Official Start Time: 10:15 am
Date: 7/12/08 "Finally got it right"
Official End Time: 6:00 pm
The entry has to be my joyous and emotional of all . . . so be prepared for sighs of relief and moments of anxiety along the way. I estimate a good 5 pg back and front with as much detail as possible. Maybe I can hit my goal.
So today I am writing all about yesterday and then a bit about the morning we had today . . each bit being as valuable as the next. My day starts around 8:30 when I wake up in Snow's house and greet her with the usual . . . blood sugar, insulin, and orange juice. Snow tells me that there is still some food from the grocery store and that we will make breakfast instead of going out. Immediately I run to the fridge and see there are eggs, bread, and sausage.
It hits me and decide to make Snow breakfast. I decided that scrambled eggs would be a good idea and was excited to make Snow a good breakfast. We didn't have butter so the meal wasn't perfect, but I tried my best to make the meal edible. I asked Snow for eggs and immediately got to work cracking away and telling her all about what she was about to eat. Snow also got into it asking what kind of things we would need to eat such as plates, spoons, chopsticks, etc . . . she is so kind hearted.
When the eggs were done I began to serve them on a pair of plates for us to eat. Some were burnt and some were fine. I gave Snow all the nice ones not wanting to ruin her meal. We drank milk and continued to talk about the food and what we hope to gain from China/America. I think Snow enjoyed the meal having 2 pieces of bread, sausage, and leaving only a few scoops of eggs.
I had to take some insulin at that point to cover the meal and felt bad that Snow had to see me taking shots. She is scared of needles and most graphic things. Around 9:30 we pull the lead out and make our way to the hotel . . . we find ourselves in Ronghua's room and greeted with joy. Apparently I missed out on karoke, drinks, and pool. As usual I seem to bail out when the group has the most fun. Hopefully I can make it up to them.
We start getting to work concerned about the show and how we plan to manage our time. Arguments between Tori and Tim soon enough break out and Tori is not seen for most of the day . . . she had a "headache" but was really in need of some space and time to think.
Jay, Alex, and Tim decided around 11:30 that order must be kept and by what better way than with KFC . . . we did however create a "talking stick/water bottle" by which everyone was able to give their opinion.
The Chinese students at this had all left in search of gifts. The room soon began to shrink leaving me, Jacey, and Steve to finish the job. I took a walk before hand with Jacey telling her of my adventures with Snow and how I hope to repay her. Jacey thought I was adorable and would later help me in my mission.
*Jacey throughout this trip has been my go-to-girl amongst the trip providing conversation and excitement along the way. I connect with her well and feel that I have known her for a long time like all the other kids on the trip. It's weird though how she keeps having nightmares of me chasing her throughout this trip . . . maybe the races are getting to her.
The guys finally got back and we all began to eat. The fiasco that rose from this point was one not to forget. Chicken bones, wrappers, and drinks were all over the place. Soon enough the adults came to visit. First Ms. V making sure I ate right and had insulin, later Steve who almost made me shit my pants giving as few looks as possible. Lunch was great and left me with that natural high you get after having fast food when you haven't had some in a really long time. Aaagh. Soon enough I was testing again giving ok readings but being forced to drink Orange Juice until I was better.
Around 2 the Chinese students showed up with gifts and a ceremony of hugs broke out . . . everyone was pleased and shocked with their gifts wanting to get things like that for people back at home. From here we made our move to the shopping center. Immediately Snow asked me about my numbers, how I was feeling, and what she could do to make things better . . . I have to do the right thing and re-pay her someway somehow.
At the shopping center we find a nice store that sells a bunch of trinkets and other stuff. It is more of a girl store though as the guys in the group plan suicide from boredom. Alex and Jay were distant throughout the day being more concerned about hanging out with Seven. I remember something about lunch and how those two didn't take it too well.
After a while I decide to make my move having only an hour left. Everyone is instantly at my attention when I say that I want to get something at the mall. I try to form a barrier between me and Snow with the help of Seven, Jacey, and her host family. Fortunately we make it to the shopping mall, but not without having 3 people escort Snow and give me time to buy the gift.
The anxiety is building and my speech is fast. Jacey follows me throughout the mall asking her host family to buy us time to buy the gift. Snow is constantly calling and the pressure grows worse and worse. I can't really find the right necklace and feel like a jerk for not acting fast enough. Hopefully she likes it for I still wonder to this moment. We finally find the spot and catch a nice piece of green jade (Snow's favorite) for $385. I wish I had spent more but was constricted to time and the commas on the label.
