Beckteria

Punk Rock

2006-09-11T10:03:00.000+09:00

So, I'm trying to think of "punk" bands that my students might like. I have a student that's favorite band is Mest and also really likes Good Charlotte. Seeing as how when I listened to a lot of actual punk and industrial that it was much more hard core, I can't think of any other bands he might like. Likewise, I have another student that likes heavy metal and more real punk. He likes Metallica, Anthrax, Sex Pistols, and other stuff I can't remember. Any suggestions? I've thought of Ministry and Primus. But, I don't know what's all that "cool" right now and thought you might know.

Please let me know. Thanks!

I Made It!!!

2006-08-22T20:04:00.000+09:00

So, I wanted to let y'all know about the last day of my vacay. It was weird and crazy.

Let's start out by saying that strange things were happening to me pretty much all day on Friday. This includes meeting somebody in Kathmandu that had actually been to Missoula before. On Saturday, I had this sinking premonition that something bad might happen. Not life threatening, but still something that was gonna throw a huge wrench into my plans of returning home.

Apparently, there were political demonstrations on Friday (I didn't see anything happen) and again on Saturday. I woke up on Saturday thinking that my luggage was gonna get lost or something. My last travel companion and I agreed to meet at 2 pm at the hotel to go to the airport. Our flight was scheduled for 4:10 pm. He went shopping. I left around noon to go get some food and maybe do last minute shopping.

I went to the main part of Kathmandu (a few minutes away on foot), Thamel. I heard something about Saturdays being a holiday in Nepal, but I was still a bit shocked at how empty the streets were. Usually, there's a ton of traffic--bikes, taxis, rickshaws, pedestrians, and more. Then I saw about 8 men in military uniform, look down the block to see a bunch of people streaming in the same direction with a police van, and more military men. Hmmm. Then I see that most of the stores are either closed or pulling down the garage-esque door to the store front. I figured this was a good sign to return to the hotel and eat there. One of the hotel guys told me we should leave early (1:30) because there are political demonstrations going on. Then it made sense. Regardless, I still had to wait for my buddy to get back. And the sales shark told me that there was no cab that we'd have to walk. I thought he was joking because it was his responsibility to get and pay for a taxi for us. That was the deal.

2 pm, my friend comes back. No cab, no sales shark that was supposed to arrange the ride to the airport. 2:30, the hotel manager tries to get us a cab. Usually, people are all over you trying to sell their cab services. Not that day. I only saw 3 cabs.....The hotel manager says it's gonna cost more than usual, so we have to pay. WTF!!! But, we have to get to the airport. So, we agree.

The hotel manager gets in the cab with us. We start towards the airport and make it maybe 5 minutes before we hit an area where the demonstrators are burning tires in the middle of the road. The cabbie tries to find alternate routes, apparently there are none. We get out and start to walk.

We tried to get another cab, but still cars weren't getting through. Eventually, a car with a handwritten sign that says "tourist" on it pulls over. A white lady is in front on her way to collect her husband from the airport. The hotel manager also gets in. We were super, super lucky to get picked up. I had felt some raindrops....

And then it poured. We were still passing some piles of tires being burned or waiting to be....Saw a ton of people with luggage on their way to the airport in the deluge. People kept looking into the back of our car to see if we really were tourists or not, apparently they had no beef with us.

In the car ahead of us, I kept seeing these black guys get out and saying "peace" and just trying to get through. At one point, we were all stopped and I heard a LOUD thud on the trunk and another on the roof. Either somebody hit our vehicle with a bat or threw a brick at us. I'm not sure what. I wonder if it's because they looked in the car and saw our Nepali hotel manager and not us.....

We made it. Then we both got stopped in customs for a long while because our Nepal was cancelled when we went to Tibet and we didn't get another one (even though it was free). Originally, we were just waived through, so we thought we might end up with trouble when we left.

Next, our carry-on bags were x-rayed 2 or 3 times. We had to identify our check-in luggage too. A short bus ride to the plane where our carry-on was searched for the 2nd or 3rd time where upon it was discovered that I didn't have some sort of stamp on my boarding pass. Back on the bus to get a stamp, back on the bus to the plane, searched and patted down, again. At this point, my highly prized bottles of green chili sauce were confiscated because they're in glass bottles. Amazingly, I did get them back at the Delhi airport.

As you can imagine, the flight was delayed. We had plenty of extra time in Delhi, so it wasn't so bad.

We had our carry-on searched 1 or 2 more times in Delhi where upon my green chili sauce was taken forever. They wouldn't let me put it in my checked luggage. No sir-y bob.... Fuckers. I love that sauce.

Anyway, a 10 hour flight to Osaka from Delhi, a 2 hour train ride, a 15 minute walk up hill home, and I made it! I'm back, baby!!!!!!! I really missed Osaka. It's so awesome here!

The good news is that the worst thing that really happened was the chili sauce. I'm upset about it, but I'm hoping another one of my traveling buddies will buy me more as he's still in Nepal. We'll see....

Ciao!

Missed Out on the Disco

2006-08-17T19:24:00.000+09:00

Yeah, I was good last night in that I didn't drink any alcohol. It prolly has a lot to do with after dinner that I suddenly felt extremely gross and went back to the hotel alone. I think I got food poisoning. I got sick a couple of times, had a fever, the sweats, the shivers, and really didn't sleep at all. All of my friends came home around 3 am from the "disco" and I was glad nobody was around me when I was feeling so violently ill. The good news: I'm mostly better. And, I was the only one who got sick. So, it was isolated to just me.

