03.19.07
sometimes it kind of upsets me because my brother doesn’t love reading as much as I did when I was his age. I’ve been trying to find books for him.
I think this is because, when I was a child, I saw books not only as an escape from whatever unhappy moment I was dealing with, but as friends. they really were; they were my constant companion, and if I started one and stopped in the middle to go do something else, it was like neglecting a friend.
then I realized, true friends don’t get upset when you leave them for a while. as long as you return to them. and so do good books.
this is definitely because my brother doesn’t have enough friends. so I am taking it upon myself to make sure that he will have enough books.
03.09.07
1. guitar. Much more portable than the piano, and easier to record things on. Plus, you don’t actually have to read music… though people should. It’s just so casual. And I love the idea of being able to accompany yourself wherever you go.
2. chess. My father was a chess master, so it was difficult being his kid. I would play against him. Let me tell you, people do not learn well when they’re discouraged, and I was always discouraged, since I lost all the time. One day, when I have the patience and my father is finished with his actuary exams, I will learn how to play chess. At least I’m old enough to not have my ego bruised, since I was never very good to begin with!
3. French. Here be my odd obsession with all things French culture, like cinema, classical music, food, art, and literature. I’ve had this burning desire to master the French language since I was thirteen; it’s a true pity I had such awful teachers in high school. (I have, however, signed up for a French class next semester, hoping to get back on track).
4. Chinese. And how would my parents feel if I mastered French, but not my native tongue? My Chinese conversation is laughable, mostly consisting of me blindly groping for vocabulary. For me, it is not only an interest, but a duty—to finally be able to read and write the language and not feel self-conscious speaking to people outside my family. I daresay it will also be useful when China takes over the world.
5. ballroom dancing. I am not comfortable with the way my body moves, all limbs and odd angles. At least I am making some headway in this one, as I’m learning some standard dances and will get started on the Latin ones later. And I’m learning how to swing! I can be sure of one thing: after I’m through with this, clubbing will be infinitely more fun, as you will never, ever, ever catch me grinding. Sorry, but I’m all class.