…my girlfriend walked me to the subway station in Shanghai—Longxi Road, 10 train. We thought we’d be apart for 21 days. That was January 21st, 2020. By the Grace of G-d, we’ve hung on. Now, with President Biden and Vice President Harris, my hope for return grows and grows. Yet, the pandemic rages. I believe,…
Tag: relationships
Dreaming
Early Saturday morning subway rides through a slowly awakening city Joining/leading our InterSport Running Crew for team training My girlfriend Guilin accompanying me by bike during long runs along Shanghai’s East Bund All you can eat at Lakeside Veggie on weekends Fried rice Steamed buns Guilin’s tomato tofu Pink’s “Fuckin’ Perfect,” my go-to karaoke song…
8 Week Anniversary in New Zealand
I know I’ve been in New Zealand for a while because… The trees are changing from green to red, gold, yellow. Seasons have changed from my mid-summer arrival, to early-mid fall weather now. Early mornings here on the South Island have been around 33F. My full tube of toothpaste has been depleted: Even though I…
Are 11% of Americans Drug Addicts? And Assorted Other Chinese Questions, Part I
What are some questions Chinese people who’ve spent their entire lives–in most cases–in mainland China have for an American? I’ve asked a number of folks in Shanghai, men and women–although most responses below are from women. A sampling, in no certain order [translated from Mandarin by me if not using ” “, sent to me…
A Year In China, Dammit!
9/10: Well, thought computer saved my last week’s worth of entries. Maybe not. No time to check now. If not, I’ll have to recap later. “You’re face looks weird,” sixth grade Brian just told me bluntly. I think he meant well, maybe. I think he meant younger now than I shaved (??). Middle schoolers. Tonight’s…
On the Train
12 consecutive days in the gym with my fractured foot; I’m charging around more and more. I’ve been on and off subway over past week. I refuse to be bedridden. Heading out to see my girlfriend today, large bouquet in hand, book bag on back. Air cast in place, doing its thing. Got on 9…
Lunch Box
She is so thoughtful. She knew I needed this and had it sent to my school without my knowing. Did she choose this lunch bag for me, too? Came with the box. Thank you, girlfriend!
What the F–k is Wrong With Me?!
My boy Charlie was right— Not this Charlie… these are the best of times and worst of times. Yes, as many of you all know, I had an amazing expedition to and through Asia this summer. As many of you may not know, I even got to embrace and kiss beautiful women in Thailand &…
Forging a New Path
For the first time since 10:25 a.m. on April 30th, I ran. It is a gorgeous evening here in The Bronx, New York. I was compelled to rejoin the natural world after my post-marathon respite. I yearned for sun, sky,my friends the trees called out to me. And for my first run in history, of…
Dating Life of the Long Distance Runner
[pulled from my archives of February 2010] The dating scene for a distance runner presents some real challenges. Not only does one first have to expend extra energy finding someone to go out with, but then one must find the disposable cash not spent on running shoes or race entries in order to show a…
Bleeding
Ice sheets lay ahead. I could avoid them. Instead, I charge over them. Smooth glass beneath rubber soles. Darkness envelops me. Ragged treetops pierce the sky. I am alone. Within the largest park in New York City, I find solitude. Yet, solitude now is deafening. Families at home, warm, caressed, fulfilled. I travel forward. Rolling…
