Monday, December 17, 2001

I just finished watching Yi Yi... it was a lot longer than I expected, but strangely enough, it didn't feel tedious at all. The movie concerned a family in Taipei, but I don't think the plot was the main focus of the movie. Instead, it centered on reflections. Everyone in the movie found themselves surrounded by images of what they wanted, whether it's the trappings of success for the the father, the idea of a boyfriend for the daughter, or spiritual depth for the mother. Yet, in the end, they stopped pursuing the reflections and started looking for reality. The grandmother in the movie, even though she never said much, provided the anchor for all of the characters. Her slow death dictates the rest of the character's actions... I liked it, and I high recommend it.

I've discovered that I tend to live vicariously. Whether it's through movies, music, or even someone else's blogger, I immerse myself in other people's lives. I've always been fascinated with the medium of the internet. I've met so many people through newsgroups, chatrooms, and websites... My life has been changed by the goings-ons of others... eventually it affects me too. A friend told me recently that my empathy is my greatest strength. Sometimes I wonder if I empathize a little too much with others... do I really understand myself? If I'm so caught up in other people's lives and thoughts, when do I contemplate my own? That's one of my great struggles, yet it's also my defining feature. Who knows?

I think I'm going to bed now. I ruined today for my father because I couldn't drag myself out of bed... I don't want to ruin yet another day with my insatiable need for sleep.