It's been a long time! How are you? Where are you? What have you been up to? HOW'S CHINA?

In college I quickly learned that when you met someone you asked 3 questions: What's your name?, Where are you from?, and What's your major? Of course, there were those that you met that you only asked the questions to be kind and have a quick connection with whilst others were to be a bridge to life-long friendships.

This past summer I was able to spend time with a lot of family and friends and rejuvenate relationships and there were friends and a lot of family that I wasn't able to see at all. However, the latter relationships are not necessarily unimportant either. Unfortunately, time here on earth is not multi-dimensional and I only had 4 weeks and 5 days. I hope to see those of you that I did not see some time. :)

Home was great! For those of you who just want the quick lowdown version (ya know the quick connection), here ya be.

• My mom and brother are doing good. They have a great time taking care of Hana and Tony, two chihuahuas. My hope is that someday they'll move closer to the Twin Cities.
• Thanks for those of you that were able to make it to the bbq. I never realized before then how many of my friends have kids. I hope to catch up to where you are but until then, I'm enjoying the single life. :)
• The Holsts were kind enough to let the Swigart family use their cabin for a week. We had a blast swimming in the lake, soaking some sun, having a bonfire, gee-dunking (Swigart word for shopping), being bit by mosquitos and horseflies, laughing, praying, eating, playing games, reading, and connecting. Unfortunately, the CA Swigarts weren't there, but they were never too far from our thoughts. And I may have lied about "being bit by mosquitos and horseflies" being a blast--just wanted to know who's paying attention.
• Some college gals and I experienced new places together. One place was successful so here's a shout out to Dominguez Family Restaurant in South Minneapolis. Go there! Even if it means you can't finish reading this post. The second place was the Pumphouse Creamery and it was underwhelming. Thankfully the company was NOT!
• Rebecca motivated me to write a blog more often because she writes at least 3 entries a month and she's married with two children so now I don't get to use the "I don't have time" excuse. ARGH! ;) And Nicole motivated me by telling me she actually checks to see if I've posted something.
• I got to watch the Cavaliers perform "Xtraordinary" twice with one of the best people I know ever!
• Driving is wonderful!
• I didn't expect to see Jaci and Ava this summer. What a treat!
• I ran a 5k and accomplished my goal of 15 minute miles. I actually ran it with 13 minute miles. For those of you that dislike the metric system, a 5k is 3.1 miles. At the same time, I got to run with family and my friend Courtenay.
• I got to watch Teen Mom with two of my favorite girl--Melissa and Emily. Thanks for a great "birth control" evening.
• I got to hang out in St. Paul with Janel and T.J. We all have never spent time together on U.S. soil. It was a great day with them.
• Shannon took me to see her new townhouse. Congratulations girl! I'm so proud of you.
• I unexpectedly got to see two old friends from college: Elizabeth and Emily.
• Laurie and Roger are the best "parents" a gal can have. Thanks for loving on me this summer even though there was no AC.
• Even back in the US, ethnic food is a must. I had Korean food A LOT!
• Harry Potter 7 part 2. I need not expound further.
• My "niece" Lucy no longer is scared of African-Americans thanks to me. :) (I'm not sure I can really take credit for this, but I'm so happy that I got to build a relationship with her.) I also got to celebrate her 1st bday!
• Greta, my other "niece" is beautiful. Don't get too big too fast while I'm in China.

Now that I've returned to my other home in Beijing, China. I wanted to write a bit about the How's China? question by highlighting what I've experienced in the last few days being back.

• After being dropped off at MSP, sitting on the tarmac at MSP for an hour and a half, flying to Seattle, eating during a layover in Seattle, flying to Beijing, getting picked up by my driver Lao Liu; I arrived at my wonderful apt. in Beijing 21 hours later.
• I had flowers and a "Welcome Home" sign waiting for me. I love the Ros.
• I still am able to swerve in and out of traffic on my bike. Muscle memory is awesome.
• Jenny Lou's, a grocery store with imported items, is a lifeline.
• Peter's Tex Mex is NOT closing, only moving to a better location. Now I can breathe a sigh of relief.
• After two weeks of wondering whether or not IAB was going to open, we're moving ahead. The first day of school is now delayed until August 15th. Even though we have control over the school building, pray that the owner/founder allows us to have a smooth school year.
• Flexibility is a MUST living in China. I made plans to eat at a pizza place with friends called the Kro's Nest. We got there and they weren't open to the public so off to Fat Burger. Not a bad constellation at all but expectations are expectations.
• I heard my first phlegm hawking sound.
• The bus is cheap and very slow due to the massive amounts of people on the road, sidewalk, bicycle lane... I think you get the point.
• Bank of China is still horrible. Always make sure you bring a book.
• I mailed a letter for the first time. Thankfully, the China Post that I went to is used to dealing with foreigners. I paid a little over $1 USD to mail it and it will take 10 days to arrive.
• Jet lag is awful. For example, I woke up at 3:30 am and having nothing better to do, I decided to write this entry. I initially typed this on August 5th but did not post until today.
• Cereal is great for jet lag snack but way too expensive unless you stick with Chinese brands. BTW, Jenny Lou's was having a sale on Honey Bunches of Oats...YAY!
• I love delivery. Here in China you can get almost anything delivered. Last night, I had supper with friends and we had watermelon, peaches, and grapes delivered to the apt.
• Changes are constantly happening in China: a concrete building gets built, another torn down, things open and close. But one thing stays the same, China will always be China--UNPREDICTABLE!

For those of you who need a deeper connection and this blog post didn't quite do the trick, ask me questions and I'll be sure to answer. And for those of you who are visible, check out my album on Facebook titled, "Summer Stateside".