jburt1
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2003 16 December :: 10.09am
:: Mood: excited
I finally called home today. It was only 9 am there so my sister was in school and my dad was at work. At least I didn't get the voice mail! So I hear that I may have gotten a small part in the play? Or so my dad says..hmm. Did they announce parts earlier this year? Hopefully I'll make it back alive, seeing as I almost got ran over TWICE last night, lol. I was going to the store last night and on my way I almost got ran over by bike and by car. You see, China has TONS of bikes, and the people ride them in swarms. When I stepped out on the sidewalk they all came at me! Then, when I went to cross the street I thought it was one way, but soon found out it wasn't! Well, at least I made it out okay. It's a challenge to cross the street though. Random observations about China:
1) I can eat with chopsticks. never could before.
2) food is smaller here (ie Pringles and Oreos)
3)there are fat chinese people. I never knew that. (maybe it's our fault)
4)where in the U.S. do you get food served to 3 people by 3 different waiters? The service is exceptional.
5) this computer isn't as slow tonight
6) it's hard to to homework
7) Racheal hasn't pooped yet
8) TV shows look low-budget
9) if you go into a store, you will not find a chinese doll. they're all caucasian. So are some of the advertisements.
10) I don't know what day it is!
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Fatman
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2003 15 December :: 11.44am
Ever heard about the guy who woke up one day and realized he was alone in the world? Yeah, I'm that guy...
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jburt1
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2003 15 December :: 4.26am
THIS COMPUTER IS REALLY PISSING ME OFF! I have to PAY for the world's slowest internet...I can read my email, but I CAN'T REPLY! If anyone gets this just tell everyone that I'd like to email them but can't. Also, anyone know what part I got in the play?
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jburt1
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2003 15 December :: 3.41am
Week 2 in China
Yesterday I got to meet my new cousin, Rachael Bei Yi Voss. She's only 19 months old, and of course she is cute, especially when she smiles. My aunt and uncle went down to this room in the hotel where all 9 babies were being held. They found her and took her up to their room. It was funny because she didn't really cry much expect for a few 10 second outburts. What was really strange was seeing my aunt and uncle start baby talking when she came. I can tell they'll make good parents, especially my aunt because she's been the first to make Rachel laugh.
On Sunday we flew from Beijing to Nanjing, the capital of Rachel's province. Nanjing is a LOT more westernized than Beijing. It actually looks like a decent city. We're staying downtown in the ritz, lol. Seriously, this is the nicest hotel I've ever stayed in (5 stars), but they still don't speak great english. Last night my uncle and I wandered over to the golden arches for some Mc D's. We only went there because it was late and were were too tired to search out something chinese and decent to eat. Anyways, it was funny because none of them spoke english either. Amazingly, we got our order, thanks to a lot of menu pointing.
Today I'm just recuperating. I haven't done most of my homework yet, but this week should be pretty slow. Anyone feel free to tell me how the christmas dance went or how your audition went!
Later
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jburt1
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2003 10 December :: 9.40am
:: Mood: contemplative
China Babble
Okay, so sitting here in the "business center" of the hotel feels a little awkard. I'm at the only computer they have for guests to use and the attendent is sitting right across from me! lol. I have to say, Beijing is quite interesting. I didn't know what to expect, but I was surprised more than I thought I'd be. First of all, the downtown is kinda of scattered. It's not all clumped together like other big cities. There's a lot of old, dingy buildings admist a lot of new construction (they're trying to spark up the city for the 2008 olympics). Yesterday my uncle and I hired a driver and went into the city to check out the HomeTown/Pearl Market and Jiang Nan Silk museum/store. We went back today with my aunt and more adopting couples, and my aunt spent big bucks getting a lot of silk and jewelry. A lot of that stuff were gifts for her adopting daughter, Rachel, for when she gets older. The biggest problem so far has been the language barrier. No matter what you say they simply nod their head and say "yes, yes" or "no problem" or "for youuu." I guess they know more english than we know chinese, but still it's hard to communicate. Another challenge of sorts has been all the salespeople. It's hard to say no to them because they are actually nice (for the most part, and unlike the vendors in Paris). Last night at dinner was strange because we had a waitress and waiter, and then we had 3 different people bring out our dinners to each one of us. Talk about service! lol. You'd never see that in America. I guess the ratio here is 5:1, that is 5 attendants for every 1 customer. Tonight we saw an acrobatic show. It's was neat how they rode on bikes while twirling dishes and how they climbed on top of each other and balanced things. One kid even did a balancing act will flipping bowls from the board he was ridding to the top of his head. Well, it's about 10:30 pm here and I have to get up early for touring. I guess it won't be as bad as the 17 hours we spent up in the air! Word of Advice: DON'T DRINK THE WATER!
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Fatman
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2003 8 December :: 11.45am
Urge to be contentious, cold-hearted bastard rising...
