Knowing everyone

It's been more than a month since I last wrote. I was tempted to make a New Year's resolution to write more, but that would've meant:

1. I'd be obligated to write. I hate writing when I have to. I write here because I want to.
2. I'd have to come up with something to write about on a regular basis. I could write about my life, but who wants to read about that? Oh wait, the five of you.
3. The five of you would stop checking here on a semi-regular basis; you'd only check on the days you would know that I committed to write. Oh wait, you all use newsreaders so you don't need to check.

I've spent the last month and half in a flurry of activity. First there was preparing for the year-end language test. That was hard but I think I managed to pass. They never tell you, but somehow they manage to sign you up for the next semester! Then for the last month or so I've been working on a software project. It's been a lot of work. And things haven't turned out exactly like I thought but it's been good doing software development again. So were here at this overpriced bubble-tea/snack cafe. They have "free" wireless here. Which means wireless costs ¥30 and they'll throw in a free bubble tea drink. Except I had to buy the Boss one too, so it's really ¥60 for wireless and they'll give you two free bubble teas. One of the things I've been noticing, especially here in Guangzhou, is how weirded out I get when I see people who are foreigners but I don't know them. I feel like there's this psychological expectation that if I see someone that isn't Chinese, I should know them. It reminds me of one of my pet peeves growing up. Whenever I'd be in the car with my dad and he'd see someone about my age, he would ask me: "Who is that?" Always. I'd give him a look and say: "I don't know! Just because they look like they're my age doesn't mean I know them!" I think my dad was convinced of one of the following (or perhaps both):

1. I was the most well-connected, popular kid ever, and thus, knew everyone my age.
2. We lived in a small village.

As I look back, I realize I'm fulfilling my dad's expectation of myself. Scary. And sad. :)