Uncle Roger's Notebooks of Daily Life

Nervous Twice

I was nervous for two reasons yesterday. Both, probably, unfounded.

The first reason was that some very well-known people in the world of online journals were coming to dinner. People who are way better writers and who get way more visitors to their journals in, like, one day than I ever have in total. People who have experienced life in far greater variety than I, faced much greater challenges than I, seen a much larger world than I. A group of people much more interesting and colorful than I could ever, realistically, hope to be. How would these totally cool people react to me? To my house and family? Turns out, they were totally cool (duh!) and either liked me (you like me... right now... you like me!) or were extremely polite. It seemed like everyone had a good time. I'm not going to out them, by the way, I figure if they want to admit to knowing me (let alone hanging out with me), they can do so themselves, either on their own journals or in the comments here. (Yes, this is also my sneaky way of trying to get some more really cool people to comment on my journal.)

The other reason I was nervous was because one of the one of the people coming over was not only Japanese, but even works for the Japanese government. I don't make a big deal of it and not everyone knows it, but I kinda have a fetish for Japanese style. When we were redoing our bathroom, I studied books and web pages and anything I could get my hands on to come up with a bathroom that would reflect Japanese style. I think I succeeded, for the most part, although cost and contractors prevented a complete success. Up until now, however, it's only been seen by people who a) don't know much about bathroom design in general, b) don't know much about Japanese style in particular, and c) aren't particularly interested in hearing me go on and on about my bathroom. Yesterday, however, was the real test. Someone who not only new Japanese style, but actually cared.

I was terrified that what I had done would be seen, not only as all wrong, but as offensive -- inadvertently mocking Japanese style and culture. I have a Toto toilet (made in Japan, but more importantly, the best toilet money can buy), a bathing stool, and an extra deep whirlpool tub (A Japanese tub -- an ofuro -- is much deeper than an American tub, and shorter as well; you sit up rather than recline.) Still, I hoped that what I had come up with would be seen as a tribute rather than a caricature, inspired by rather than a mockery of Japanese style and culture. Well, the response seemed positive but, given that the Japanese are almost too polite, that could have been mere niceties. I think, however, that the response was genuine and, regardless of any cultural influence, wholly positive.

So it worked out. I needn't have worried. It appears they all had a good time and enjoyed (or, at least, were not annoyed by) my company. Perhaps they might even honor me with a another visit in the future. Who knows. If they do, however, I'll probably be just as nervous then as I was yesterday.

Related Links IMDB: Sally Field The Japanese Bath Toto USA Toilet Selector Americh Beverly 6040 Ofuro -- the Japanese Bath

[ Posted: 08:00 | home | print ]

Unless everyone has stopped reading Blogging Baby, the party has been mentioned, complete with user names. L. wrote a short post and everyone is clamoring for photos. I know you and Dutch don't worry about it but I told L. no pictures of Hub or kids and I'm not that sure about L. I told your wonderful wife that I was as nervous as she. It was something like a blind date. I knew that everyone except me would be hip, slick, and cool. Of course the minute I saw you both smiling, all fear left. It felt and looked like home. Do you realize we had nine kids in your house with no meltdowns? That alone says a lot about your nature. Kids, kids, kids; all having a great time. Don't know about you but I'm already looking forward to the next time. Thanks for making it memorable.

Posted by ann adams

Weel. a bona fide Japanese peson thinks you`ve created the perfect bathroom. So answer my email, about the play date! (If you got it, that is...gmail plays tricks sometimes...)

Posted by L.

Japanese style?

Maybe I should see about getting you a subscription to Shonen Jump (www.shonenjump.com) or Shojo Beat (www.shojobeat.com)? I have to tell you that working at my company (Japanese owned, dealing in Japanese culture) has really opened my eyes to the <i>detail</i> they put into everyday items. I'm impressed that you are, too, impressed by Japanese culture!

Posted by douglas nerad

Doug, the style I'm into is more the traditional simple aesthetic such as inspired Frand Lloyd Wright. The other side of Japanese culture -- cosplay, anime, etc. -- I have to admit I don't get. Thanks, L. Please tell Hub I am honored by his approval and praise. Ann, You were definitely wrong about me... I am none of hip, slick, or cool. Old and tired, yes. Cool? no. Nine kids isn't a record, but it's close. They were all well-behaved. Thanks for coming all the way here!

Posted by Uncle Roger