It’s hard to believe, but it has been over a month since I left Beijing.  I think I’m over the time change mess, but sleep still doesn’t always come easily.  I have to remember that this was also true in Beijing, and that sleeping challenges aren’t related to geography.  It’s probably just me and maybe my age.

Still, I look back and wonder what I have accomplished – and what I would have liked to have accomplished by now.

Accomplishments:

• I have my Ontario Driver’s License ($90 for five years)
• As of today I have a cell-phone.  This took a bit of time, but I’m happy.  It has Google Play Store and I’m downloading apps like crazy!
• I got myself a library card and a library day with my granddaughters.  This is good!
• We have a community garden plot and seeds that are ready for planting! (And cheques so that I can pay my fees!)
• Two books on designing a new life path are waiting to be read.
• I am up to date (sort of) on my ESL Literacy course.

On the “Still to do” list:

• write up my resume
• Work through the life design books.
• Catch up on my weather scarves which are very behind!
• Build a healthy routine that incorporates my big rocks.  (I think I need to get some stones and make a visual)
• Understand my new role in my family.  It’s not easy.

In leaving Beijing I left behind a quiet private space (and it was very quiet, maybe too quiet) with a routine and a sense of newness and surprise.  Here I have shared accomodations in a tight space, lots of noise (mostly good noise! and no snoring) and many demands.  The switch was more drastic than I thought it would be!

The fact that I am at the dining room table and writing, instead of tossing and turning in bed, is a step in the right direction.

That I am going to post this and move on to my course (I love on-line learning!) means I’m moving forward just a little bit more in embracing my new adventure.

Thanks for following along!

Marcia

PS: The knitigator is a carving at our library.  It reminds me that people do change their life work and move on to different things.  I don’t think wood carving is on the agenda, but I’m glad it was for this artist!