Reboot

Countdown to departure: 13 days
Countdown to culture shock: 198 days

Guess what? Things changed again!

Oy vey...

I'm sorry to be so sparse on details, but after a 2 1/2 hour meeting with my wonderful friends (Tong, Tom, & co.) tonight (including a conference call with my would-be boss), I have decided on a new course of action. Although this boss seems like a nice guy, the consensus among my posse is that certain methods of his may imperil me, or at least force me to be looking over my shoulder while I'm in China. He has refused to budge in what he's doing, but I have to be self-respecting and decide that this is unacceptable. I have decided to draw a line in the sand.

I am not certain what I will do if he accepts my ultimatum, since it is really just an attempt to turn down the job without losing face. My new plan, which really offers me a lot more freedom, is to bypass the backroads and go straight to Beijing; as was originally discussed, I can stay at my Tong & Tom's house there. Somehow they didn't realize that private tutelage is a desirable form of employment to me; now that they know it's my bag, they are eager to hire me out to their friends in Beijing. This is pretty darned ideal. I'm stoked.

I also have an incredible amount of stuff to get done in the next 12 days. Tong says now I "don't have to worry". Pfft.