You Can Change People

Just being who you are, you are capable of changing people -- and sometimes, the way they look at the world.

When I had been transferred to a different junior high school while teaching in Japan, as usual there is an office party to welcome the new teachers. It was usually the night of the opening ceremony, so the new teachers usually didn't know the other teachers, unless the had worked with them before.

I was talking with teachers about my background, being a military dependent, and moving around a lot, as well as my reasons for coming to Japan, as well as my opinion thus far. Unknown to me, this had a profound effect on one of the teachers who had overheard my spiel.

Fast forward to about an hour later, when nature called. One of the teachers caught me in the hall as I was returning from the bathroom. He said he was impressed by what he had said. Apparently, he was a little shocked that I had been involved with the U.S. military to some degree (the aforementioned "dependent," basically meaning a spouse or child of a military members; I was the child). Now, I was a buzzed at the time, so I'm kind of fuzzy on the details but apparently his uncle was killed due to some involvement with the military -- I don't remember the reason. At any rate, he said his opinion of me had change -- and somewhat changed his view of the military -- based on the things I had said.

It just goes to show you that things you do, you say, and your beliefs can have a profound impact on those around you. Generally, even a smile and a "hello" can make someone's day brighter.

While I have been able to change some people for the better, I'm also guilty of doing the reverse. But, you know what? You have to live and learn.

"Please me!"

Sometimes you have to have a little bit of good-natured fun with your job.

This one comes from when I was teaching in Japan, at my first Junior High School.  I don't remember where I was exactly in the building, but I believe I was eating a piece of candy or chocolate.

One of the second-year (equivalent to eigth grade) girls saw me: a cute girl as kids go; probably has turned into a dynamite beauty now (but that's besides the point).  She stuck out her hands expectantly, and said in English:

"Please me!"

Now, I know what she was asking for (as well as you, reader), but as I said, you have to have a little good-natured (or is this evil-natured?) fun with the job.  I chuckled and naturally replied (in Japanese):

"I'm sorry, but you're a little too young."

She tilted her head to the side, obviously confused by my answer.  Then I had to explain what the phrase Please me" meant in Japanese.  She nodded, and I think she got the joke.

So, at my second Junior High School when a middle-aged male teacher did the exact same thing to me in regards to a cigarette, I had to reply to him (in Japanese):

"Sorry, but I don't like men in that way."

He gave me exact same confused look, and I had to explain the point to him.  He, and two three other teachers nodded, one of the few times that a non-English teacher learned something from me.

Where Have I Been?

Well, that's a good question.

It's been over three years since I've returned from Japan (July 28th, 2007)...just in time for the world economy to start taking a tumble.

At any rate, I've simply been doing what everyone else is doing: staying alive, going to work, and spending time with friends.

I know a lot of everyone out there thinks that Japan is some sort of magical wonderland, but it's not: if anything, it's just like any other country out there, but also has its own unique issues (which I'll blog about at later intervals).

Overall, I'm just living my life the way that I choose: at least within the bounds of the law.