Blah.

These last couple days have been long and boring. I have somehow caught a stomach bug that won't seem to go away and haven't been feeling too good lately. I actually haven't left the house in two days now, and here, in my nice modern apartment, it's easy to forget that I'm still in China. I've had to miss the last two days of classes, which I hate doing, and I'm starting to go a little bit crazy. I don't want to leave the house for fear of being too far away from a clean toilet (which is hard to come by in this part of the world).

So, I've done what anyone else in my position would do...watch hours of tv shows. I have finished an entire 4 seasons of The Office (and caught up on the new ones online), and endless hours of Weeds. Both awesome shows. Both remind me of my year in Portland with Karl. Both bring back memories of things that sometimes make me sad to think about.

Now I'm listening to old music and contemplating what to do with the remaining 11 hours of my day. Studying Chinese would be too smart, going outside would be too risky, and watching more tv is going to make me lose my mind. Hmmm...tough choices.

I know sickness is a part of traveling and being away from home, but it's a part I'm usually pretty good at avoiding, and one that really brings down my mood.

Another frustrating thing right now is my impending trip in May. In a couple days it'll be April, and although in China time May is very far away, my American brain tells me that I need to figure out what country I am going to and what I am going to do there. Part of me has been planning a Japan trip, but the budget-conscious side of me says its too expensive (because of all the travel plans I have after my contract is up). So, I may just stay in China and travel to a couple different cities. Who knows. Just thinking about it is making me want to run to the bathroom...

In other news, we're having taco night at our apartment this evening. I will be having bread and butter night, topped with a tall glass of water. Yum. At least I have that to look forward to.

Anyway, don't mistake this post for "Lindsey's having a horrible time in China," (especially you -- Mom and Dad), it's just that not all experiences are happy ones. I am doing fine, and eventually this bug will leave my stomach and move on to better places -- like my bedroom. Actually, maybe that's where it started. Maybe I actually swallowed it when I was sleeping in there the other night (which I only do maybe once every two weeks now). Hmm...

Ok, well I got some Pepto Bismol, a hot shower, a cold toilet, and a good book to read waiting for me. Catch you all later.

Much love.