Writing a New Start

It's been a while since I posted a new blog. I'm going to start out with this:

I have been reading a lot of Chinese novels lately. I love languages. I particularly like the Chinese language, amongst so many that I am interested in. Not only does it come naturally, mostly because I grew up around it, but also because it's such an expressive language especially when you are in a bad mood. It is a language full of cynicism, expressed in disbelief and a sort of greyish fatalism that finishes off all kinds of bubbly positive thoughts, but at the same time extends the stubbornness of a buffalo's strength that again and again lasts through the night and day -- the kind of energy that Hong Kong is all about. You wonder why Hong Kong is so rich, so vibrant, so tough? Talk to the people. You'll understand how far cynicism gets you -- far, but for some (maybe the optimistic kind that is trying to find the more abstract motivation in life), not far enough.

I am the kind that wants to find inspiration in life, but understands all too well where cynicism can get you (maybe a house, a car, some money, some popular respect, something stable). I am caught in the middle. And I want to write about it, complain about it ... with the same kind of cynicism that gets me down, maybe as a display of irony, or revenge. So I have decided that I should try my hand in writing essays in Chinese.

It's been at least 10 years since I last wrote essays in Chinese. For the past 10 years, I have been enjoying myself with the freedom of writing in English. Honestly, writing in English has been a kind of release for me. No fomalities, no limits ... just writing. It's a marvel how a mere 26-lettered alphabet can create so many venues of expression. (Also interesting how my Chinese, which comes so naturally, explains my upbringing and English, with its lack of formalities and straightforwardness, explains my personality.)

I think it's time I should try something new.

I remember when I first started writing English essays, I had my own personal dictionary/thesaurus. I would write down phrases and words and expressions that I liked into a notebook for future reference.

So starting from the next Chinese book I read, I'm going to do the same to equip myself. I am going to write in Chinese ... an essay, maybe a short story of sorts.

Even if I don't become rich and famous in the end, at least I will feel good about doing something interesting and daring ... in a nerdy kind of way..

Ooo, I'm excited.