Culture shock

The past few days have been pretty stressful. Yesterday I had to take placement tests for my classes this semester, and I felt like I bombed them. Then I went home and spent probably 2 hours trying to get my internet set up to no avail. I think I must be experiencing culture shock, because I funneled all of my frustration into a hatred of China and all of its inhabitants. I was walking through an electronics store looking for a router and hating everything, when I heard "Die Young" playing on a laptop and realized that it couldn't be that bad after all. Rule number 32 of Chinaland, enjoy the little things. I went home and watched the Princess Diaries and had some comfort food and felt much better.

This morning however, I had to sit through three hours of terrifying orientation. A professor went through all of the rules and assignments and classes we will be facing this semester, and it looks even more challenging than my past year at BYU, which is in fact, the most difficult thing I have ever done in my life. I didn't know it could get worse! Also we have to get at least a C in each class or we aren't allowed to do the internship next semester. I mean, I've only gotten three Cs in my entire life, but with this course load it seems like a high bar to reach. I am nervous. But I'll be fine. I just need to breathe and eat a lot of snickers bars.

On a happier note, I am loving my apartment and getting all settled in. Remember the little room in my ceiling that I told you about earlier? The other day, I went inside and investigated and found an air mattress! Like almost brand new and still in its original bag. I had bought a little mattress at Walmart for 15 bucks (The Chinese unfortunately do not believe in comfort) but I replaced it with this one and have been sleeping quite well since. I have reorganized my place and am loving it.

Part of the program is living with a Chinese roommate while we're here and I now have one! She is actually an employee in the flagship program so I already know her a little bit. I am nervous but I think it will be really fun.

Sorry this post was a little boring. I'll try to be more exciting. For now,

China pic of the day:
I could not stop laughing.

Really China???