 Merritt Wilson - Mewwitt | All Comments |
Comments | |
| 22nd July 2008 Thai | - From: Olympic Fever Looks like you had a good view that morning despite the all the people there. Now imagine how it would be on National Day...let's just say I won't be doing that again. You should've started handing out autographs while they were staring at you as well. Hmm..those T-shirts would be great for family and friends. By the way, those jiaozi's look great! |
| 19th July 2008 Iemke | Great summary of short trip to Korea - From: Welcome to Korea Most of the guidebooks seem to assume that one will spend a few months seeing everything. So I enjoyed this short summary of somme highlights. In Cheonan I saw the Arario Museum so I plan to see the Arario Museum in Seoul, too. Has anyone out there been to the Arario Museum in Beijing? Hans Bakker van Guelph |
| 15th July 2008 Thai | - From: Welcome to Korea Wow your trip sounds amazing! I'm sure the pics don't do it justice, but it looks really nice there. Now it hurts even more that I wasn't able to go to Korea a few weeks back..thanks :-P By the way Dunkin' Donuts is from Boston! They have awesome coffee and of course donuts. |
| 25th June 2008 MeiKeLi | - From: My Sisterland I think you will be back before you know it. So many businesses are in China it's impossible to avoid for long :) |
| 14th June 2008 Dad Wilson | Rain & Storms Everywhere - From: Bowled Over in Beijing That sounded like quite the storm, like what has happened in the U.S. Midwest recently. Ten inches of rain has fallen in Merritt's home town in the U.S. in last 10 days! There is major flooding in several states in the Midwest. Changes due to global warming? One has to wonder... |
| 2nd June 2008 Bryan | Enjoyed your entries! - From: Long Live China Hey Merrit, Great blog you have there. I stumbled upon it accidentally googling BLCU, as I'll be doing a language course there as well. As I'm thinking about doing about the same thing you did, learning Chinese/teaching English, I have to thank you for sharing your experiences. You have a very contemplative and personal writing style, and I'm sure that if you could use this to your advantage, should you ever embark on a writing career. Cheers, keep up the good entries! |
| 16th May 2008 Thai | - From: Long Live China From the looks of it, it looks like you had the UN over for your birthday dinner. So are you studying AND working with the UN?? :-) You make a very good point on saying how "human suffering is a shared tragedy"...couldn't agree with you more. I, too, hope that everything in the end works out....don't we all? Well, keep these coming! |
| 4th May 2008 Thai | - From: Fun, Sun and Aloe That pic of you should be your profile pic on facebook :-P You should reconsider retiring in a tropical area..hehe. With a few months left, you'll be learning a lot more than these past few months...but I have no doubt you'll be enjoying yourself and making the most of it. In the meantime, stay out of the sun :-) |
| 28th April 2008 Thai | - From: A Roller Coaster Life Didn't know you Madisonians were crazy jaywalkers too. We Bostonians are the same way as those Beijingers...even the cars (yikes) You've basically summed up every foreigners experience in this entry. You really don't know what to expect with culture differences being the total opposite of the west. As for those up and down moments...you got that right :-) I, too, wish others are able to experience other cultures. As always, I enjoy reading your entries and keep them coming. |
| 28th April 2008 Barb Wilson | We are so proud! - From: A Roller Coaster Life A parent starts out believing that their training and influence will shape their child's life, but, the fact is, the child ends up shaping the parent's life more than the parent shapes the child. Who you are and what you have done have made Dad and me more than proud--you have shaped us in countless ways for the better. And not only Dad and I have benefited, but also complete strangers on street corners. You are literally a life-saver and a life-shaper! Love, Mom |
| 27th April 2008 onTB | - From: An Open Letter to Grandma Ruth very touching. She will always be there shinning on whatever path you will take. but wow! thats one gigantic cat!! :) |
| 27th April 2008 the soul cultivator | A very moving tribute. - From: An Open Letter to Grandma Ruth Grandparents are all very special people, I was so moved by this letter and appriciated everything you wrote within. When my own Nan passed it set off a load of changes for me, now Im here. But youre right, they are with us in spirit at all times, with thier spirtual backpacks at the ready for any eventuality WE may run in to. Thank you for sharing this with the world. |
| 20th April 2008 Thai | - From: Rain, Rain, Come Again Hi *&^%. I just wanted to say *&%$ was ^&$#$ and ^%$...hahahaha...I totally know what you mean...People are always talking to me when my iPod is in too and I'm like "huh?". Your little ensemble with the umbrellas sounds like it came out of "Singing in the Rain" :-) |
