On January 13th, Steph and I can pick up the keys to our new apartment. We found it this past weekend. It’s in a great area of town called the French concession, close to the subway, and it has charm. Which is difficult to find in Shanghai, a city so proud of its modernity. Fourth floor walkup, but when you are walking up the stairs the walls are painted and there is crown molding and the steps are wooden instead of cement. There are even little gardens in front of the first floor apartments. It’s adorable. Most importantly, it’s a great apartment to entertain in which was our number one concern when looking at apartments. It's fully furnished and really home-y. We will be signing a six month lease.
In case you are wondering, I still don't have a job. I'm repressing the anxiety now pretty well though. I have some interviews starting on Sunday. There are prospects. Deep breath.
Ouch. Oh yeah that's right I can't breath deeply anymore ever since I totally busted in the dining hall, taking down a stack of used trays with me. My coat is now coated (ha!) in a splattered assortment of Chinese food (and instead of cleaning it I just bundled it into a ball and shoved it into a suitcase). They always mop the floors before everyone is done eating plus it was raining that day. I went down HARD and now I start whimpering before I sneeze because I know the sharp jab in my side that's coming. I had the wind knocked out of me for at least thirty seconds or so while all the cafeteria ladies hovered around me, trying to get me to stand up and patting me down because they think that cures sore muscles.
I hope everyone has had a great start to their new year. It seems like New Years was ages ago. I guess a lot has been going on since then. We went to a really classy party up high in a skyscraper with a great view of the Shanghai skyline. Though when I think back to that night, what has stayed with me is the two hour walk in the freezing cold Steph and I were forced to take when we couldn't get a cab. We sang pop songs to ourselves so it turned out ok.
Let's look at some pictures:
New apartment. Fake fireplace. Steph promised to paint a family portrait of us in tribute to the actual family portrait that hangs above the Aland family fireplace. And then we will take prom photos in front of it.
The "wall" that separates my future bedroom from Stephanie's. Taken from my side of the room. Look at that pirate treasure chest. I kind of want to fill it with something creepy....maybe all of mine and Steph's stray hairs that are destined to fill up the apartment. And then inside that big gob of hair I'll nestle some gold-plated bird's eggs? I have to confess, I've had a couple of celebratory glasses of wine after I turned in those graded exams.
The eating contest at the goodbye party I threw for myself in my apartment. That navy blue futon isn't mine, Mary Beth and I lugged it up to my apartment from hers for the occasion. In case you're curious, the food being consumed is popcorn.
At a lull in the party I popped out of the bathroom in my Tina Turner wig. In every candid photo of myself speaking I look like this. Neck muscles strained, mouth open wide, and finger pointed. I wonder what words of wisdom I was espousing here?Rachel
1 comment:
i had the most fantastical dream! all the characters from Mortal Kombat were fighting for your love. this also involved crossdressing, mostly took place at risd, and the evil thunder god stole some of my dvds which resulted in a boring plane ride (i was some kind of spectator to most of this, since me vs a mortal kombat character would mostly involve janitors mopping up my blood and vital organs). my favorite quote i remember from the dream:
rachel: dan! two boys fought over me!
dan: i know! maybe more would have if they had more time machines.
my dreams are so awesome sometimes, i love it.
what is your address now, at your schmancy new place? since i am the worst penpal ever and still haven't actually sent you anything.
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