I just got back into Kathmandu a few hours ago. Let me tell you, it feels great! Flushing toilets and food that isn't all grease or yak is a good thing. It sounds like a little to ask for, but believe me, Nepal is so much cleaner in general than India or Tibet that it's just crazy.

In just a few short days and a couple more international flights, I'll be back safe and sound to the place I love--Osaka! I'm already thinking about all the chu-high's I'll be drinking and the shopping to be had. Damn, it's such a good city!

I'm still tired from being so sick, so I'll catch ya later! Need to keep hydrated!

Last Day in Tibet

2006-08-16T20:39:00.000+09:00

Tomorrow 3 of 5 of my group is flying back to Kathmandu. It's been quite a trek. I sprained/twisted my ankle about 4 days ago, but I'm almost 100% fully recovered. This is a good thing considered that skipping up and down monestary stairs isn't easy as is with the 4000 meter altitude and the fact that the stairs are uneven and usually quite steep. But, I managed and I think that I did quite well all things considered.

So, tonight, I'm gonna try to be a good girl and not drink as we have a 10 am international flight and the airport is a bit far away. The last two nights have been a little too much fun. I had some "Tibetan tequila" whatever that means. Really, I only had one shot, so not a big deal. But, it's the 500 ml beers that cost about $.50 at 4000 m that'll really get to you quickly.

I'm tired. I'll bid you farewell for now. Combei!

Winding Down

2006-08-15T18:36:00.000+09:00

Yeah, the four weeks of vacay is almost over while a couple of my friends' holidays are just beginning. Crazy. 2-3 months of vacay for them. Southeast Asia or Russia and Mongolia. That's where they're headed or going through to get home. I wonder how long it'll take me to get home after I'm finished teaching.

The good news: we have a FLUSHING Western toilet that is actually part of our room. This seems like a luxury after squatting over a non-flushing hole that is only a couple of feet deep, if you're lucky. The bad news: no hot water in our shower. Well, I guess if we're all smelly, we understand.

I only have a couple of more days in Tibet and a couple more in Nepal then we fly to Dehli and back to Osaka. I have 3 flights in about 3 or 4 days...my friend has 4 in 5 days. OMG.

Anyways, I'm not sure what to write about at this point. Either it's become old hat to me already, I've forgotten previous posts, or I'm just too tired to deal with anything. Maybe 8 days in a land cruiser will do that to you. I've seen so many mountains, goats, and yaks that I couldn't even begin to count. I've seen all of the major tourist sites in both Nepal and Tibet, and of course India's most famous Taj Mahal.

It's that time again. I gotta take off.

It's the little things....

2006-08-11T18:45:00.000+09:00

Like showering. When a package deal includes accomodations, really to me that would include a shower (even if it has to be shared). In Tibet, often you have to pay in the hotel to shower. WTF?!

Also, I'm not sure whose toilets are worse--Tibet's or India's. It could be a toss up. But, I try to hold it in, even though I could end up with a bladder infection. Well, it's better that than the evil, stinky hole in the ground sometimes. And BTW, don't forget the toilet paper either. You'll need it as there never is any.

Food. Maybe it's not such a little thing. But, the food in Tibet is not so great. It's okay. I was certainly spoiled in Kathmandu and will be happy to have a nice dinner there when I return for a couple more days.

Tibetan food leaves something to be desired. I did have two yak burgers today which were okay. The funny thing is that we ordered "chilli chips" which we all thought would be French fries with a proper Texas type chilli on top. WRONG! It was fries that had been stir fried (not joking!) with veggies and some sort of chilli oil or sprinkles. Hmmm. Anyone for a cuppa? Cup of butter tea that is. Imagine drinking watery butter. I didn't think it was so bad and my friend drank 4 cups; however, most Westerns don't really like it. Something about tasting like a pair of old socks....

It's like being stuck in a different time here. China has some sort of thing going on trying to make Tibet more modern as it's "one hundred years behind." Frankly, it does feel that way. You're lucky to get a flushing toilet (even if it is a squater). (Apparently, these are the worst toilets in China according to one of my travel friends.) I saw a kid that was probably about 9 years old doing road construction with a fag hanging out of his mouth. One of my friends saw a kid that looked like he was 5 and smoking....Terrible.

The Tibetans looked so wind battered and weathered. I think they lead really difficult lives. I'm guessing that the education is absolute shit here too, especially when you see children working. I feel for them too because the Chinese are moving in on their land. According to our guide, the Chinese gov't wants to send 200 million people to live in Tibet!!!!! That's incredible to me. I wonder if the land could even support that many people. The Tibetans are all dirty and look like they never bathe. I heard their word for foreigner directly translates as "washables" because we like to bathe.

Oh yes. I forgot to mention the altitude sickness. I was feeling it when we were at Everest Base Camp. I had a bit of a headache, but no big deal. It's really hard to move quickly because the air is so thin. I think our highest point was about 6000 meters and Everest Base Camp at about 5200 meters.

Got to go. Mates are leaving now.....

Whew!

2006-08-07T16:59:00.000+09:00

We weren't able to bungy jump...there were political protests going on Day 2. And, it's not working out for another day unless we want to pay even more money. More than we've already forked over to all the tour guides and such. Believe me, it adds up quickly.

Day 1:
We took some mountain bikes to a village called Sankur which ended up being about 40 km. Biking in Kathmandu is bloody nuts. Remember this: there are no rules. Once you understand that basic concept, you'll start jumping out in front of buses, trucks, motorbikes, pedestrians...well, anything that you think you can be faster than. Basically, you bike freaks would have a good time here. I was on a shitty mountain bike kicking a lot of buses' asses. I did almost get hit by a small truck except I screamed right at the driver's face and he slammed on the brakes. HAHAHA. Take that, sucka!

