Reluctant Nomad

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

I've been twice mistaken for a college student since moving here. Now, I'm not complaining. I like being thought to be an unmarried mother of two boys who must have had my first baby when I was, I don't know, about 15. I'm OK with that. Really. Just like I was Ok when the lady at the check-out counter asked me if I was using my "mom's credit card" to buy a pair of earrings. On my twenty-first birthday.

And since we've established that I'm ok with being thought a college student. Let me give you what made me, indeed, not ok with it anymore. I'm at language class on Monday and we're discussing when to use the formal and informal. I'm wearing a Japanese kimono-like shirt with my favorite pair of leggings (they are back folks, oh yes they are) and my new euro-american platform Mary Janes. I am cute. However, I also am also, obviously CUTE. There is another student there, with a cardigan and matching sweater combo, pearl earrings, and slacks. Leather shoes. Short hair. My teacher makes the comment that she would use the "Sie" (formal) form with her if she met her at a pub. "You look like a professional." Whereas, she would use the "du" form with me, "You look like a college student." I can see that I don't dress like other people around me, I can see that I don't dress like many people I know (in Europe or anywhere). I can also see that this woman could wear her outfit in a business casual setting whereas I could not. However, this woman has a 10 month-old baby. Her first. I'm betting she's my age, maybe a couple of years older. At the most.

So apparently the German Phrase of the Day is "Grow Up."

Labels: The Move

posted by Reluctant Nomad at 8:27 PM -

7 Comments:

At 25/9/07 10:08 PM, Emily Marie said…

Oh dear! I agree, sometimes I really like being considered young but in times like this...gee whiz!!I also wanted to know that I now own a pair of cropped leggings!!!
At 26/9/07 12:06 AM, loudaisy said…

I love the way that you wrote this story. I could actually picture you there in class, looking beautiful, fun and stylish and the girl sitting with you looking more business. I have always LOVED the way you dress and also your youthfulness. I envy you both. So, Please, don't grow up.
At 26/9/07 12:30 AM, loudaisy said…

P.S. Sorry did not get back with you today before you were definitely asleep. Miss you, NEED to talk to you and will call first thing tommrow when I wake up. Love you
At 26/9/07 1:06 PM, ChupieandJ'smama said…

Thanks for leaving the comment on my "gluten free products" post! If your son is gluten free and egg free, butter and milk should be fine for him to eat. My son is allergic to wheat, rye, barley, eggs, dairy, peanuts and tree nuts so I have a lot more subbing to do than the average allergy mom.
At 26/9/07 7:37 PM, Johnna said…

I love you way you told this story too. It's stayed with me since I read it the other day.

There's a discussion of informal "you" and missionaries in Europe over at Faith Promoting Rumor today.
At 26/9/07 8:12 PM, Jennifer B. said…

Don't worry about it kiddo, I mean, ma'am.

I have some catching up to do! I accidentally closed some fav. links and haven't seen your blog for ages.

Missing you.
At 26/9/07 9:18 PM, Adri said…

I so can relate, Mar. Although I can't blame my "youngish-looking-ness" on clothing...I'm so NOT in fashion. My guess is it is probably my 30 second hair/make-up job that puts me in the teen category. Funny how sometimes I FEEL old, yet still get mistaken for being in high school! Miss you!