Okay, so I am not really a spontaneous writer , but I have been reading everyone’s xangas and realized that maybe I should try writing about small weird things that are a part of my day. If I can get great joy from Brittany Jo's coffee and cold lima beans, Tara’s definition of procrastination and Allie's tales of laundry and dirty dishes to be done I should at least attempt to write something creative.
This funny thing language
I smiled and parked my bike inside the lobby where I always do before going upstairs to teach. This very young guard comes running across the courtyard and starts talking to me in Chinese. I of course have no idea what he is saying but I politely nod and smile. Hoping that he does not need me to move my bike. He continues to stand there. My friend Bao, who is Chinese, comes up. She looks at the guard looks at me. They start talking in Chinese. She raises her voice and he leaves. I ask her, "What did he want?" "Nothing," she says, "He was just making up some excuse about the bikes so he could stare at the pretty foreigner."
Funny thing this language
"Eat the fish,” she says slowly. I smile around the bones that I am trying to swallow. "Thank you I will." "Eat some vegetables" "Thank you I will." I eat the celery. "My mom's English is not very good," says the ten year old. "But she cooks very well. She wants you to eat the vegetables because they are good for you. My mom is a very good cook. She does not eat the vegetables. She is fat. You are not fat." "Thank you," I say.
Funny thing this language
Thirty first graders all on break. I feel a very small hand pressed into mine. I kneel down. He whispers in my ear. and then stares at me. Thinking that I did not hear him he tries again pressing his mouth closer this time and speaking a little louder. He stares at me. He pats my hand in understanding gives me a hug and walks away.
Funny thing this language
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Send Private Message( thin and pretty, hmmmm, how come i didn't hear that when i was over there?) i like this new style cause i feel like i'm right there with you. good writing, trisha.
These little stories are very interesting to me. No one could make up stuff like that. It's the whole culture that is so completely different from ours, as well as that difficult language!
Keep writing!
Hey Trisha!! I was teaching a class yesterday.... and you'll never guess what went down..
me- "Ok Chapman, pick out two shakers, my man"
He looks me straight in the eyes and says:
"I'm not your man!!!"
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