sweet kicks

Since we met, Elissa and I have had the same conversation about footwear countless times. It goes something like this:

Elissa: Which shoes should I wear?

Jon: Which ones are more comfortable?

Jon: Which ones are warmer?

Jon: Which ones will keep you more dry?

Elissa: Oh, forget it, these ones are cuter.

Clearly my footwear creed is function over fashion. So, the picture below of me in Crocs should not be surprising. What is surprising, however is the second picture of Elissa ready to go out IN PUBLIC in her $1.50 teal blue chinese galoshes. Looks like all those conversations are starting to make a difference.

i want to ride my bicycle

Thanks to some seriously generous and thoughtful donations, I now have my very own bicycle over here! Thank you so much friends! Jon is saying that I now have my wings, and I think he's a little sad that i don't need a lift on his scooter for every single little errand i need to run. I have to admit, I have a new feeling of freedom when I hop on and take to the open road here...even though the open road is super cramped, loaded with cars, bikes, scooters, people and tons of other unimaginable entertainment. And I truly thought that I would obey the laws of the road once I started peddling on my own here in China. What a joke. There hardly are any laws...and the ones that exist are only there to be challenged using your own creativity. I better wear my helmet.