blondebeardtheparent

[blondebeardtheparent]

Captain’s Log

Stardate 20241104

Y2 S1 D40

This past week has been another busy one. The boys have been fighting off chicken pox. They are both recovered at this point so we were able to celebrate Isaac’s birthday with a pizza party this past Sunday.

I have done a lot of traveling recently. I’ve been interviewing for an important position in a large company. If I am able to secure the offer, it will definitely be a turning point. I also went to a job expo for international schools. I submitted some resumes but I do not feel that to be the right direction for me at this point. Even so, I am casting my bread upon the waters to see what happens.

In a few weeks, I will be sharing about the role of praise in our lives, and my research is really challenging me. Up to now, my attitude has been to knuckle under and praise in spite of difficulties while hoping to get through them, but what my study is revealing is that we actually have the mandate to praise because of the difficulties. This is not to say, “Thank you for all the bad things that have happened to me,” but to say, “Thank you that you are working for my good in every circumstance, no matter how disagreeable it is to me at the moment. I trust that you are in control and that you love me right now.” There is a big difference. And as always, He is giving me the opportunity to practice before I share.

Right now, I am praising him for the desert—for this time of physical, financial, and emotional weakness. I am drawing deep on my faith and choosing to trust that this is for my good, not to harm me, and that His love for me is stronger than any difficulties arrayed against me. I challenge you to join me. Maybe there is a situation that is bringing you no end of grief. Instead of asking Father to change it, thank him for it and for what he is teaching you through it. Praise him for this moment and that it is a part of his plan that is higher than your plan.

I don’t know what will happen. I have no guarantees as I am still in the research stage, but somehow, this feels right. I like to know why or at least how things are going to work out, but at this point, I think it's time to accept that they are happening—that even when I cannot see the why or how, He is still in control.

[blondebeardtheparent]

We’ve finished out our first week of fundraising and raised $370 so far. It’s a great start—a big shout out to all of you early birds. I’ve reevaluated our goal and found that I can reduce the cost considerably by giving up the direct flight and just bringing the boys. We’ll see what happens as the deadline gets closer.

I thought I’d share a little bit of the story behind this fundraiser so you know what you’re contributing to. I’ve been working overseas since 2004. In twenty years, I’ve only been home for Christmas once because most of the organizations I worked in did not celebrate Christmas. My oldest son, Simon, was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of three and his treatment prevented travel for the next few years. Then there was Covid. Last year, I turned 40 and promptly began having an existential awakening (midlife crisis) that has led me to this point.

I stand by most of my choices in life, regardless of what other people might think, but there are a few things that I regret—not being able to go home more often being one of them.

I’ve been gone for so long and changed so much that most people who knew me would walk right past me without a second glance. I’ve tried to keep people involved with pictures and blog articles, but it’s not the same.

This year, I finally have time, but I’m coming out of a year of soul-searching and unemployment. It’s not a necessity for us to come back. It’s not life-threatening as our past fund-raising attempts have been. This is just a wish. At first, I thought it was for my boys, but later I realized that it was also for me. Life is short. We never know what will happen next. I want to spend the holidays with the our clan while we still have the chance. If you’d like to contribute or forward this on to someone who might, I’d really appreciate it.

https://www.gofundme.com/support-the-prosper-familys-holiday-homecoming?utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link&utm_campaign=natman_sharesheet_dash&utm_content=natman_amp1c&attribution_id=sl:d853fd75-37d2-4b56-bd09-7f039e236927

[blondebeardtheparent]

Captain’s Log

Stardate 20241024

Y2 S1 D32

I had a rough night last night so I had a late night prayer session. I finally decided to shut the door on my last job and the wounds I sustained there. I’ve decided to act as though that environment no longer has any bearing on my life. I don’t know why the people in leadership made the choices they did, but I don’t have to know. And I don’t have to be afraid of them anymore. It is time to close the door on paranoia and conspiracy theories and to start living my life again. Not every workplace is dysfunctional; I still have something to contribute. It’s time to start a new chapter.

[blondebeardtheparent]

Captain’s Log

Stardate 20241022

Y2 S1 D30

Simon had an important life experience this morning. My boys have been drinking milk by the liter of late. At the current rate, they are able to polish off two boxes a day. In order to slow their consumption and cut costs, my wife and I decided to try using powdered milk. I made sure that I had it ready before the boys got to the table so I would not get pushback from the get-go.

