Typhoon Holidays

Because of Aere's extended attack, two days off work and school ensued. Advantages? Holidays were holidays. A time for rest and doing-nothing. Disadvantages? Well, the time of rest and doing-nothing really gave off nothing.

My initial plan to finish reading the major part of Merleau-Ponty's Phenomenology of Perception by the end of this week may have to be postponed due to the repose. A bit anxious to see time slip away with nothing that could be done about it in these two days. Though the familial gathering was no less enjoyable, the pressing of time still has its hold on me all the time.

N's new and very first semester in primary school will start next week. Hope my plan can be fulfilled by then.

Aere Gone

After a whole night of ravaging menace, typhoon Aere has gone a bit far from this area. Yet the damage has already been done. A few sections of this city have been flooded and hundreds of people forcefully removed from their homes due to the danger caused by the torrential rain and landslide.

Looking up at the overcast sky covered with thinner clouds, I cannot help feeling lucky to live on the higher floor of the building––only if the threat of earthquake is ignored.

Facticity of life.

Aere

Attacking here right at this very moment is the typhoon Aere. Outside the rain comes down in raging torrents. Damages are highly expected as is witnessed to by many a sour story of similar attacks in the past. As Aere is slowed down in its moving speed by another stronger typhoon, Chaba, the duration of Aere’s attack would be extended to an unhappy length. In fact, schools are already closed and all sectors of business called off today. It is just announced that tomorrow will be another holiday due to Aere. A a holiday of the kind will be welcome to no one.

Hope Aere will be more gentle while enjoying its cruel visit here.

J's Blog

J has set up her own online blog for one month. I already got into the habit of reading her blogs every now and then. To tell the truth, J is more diligent than I am in writing personal blog. I should feel ashamed of my laziness.

Reading her blogs always makes me happy. It’s strange that one may never know much of another person, even one of familial members, until reading his or her journal like one from a total stranger. In this way, I came to know bit by bit J’s life, her feelings about the world, and her travel experiences. Her blog unfolds before my eyes a life of thankful tenderness I would never associate with J in the past.

J does find her right guy in her life and happily shares all the joys and tears with him unreservedly. I feel happy for J and sincerely wish her a life of unending bliss. A life I believe she already carefully cultivates and grows along with her tender lover.

GO Contest

Today, I accompanied N to take part in a GO contest he has been expecting for some time. The result, however, was a bit to N’s surprise, and mine too. He lost 3 games and won only 2. The last game dealt no less a light blow to N who, until then, still expected for one more win to get at least a small prize. He looked quite disappointed, more to himself I guess, while leaving the contest. Accompanying him for a walk on the road blazed with the scorching sun, I was full of love and tenderness holding his little hands, voicing out my sincere encouragements.

In fact, I am quite proud of him. As N is 27 kyu, this time he dared confront the foreseeable challenges by joining the 25 kyu contest. While his two wins are out of his own expectation, they are unexpected to me as I only put my hope in one win of his at first.

Though the GO world, to say the least, is much more cruel than adults’ daily competitions as any contest, any play, of this game will without failure always lead to one winner and one loser only, I know N will grow stronger in heart and soul by facing the game seriously yet squarely. In this regard, his joy in the game (he still enjoys very much of it) may come from his balance already gained inside. Never to be overjoyed in the win, yet never over-doomed by the defeat.

For a life to go on in light as well as at night, getting stronger in both mind and body is never too much overemphasized in its necessity. And I know that N can and will get stronger.

Illed N

N is ill again. Last night he didn’t sleep well and coughed a bit with running nose. Sincerely wish he will get well soon. As he and I both look forward to the GO contest on the coming Sunday, his health will play an important part in his ability to attend the contest as well as his performance in the play.

Be stronger, my dearest N.