Day 2: River rafting. The good news is that I only got knocked INTO the boat and not out of it. It was fun. The Chinese people were interesting. Don't mention that you see Tibet as it's own country and you might be able to get along....

Day 3: Day 1 of trekking in the Himalayas. We hiked about 6 hours. A lot of ups. It was good.

Day 4: Trekking continued. I got the first set of leech bites. Hmm. Not too big of a deal. A lot more up. We slept at the highest point that night at 1900 meters.

Day 5: More up. The actual highest point we went to was about 3200 meters. A lot of bloody leeches. My friend's ankle was bleeding quite badly and later his back was covered in blood too.

Day 6: Crazy bastard friends decided that they wanted to get back to Kathmandu a day early. Got up at 4:30 am. 6 hours of downhill....I got a blister on my toe and a lot of leeches. I bashed my arm when I fell down slippery wet rocks and it now has a big lump. The same friend that was attacked before got a bleeding leech bite on his chin and also had one on his neck.

We managed to get to the bus stop, but because I couldn't keep up, we missed the bus. Luckily for us, there was another bus back to Kathmandu. 7 hours in a bus after 6 hours of hiking was a little rough.

Got back to the hotel around 8 pm where both of the friends we were supposed to meet up with today (because our trek was supposed to be 5 days long) had just checked in. Perfect timing!!!!

Day 7: Getting ready for Tibet today as we leave tomorrow. And I'm off again to meet up with my friends.

Bye for now!

Kathmandu--Fuck Yeah!

2006-08-02T22:42:00.000+09:00

Well, made it to Kathmandu from Dehli yesterday. Actually, it was a really nice flight on Sahara unlike the ghetto plane on Air India from Osaka. The lunch was nice even though it was probably only a 2 hour flight. That's service.

Now we have a basic plan for the rest of the trip which also means we know that we're not going to spend any more nights in India, which we are all extremely happy about. Funny, after Varanasi, Dehli seemed clean.... Kathmandu is already head and shoulders above pretty much very thing we saw in India with the possible exception of Bodgayr.

Plan:
1: biking around Kathmandu
2: bungy jumping
3: if we live, we'll continue onto river rafting
4-7: trekking
8-17: jeep through Mount Everest Base Camp (EBC) and up to Tibet
18: back to Kathmandu
19: fly from Kathmandu to Dehli back home to Osaka
20: land in Osaka

The good news, we'll be trekking about 50 km in 4 days, but we can leave whatever stuff behind that isn't necessary thus making it easier. Still, at 3000+ meters, it won't probably be too easy as the oxygen isn't as abundant at those heights. We'll see.

So, wish me luck on one of the highest bungy jumps in the world. It's off a bridge that's about 150 meters above the river. I hope that I don't chicken out at the last minute....

************************************************************************************

I'm just happy to be out of India. It was okay, but my friends said that Varanasi is the dirtiest city they've ever been to and they've been around the world. That's pretty bad. Cows living in the house is not my idea of fun or clean. Really, the guide told us that their shit is holy....OMG.

Whew! Now it's just Kathmandu. It's refreshing.

Bodgayr

2006-07-29T16:08:00.000+09:00

We made it to the place where Buddah achieved enlightenment--Bodgayr under the Bodhi tree. So far, this is our favorite place--not as dirty, less crowded, much more relaxed. There are many temples here--Thai, Tibeten, Japanese, ect.--so it is quite nice. We were upset that we couldn't go to the caves where Buddah hung out for 6 years because it's the monsoon season, but what can you do?

This afternoon, we head back to Varanasi for the night and catch a train tomorrow for Dehli. The long part of our stint in India is drawing to an end. We're all excited to go to Nepal and Tibet, we're a bit jaded on this whole India thing.

I guess that India is just so depressing, at least in the cities, because it's just downright dirty, nasty, and disgusting. The holiest river, the Ganges, is gross. It's this brown color and when you hear that 30 sewers dump into it, you just wonder. On the boat ride, we did get to see one dead person float by, that made it worthwhile. I was seriously afraid that I was gonna rock the boat and take a header into the river. But, I didn't! We saw people bathing in the river too. Interesting to see life along the river. It's just so much different than life in the West.

Things you can see from the street:
+ people bathing, usually they're wearing some sort of clothing
+ people getting a shave
+ men pissing (nice!!)
+ sometimes half-naked or naked children
+ note that most of the people on the streets are 99%+ men (are the women at home?)
+ note that I have only seen 2 women driving and both times they were on scooters
+ ad's for places that don't seem to exist
+ people sleeping on the street or on a "bed" on the side of the road
+ cow poop everywhere
+ cows, chickens, and goats hanging out inside houses, on the sidewalk, really almost anywhere you can imagine

Anyways, I'm not sure what else to say. I hope that Nepal and Tibet are more enjoyable, but I really like it here in Bodgayr. It's really chill and peaceful.

Taxi Time

2006-07-27T21:13:00.000+09:00

Can't take too long, my friends want to use the internet cafe as well and there are only 2 computers...and only one is available.

We're in India now. Arrived in Dehli on Sunday night and managed to get a hotel room pretty late at night. 2nd day we spent making arrangements for the rest of the week.

