John says I’m an agoraphobe, because I can stay cooped up in the house for days, especially if I’m left to my own devices. But I disagree: isn’t agoraphobia defined as a fear of open spaces. I don’t mind lots of space. I actually enjoy nature and being outside, but some days, home is just so convenient. I have access to everything I need: munchies, drinks, internet, dogs. Sometimes I just don’t need to go outside. Today is one of those days. Plus, it’s hurricane season– in Asia and in the US. Taiwan’s been slammed a few times already this summer, Japan just the other day, and I think there’s another one brewing nearby. This morning, we had a downpour. As long as I’m inside, the strong gusts and lower temperatures are a welcome change. I haven’t had to turn on the AC in weeks (my penny-pinching game continues…). Unfortunately, the pups are looking rather tired. I think the pressure changes bother them. Either that or the big, scary curtains swishing about, trying to grab them.

This afternoon, I reached for a bag of chocolate morsels. Ghirdelli’s, from the States. Usually, I ration my imported foodstuffs, but these treats have been sitting around long enough. Actually, I forgot about them. They were originally slated for chocolate chip cookies, but after a few failed batches, I shelved baking a few months ago. I think these chocolates are going stale. Is that possible? Stale chocolate? Ah well, it doesn’t much matter. This afternoon alone, I’ve whittled the supply down. It helps that I scarf down handfuls at a time, crunching them in my mouth like I’m eating peanuts. Sometimes you just have to binge.

So my little pigout session reminded me of my friend Josh in college. He used to keep a bag of morsels in his top desk drawer. While he worked on his homework, he would pop a few morsels in his mouth and just let them sit there to melt. I think he’d store the wad between his front teeth and inner lip. I thought it was the strangest thing. I never could understand exercising all this control just over a few pieces of chocolate. I think he hated taking out his stash in front of me, because I’d always grab myself a helfty handful or two. And my portion would be gone in a matter of seconds. Poor Josh. Had it not been for me, his little 12 oz. bag would have lasted all semester.

I found some new readings today. Online, of course. Shanghaiist interviewed a Hooters gal. Made me laugh. Shanghaiist is having a launch party next week, and I’m actually thinking of going. Could be scary for a sociophobe like myself. We’ll see if I’m up for the challenge.

What else. Well, I’ve been spending a good bit of time doing dog research. Don’t laugh. I already told you my business card reads “dog enthusiast”! Anyway, I found myself a Mandarin tutor to help me with some business Chinese. I’m prepping for my Animals Asia job– I want to get all the terminology down. Don’t want to sound like a bumbling idiot when talking about serious issues like animal cruelty, dog safety, and pet education, you know? The learning is fun though very slow-going. A lot of looking stuff up in the dictionary. But it’s good exercise. We’ll see how long that lasts. 🙂

Ugh, the chocolate coma is setting in… I think I’m gonna have a tummy ache. That reminds me. I actually cooked lunch today. And no, I didn’t cook pasta and pour on the sauce. I actually made mashed potatos and black beans and rice. Hehe. Serous carbo loading. Well that’s what happens when you’re a “confused vegetarian” seeking clarity. Surprisingly, all the stuff came out great. The downside is I fell into a food coma this afternoon. I think I may have a food allergy, because I didn’t consume that much but I got really sleepy afterwards. We’re talking falling-sleep-in-front-of-the-computer tired. Hmm, will have to research that further.

Still raining outside. The sky is dark. I’m hoping for a big storm. I could use the drama.