I tried it in my cereal first and knew that it was not exactly pleasant. Isaac came next. He made a face but didn’t comment. Then Simon came to the table; I closed my eyes and waited.

“It tastes horrible!” he wailed. “I KNEW I would hate powdered milk. Breakfast is ruined!”

“There’s a little bit of regular milk left in the fridge.” I said trying to soften the blow. “I can mix it in.”

“No, you’ll waste it! I’ll just have a smaller bowl of cereal.” So he did.

I don’t see this experience as a bad thing. A lot of times, we don’t realize how fortunate we are until we face loss. Our family has always had enough to provide for little luxuries, but we are in a dry period right now. It will not last forever, but while we are here, it is good to learn how to reduce our spending and to make things stretch.

I don’t know why we are wandering the desert at the moment, but as I look at the Scriptures, I can see that we are in good company. Time in the desert toughens us up. It humbles us. It makes us grateful for when things come a bit easier. Sure, it tastes horrible, but it’s not forever.

Right now, I’ve got two pathways ahead of me. One leads me to work, the other leads home for the holidays, but neither are within my control. In the back of my head, I still have this idea for a small school by the ocean somewhere, but I don’t know how it fits into the current scheme of things. One day at a time.

[blondebeardtheparent]

Captain’s Log

Stardate 20241021

Y2 S1 D29

Last week was busy. I’ve been devoting my time to job-related writing. I had four interviews in a very short span of time. I’ve got another interview scheduled for next Monday, and a meet and greet scheduled for next month. Things are moving at least. We’ll see how it goes.

I’ve been struggling with whether to launch a Gofundme to support a Christmas trip. It’s one of those wishlist things that I’ve always wanted to do but never had the time and resources for. Now I’ve got the time but not the resources. And I’ve got a possible job on the line. The platform itself actually provided me with a good solution. They sent me an email informing me that if I don’t set up my bank account info before February, all the funds will be refunded. I figure if we don’t reach our target or if I land the job, I can allow the platform to return the money to the donors.

I’ve been trying to get in touch with Cathay Pacific to see if they have any Make-a-wish type programs. They are the only ones with a direct flight from HK to the East coast. So far, I’ve only been able to get their machines. I will keep trying in between job applications.

My goal for today is to revamp my Linkedin. Here’s a link to the Gofundme if you want to get involved. Prosper’s Holiday Homecoming

[blondebeardtheparent]

Captain’s Log

Stardate 20241004

Y2 S1 D15

Figuring out which day we were on was harder than I thought it would be—it’s been a busy week. We went to another city and had the meeting. It went well, and they’d like to see me again in November—which is great, but it doesn’t solve any current problems. I wrote to two local companies who have photography products that I admire. We’ll see if I get any bites there. The idea that is forming is to start a photography therapy company. All of the places I have been exploring can serve as partners—adventure sports, surfing, sailing, diving, climbing, rugby, and if I can get a strategic partnership with Insta360, I’ll have the hardware as well. I can offer different themes with different activities as well as a basic package with hiking, biking, frisbee or some other free activity. After the event, we can come together and discuss the deeper side of our experience and share our photos.

This paragraph has taken over an hour to write. The boys have been at me with almost constant interruptions. I’m going to quit now before I blow my stack, but this is where I’m at currently.

[blondebeardtheparent]

Captain’s Log

Stardate 20240925

Y2S1D13

It’s been a busy weekend. I delivered the second session for my Rekindle course on Friday. We are beginning to see it stir the depths for some. Hidden wounds are coming to light. I pray that as they do, these men will find healing.

Sunday is always busy. I was not leading this week, but I was able to have a meaningful conversation with a seeker afterwards and then to have lunch with some of our dear friends.

Monday, I started designing a training program for preschool educators introducing the concept of TPR. I’m about 1/3 finished with that. The framework is done, I just need to flesh it out at this point.

Tuesday, we went to finish my green card application. Everything we can do is finished now. The rest of it is up to Him. I also got in contact with a university that offers a funded PhD program. We’ll see how that goes.

It’s been raining the past few days, and the boys have been sluggish on their work. I told them if they can finish this week’s courses early, we can go on a field trip Friday morning. My plan is to do the art museum. We’ve been back for a month and still haven’t gotten there yet.

