Be Brave

It’s amazing what scares me. I went to the GL CC ping pong expecting a bunch of rowdy teens, or social cliques I couldn’t fit in with. Honestly, I spent more time pushing away irrational concerns than just embracing the idea of some play.

Of course, it was wonderful. I showed up too early, as usual, and got to help set up the tables. I first walked into a room with two men, one of whom was speaking Chinese into his phone and showing the reply, and despite this latency, the two were moving in unison. It was inspiring.

One of them helped me with answers about the rules, the layout, etc. - and he gave me a ball. (I didn’t realize it was BYOB.)

Oh, and how quickly the gym turned into a ping pong arena - with beginning, intermediate, and advanced sections.

I was eager to go - Piko was at home, waiting for tales of my victories - and so I quickly linked up with the first person who looked ready.

I lost that first match, 2-0, but I made her nervous on the second game. ;)

She relegated the challenger to me, thinking he would enjoy my style.

I won 3-1.

Such childish concerns, I had.

Winning was not the objective per se; it was being readily accepted.

I noticed there was little small talk, actually. It was all pong.