It seems innocent enough to write a family related blog about my experiences in Beijing as a foreigner, though I was reminded that whatever I write will be "out there" on the Inter-web for a very long time. In layman’s terms that translates to, "Here’s some literary rope, try not to hang yourself." Having a place to rant and praise is a wonderful concept to embrace, but I’m well aware of the need for balance.
Reina, my daughter, is only 3.5 years old. She cannot complain now, but I can foresee how something I write today might raise her ire in the future. Meanwhile, I suspect my wife, Savvy, will read the posts with some regularity. Consequently, I don’t suspect this will be a forum for any serious relationship issues, despite the fact that whatever issues we may have, I know I’m right. Still, I’m confident that I will discover numerous topics to bandy about that will gently lull even the most troubled sleeper into blissful snozedom.
Having written a few times for the Beijing Baba column, I was under the false impression that I had a good idea of who reads the magazine and visits the website as occasionally I run into friends, and even the odd stranger (aren’t they all?), who comment on the column. They are always parental types. Or so I thought until this past weekend when I met Sean, a 15 year-old who’s little brother happens to attend Ke-Er Kindergarten with Reina (Sean did not know this). Anyway, Sean kept trying to figure out how he knew me, and then it dawned on him that he had seen my photo while reading the Beijing Baba column. Ah, there is nothing like the sweet fame of being a Beijing D-list celeb. Or maybe that should be L-list? Anyway, what surprised me was that some of the Beijing youth are reading what I write.
So, dear readers, all three of you (you don’t count Mom), I’ll try to keep this space interesting without delving too deep into other people’s personal lives. For example, the other day Reina was trying to fill a sock with water while taking her bath and she said to me, “It’s not difficult, Baba, it’s just frustrating.” Which was hilarious and I’m confident it is okay for me to share that verbal nugget here. Just so long as I don’t mention that the reason she had socks in the bathtub while bathing is because I make her wash my laundry. That would be inappropriate sharing.
Drats!
Christopher Lay is a photographer, writer, husband, father, and Beijing Baba contributor. If you like this blog, then keep an eye out for Chris’ upcoming entries.
