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Things have been winding down here in my part of the world. I can feel that it is about time that I head back to the good ol' US of A. "But Scott," you say, "the U.S. is in a bit of turmoil right now. Jobs are scarce, gas is grossly expensive, and G W is still in charge."

I can think of one word that sums up my desire to return to the States: Burrito. Firstly, purely because of this asinine choice of summation, you can tell that my mind has gone a bit off kilter living here in 南昌. Secondly, I can acquire a burrito any day and nearly every hour of that day back home. Not only can I get burritos, but I can also get steaks, chicken parmigiana, and beer that doesn't taste like chemically enhanced water. Finally, I see the burrito as a metaphor for life in the U.S. They are both neat, organized, easy to handle and full of meat. Also, it is a logical food. Stuff a bunch of delicious, yet extremely sloppy food items into a neat, edible wrapper.

I know I've been away for quite some time, so this metaphor may not seem appropriate or remotely fitting for some, but to me, it just fits. I've finally grown mildly tired of Chinese food (though I'm sure my MSG addiction will last quite longer), and I've grown quite tired of the lack of organization and logic here at school. I have had an amazing time here. I have learned more than I can even imagine, but I have also discovered the inefficiencies that come along with living in this amazing culture. I do not hold it against China in any way, shape, or form, but it does get a bit tiresome after a year abroad. I'm ready for things to work. I'm ready for logic. I'm ready for people who act their age....well, I guess that doesn't really apply to America. I'm ready to see my friends and family again! I'm ready for a Burrito!

I will be back in the U.S. on the 15th of May, unless my planes get delayed. I will be flying from Nanchang to Shanghai to Vancouver, B.C. to Dallas, TX to Baton Rouge. If all goes well, I will be at home in bed by 12:30 AM on the 16th.

Between now and then, I still have a few adventures and drudgeries to take care of. Tomorrow, I will be heading into the international office to negotiate my contract. Let me rephrase, to negotiate the penalties that I will be receiving for leaving prior to the end of my contract. Hopefully I can smooth talk my way into keeping at least the shirt on my back. Wish me luck. Next, I may or may not have to write and administer an exam for my witting class. Despite the fact that I am currently teaching all three of my writing classes twice a week, it seems that the school planned incorrectly, and I will not be finishing the required 32 hours of class, and therefore can not give the exam. So, let's keep our fingers crossed that I don't have to write and grade 90 exams. I also found out today that I will be presenting a speech on how to give a speech on April 29th, which also just happens to be my birthday. The Chinese sure know how to cheer a guy up. Thankfully, I believe the rest of the week will be a vacation. Labor Day, if I'm not mistaken. If this is actually true (I still can't seem to be able to get an answer out of anyone as to the actual dates of the holiday, despite the fact that it is less than a week away: organization much?), then I hope to be taking a trip to Jingdezhen (景德镇), which is a small town in my province that makes "China" porcelain. Other than that, I will be teaching, packing, and wasting time.

I'd like to say congratulations to Elizabeth and Patrick on their upcoming wedding! I'm sorry I can't be there! I will bring you guys something good from China, I promise!