Eventually I made the choice after asking Jacey if Snow would like it and got her a nice green-circle piece of jade on red string. The entire time I am cursing and pacing trying to focus on Snow's gift. Buying things in the store is a pain for you have to pay with a slip of paper and then return for your item.
Time is of the essence!!
When I finally do get the necklace in hand I ask for them to cut off the tag. Taking their time I almost run into Snow. She is literally 2 feet away from me when I hunch over to cover the necklace. She asks a few questions and I cannot bear to answer being too concerned that she might have seen the necklace. Immediately after she leaves I carry the necklace like a gun making sure that I do not drop it and protect it from any harm.
From that point the pressure is almost at its peak. Jacey keeps saying that what I am doing is great and that if I got the chance I should marry her. The idea seems more and more attractive but I must stay coherent of reality and not the fantasy in my mind.
Jacey asks her host family where I can buy a journal as Snow will be going to Tibet for 10 days. I warned Snow and told her 50 times that she cannot keep in touch with me while on vacation. This must be here escape and not another reason to worry. I finally did find the journal and am dissatisfied with the quality. I eventually do manage to choose one and get a $11 journal for Snow.
At this point I burst and start to swear from anxiety wanting to pay for the journal and get out of there. At first we find a spot to pay and turns out to be the wrong one. I say shit and run to the right one . . . here I pay with a 50 and was pulled back to pay with $11. When I finally get it I tell Suri to hold it in her bag and be ready to give me it when the moment strikes. We go to the hotel and for the next hour we try to pactice for the show while yelling at Jay and Alex for their negligence.
Snow comes in and my heart jump. She asks for my room key to take a nap and then has Seven whisper her something with a glance towards me. I feel that they think I have a crush on Snow and wouldn’t be half wrong. I must however remain the same mentality and stay in reality.
The show grows closer and closer. My walk sucks and I am off key. The show should be fun, but I want to look well and not foolish in front of the group. Around 6pm we make the move down and run into old friends and their excitement to see the show. Fortunately, there is entertainment and speeches before we start which gives us some time to prepare and make sure that the show goes well.
A few seconds before the show gifts are presented and I find Steve and Ms. V presenting Snow with gifts. I make the leap forward and ask Suri for the journal. I go up to Snow and present the gifts giving her praise for all her hard work. I open the box with the necklace wanting to see her expression and too anxious to leave.
Right away we start the show and Alex goes first . . . he does a great job and in my opinion the best . . . jumping into the crowd and plenty of cheers. From there come Tori and next me. The 30 seconds were murderous, but turn out fine. I was on key going down and had many cheers, but was early on the return. I feel like I was the only one who screwed up, but wasn’t a total disaster.
From this point the tears break and we are huddled amongst each other. Snow tries to hold it back and I assure her that neither of us will cry. Tony was a mess along with Seven and Albee who were giving hugs to as many people they could get their arms on.
The mood soon lifted with dancing and drinks. Everyone start to move giving hugs and trading contact information. I personally autographed Tony’s book and was applauded for my signature. Singing broke abroad and me , Tim, and Snow started to sing Hey Jude . . . the chorus grew and the lyrics rose along with it.
Soulja boy ended the party as Jay taught everyone he could grab. Eileen and Jay actually danced together and provided a phenomenal show. Even Tony and half of the Chinese students got up and danced.
*The timing for this entry is slightly skewed having to pause since 12:00 while getting off the airplane and eating.
From that point we went to the lobby and again were crying and saying goodbye. We got to at least insure the chance of saying goodbye the next day. It would again be awkward and something hard to experience. I never really cried, but am sure that I will shed at least one tear before I leave. I said goodbye to Snow and get ready for bed, but no without making sure I got the chance to see the kids tomorrow.
I later spent the night with Tim and Steve soon enough sleeping on the floor after my chair-bed idea failed. Before 10:30 though I went to Steve, Ms. V, and Eileen’s room and took my test. Around that point I was a little low and spent a good hour raising my blood sugar and sharing stories. All hopefully for the best.
Sleeping that night was a pain being to shocked with all the too long day that almost never ended. I didn’t really go asleep till 1:00 thinking about everything that happened and recapping another day. So much and so little time.
I feel that I now have to pause being forced to meet the next adventure against the pandas as well as needing to recap this morning which I feel ended the day before. My eye are getting closer to holding so many fond memories and wishing so much that while in the streets I run into Snow, Albee, or Seven.
