Pheomenon: an exceptional, unusual, or abnormal person, thing, or occurrence. It's a word that people like to use here, although we don't actually use it much in english. But now I finally have a reason to use it.
Yesterday I went out to the bus stop on my way to teach. Before the bus stop was even in view, I saw a line of people. Anyone who's been here or has taken the time to talk to someone who's been here knows how "abnormal" that is...it never happens.
I've heard rumors of the "education" that's going on for the general public. There used to be entire walls covered in posters outlining "The Ten Do's and Don't's." Those posters have recently disappeared, the walls painted a nice, polite, white. There have been classes to teach people appropriate, acceptable ways to cheer for their own team and for other teams, when the appropriate time to cheer is, etc. I recently heard that there was some sort of "education" to teach others how to stand in line. I thought "there's no way..." but now I know, it must have happened. Besides, I see the signs encouraging us to be good citizens by standing in line (benefit of knowing the language).
When I first moved here, I thought people couldn't stay in line if their lives depended on it. Even on the roads, the cars float in and out of lanes. In the stores, people just walk up to the register and throw their stuff down, then drop a wad of crumpled up money on the counter and wait for the cashier to drop change on the counter for them. To get on or off the bus, you'd think that there was an emergency the way people mad rush the door from the inside and the outside all at the same time.
There's no etiquette (as we know it in the west) for this- doesn't matter if you're a woman, step aside because rarely does a man even consider letting you go first. You're almost always pushed out of the way. The times that a man does pause to let me go first, I'm usually so in shock by it that it takes me about 15 seconds to recover enough to move. I'm not old-fashioned, but in the west, many guys tend to be generally more considerate of women... and esp. BCOM guys. Charlie, P. Tim, my other Chicago friends- don't worry, I haven't forgotten what you've tried to teach me... but this may be why I'm such a slow learner. ;) And to top it all off, there's no "personal space" here, so you're always crammed like a sardine against about five other people.
So, you can imagine what it was like to see a nice, neat single file line formed at the bus stop. Not just one, but one line for every bus that would stop there. The line was easily longer than the length of two buses. When the bus stopped, people waited patiently in the line and filed onto the bus in a very organized fashion. And each person was spaced about one foot apart...no sardine body cramming...until everyone was on board the bus, that is.
It was so strange to me that I couldn't bring myself to stand in line. I stood off to the side, in shock. Actually, I laughed out loud. Seriously. But standing in the line just didn't feel right. Like there was some invisible force causing the people to all act in unusual ways. I decided I just couldn't do it. I rebelled against the phenomenon.
Too bad I forgot my camera yesterday, but I won't forget next time. I will document this phenomenon.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Monday, July 14, 2008
Ridiculously Happy
...exceedingly happy...overflowing excitement...take your pick. That's how I feel.
The drudgery of moving...yet again...has quickly been overshadowed by the ridiculous happiness of getting a glimpse of the new neighborhood I'm moving into.
I went over to take the first load of my stuff to the place I'll be living in for the summer. I hate moving...I mean it is seriously a pain in the butt. And I'm only ONE person! And it's dreary and rainy today and I think I'm getting sick, and I have to move...NOT a good first half of my day. But I arrived at my friend's apartment and her mother (who teaches at the same school she does) met me to give me the key and debrief me on apartment stuff.
After the apartment "tour," she oriented me a little bit to the neighborhood. We looked out the window and she told me where the shops are to buy stuff and the vegetable market she goes to...and as I looked out the window, I saw this SEA of local stuff- food stands, a HUGE market, shops, everything. So after she left, I went to take a quick peek.
The market is AMAZING. It's got everything you could want for your apartment- bedding, electric cords, dishes, clothing...plus it's got food- fruits, veggies, meat, spices, everything. And outside it was food vendors, more little shops, more stuff.
I'm SO excited to be in this neighborhood and I'm already sad that I'll only be in this apartment for about 2 months. But I'm already thinking that this will be the first place I'll look at for renting after my friend comes back.
Even the neighborhood I'm living in is awesome- it's big, has lots of people, kids...even a swimming pool (although no one was in it...not sure who's eligible to use it yet).
