For those who don’t know, I was in America! I came home for 10 days and I ate eat all the food I wanted…. and I saw friends and family… and attend a wedding. I didn’t get to see everyone, but hopefully I’ll be back soon. Or, you can come visit me in Japan ?
For majority of my trip, I was in Chicago, which was so nice. I, of course, got my chipotle fix and everything else on my list so I returned to Japan with a very happy stomach and a few pounds heavier. At least I’m not alone in the second one (sorry fam!).
Being home I’ve realized a couple things. The first one, my blood has thinned. Chicagoans were wearing shorts and other summer clothes and then there was me, dressed in long jeans, a sweater, and sometimes a scarf. However, even though I was cold, the weather was still beautiful in Chicago. Everyday was sunny and after awhile, the temperature became comfortable.
Something else I’ve noticed is my delivery of.. well, everything has changed. Being in Japan, I’ve noticed that Japanese people have a softer way of saying things while as Americans tend to be more blunt. This has rubbed off on me significantly. While I’m still very much me (for better or for worse) and I still can’t speak Japanese, I’m perfecting the art of a “Japanese no”. In other words, saying no without actually saying the word “no”. Obviously, that is just one example but you know what I mean… right?
The last one I noticed is my English is getting worse! I’m slowly forgetting random English words and my grammar is just horrendous. You know it’s really bad when someone (Dad) comments on it. Sadly, just because my English is getting worse doesn’t necessarily mean my Japanese is getting better. I am becoming fluent in broken English and my teachers are becoming fluent in broken Japanese.
The wedding I mentioned was in Colorado and it was beautiful! I know I always say I love California, but I also really like Colorado (sorry it’s not Chicago, Mom). Even in Colorado I was surrounded by family which was great! I hope I get to see them again soon! Although if we’re waiting until the next wedding, it might be awhile…
While I was home, I had to think about my next move and what I’ll be doing in the spring. The city needs to know if I’ll be staying next year or leaving now because 1. they like to plan too far ahead, and 2. they need to find a replacement for me if I were to leave and get all the immigration paper work stuff done. Before my trip, I was torn about what to do and I had hoped that being home would have helped made me decision clearer. But it didn’t; and I returned to Japan even more unsure than when I left for home, and of course, my first day back at school I was handed the contract renewal form asking if I would be staying next year or leaving. The sheet had only 3 questions but took me almost 10 minutes to fill out.
Now, the days are getting shorter, the leaves are changing color, and it’s cold in the morning but gets up to the mid 70s during the day. I guess fall has officially arrived in Mito! I’m excited for the adventures this season holds.
Oh yeah, if you’re wondering what my decision is.. You’ll have to wait and find out! ?