| 21st March 2008 cara | - From: Beijing Shamrocks lol@flag. should have just thrown it away, europeans aren't so fussy about flags like americans are. Enjoying your blog. |
| 21st March 2008 Thai | - From: Beijing Shamrocks First of all, you're a great writer who gives your readers great images of what you're trying to portray...sometimes too good. I'm referring to the "squelch". Oh man I can just picture in my head and actually know how it would feel under my shoe. Second, the fabric up the nostrils is a hilarious and perfect description of how bad the crowds are in China...I feel bad that you had to endure that ride. When you're done with the project, I'll get a copy and need you to autograph it for me. And I bet the guy was blown away by your Chinese as I am too :-) By the way...I liked your closing here...well said. |
| 4th March 2008 Jane Reinke | EXPANDING MY VIEW OF CHINA - From: Back to Beijing Hi Merrit, Grandma Betty (from church) fwd me your BLOG. It was like being given a gift to be part of your China experience. Your passionate focused journey is unfolding to you each step towards your goal. Your writing is sharp and interesting and it feels like one is walking with you. Thanks. Jane Reinke |
| 28th February 2008 Thai | - From: Back to Beijing Welcome back :-) |
| 28th February 2008 Mom | School Daze - From: Back to Beijing Hi Hon, Nice to see the pics of your campus, including views of the grounds, loogie-covered as they may be! As you know, our snow piles are still increasing, causing ever nearer vehicular collisions as people try to emerge safely from driveways and street corners while their sightlines are severely restricted by the mountains of snow on each corner. The city is now soliciting ideas for naming the snow peaks, believing them to probably be permanent. Ha! We are glad to hear that you are totally immersed in the Chinese language at this time, since that was your goal for this visit. Hopefully you will win a select volunteer job at the Olympic games through demonstrating vast multiculturalism as the only blond person totally conversant in Chinese! Love, Mom |
| 20th February 2008 MariaAbroad | Good luck - From: My First Real Brush With Democracy Even though I do not share your political point of view ;-) I wish you all the best for your next adventure in China. I started reading your blog before I went to Beijing last September. It offered great insight and a lot of inspiration to me. Thank you very much. My time in China is coming to an end soon, as I will be leaving for the US in less than 2 weeks. I enjoyed my time here very much, but I am also looking forward to being back in an "easier" country. Once again, I wish you all the best for the future and I am looking forward to reading about your new adventures and experiences. Take care, Maria |
| 2nd December 2007 Thai | - From: Home Sweet Home (?) Maaaann..how did I not get this publication?? No matter...what you experience when you first got back...I'm sure I'll going through the same when I go back in Jan....haha |
| 2nd December 2007 Thai | - From: Hola, Mexico Awww man, I thought it was gonna be able to hear the mayhem before you got this published. But AI YA!...I don't remember getting there and back to be that much of a hassle. Your little cousins have grown so much too! I remember taking the Mexican limo and the poop rock too...haha. ahhh..Mexico...good times |
| 23rd October 2007 Marin | - From: McKinley Oh Merritt.....I am sad......... I loved Mr. McKinley too...I remember that walk we took Sitka and McKinley on one summer near my house and they were very enamoured...they began a relationship shortly after I am sure. What a silly pooch he was. Thinking he is around, in the next room or outside, thinking you hear him....must be hard. Sadness....He was a very integral part of your house. Hug. |
| 23rd October 2007 Thai | - From: McKinley My condolences to you and the rest of the family. Didn't know little winwey was that mischievous..haha...he's AWEsome. I haven't seen the video, but I'd be he'd at least be top three of America's Funniest videos. And putting a hander kerchief on him like that..poor guy.... |
| 11th October 2007 Auntie K | I'm weeping with Joy! The Aunt - From: Journey to the Top of the World I am sitting in my office, once again transfixed by your colorful narration and fabulous pictures. For the last 20 minutes I have barely breathed! You are doing what I would have had China been open to us when I was your age. I am so thrilled you have ventured down this avenue. We can't wait to see you next month. Love, Auntie K |
| 11th October 2007 Thai | - From: Journey to the Top of the World That trip was amazing and I really want to go back. I did not know you back in the day, but the time I've known you, you've changed and matured and have become a stronger person. You def. kicked my butt on this trip and kept me going. Have fun back home in the States and hope to travel with you again :) |