Mostly, we've been in a cab driving around. Quick re-cap:
Day 1: flew into Dehli and crashed at a hotel
Day 2: made arrangements for the week and drove to Jaipur (aka the "Pink City")
Day 3: Amber Fort and some other misc. stuff
Day 4: Jaipur to Agra via car
Day 5: Taj Mahal, etc. and took the night train to Varanasi
Day 6: kicked it in a cab driving around Varanasi

Things of interest:
shanty towns--I keep noticing that the shanties change depending on the city
beggars--everyone wants your money
food--loving the curry
hotels--have been quite decent
taxi--lots of crazy-ass traffic: bikes, cars, taxis, rickshaws, horses, cows in the streets, pedestrians, anything you can think of is in the street

Okay, time is up. Try to check in later.

Off to India!

2006-07-22T21:31:00.000+09:00

Well, I've told a few of you that I'm going on vacation. I don't think it seemed very real until the past day or two. And today it felt the most real because I woke up feeling really sick and still having errands to do. But, per usual, I persevered. It's like 9:30 pm, I only hope that I've gotten everything I need.

Basic itinerary:
July 23rd: fly to Dehli, we get in late, so we're just gonna crash for the night
day 2: arrange all other flights to Nepal and Tibet
day 3: go to Agra (Taj Mahal)
day 5: go to Varanasi for a few days (Ganges River)
total of 10-12 days in India

Aug 4 or 5th-ish: fly to Kathmandu, Nepal. Spend about 4-5 days there probably trekking and rafting
go to Lhasa, Tibet (Potala Palace) spend 2-3 days there
go to Mount Everest base camp
fly to Dehli spending a couple of more days there

total of 4 weeks

I don't know all the details, as you can see, but that's the rough idea. Think positive thoughs for me, especially since I got sick BEFORE the trip as it were. Oh well, whatever. I'll live. No worries.

So, I may not be posting for like a month. I don't know what the internet situation will be like over there.

Fried Dinner

2006-07-18T10:31:00.000+09:00

I have to say that there is nothing like all-you-can-eat fried dinner. I did it two Saturdays in a row. I think I could die any second now.

It costs about $25 or ($35 for all-you-can-drink alcohol if you`d like) for 1 1/2 hours. You saddle up next to the mini-fridge full of skewered items. Hot dogs, sausages, daikon, potatoes, fish, shrimp, cheese, azuki filled desserts, jalapenos, okra, chicken, bacon (how could I forget?), beef,　and I can`t remember what else. Grab as much as you can. Batter it. Dip it in the crumbs. Then proceed to stick it into the vat of oil that`s at your table. Self-serve fried dinner. I felt my arteries restrict after that 1st 10,000 calorie meal.

But, to go to the same restaurant 2 weeks in a row? That`s a form of suicide, I think. Honestly, it wasn`t my idea to go the 2nd time. But, in each case, it was one of the last times I would see 2 different friends and they each wanted to go to that same place.

Of course, I had to top it off with ice cream. All right, I didn`t have ice cream this last time. But one of my friends had 3 ice cream cones and I figured that made up for my deficit.

Almost there....

2006-07-12T10:07:00.000+09:00

Really, I only have a few more classes and two more lessons to write and then, I`ll be home free for summer vacay. I`m writing those lessons as we speak, but am finding it hard to make the lessons interesting. It`s been really hot and I can`t think straight lately anyways.

I feel like I`ve mostly been living in a sauna. Hot, sweaty, steamy. Too bad I haven`t lost any weight! Hahaha. Well, what can you do? Besides exercising and eating right, of course. But, where`s the fun in that?

No classes for me today. I`m supposed to attend some sort of play, but I`m not too excited about going because it`s all in Japanese. Too much for me to handle sometimes. I often sleep through such things.

Trying to stay on task is difficult in this weather. My kids have been sleeping more than usual in class too. It probably doesn`t help that my classroom doesn`t have ac. We all get to suffer together. Fortunately, my kids don`t usually smell too much, unlike what I remember from when I was in high school. Yeah, it kind of sucks.

But, I`m almost there. The end is in site.

Saturday Class

2006-07-08T13:22:00.000+09:00

I`m here at school, on a Saturday (>_<) I had 2 classes already and I have an open campus class to teach. The junior high students that are considering my high school are able to sit in on regular classes and also participate during the open campus ones. I have two students signed up for my class this afternoon. That`s it. Two. How sad is that? Last year, there were 5....Ugg.

I`ve been really busy lately. I have friends leaving, people visiting. Chaos is abound. There was Canada Day, then 4th of July, World Cup, and more World Cup. I have 2 more lessons to plan for before summer vacation. Special lessons because some of the kids are going to Thailand this summer on a school trip. So, I was asked to do those lessons on top of everything else. And I swear all I`ve been doing is lesson planning. It sucks.

Anyway, gotta make sure everthing`s set for the jr. high students. Ciao!

Water Balloon Incident

2006-06-28T15:46:00.000+09:00

So, I accidently got 3 kids in trouble. They rigged the door with a water balloon and said (in English), "Beckie, come in." Obediently, I did. (Hey, they said it in English.)

A water balloon, not very big, came down on me. I really didn`t get that wet at all, but I told them they needed to clean up the mess. I thought it was rather funny. Mistakenly, I told the tennis coach (a force to be reckoned with as he is a gym teacher and constantly harrasses me in English for various things) thinking it would be a funny story. Oops.

I just saw one of the kids and he was upset and I asked one of the English teachers why. She didn`t know the reason but he was going to be scolded. So I asked the kid directly what the matter was. Well, it was the water balloon incident. DOH!! I told him that I was really sorry and he mentioned (in Japanese so I`m not exactly sure) about me squealing on him. I am a teacher afterall, but the kids don`t really think of me as one often times. I said I was sorry and he was upset that he and his 2 buddies were gonna get scolded. (Might I add that same night one of the buddies was caught smoking which usually gets you 3 days of suspension.) That`s where they are right now....

