This morning I woke up in kind of a daze. Everything seemed normal – I tooled around the house. I ate a big salami and cucumber sandwich. The salami came from my parents and the cucumber came from Kuniko’s parents’ garden. I studied Japanese, and tried to read a first grade picture book (I couldn’t).
Around the middle of the morning I called my folks and gave them the news. They sounded a little surprised, but happy. I was glad – they have been a constant source of support for me here in Japan. We talked for a long time and then later in the evening they called again to talk some more.
We talked about a lot of the repercussions of my decision, the big one being where Kuniko and I will live. Kuniko and I are planning on staying in Japan in the near future. There are tons of reasons why, and it just makes the most sense. I haven’t gotten enough of Japan yet – I feel like I’ve only grazed the surface. No place is perfect, but to spend years learning about something new, be it language or culture, is something that appeals to me.
This morning Kuniko told her mom about it at breakfast. Kuniko’s folks don’t know anything about me – they don’t really even know that we’ve been dating. There are a lot of reasons behind this – some I understand, some I don’t and never will. The important part for me is to trust Kuniko and her timing – they are her parents, after all.
Her mom apparently took it well, and said that we should get together for dinner sometime. That should be a nerve-racking experience! Tonight at dinner Kuniko will spring this on her father. I hope that goes OK.
I had some leftover shrimp from last night so I’m cooking up a spicy shrimp and rice dish that should be interesting. I celebrated with myself by drinking a couple of Guinness and I’ll cap off today by ironing shirts. Woo-hoo! More news soon!
