Ok ok, I think it has been more than a week since my last post- but life in Shanghai has been quite busy the past few weeks! I was sick once again (obviously this is Justyn) with something so fierce, I almost went to the hospital at one point. I have had pneumonia 3 times in my life, so I am always concerned that I am getting it again-  paralleling a hypochondriac at times- ha!
To get you caught up on the highlights of the past weeks; I was hired to be in a music video for a Taiwanese pop band that was shooting it here in Shanghai. It was a lot of fun but a SUPER long day. From noon until after 2 am, we shot scenes, ate yummy catered chinese food, did retake after retake, sent a crew member to the hospital after the electrical box exploded and electrocuted him, lost power for an hour (where we scrambled around in the pitch black) and finally- shot the final scene, where the projector guy put up naughty words by laser on the wall- to get us to smile and laugh, as we were all beyond exhausted with gelatinous minds... It was quite an experience! I will post the video as soon as it's out!
Yesterday I went on a 'go-see' for a huge cigar ad/campaign. I had to go in to the cigar company and meet the marketing director, so he could see if my look is what he had in mind. They said they would get back to me, but I am not holding my breath, as the man was not very friendly. Not sure if he didn't like me or my look, or if he is just a dry fellow, but I definitely didn't leave thinking "I nailed that"!  Not too worried about it- that whole scene is obnoxious and pretentious, to put it mildly. But the pay is really good, so I will take it if it comes:)
The weather is finally getting warm, hallelujah!
Sunny is on spring break this week, so we have been in adventure mode the past few days. We went for a jog the other day, which turned into a 4 hour run due to the warmth and sunshine. Got my sunshine fix AND dealt with some dumpling issues (on my thighs) at the same time! Today it is raining but warm, so we are going to walk in the rain to get massages....15 bucks for 1.5 hr body massage- ahhhhhhh!
I am starting to see what I am gaining from this experience here in China- I am learning that I can find peace and happiness wherever I go- even though it is tougher out here. As I have said before, China lacks the things I usually go to, to find my peace. With quality yoga, sunshine, a beach right out my front  door, organic food, good AA meetings/community- it's so easy to be blissed out all of the time.... China does not have ANY of this, so I am searching more within myself. It's not as easy, but it's working!!! I think I will feel like I am on a vacation once I get back to California....
Alright, my domestic partner, Sunny, is ready to go for a cleansing walk in the rain! I will really try to update more often, as I have funny stories to tell on a daily basis, but I forget them when I wait this long....

The game of life.....

Hello Lovers! It has been way too long since either of us have blogged. I will not waste your time with any half-truth excuses. Instead, I will promise to myself, as well as my readers- to blog AT LEAST once a week. It is going to be part of my extremely liberal schedule, moving forward:)
Today I am inspired to write, because I am stuck in the house, trying to recover from a 6 day head/chest cold. It is the 5th time I have been sick since I have been here. It's really starting to drive me mad! Talk about ups and downs man.....I get healthy, start having fun and feeling inspired, and BAM! Sick again. It's been punctual clockwork since the day I arrived, 1 week healthy, 4 or 5 days sick- REPEAT. It totally makes sense that I would be getting sick, given the lack of sanitary habits in Shanghai. (it seems to be custom to hock loogies and pick your nose wherever you might feel the need, and often). Sunny witnessed a lovely lady on the metro pick her nose and literally wipe it on the hold bar, for everyone to enjoy! I am wearing a mask on the metro from now on. And gloves. They (men and children) also go to the bathroom whenever and wherever they need to, sidewalks and streets are the popular choices. With that said- it makes sense that I have gotten so sick, and often.
I am loving the babies at the orphanage so much it seems to overflow at times. It amazes me how babies, without a mother to bond with, can seem so content and filled with joy, hope and love. I  wish them to be able to hold onto this innocence and wonder forever. I am not naive, as I know with age, comes reality and hardship for them. Until then, I can do my part in making them feel as much love as they deserve!
Sunny and I are still giddy newlyweds, for the most part. We have slumber parties in her room more nights than not, but the past few days have been a little tense- due to me being a crazy woman cooped up in the damn house for too long!!! A couple of weekends ago, we went out on an adventure to pay the water bill and ended up hopping on a random bus driving by, just to see where it would take us. It was fun for a bit- the idea of it was REALLY fun, but we ended up driving around in circles, not too far from where we hopped the ride...;)
Tonight we are making our audition video for "The amazing Race:China". I'm not even sure where to begin with that! I guess I will give them a rundown of the past 10 years of my life- the short version- and why I think I would be a good choice for the show? Suggestions appreciated on this subject. Thanks!