| 11th October 2007 The Mom | Unbelievable! - From: Journey to the Top of the World To see those photos of you at the base camp made me realize how you have transformed in so many ways! Here is the girl who refused to accompany her family on so many of our hikes through national parks in earlier years--preferring to stay in the car and read!--now standing at the top of the world. I am so glad that you were able to experience such a fabulous event. Can't wait to see and hear about it in person when you arrive back in the States on Monday evening. Love, Mom |
| 10th September 2007 da mom | Blue Skies--Is it Real? - From: No Time Like The Present What amazing pictures you have of the Great Wall with blue skies. Somehow I feel a little doubt about the legitimacy of those photos. . . I know how much doctoring is going on these days when photos aren't as perfect as we'd like! Any chance that those blue skies were inserted to replace the usual gray atmosphere??? Anyway, we are ready and waiting to debrief you when you arrive back in the States after your year in China. If necessary, we can provide a hard mattress and tofu and shove you around for a few days to help acclimate you! I suppose that spitting around the house might be taking it one step too far. . . Love, Mom |
| 10th September 2007 Thai | - From: No Time Like The Present Yes I made the list!! Ok me!!..hahaha. Funny how the things that differences that you've had with China are the same ones that you've grown to love (well at least some of them). But enjoy your time home...you will be sorely missed and can't wait for you to come back :) |
| 15th August 2007 Mom | Sounds Great! - From: Back in Business Glad to hear of all your exciting news! It seems that you are steeping yourself in Chinese culture with your trip to Tibet (although I don't know if the Tibetans would agree that they are Chinese culture) and with what appears to be a trip to an art museum. Yes, I would like that large fish for our lower pond. It could create a fun Loch Ness monster effect! Also, your new apartment seems even better than your former one due to the terrific view. And the campus of Peking University is beautiful with its lovely lake. I wonder how a giant fish would look in there. . . Love, Mom |
| 14th August 2007 Thai | - From: Back in Business That picture of you trying to "look like art" is HILARIOUS! Cracks me up...and you make that train trip sound oh so glamorous...bottles and pens bursting, people passing out...wooonderful |
| 10th July 2007 Mom | This is the REAL Message! - From: Invasion of the Wisconsinites: The Week My Family Came To Visit Please disregard the first comment. I hit the Enter button by mistake. Anyway, I was saying that your blog pages would stretch ALMOST to China--or perhaps almost FROM China to here! It was wonderful to relive our entire trip through your eyes. Reading it took about the same amount of time as experiencing it did! (only joking--mostly) I think that it was one of the most amazing times we have spent together, and your blog is a humerous and historical perspective on it all. I can see why you are torn about leaving China. When I see the pictures, I wish I were back there, too! Of course, it may also be because of the wonderful daughter who is still on the other side of the world. . . Love, Mom |
| 5th July 2007 Thai | - From: Invasion of the Wisconsinites: The Week My Family Came To Visit Good grief! Your wrote a small novel here! Ai ya! Nevertheless I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. That dog is awesome! Poor fella is all tuckered out...so cute. Lastly, you have definitely grown these past 8 months and continue to do so. And I couldn't agree with you more, after living in China on your own for a year, you can do anything. I have without a doubt you'll do a lot more than just anything. |
| 20th June 2007 meimei | - From: Reflections of the Mountain Awww... I miss China! So.... we need to catch up.... what's the plan for October? Anyhow, we need a skype or aim or gmail session soon! i wanna go hiking too!!! (but not for two hours....) |
| 19th June 2007 Thai | - From: Reflections of the Mountain 1. That dog is soooo cute! 2. That picture of you being all "mad" is hilarious!! HAHA 3. On that little tossing game..your form looks great...bravo, bravo :-) |
| 7th June 2007 Mom | What Will We Find? - From: Like Nothing I've Ever Experienced A daughter's adventure is also the parents' adventure. Being separated for the past eight months has taught all of us new ways to think and interact. We are looking forward with great anticipation to reuniting with a young woman who has grown so much and of whom we are so proud! We cannot go back to the past, even though we may yearn for some of its moments and people, but we can use the experiences and relationships of the past to guide our future path. We are so happy that our immediate future path leads to you, darling Merritt! Love, Mom |
