Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Hello, folks, it's been a little while.
Got my test out of the way. I'm pretty much the "average" in Japanese class. But when it comes to the girls outside it, I'm the one constantly stared it. Not because I'm pathetically ugly, but because I'm the hottest sensation ever to walk in Ichigaya Campus.
My name's Jerome and welcome to the first and only installment of "brag all you want." Haha, just kidding. The only couple of highlights these last few days are downloading Irish Drinking Songs from "Whose Line is it Anyway?" Oh, I didn't tell you about Hiroshima: it was pretty sad at first glance and then it gradually got rushed because we went everywhere and didn't have much time to reflect. However, the experience was powerful and I think I got something from that place. I did manage to get some shopping done (for things I needed) and also purchased some souvenirs for my homestay family. Hmm, what else? On the way back from Hiroshima, I saw this beautiful girl on the Yamanote Line and we kinda glanced at each other for a bit. Little did I know that she actually spoke English until we separated ways! Ain't it strange?
That Wednesday, I went to Toraya, one of the oldest confectionery makers in Japan, about a 500-year old company. We spent time learning about the history of okashi (sweets/cookie-type --- although this wasn't one), tasting the okashi, and finally, making the okashi. The last one, I have to admit, was a bust because we were really astounded by the old man who taught us how to make the okashi. It was like, "How could you be that old and still be dexterous [into making awesome, stylish okashi]?" Really, he was that awesome. And . . . that girl I mentioned earlier (last paragraph) . . . I encountered her again, but did something totally stupid: I didn't ask for her name and number. Dammit, I'm such an idiot. I made her laugh and smile for the three-minute duration and it seemed like she liked me but damn, why did I have to be such an idiot? This is where I start digressing.
When I got home that night, I had wondered why I am who I am. Sure, I have great qualities (and did a whole heck of a lot to get myself here), but why do I still lack that component --- that which makes me unvulnerable to the opposite sex? Chad Kroeger from Nickelback performed with Santana and "woefully" conveyed his lyrics
And every time I try to talk to you, I get tongue-tied
Turns out that everything I say to you comes out wrong and never comes out right
Seriously, I 'd have thought I'd get everything down by now but it seems that I haven't. Is it because I'm a coward? I won't back down, I won't. I talked with my homestay mom about this and she kinda gave me a few pointers about "getting the girl." She tattled on me about my use of chopsticks, so after a week it seems that I've gotten used to doing it correctly. She said that "girls will look" at how their boyfriends use the chopsticks and will most likely say "dame" (it's over) if he doesn't use them rightly. Damn, they're strict. But even so, I would really like a Japanese girlfriend, even if they are a little "high-maintenance." I don't mind spending my money, and I would really like to try a relationship. It seems that I'm the catch that the girls can't touch and so if I get my act together, maybe everything will get better. Will just have to wait.
I don't know. Let me just act modest now. I have a feeling that more than a handful of girls like me but maybe I'll keep it on the down-low. No, wait, scratch that. Christmas is coming.
Here's the thing: Christmas in Japan is not what you Americans think. It's about dating your [temporary] "significant other" and eating fried chicken together and possibly, if the guy's lucky, he could do the "hunka-chunka" with her. What's more, it's really just an ordinary day. Sure with the exchange of gifts a little holiday cheer, it's okay, but for me, there's no family; I have a "makeshift" one and it sometimes feels funny because I can't really act natural at times; "be on your best behavior and remember that you're a representative of Fordham University, not to mention the United States of America . . . "
Ah, the ever-back-biting repercussions of studying abroad. It's great, but it's a big deal, too. So be careful should you decide to do it.
The girls, the girls, they all love me. I just need the freakin' cojones to ask one out.
posted @ 12/14/2005 08:47:00 PM
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