two moments

I had one of those "moments" today. Actually, two moments.

The first came this morning as I was scooting to the gym at 8am during rush hour traffic. I was weaving in and out of buses, cars, taxis, and hundreds of scooters when it just hit me: I wish my parents could see me right now. They would not only feel terrified for me (cause driving here is quite dangerous), but I think they would just say to themselves: "there goes our crazy natalie." I started laughing out loud just thinking of my parents reaction to my scoot scootin'.

The second moment happened about 3 minutes ago. I was sitting in the computer lab again (my home away from home) and I needed a break so I started reading my advanced Chinese book. I opened the book to page 1 and read an entire paragraph without any pauses and then it hit me: holy shit I can read Chinese. Mind you, yes I kinda knew this already. BUT, I haven't picked up a Chinese book in about 5 months or more. I was just amazed that I remembered how to read. Yes, I have to read on a daily basis, but it's mostly words like "chicken or pork" and "tea or coffee" and "rice or noodles."  It was nice knowing that I could still pick up a book and read things such as "united nations" and "buddhism" and other difficult characters.

And then it hit me...I'm really going to miss Chinese. I truly LOVE this language. And one of the biggest reasons that I don't want to go back to the States after graduation is that I don't want to lose everything I've already learned. But then again, I'm not sure I can live a solitary life in Asia much longer either. Ahhh, decisions decisions. Regardless of what I decide, I love the fact that I can put a third language on my resume. I'm proud that I speak Chinese. I'm proud of all that I've sacrified to know this language. I'm proud to be a big eyed foreigner who shocks people every time I open my mouth. I love that shit. And I hope that no matter where life takes me that Chinese will still be a part of my life, because if you love something, you should never let it go. Right?

Comments

[MarieP]

Two great things and now I'm wishing I could read Chinese.

[Tomasita]

Natalie....you can still use your chinese here, I can be first on your list to tutor! :-)

[Cathy]

Who knows, you may find a job in the States that deals with China and your knowledge of Chinese can come in very handy - and you may even travel to China - you need to find an international job - how exciting!! Okay, back to school for a degree in international studies - just kidding! :) You're doing GREAT.

[Natalie]

Marie: You should try to learn it! It's the best.

Tomastia: Good to know I have a part time job when I come back! ;)

Cathy: You are so supportive! Thank you!

[amy lapi]

right :)