What a day...
At roughly 3:30 am I checked the time for the last prior to my descent to a strange dreamworld. I can't recall what I was dreaming, exactly, but it was kinda weird. Anyway, I woke before my alarm, probably around 7:15, and rolled one way and another the way I had during the several interruptions I'd had. I finally decided to check the time, it was 7:25, five minutes before my alarm was to sound.
I rolled around a bit more before finally pulling myself out of bed. I checked all of my online social networks, made some posts, checked my emails, etc. Nothing truly exciting at the time, so I fixed breakfast and headed out on my bicycle for school. My first ride since probably September or earlier felt pretty good, I must say. I got to campus, locked the bike, and headed to class. I was able to read most of the required texts for Lit class, but I really only had comments on "Mrs. Spring Fragrance", which was written by a half-Chinese lady. So far, I've had three topics for writing my first paper: Any thoughts?
A - The use of language depicting the "Negro" dialects of the south, particularly in Twain's writings, with special attention to how a "white" dialect may read on paper... like, y'know?
B - The use of subtle language to show a devolution of sanity in Charlote Perkins Gilman's "The Yellow Wall-paper", as well as the slow rise in language that attacks the scientifically accepted methods of the time.
C - Sui Sun Far's various styles of depicting character in "Mrs. Spring Fragrance", as well as touching the social norms in the States as compared to China, and the ironic political statements being made within the text. I believe I could also touch upon Lisa See's "Snowflower and the Secret Fan" for some support.
In "Reader Responses", I've written a single page as a response to topic A and B, but anyone who knows me reasonably well knows that I say I'm all about Asia, so topic C is right there where I want to be.
Anyway, after I half-slept through class discusson on Edith Wharton, despite rather enjoying "Souls Belated", and offering a comment or two, I woke up once the discussion turned to Far's piece. I, thankfully, had first pick at making a comment, and I went all into it. I noted the language used in various places, the way titles are used, and English vs. Americanized names and the like, and as an immediate response to mine, one of the three Asian girls decided it was her turn:
"I want to respond to that. Coming from that culture, I couldn't agree with you more..."
Why is it that I find praise of this type far more fulfilling from an Asian than I would otherwise if some random other classmate had said "I agree with you completely"? I mean, aside from the fact she has first-hand knowledge of the topic which I claimed, on some level, to understand? This was Event #2 in my "Remember Asia" day. Even #1 was realizing I had to read a Chinese-English story for American Lit class.
After class I spoke with this lady, Yer/Yur/Yir?, briefly before her next class, then went to my professor's office and asked if I may change my topic to write about "Mrs. Spring Fragrance". She said that was okay, and I said I wasn't entirely sure if I was going to do that because I like to play, and she quite appreciated the comment, I think, but moreso when I told her what my first essay from a year ago had been on: Faulkner's character of Abner Snopes (The All-American Hero!). She asked if I would bring to her a copy so she can photocopy it and share it with the class, for those that had not yet experienced the joy of "responding to literature" in the fashion we will be doing in the class.
During my lunch break, I went to the cafeteria as per usual and purchased a slice of pizza. The ladies that work the lunchroom are Asian, and today I decided I simply must find out what kind of Asian. There was nobody in my line, so I asked.. Huong is her name.. she is Vietnamese. She does not seem to be too old, perhaps near my own age, if not slightly older. Anyway, I told her I took Vietnamese and she asked if I took it on that campus and I said no I took it elsewhere. Someone else got in the line at that point, so I went to sit down. As I was pulling out my Korean book, a younger Chinese fella took a seat at my table, and we spent my entire lunch talking about languages. It turns out he is taking the Mandarin course at Sac City, and is a speaker of Cantonese. We spoke about the history of a few of the languages, and also of Vietnamese (as it has its history in Cantonese). I decided at that point that I would speak briefly with Huong before I went on to my piano class, and so I did. Remember Asia #3.
We have assigned seats in piano class, and it just so happens I am assigned to sit next to a Hmuong. That's not exactly enough for RA#4, so moving on... :P
Went back to my bicycle, unlocked it and headed to Sac City. I noticed before, but since I'd only done that particular ride twice, it hadn't stuck... I ride by the biggest Asian market in the area, and through areas that have nothing but Asian stores and restaurants.