One last thing- I have opened a can of worms that is going to take years to finish. I have started writing the story of my life, with the idea that it will eventually be a book. I have thought about it for years, as my friends suggest it to me often. I recently got an email on facebook from a total stranger, and somehow I started telling her my story, and it seems we have similar life 'hardships'. She is just starting her journey into 'the other side' of life, and told me that me sharing my history with her has really inspired her to continue on her quest. Inspiring her has inspired me!   Most of you know that I have had some wild, crazy, sometimes very dark times in my life, as well as life changing, inspirational and monumental experiences. The thought of putting them all down on paper is overwhelming to me, but I feel it could really help other women find some spiritual freedom and strength, overall helping them have a better life journey.... I say all of this very humbly, I am in no way egotistical about where I have been and where I am now.  With THAT said- wish me luck and send me calm- it's very challenging for those of us who are scattered and passionate. Ha! That can be a potion for overwhelmed tears and mind consuming anxiety!
I look forward to sharing some healthy weekend fun with you all next week!
Lot's of Light and Love,
Justyn

RIDIN DIRRRRRTY. ALLLLL DAY, ERRRRY DAY.

Shanghai is so great but SOOOOOO DIRTY! I just got back from a run with Sunny, and my hair and skin feels like I just got back from Tijuana, haha- feels like home! I have a filthy layer of soot covering me, but I'm still all smiles. This is Justyn by the way. Sunny and I went for our run tonight, got lost, then found our way back. One of the good things about getting lost is finding new shopping spots to hit up- if you can remember where they are later... we found some small, high fashion shops that had great prices. Destination "Birthday Dress for Sunny" tomorrow!
Updates are as follows;
 I now have an agency representing me. They are finding me work doing modeling, TV and film. I'm interested to see how it goes. This is not what I intended on doing here, but it should be fun, and I can use the money for sure! I met with them on friday and they got my 'modeling card' to me today. They move quickly here with this industry it seems. We shall see....
Sunny, Jamie (our roommate) and I went to the "Pervert Party" on Saturday night, dressed in next to nothing. (see photo). It was loads of fun, but only because WE WERE the fun. Seriously, I can have fun with these girls and a dance floor no matter what the surroundings consist of- BUT the douche bag french idiots seem to unintentionally succeed in annoying us to the point of Sunny telling one to stay away. At this point,  I don't plan on dating while I'm here. The expat guys are a real turn off, and I have enough volunteer work, yoga and adventures with Sunny to keep me stimulated and occupied for quit some time, though it would be easier to mend the broken heart with a male distraction.....ha! Oh and on a side note- As we were walking to our taxi, I went out a gate, that apparently comes down quite quickly. I was strutting with purpose, probably trying to be all sexy for the German boys following behind us- when all of a sudden- BAM! Gate to the face! It took me down man, and I mean hard. It was such a spectacle that all 6 people in the area came rushing up to me to see if I was okay- as they were certain I was NOT. All I was concerned about was finding my fake eyelash that had been ripped off during battle. Sometimes I really entertain myself, and I was stoked other folks got to witness this comedic event.
Sunday we got amazing massages by the cutest chinese guys, who were fully entertained by our blonde hair and tattoos. (both are unusual and infrequently seen in Shanghai, the locals are constantly taking our pictures from a distance....It's kind of endearing)
Ummmmm 1 hour-full body massage for 15 bucks? I'll take 2 a day, thanks.
Monday I made my first trip to the Orphanage I am volunteering at. The kids are magical and full of life and love! There are over 20 kids at this one, the oldest is about 2 years old- and they all have cleft palette  conditions. They are from small, poor villages outside of Shanghai, where their mothers abandoned them because they can't afford the necessary surgeries the babies will need to survive. I am in love with all of them, they melt my heart. I get to see them 2-3 times a week, just enough time to fall more in love with them and want to take them home with me- ha!
Sunny's birthday is this weekend, and I've themed it "Go big or go home!". I am looking forward to witnessing massive amounts of inappropriate behavior....Another perk of being sober- I get to watch the shitshows unfold:)
Hope this kept you guys entertained and you feel full of Shanghai life! If anybody wants to hear more about certain subjects or has any suggestions or comments- leave them below! We love them:)
Peace and Love,
Justyn

