Fen Dou, 奋斗

There's a hot catch phrase that's buzzing around China, the world is "fen dou"(奋斗）. It means to work hard to have a better life. It refers to something people do in their twenties when they work so hard to live a better life. Almost like how the Japanese say "ganbatte". (Yeah, I have a thing for Asian languages...)

Today I was told that I married relatively young (March, 2007 - I was 24, Zoe was 25... I love older women.). That might be true in certain circles. But you know, there was a time in China where people were getting married at 14. Jeez.

Anyway, I figured that the live Zoe and I are living is a "fen dou" lifestyle, but I don't think we could do what we are doing at the age of 30. I promise. I don't think we would mesh as well. Period. Here's an example.

These days I've been filing out tax forms, working on visa packets and loans for my college (you don't want to know the number), with all of this, America's economy is currently 'screwed', and I'm far away from home, particularly, Dad and Mom. I have a bit of baggage, but I'm lucky enough to maintain a positive attitude, but there are times where I just break down.

Zoe, as mature as she is, helps me up. Sometimes, I feel bad and ask why she does this, and she tells me, "I am your wife." That's really not easy to do, but she does it and I am lucky. If this was years later and life was like this, it would be a pain in the butt for us to get to know each other. At least we are young, yet mature enough and have the energy to tackle life's obstacles and grow together with it. All of this is for a better future.

And I'm all about a better future.

So here's to all those young fiancees making their plans to walk down that aisle and those married couples out there... Keep 'Fen Dou-ing'!!