📍 Shanghai, China, 11/4/18

It’s been a few days, but I feel very happy right now. I suppose I’m in a great mood because it’s officially November, which means it’s Christmas time. I love Christmas time–it always feels so magical. I’m a little sad that I won’t get to be with my family, but I guess that’s okay.

To be honest, I’m a little nervous. The past two winter seasons were very challenging. I really want this year to be free of pain.

It’s going to be interesting spending Christmas alone, but at least I’ll be in Bali.

I’m at school right now listening to Christmas music and playing a Christmas fireplace YouTube video (with crackling sounds of course). I feel super cozy, but I should really be studying for my Chinese test tomorrow or writing my Concept of China essay. I’m with Nikki. I love Nikki.

I’m happy right now, but I’ve been in a rut lately. The sadness I feel is the most comforting sadness–I almost don’t want it to end. Why is that? I think I’m more afraid the sadness will attract only more sadness, and that’s no good. The one bad thing is I’m in such a sad music phase. I just can’t help it. I know.

I skipped my first two classes the other day to go to my extremely awkward health check for my visa. At one point, they put clamps on my arms and legs, and I thought I was about to be electrocuted. The Irish man in front of me did not take too kindly to having his blood drawn–neither did Diana, so I held her hand.

I also went on a field trip to Longhua Temple, which was interesting and beautiful. The monks were a bit condescending about my questions on Enlightenment and wisdom, but I can hardly blame them. It must be like explaining dirt to the earth.