Of growing up

As a child or young teenager, you always think that your life will sort itself out when you become an adult and when I was a young child, I thought an adult was a person older than 21. After this magical age, I used to think that people would know what to do in life, what they wanted from life, and knew what to do with themselves as they slowly integrated into the adult society. In retrospect, I guess I was a bit naive and was looking at things from a childish, innocent perspective.

If I could go back in time, I would tell the younger me that the older me has no idea what to do with her life. Sure, I have some short term goals like finishing my year in Japan and then finishing uni, but beyond that my mind draws a blank. Of course I would like to consider a family in the future but I have so many things that I want to do before I settle for that.

In fact, I would say the younger me was smarter than the me right now because she knew exactly what she wanted from life – dad to cuddle her, mum to cook her awesome food, the weekly allowance from parents, do well in school, spend time with her friends, etc. Pretty singular goals with not many worries or responsibilities besides getting good grades and making her parents proud of her. In contrast, the “grown-up” me still wants those things but this time it has to be balanced against earning an income to support myself, figuring out what I want to do after uni before I run out of time and graduate without a tangible thought as to what I would do with my degree, and all the things that seem to come with adulthood like bills (eyuch!), relationships with the opposite sex, and being more aware about the world’s problems.

If I could meet the younger me, what wise words could I impart to her about her future life? Maybe something along the lines of “Oy, stop watching TV and playing computer games with your stupid brother and go study some more!” but I would most likely tell her to enjoy the fact that she is a kid and all the things that comes with a good childhood, don’t worry about “adult” things and be more appreciative of the parents who love her and the fantastic life they have given her. Yes, this is what I would say.

Which is the better country?

Y’know, if you ask me to choose between Japan and Australia I would be hard-pressed to decide which one is the better country. If it was, say between Japan and China, or Australia and Malaysia, I would definitely choose the former in both choices, hands down. But Japan and Australia, that requires more thought…

Japan: a homogeneous society with a long, rich history. Everywhere you go people look Japanese, speak Japanese, act Japanese, eat Japanese, are Japanese. Equality for women is still in the early stages and quitting your job for motherhood is still the expected norm (of course things are changing but change is always slow). More value is placed on intelligence and doing well in your studies than being well-balanced and doing well in sports. Heavy work obligations. Collective thinking is better for the country. Rigid social codes and hierarchy supported by the use of their formal language (keigo) which makes definable distinctions between people. A culture of people more conscientious about the feelings of others around them. Respect for the elderly and a good grasp of polite manners.

Australia: completely opposite in every which way.

This is not to say that Australia is worse than Japan but I think that both countries have their own strength and weaknesses. I really like Japan but I know the heavy responsibilities expected of me if I were to ever join their workforce and society. Naturally I realize that all jobs have their responsibilities but the Japanese sure do know how to take it to the next level. So is Japan the answer to my short term future?

I have been thinking about the possibility of doing JET or something along the lines of that after I graduate from UTS after next year. I’m not sure yet but I do know that I would like to continue my studies in Japanese preferably in Japan. Perhaps a postgraduate or masters? Interesting thoughts…

Taking a break from Japan

I’m in Sydney for three weeks and it is great to be back! Sorry I haven’t posted anything in quite some time but since my blog is about my experiences in Japan, I didn’t think many people would be interested to know that I’ve been taking as many opportunities as possible to stuff myself with all my favourite foods before I head back to Gifu. Lol!

The upside of being back in Australia is that everyone here speaks and understands English which is a blessed relief! Besides that, there is a huge variety of food that I get to sink my jaws into, I get to drive my car (you really find new appreciation for it when all you ride is bicycles) and everything is really familiar and comfortable like an old pair of granny undies. Not that I wear any of those of course…

Everything is the same and yet…somehow different. I’m pretty sure it’s not Sydney that has changed, it is me and my perception of the world that has subtly changed. I’m more mellow about certain things and not so worrisome about others. I guess as an example would be how I don’t demand as much attention from the people around me anymore; I’m okay with doing my own thing and being by myself. I now also have a lower tolerance for stupidity and annoying personalities.

You learn a lot about yourself when you are living in a foreign country and the only person who you can depend on is yourself. I had a bit of a revelation about my experiences in Japan one day when I was sitting bored in Japanese class. My mind was wandering and was just skipping around here and there when I was struck by the metaphorical lightning bolt. I realized that my time in Japan was MY TIME, for me and only me, where I don’t have to worry about anyone but me and my own life. I can do as I wish without having to worry about the repercussions affecting anyone else (this of course is bounded within the rules of the society you live in). I can do whatever I want, be anyone I want, try anything I want and my own stupid mistakes are my own. One could argue life has always been like that but I have felt freer in Japan than I have anywhere else. You might think that I’m selfish for only thinking me, me, me but not having to be responsible for anyone else really does that to you. Sure it is selfish but it also opens up whole new pathways into your inner character because concentrating on yourself allows you to reflect upon yourself and to see yourself as you are truly.

Coming back to my life in Sydney does feel a little bit weird, it is like trying to squeeze into those old pair of jeans that just don’t fit quite right anymore (or in my case, a bit harder to button up!). But in retrospect, going to Japan was one of the best things I’ve ever done in my entire life.

A dirty ditty

Do your ears hang low,

Do they wobble to and fro,

Can you tie them in a knot,

Can you tie them in a bow,

Can you toss them over your shoulder,

Like a regimental soldier,

Do your ears hang low?

This ditty came up as we were drinking in my room while watching Grease. Now substitute ‘boobs’ for ‘ears’ and you get your dirty ditty!