AND a couple of my students live near my neighborhood. As much as I've loved being spoiled in a super-cushy posh apartment, I can't even say how excited I am to be in a more "normal" neighborhood and so much closer to some of my students, who I love like crazy.
So...I will be doing lots of exploring of my new area in the coming days and weeks.
The drudgery of moving...yet again...has quickly been overshadowed by the ridiculous happiness of getting a glimpse of the new neighborhood I'm moving into.
I went over to take the first load of my stuff to the place I'll be living in for the summer. I hate moving...I mean it is seriously a pain in the butt. And I'm only ONE person! And it's dreary and rainy today and I think I'm getting sick, and I have to move...NOT a good first half of my day. But I arrived at my friend's apartment and her mother (who teaches at the same school she does) met me to give me the key and debrief me on apartment stuff.
After the apartment "tour," she oriented me a little bit to the neighborhood. We looked out the window and she told me where the shops are to buy stuff and the vegetable market she goes to...and as I looked out the window, I saw this SEA of local stuff- food stands, a HUGE market, shops, everything. So after she left, I went to take a quick peek.
The market is AMAZING. It's got everything you could want for your apartment- bedding, electric cords, dishes, clothing...plus it's got food- fruits, veggies, meat, spices, everything. And outside it was food vendors, more little shops, more stuff.
I'm SO excited to be in this neighborhood and I'm already sad that I'll only be in this apartment for about 2 months. But I'm already thinking that this will be the first place I'll look at for renting after my friend comes back.
Even the neighborhood I'm living in is awesome- it's big, has lots of people, kids...even a swimming pool (although no one was in it...not sure who's eligible to use it yet).
AND a couple of my students live near my neighborhood. As much as I've loved being spoiled in a super-cushy posh apartment, I can't even say how excited I am to be in a more "normal" neighborhood and so much closer to some of my students, who I love like crazy.
So...I will be doing lots of exploring of my new area in the coming days and weeks.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
The Best People in the World
Sometimes, feeling like I don't fit in, I feel like I missed the mark...like I'm not really hearing right, you know? So it gets confusing. And feeling like by the world's standards, I shouldn't be here. I mean, I have enough support to live, but I'm not living some high-falutin' cushy lifestyle. I don't go to western restaurants very often. Partly because I don't have the money to, but partly because I don't want to. I don't need to.
But also, I'm not with an org or a team. I've been told by some people that they won't support me unless I am with an org. I understand the covering and everything, but...yeah. Not even going to go there. Just never felt that was where He was leading me. I turn to that sometimes, mostly when I'm feeling insecure- maybe I need an org. maybe I should go back for a few years and get with an org. But I don't feel like that's what He's calling me to do. Anyway, it's so easy to feel like I'm not doing things right, my life doesn't look like so-and-so. My pr life, my devo life doesn't look like so-and-so. My mnstry isn't like so-and-so's. I don't have vss memorized like so-and-so. I feel like I'm too simple to be on the field.
But I do feel like He's blssd me with confirmation that I am where I'm supposed to be. I've asked for local friends, and He's given them to me. He's provided for my needs-everything I needed in order to live in this city, where I felt He was leading me. And I feel that there are people that are special to me in my life-like some of the foreigners I've met since moving halfway across the world, a few close college classmates, my local friends that I've met in the cities I've lived in here. I feel like right now in my life, these people that He's given to me... I feel like the luckiest girl in the world. I feel like I have the best friends anyone could ever ask for. The best people this world has to offer. I feel privileged and honored to have them in my life.
I feel humbled, especially, to know the students that I have...the more I get to know them, the more I feel like "why have You put them in my life? who am i that i could know such amazing ppl, ppl that You've gone to the ends of the earth to bring out of the pit?" And I hope that no matter where He takes me in this world, that these people will still be in my life. Then when I think about this, I feel like I'm too simple, that I'm not skilled enough or smart enough or whatever enough to be here mnstring to these people...or I feel like the biggest, richest, most hoity-toity self-centered jerk in the world. Wow, that seems harsh. But I think I mostly feel that way because of hearing a friend's story recently.
In any case, I know He's got me here for a reason. I don't really know what that reason is, but I feel like He's giving me glimpses...but only glimpses because I'm not ready for the whole picture yet. A friend put it into words perfectly: it could be that it's bigger than I'd ever imagined and if I knew it all at once...I'd go home early.
