Memoirs and China

I just started working out again. Aside from simply being healthy and feeling lame because I haven't worked out in a while, I need to do this. I was told by the professors taking us to China that we need to get in shape. This is mostly because we'll be doing lots of walking in China. I have a feeling that the Great Wall won't be the easiest time especially if I'm out of breath within seconds of seeing it. Ok, that's a hyperbole, but still, I would like to lose some weight and get in shape regardless of whether or not it's necessary.

Another thing... I'm having a problem writing this piece for my Advanced Workshop in Creative Nonfiction. I have to eventually come up with 35-40 pages of some form of creative nonfiction. It looks like I'll be doing a memoir or a hybrid of immersion/personal/memoir. I started out with something on my feelings which, in my case, has mostly been anger and depression. Those have been two major problems and emotions that are very influential. It's lead to a memoir-like essay on suicide, which I did have to deal with. Also I've had different experiences with suicide other than my own. I'm not sure what to do. I've never tried to commit suicide before but I have thought about it. That only happened though when I thought I would probably die. I do know some people who've attempted suicide, succeeded or just thought of it. I'll probably talk about that stuff. I'm not entirely sure. This is going to get super personal and I'm worried. However, as they say, "It's like ripping your guts out and putting them on the page." That's what you have to do, not only for good writing but for yourself as well.

Hope everyone is happy and safe and warm. Godspeed.

Nathan