There is only so much I can do...

"Yesterday was history. Tomorrow is a mystery. But today is a gift. That is why they call it the Present."

this line came up to me today in film class - because our professor mentioned Kung Fu Panda, of which this line is mentioned in the film. But it has become so relevant now - especially after experiencing Sichuan. We're just taking it one day at a time - I think all the villagers there do that and are thankful for it.

It's going to be my mantra now. I have very few weeks left in Shanghai anyways, but this is my mantra for the coming few weeks - because as much as I did not want to leave Shanghai before, I cannot wait to go back home. I cannot wait to get away from the madness that is Shanghai. I used to say that Shanghai was a dream that I would have to wake up from eventually. And it's true - it still is. However, I feel like it's slowly turning into a nightmare, and I need to get myself out of this toxic mess before I go nuts.

Annie (Gao) and I have definitely grown matur(er) and it's going to be something to get used to *winkwinknudgenudge*to the Crew*. We pretty much agreed on that.

It's toxic because I can feel myself growing more and more bitter. You live with the same people long enough that it can drive you crazy. I gotta admit - it was like that living at home with grandparents during college. But it's the same here - living with the same students can end up driving you nuts. I'll miss everyone here, that's for sure, and I'll be so happy to reconnect with the friends I made here. But distance makes the heart grow fonder as well - and right now we all need some necessary distance.

So expect me to hibernate the next few weeks and envelop myself completely with school until this semester is over. And soon - I'll be seeing you all again in New York!!

I've already compiled a list of things I'm going to do once I get home - one of those things is spend an afternoon in Barnes and Noble. =D