Elastic

Lately I have been feeling like a great big elastic rubber band. I bend and stretch to every new thing I encounter. I feel so open to experiencing this culture, and some things I have assimilated so quickly that I forget that it has been only three months. Sometimes the most shocking thing seems to be encountering something very western and realizing that I hauled a habit overboard three months ago, leaving it stranded in my wake. Example, you ask? Well, it is almost impossible to think of one. This is a different fishbowl. Eating habits fit in for sure. I knew something was different today when Leslie gave me a small chocolate bar at lunch and I set it on my desk and forgot about it for the rest of the day. Or how about that cheese? I have been thinking about throwing out the rest after that exciting binge. Why? I felt terrible for the next few days! My body feels good, no great, on the Chinese diet. Oh, another example, how about the casual bargaining for a good price? I would feel mortified to negotiate a hard bargain in the states. Here, it is old hat. Like I have been doing it forever. (Not that I am really any good at it by Chinese standards...)

What else? I have been slipping into Chinese thoughts recently. Just one or two words or phrases here or there, but it is significant. To me anyway. I have been trying to amp up my study habits

Last thought of the night, I just came back from the most wonderful foot massage. The nice young man asked me if he could give me a body massage after we chatted amiably (some chinese, some english, I might add :) and he had massaged my feet for about an hour. Oh, the temptation. But no, no thanks. Time for sleep. Good night. Happy Thanksgiving-eve. Upcoming pumpkin pie on the dream palate.