Maybe one day they can come to America and we can treat them well. The current joke is green cards for everyone and how the journey isn’t over yet . . . how before we know it we shall se those we loved and still love so much. (20 pages)
I decided I couldn’t wait and took the leap. I will recap this morning and stop were my day officially ends.
Around 6:03 I awake and am found on the floor with a pillow in one hand and a cover over the other hand. I try to go back to sleep and get up at 6:53 saying shit, we have no time to shower and need to catch everyone downstairs. When we make it down we find Fancy and she has a long face barely holding back the tears. I’m not really that hungry and get some insulin with a small breakfast of watermelon, milk, and other carbs.
We soon finish and my anxiety strikes. I immediately think of Snow and ask Seven if she knows her number. Seven has no clue and time is running out. I finally do get to call Snow and tell her I hope she has a great time in Tibet and hope I don’t miss her. I tell Snow that there is still time and if she can catch up with us at the airport. At that moment the bus pulls in. The bus is boarded and we are all a few steps away from leaving. We are soon on the ride there and try to avoid the showers to come.
Finally we reach the airport and I am lifted in spirit. Snow is standing outside land is already waiting for our arrival. Before the door even opens she is on the bus yelling my name. I yell back and give her a hug by taking the pictures and holding words that feelings cannot express.
We all start to say goodbye holding long faces and luggage that we would take for one more night. Seven and Snow stayed behind seeing us through check in and saying their last good byes. I go through security and gain my insulin piece a threat having no papers and running Steve’s patience than at such an hour.
When we finally make it clear. I pull out a dollar and sign my name. I give it to Snow and say don’t forget me. She says oh and give me a hug and I notice she is wearing the necklace I got her. I ask if she like its and her eyes begin to puff as she nods. I cannot resist at this point and talke Snow and give her a big hug with a kiss against the cheek. I tell her thank you so much and that I love you.
*That took some balls.
This day now officially ends as I walk through the gates and see Snow away for the last time. I’ll send her emails and try to stay in touch. I have to say this trip was worth getting sick. I imagined finding someone here . . . not a girlfriend but as a friend and can say I have met my goal. I cannot say that this will be our last encounter but the next will be something. Maybe they’ll come to America.
*Sorry for all the personal info, but today was too much to not write down.
Hector Guzman
7/12/08 6:00pm
Date: 7/12/08 "Finally got it right"
Official End Time: 6:00 pm
The entry has to be my joyous and emotional of all . . . so be prepared for sighs of relief and moments of anxiety along the way. I estimate a good 5 pg back and front with as much detail as possible. Maybe I can hit my goal.
So today I am writing all about yesterday and then a bit about the morning we had today . . each bit being as valuable as the next. My day starts around 8:30 when I wake up in Snow's house and greet her with the usual . . . blood sugar, insulin, and orange juice. Snow tells me that there is still some food from the grocery store and that we will make breakfast instead of going out. Immediately I run to the fridge and see there are eggs, bread, and sausage.
It hits me and decide to make Snow breakfast. I decided that scrambled eggs would be a good idea and was excited to make Snow a good breakfast. We didn't have butter so the meal wasn't perfect, but I tried my best to make the meal edible. I asked Snow for eggs and immediately got to work cracking away and telling her all about what she was about to eat. Snow also got into it asking what kind of things we would need to eat such as plates, spoons, chopsticks, etc . . . she is so kind hearted.
When the eggs were done I began to serve them on a pair of plates for us to eat. Some were burnt and some were fine. I gave Snow all the nice ones not wanting to ruin her meal. We drank milk and continued to talk about the food and what we hope to gain from China/America. I think Snow enjoyed the meal having 2 pieces of bread, sausage, and leaving only a few scoops of eggs.
I had to take some insulin at that point to cover the meal and felt bad that Snow had to see me taking shots. She is scared of needles and most graphic things. Around 9:30 we pull the lead out and make our way to the hotel . . . we find ourselves in Ronghua's room and greeted with joy. Apparently I missed out on karoke, drinks, and pool. As usual I seem to bail out when the group has the most fun. Hopefully I can make it up to them.
We start getting to work concerned about the show and how we plan to manage our time. Arguments between Tori and Tim soon enough break out and Tori is not seen for most of the day . . . she had a "headache" but was really in need of some space and time to think.
Jay, Alex, and Tim decided around 11:30 that order must be kept and by what better way than with KFC . . . we did however create a "talking stick/water bottle" by which everyone was able to give their opinion.
