cold water

So I did it, I finally did it. I plunged into the cold water bath at my gym. This might not seem like a big accomplishment, but to me it was a small victory.

At my gym, which I have successfully been going to every other day for the past 7 months, there is an onsen. An onsen is like huge open a public bathroom with showers and a really large bath area filled with hot water. But there is also a very small bath made for only one or two people, and it is filled with freezing cold water. I have watched the ladies get quickly into and out of the bath for months, but being too scared to enter myself. Finally since it was fairly not busy with the usual ladies, and it also being summer, I felt like it was time. I walked right over and plunged in. Was it cold? yes, did it remind me of many times in the lake? yes, will i do it again? most likely yes (only when no one is around to witness the agony in my face).

On to other topics, I'm changing lives one Japanese woman at a time. I have a new student named Kaori. She is a new bride, and also new to my small town. We were talking about her daily schedule and how she basically has to wake up at 5 am to make both her and her husbands lunches, make them both breakfast, and then do laundry before getting ready for work. Not sure if you are aware of Japanese men, but many of them don't even know wear their underwear is kept. Many wives basically lay their husbands clothing out on the bed for them to change into. Men: don't make breakfast (or any meal for that matter), don't do household chores, basically just go to work, and that's about it. Women on the other hand do EVERYTHING. Both Kaori and her husband work full time, but when they come home, SHE basically starts her other job- the house. I kindly alerted her to the fact that they are unequally contributing to their family and relationship. The next week she came to class beaming. She told me about how she made a list and sat down with her husband to show him how basically everything that needs to be done is done by her, he realized this too, and has started to help significantly with the household chores. She said she is sooooooooo much happier and less stressed. One life made easier is worth it.

I often feel so much more than a teacher here in this little city called Fukui. I'm a therapist, a friend, and generally someone who listens to the daily lives of all my students. I don't always have answers or good advice, but I listen (and correct their English of course).

This weekend is festival time!!!!!!!!! Expect some Yukata clad pictures to be put up soon.