Why a migrating bird must feather its own nest

My friend Brian got wind of my Ikea addiction and began teasing me about it. When I returned from my fourth Ikea outing, I muttered to myself as I was getting out of the taxi, "Please don't let me run into anyone that I know."

But it's not just Ikea that is causing me to do my part to spur along the Chinese economy.

I have been to the flea market twice now, which has tons of Chinese artifacts and antiques. I have returned in both cases with items to decorate my apartment in reds and greens.

A modern art poster of a rooster.

A pottery dish that holds my forks, spoons and knives.

So you can see where this is heading. My first paycheck was spent before I even got it.

But to me, this cost of "nesting" is one that I accept. It is that important to me to surround myself with things that please my eyes. It gives me rest, contentment and happiness.

I've been in China more than two months now, and I finally have my apartment the way that I want it, down to a little red tray that corrals my perfume bottles.

Red and green greets me immediately as I walk in, as a few quilts I brought from home are now hanging on the walls.

I have red and green patterned sheets on the bed, and red towels hang in my bathroom, color coordinated with my shower curtain.

I also have a poster from the "cultural revolution" (1966-76) era hanging in my living room, purchased from a booth at the flea market. The poster shows young adult Chinese, looking pleasantly fierce in military garb, with the small "Quotations from Chairman Mao" books from the mid-1960s held high in the air.

Thank goodness the Mao books were red! A perfect match to my dcor. And a great addition to my nest.