Outsmarting the system

As previously stated, I think the Zhongguo Yinhang can go sit on a tack or what have you, because they have been utterly unhelpful. Save that one time they did almost what I needed. Given all of that, I discovered that once my ATM limit is raised, I can pull money out indefinitely as long as I make multiple transactions. Yes, I did outsmart the system. No applause needed.

Another system I have outsmarted is the one that keeps me from reading my own blog. I still can't read your comments (thanks, though) but I can go back in as if to edit the blog and review what I've already written. It sounds narcissistic, and it might be, but I like to scan memory lane's written summary now and again. I wanted to use the word peruse in that last sentence, but did you know that peruse means "thoroughly examine"? I didn't until I just looked it up. Knowledge is power, you know, but don't take my word for it.

This afternoon, after the party, which had surprisingly no discernible agenda, and after the ATMing, I came back to the dorm and put my laundry on to wash. Shortly thereafter I went to McDonald's with my roommate for some late lunch. Then we returned, I collected my laundry from the utility room down the hall, and I made him put our joint drying rack together. I didn't force it, but he said he would, and my laundry was wet, so what should I have done? Then I hung my laundry on the rack, on the shower curtain rod, in my window, on the towel racks, and over almost every other available area. I have a good bit of laundry. I'll be here for ten months, after all.

I fell asleep listening to a podcast earlier while waiting for my second batch of laundry to finish. I like doing that, though I regret missing the end of the podcasts. It's somehow soothing to fall asleep to someone teaching. Maybe it reminds me of home. (Yes, I realize what I just said. And I'm chuckling about it.) It was a short nap.

Tonight I'm hoping to watch some borrowed chick-flicks and eat instant noodles while curled up in my bed. I don't particularly love chick-flicks or instant noodles, but their combined power to let me be relaxed in my room is intoxicating. My roommate is going to watch rugby, and I've seen enough of that in my lifetime. My new American acquaintance/friend (is it too early to be a friend? We just met the other day, but we've spoken a few times), Florida Joe invited both my roommate and me to hang out in a bar tonight. We are graciously declining, especially since one of the things he touted about the bar was "American beer" and the idea of that made me throw up in my mouth a little. Hopefully, though, we might get to know each other better. He seems like a cool guy, even in spite of his penchant for the pijiu.

T