Homecoming?...

I've been back in Phoenix for about half a week now, and honestly, I have mixed feelings. On one hand, it is wonderful to be in America. The simple fact that I can see the sun makes me unbelievably happy. On the other hand, it also makes me realize two things: how much I've outgrown Phoenix and how much I take for granted.

As I explained to a friend, going to China was like uprooting myself from Phoenix, transferring to a tiny pot in Nanjing and then moving to a huge pot in Shanghai. In a few months, I'll be coming back to a medium pot in Phoenix, but at this point all I want is to be planted in some stable soil. I've been moving around so much and my ideas about the future have changed as well. I have no desire or motivation to finish my business management degree, because it seems so trivial at this point. But not finishing it really isn't an option either...

As for my second realization, there are so many mundane things here that I'm not used to. I went to Fry's and for half a minute, just looked up and down an entire aisle of jam--different brands, flavors, sizes, prices. I went to Cartel for some coffee and was amazed at how friendly and polite the strangers were. I climbed A mountain and for the first time in 8 months, watched the sun set. My bed is so soft. There are fat people everywhere. I didn't know I would have reverse culture shock.

Despite the rush of uncertainties, it is nice to relax and go back to a normal eating/sleeping schedule. I've been enjoying time with friends and family, as well as eating plenty of Mexican food and cheese products. Today we are having a Chinese New Year's potluck, so it's time to make some dumplings...I'm looking forward to the turkey though, since I missed it for Thanksgiving!