We will be out of town this weekend. A friend hooked us up with a chance to talk to a spiritual director. I don’t hold out much hope at this point, but I’m desperate. If there is help available, I will invest the time and energy to go. Most days, I feel like I’ve had the wind knocked out of me. Maintaining any kind of sustained energy exhausts me. I’m still going, but I feel like I’m bleeding out. I can relate with Job’s lament, “For the arrows of the Almighty are in me; my spirit drinks their poison; the terrors of God are arrayed against me.”

If you pray, pray for me.

[blondebeardtheparent]

Captain’s Log

Stardate 20240919

Y2S1D9

Let me explain, no, there is too much. Let me sum up. Here is what I’ve learned from the last two years.

1. I am not a business man. I could care less about widgets and the only things I’m interested in (which is a climbing gym or a BNB by a surf spot) takes a large initial investment and most likely won’t earn it back.

2. I am not a school administrator. Perhaps I could have been, but the politics of the position do not interest me at all.

3. Independence and autonomy are a need for me, not a want. Confine me to a classroom and dictate my content, and I will be VERY unhappy.

4. I can’t go backwards. The university has changed its policy and I am no longer qualified to have the job I held for ten years…

5. I can only go forwards. It looks like a PhD is the way to go.

6. I still like psychology, and I still like management. I want a job that will allow me to influence large groups. I think organizational psychology will be the most suitable for that.

7. Online just-about-anything is a waste of time. The degree is actually the least valuable part of the recipe. Practice being number 2, and connections being number 1.

8. I know SZ is my WHERE.

9. I know WHO I want to benefit. Non-profits are not my field.

10. I know WHAT I want to do.

Taken all together, my next step is to find a school that can connect me to where I want to go and figure out how to pay for it.

[blondebeardtheparent]

Captain’s Log

Stardate 20240918

Y2 S1 D8

So, it’s been a busy weekend. I not only found attendees, I had my first class this Friday. I didn’t get paid for it, but I’m looking at the experience as market research. I learned one very important thing: I need an ice breaker. I can’t just launch into deep personal discussion and expect much. The group I practiced on was already established and had a culture of honesty so it still worked, but with a group of strangers, it certainly would not.

Sunday’s speaker also ended up in the hospital with an inflamed kidney so I jumped in to share. My theme has been spiritual super powers. Last time, I shared about repentance. This time, I talked about forgiveness. Afterwards, I was invited to a leadership meeting. I was very upfront about my status, and it was received with understanding. In the end, it was settled that I would be in charge of the speaking team with more leadership potential depending on how that settles. I think that’s wise for everyone.

On the business side, I’m still not making money which distresses me. Between homeschooling, speaking and writing, I’m already feeling at capacity. I decided to do a one-month experiment by trying path social to boost my IG. It works, but it’s a game. They give you just enough to keep you on the hook and paying. I’m pretty much going to give up on social media altogether after this. It’s not worth the headache and there is no payout. The only thing left for me to try is my own website.

I’m trying to get my business identity set up in the US so I can receive funds without using a platform like gofundme. I want to cut out all the middlemen. My website would combine my pictures with my speaking and writing and offer a channel for people to make small donations on a monthly basis. The problem would be promoting the website. It would be almost impossible to do without a speaking tour.

So, step 1: Get my business registered and open a business account. Step 2: Design my webpage but do not start paying yet. Step 3: Construct speaking content and schedule and secure venues in the US and elsewhere. Step 4: Activate web page. Step 5: Start tour.

Or maybe I’m going about this wrong. Maybe I need to start thinking about strategic connections. I’ve been trying to do things on my own for so long. Who can help me reach my goals without sacrificing my principles? Maybe that’s the question I need to start asking. Enough on this for today. My brain is hurting, and I’m getting irritated with the kids for interrupting my thoughts. Until next time.

[blondebeardtheparent]

Captain’s Log

Stardate 20240911

Year 2 Semester 1 Day 5

Yesterday, I got so much writing done, I wondered what was missing; then I realized I didn’t blog. We’ve been doing well with homeschool. We are back into a routine for the most part. Simon is fighting me on his journal right now, but I’m used to the battle at this point. I just insist without letting him stir me up with the million protests or excuses or delays. Three sentences. No exceptions. He’s remarkably resistant to doing any kind of mental work to engage with what he’s reading. Usually, he will find the shortest verse and copy it and then expect me to give him some enlightenment on it. Today, he copied James 5:6 then wrote, “I don’t know. Help me now.” I will take that because it’s honest. I sure hope the Lord responds.

Isaac is doing well. He usually transcribes three verses without commentary, and they are usually very encouraging to me. Today, he’s copying Psalm 58:9-11. Interesting theme.

