Since I came back from my language studies in Shanghai, life has been a whirlwind. That's to be expected when coming back from an extended overseas trip, and is only complicated further if one goes on to make a turn-around trip to the other side of the world less than a week later.
One of the drawbacks to this sort of schedule is the distraction from the language studies in which I was engaged just two weeks ago. I've tried to keep up, but it has not been to anywhere near the level it was when I was in Shanghai (naturally).
And I think I've lost ground. Sigh.
I found myself, when reading a magazine article the other day, stumbling over words that should have been familiar. At it seemed to take me forever to finish an article too. Worst of all, reading it felt like work, unlike a couple of weeks ago when I was really beginning to enjoy it.
It is a pity that we can't just spend our lives learning and soaking up new things. There is a real joy to language learning, and the time to focus on it the past several months was a real blessing.
I actually think a cycle of intensive learning followed by a break from intensive studies perfect for me. In my head I believe that. But all the same, it feels a little frustrating right now.
