I bit the bullet, swallowed my guilt and shame, and quit my Japanese class. Last week's lesson had me near tears; I just wasn't getting the finer points of wake. Why put myself through that any longer?
So I wrote a note to Oyama sensei, explaining that I needed to take a break and maybe after a while I'd be able to to return to language study with a fresh enthusiasm (not bloody likely, really).
And this morning I got this reply (translated from her Japanese original, of course)
Dear Kristen. I received your mail. I'm very sad and it's such a shame but it can't be helped. Take a little break.
Thanks, Oyama sensei. For all your good instruction and for being so understanding.
Since I quit asian studies I try to avoid Miyazaki sensei. I tend to sit things out, which often leads to another person I have to avoid. -_-