The japanese government in all its wisdom, requires foreigners to purchase a re-entry permit from the japanese government in order to return to Japan. This is a requirement for all foreigners living in Japan. In addition, like all foreigners who come to Japan, when we re-enter, we are photographed and finger printed. This is done under the guise of protecting the japanese from "terrorists".
Chris said "yea, I think so, do you?" I checked my bag and realized that I had never gotten one. The place to get these ridiculous permits is in Nagasaki City or Fukuoka city, both hours away from me. And they are only open about 5 inconvenient hours on week days. My plans were shot and I sat there on the couch mentally beating myself into oblivion. My sieve like memory is something I can never get used to. It helps complicate all my relationships, all my plans, every aspect of my life. I can never view myself as intelligent or clear thinking. The reason I'm so mad about this, isn't just because I can't go, but that I was told to get this permit many MANY times but many different people. I was in the building where they are issued and just didn't bother. I believed I would never be leaving Japan, or that I'd have other opportunities to get it. I've heard there are exercises you can do to strengthen your memory, but I keep forgetting what they are...
Enough wallowing! I shall not be defeated, even by my own brain. I used my friend Eric's wacom pad to trace / draw these pictures. Please enjoy.
4 comments:
If it makes you feel any better, it's not you, it's your genes, because I am for damn sure the exact same way. Of course being like me in any way is extremely unlikely to make anyone feel better, but you play the hand you're dealt.
I can't count the number of times I have felt exactly like you do in this post, having done exactly the same kind of thing.
I have taken to making lists on Google Calendar and setting them to remind me via SMS, email, and pop-up, and even then I forget pretty big stuff.
The upside we get is that we're awesome in every other way, so at least there's that. Stay strong, brother.
So sorry about that Paul; at least you've retained your sense of humor. Everybody ends up using something to cope with for memory, whatever works best for your personality and lifestyle. Jeff's right - when your brain is as large as an Hebert's brain, something's bound to spill out. Could've been worse - like the future cure for cancer or something. Heck - Korea's overrated anyway - they don't even have NASCAR racin' yet.
Just got back from San Diego and we waved at you from the other side of the pond. Take care. (Love the sketches).
Your brain is busy doing other things -- drawing beautiful pictures, taking beautiful photographs and teaching and learning. And... I'll add my "if it makes you feel any better..." to Unca Jeff's -- we Heberts ARE forgetful. I write things on the back of my hand, I tape notes all over the place, I've got at least three small notebooks I carry in my purse to write down "to-do" items, I've tried an electronic reminder -- nothing works. You are awesome in so many other ways. Something must've been in the karmic atmosphere that you weren't meant to go to Japan this time. Look at it that way. Hey, rationalization is the only way out of it when you forget something!! Love your blog! -- Love, Aunt Denise
Hey, Paul, It's Aunt Cindy. Janet reminded me about your blog site and I am super impressed. You are such an excellent writer. It's so fun to read your stuff. And I can't get over your self portrait sketch. Absolutely super! I'm going to make sure your cousin Christy gets the blog site address. She is going to have a fit over your stuff.
If you don't hear from her right away, it's because she is busy getting ready for her wedding (in three days from now - today is June 9th).
Oh, and regarding the forgetful thing - you got it from both sides, because we got it bad on this side too. That's why I love Microsoft Outlook Task reminder. Ooops! I forgot. You are a Mac person. The advertising agency that we use at work call Microsoft The Dark Side, but at least Bill Gates helps out the CRS crowd with his Task option. :-)
Suggesion --- as the price of tickets are so high these days, if you want people to fly in for your upcoming wedding, please let us know early when and where so that we can attempt to purchase flights.
Keep the blogs coming. We enjoy them.
Much love, Aunt Cindy
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