I told my English teacher it was my fault, and she said that I should be in there getting scolded instead. LOL. She`s quite the joker. But, I don`t really feel like they should get into trouble over it.

Sorry, boys!

(BTW, I guess I`m not entirely brain damaged. It`s hotter than a motherfucker. I`m beginning to ooze again. Gross.)

Super Sized Fatigue

2006-06-27T11:01:00.000+09:00

Yeah, 17 classes of watching part of "Super Size Me" and it was so popular that we`re gonna watch more. That`s another 14 classes of the same movie....Somebody put a bullet in me. My English room has no a.c. and I`m gonna be bored to tears. One of the student teachers came to my class yesterday and slept through part of my lesson. That`s not a good sign (^.^;) Oh well, he had already seen it 4 times, what can you expect?

It`s hot, but not as hot as I remember it being last summer when I first arrived. So, either 1. I`m accustomed to the heat 2. it`s not as hot 3. I`ve been badly brain damaged by said heat and just don`t know what`s going on. I`m guessing the latter.

I`ve been whiling away the days by lesson planning, going to J class, drinking with my friends (especially the ones who are returning home for good very soon), and trying to avoid the rain. The good news: it`s almost summer vacation. It`ll be nice to not do anything for awhile, well, unless I want to.

Really, the lesson plans have been killing me lately. Writer`s block from hell. I`m always trying to make it fun, not too hard, not too easy, and practical. Balance. Something I`ve never been great at anyways. I say all or nothing, baby! But, that doesn`t work with the students too well.

Back to the word doc....

Go Hanshin Tigers!

2006-06-22T19:54:00.000+09:00

Yeah, I managed to score free tickets to a Hanshin Tigers game this past Monday night. I've never been to a pro sports game of any kind before. I've won tix to the T-Wolves and maybe the Wild, but I always gave that shit away. Oh well. The Tigers rocked.

When we got there, I bought a hat--wanted one anyways--and mini plastic baseball bats that look like numchucks. You gotta cheer, cheer, CHEER!!! Unlike the states where you jeer the opposing team....

Bought some beers, cheered (or tried to learn the Japanese cheers), made some friends with the locals, and let our balloons off in the 7th inning (a Tigers? tradition). It was a lot of fun. I wanna go again.

Oh, we won. 5 to 2 versus Nippon Ham Fighters. (What kind of fuckin' name is that anyways?)

Now to learn this in Japanese:

The Wind of Mount Rokko
(The official English version, but not a direct translation.)

Dashing swiftly through the wind blowin' from Rokko
Like the big sun soaring in the clear blue sky
Mighty spirit of the youth shows the victor's grace
The name that shines in glory "Hanshin Tigers"
Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! Hanshin Tigers
Hooray, Hooray, Hooray, Hooray!

Powerful hits and skillful pitch achieved a thousand times
Trained with every discipline here at Koshien
Crowned with constant victory glorious, matchless feat
Always proud, invincible "Hanshin Tigers"
Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! Hanshin Tigers
Hooray, Hooray, Hooray, Hooray!

I`ve been doing a lot of thinking about this

2006-06-09T22:32:00.000+09:00

And these are the reasons I hate JR!!!! (That`s the national railway company.) Here`s why:

1. it`s so ghetto compared to my usual train line (I`m being a bit snotty, I know)
2. it`s confusing (6 different destinations on the same platform??? Or, my favorite, if you`re on one particular train, at some point 5 cars go to one destination and 3 go to another! Watch out for which car you board!)
3. you pay extra to take the express
4. the local trains aren`t very comfortable
5. I got kicked out of the "reserved seat" area (not even close to full) on the express train only to go to another car that was virtually the same in terms of comfort and class
6. if you can`t read kanji, then it`s hard to find you`re destination (because often there isn`t any hiragana or romaji either). then you GET to play either guess the kanji reading (from kanji into romaji), guess the kanji characters (from romaji into kanji), or match the kanji.
7. the toilets are often not good...I`ll leave out the details....
8. the JR trains sway more than my usual train line. this especially matters when you are standing because they are no seats. it`s hard to balance.
9. sometimes the names of the JR lines have a second secret name, so if you don`t know the real name and the nickname, it`s hard to find which line you should be on.

That`s all for now. These aren`t in any particular order either. Just oozing from my brain in whatever sequence.

Only 4790 to go...

2006-06-06T12:23:00.000+09:00

So, if I want to take 2 kyuu this year (2nd highest level of Japanese proficiency test), I need to know about 4790 words. Okay, so I don`t really have 4790 to go, I know some of the words already. SOME.

I did a bit of math and assuming that I don`t know any of them, I would have to learn (and remember) about 26 a day. (^_^;) Not happening. I guess I`ll focus on that vocab list, but learn the grammar for 3 kyuu. Wow! I really don`t know how many words I know, but it isn`t even near 5000. I can read about 500 kanji (I even checked my approximate level on line), but I can`t write that many.

Better start cramming. Only about 6 months until the test....

11 years and counting...

2006-06-04T19:36:00.000+09:00

It was 11 years ago today that I graduated from high school. Yeah, I feel old. It probably doesn't help that I'm teaching high school kids. I realize that I'm almost twice their age....Oi vay. The good news is that I remember some of my high school graduation, well before and after more than during the actual ceremony.

