February 9, 2006

  • You know you're getting older...

    Ever since I turned 50, I've been obsessed with it. I think I'm truly going through some sort of mid-life crisis. No, I have no plans to buy a Corvette, although that's mostly because I don't have the money... I presume that most who read this site will not understand this preoccupation with age. Wait another 30 years and you'll know what I mean. By then, I'll be, what? ... Eighty? Egads!

    Anyway, a student who graduated and was doing research in Japan came by the other day. He got into Cambridge to pursue a Masters in Asian Studies. He isn't sure if he wants to go, but he is the third student of mine in three years to get in. Of course, they didn't get in because of me, but because of what they have accomplished on their own... but I did write letters of recommendations for all three.

    Anyway, I've been partial to baseball caps recently, especially when it's cold because heat does have a tendency to escape through your head and I need all the heat I can keep these days. But this guy walks into my office, and asked me what the deal was with the cap? Is this a new look or are you balding?

    I almost asked him to return the letter of recommendation. *sigh*

    Oh well, I guess I've reached an age when a little balding would not be odd. But I have such a healthy head of hair that the thought of going bald had never entered my head. I must admit, however, that upon closer inspection, my hairline does seem to have receded a bit...

    But I really felt old last month when I went with M to Ruby Tuesday in Fairfax. We were sitting at a table eating dinner and drinking beer. I suddenly felt a draft, so I put on my jacket at the table, but soon took it off when it got too warm. But in a couple of minutes, I felt cold again, so M suggested I take my wool muffler and place it over my lap. The make-shift blanket felt very comfortable almost right away. We continued our meal and I didn't give the cold a second thought.

    When we were about to leave I picked up the muffler from my lap and immediately felt the chilly draft. That's when it hit me. Oh my God! I must look like one of those grandpas who needs a lap blanket to stay warm. I never felt as old as I did at that moment...

Comments (14)

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  • is that why you had that little blanket wrapped around your Onigiriman logo??? :P Just because you need a blanket to keep warm doesn't mean that you're getting old.. It's just the winter! :D

  • after all you are from sunny california (yesterday was 90 degrees)

    i was born in va and lived in germany and japan all cold winter places. After livimg im L.A.for 20 years I don't think i could be in the cold unless i am skiing.

    What about a hara-maki? that would help you with the draft.

  • A little thinning of hair seems only fair since women have a host of other problems, this and that sagging, wrinkles on the face. Remember, it's more accepted that men are still handsome when they age rather then women.

    Don't feel old~! You always sounds young through your posts.And it if makes you feel better, I use my coat as a blanket when we drive anywhere.

  • some of my friends have been balding since they were like 21 or something. so... at least there's that. imagine if it happened when you're so young still going out to the clubs and trying to hook up and stuff.

    my dad bought a motorcycle and a 4Runner. (His normal car is an '87 Toyota van.)

    Oh and I had the Quarter-Life Crisis. Believe me that sucked.

    Do you think your students sometimes overstep the line, like becaues you're friendly they will say things they won't say to other profs?

  • oh hey OMAN! (oops!) yea NO I didn't lose weight! Too much rice and Kim chee Ok I lost a little, but I haven't been exercising much, too much studying and sightseeing to do! Hahahaha no we're not married! None of the M word in my vocabulary!

    Yay, you were my first commenter and visitor

  • Now that I'm back on Xanga I have to reflect on one of your earlier posts.....Seahawks 20, Steelers 13?!?!?!?!?! I can't believe it!!!! Letting down my Steelers! Ok, the fans are obnoxious, I'll give you that.....one reason why I will never reside in Pittsburgh again!

    I miss you Hanami Sensei!! You need to stop worrying about getting old.....you're just fine BTW, on the topic of midlife crises, my dad hit his at age 60 I believe....when he went to Mardi Gras....for "business"...uh huh. Get me a job with Highmark!

    Hope all is well

    P.S off to Japan for the weekend of the 17~19 I think. Can't wait to use my Bungo just playing!

  •  A half a Century old....  I still have 16 years to go to hit that mark..

  • ok... i am not quite there yet, but i am getting close

  • I've been sleeping with a million blankets since forever....even in the summer. Does this mean I'm older than you?

  • Onigiriman, I think I am older than you!!! I been using a lap blanket since I got to Yamagata 3 years ago!!! I mean, they are sooo nice and when you are sitting in the teachers room or office and its all chilly...there's no shame, we are the same age!

  • Well, remember, everyone uses the lap blankets in Japan. Pretend you're here.

  • haha, nice story gramps.   i'm relieved to hear that you're not thinking of getting a corvette.

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