A Little Different Hello

This blog was started off of a whim. A slight inkling that maybe a blog was the perfect way to express those thoughts that never quite come out right when I am talking to someone, or the ones that I never even think to tell anyone in a conversation. That explanation probably sounds like the most selfish way to start a blog but maybe... just maybe by starting this blog, it will lead others to realize that they have a few things they want to express too. In a school where a majority of the students are DEFINITELY Type A, sometimes the important things get lost in the muddle of who is involved where and what date function or party is coming up. This blog is for that little time of meditation where you "lay it all down": the books, jobs, coffee dates, and frat shenanigans and actually think about where your life is going or what is important in the current moment instead of what will happen on your next week's exam.

It is hard to believe that this school year is about to be at a close. With the start of summer coming soon, that means that probably the weirdest decision I have ever made also looms. I remember clearly thinking my first year, "the people who sign up for the Shanghai Language Intensive Program have GOT to be crazy" and yet, here I am buying my plane ticket tonight for my longest time away from home yet. Not only is the time that is away from home worrisome, but it is not even similar to my home. It's China. That place that a picture of Mushu from Mulan pops in my head every time I think of it. I am not worried about Chinese people being mean (my brother and I were lovingly patted on the head by Chinese Sumo Wrestlers in Vancouver once when I was 7 so that is a good sign of future Asian relationships),but it is the fact it is simply...

different.

It is one of those times where you pick yourself up and put yourself in the most uncomfortable situation possible: similar to being lost in a theme park when you are six but imagine millions of Asians around you and writhing sea cucumbers that I just discovered they eat there. Not only that, but mainly I wonder if anyone will ever actually wonder how I am doing halfway across the world while I am gone. Will I have left a good impression on the people I love the most enough to think about me when I cannot be around all the time? Here is my point to this speal...

I almost wish God would show big flashing lights at the opportunities we take advantage of, especially with the ones we love. I admit that I am one of those people that nonchalantly does the "Hi! How are you? Great! How are you?" conversation in passing every single day. In our 21st Century who-can-get-to-the-top-first mind-set, are we really making time for those that we love and who love us too? Sometimes the time that you take to "lay it all down" and just sit with someone could be the most important part of their day and they could end up doing that for you when you need that time with them. We all need to take the time to just say "Hello" in a little different way. No.. that doesn't mean "hiya!" or "hola!"(which are great ways to say hello, I might add), but it means leave a lasting impression on everyone you meet. Actually care for them every time you see them and don't just add them to your agenda. It is something I have struggled with a lot in every aspect, but should be something on the top of my priorities. You never know when you are going to transplant yourself out of their life and really want them still there beside you even though it may not be literal. I guarantee people love you, just love them back with "a little different hello"...

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