Rebecca A. Foster

Next week I have to go to the dentist, so I thought you might like to hear about what that’s like. The Peace Corps has a designated dentist we go to in Chengdu, the city where PC headquarters is located. They’ve verified her skills and credentials, materials and clean water supply, so that’s why we all have to go to her. Here’s how the trip goes: I take the bus 1 1/2 hours to the train station in my city. (On a good day—one time it took 2 1/2 hours and I missed my train.) I take a two hour train to Chengdu (yay, high speed trains!). In Chengdu, I take a 45 minute bus from the train station to the university where Peace Corps offices are located. I walk 25 mins from the bus stop to the PC office, near the campus hotel where I check in to spend the night because I don’t have time to take the train back the same day. I walk 25 mins. back to the street, then take a 20 minute bus ride to the dental office. After my appt. is over, I have the evening to hang out in Chengdu. In the morning...

I started packing to go back home, and here’s what it looks like so far: I left most of my clothes in China, so I don’t have a lot to take back. So hey, why not candy, pretzels, bacon bits and pudding? Underneath all the candy etc. there are jars of salsa, jalapenos and hot sauce wrapped in bubble wrap tucked inside Ziploc bags. -------------------------------- So, completely changing gears, here are the deep thoughts of my late night mind: you know that moment at the end of the movie when the slightly awkward girl gets a makeover and wows everyone away?  And then sometimes, she turns around and walks away, leaving That Boy who didn’t like her enough for who she is in her high-heeled dust? I love that moment. (Watch from about 7:45 in this video for a great example.) It’s not politically correct to love that moment, but deep down, I still have my own little fantasy makeover moment, where That Guy I just wasn’t girlfriend material enough for realizes how girlfriend-m...

I really like Jake Gyllenhaal, mostly because he kinda looks like a caveman, like he could get stuff done. I like that. I should have been born in the year 3000 B.C., I'm attracted to men who are physically strong and can do stuff. Is that so wrong*? (I'd also put Vin Diesel in this category.) *And who also have a brain, a sense of humor, and are kind. I ask for a lot, I know!

I get this question a lot: "Are you so sad you have to go back to China?" Umm... no. I'm  not sad. But I don't feel like I can say this (especially when it's family members asking me). I feel guilty telling them I don't mind living in China, like I'm a traitor to my home culture Those who have been following this blog know that this was not always the case. My first year was awful; I was very overwhelmed and unhappy. But somewhere along the way, I adapted and adjusted, and it became my home. I think it's wonderful that we, as human beings, can be so adaptable. I've mentioned over different posts the things I like about my life there: the low crime rate, the fresh food, the exercise, the friendships I've made, etc. But the biggest reason is this: every day I learn something new, and every day is mentally and physically stimulating . I love studying Chinese because it keeps my brain working constantly in that environment. And besides the langua...

My birthday weekend in Vegas was awesome! Thanks for all the birthday wishes. I forgot my camera (again!) but I have been to Vegas several times. Here are some of my favorite pictures from past trips: A view of Las Vegas Blvd: Me and a friend I met there: A bride waiting at a bus stop at 2:00 AM: Kids playing a joke on David: Vegas, there really is no place like it in the world. I had a great time at Sephora, Rebecca bought some super strong pigment silver eye shadow ( Urban Decay in Vapor ) and nail polish ( Sephora OPI in Queen of Everything ) for my birthday. I'm really into strong metals these days. My little brother got me this awesome Michael Kors costume jewelry perfume ring from Sephora. I love it! My friend and I had a good time, and I ate many delicious foods. (That is Chinglish, btw; they aways say 'delicious foods' to describe all foods.) I'd say more, but you know the rule! Haha. I have a few more days left here, I'm trying to get everything done. Time...

My first week back I was in the grocery store parking lot late at night. I was opening my car door when a girl approached me out of nowhere. She asked me, "Can I ask you a question?" I finished opening the door, threw my bag onto the far seat, and pushed the door open between us. She wasn't that close to me, but I was instantly on guard. I'm not sure why, but I didn't trust this girl. She was dressed in exercise clothes and seemed fine, but it is not normal to approach strangers in the parking lot at night and ask them if you can ask them a question. I said, "Yes, but please don't come any closer." She faltered a bit, then said, "Do you know where an Autozone is?" Huh? You're in the parking lot of an open grocery store! You go inside and ask if you need one that badly. I said, "No, I don't." while simultaneously getting in the car and shutting the door. I don't know what that girl's intentions were, but something a...

This weekend it’s my birthday (go Pisces!), so I’m heading to Vegas for a long weekend. One of my best friends, FloJo, also has a birthday this weekend, and it’s tradition for us to celebrate together; we missed last year because I was in China, but this year, it is ON. She lives in Vegas, so this is an easy and fun trip for me. Our big plans are to shop and eat (sorry T., no poker, you forgot to give me money!) and perhaps see a movie. Did you know Sephora gives you a free gift on your birthday? They do! So we’ll be hanging out there as well. (Sephora ties with Target as my happy place—I’m a make up and skincare junkie.) I love the shops along the Strip. I can’t afford anything, but it’s fun to look. And speaking of looking… …thanks to The Hangover , I can’t think of Vegas without thinking of Bradley  Cooper. He’s not even really my type (I'm usually not attracted to fair, blue-eyed guys, although there was a big exception), but there is something about him that is really attra...