My own reading was from Isaiah when Sennacherib was defeated by the angel of the Lord. Put all three passages together, and you get a very interesting picture.

I’m still in the process of washing off the past two years. It’s hard for me not to relate all passages like this to my own experience. Honestly, I don’t know what I was dealing with in Dongguan. The words seemed right, but the fruit definitely wasn’t. When I left, I was discouraged, depressed, disgusted and borderline paranoid delusional. I was barely able to keep my grip on reality. The boys were cruel and chaotic. It was awful.

This morning, I woke up to both boys working peacefully on their own projects. Simon was doing a craft and Isaac was working on a LEGO build. No screaming, no cursing, no weird noises or abusive behavior—just quiet discipline. I do not regret my choice.

Speaking of which, I’ve finished the prototype for my class, and I’ve found a nearby venue for it. Now I need to get attendees. The first-fruits will be given to the Lord, so I will choose people to bless and see what happens. I’m both excited and nervous about it. What if nobody is willing to come? What if it bombs? What if… what if… what if…

If you’re reading this and you’re a praying person, pray for me. It’s time to step off the lion’s head.

(I tried to get the clip from the movie, but for some reason China is fighting my search engine today so I AIed it instead.)

[blondebeardtheparent]

Captain’s Log

Stardate 20240909

Year 2 Semester 1 Day 3

It’s been a good weekend. On Saturday, we attended a farewell to summer shindig at a friends house where we were able to catch up with several friends. Afterwards, I had my first lesson for The Book of Three. It was very pleasant teaching.

Sunday was a blessed time with the big family. I am considering getting more involved with leadership, but I know it will be a big challenge. Looking back over the past two years, I’ve been able to observe three different fellowship internally and to learn their strengths and weaknesses. My biggest take away is the danger of building mini-kingdoms—exclusive clubs based on loyalty to something other than Christ. Organizations are great, but our hope is not in any organization. Only commitment to Christ matters; everything else just ends in legalism.

Other lessons include things about structure and safety, how to effectively manage small groups, how to increase engagement, how to build up the male half of the fellowship, and how to train life skills in addition to spiritual disciplines. It would be really great if all the suffering of the past two years could be redeemed and put to practical use, but I don’t want to take this opportunity for that reason. If I move forward, I want it to be in obedience to a call, not to prove myself.

The boys have started their studies for the day so I want to get to mine. I got an okay from Richard Leider to cite his material for my course, so that is great news. I’m revamping the last section because I find his discussion on death rather insubstantial. I’ve met death. I’ve played chess with him for 43 days. He’s an old friend. I’ll design that section based more on own experiences than what is in the book.

The wheels are moving. Good stuff.

[blondebeardtheparent]

Captain’s Log

Stardate 20240906

Year 2 Semester 1 Day 2

Typhoon today (literal and figurative). Several conflicts with Simon already. We’ve finally gotten into our assignment groove. Yesterday I asked God for patient determination. I’ve finally learned that working with people (especially my own kids), is not about having the right information. People cannot be fixed by knowing what’s right. All I can do is chart my course, seize the helm, and brace for the gale. Some days are smooth sailing; others are not. The seas our family face seem to be more turbulent than average, but who wants an average journey?

I wrote to Richard Leider yesterday about using his material to do a seminar here in China. Haven’t heard back yet. I’ve also nailed down the process to starting a business in Virginia. Seems pretty straightforward, but I’d want to do an LLC instead of a sole proprietorship which means I need a registered agent. I’ve got a few people in mind, but we’ll see. I’ve had enough of striving. I will not force my will on others. If people are of like-mind, we can work together. If not, I will not waste energy.

Break time. I need to feed my sailors or they will not be able to hold the lines for the next leg of the journey.

[blondebeardtheparent]

Captain’s Log

Stardate 20240905

Year 2 Day 1

Well, it’s been a while since I’ve sat down to record our adventures. We’ve had a lot on our plate since we got back from Shanghai. We’ve moved back to Shenzhen. We’re still working on my green card. This week we went to the embassy in GZ for a passport renewal, got a blood test for Simon, shipped it to Shanghai for processing, had an official interview for the GC, had our farewell to summer, and had our first day of school… and the week is only half over. So you can see why writing has taken a back seat.

I’ve picked up a tutoring gig on the weekends that will provide some much needed income for us. The contact is one that has a high possibility to develop into more contacts so I want to make sure to do a good job. We start this weekend.

