Preparing to make the great leap forward

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Haven't left for China yet.

I am sitting outside this evening at my summer home in the Gold Country of California. It's not my home, an old friend is letting me couch-surf before I depart. I don't actually have a home, having moved out of my lovely ghetto house in Richmond, CA, after fifteen years. Good riddance to the high crime city! No more Police sirens and boom-boom cars.

My best friend (Maggie the dog) drove away today. I teared up. She is my buddy, and we have slept together for the last four years. I am confident that she will adjust well to her new home. I just hope to be back in six months to be with her again. This was the hardest part so far. As I put her in my friend's car, she licked my face.
I wish that she understood that "Daddy needs to work somewhere to buy kibble".

I already have the air tickets, the visa (well, a visa, not the correct "Z" visa) and a whole bunch of books. I fly out of San Francisco on Friday, in less than a week. I am scared shitless.

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Comments

[Global Drifter]

Hello Seamallowance, I am sorry I was unable to satisfactorily answer your questions prior to this--I at times have to be very careful about who is writing to me and why, and what I write in a public forum. Anyway, GLAD to see a fellow blogger is coming down to Jining (or the outskirts thereof). Although I plan on leaving the city permanently sometime this month, I am subscribing to your blog to follow your progress. If you'd like to meet up in Jining at any time, that would be great too. I guess you are on your way over about now. Have a good flight and a nice stay in China. --Leeza

[Angie]

Oh, MAN, Joe
I'm excited for you and heartbroken for you at once. And I'm so glad you're taking us with you.

[Rich Crowl]

Great adventure!
Joe: I thought of you this morning when I went to the original Peet's and saw Mr. Tetlow reading his novel and me off to sell my damned stereos. It made me realize what a rut most of us are in-me even more than average! You're brave to take off like that. I even had a hard time moving to Oregon for a few years and getting out of my familiar surroundings. Keep in touch and have a great time. Rich

[susanf]

wow!! what an adventure. a departure from previous kinds of travel to get so immersed, I would say. so who has Maggie? What kind of place are you living in? I will look forward to reading

[emily]

baccon its that good
hey joe i miss you and maggie and i still love butter

[BostonBill]

Best Wishes
Hi Joe, for what it is worth I have heard that dogs have no concept of time. When Maggie greets you when you come home it will be the same as if you had been gone for a day. Not sure where I heard that but...... Bill

[Tamlyn]

Oh hell, you had to leave your girl behind
I cannot imagine how hard it must have been for you to leave your canine girl behind. I love my canine boy Rory so much that I actively miss him when I am away from him, even if only for one night. Wahhh! I hope your girl is in good hands...and you KNOW she'll remember and love you when you see her again.

[Emily Griffith!!!!]

I love and miss maggie so so so very much!!!!!!!!!!!! :)