Apology #3

DannyinJapan

DannyinJapan

Joined
Oct 9, 2003
Messages
5,594
In a recent discussion with someone from the forum, it was pointed out that I have, recently, become a little quick to jump to conclusions and get upset with people.

I am guilty as charged.
I am also not guilty, inasmuch as this is merely a symptom of my culture shock.

Despite the name, it is not a temporary, "only for newcomers" type thing. Culture shock has many symptoms, some are pretty bad including psychosomatic blindness and deafness.
Most common is the irritability and defensiveness which I seem to have going right now.

Im sorry If I have turned into a b!tch.

I am going to go out and get myself into better shape.
The internet has not proven to be the complete answer to my emotional stress situation.
I need to go fishing more and get some excercise and do something other than Budo and talking on the internet.
 
DannyinJapan said:
...Culture shock has many symptoms, some are pretty bad including psychosomatic blindness and deafness...
Click to expand...
If I was ever in a place that made me feel like that, I would get my ass back home as fast as I could.
 
Don't sweat it, Danny. Any of us that are on here on a regular basis know what kind of guy you are. it sounds like you have some stuff to work out on your own. I can understand that. I respect that. Hell, I admire your currage for stepping out of your comfort zone and going after your martial arts dream. I mean I had culture shock when I moved from Indiana to Kentucky while i was in college. Take your time and work things out to suit you best. I think it's safe to say that whether you are in the US or Japan you're going to be one of the more dynamics members of the HI family. Just remember that. You ARE part of the HI family and the cantina needs you as much as we need munk's well written tales, Ben's non-sugar-coated philosophy, Yvsa's wisdom, Kis' kindness, Uncle Bill and Rusty's leadership, or Bruise's perfectly executed deadpan humor. Just a few of the characters of the HI melting pot. You belong in our soup. Get your head together, but don't stray too far, friend.

jake
 
I respect people who have the courage to apologize when needed. Take it easy, go fishing and enjoy some new things. We enjoy having you.

Ice
 
I have pretty much travelled the world Danny...the only place that I was ever really aware of the culture shock you are talking about was Japan.

Don't get me wrong...I don't have anything against them and found ways to accomodate them and enjoyed my time there...

But it is the most foreign place I have ever been. It is not surprising that you have become aware of it.

I don't have a lot of suggestions, but detaching yourself from this place isn't one of them.

If it will help, when you b!tch too much, I'll be glad to come over and slap it right out of you... ;)
 
Danny
During the various stages in my life I have lived in Asia for a total of 7 years including 1 year in Viet Nam, 2 years in Taiwan and almost 3 years in Indonesia. Some were when I was a young pup and some when I was an old dog. Relax and go with the flow. I know that cultural differences can be nerve racking but just remember that you are on their turf now and that it would be stupid to try to impose your sense of values on them but DO NOT lose your sense of self. Enjoy the good parts and remember that everything comes with a price. Make sense??
 
Danny, your time in Japan is going to end someday, isn't it? Keep that in mind. As for the rest, I must be suffering from culture shock myself, else why am I so irritable and reactionary on occasion?




munk
 
hehehe...that's just your inner munkness coming out... ;-)
 
Danny, don't sweat it. You are one of the good guys here, always will be.

A little humility is good for the soul.

That having been said, pull out your cowboy hat and wear it now and then - kinda "in your face" if you know what I mean. Surely a Texan has a hat with him? If not, what's your hat size and can you wear a Stetson long oval or does a Resistol or Bailey feel better?
 
Posting forums have a lot to be desired. I rarely get bent out of shape because of someone's response to any topic on the boards. Too many variables for me to reliably know exactly what someone else is trying to say.
 
I wore my resistol to the hombu dojo yesterday.
Nagato Sensei really liked it.
One of the other Japanese students really liked it too and started telling me how he used to wear his "cowboy outfit" when he was in high school.
 
DannyinJapan said:
I wore my resistol to the hombu dojo yesterday.
Nagato Sensei really liked it.
One of the other Japanese students really liked it too and started telling me how he used to wear his "cowboy outfit" when he was in high school.
Click to expand...


:) I used to wear my samuri outfit to...no wait...I never had a samuri outfit... :D
 
Danny,

Life is actually just a series of stress filled situations, some with more than others. As has been said, don't sweat it. We like you and think of you as one of the good guys....at least I do.

My dad liked to fish....I think he would also advise taking pole in had and spend time near water. :D
 
It's words on a website, DIJ. No harm, no foul. Like Nasty said, Japan has to be one of the strangest places in the world for someone who isn't Japanese. I honestly don't know how you do it.

I don't recall you ever saying anything particularly troubling, but then again, I'm a Usenet guy...my standards are a bit different. ;)
 
Unrelated to this thread- I was reflecting a lot last night.
When my Grandfather was alive in this world, and I miss him dearly,
he used to tell me that staying in balance in this time and world was a full time job. It's a hard thing and I imagine harder in a foreign culture.
The fact that you have awareness is comendable. Think of all those poor souls (from time to time, myself included) that don't realize what factors drive their behavior and know when to make adjustments. I am working on making my own adjustments right now too, trying to be a more patient father. I had a heck of a bad example growing up, I guess life takes a lot of work.
 
DeathDancer said:
...Life is actually just a series of stress filled situations, some with more than others...
Click to expand...

"Life is a perpetual drunkenness.
The pleasure passes, but the headache remains."

(From "Moon Over Morocco", a ZBS Jack Flanders Adventure.
 
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