I'm happy today, but for a dorky reason. But it requires some explanation.

I built a new file server/domain controller for work a while ago. In it are two RAID's (Redundant Array of Independent Disks). The RAID's are RAID 5 which means that if one of the disks goes bad the data is not lost. So this means that you can have three hard drives (or more) hooked up together, have one of them break, and not lose any data. That is what happened. I replaced the bad hard drive and every thing worked flawlessly. It was amazing. The computer did was it was supposed to do. I was very impressed by that. We would have lost a lot of valuable data if it didn't work. So, I'm happy.

Not much else is going on. I looked at the Center of Disease Control's web site and they suggested that I bring a water filter to China. I don't consider that really cheating so I'll be doing that. I get to go water filter hunting this weekend. Sounds like an adventure. I'm also supposed to use iodine pills. Hopefully someone at the water filter store will be able to fill me in.

So now I'm sitting here in front of my computer trying to figure out what to say. I mean what is their to say when you really haven't done much since the last update? Should I bother writing these updates when nothing really happens or should I only write updates when I actually have something to say. I mean that sounds like a good idea but then the site would be outdated pretty quickly. I'm going to try to force myself to update at least once a week I think. Otherwise I'll just feel like I put out just another web page that exists but is never added to. I get sick of those. And you know, you're not forced to read this, so what's the harm?

I leave for China in about a week now. One thing I'm nervous about is simply wasting my time and not making the most of my trip. It seems a waste to go somewhere like China and not see all that there is to see. But at the same time I think there is something really fun about going somewhere like China and then figuring out how to get along. And I know I'll have another opportunity to go to China again anyway. Also, I feel like in a place like China where EVERYTHING is different (I think) anything I see will be a spectacle of sorts. I am bringing packs of American cigarettes to try to make friends.

I've talked to people who have gone to/lived in China and they said it's like going back in time 20-30 years. They also say that all the stereotypes about the bicycles are true. It's really hard not to get hit by bicycles if you're not careful. I did call my insurance company to make sure I'll be covered if I get hit by a raging Chinaman on a bicycle, I am.

A side note. Once when I was in Washington DC some guy biked past me (I was standing on a sidewalk) and randomly hit me in the chest. I still think of that every time someone bikes past me. That may make me freak out a lot.