The Chinese students at this had all left in search of gifts. The room soon began to shrink leaving me, Jacey, and Steve to finish the job. I took a walk before hand with Jacey telling her of my adventures with Snow and how I hope to repay her. Jacey thought I was adorable and would later help me in my mission.
*Jacey throughout this trip has been my go-to-girl amongst the trip providing conversation and excitement along the way. I connect with her well and feel that I have known her for a long time like all the other kids on the trip. It's weird though how she keeps having nightmares of me chasing her throughout this trip . . . maybe the races are getting to her.
The guys finally got back and we all began to eat. The fiasco that rose from this point was one not to forget. Chicken bones, wrappers, and drinks were all over the place. Soon enough the adults came to visit. First Ms. V making sure I ate right and had insulin, later Steve who almost made me shit my pants giving as few looks as possible. Lunch was great and left me with that natural high you get after having fast food when you haven't had some in a really long time. Aaagh. Soon enough I was testing again giving ok readings but being forced to drink Orange Juice until I was better.
Around 2 the Chinese students showed up with gifts and a ceremony of hugs broke out . . . everyone was pleased and shocked with their gifts wanting to get things like that for people back at home. From here we made our move to the shopping center. Immediately Snow asked me about my numbers, how I was feeling, and what she could do to make things better . . . I have to do the right thing and re-pay her someway somehow.
At the shopping center we find a nice store that sells a bunch of trinkets and other stuff. It is more of a girl store though as the guys in the group plan suicide from boredom. Alex and Jay were distant throughout the day being more concerned about hanging out with Seven. I remember something about lunch and how those two didn't take it too well.
After a while I decide to make my move having only an hour left. Everyone is instantly at my attention when I say that I want to get something at the mall. I try to form a barrier between me and Snow with the help of Seven, Jacey, and her host family. Fortunately we make it to the shopping mall, but not without having 3 people escort Snow and give me time to buy the gift.
The anxiety is building and my speech is fast. Jacey follows me throughout the mall asking her host family to buy us time to buy the gift. Snow is constantly calling and the pressure grows worse and worse. I can't really find the right necklace and feel like a jerk for not acting fast enough. Hopefully she likes it for I still wonder to this moment. We finally find the spot and catch a nice piece of green jade (Snow's favorite) for $385. I wish I had spent more but was constricted to time and the commas on the label.
Eventually I made the choice after asking Jacey if Snow would like it and got her a nice green-circle piece of jade on red string. The entire time I am cursing and pacing trying to focus on Snow's gift. Buying things in the store is a pain for you have to pay with a slip of paper and then return for your item.
Time is of the essence!!
When I finally do get the necklace in hand I ask for them to cut off the tag. Taking their time I almost run into Snow. She is literally 2 feet away from me when I hunch over to cover the necklace. She asks a few questions and I cannot bear to answer being too concerned that she might have seen the necklace. Immediately after she leaves I carry the necklace like a gun making sure that I do not drop it and protect it from any harm.
From that point the pressure is almost at its peak. Jacey keeps saying that what I am doing is great and that if I got the chance I should marry her. The idea seems more and more attractive but I must stay coherent of reality and not the fantasy in my mind.
Jacey asks her host family where I can buy a journal as Snow will be going to Tibet for 10 days. I warned Snow and told her 50 times that she cannot keep in touch with me while on vacation. This must be here escape and not another reason to worry. I finally did find the journal and am dissatisfied with the quality. I eventually do manage to choose one and get a $11 journal for Snow.
At this point I burst and start to swear from anxiety wanting to pay for the journal and get out of there. At first we find a spot to pay and turns out to be the wrong one. I say shit and run to the right one . . . here I pay with a 50 and was pulled back to pay with $11. When I finally get it I tell Suri to hold it in her bag and be ready to give me it when the moment strikes. We go to the hotel and for the next hour we try to pactice for the show while yelling at Jay and Alex for their negligence.
Snow comes in and my heart jump. She asks for my room key to take a nap and then has Seven whisper her something with a glance towards me. I feel that they think I have a crush on Snow and wouldn’t be half wrong. I must however remain the same mentality and stay in reality.
The show grows closer and closer. My walk sucks and I am off key. The show should be fun, but I want to look well and not foolish in front of the group. Around 6pm we make the move down and run into old friends and their excitement to see the show. Fortunately, there is entertainment and speeches before we start which gives us some time to prepare and make sure that the show goes well.
A few seconds before the show gifts are presented and I find Steve and Ms. V presenting Snow with gifts. I make the leap forward and ask Suri for the journal. I go up to Snow and present the gifts giving her praise for all her hard work. I open the box with the necklace wanting to see her expression and too anxious to leave.