Yesterday we celebrated the end of summer with a bang by going to the water park. Most of the other kids were in school, so we had the place pretty much to ourselves. It was a really good day for everyone—a much-needed highlight after the stress of the past few months. They wouldn’t let me bring my camera on most of the slides, but I still managed to get some good video clips. I’ll post the YouTube link so you guys can celebrate with us.

My next two projects are to develop a support seminar for those transitioning into middle age and to get my weight under control. I’ve learned that I can’t eat three meals a day with my current energy output. Even with cutting processed sugar, I’m still gaining. I’m down to one main meal a day with a protein coffee for breakfast. If that doesn’t do it, my only hope is to become a rower on a Viking longship.

About the seminar, I’m thinking of offering it online and opening it up to an international audience. I’m trying to get a mentor in the process, but altruism doesn’t seem to be an effective motivation for mentoring—especially in the self-improvement field. Anyone who is halfway decent becomes a competitor unless they sell their soul (and profits) to become a part of the pyramid. I might have to just learn as I go like my favorite people did. Maybe Chat GPT can help.

The boys have started their next period, and I need to get that video edited if I’m going to include it. I’m not sure how copyright laws will apply if I’m doing a seminar based on someone else’s book, but that is a future problem. If I can sort that out, I’ll send you an invitation to the first REKINDLE online event.

[blondebeardtheparent]

Captain’s Log

Stardate 20240820

Day: Summer

It’s Tuesday. I survived the retreat. I did lose my voice, but not completely so we were still able to continue. My first session did not go as well as I’d hoped. I overestimated my audience by planning for undirected discussion, not remembering that I had to train my college students and my movie night crew how to do that.

The second session was better. I explained the logic behind what I was trying to accomplish first. Then I scaffolded by doing the first part together before finally giving them a chance to try it in small groups.

I was not terribly impressed with the content I was teaching, even up to the last session. It was very intellectual, very abstract, very useless. It was true, but it didn’t have any punch. We were talking about our identity as royal priests. On the last day, I felt a need to be alone for a bit, so I went behind the venue for my quiet time. While I was reading, I noticed two goats down on the soccer field.

Deciding to extend my isolation a little bit, I grabbed my camera and went down to get a picture. As I got close, I noticed that they were tangled in the netting of he soccer goal. At that moment, I had a choice—was i going to leave them for someone else to take care of, or would I risk it and try to free them?

Saying a quick prayer that I learned in the Philippines, “Creation welcomes me,” I put down my camera and got to work. The male goat was very tangled. I spoke calmingly to him as I brought the net back and forth over his horns. There was one point that he was so enmeshed, I had to physically pick him up. “Don’t struggle. Shhh.” Finally, I was able to free him. The female was much easier. She was tangled, but I think she could have freed herself if she wasn’t providing moral support for her man.

After releasing them both, I started back to the venue, but the two goats followed me. When I turned back to look, the male walked up to me and bowed before going back to his late breakfast. I turned and started up the stairs and was hit with a blast of God’s presence. “You are my priest.” My spirit staggered under the weight of it. I got back to the venue barely holding it together, but when I entered, I did not see my fellow attendees—I saw God’s sheep. I saw them as he sees them, struggling and and entangled but longing for freedom. I realized the significance of our calling as royal priests. I saw the honor in helping others to untangle the knots in their lives.

In the conclusion, I shared this story with the audience. For some of them, I know they got it; I could see it in their tears. I’m glad I was able to go. I don’t know what anyone else got from the experience, but I know I left better than I came.

PS That audiobook was called Kindness and Wonder: Why Mr. Rogers Matters Now More Than Ever by Gavin Edwards. For some reason I can’t respond to chat messages.

[blondebeardtheparent]

Captain’s Log

Stardate 20240816

Day: Summer

So, here’s what’s going on: We went to SZ last Saturday and stayed with a friend. I spoke on Sunday, and it was really well received. After that we came back to DG and continued full-on selling. We’ve sold almost all of our big furniture except one IKEA children’s desk in mint condition. I don’t know why that one is not selling out. I guess people buying this one second hand don’t expect it to be well-cared for. I can’t justify selling it for less that 50%.

Tuesday, we drove back to SZ to receive the keys from our renters and spent the night in our own house.

Wednesday we drove back to DG and continued packing. I made the mistake of messing with a dusty blanket and ended up with a very nasty sinus problem.

