Eat That Frog

There’s an old saying misattributed to many different people that goes along the lines of: If the first thing you do in the morning is eat a live frog, then your day can only get better. It’s a take on procrastination that suggests you should complete the most difficult task on your to-do list first, so you don’t stress about it for the rest of the day.

 

Badminton at the new campus

If I may take the liberty to extend the meaning, then for many people, school orientation week is like eating that frog (sometimes literally, as we’ll get to). For one week, you force yourself to be as outgoing and charismatic as you can, knowing that it is only a temporary measure for your own good. While I’ve written about introverts being true to themselves, I also believe that there are moments to break character (or rather, to get into character). I think this week has gone more smoothly than I could have hoped, if only because for the greater part of a month, I’ve been lonely travelling all by myself. But, while the company has been warm and inviting, I’m happy for things to slow down.

 

Guia Fortress 

On Facebook, I’ve seen more than one post by Chinese students stating that they’ve felt drained during the past week. Wearing a social mask is hard for some and I feel it’s important to say that not all Westerners are drink-happy partiers. Last night, I had to sleep for 13+ hours to recuperate from the week. I’ve had very little time to read or do any mental activity since arriving in Macau and, as backwards as that is to some people, that’s what energizes me.

 

Kun Iam Temple

Every day we’ve been walking and talking, seeing the sights of Macau and every night we’ve been drinking, partying, or gambling. As the only native English speaker, the Karaoke microphone barely left my hands two nights ago. Very few people who know me could imagine that, but no one else would take a turn. I didn’t even know half of the songs!

Last night and during a few of the tours, I either crashed or slumped into silence. Even the surprise dinner of duck tongues, frogs, snakes, beetles, and larvae didn’t rouse my energy levels (chugging back a few beers almost helped though).

 

Well, at least we know the frog is fresh...

So, to those students at uMac, even if you aren’t naturally outgoing, but made an effort during the last week, I congratulate you. It was a great chance to get to know people from around the world and to let other people get to know you. Now relax, go at your own pace, and to everyone: Good luck in the new semester!