It’s been almost four weeks since my last post—my trip to Shanghai—and a lot has happened since then. I’m actually writing this on my way to the airport, about to fly back to the U.S. for 12 days before returning to Dalian.

Work has kept me more than busy. Over the past month I’ve been pushing hard on investor outreach strategy and execution, and I took another trip to Shanghai to meet with business colleagues. One highlight was pitching an AI platform for an “AI High School” here in China. I’d say the pitch went pretty well—maybe a 40% chance, but we’ll see.

I’ve also been working alongside Xue’s business, though she isn’t traveling much right now at six months pregnant. That collaboration is moving forward, and I’d put it at 60% success odds (give or take, haha). On top of that, I met with an old colleague to pitch an e-commerce site, and that one went really well—I’d give it an 80%.

When I came to China, I knew remote work with a U.S. focus would be a challenge, especially with the time zone difference. What surprised me, though, is how quickly connections started forming here. Less than two months in, I’ve already found people willing to talk, to help, and to introduce me around. I even met a really nice guy on a flight back from Shanghai who’s been opening doors at international companies. It feels like a different culture when it comes to networking—more open, more relational. Or maybe it’s me. I wasn’t always the most outgoing person, and I’m working on that.

On the personal side, I’ve been slowly conquering the Shanghai and Dalian metro subway systems. At first it was intimidating, but now I feel confident catching trains anywhere. Riding the Metro has been a window into daily life here. In just one day in Dalian, I watched multiple acts of kindness—people giving up seats for the elderly, one mother even sending her young son to escort an older woman across the aisle. It’s a stark contrast to my subway experiences in New York.

Bit by bit, I’m feeling more comfortable here. Friendly restaurant owners, small exchanges with merchants, and the rhythm of daily life help. Still, I remain very much a foreigner in a foreign land.

Now, my trip back to Seattle looms with a long layover in Korea. I’m looking forward to seeing Sydnee, my mom, Leslie & my dad, and of course Sadie and Lily. And then there’s the mountain of work waiting for me around the house—organizing, cleaning, and getting it ready to rent out rooms, unfinished business from before I first left.

If I’m honest, I’ve been in a strange spot lately. Busy, yes, but I just haven’t felt like writing. Maybe that’s why this moment, heading to the airport, feels like the right time to put words down.

I’m excited to be back in Seattle, eat food I can’t get here, and spend time with family. But part of me is already anxious to return to Dalian, to Xue, and to our baby girl. In just two and a half months, she’ll be here. The world doesn’t slow down to let you prepare, but we’ll be ready.

While I’m in Seattle, I’ve been tasked with choosing our daughter’s English name. The ultrasound report gave us a quiet confirmation—it’s a girl. So, while my grandson will be born in mid-November in Virginia, my youngest daughter will arrive in Dalian just days later. Talk about turning a world upside down, haha.