Introductory post.

Hello, family and friends [and strangers]. :)

I have started this blog for a variety of reasons. I consider it extremely productive to keep a near-daily account of my impending study-abroad experience in China. I am also an anthropology (cultural) major acquiring the last six credits of my degree, and I intend to get a master's degree in linguistics one day (anthropological linguistics or linguistic anthropology, I do not know). Hopefully this experience will aid me in discovering my clearest focus, because I've really enjoyed the process so far.

More musing later. 

Here's what I got done today:

1. assigned my mother as power of attorney
2. stopped by the passport agency and confirmed that my passport is indeed still valid
3. deposited a check from a generous donor
4. picked up the dog and fed my grandmother lunch
5. applied for my Chinese visa
6. picked up the little sister as soon as she finished track practice

I feel extremely productive, yet I always manage to screw something up. My visa application process consisted of: taking a number, waiting, approaching the counter, being told I need to make a copy of EVERYTHING (passport, acceptance letter, JW202), making a copy of everything for $.25 a sheet, picking another number, going to get my photo taken, being told they cost $10 - cash only, running across the street to CVS to use an atm, returning to get my photo taken, leaving the back room just as my number was called, re-submitting my forms, correcting some of them, taking a receipt, and running off only to leave my passport - which is supposed to happen. Called my mother to check. 

Rusty as hell, but I got it done. I also realized that the 90 days I originally asked for actually isn't enough. I thought it was moreso a loose estimate, but NO. Overstaying a visa could get me fined or barred from re-entry for five (if not more) years. And February 19th to May 21st is 92 days - my original calculation of arrival would have gotten me there on the 21st... exactly 90 days. So, I should have asked for more time. I'll try calling tomorrow and see what I can do. Because if I just go with this visa, I will have to apply for a new/extended visa while I'm in China. That could prove to be complicated, and I shouldn't have to do that for two days.

Maybe I can apply for a tourist visa while over there and go to another country/region at the very end of my trip.