It was a beautiful morning. I slept at my best friends house the night before. I had to be let into her house at like 3 am when I was drunk off my ass on JD. Yeah, why wasn't she drunk with me? I'm not really sure. I woke up to her saying "You smell like whiskey and cigarettes." Nice. I managed to write some crap on my grad cap which I got a lot of shit for from my other classmates. They didn't understand 'cause they're stupid fuckers. Anyways, I made it. Not hung over. Listening to my headphones. I don't remember really much more except some photos afterwards. I hate ceremonies. Pretty much of every kind. So, why would I remember my graduation? I've been to so many that they're not memorable.

It seems like a million years ago. At least 4 lifetimes ago. I don't really feel like that butterfly collar wearing punk any more. Well, mostly.

So, why I am bothering to think about this event? I guess maybe because you never know where life will take you. I never expected to live in Japan. And when I was 8 years old, I thought I'd die of heart attack at 35 from working too much. Maybe that's why I have such a slacker job now...(+_<)

I'm gonna see what life still has in store for me. I get sick of the mundane. It's so...um, mundane. Yeah, I just need to get the balls, motivation, or something and get off my ass and start living life. がんばります！

Either you're lame

2006-05-29T21:08:00.000+09:00

or I'm stupid. How much time does everyone really spend on My Space? Or is it I can't figure out code? Hmm. Think about it. Maybe I have a life and don't think all that time is really worth it.

You tell me.

I hear the whip cracking

2006-05-29T09:59:00.000+09:00

Not really. I have one more lesson to write before tests begin. I have an idea as to what I want to do, but need to see if I can find this specific movie with Japanese subtitles. We`ll see about that....

Yeah, I went to Kobe for a conference last week. It was okay. I actually went to everything and didn`t play tennis on the roof like a lot of other people I know. Some of the workshops were great, but the stuff put on by the government sucked ass. It was boring and irrelevant. 1 hour of Q&A, previously submitted questions. Why not just give us a handout or post it on a website? Stupid.

Anyway, it was nice to get away for a few days and better to back. I missed Osaka. It`s only about 1-1.5 hours away, but it`s the city, baby! Of course, Kobe had a lot of the same things anyway, so it wasn`t much different in a lot of ways. The JET`s that live in the country probably thought it was a big deal. Going from a village (500 people) to Kobe population of about 500,000 is a big difference. But, Osaka and surrounding areas is more like 10 million. So, it`s going to a little town to me. (Yeah, I know I`m from Montana. Fuck off. Just because I`m from there doesn`t mean I`m a country bumpkin. Now you know why I think Minneapolis is tiny.)

I`m back. Breathe the city air. Or suburb air. Whatever.

Back to "planning."

Face plant, again?

2006-05-15T14:14:00.000+09:00

I`m so fuckin` tired. No particular reason. I feel like I`m gonna do a face plant, so I thought writing my give some sort of electric kick start to my dead brain. The battery`s worn down. Even my horoscope said that I`ll be in a semi-fog today. Totally am. Totally, dude.

Funny story, well to me at any rate: one of my students said that his birthday is today. Then, he held out his hands and asked for a birthday present--so un-Japanese of him. And I was like, "I don`t have anything" and then I remembered I had some left over balloons. So, I gave him two. I guess today`s his 17th birthday. (Doesn`t that seem like a million years ago to you? Gawd, I`m so frickin` old.) He thought that was pretty cool. Funny. So, his buddy said that it`s his birthday too. I told him, in Japanese, that I didn`t believe him. Good try though.

Later, those two were working together and the birthday boy is a self-proclaimed "funky boy." I have to admit his glasses are pretty funky, in a cool way. Where the hell did he learn funky? The birthday boy said his buddy (a trouble maker by the way) is a "trouble person" in Japanese. I didn`t know if that meant someone who is in trouble, troubled, or a trouble maker. So, I asked in Japanese, "Is that the same thing as a brat?" HAHAHA. As it turns out--which I did know--the trouble maker`s last name sounds very similar to "brat" in Japanese. Good times.　I told him he really is a brat. I mean it too,　but not in a bad way.

Oh my gawd. Everyday these kids say the damnest things to me. Now, back to face planting until I can pass out on the bus ride home.

Ironic

2006-05-12T09:04:00.000+09:00

Okay, finally some free time. I`ve been keeping busy with various things lately, but unfortunately not studying as much as I should be. Oops.

Anyways, one of the part-time English teachers that I work with is a HUGE American history buff. In particular, he`s into the "wild west" kind of deal--Oregon Trail and such. My knowledge of even Montana history is sorely lacking. He asked me about Choteau, Montana. First of all, I spelled it incorrectly. It`s a county seat and I couldn`t remember anything about it. As it turns out, here`s what I learned "yielded more information about dinosaur biology during the Cretaceous period than any other paleontology dig in the world," (http://russell.visitmt.com/dinosaurs/eggmountain.htm).

Terrible. This guy knows way more about the west`s history than I do and I`m a frickin` 5th generation Montanan. Hahaha. I should`ve known the county seat of Teton County. I bet my dad could tell you what the county number is too (it`s always displayed on the Montana license plate). I certainly can`t name all 54 counties and their seats. Bad Montanan!

This is starting to make me think I should ask the parents to send me some books on Montana history and geography. A few weeks ago, the same teacher asked me why Anacoda, Montana is named like the snake. All I can say is thank gawd for wikipedia!

Oh the irony never stops...

My teachers always ask me about grammatical questions, hell, I`m starting to lose touch with correct English. Everything sounds pretty good after awhile. I don`t talk to many native English speakers and we all are experiencing English degradation as a group, so... We all suck at English. And that`s why they hired us. Hmm.