| 6th June 2007 Thai | - From: Like Nothing I've Ever Experienced Indeed you've grown. Now I didn't know you before but the time I've known you, I have seen how you've changed...all for the better of course. Guess China will do that to a person. It definitely changed me or at least made me realize my true self. I must say, I feel your writing has improved and can feel that its more from the heart. Nevertheless, I always enjoy reading your blog and feel that your writing is beautiful. On that note, I look forward to your next entry. |
| 21st May 2007 Thai | - From: Two Weeks Later Oh gotta love those Chinglish signs. Those pianos look AWEsome...hope you played a Boston ;) That husky's huge!! I want one! Guess robbing a bank wouldn't be a good idea now would it? And lastly, I don't know about you, but that opera house looks soooo out of place among the temples...only in China. |
| 18th May 2007 Betty | Of course your a writer - From: Two Weeks Later Merritt, As an avid reader of books, I am amazed how great your bogs flow wordwise - you have a natural talent - find how to use it in life. The dogs you saw all look like they wanted to come with you. And finding and playing a piano does clue me in that you are moving out in the world and doing what makes you happy. Be happy. BG |
| 9th May 2007 Thai | - From: Hong Kong Firstly, I would like to say I didn't really think you were going to fling that piece of bread but you never cease to amaze me and you actually did!! Good on you :). Next time i w Second, I was robbed of my home run!!! Where the heck did he come from?! Not cool! Lastly, your letter was beautifully written and very moving. It brought tears to my eyes and without a doubt your Grandma is smiling down on you and couldn't be more proud how great of a granddaughter you are. |
| 29th April 2007 Sandy & Greg Lizik | sorrows - From: Blessings Merrit-we are so sorry to hear of Ruth's passing. You were fortunate to have shared such wonderful times with her and retained such positive memories. In the end, that is all we have of those we love. Stay strong with her spirit. Sandy, Greg, Mason & Cami |
| 28th April 2007 Thai | - From: Blessings My deepest condolences to you and your family. Your grandmother is and will always be proud of you. Know that she'll always be watching you with a smile on her face. Stay strong...and most importantly smile :-) |
| 12th April 2007 Thai | - From: Historical China That give me a better understanding of everything going around me, even in the modern city of Shanghai. I am very impressed by your translation skills!! And as for the egg toss, I expected to see a picture of you with an egg smashed over your head from not being able to catch it...must say, I'm a little disappointed ;-) |
| 25th March 2007 Thai | superstar - From: Musings of a Musical Mind Hey there superstar! Think I can get a personally signed autograph from you??? Then I can frame it or even sell it! ;-) |
| 4th March 2007 Mom | Disclaimer - From: A Day in the Life Just wanted to add this this comment as a disclaimer regarding your statement that I threw open the window shades and proclaimed, "Wake up, sunshine!" each morning when you were a child. Had I done so, I would not have survived to the ripe old age of. . . well, nevermind. It must be the distance--or perhaps the smog--that has befuddled your memory. However, upon your return home, I will be glad to submit you to the (alleged) experience in the same fashion as you claim it occurred! Love, Mom |
| 3rd March 2007 Julie | Shades of scampy - From: A Day in the Life I want a neighborhood bar with a dog! Health codes be damned. |
| 3rd March 2007 Thai | - From: A Day in the Life Conversations about Stonehenge and vomit huh? And a punching contest? Since when did RLE incorporate these electives?? Wow went really downhill after I left ;-) Good thing you didn't have to teach about punching contests..hehe. p.s. those loogies will sneak up on ya! be careful! |
| 26th February 2007 anonymous | - From: Upcoming Events awwwww!!!! missing china like crazy. mary ma's sounds like an amazing job!!!! |
| 26th February 2007 Thai | - From: Spring Festival:The Big One Wow! How did FuLiCheng not go up in smoke?! The pic of all the fireworks lined up in the lighting area is crazy! That pic. of the guy working the booth looks ecstatic. The best one was the carnival ad. I just laughed, shook my head and threw my hands up in disbelief. Great pictures, great stories...great times. May your future adventures be as eventful as it has been...minus the time at the airport. |
| 25th February 2007 Ann | - From: Spring Festival:The Big One Merritt!! It's so beautiful! Those nighttime pictures are amazing. I hope you're having a great time, despite the travel woes. If you were here right now you wouldn't be able to get anywhere either. There's a BLIZZARD outside! Miss you! |
| 17th February 2007 Your meimei | Happy chinese new years! - From: 'Twas the Night Before Chinese New Year's Eve hehe, i got a job! |
