Good things that have come my way today

[ellarien]

An 'Ocean in View' nickel.

The last Amazon shipment of the year, including Worldwired, the new Enya CD, and Season 1 of Stargate:Atlantis.

A double-digit number of views for my latest photo on Flickr.
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A formal invitation to speak at a meeting I'm going to anyway.

And ...

An invitation to speak at a meeting in Beijing, China, next summer. (The website has Flash. Lots of Flash. In fact, the Multimedia Guide has about the most charmingly gratuitous Flashery I've ever seen, if you like that kind of thing. Follow that panda!)

I need to think about this one. I haven't been abroad, in the sense of anywhere but the US and UK, for over five years, and China is not the least scary place I might contemplate visiting. But ... China! To say the least, I'm tempted. What's more, having made that mental leap, I'm wondering if I could manage the one in Sicily in May, as well.

Comments

[intertext.livejournal.com]

Hey, congratulations on all counts, but especially on the chance to go to China. I taught there for two years, and have never regretted taking that scary leap into the unknown. Actually, for all its exoticism, China is actually a great place to go - they'll treat you nicely and make you feel special. Beijing is an amazing city :)

[ellarien]

Thank you!

[marykaykare.livejournal.com]

I just finished Worldwired today. Really enjoyed it -- don't let it keep you from China! She said, trying to avoid being spoilery while still being snarky.

MKK

[ellarien]

Hah. I'd temporarily forgotten the Chinese connection there.