Wow.
Today is a Halloween Party and I'm totally skipping out on it. Why? It's kind of a waste of money. And time. While it would be fun; I have no doubts about that, it's just that it could be better. Like if I actually had a super close friend going, or a costume, or money to waste, or no essays to write.
So I get on a bus, I think it's going to be a great ride to my university's library. Almost no one is on the bus. And I'm in a okay mood. And I'm really happy with that. And so I take out my journal to start writing about how I feel about a recent incident. And my reasons for how I feel. And drafting college essays. Etc.
This man wants to sit next to me. That's a little annoying. I would have liked to have two seats, but it's pretty whatever; I don't mind having someone sit next to me. It was also just a little annoying that he was a male. Usually, I only like women to sit next to me on the bus. Just a safety thing, it's not necessary, just personal preference. But he seemed nice so I didn't give him a dirty look. He did the usual Taiwanese "xie xie" when I moved out of his way to help him sit down. And he even said "thank you" after. Taiwanese people always think I don't understand simple things. But it was nice of him. I thought it was nice he was trying his best to speak English to me. So I went to ignoring him and continued on with my journal. I was writing a total bitch entry. I'm not going to lie. I'm really disgusted with someone I know. And I was writing all about it. I didn't attempt to hide this entry at all. Because it was in English. Five minutes later, he talks to me in fluent english, asking me if I'm writing out homework. I'm still not sure how much english he knows, so I give him a simple "yes." We spend the next hour talking. He lived in America for like 2 years, and with the Americans in Africa for like 18 years. His english is perfect. He worked for the American government. It was kind of a FML moment. But kind of not.
I learned a lot about him, he learned a little about me. It wasn't bad. I was completely shocked. He has the best english I've heard since I got here. Better than the "english teachers" here, better than all the Rotary Club people. It just goes to show you, there are exceptions everywhere. People can and will shock you. I like him. He was fun. He totally made me realize I've started to think I'm the only exception. People are always shocked I'm here at all. They are completely shocked when they find out I speak Japanese. An American girl who speaks Japanese and is learning Chinese. It's almost too much for them. But there are those of us like this in every country. It's good. It's fun. I met someone a lot like me today.
Edit From Several Years Later:
I had an issue with how my host mother was treating her live-in maid around this time. I wrote about it never naming names or what was actually done. But I have since removed the writing about that. I will say the extent of the backlash I was exposed to as a result of this post is something that remains unacceptable to me. But I admit I could have gone about this a little differently at the time. I was 18 years old though.
Today is a Halloween Party and I'm totally skipping out on it. Why? It's kind of a waste of money. And time. While it would be fun; I have no doubts about that, it's just that it could be better. Like if I actually had a super close friend going, or a costume, or money to waste, or no essays to write.
So I get on a bus, I think it's going to be a great ride to my university's library. Almost no one is on the bus. And I'm in a okay mood. And I'm really happy with that. And so I take out my journal to start writing about how I feel about a recent incident. And my reasons for how I feel. And drafting college essays. Etc.
This man wants to sit next to me. That's a little annoying. I would have liked to have two seats, but it's pretty whatever; I don't mind having someone sit next to me. It was also just a little annoying that he was a male. Usually, I only like women to sit next to me on the bus. Just a safety thing, it's not necessary, just personal preference. But he seemed nice so I didn't give him a dirty look. He did the usual Taiwanese "xie xie" when I moved out of his way to help him sit down. And he even said "thank you" after. Taiwanese people always think I don't understand simple things. But it was nice of him. I thought it was nice he was trying his best to speak English to me. So I went to ignoring him and continued on with my journal. I was writing a total bitch entry. I'm not going to lie. I'm really disgusted with someone I know. And I was writing all about it. I didn't attempt to hide this entry at all. Because it was in English. Five minutes later, he talks to me in fluent english, asking me if I'm writing out homework. I'm still not sure how much english he knows, so I give him a simple "yes." We spend the next hour talking. He lived in America for like 2 years, and with the Americans in Africa for like 18 years. His english is perfect. He worked for the American government. It was kind of a FML moment. But kind of not.
I learned a lot about him, he learned a little about me. It wasn't bad. I was completely shocked. He has the best english I've heard since I got here. Better than the "english teachers" here, better than all the Rotary Club people. It just goes to show you, there are exceptions everywhere. People can and will shock you. I like him. He was fun. He totally made me realize I've started to think I'm the only exception. People are always shocked I'm here at all. They are completely shocked when they find out I speak Japanese. An American girl who speaks Japanese and is learning Chinese. It's almost too much for them. But there are those of us like this in every country. It's good. It's fun. I met someone a lot like me today.
Edit From Several Years Later:
I had an issue with how my host mother was treating her live-in maid around this time. I wrote about it never naming names or what was actually done. But I have since removed the writing about that. I will say the extent of the backlash I was exposed to as a result of this post is something that remains unacceptable to me. But I admit I could have gone about this a little differently at the time. I was 18 years old though.
First off, wow I think that it is awesome you met someone that surprised you by exceeding your expectations. It is always nice to be amazed every now and again. :-)
ReplyDeleteAs for the second part to your blog, well I agree with you: "If you are a leader you have a responsibility to those who work under you. When they do well, you will do well. If you abuse them and make them fail, you also go down. All leaders should understand that."
Those are very true words and distinguish the true leaders from the imitators. I think that you are very wise for your age. Just be careful and be smart. Just remain positive/nuetral around, "Bob." I wish you luck with this sticky situation.
I love you, Mom. <3
@Mom
ReplyDeleteSometimes you just have to let the pieces fall where they may. I feel no regrets for any of my choices. Those who feel guilty; they feel that way for a reason. They need to ask themselves why. I can't help them.
I can almost see you getting angrier and angrier as you wrote that wonderful story about "Bob." I feel bad for Bob (notice the alliteration ;D). I feel like one day he's going to wake up and there's going to be a nice pit outside his door waiting for him, filled with a possible x and a y. And maybe my mother. Although I don't know if he's worthy of that.
ReplyDeleteHowever, in accordance to the happier portions of your blog, that's really cool you were able to finally meet someone like you! I know if I was there I would feel fairly proud (possibly a little too proud >.>) about being the "only" American speaking all these really hard to learn languages in a completely alien foreign country. However, despite that, I would feel really lonely. Maybe that is true in your case, maybe it isn't, but if you have felt lonely at least you're able to concur that there are other little lango-philes hidden around you. And, of course, back home waiting ;D