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jburt1
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2003 6 December :: 9.36pm
Pre-adventure thoughts
Well, right now I'm in Detroit at my aunt and uncle's house. They look a little frantic, what with the running around trying to get everything together. I feel bad because I already have all my stuff packed, lol. We have to get up early though because we need to be at Detroit Metro airport by 7:30ish. Once there it's a short flight to Chicago's O'Hare airport, 3 hour layover, long-ass flight to Toyko, 2 hour layover, and finally Bejing! I'm telling myself that I'll do my homework on the flight, but I don't know if I really am THAT motivated. My aunt's not bringing her laptop anymore, but we're still supposed to have access to the internet every so often. Well, I'm out.
Oh yeah, floodlight was good last night. My favorite acts were Chicago, Dan and David's Melody, Kansas, and Becky and her Dad's act. Pretty much everyone was really good though (especially Josie : D).
7 Word(s) |
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jburt1
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2003 4 December :: 11.59pm
Right now I'm talking to Krystin, a senior from chicago, IL who helped me with my calculs tonight (well, sorta). Next year we're going to go Loyola, and she's going to be my homework buddy : D
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jburt1
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2003 4 December :: 9.16pm
:: Mood: stressed
It's amazing how one day can be bad without anything bad happening to you. I guess 4 hours and less of sleep doesn't help, nor does waking up late and being rushed in the morning, but my number one pet peeve is people not listening to me when I'm trying to say something. That just set the tone for the rest of the day, even though it might not be that person's fault/done on purpose. Ever since lunch today I've felt sick (word of advice: don't eat school lunch). Yearbook was pretty busy today, and I didn't get much time to study for my french test, but tht was easy anyways. The Calculus quiz was what killed me. At leas the business test I took after school today wasn't too hard (I should owe that to my 2:30 am cram/review session).
Here's a recap of Justin's life right now (yes, I'm talking in 3rd person, that's how stressed I am):
1) tired
2) feels sick
3) calc is hard (don't understand it)
4) have yet to pack
5) english homework that I don't think I HAVE to do, but think I should do anyways.
6) floodlight is tomorrow (good luck to all)
7) need to apply to college tonight
8) leaves in 2 days
9) wants to buy the new GRD CD but found out it doesn't come out for a few more days.
give a word, take a word
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jburt1
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2003 4 December :: 12.45am
give a word, take a word
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jburt1
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2003 3 December :: 1.21am
I want the new GRD Bootlegger v. 3.0 CD!!
give a word, take a word
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jburt1
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2003 3 December :: 1.03am
:: Mood: accomplished
Despite some technical difficulties (I swear AOL hates me), I actually got some stuff that's been on the backburner done tonight. For starters, I registered to retake the ACT on Februrary 7th (using my brand new checkcard). Then I filled out an online application for Fordham University. I started NYU's application, but man, that school's discouraging to get into. Browsing their website, you are constantly reminded about how they are "highly selective," how most applicants go beyond the minimum requirements, how they highly suggest you take three SAT IIs. I also browsed Northwestern's site. They're supposed to be a good school to get into for business and yet they dont' have a business major??? Explain that one to me. It sucks because I like the school, just not the program. Grrr. Another relief is that I got most of the Equestrian story done, just waiting for some more answers and some pictures of the layout.
give a word, take a word
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jburt1
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2003 30 November :: 11.32pm
Tonight I went to Christina's and got my world studies project done. The Bird(s) chirping in the background add a sense of humor to the project, I think : P
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jburt1
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2003 30 November :: 1.03am
Finally got back online today. Something was messed with our computer and my dad bought a new modem today. I hope it's working (been having some AOL problems). What did I do this thanksgiving break? Absolutely nothing, unless you count homework, but I'm content with that. Wish I had more time to do absolutely nothing though. Been thinking about college too. I'm not sure if Chicago is really where I want to go, but I'm not sure that New York is the place for me either. All I know is that I want to get out of Muskegon, and hopefully out of Michigan, too.
give a word, take a word
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jburt1
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2003 26 November :: 12.28am
:: Mood: giddy
Okay...5 mins before 7th hour ended, Netcott got a call that I was to report to the office after locker clean out. I report to the office and find out i have to talk to Mrs. Gillette. I talk to Mrs. Gillette and find out I have to audition TODAY, as soon as Mrs. Mcconnel arrives. So yep, I auditioned already! A few of my notes weren't perfect, but they said they know my range and know I can sing. I didn't have the lines (since I was expecting an audition), so they had me read some paragraph about Operas in some book on Mrs. Gillette's shelf. The first time through I read as "Moony," and the second time through I read as "Sir Evelyn." Both Mrs. Gillette and Mrs. McConnel seemed to get a kick out of my reading/singing Moony. I had to attempt a british accent (I'm sure it was horrible), but they told me I was "flexible." Anyways, I gotta record the lines on tape since they didn't have them at the audition. Later.
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