I have a friend who just had a baby. This is only the second baby I've ever known among our circle, and it feels like a chance for everyone to reset and let go. It's as if the arrival of a new life brings a fresh perspective, a new beginning. I believe that's how the world moves forward—or maybe the Indians, or the ancestors of someone, might have a saying in that.

In February 1905, the Bavarian royal family of Germany issued a decree to deprive a man of his imperial citizenship and expelled him from the country within eight weeks. Because he had evaded military service more than a decade ago and illegally immigrated to the United States, he had made a fortune and wanted to enjoy the treatment of an imperial citizen, but there was no way. For several months, he had been petitioning the authorities to allow him to stay, but he never got his wish. In desperation, at the end of June, he boarded a cruise ship to New York with his pregnant wife.

There's a famous book called Journey to the West, which is built around a simple idea: love triumphs over hate. But I feel like love isn't something people are as familiar with anymore. We don't seem to feel it or care about it as much as we once did.

Feb 10, 2025

Last night, I had a cozy time in my car, with the temperature hovering around 48°F. I met up with Steven, a buddy I've been on this journey with from the very beginning. Steven has been working in massage therapy for about three years since his first job in the USA, but recently, he's been wanting to quit to become a trucker. Two years ago, he lost most of his savings in a failed investment, which he won't talk about. So, most of our conversation was about his future plans. Despite everything, he remains positive and ambitious, which is reassuring because I've been concerned about his mental well-being. A $100,000 loss isn't something to take lightly. He's now living with a friend who sells spicy noodles on the street at night. He mentioned how the economic recession and increased taxes have affected his renovation construction work, forcing him to find other ways to make a living.

Lately, I've been puzzled by something: the operating hours of public libraries in the USA. They all seem to differ from one another. Why is that?

Today, I'm going to help Steven at the DMV, as his struggles with English make it difficult for him to communicate, though he doesn't seem bothered by it. I've noticed that many people in the U.S. are very confident in their English, even some of my American-born friends. I admire that confidence and feel a bit envious. I wish I could feel the same way.

I quit my first trucking job after we'd been driving team for 10 days without rest. The company still wouldn't let us stop to buy food. I was just a rookie, but no one cared. I believe many people are treated the same way, like ordinary cogs in this relentless world. I hope everyone takes care of themselves before they get pushed to the edge.

Writing this has consumed my breakfast time, as the breakfast combo is only served before 10 a.m. But I do enjoy the time I spend in the library. The peace here has become addictive. I hope I can find another job where I'm treated like a human being. It's hard to find a job, especially when your background or experience isn't recognized. Holding on to any job isn't easy.

Outside the window, I see a car pulled over by the police, since the police department is right next to the library. I park my car here too, since the library's parking lot is small. I just hope I don't get a ticket. I'll find out soon enough.

I've been thinking about three jobs that seem entirely different from others in this world: police officers, doctors or nurses, and teachers. Especially police officers — the word itself brings a mix of safety and fear to most adults. It makes me think of the sugar cane in Namibia, in my friend Lucky's backyard. Namibia is a dry country, and after the rainy season, Lucky put a lot of time and water into growing those plants. One day, he cut one for me, but it wasn't sweet. It was disappointing, especially considering the water bills he was paying. I joked, "Life's too tough, I don't want to be sweet." I hope his smile makes up for those bills.

Words often differ from their dictionary definitions, and I don't fully understand why. Are we driving the world crazy, or is it the other way around? Some people—whether as police officers, doctors, or teachers—use their roles for purposes beyond their original intent. They value everything except the original purpose of their positions. Aren't they? Aren't we? Shouldn't we pause for a moment to reflect on what's happening in the world? The greed for money, the erosion of humanity, and the harshness of life leave us with nowhere to hide.