Lame? Maybe....

2006-05-02T21:21:00.000+09:00

So, it's Tuesday, I'm at home when I could be out drinking. I have the next 5 days off for "Golden Week" and yet, I'm at home, typing to y'all. Why? 'Cause I'm lame? Maybe. I don't know. But, I'm waiting for dinner to finish cooking. I'm also trying to decide what to do for the next few days off. So, I ask myself what the hell you'd all be doing if you were here. Museums? Nara? Kobe? Kyoto? Amusement parks? Shopping? Hmmm. There are so many possibilities.

What would you do? I'm thinking about seeing some Monets one of the days and shopping in Nara another. I'm going to Kobe in a couple of weeks for a conference, so I can go back to China town if I so desire at that time. I'm scheduled for karaoke tomorrow night.... Shit, I'm really bad at planning these things. My friends seem equally as bad at it. Maybe 5/5 I'll pop into a Mexican restaurant to celebrate with some margaritas or mojitos.

Damn it! Make up your mind! Tonight, I plan my attack!

Choices

2006-04-25T17:43:00.000+09:00

Yeah, I'm sitting in my apartment after ditching work a bit early. I'm contemplating going to Japanese class or staying home. I've just come down with a cold, seems like everyone is sick right now. I went to bed at 9:30 last night and I'm still beat. I thought that seemed ridiculous until I considered the sickness factor.

Maybe it's the full stomach of udon, but I really don't want to move. I figured my buddy would be calling me now asking if I'm coming or not, but nothing. So, I bet he's ditching class too. That's hardly motivating. Plus, I have 4 classes tomorrow, the 1st ever English club, and Japanese class after that. Ugg. Wednesdays are busy.

Anyway, I'll have to decide soon.....

Wow! I must be tongue tied

2006-04-19T22:18:00.000+09:00

Crazy, it's been almost 10 days since I've last posted. Am I dead? In a ditch? In a serious bender? Could be. I've got all these fuckin' lesson plans that I should be doing...and it's starting to kill me. Work?! What?! You pay me to do something other than be cute and charming (snicker). Clearly not....

I started classes last week--okay, I only had 1 class all of last week, but still.... I'm so tired. I'm not used to working (crybaby, must be rough). And this week...all of my classes. So tiring. I'm trying to learn everyone's first name. (I didn't even have all the students memorized from before, so I have to work on their names too. A total of 840 students' names plus teachers that are either new or I didn't know before either. So, perhaps about 900 names--Japanese names of course.)

Well, off to bed so I can be on the bus by 7 am. Fuck.

Definitions....

2006-04-10T19:23:00.000+09:00

One of my sensei's asked me today what being an American means. I didn't, and still don't, have an answer for that. I guess ever since I've been here, I've thoroughly contemplated said question. I realize all too well how "American" I truly am. So, what does it mean?

I always hated it when people said that America is the country with the most freedom. Is it really? How do you define freedom? You can't drink alcohol on the streets--you can here. You can't smoke dope, shoot heroin, or snort coke--can't you in the Netherlands? No swearing on the radio--what was that 1st amendment again? Then there's the Patriot Act. How frickin' patriotic. Yeah, as I will continue to point out "Freedom defined is freedom denied."

So, is being free only something Americans experience? I don't think so. Being American doesn't mean that you were born in America or that you are genetically from a certain group of people. Not like being Japanese. You must be GENETICALLY Japanese--5th generation Koreans will never be "Japanese," although there are Japanese citizens that aren't Japanese (haven't completely figured out what that really means). Hell, you don't even have to speak English.

Bottom line, I have NO IDEA what the definition of being American is. NONE. Anybody can be American.

Piggin` Out

2006-03-29T12:47:00.000+09:00

Sunday night, I went with some friends to an all you can eat bbq meat place. WOW! It was about ￥1400 (with soft drinks). I ate a lot of meat. As a side note, it seemed like a huge fire hazard with all of the fire, flames, and burning meat. We had our little gas grill on the bar and a lot of meat was on fire. Smokin`!!!

Oh and that`s right--I finally discovered an all you can eat kaitenzushi place--where the sushi goes round and round on the conveyer belt. It`s about ￥1300 for women--amazingly cheap. I had 24 plates when all was said and done. Admittedly, this included my pudding, yogert, puff pastery filled with ice cream, and my azuki desserts, but what the hell. I ate a lot. I think the coffee afterwards almost tipped the scales.

Two days in a row of buffets can be a lil scary. Oh well, I`m not fat (yet), so maybe I can burn it off. I did play tennis yesterday for about 2 hours or so. Damn those kids are energetic.

The Sound of Light

2006-03-17T10:48:00.000+09:00

I am sitting in the school office all alone. All I can hear is the sound of the lights buzzing and me typing away. It`s pretty damn lonely in here. Sure, I could take a nap, I could attempt to study even more, but I`m completely unmotivated. It`s been really rainy lately and it`s certainly not helping me become enthusiastic about doing anything. So, I`m going to munch on the choco-java beans, contemplate life, and get on my soap box rather than be productive and take out the garbage. (We are the janitors here. How self-sufficient. No wonder why it looks like a tsunami ripped through the office--nobody wants to clean.)

The good news: because I think I`m supposed to come to work everyday even if there isn`t class, I`ve been seeing my Japanese skills slowly improve. I guess you know that your skills aren`t too terrible when you can talk to somebody in almost entirely in Japanese for a couple of hours. Mostly w/o "my best friend" the electronic dictionary even.

