Fight or flight

I don't sleep much the night before these two journeys to the other side of the world; nor do I sleep on the plane. Packing my life into one suitcase and two carry-ons is a mental effort which, once undertaken, leaves me too wound for rest. Getting ready for a two week trip to China is as complicated as preparing to be there six months. I still pack everything from a Bible to electronic adapters to hiking boots. Just now, I rose from my bed and put a stapler in my suitcase. You need them sometimes when you're doing paperwork, and while they're available in China, it can take awhile to locate one.

Returning

As some of you know, I am returning to China this weekend to help arrange further exchanges between ETSU and Chinese institutions. I am the junior member of the party-- Dr. Jack Rhoton is going as is Dr. Hal Knight, our Dean. Dr. Weixing Chen, a young and extremely accomplished professor of International Studies is coming with us and will serve as our interpreter. I am excited about the programs we're working on, and I'll be delighted if we accomplish what we're hoping to, but it seems a little soon to be leaving home. I've just recovered from reentry. And yellow cat, butter only recently forgave me for being away so long.

I am gifted (or afflicted) with wanderlust, however I like spending time in the Southern Mountains. I love our small house with its surrounding trees. If I'm here too long though, I start to feel hemmed in, and I want to travel. But this is coming very soon.

Above: Butter naps on the couch.

Below: Jasmine, the younger of my cats, makes it hard to pack.

Ceremony

Thanks to Dr. Jack Rhoton's grantmanship, and the generosity of the Eastman Company, ETSU has a new Center for Excellence in math and science. To mark its opening, a big assembly was held in Warf-Pickel Hall. President Stanton was there. So was Dr. Bert Bach and a representative from Eastman There were heads of school districts, heads of departments. Even Senator Lamar Alexander came. We were asked to stand by departments and be "recognized." There was punch and cookies, and lots of speeches. The speeches were rather curious-- everyone was glad the center was opening, and thought it was a good thing. Everyone said the same thing. When I used to go to such programs, I wondered why no one said anything original. But now I understand. This was a CULTURAL CEREMONY. Important people come, everyone is recognized, the most important people talk, and that's how we show the venture is important. Above: Dr. Rhoton addresses the crowd. Dr. Stanton is to his left. Below: A Chinese dragon dance-- a ceremony in another culture..