Yesterday, I rode a motorcycle for the first time! Been thinking of finding a cheap one for a while, but figured I should actually know how to use one first. I signed up for the basic MSF training courses, but also an intro prior to that since I'm coming at it totally clean. That's what this one yesterday was, just an explainer for first-timers. Riding a motorcycle involves a lot of multi-tasking - every limb has something to do. I feel pretty good coming out this first lesson, though - I feel like the instructor did a good job of showing the basics of getting on and off the bike, turning it on, using the clutch and throttle to control your speed. All the baby steps. There a more in-depth two-day thing I'll do in April that'll give me a license if I passs, but I'm still doing one more class after that because I'm not fucking around lol. In the meantime, I'm immersing myself in the biker corner of Youtube, notable standouts include Yammie Noob and Jacob Baldry.
About halfway through The Trial now, liking it a lot! I think that for some reason I thought it would be difficult and grating? That's like not the case at all, though! Breon Mitchell's translation reads smooth and steady. What's striking me about the book is that it seems like it's mostly about status. Every interaction K. goes through, he's constantly trying to affirm the rank he feels entitled to based on his age and occupation, even when he's talking to random strangers. The focus on bureaucracy involves navigating this constant appeal to hierarchy and deffered/distributed authority, but it also taps into this interpersonal horror that goes far beyond that, I think. The book delivers on that specific kind of creepiness that's become synonymous with Kafka. I especially liked the moment where K's visiting the lawyer with his uncle and then in the middle of their visit they realize an old man has been sitting in the dark corner the whole time, listening. I'll write more about it when I finish, also been meaning to write up some thoughts on Doppelganger, because that was great and I have a lot to say about it.
It's getting nice out but it's still cold when the wind blows. My days in New York might be numbered, but I'm taking steps to prevent that. Shouldn't be too hard to make something work. I'm not too stressed out though, because no matter what happens I'll have a bike :)
live free or die,
- v0id
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