Right away we start the show and Alex goes first . . . he does a great job and in my opinion the best . . . jumping into the crowd and plenty of cheers. From there come Tori and next me. The 30 seconds were murderous, but turn out fine. I was on key going down and had many cheers, but was early on the return. I feel like I was the only one who screwed up, but wasn’t a total disaster.
From this point the tears break and we are huddled amongst each other. Snow tries to hold it back and I assure her that neither of us will cry. Tony was a mess along with Seven and Albee who were giving hugs to as many people they could get their arms on.
The mood soon lifted with dancing and drinks. Everyone start to move giving hugs and trading contact information. I personally autographed Tony’s book and was applauded for my signature. Singing broke abroad and me , Tim, and Snow started to sing Hey Jude . . . the chorus grew and the lyrics rose along with it.
Soulja boy ended the party as Jay taught everyone he could grab. Eileen and Jay actually danced together and provided a phenomenal show. Even Tony and half of the Chinese students got up and danced.
*The timing for this entry is slightly skewed having to pause since 12:00 while getting off the airplane and eating.
From that point we went to the lobby and again were crying and saying goodbye. We got to at least insure the chance of saying goodbye the next day. It would again be awkward and something hard to experience. I never really cried, but am sure that I will shed at least one tear before I leave. I said goodbye to Snow and get ready for bed, but no without making sure I got the chance to see the kids tomorrow.
I later spent the night with Tim and Steve soon enough sleeping on the floor after my chair-bed idea failed. Before 10:30 though I went to Steve, Ms. V, and Eileen’s room and took my test. Around that point I was a little low and spent a good hour raising my blood sugar and sharing stories. All hopefully for the best.
Sleeping that night was a pain being to shocked with all the too long day that almost never ended. I didn’t really go asleep till 1:00 thinking about everything that happened and recapping another day. So much and so little time.
I feel that I now have to pause being forced to meet the next adventure against the pandas as well as needing to recap this morning which I feel ended the day before. My eye are getting closer to holding so many fond memories and wishing so much that while in the streets I run into Snow, Albee, or Seven.
Maybe one day they can come to America and we can treat them well. The current joke is green cards for everyone and how the journey isn’t over yet . . . how before we know it we shall se those we loved and still love so much. (20 pages)
I decided I couldn’t wait and took the leap. I will recap this morning and stop were my day officially ends.
Around 6:03 I awake and am found on the floor with a pillow in one hand and a cover over the other hand. I try to go back to sleep and get up at 6:53 saying shit, we have no time to shower and need to catch everyone downstairs. When we make it down we find Fancy and she has a long face barely holding back the tears. I’m not really that hungry and get some insulin with a small breakfast of watermelon, milk, and other carbs.
We soon finish and my anxiety strikes. I immediately think of Snow and ask Seven if she knows her number. Seven has no clue and time is running out. I finally do get to call Snow and tell her I hope she has a great time in Tibet and hope I don’t miss her. I tell Snow that there is still time and if she can catch up with us at the airport. At that moment the bus pulls in. The bus is boarded and we are all a few steps away from leaving. We are soon on the ride there and try to avoid the showers to come.
Finally we reach the airport and I am lifted in spirit. Snow is standing outside land is already waiting for our arrival. Before the door even opens she is on the bus yelling my name. I yell back and give her a hug by taking the pictures and holding words that feelings cannot express.
We all start to say goodbye holding long faces and luggage that we would take for one more night. Seven and Snow stayed behind seeing us through check in and saying their last good byes. I go through security and gain my insulin piece a threat having no papers and running Steve’s patience than at such an hour.
When we finally make it clear. I pull out a dollar and sign my name. I give it to Snow and say don’t forget me. She says oh and give me a hug and I notice she is wearing the necklace I got her. I ask if she like its and her eyes begin to puff as she nods. I cannot resist at this point and talke Snow and give her a big hug with a kiss against the cheek. I tell her thank you so much and that I love you.
*That took some balls.
This day now officially ends as I walk through the gates and see Snow away for the last time. I’ll send her emails and try to stay in touch. I have to say this trip was worth getting sick. I imagined finding someone here . . . not a girlfriend but as a friend and can say I have met my goal. I cannot say that this will be our last encounter but the next will be something. Maybe they’ll come to America.
*Sorry for all the personal info, but today was too much to not write down.
Hector Guzman
7/12/08 6:00pm
