Infamy and Questions

It seems that some parts of my life in Canada also carries over to Japan. I don't know how or why, but news of me seems to travel around everywhere without me knowing. Why is that? I'll admit that I'm an odd ball, but somehow in random conversations, my name pops up. I think it's kind of funny. Oh well.

There is a difference between taking classes in Japan as compared to Canada or in the states. The difference is that students here don't ask questions. That and they don't seem to enjoy answering questions posed by teachers either. I personally believe that it has to do with some kind of inbread fear of being embarassed.

As for me, well when it comes to certain things, you could say that "I have no shame." This is especially true for asking stupid questions or doing stupid things. It's a fact, I do stupid things all the time. Just ask the audience. It's not a problem though-- it makes for some pretty good stories however.

But that's the thing, the thing I feel about Japan is that in formal situations with other people in a class. They are afraid of being stupid in the sense of not knowing the answer or asking questions. I am taking 6 classes now and in most classes I am the one that is asking the most questions. The interesting thing is that most of these Japanese people are kind of puzzed about this asian looking foreigner that can speak fluent English, that can sounds like a native Japanese speaker but can't speak proper Japanese half of the time. It has come down to the point where I do stand up and walk up to the chalk board and write out mathematically what I want to express. The students in the class were rather surprised at how bold I am. Well... even in Canada I don't usually walk up to the chalk board to write out what I am talking about in class... in Japan, it's sort of a necessity. As a result I have become some kind of spectacle.

What I would learn later is that news of me is spreading. Interesitngly enough, I started talking to random people in class from time to time and do hear that they know a few friends of mine in my lab... hence the news spreads. I find it interesting, so long as it's the good kind of news that spreads :) I'm all for that part.

Aside from that, it has been about 5 weeks since the beginning of my masters degree. I've finally settled on a project... the only problem is getting the ball rolling. There is a lot of equipment over here and the thing is that I need to schedule time with people to learn how to use the equipment. Ugh, time management was never one of my strong points. It still isn't either. How does one balance work and play? It's tricky. I play lots on the weekend and stay late at the lab during the weekdays. I haven't loafed around in a while.. which is a good thing I guess... (hence the lack of idle thoughts posts like I had done before the start of my masters).

On an interesting note. After getting into the lab, I have gotten fatter. I've gained back the 5 pounds which I lost at first when I first came in to Japan. The culprit being the fatty foods (ie deep fried foods) at the cafeteria that I've been eating everyday. Going to have to get myself off those foods because it isn't good for my health. Keep this up and I'll be comming home like a pumpkin. Not a pretty sight.