minds. Just like that, an unthinking reflex: the driver honked.” (pg 63)
Swine Flu 2009
June 25th, 2009Due to the craziness around the world over the last few months (especially in China), a wardrobe change could be in affect.
Is this a fashion statement? No.
Will others follow? Not likely.
Should I wear this when I board the plane, leaving for China? Probably not the best idea. I mean, “survivor” is a term used loosely. Did I once have the flu? The reality is I never did.
In any case, students and friends questioned my return to America. They were concerned for my life, safety, and health. I want to reassure them that I am doing just fine. Safe in the bubble of Leesburg, Fl.
Should I purchase these items during the summer? What is your opinion? Yes or No? And Why?
The Summer Ahead
June 24th, 2009The weeks approaching will be filled with lots of ordinary moments. Maybe even times of boredom. Times that leave me reminiscing about China. Or times that consist of me in a house with a book. Don’t get me wrong. I enjoy to read but it is not my first choice.
These ordinary moments are teaching me to go deeper (more on this in another post). Stay tuned.
Nonetheless, there are plans that I am excited about for the rest of the summer. Here’s a sample.
1) June 26th- Lakeland visit. Meeting with friends and professors. Talk about future possibilities in China.
2) June 30th- Reunion with a teacher from China. I will be meeting her and the mom.
3) July 1st- Visit to South Carolina. Excited about seeing my brother.
4) July 13th- Family vacation. A week at the beach is much needed.
5) August 7th- Wedding in Savannah, GA.
6) August 15th- Wedding in Nashville, TN.
Sidenote: I will have other exciting news by the end of this week (subject to change).
Hannah Grace
June 22nd, 2009Life is a gift. And rarely do I get to see this gift in such a small package.
I am referring to my great niece (not a misprint). Hannah Grace came into the world on May 24th. Because of my job in China, I missed the birth. Fortunately, I was able to connect with her a few days ago.
She is precious. Cute. Adorable. All the above. Even though she is experiencing some medical complications at the moment, my prayer is for a speedy recovery.
May she grow up and experience life to the fullness. Love others unconditionally. And follow Him wholeheartedly.
