Return of Quick Shots

What never ceases to amaze me is how, when I have nothing at all to do, I actually get less done than when I have things to do. Laziness is catching, I guess. Anyway, here are some observations from the last few days:

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I've been keeping track of my expenditures since I moved to the new place. Over the past five weeks, my average daily expense was 30 RMB, or about $4.44. Not bad, eh?

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The temperature around here fluctuates dramatically, not just from day to day but from hour to hour as well. Last week, the temperature fell well into the negatives, and I had plenty of people telling me I needed to wear more clothes. (The Chinese are like that) This week? Much warmer, to the point that some days I only need a light jacket. Between this and the havoc wreaked by the heat island effect, it's surprisingly difficult to dress for the day. Fortunately, being a previous resident of Kansas I'm used to chaotic weather.

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Several months back, I wrote about a particularly odd bag of potato chips - lime flavored, with a taste not unlike key lime pie yogurt. Since then, I have found that potato chips in this country (Of which there are many brands, including familiar ones like Lays and Pringles) come in a variety of . . . let's say "unorthodox" flavors. Among the flavors I've observed: chicken, chili pepper, blueberry and red wine. After much searching, I have found what alleges to be the "American classic" flavor. Well, as soon as I find a sandwich to go along with the chips, we'll see.

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Sometimes I think I should keep track of all the "California Beef Noodle King" restaurants I see, because I don't think "ubiquitous" is sufficient to describe them. I can recall 12 distinct locations, including three places (such as the one previously photographed) where two of them are within two blocks of each other. At least the noodles are pretty good.

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And finally, my girlfriend comes back from Jilin soon! After a month, I could use some time with her. She could probably use some time to relax - I know what it's like to be worked half to death. (Well, not lately, but I understand it in theory!)