A PENIS PARY?

Hello Lovers, it's Justyn.
I wasn't planning on blogging tonight, BUT I have to share the latest and greatest Shanghai has to offer. Sunny and I went out looking for some innocent dumpling and retail therapy this evening. What we got was a whole lotta c*#k (sorry mom- I had to!) . On our walk to the shopping district, we passed a man- within a foot- who whipped out his manhood to do his business on the sidewalk. I was grossed out and Sunny thought it was no big deal, as the Chinese seem to go to the bathroom wherever they are when they need to go. To me- gross. I was pretty over it after a few minutes and we carried on to overindulge in dumplings at Yangs, shopping at Zara, and a banana and chocolate ice cream crepe topped with whipped cream and chocolate syrup. It was a warm, gushy, gooey, sweet piece of heaven. My thoughts about asian penis' were long gone. We also stopped for some street food on our walk home, which was AMAZING, but 3 skewers later, we were wondering  "How on earth  will we be able to wear our costumes tomorrow for the "Pervert Party" we are attending?" Ha! So, speaking of perverts, as we were walking home a man standing in between 2 cars (on THE SAME well lit street) whips out HIS weenis and starts rubbing away. Well, it was more like a disgusting jerking that made me feel a little dirty. While I was shocked and speechless, Sunny started yelling and shrieking as she bolted down the street. For some reason, I found the whole thing quite entertaining. I think if I was in America I would have been totally appalled, but since this entire culture is new to me, nothing shocks me too much. Besides, we had already seen one on the way there- I thought "maybe this is just how they roll over here".....
More on the "Pervert Party" tomorrow.... Should be an adventure for sure!

Honkier by the day.....

Hello friends, it's Justyn.

Yesterday and today have been a little "cloudy" for me. I think the stimulation of being in a new city has calmed down a bit, and I missed home for the first time. Not in a big way, but I definitely used the term "F@*# OFF" to the weather at one point. It's just that I was at the beach, sunbathing after an early morning run 2 weeks ago- (most of you know how close I am with the beach) and now it's ALMOST unbearably cold weather.  It's the wind, stings the nostrils- quite pungent actually. Sunny and I bared the elements and went to the gym last night, where we dropped in on a class that mixed martial arts with some sort of punching the air and some yoga. It was bizarre and liberating. Especially the punching part. My imagination was in full effect, and an infamous "party boy" skateboarder was at the end of my fist. I am typically a gentle spirit-so this was new and exciting for me- and I went all out, balls to the wall! There is such beauty in letting things and people go that don't suit you, as heartbreaking as it may be sometimes. It's such a light feeling once you've found your freedom again. Moving on....

Let me tell you about the dumplings here. They are sinful. I am an addict by nature, so this is going to be a HUGE problem for me and my ass. I seriously haven't been able to get my mind off of them since Sunny took me Yangs last week, and I am not allowing myself to eat them until Saturday. Control issues? Perhaps. 

