China and a new mouse

6 weeks ago or so thereof, I wrote in my blog post that my brother was heading to China for an exchange program, to a satellite campus that Hwa Chong owned in Beijing. A study immersion program. For 6 weeks.

That marked the longest period of time my brother and I were separated. We were never away from each other more than 3 days(camp). 6 weeks seem to be then a long stretch. A sibling provides much entertainment- that is, if I look at it in a pragmatic manner. Just think of it: all the arguments, the competitions, pranks and games. I wouldnt want to be a single child, if only for the want of a more exciting childhood.

Turns out I wasnt affected much. Perhaps it was the relatively short length of absence. Or perhaps I just didnt love my brother as much as I should. Though strictly speaking, we are very close. So close we can talk for 5 hours at a time. Whiling away time together is easy. We are very different in interests and attitudes but we are similar in so many other ways as well.

He had a great deal of fun in China. Tales of 4-hours gaming marathon, of learning Magic: The Gathering, of the delicacies found there were told. He told us(lies!) he didnt miss us.

Jealous. Damn. I havent even been to China.

When he came back, he bought me two things for my birthday.  A X-Luca mouse for 30 bucks. 2400dpi. Just right for a casual gamer like me. And a deck of cards(Ellusionist's Shadow Masters) for 20 bucks. My last deck of cards were ragged after the hours of practice(did I ever write card tricks as a hobby in this blog?).

Looks better in the poster than it does on my table