Yesterday evening, a telephone conversation with my mum erupted in laughter mid-way when one of my fast-paced explanatory sentences was: "So I decided I needed to go to Beijing for the weekend."

::laughter::

Mum made me stop and evaluate the uniqueness of that last sentence (ok, yes, I admitted, I probably wouldn't have many opportunities to say that again during this lifetime...or would I?), before I continued speed-talking to explain that I'm leaving Chengdu for the weekend and no, don't worry! it'll be great, I'm going to the international business ethics conference and then meeting with other movers and shakers in the China social entrepreneur scene, including some fellow Midd grads and the directors of a china-based online microfinance network. Needless to say, I'm thrilled.

Running to the airport now, and then more blog updates in the coming days. Things have been happening fast and furious during the last few weeks, and there are stories that need to be told.