December in America

Update on my life:
So my term finished on Monday and I'm already quite lost on what to do with myself. It's not like I can just hop on a train to Beijing for a weekend or crash a friend's apartment in another city. December 22nd will mark 5 months since I left Korea and the 24th will mark 5 months since I left China. I miss it a lot. I guess it doesn't help that I still listen to Chinese and Korean music every day. Or talk to people there. Today I got a Christmas email from a friend in Beijing. A couple weeks ago, I got pictures of the snowstorm in Shijiazhuang from students and friends there. I've decided I'm not in the right country.

A few days ago, I had dinner with some friends and all they did (well it was one person more than both of them) was complain about their very comfortable jobs and about shopping for Christmas presents for everyone. First of all, you have a job. Shut up and be grateful. And you are around friends and family. Shut up and be grateful. For the past two years, I received thoughtful gifts and cards from students and friends who really didn't have much to spare but never, ever complained about it at all. I totally checked out of the conversation once I started hearing whining. I miss that about Chinese people. They are so kind and genuine.

So, I don't know if that's a normal reaction or if it's just how I've changed since going abroad but there it is.