Of All the People, in All the Places in the World

Today I was in the library at the study abroad program puttering away on my laptop, procrastinating and using the internet. I was also doing some work - I am going to lead a part of the class tomorrow so I figured a powerpoint presentation will help a bit, since I still have nerves about talking in front of people.

I print, and head down to Prof. S's office to show it to him. I knock on the door, and see him talking with a petite Japanese woman. She looks...familiar.

We both realized it at the same time - she was my old Japanese teacher from when I started Japanese waaaay back in January 2003 at the Japan Society. I continued with her for about a year, then I went off to London. Oh my god! Of all the places in the world - Kyoto and in particular in Prof. S's office to see my old Japanese language teacher. Prof. S explained what I was doing and in particular why I was in his office - "course assistant."

I waited outside until the two of them were done with their meeting. At first, I thought she was coming here to be a new Japanese language teacher, but turns out she is now at another school and the representative for the school since some of their students are here. After getting over our initial shock, we compared notes.

She asked how Mel was doing; when I began studying Japanese, I dragged him along, and she taught the both of us and knew we were a couple. She asked if I was married (guess she saw something on my finger) and told her I was engaged, and to him as well.

We exchanged emails, and I told her I would email her some photos of my time in Japan. I still can't believe it! So surprising, but a nice one too. She is a good teacher.

Jumping the Gun

I almost always jump the gun. It's a very annoying trait that I have and I know I have annoyed myself again. However, I am trying to look on the bright side of things.

I have not replied formally to my friend's invitation to Tokyo yet, and in a way it was a good thing I didn't. I was very excited about it, posting it here and such, but I jumped the gun. However, I was getting a bit of a "feeling," if you get what I mean.

I took a look at my bank account today and let's just say with grad school applications (sending stuff international is expensive, now multiply that by 8), Australia, a stipend coming late and the most likely trip to the Philippines in February, coupled with the dismal state of my finances (though I did get confirmation that I made the deadline for immediate reimbursement when I get to Australia so I don't have to worry about that, but I get it when I arrive in Australia) I really can't afford to go to Tokyo, what with Shinkansen ticket and spending money even with a free place to stay if for a few days. Things pile up.

I know it would be a treat to myself, but that money is better earmarked for the Philippines because the family is waiting for The Aussie and I. They actually don't know that we are coming, but I know it's important to The Aussie that we try to go as much as we can. Plus I need to save money for when I get home.

That doesn't mean that things are looking bleak. I met up today with my friend Emi and that Shin-puh-kan (a shopping center remodeled from a 1920s building; I will go back and take pictures) and she mentioned how she was going to perform there on the 23rd and I actually wanted to go - she is an amazing singer. So now, I will go and I think I am going to cook Christmas dinner for some friends. I like to host parties (or at least the idea of it, I haven't really done it yet, but I have had friends over and I like to entertain). I didn't get to do it at Thanksgiving, but I will try to do it now.

Kyoto actually looks very nice all decked out for the holidays. So I may not be going to Tokyo but in the end, everything will work out. Tokyo is really messy, so maybe I will be able to enjoy the holiday more here. Thus, the Starbucks Tall Non-Fat Peppermint Mocha is half-full.

Acts of Kindness

There is this elderly woman in my graduate seminar - Japanese of course. We chatted a few times and I learned she has a daughter studying in the United States. When I got back from my month long break in Japan she asked how it was seeing The Aussie and how my vacation was. She is very sweet.

A few weeks ago, she asked me if I was going back home for Christmas. There is a phrase in Japanese that goes, "mottanai" - "wasteful." I said that, because I am returning home for good in March, I was back home for a month in August, so there is no point for me going home for Christmas, hence: mottanai.

Today, she surprised me. When I finally settled myself into my seat for class she gave me a small package in a pink bag. "For Christmas," I think she said in English. I told her that she really didn't have to, and I was very shocked. I wasn't really sure what was in the package, but she asked me if I liked Japanese things and wagashi (Japanese paper). I said I did. I always admire the stuff at Kinokuniya back home but it's really overpriced. Now that I am here, I am distracted by the other great Japanese stuff to appreciate the more traditional goods - wagashi, for example.

I opened the package when I got home. What a surprise! In it were two fans, a small wagashi notebook, a large wagashi notebook, a small sewing kit in a chirimen fabric packet, a small chirimen fabric covered box and two small charms. Most of the smaller items were held in a pretty pouch.In the larger notebook (red, with a pattern of irises), there was something written inside in Japanese script. I picked out a few things here and there, but I couldn't read the whole thing - it was in the calligraphic style. I am going to go to Prof. S's house on Monday with the rest of the class for a little party; I think I will ask his wife who is Japanese if she can read it for me.It was very nice of her to do that and I am still quite surprised. As I was opening the small packages, I noticed that one of the fans (the blue and red one) looked gently used - it didn't have the 'spring' that the pink one did. Perhaps, it was one of her own? I like to think so. Maybe a memento, like what was written in the book.