爽 （shuang)

This weekend was shuang. My newest vocabulary word, my roommate described it as very, very happy. On Friday night, I spent a comfortable night not binge drinking. Delightful. Because of construction our power was off, so my roommate and I played cards. Since there are not many Chinese card games that can be played by only two, I taught him Shifty, perhaps the best card game in the world. (Sorry, Mike.)

He was a quick study, so already we've had some good matches.

The next day, I woke up late, did my laundry, cleaned my room, and mopped my floor. By the time I was done with that, my roommate showed up with the makings of lunch. After a few bites of sausage and green pepper and stir fried green beans, we started playing dice. To be honest, I don't mind playing as long as I don't drink too much. I didn't, and things were comfortable.

We both rested, as that is the Chinese way, and I read my book. I also realized what a timeless movie The Yellow Submarine is. There are many movies that beloved in my childhood, viewed recently, have not stood the test of time. Hook is always first in my mind. Who knew Robin Williams and Dustin Hoffman could be so cheesy. But The Yellow Submarine is just as cool and trippy as it was the first time I saw it when I was 8 years old. Perhaps that speaks to the timelessness of the Beatles.

The next day, I just lounged around the apartment, doing little, eating lunch, and reading. I was psyched. I survived the weekend without binge drinking. Sweet. Next weekend, I'm off to Shanghai, and I am ready for it.

Life is good.