But also, I'm not with an org or a team. I've been told by some people that they won't support me unless I am with an org. I understand the covering and everything, but...yeah. Not even going to go there. Just never felt that was where He was leading me. I turn to that sometimes, mostly when I'm feeling insecure- maybe I need an org. maybe I should go back for a few years and get with an org. But I don't feel like that's what He's calling me to do. Anyway, it's so easy to feel like I'm not doing things right, my life doesn't look like so-and-so. My pr life, my devo life doesn't look like so-and-so. My mnstry isn't like so-and-so's. I don't have vss memorized like so-and-so. I feel like I'm too simple to be on the field.
But I do feel like He's blssd me with confirmation that I am where I'm supposed to be. I've asked for local friends, and He's given them to me. He's provided for my needs-everything I needed in order to live in this city, where I felt He was leading me. And I feel that there are people that are special to me in my life-like some of the foreigners I've met since moving halfway across the world, a few close college classmates, my local friends that I've met in the cities I've lived in here. I feel like right now in my life, these people that He's given to me... I feel like the luckiest girl in the world. I feel like I have the best friends anyone could ever ask for. The best people this world has to offer. I feel privileged and honored to have them in my life.
I feel humbled, especially, to know the students that I have...the more I get to know them, the more I feel like "why have You put them in my life? who am i that i could know such amazing ppl, ppl that You've gone to the ends of the earth to bring out of the pit?" And I hope that no matter where He takes me in this world, that these people will still be in my life. Then when I think about this, I feel like I'm too simple, that I'm not skilled enough or smart enough or whatever enough to be here mnstring to these people...or I feel like the biggest, richest, most hoity-toity self-centered jerk in the world. Wow, that seems harsh. But I think I mostly feel that way because of hearing a friend's story recently.
In any case, I know He's got me here for a reason. I don't really know what that reason is, but I feel like He's giving me glimpses...but only glimpses because I'm not ready for the whole picture yet. A friend put it into words perfectly: it could be that it's bigger than I'd ever imagined and if I knew it all at once...I'd go home early.
My brain is fried...
I'm editing the translation of a script. It's urgent and important as it'll be submitted as a contender for an award. No pressure or anything. So, in the midst of this important, urgent matter, what do I do? Blog, of course!
I might be making it more difficult than necessary, but come on. We've all seen movies with awkward subtitles...it's even worse when you understand some of the language. So I can't allow something that potentially LOTS of people are going to see and have the subtitles not match. It's already been translated...I'm just responsible for editing the translation. But I'm comparing all the translated parts with the original. It's creating a lot more work than they probably expected me to do, and I'm not sure how anyone feels about it. But I want to do a good job.
To top it all off, the script is all interviews with victims from the recent disaster. So it's heavy stuff. So it's hard to find the right words to express what's being said.
And just checked my inbox...have another script waiting for me...and I did two yesterday. I like doing this, but sometimes it makes my brain feel like jell-o.
Well, back to work.
I might be making it more difficult than necessary, but come on. We've all seen movies with awkward subtitles...it's even worse when you understand some of the language. So I can't allow something that potentially LOTS of people are going to see and have the subtitles not match. It's already been translated...I'm just responsible for editing the translation. But I'm comparing all the translated parts with the original. It's creating a lot more work than they probably expected me to do, and I'm not sure how anyone feels about it. But I want to do a good job.
To top it all off, the script is all interviews with victims from the recent disaster. So it's heavy stuff. So it's hard to find the right words to express what's being said.
And just checked my inbox...have another script waiting for me...and I did two yesterday. I like doing this, but sometimes it makes my brain feel like jell-o.
Well, back to work.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Punched in the face?
Does anyone like the dentist? Do I even want to be blogging about one of the most (very possibly THE most) humiliating experiences I've ever had in my life? Well, considering there's probably only one person who reads this, it's probably ok.
So, the dentist. Yeah, I felt really confident in his skills until I was sitting in that $200,000 chair with that big ol' needle (wasn't actually old...it was clean, fresh out of the package) coming towards my mouth. But soon enough that tingly numbness came on and all was good...but I was still awake, staring at all the tools and seeing the dr. prodding at my jaw...and thinking "oh man...that's going to HURT in the morning!"
