I would like to take a moment to vent a little about how completely impossible it is to find shorts that aren't either too long or too short, and that aren't frayed or too faded and with no holes. I've discovered the same problem with finding any appropriate dresses. Rather, I did find a dress that's almost knee-length, but I'm still not sure if it'll be appropriate, and not just because of the length, but also because it's white and I'm not sure if it'll be appropriate for whatever formal occasions we will be attending. And as for shorts, I actually found some jean shorts on the Kohl's site that I'm going to buy and pray they both fit and are.the appropriate length. I'm probably stressing about my clothes too much, but they did say to wear clean clothes--no holes, frays, or anything like that. Unfortunately, I'm only just beginning to branch out and become more interested in what I wear, not just wearing plain clothes. I guess you could say I'm just starting to try to become more "fashionable". I still haven't found a specific type of clothes I prefer or anything. Anyway, my point is that for someone like me, who's only just starting to make more of an effort in her clothing choices and with no really good knowledge concerning clothes, it's a bit stressful to have these rules thrust upon me. Do I follow them to the T, or are they really nottoo strict? I mean, those of us going are representing our university, our state, even our country. As they've said and written in the handbook, we need to make an effort.to behave appropriately, respect their culture and try to learn and sort of fit in, and on top of all that, not only dress appropriately, but also more conservatively. Compared to Japan, and most other countries for that matter, the US is extremely casual, not just in clothing but in so many other things as well.
In any case, I don't know if I'm just stressing and over thinking things like usual or if I'm actually stressing for good reason this time. Unfortunately, I have this horrible feeling it's the latter for once.
Sorry, I'm being pessimistic again. I'll do my best, and what happens, happens. I survive, and it'll all be a learning experience. I need to focus on the good and exciting things. I mean, I'm finally studying abroad and going to a country with a culture that is so different from mine, and I get to learn about it all along with the language. This is something I've wanted to do for years now, and it's finally happening. In a mere 45 days, I will be flying out of Detroit. 13 hours later I'll be on Japan.
On a side note, it turns out my family really is going to throw a going away party of sorts--just with family, though. As far as I know. Somehow, it feels like a mini-grad party...And I'm not sure if I should be worried that my one relative was.asking how to write my name in Japanese...Anyway, thank you, if any of them are reading this, for going to such lengths and throwing a little party like this! It's a pleasant surprise, since I wasn't expecting anything, really. At least, nothing more than being dropped off at the airport, probably arriving too early, and waiting a teary hour two before going through security and boarding.
On another note, I was just thinking, I feel bad that I can't talk about a whole lot yet, except for a few random things and saying vaguely that such-and-such an application wasn't that hard to complete and a few random things about planes and their tickets and other such things. But I suppose there just isn't much to talk about concerning the application process and preparations. Except complaining about prices and the impossibility of finding appropriate shorts and dresses. Maybe sometime before I go I'll make sure I covered everything I could about the Before things.
Two final things: definitely watch shows in Japanese and listen to Japanese music and other things before going so you can become accustomed to the sound of the language. I know even before taking Japanese, I learned some simple words and phrases just by watching Japanese shows and things. Just, don't speak like they do in anime and dramas and movies and things, because it tends to be very informal and rude. Or so I've been told (and it does seem that way). Although, interviews with bands and things like that might be more realistic, though I'd still be careful.
The other less important thing is that I might come back and post a picture of my dress and ask anyone reading this to tell me if they think it'd be appropriate for formal occasions in Japan. I'm all about second opinions...and third, and fourth, and fifth...Edit:
Here's a picture of the dress I was talking about. If anyone's reading this, could you comment whether or not it's appropriate, please?
In any case, I don't know if I'm just stressing and over thinking things like usual or if I'm actually stressing for good reason this time. Unfortunately, I have this horrible feeling it's the latter for once.
Sorry, I'm being pessimistic again. I'll do my best, and what happens, happens. I survive, and it'll all be a learning experience. I need to focus on the good and exciting things. I mean, I'm finally studying abroad and going to a country with a culture that is so different from mine, and I get to learn about it all along with the language. This is something I've wanted to do for years now, and it's finally happening. In a mere 45 days, I will be flying out of Detroit. 13 hours later I'll be on Japan.
On a side note, it turns out my family really is going to throw a going away party of sorts--just with family, though. As far as I know. Somehow, it feels like a mini-grad party...And I'm not sure if I should be worried that my one relative was.asking how to write my name in Japanese...Anyway, thank you, if any of them are reading this, for going to such lengths and throwing a little party like this! It's a pleasant surprise, since I wasn't expecting anything, really. At least, nothing more than being dropped off at the airport, probably arriving too early, and waiting a teary hour two before going through security and boarding.
On another note, I was just thinking, I feel bad that I can't talk about a whole lot yet, except for a few random things and saying vaguely that such-and-such an application wasn't that hard to complete and a few random things about planes and their tickets and other such things. But I suppose there just isn't much to talk about concerning the application process and preparations. Except complaining about prices and the impossibility of finding appropriate shorts and dresses. Maybe sometime before I go I'll make sure I covered everything I could about the Before things.
Two final things: definitely watch shows in Japanese and listen to Japanese music and other things before going so you can become accustomed to the sound of the language. I know even before taking Japanese, I learned some simple words and phrases just by watching Japanese shows and things. Just, don't speak like they do in anime and dramas and movies and things, because it tends to be very informal and rude. Or so I've been told (and it does seem that way). Although, interviews with bands and things like that might be more realistic, though I'd still be careful.
The other less important thing is that I might come back and post a picture of my dress and ask anyone reading this to tell me if they think it'd be appropriate for formal occasions in Japan. I'm all about second opinions...and third, and fourth, and fifth...Edit:
Here's a picture of the dress I was talking about. If anyone's reading this, could you comment whether or not it's appropriate, please?