(i wrote this a few days ago on the way to Taiyuan)

From the train station waiting room i turn on my iPod and use the soft music as a soundtrack to watch the people walk by. In my minds eye i tell myself their stories. Some are hard-working farmers, some are businessmen, some are students, some are moms, some are dads, sons, brothers and they are all people with individual lives. They are all going somewhere with some purpose in mind. I think traveling alone (and with Xiao Pi Pi) reminds me that life should be slowed down just enough for reflection. As hard as i run and as busy as i may seem i still want you to know that i’m thinking. My wheels are turning. Just last night i had a conversation that might change the world. Well, at least another corner of it.

Today i’m thinking about the stories of our lives. I’m thinking about what makes a remarkable story. I’m watching snowy Beijing pass by as i sit in the window seat of train D2001 to Taiyuan, Shanxi. The sun has just risen and the people are bustling on about their lives. Their stories are continuing on in one direction or another.

This is the joy of the train. An airplane takes you high above the action and high above people’s lives. But here on this train i’m watching it all and imagining all the stories. While i watch i’m thinking about so many things. I’m thinking about the day ahead of me and what will be done. I’m thinking about the next trip in a couple of days and what should be done during those days. I’m reflecting on 2009 and how i can finish it well. I’m thinking about 2010 and how i want it to be a remarkable year for us all. I’m thinking about the small plans i already have for 2010 and how that excites me.

With my iPod creating the soft soundtrack for these thoughts i guess it’s only appropriate that i should give you a few quotes from a few songs:

• There is no language for what we’ve seen.
• Our mouth is a mirror so we must watch what we say.
• We can dream when we’re wide awake.
• Faith is expensive to taste.
• We’re on the edge of our seat.
• Before we were born God gently told us the truth.
• When we speak we risk an avalanche.