Thursday, I woke up in a haze and felt like I had been allergy-punched in the face. I fumbled through the day, packing what I could and organizing to facilitate our move. I cleared almost everything from the third floor. The only things left up there are Simon’s modified bed and the small couch that is coming with us.

Today, I drove to another city to lead a retreat. I’ll be here till Sunday while my wife continues the battle at home. I’m still sick, but not as bad as yesterday. It’s good to be contributing again. I was listening to an audiobook about Mr. Rogers on the way in that had me crying as I drove. He really had a huge impact. I want to be like that; I want to be the kind of person who leaves society a better place.

It’s nearly time for my afternoon session so I need to cut this short. Here’s hoping I don’t lose my voice.

[blondebeardtheparent]

Captain’s Log

Stardate 20240809

Day: Summer

Okay, so last night my wife and I were praying before bed and halfway through my prayer she says, “Stop! Stop! I won’t be able to sleep if you keep going on like this!” Somewhat confused, I asked for clarification. “The lamentation! I can’t bear it! Tell me how you see our status.” So I reiterated basically what I wrote yesterday with many more details. She replied. “I can see how you could get that, and in a way, you’re right, but that’s not how I see things at all.”

“You came here expecting to do great things and use the resources we have been given to benefit people, and now you feel like it’s all a waste and everything we’ve accumulated here is going to other people. But this is not the truth. The truth is that while we were here, God gave us a huge house to live in, just for us. It’s true that we have not invested in many people here, but the ones we have invested in, we’ve invested a lot and hosted a lot. It’s true that we are selling all our stuff here, but that’s a good thing. We are cutting free of junk that has followed us for years. We are not leaving here as failures. We are going back to our own apartment in Shenzhen (one of the top 20 most expensive cities to live in), with our electric car and a clear understanding of what is important. You know what kind of people you can work with, and what kind of people you can’t. You know where to focus your attention. We leave in a much better position than we came.”

After that, it was like a filter was removed from my perspective, and I could see clearly. I had been wallowing in self-pity and victimization. I was looking at my situation as something forced on me by others, but this is just not the case. I tried the international school thing, and it didn’t work for me. I can do the work, but I don’t like it. I wasn’t fired; I chose to leave on my own terms. This city doesn’t suit our family. It’s time to get back to work in the city we love—it’s time to go home.

After cutting free of all those lies, my spirit is bounding. We might even get a chance to host another mini-retreat before we go. Before we moved into this house, we had a retreat for our SZ friends; having another one as we leave would be a great way to close out our time here. I will be sharing this Sunday, and I’m excited about it.

Father, speak through me.

[blondebeardtheparent]

Captain’s Log

Stardate 20240808

Day: Summer

Interesting date. If you add it together it’s 8-8-8. Maybe it’s my lucky day.

Still working on selling our stuff today. Someone is coming for our bed and couch this Friday. Once that’s done, I think all of the big stuff is gone. We are keeping the washer to replace the one in SZ. Oh, we still have one of the school desks for the boys and the IKEA workstation I’m currently typing on. We decided to keep our dining room table and put it under the balcony mattress. Rae likes it too much to part with it cheap. I hope it doesn’t get destroyed in the process.

I’m really feeling ambivalent about selling our bed. I know it won’t fit in our little apartment, but it’s a very sour feeling. This whole thing sucks. I’ve resolved not to talk about my former workplace at all, but forgiveness is an act of will at this point. My emotions have not followed yet. I’m sure they will—especially once I’ve figured out what I’m supposed to be doing instead—but for now, it sucks.

I’ve condensed my books into one basket. The others, I will send to a friend’s house. I’ve condensed my tools into a carryon suitcase and a plastic tote. I still have some room in the tote, so I’m might add some exercise equipment. My plan is to get all of my camera stuff and electronics into another carryon. It��s good practice for if we ever leave the country.

Speaking of that, another friend got refused entry. It’s looking like if we leave without that green card, it may be a one-way trip. My twentieth anniversary since coming to China is coming up fast. Maybe twenty years is enough. I have done the best I could to serve this country. I don’t know what I would do in the US if I did go back though. I’m little better than a immigrant myself at this point. The US that I know is from two decades ago, from an age before R-rated superheroes and optional genitalia. With the upcoming election, I have no desire to live under the authority of either of these people. They both seem to be throwing gas on the flames of western civilization.

Heavy thoughts. No wonder I couldn’t sleep last night.