some more realizations and the misfortune of becoming a "regular"

The past few weeks I began to become a little complacent with my stay in Shanghai. Since I've seen most of the categorized parts of the city (Jing'an, West Nanjing, People's Square, French Concession, East Nanjing, Bund, etc), I began to think that my further explorations would be similar. And, thus, I settled into a routine of su bao lady, work, dinner, sleep. However, the other day, I realized that there is still much to explore! There is still a trip to Beijing, a trip to a water village, and endless excursions to museums and ancient streets that I had not considered. Unfortunately, I only have five weekends left to see more of the city. AHH.

Also, to continue my last post's realization and explain why I'm not enjoying consulting:

Businesses request consultants to help improve their company. I'm not fond of the idea of working to improve a money-making machine. I would rather be working at the business.

Management consulting is a lot of surveys, interviews, databases, productized services, powerpoints, charts, and creativity. It's very analytical and, in a way, touches on psychology. That's not really my thing. If I did turn to consulting, I would rather do environmental consulting because it works with companies to make them more environmentally friendly; the environment is a "real" thing. Management consulting helps employees of companies grow as laborers and insures they get adequate benefits/remuneration -- that's very important...but not something of interest to me. I guess it's the area of consulting, not consulting itself, with which I'm having a problem.

Yesterday, I wanted to get a different breakfast food because it is getting too hot for bao zi and they seem to be getting worse every morning. Unfortunately, because I am now a "regular," my food was prepared for me the moment I stepped up to the door of the small shop. Today, though, I was assertive and asked for a strange rice congee-like substance in a bubble tea-like cup. It was, in fact, rice congee; it was refreshing.

Another realization: most people don't know what they want to do later in life. A handful do (PREMEDS) -- but not all. And that's OK. So, I won't worry about it too much.

Also, I saw a family living under a bridge the other day. They were doing laundry in a dirty river. Hmm.