Random thoughts and stuff
Ok, I was at the Hong Kong Market yesterday; buying Pocky and Ramune. The lady behind the counter made a comment that I was buying Japanese items and my mom, who never passes up an opportunity to brag about my exchange, tells her that I'm going in about a week. THEN, the guy standing behind me said that he was Japanese (from Tokyo). So we talked for a little bit; but this was the best part:
Guy: Are you interested in Japanese language?
Me: Very much so. But I don't know any yet. It's okay though, because my Host mom is a part-time English teacher.
Guy: Really? Well she has to teach me Engrish.
I swear that's what he said! I'd never heard someone use the term "Engrish" in person before! It was the cutest thing! ^-^
On another note, I was thinking about Host Family gifts. I don't know if exchange students from other countries do this; but it seems to me that all American ones do. I do know that Japanese students do; but that's a cultural thing, they give gifts for everything. Except Christmas, oddly enough. Not my point! Ok, I was thinking about the gifts I had gotten for my host brother and sister; and a thought entered my head. What if the act of giving gifts to your family is not really a simple "Thank you for hosting me," like you might convince yourself; but a "Please like me" bribe. Especially gifts for siblings! I know if I post this on the AFS Bulletin Board I would be stoned for questioning the motives; but I'm thinking maybe, subconciously, that's why we do it.
You know how sometimes your grandparents can just say something that just shocks you? That happened to me a couple of weeks ago, we were at my grandma's house because Mom wanted me to tell her in person that I got into college. So I did; and I told her that I wanted to transfer to Parsons School of Design afterwards (because Cottey is a two year school). Here is her response: "Don't go to California; it's full of Beatniks." O.o! I couldn't believe she said that! (not-to-mention Parsons is in New York) Erin made me laugh though, when I told her about it afterward, "Should we tell Grandma that Ashley pretty much is one?" >_< lol
And I think it's safe to say that, in American High schools, Drama Club is pretty much the safe haven for freaks and weirdos, am I right? I have not once mentioned that I am in Drama Club to the Exchange student that's going to live with us and have only made one comment in my letter I wrote for my application (which is the only way my family would find out since I haven't mentioned it to them); yet both of them have suggested that I join Drama Club at my school! I wonder if I give off a weird "Drama Queer" vibe that I will never shake; and if Drama Club is for weirdos there too.
Well, kiddies, that's it for now! I'm off to write to my okaasan!
Guy: Are you interested in Japanese language?
Me: Very much so. But I don't know any yet. It's okay though, because my Host mom is a part-time English teacher.
Guy: Really? Well she has to teach me Engrish.
I swear that's what he said! I'd never heard someone use the term "Engrish" in person before! It was the cutest thing! ^-^
On another note, I was thinking about Host Family gifts. I don't know if exchange students from other countries do this; but it seems to me that all American ones do. I do know that Japanese students do; but that's a cultural thing, they give gifts for everything. Except Christmas, oddly enough. Not my point! Ok, I was thinking about the gifts I had gotten for my host brother and sister; and a thought entered my head. What if the act of giving gifts to your family is not really a simple "Thank you for hosting me," like you might convince yourself; but a "Please like me" bribe. Especially gifts for siblings! I know if I post this on the AFS Bulletin Board I would be stoned for questioning the motives; but I'm thinking maybe, subconciously, that's why we do it.
You know how sometimes your grandparents can just say something that just shocks you? That happened to me a couple of weeks ago, we were at my grandma's house because Mom wanted me to tell her in person that I got into college. So I did; and I told her that I wanted to transfer to Parsons School of Design afterwards (because Cottey is a two year school). Here is her response: "Don't go to California; it's full of Beatniks." O.o! I couldn't believe she said that! (not-to-mention Parsons is in New York) Erin made me laugh though, when I told her about it afterward, "Should we tell Grandma that Ashley pretty much is one?" >_< lol
And I think it's safe to say that, in American High schools, Drama Club is pretty much the safe haven for freaks and weirdos, am I right? I have not once mentioned that I am in Drama Club to the Exchange student that's going to live with us and have only made one comment in my letter I wrote for my application (which is the only way my family would find out since I haven't mentioned it to them); yet both of them have suggested that I join Drama Club at my school! I wonder if I give off a weird "Drama Queer" vibe that I will never shake; and if Drama Club is for weirdos there too.
Well, kiddies, that's it for now! I'm off to write to my okaasan!