I get to Sac City, then I head all over campus trying to find out information. First I spoke to a counselor concerning what I need in order to transfer to a CSU with an English major, then I learned that several of the classes can be Asian-centric. Then, once I got to my Korean class, the girl who sits behind me asked me if my name was David.
Well, yes. It is.
She was in the Mandarin course I'd taken last summer. She dropped after the first week. Such an impression I must have made. (I'd consider the above few thoughts as Remember Asia #4)
After Korean class, I went to find the Mandarin 401 room, and lo and behold, a young lady I have yet to mention in blogs was there. Perhaps a little back up?
When school started, I had a dance class on M & W night. It got out at 8:20, and sometimes I'd talk, sometimes I'd rush out, sometimes I'd wait, etc. No matter what time I eventually arrived at light rail, this Chinese lady was always in the same car as I was. Thing is, that ranged from 8:30, 9:00 or 9:30. For us to be in the same care on the same train at the same time every single day on the way home from class...
Anyway, I finally spoke to her, and we talked about the language. She seemed really excited to speak with someone who actually cared about her culture. I did not get her name, and I expected not to see her since I dropped my dance class shortly thereafter.
Until she showed up leaving the classroom right next to the Mandarin classroom. She's in the classroom next door, right before the Mandarin course begins. o.O? I consider that insanely Remember Asia #5.
When I arrive home, I have two comments (and a message) on my friendster from Sheryl, a girl in the Philippines. The more I communicate with her, the more I adore her. I may never fall in love with that girl but I will always love her. I expect she will be one of my stronger friendships in time.
I can't forget... last night I had a brief phone call from Yang, a girl presently working in Hong Kong. On Friday night/Saturday morning, I spoke with Rae, from Singapore, for 7-9 hours. Some was voice chat, some was typing, but she was able to view my [roommate's] webcam through the entire conversation.
Tomorrow I have a few places to go, and a 5 page rough draft to write. I am presently hungry, tired, a bit sticky from cycling everywhere today (25+ miles, not too far, but on muscles unused). I have very strong doubt that I will ever have a more Asian day until I have a full day of "Asian Art" / "Asian Humanities" / "Asian Lit" classes and Mandarin TV.
I rolled around a bit more before finally pulling myself out of bed. I checked all of my online social networks, made some posts, checked my emails, etc. Nothing truly exciting at the time, so I fixed breakfast and headed out on my bicycle for school. My first ride since probably September or earlier felt pretty good, I must say. I got to campus, locked the bike, and headed to class. I was able to read most of the required texts for Lit class, but I really only had comments on "Mrs. Spring Fragrance", which was written by a half-Chinese lady. So far, I've had three topics for writing my first paper: Any thoughts?
A - The use of language depicting the "Negro" dialects of the south, particularly in Twain's writings, with special attention to how a "white" dialect may read on paper... like, y'know?
B - The use of subtle language to show a devolution of sanity in Charlote Perkins Gilman's "The Yellow Wall-paper", as well as the slow rise in language that attacks the scientifically accepted methods of the time.
C - Sui Sun Far's various styles of depicting character in "Mrs. Spring Fragrance", as well as touching the social norms in the States as compared to China, and the ironic political statements being made within the text. I believe I could also touch upon Lisa See's "Snowflower and the Secret Fan" for some support.
In "Reader Responses", I've written a single page as a response to topic A and B, but anyone who knows me reasonably well knows that I say I'm all about Asia, so topic C is right there where I want to be.
Anyway, after I half-slept through class discusson on Edith Wharton, despite rather enjoying "Souls Belated", and offering a comment or two, I woke up once the discussion turned to Far's piece. I, thankfully, had first pick at making a comment, and I went all into it. I noted the language used in various places, the way titles are used, and English vs. Americanized names and the like, and as an immediate response to mine, one of the three Asian girls decided it was her turn:
"I want to respond to that. Coming from that culture, I couldn't agree with you more..."
Why is it that I find praise of this type far more fulfilling from an Asian than I would otherwise if some random other classmate had said "I agree with you completely"? I mean, aside from the fact she has first-hand knowledge of the topic which I claimed, on some level, to understand? This was Event #2 in my "Remember Asia" day. Even #1 was realizing I had to read a Chinese-English story for American Lit class.
