Where did all the time go?

Can't believe I haven't updated my blog in a month. Where did all the time go? Spending too much time online, for one, (got to make up for the 3 years without internet in my hut)

Spending too much time on the bus/subway, waiting for them, waiting in traffic, everytime I go into the city.
Roundtrip is about 3 hours.






My parents chose to retire in an area that is green, far from crowded, congested and more polluted downtown Beijing.

Spending much of my time preparing for my friend's trip to Beijing, by going into the city, mapping out the routes and of course, trying out good places to eat!

Spending (recently, finally my parents are getting out of their slump) time talking to contractors who do interior finishes and shop for building materials at various super duper mega building materials stores, Home Depot really pale in comparison, how do we ever choose??? Make you want to go back to the days, where everything is arranged...

To people who is not familiar with housing in China, a brand new apt or house is not finished on the inside, no floors like hardwood, tiles or carpet, no kitchen or bathroom fixtures, just some PVC pipes sticking out of the wall or concrete floor. (Of course, old apt or house, interior finish is already done by the previous owner)

Typically, people have to spend 2-3 months to do interior finish (done by prof contractors), including shopping for all the materials, like flooring, toilets, fridge, down to door stops that need to go into the apt or house. The owner also has to watch the contractors from time to time to make sure they don't cheat you on material and quality of work. Why do you think I came to Beijing for? Just to eat??? nahhhh...