Actually, it hurt 30 minutes after the dr. finished. They told me I was supposed to sit in the waiting room for 30 minutes...glad I left right away! After 30 minutes, I was in some serious pain (ok, I'm a wimp), and if I'd waited til then to START going home, I probably would have passed out on the street. Ok, not really.
The dentist I went to is actually a very good place. The dentists have ridiculously high-tech equipment and their English is good...not just good, but you trust that they actually KNOW what they're saying- and mean it!
Anyway, today is day one. Can't brush my teeth, can't rinse my mouth...feeling pretty nasty. For the most part, I don't notice it now, but if anything so much as touches my face...WOW. Tried to eat a PB&J sandwich...decided I should stick with ice cream and smoothies.
It's all good though. Three months will be over before I know it. I only hope that I don't get any bruises. Then everyone would think I got the crap beat out of me...
So, the dentist. Yeah, I felt really confident in his skills until I was sitting in that $200,000 chair with that big ol' needle (wasn't actually old...it was clean, fresh out of the package) coming towards my mouth. But soon enough that tingly numbness came on and all was good...but I was still awake, staring at all the tools and seeing the dr. prodding at my jaw...and thinking "oh man...that's going to HURT in the morning!"
Actually, it hurt 30 minutes after the dr. finished. They told me I was supposed to sit in the waiting room for 30 minutes...glad I left right away! After 30 minutes, I was in some serious pain (ok, I'm a wimp), and if I'd waited til then to START going home, I probably would have passed out on the street. Ok, not really.
The dentist I went to is actually a very good place. The dentists have ridiculously high-tech equipment and their English is good...not just good, but you trust that they actually KNOW what they're saying- and mean it!
Anyway, today is day one. Can't brush my teeth, can't rinse my mouth...feeling pretty nasty. For the most part, I don't notice it now, but if anything so much as touches my face...WOW. Tried to eat a PB&J sandwich...decided I should stick with ice cream and smoothies.
It's all good though. Three months will be over before I know it. I only hope that I don't get any bruises. Then everyone would think I got the crap beat out of me...
Sunday, July 6, 2008
A New Post, for Linds :)
The start to my day- wake up to the sound of a new text message arriving. So glad to hear that sound for two reasons- 1) I LOVE getting a text message (except when it's the phone company) and 2) my phone speaker is AGAIN breaking and often doesn't make sound at all.
So I got up, replied to the message (it was from a friend), boiled water for coffee... hey wait a minute...I never DRANK my coffee. BRB.
Ok, drinking coffee now. So after boiling the water, I got online. Don't worry, I didn't forget about the boiled water this time. No almost-burn-down-the-apartment emergencies today! Anyway, online. Read my emails, finally got to read the text to my sister's orchestra's blog in Australia...although the pics didn't come through (thank you, Big Brother, once again for...stopping the sarcastic comment...). Then I read the blog of a girl in the orchestra who didn't go...the Orchestra Losers who aren't in Australia blog. Entries about their exciting lives back in WI.
Then I remembered that I can access my blog FINALLY again (again...thank you BB...) and looked at it, saw Lindsey's comment about "how will I ever know what's happening in your life without a new blog" comment and decided I'd tell you about my morning :)
Aren't you glad?
Real post coming soon...
So I got up, replied to the message (it was from a friend), boiled water for coffee... hey wait a minute...I never DRANK my coffee. BRB.
Ok, drinking coffee now. So after boiling the water, I got online. Don't worry, I didn't forget about the boiled water this time. No almost-burn-down-the-apartment emergencies today! Anyway, online. Read my emails, finally got to read the text to my sister's orchestra's blog in Australia...although the pics didn't come through (thank you, Big Brother, once again for...stopping the sarcastic comment...). Then I read the blog of a girl in the orchestra who didn't go...the Orchestra Losers who aren't in Australia blog. Entries about their exciting lives back in WI.
Then I remembered that I can access my blog FINALLY again (again...thank you BB...) and looked at it, saw Lindsey's comment about "how will I ever know what's happening in your life without a new blog" comment and decided I'd tell you about my morning :)
Aren't you glad?
Real post coming soon...
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