This leads me to the reason I am not allowed to eat dumplings until Saturday- I have a meeting friday with an agency who wants to represent me to do some modeling and acting. I'm not sure exactly what it's going to be like, but it sounds like fun and I can use some extra cash!! Nobody ever got hurt doing silly tv stuff in Shanghai. (See below post from Sunny)I hope!

I leave you with this;

The Chinese drivers seem to believe they are in the game "Pole Position" at all times, while on the road. I have no idea why there are even painted lines on the road, as they do whatever they want- including nearly mowing pedestrians down frequently. They also love to honk, for any reason, every reason and no reason at all! It's hilarious. Pedestrians and scooters DO NOT have the right away, if you don't believe this- it will not be a pretty party for you! The order of road authority is;

1. Buses

2. Oversized trucks

3. Cars

4. Scooters

5. Bicycles

6. People 

Goodnight my lovers and Namaste :)

Look, mom-I'm on TV!

So, one day Jamie (our other roommate) and I went to the new mall called Joy City to check it out. We happened upon a Chinese TV show being filmed. We hung around and one of the camera crew started talking to us followed by one of the TV show's directors-a darling girl named Winny. She asked if we'd like to be on a segment of the show. Do we EVER?!?! Next thing we knew we were waiting in a restaurant for our film debut on a Shanghainese version of a staged Candid Camera hahaha! I think we executed the task flawlessly, if I do say so myself. Jamie really hammed it up :) The link is below. We are on at the very beginning as part of the preview and then we have a full segment later in show. Check it out and be sure to let me know how awesome you think my acting is... HAMMY TIME

http://www.bbtv.cn/live/2009-05-17/311.shtml?st=1297854300&ed=1297855200

...Troll. Tron. Wait, what's his name...?

Hello friends and lovers!  It's Sunny reporting to you from Shaaaaanghaaaiiii, China and boy oh, boy do I have so much to share with you all. It was my intention to start a blog when I arrived over six months ago, but better late than never, right?!

As many of you know, my best friend, Justyn moved here nearly two weeks ago and I feel a new calm, while simultaneously being EXCIIIIITED OUT OF MY MIIIIIND!!!!! I couldn't be more grateful and invigorated by the way my life is evolving. Now that she and I get to share so many of the unfamiliar, silly, thrilling, strange, obnoxious, wondrous, beautiful experiences that living in Shanghai offers (if you are open to them) I feeeeeel like a unicorn took me on an adventure to the laaaand of blueberries... (smile on my face a mile wide :) :) :))

With that said, I'll let the stories fly and the making of memories unfold before your very eyes...

Welcome to the adventure. Thank you for joining us :)

DANCE MAGIC DANCE!!!!!

It's Justyn. I am so stoked to have our blog up, so we can start journaling our daily shenanigans in Shanghai while passing them on to all of our friends! My intention with this blog is to be as candid as possible, if I offend any of my readers- please know that it is nothing personal, it's just my life in truth. God help me, ha!
Let me start by telling you know how I got to this place in my life;
I was in the skateboard/snowboard industry for 13 years, and while it was A LOT of fun for so many years- the last 2 have been challenging for me, as I struggled to find any sort of fulfillment in my daily work routine. Perhaps this is just a cliche thing women do as we enter our 30's, or maybe it was the fact that I got sober a few years ago- and the industry is pretty much a big, alcohol/drug induced party 80% of the time. With that said, I felt like I was battling with "LA/party scene", or "sober/yogi" lifestyle. With as much fun as I was having, living the "LA/party scene" lifestyle,  I was getting exhausted and decided to throw in the towel last October.  It was time to head South- Destination "Yoga instructor". I left my career to explore this "Other side of life", and it has been nothing short of amazing. I did my yoga teacher training in November, traveled north in December, spent some self destructive time up in LA in January, (rekindling an old romance with an egotistical, professional party boy, who thought I could save him->cringe<Whom I still believe has a great heart with hidden potential->cringe<), ending up moving east, to China, in February. And here I am! My best friend Sunny lives here, time to meet her......