Hey everyone! I believe this will be my last official entry in this blog. It has been almost 3 months since I returned from China. I had the best intentions of writing a follow-up blog shortly after I returned, but I feel like it has almost taken me this long just to process everything that I’ve been through the last 13 crazy months. I want to start out by saying that I am so happy to be home! China was a great experience, but I think 10 months was enough for me. I’ve come to the conclusion that Chinese culture is an acquired taste. I met foreigners there that absolutely loved it, and some that hated it. I am somewhere in the middle. Since I’ve been home I just appreciate my country so much more. I feel a freedom here that I didn’t have in China (no political pun intended). But let me start from the beginning in my attempt to recapture the last 3 months:
I arrived in Denver airport on July 3rd and was greeted by my amazing boyfriend who I hadn’t seen in far too long. I had been anticipating that moment just about everyday for the past 10 months, so needless to say I was a little anxious! I was talking to this guy on the plane before we landed and he kept asking me "are you nervous to see him, are you nervous to see him?" But the moment I saw him all the tension faded away and it felt like we’d never been apart (in a good way!). I spent a week in Denver- catching up and spending time with Zach and also doing the not-so-fun activities like setting up a bank account, new phone, etc. I also had to settle everything on my new apartment (which my roommate Kristy had organized and found before I got back) and move a few things in.
I then flew to Clear Lake to spend time with my extended family, along with my mom, Gus and Ashley, and meet my 10-month old nephew Harper for the first time! We planned on spending a week there, however my dad had to be flown home from Alaska for an operation, so our time was cut a bit short and we headed back to Cannon Beach. I didn’t know if I was going to be able to see my dad while I was home, and I ended up getting to spend almost a month with him! My time at home was spent mostly hanging around with my family, and remembering how much I hate Oregon weather. But I also got to catch up with some old friends and spend much needed time with my adorable nephew, who I fell head over heals for!
Zach flew out the first week in August, and we packed up my car to brim and began the drive back out to Colorado. We decided to make it in to a bit of a road trip, and visit San Francisco and my grandma and grandpa in Utah on the way. It made it for a long 4-day trip, but was worth it! We both loved San Fran and I especially loved visiting China town and showing Zach some of my favorite Chinese foods (which he loved as well). We stayed with my cousins in Concord, and just happen to be there on the night my cousin Spencer got engaged! Now that’s lucky timing! We were both so happy we got to be a part of it.
My first week in Denver was a bit stressful. Not only was I busy moving everything in, but also I basically had to start from scratch in acquiring furniture and things I needed. I saved a good chunk of money in China, but it dwindled away FAST. Craigslist free list became my best friend. Also, I found myself on the phone for hours each day with customer service reps for car insurance, internet set-up, etc, as well as trying to fit in some time to job hunt. It just amazes me how much BS you have to go through in this country to get anything done. My best example is my car insurance: I needed to get and pay for my own car insurance for the first time, so I did my homework and got quotes from a bunch of different providers. Due to the fact that I’m young, have a newer car, and am not married (therefore a reckless driver apparently) none of them were that low. I chose to go with AAA since it was the lowest quote and a reputable company. When I was in the process of setting it up, however, I realized that my parents had taken my name off their insurance last year when I went to China, but left my car on. Our insurance company told us that I was ok to drive until I got to Colorado and set up my own. However, my AAA rep told me that because I hadn’t had insurance for the past 6 months, that my rate was going to be 30% higher every month for the first 6 months, EVEN THOUGH I was out of the country and clearly not driving my car. I couldn’t believe it!! It’s all of this kind of stuff that really drives me up the wall, especially because I haven’t had to deal with it for the past year, if ever.
Now that I am all settled in, I really love Denver. My apartment is in a prime location near everything and the weather has been incredible. I love living near Zach and just getting to spend time together and live life. I still don’t have a job, but have been temping full time in hopes of securing one in the mean time. I know it’s tough but I’m not giving up hope! Since I’ve been back I notice some things that I didn’t before. I notice how big and massive everything is in this country, especially in the grocery store- the cereal options, the mega Costco warehouses, and even the shopping carts are so gargancuous that I think a Chinese person would have a heart attack if they came here. I’ve also noticed how materialistic we can be. It’s hard for me to listen to people complain about their flat screen TV not being big enough or not having a new enough car. I lived for a year without so many little luxuries, and I think it taught me that you really don’t need many of those things. I went 10 months without having a remote for my tiny TV, a car, or a credit card. I think that I will always choose to live simply and be able to see the world verses having the nicest and newest stuff. This year really helped me to define "wants" from "necessities" and also realize what's really important in life.
The two greatest thing I learned this year are 1) that people are what’s most important in life-You can live out your wildest dreams and aspirations, but how special can they be without people to share them with? And 2) Not to worry, but trust God and he will always take care of you- physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually- just trust!
Thanks to everyone who faithfully followed my somewhat sparse blog and also sent me prayer and encouragement! I’ll be sure to keep you updated on my ongoing adventures (there will be more- I promise). But for now, so long and thanks for reading!
