Life's a sunny side up.: A Letter to My Friends in Shanghai

Dear Dandan and Yangyang,

How are you doing? How was the winter break? I hope this letter finds you two as snugs as bugs in a rug.

This winter, I spent a lot of time skiing. The first time I went skiing was with our Boy Scout troop at Big Bear Lake. Before that, I had only known how to sled. We set out very early and when we got there, it was freezing cold outside. Luckily, I had followed the Scout Motto, “Be Prepared,” and brought my thick puffy jacket along. Our equipment made us look like little polar bears as we ran to the thick, white, powdery snow. I thought skiing would be easy as pie, but I was proved wrong. The first time I tried, I tripped on my own skis and ate a mouthful of snow. The fall was so hilarious, I joined the laughter because of my clumsiness. I was like a fish out of water.

I didn’t want to be the worst skier in the troop, so I learned really fast, and, in an hour’s lesson, I was level with the rest of the Scouts. I learned the standard position of how to ski and turn. And I was right about skiing being a piece of cake after all.

The most fun part was the afternoon free skiing. We were allowed to try the bunny hill one last time before proceeding to a steeper slope. When I saw the more challenging hill, it frightened the living daylights out of me. I know you guys would have felt the same. Actually, after I zoomed down at “sonic speed,” it wasn’t as scary as I thought it would be. Our patrol leader, Jacob, challenged me to a race. But he jumped the gun and accidentally fell into a nearby bush. At first, he remained motionless and appeared dead as a doornail. Then, as if by muscle spasm, he bolted upright. It was so exciting! I also did a couple of stunts on the snow ramps. You will be so shocked by my skill!

Okay, you two, I shared my ski experience with you, now the ball is in your courts. Tell me something worthy! I know that writing puts you between a rock and a hard place! But there’s no escaping! Report back soon!

Your Friend,

Justin W.

PS Check out the pictures I attached.