A Busy Winter Break

Two weeks of holiday, and I have been busy throughout. The first ten days were spent at the driving school practicing for my license, and these past few days have been taken up by moving house; I have not had this many chores in nearly twenty years. Thankfully, the reverse parking test I worried I would fail I passed with full marks on my very first run, and I am now waiting to start the on-road driving lessons. Had I needed to retake the parking test, it would have been even more trouble. Moving is hard labor; after some heavy physical work, my whole body aches. Even a humble household is worth a great deal; over the years, the things at home truly pile up, especially the books—moving them makes the heart tremble.

It will probably be another ten or so busy days. I hope that in ten days it will all be over and I can sit down peacefully, organize the thoughts I recorded during my recent study, study them deeply, and write something of value. Today I roughly sorted the books, just to keep the home from being too chaotic to hold anything else.

I also set out the potted green plants I have long kept, and the rough shape of a new bedroom-and-study took form. Beijing land is expensive; our cramped home is only sixty-odd square meters, and I have to use every trick to fit everything. The books cannot take up too much room, so I keep wedging them in, packing the shelves full.

For this Spring Festival, our whole family plans to stay in Beijing rather than return to our hometown; we have been far too worn out lately. So friends who planned to meet me back home will have to wait for another chance. I am exhausted today, so I will rest first.