After class I spoke with this lady, Yer/Yur/Yir?, briefly before her next class, then went to my professor's office and asked if I may change my topic to write about "Mrs. Spring Fragrance". She said that was okay, and I said I wasn't entirely sure if I was going to do that because I like to play, and she quite appreciated the comment, I think, but moreso when I told her what my first essay from a year ago had been on: Faulkner's character of Abner Snopes (The All-American Hero!). She asked if I would bring to her a copy so she can photocopy it and share it with the class, for those that had not yet experienced the joy of "responding to literature" in the fashion we will be doing in the class.
During my lunch break, I went to the cafeteria as per usual and purchased a slice of pizza. The ladies that work the lunchroom are Asian, and today I decided I simply must find out what kind of Asian. There was nobody in my line, so I asked.. Huong is her name.. she is Vietnamese. She does not seem to be too old, perhaps near my own age, if not slightly older. Anyway, I told her I took Vietnamese and she asked if I took it on that campus and I said no I took it elsewhere. Someone else got in the line at that point, so I went to sit down. As I was pulling out my Korean book, a younger Chinese fella took a seat at my table, and we spent my entire lunch talking about languages. It turns out he is taking the Mandarin course at Sac City, and is a speaker of Cantonese. We spoke about the history of a few of the languages, and also of Vietnamese (as it has its history in Cantonese). I decided at that point that I would speak briefly with Huong before I went on to my piano class, and so I did. Remember Asia #3.
We have assigned seats in piano class, and it just so happens I am assigned to sit next to a Hmuong. That's not exactly enough for RA#4, so moving on... :P
Went back to my bicycle, unlocked it and headed to Sac City. I noticed before, but since I'd only done that particular ride twice, it hadn't stuck... I ride by the biggest Asian market in the area, and through areas that have nothing but Asian stores and restaurants.
I get to Sac City, then I head all over campus trying to find out information. First I spoke to a counselor concerning what I need in order to transfer to a CSU with an English major, then I learned that several of the classes can be Asian-centric. Then, once I got to my Korean class, the girl who sits behind me asked me if my name was David.
Well, yes. It is.
She was in the Mandarin course I'd taken last summer. She dropped after the first week. Such an impression I must have made. (I'd consider the above few thoughts as Remember Asia #4)
After Korean class, I went to find the Mandarin 401 room, and lo and behold, a young lady I have yet to mention in blogs was there. Perhaps a little back up?
When school started, I had a dance class on M & W night. It got out at 8:20, and sometimes I'd talk, sometimes I'd rush out, sometimes I'd wait, etc. No matter what time I eventually arrived at light rail, this Chinese lady was always in the same car as I was. Thing is, that ranged from 8:30, 9:00 or 9:30. For us to be in the same care on the same train at the same time every single day on the way home from class...
Anyway, I finally spoke to her, and we talked about the language. She seemed really excited to speak with someone who actually cared about her culture. I did not get her name, and I expected not to see her since I dropped my dance class shortly thereafter.
Until she showed up leaving the classroom right next to the Mandarin classroom. She's in the classroom next door, right before the Mandarin course begins. o.O? I consider that insanely Remember Asia #5.
When I arrive home, I have two comments (and a message) on my friendster from Sheryl, a girl in the Philippines. The more I communicate with her, the more I adore her. I may never fall in love with that girl but I will always love her. I expect she will be one of my stronger friendships in time.
I can't forget... last night I had a brief phone call from Yang, a girl presently working in Hong Kong. On Friday night/Saturday morning, I spoke with Rae, from Singapore, for 7-9 hours. Some was voice chat, some was typing, but she was able to view my [roommate's] webcam through the entire conversation.
Tomorrow I have a few places to go, and a 5 page rough draft to write. I am presently hungry, tired, a bit sticky from cycling everywhere today (25+ miles, not too far, but on muscles unused). I have very strong doubt that I will ever have a more Asian day until I have a full day of "Asian Art" / "Asian Humanities" / "Asian Lit" classes and Mandarin TV.