dean jag
when i got home, i put everyones name and number into my cell phone. this time though, everyone’s cell phone number is listed under their name and then the japanese word for cell phone which is “keitai.” said: KAY-TIE. at first it was fun, but as i got further and further down my list of names and numbers to add, all the entering of all of the letters just got to be a little too much. so i began to allow the cell phone to create whatever word popped out after a few of the first letters. for this reason, i have more than just a family of numbers with the word keitai, i also have jag, and jagtag, kait, and even a friend listed under “melissa from space.” i actually met her while i was studying abroad in SPAIN, not SPACE, but whatever.
so mr. dean jag called me this morning. i think just to check up on me and make sure i am still alive. that or to get my voicemail and leave a message where he sounds disgusted as he remarks that i never answer the phone when he calls. actually, ive come to remember why he called me.
dean: “who are you bringing to my wedding?”
me: “i think im just going to be the 3rd wheel to gina and steven,”
dean: “why dont you have a boyfriend?”
now, here’s where the mental note comes in. why dont i have a boyfriend? this is a question i got a LOT in japan. along with the occational ever so popular question of:
“why arent you married?”
well….if i remember correctly, other than in creepy polygamist circles or far-away eastern lands, americans go through a process before choosing a person to spend the rest of forever with. at least, that’s how it was before i spent 2 years in japan. and i think this is still the way things go.
but how do you answer the question “why dont you have a boyfriend?” or “why arent you married?” at least to the married question i can say “because no one has asked.” but why dont i have a boyfriend? shoot i dont know. i could go through the long list about why’s, which i usually do when i am asked the question…..work….out of the country and with short skinny japanese men for 2 years. most of which had the grossest teeth EVER and look like raging beasts while eating…..then there is the fact that i am not in a hurry. and saying that is always a help. to the other person. because it is then that they like to throw in the “don’t worry. it will happen when it happens.” doesn’t EVERYTHING happen when it happens? but thats beside the point. i would like to clearly-loudly-and assuredly say “I’M NOT WORRIED!”
what i am is 26 years old. and happy. with work. with home. with friends. and with my faith.
so let me be happy. and please rest assured that i am not worried. so theres no need for you to be. because “it will happen when it happens.” of course.
