The following is an edited portrayal of the series of events that have recently occured. No names were changed, because I think mine was the only one used.
How could you not want to buy wafuku? Japanese traditional clothes, for kyudo, kimono, etc. They're either really beautiful or look really sharp. I feel I could never take myself seriously walking around amongst archers in my "dragon" teeshirt and my jogging pants that say "endless 23." Wanted the Kyudo clothes. I burned. I pined. Kyudo clothing price was hundred dollars. For the longest time I could not spare the money. Had to buy food, had to pay for transportation, this that and the other stuff. So I waited until finally I had the cash. Then I asked the how-to where-to of it all...they were glad, sensei said I would have more fun that way, and people started talking about bringing cameras and stuff. I think they thought it meant I was serious about learning and being part of the group, and of course I was. Then they said, at the end of it all to remember the price, and I thought I misunderstood. Was it not a hundred dollars? I was floored. My eyes tried to bug out in cartoon manner, and felt nauseous. Surely not. Surely kyudo clothing was not that expensive. Maybe they thought I was buying a bow, or stock in the dojo or something. Went home disappointed, sad, and feeling generally not happy.
Mulled it over. Being part of the group, and having the cool Kyudo fuku, spending a sickening amount of money. What to do. Going to competitions in sweats and teeshirt. What to do. The parents, who had wanted so much for me to buy the outfit before were of the mind "are you insane???" and told me it was too much for something that would hang in my closet for the rest of whatever when I got back. This is true. So...no fuku. Was sad to say the least.
Next practice came and I arrived with my lower lip dragging on the ground (probably). Was going to tell them I wasnt going to buy after all, but people kept mentioning it and were so happy. How does one say what one needs to say politely...? Was trying to figure out correct dosage of tact and humble apology when sensei came over and said congratulations, this man will take you to your fuku (or nearest japanese equivalent). Well crap. Went with the man. What was I doing? My only defense is to say I was posessed by a spirit of trickery. It wasn't me.. But he pulled the stuff out and next thing I knew I said Id give him the money. Insanity insanity I thought. I went to get the money and started forking it over. Two of the girls were with me to bear witness (actually they were buying the kyudo textbook).
This is part where I am dork.
Was handing money to him, lots and lots, will not say amount as will sicken you all. Girls were astounded and I, miser that I am, was dying inside. They all looked at me like "what the hell are you doing??" The man started handing money back to me (which I was all for, but confused to say the least). Did not understand what was going on. Then, he kept a certain amount of money, and gave me change. Eh? T'was then I realized, that though I may have thought my Japanese had improved, I was still a big big dork who was new to the world I had come to. I had completely misunderstood the price quote to be a sick sick amount of money, when it was actually the equivalent of a hundred twenty dollars. Clearly I need to study my first year japanese book again if I dont know amount numbers. All that agonizing on what to do was absolutely for nothing. I Was so embarrassed that I actually blushed like a schoolgirl. The girls maybe thought I was showing off (boy, really showing off), though really I was just ignorant.
Having thoroughly made an ass of myself, I went directly to a bar and had a beer. I deserved it.