adventures in 中国

...this made me smile on a cold, January afternoon in Beijing.

   

I'm sitting here in nearly the exact same seat, at the same bar, in which I witnessed Barack Obama being elected the 44th U.S. president over 2 months ago.

It's 6:35 a.m. in D.C., 7:35 p.m. in Beijing, and -- via CNN -- I see the HUGE crowd that's gathering there, awaiting the inauguration. Goosebumps, anyone??

I've been smiling all day, waiting for this epic, historic moment tonight (Beijing time). As I'm here with my friends, anticipating the upcoming celebration and nonstop toasts bound to happen this evening... I'm wishing you all an amazing time with your friends and loved ones as well, wherever you are.

Here's to the Obama administration!!

The way it should be on New Year's Eve :)

Here's to 2009!

   

Happy New Year, everyone!! Be safe, have fun, and warm wishes to all :)

...I personally cannot wait to say good-bye to 2008. What a year.

Highlight was Obama, by a long shot. What do you think about 2008??

I'll nap wherever I can find a spot. Especially in the wee hours of
the morning on the weekends, after a long night out.

SO, update: asked for my job back, with no success.

Apparently, they're certain they want to hire one of the individuals they interviewed while my boss was here in Beijing. Good for him, bad for me. What can ya do? I tried.

Now I'm focusing on moving forward with the job search (...that has been going on for two months), and I still have faith that I'll find something great. Some days I hold a positive outlook, some days I hold less optimism, but all I can do is try my best to snag a new gig. And hopefully, it'll be something that I actually enjoy!

I've learned a lot about myself over the past few months, and at least that's something I can take away from this whole ordeal.

...This is a day where I'm more positive about the situation. Maybe it's the blue sky that graced Beijing with its presence.

Okay, I'll be honest -- after a couple months of being pseudo-unemployed... I miss my job (there, I said it). As each day passes, I'm wondering more and more why I decided to leave in the first place.

Horrible, horrible timing, Annie. 不好.

Um... any advice on how to beg for your job back while still keeping a smidge of dignity intact?? Please and thank you.

...if we wanna wear mustaches? Brilliant. And hysterical.

Photo by Jeff Lau

Photos courtesy of Jeff Lau | Check out more of his work at > http://www.jefflauphoto.com

               

There is an absolute beauty in being alone and peaceful.