lizzybennet: (trek icon)
[personal profile] lizzybennet
The weather has turned cool. It happened so quickly. On day it was in the 90's and the next the 60's (or so it seemed...) I soon realized that I didn't bring enough winter clothes for the boys. Yesterday they were all wearing shorts. As far as I've seen, as soon as the weather changed all the locals put away their summer clothes and brought out their winter clothes. Not only are they in long pants, but almost everyone is also in a jacket. When they see the boys in shorts, they are sure to tell Chris that our kids need to be dressed more warmly!

I'm starting to get used to this bluntness that is a part of the Chinese culture. I like it. I don't have to wonder what people are thinking about me, they will simply tell me. In the states, if my kids were under dressed for the weather no one would say anything although they would be thinking it. Here, people just tell us right off. Also, when Yun and her son were at our home the other night, she surprised me with a bit of bluntness. Out of the blue, she asked me if I liked to do yoga. When I said yes, she said "I'll get you a dvd so you can get fit." Gee, thanks. No, really. Thanks! She called me today from the bookstore to tell me that she was picking up the dvd. I know I need to lose weight and I know anyone who looks at me knows it. For people to just be up front about it, I like it. It feels much better than people saying "No, you're not fat" when you know good and well that you are. Does any of this make sense?

We bought a few more winter clothes, although I think we will need some heavy duty stuff before the year is over. None of us own any sweaters or anything heavier than a long sleeve T-shirt. Hey, it's already colder here than it got all year round in Arizona :)

I'm really struggling to find time to do my classwork. All my time is consumed with home school and the boys, not leaving much over for me to do my reading assignments and postings for my own classes. So far I've been able to make it work, but I'm certainly not enjoying my classes like I usually do. I just feel like I have to stick it out and get it done. If I can do it, I'll be finished with my BA at the end of the Spring semester. BTW, my classes this semester are: History of the Soviet Union, Caribbean Cultures in the US, and The China Century (about the Chinese economy and how it affects the USA).

what's your major?

Date: 2006-09-12 01:31 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] jorod74.livejournal.com
interesting mix of classes, but what is your major?
I guess texans would like the chinese bluntness...no beating around the bush. Spit it out.
at least you avoid the awkwardness of walking your "poor, underdressed" kids through frigid streets (all 60 degree-ish) in bermuda shorts and sandals and only have the shocked expressions to clue you in, lol.
but just relax, mysteena. You learn as you go and like you said, they tell you when you mess up.
be good, keep writing.

Re: what's your major?

Date: 2006-09-13 05:21 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] mysteena.livejournal.com
My major is history. I'm hoping to go to school for my MA in library sciences...someday...

Date: 2006-09-12 05:31 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] risingpheenix.livejournal.com
Tact...it's so PC and over-rated. I think Americans could do with a dose of Chinese culture.

Your post reminded me of one of my mom's ESL students. Chong Jones. When I first met her, my mom introduced us and I said, "Hello, Mrs. Jones." Chong looked at me and without saying hello she said, "You have pimple!"

Next thing I know I'm scheduled for a beauty consoltation because she was also a Mary Kay representative *lol*.

Date: 2006-09-13 05:23 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] mysteena.livejournal.com
lol, what a great story! Yes, that sort of bluntness is quite common. I like it. There is no need to wonder what people are thinking because they just come out and say it! I wonder if I will grow more that way while we are here?

Date: 2006-09-13 12:02 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] risingpheenix.livejournal.com
Just prepare yourself to get odd looks when you come back to the states! *lol*

Date: 2006-09-12 05:44 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] goal145.livejournal.com
Lol, yes, the refreshing bluntness! And the fact that they'd still think you were fat, even if you weighed 120 pounds, just because you're American and all Americans are fat...

Date: 2006-09-13 05:25 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] mysteena.livejournal.com
So, so true. I have some thin American friends here who are still unable to find clothes just because our bodies seem to be shaped so differently. At least with me, I'm short like most Chinese women. Most of my American friends are much too tall to wear any of these clothes.

I wonder how much the average Chinese woman weighs? 100 lbs? I know some of them weigh even less. It's amazing. And then when I see them eating at KFC or McDonlands I just want to scream "Stop it! You're ruining your self!!" Of course, I too am eating there, so I just sit quietly...

Date: 2006-09-13 12:00 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] duaned.livejournal.com
I have to agree, most of us could do with a good dose of bluntness. The unfortunate part is, I'm terrible at being blunt with other people. One of those cliche "golden rules" is stuck in my head. "If you can't say something nice, keep your mouth shut."

Date: 2006-09-13 05:27 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] mysteena.livejournal.com
Me too! I can never be that blunt and I'd have to say the golden rule has a lot to do with it for me too. We've been raised to only say nice things. I doubt we could ever shake that ingrained habit, even if we live here our whole lives.

Library Sciences?

Date: 2006-09-13 01:22 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] jorod74.livejournal.com
heard from a couple sources at Troy University that you are aiming for a degree that is almost as good as gold; so you keep up the good work and don't feel like "someday" equates to "the day right before the sun runs out of energy", ok? (FYI: you got about 5 billion years left on the sun, so hurry!!!! LOL.)
peace.

bluntness

Date: 2006-09-13 03:00 pm (UTC)
From: (Anonymous)
It's so funny to me that some of what you are experiencing is what we are experiencing too. New Englanders are very blunt and abrupt. My father in law even said the other night when we were discussing this that now I should understand that he wasn't being mean, it's just a cultural thing. It really does explain so many things. A few people at church though have a hard time being told they shouldn't be late, not talk so long and should have brought their scriptures. Nothing warm and fuzzy about the people here.
Our weather has turned off cool too and thankfully our friends daughter brought over 5 bags worth of clothes. All the girls are set with pants and sweaters. I am liking the cooler weather.

Profile

lizzybennet: (Default)
lizzybennet

April 2011

S M T W T F S
     12
3456 789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930

Most Popular Tags

Style Credit

Expand Cut Tags

No cut tags
Page generated Jul. 16th, 2025 12:04 am
Powered by Dreamwidth Studios