When I was playing in bands, I was around many intelligent people who were not what would be called "textbook smart". They had no knowledge of economics or calculus but could create music, discuss art and film, and held strong ideological and sociological beliefs.

I moved from the artistic world into the business world,  largely, because it was depressing to be poor, and I was tired of making 200 bucks a week as a waiter while supporting my lifestyle. On top of that, I had come to Chicago from Atlanta and I felt really out of place as a newcomer in the Chicago music scene.

Speaking on the phone in a foreign language is scary.

If you are thinking, it's hard to convey this, thus small pauses become eternities. I tried this a month ago and was hung up on while making a reservation; they probably thought I was drunk. Plus in Japan, the telephone conversation patterns are really different. I have made reservations lately and I still don't really know how to end the call. It kind of trails of in a volley of "Hai"'s and "Arigatou"'s. I need to learn the appropriate ending protocol. But I did it, and I'm happy.

Q: I live in Japan, but my Japanese sucks. How should I proceed?

Mr. Real Person
Tokyo, Japan

Prior to coming to Japan, once a week for 10 weeks, I took a basic Japanese class. We used Japanese For Busy People, which uses some kana, although in class we used the romaji portions. Right before coming to Japan, I spent the boring moments at my second job (bartending) learning hiragana and katakana, to prepare for school.

Yesterday I went to an Italian Cafe with 3 other Korean classmates. My friend since my first day of school came, while she waited for her husband who is in the afternoon class. Her Japanese is a little better than mine, but we are used to each other, so we understand each other well. Or, I understand her, at least.

A new girl came out, whose Japanese is pretty amazing, maybe the most fluid in the school, but doesn't feel comfortable at a higher level. I can't imagine her being in my level next semester. If she becomes 10% more confident, she could jump 2 levels.

deleted?? darn.

Every three months I get my hair cut. The date tends to fall around the beginning of the new semester, although this time I waited a little while. It's become a pretty good way to gauge my language progress, my stylist being my constant.