The bad news: spending ￥500 a day on bus fare. I`ve ridden my bike to school 2 times now, but certainly not in the rain. (Hey, back off bike nazi`s!!!) It takes about 45 minutes, which isn`t terrible, but will be hell in the summer. So, the bus continues to be my friend.

The deal: I`m sitting here alone because all of the other teachers are grading the entrance exams that the junior high students took to get into my high school. Here`s how it works: you decide which high school you might want to go to (usually a couple) and take a test for EACH high school. So, it`s kind of like applying to college in the U.S. with the exception that you take a test for each school and not a standardized test. Each high school has students that are roughly the same intelligence. My school is considered to be an upper school kind of in the mid range. (In other words, pretty smart but not crazy genuises either.)

I am super lucky `cause my students are really nice, smart, and friendly. They`re a bunch of kids from the burbs that come mostly from upper-middle class families. The other high schools that I know of around here are pretty good too, so I think that maybe geography is intertwined with socio-economics just like the U.S. It`s just harder to see here in Japan.

So, maybe I should consider what the hell I`m gonna do for the weekend. Just really want to pass out in front of a heater. Maybe I should`ve brought a video/dvd to watch on the big screen tv. Oops. Guess I`ll find something else to kill the time.

Japanese Proficiency Test

2006-03-13T15:15:00.000+09:00

Okay, there were some questions about the test. I'll answer them in case you give a crap.

4-kyuu is the lowest of the tests. You need to know about 100 kanji and about 800 words. Supposed to be super easy. I don't really know though.

3-kyuu is the next highest test. You need to know about 300 kanji and about 1500 words. I'm currently studying all of this grammar because I don't have it mastered yet. I can easily do the kanji that they test on, but that only helps somewhat.

2-kyuu second hightest level. You need to know 1000 kanji (notice the huge jump from 3-kyuu) and 6000 words. I'm hoping to take this test this year.

1-kyuu is the highest level. You need to know all of the "basic" kanji which is about 2000 (that's how many you need to know to be able to read the newspaper) and 10,000 words. I've heard some native speakers have trouble with this test, but that could just be a rumor.

The test is only given once a year in December. So, I'm trying really hard to be able to easily do 2-kyuu. If not, I'll definately do 3-kyuu. Also, of course there are time limits, so it can be pretty difficult. There are 3 parts: kanji, listening comprehension, and reading comprehension/grammar. My weakness is the grammar. It used to listening comprehension. So, the good news is that listening and understanding what the hell people are saying to me is getting much easier.

Haha Not Dead Yet

2006-03-10T17:22:00.000+09:00

Okay, so it's been a few days on me posting. I'm not dead yet. I just having been doing much of anything. I did go to work today for about 4 1/2 hours. I mostly just watched Superbowl XL. Hehe. Nothing like watching the game on the 55 inch screen tv that's in the English room. It was pretty cool. And you know I never liked football....which means that it would've been great live on that tv.

Yesterday, I think I left at 1:30. I don't remember...it's all blurring together. Me sitting around at school just feels so natural. It's crazy. Mentally, I'm thinking of lessons for the newbies, just haven't put anything down on paper yet. No big deal.

I'm blanking out right now even. I don't know if there so much Japanese crowding out the English or if I've got nothing. NOTHING.

Good news is that I've had a few more dreams entirely in Japanese lately. That's a good sign. All these damn people were asking me questions in Japanese and I had to explain everything back to them in Japanese. Shit, it didn't even seem like I slept that night. It was just like being awake and being interrogated by nosy Japanese people. And usually, they're not that nosy...except the kids. They ask some pretty personal questions sometimes. But, I just say it's a secret if I don't want to answer. They understand that word in English....

Maybe I am dead. Brain dead. Fuck. It almost hurts to think in English.

Cross Eyed

2006-03-01T16:16:00.000+09:00

Well, make that 560 tests that I helped correct. 70+ projects. Wow. Yeah, I'm feeling a little cross-eyed. That's okay. It's Wednesday and pretty much done with school crap. Now, I just need to show up to work. Physical presence only. Mentally, it doesn't matter. That's a nice thought.

Rainy season. Yeah, it's been a bit depressing off and on lately. I've been drinking a fuck load of coffee to perk up. Not that it matters now if I pass out at my desk. Apparently, I can just take a nap in the tatami room. I was told so by another teacher. I just thought people passed out in the pleather chairs...now, I know the secret. I'm probably not gonna accomplish much this month! Hahaha. Oh well.

I'm behind in my Japanese JET books. I signed up for their free correspondence class (intermediate level), it lasts 6 months. One book per month. I was on book 3 when I got book 4 and then book 5....SHIT!!! So, I need to kick it up a level on that end. It's mostly review, but some of it is the grammar that I struggled with in the past. It's necessary to study such stuff. What I hated about my college text and now this text, is that it has a random conversation with random vocabulary. My other book has vocabulary lists that make sense. Not just words from the conversation. For example, the better book will have a list of food words, activity words, things in a department store. The other books would have things like "reality agency" and "answer," great. Thanks. I really need to know reality agency before I know what the fuck I'm eating. Weird. And super annoying.

Well, about time for another cup of sunshine!!! Just can't get enough. Yummy! And then Japanese class.

Busy, Busy

2006-02-28T10:46:00.000+09:00

Yeah, after grading about 70 projects, dealing with mundane data entry and cutting about a million pieces of paper, I`ve about had it. Fortunately, it`s basically spring break now. So, all I have to do is grade about 280 tests and I`m done....

So, that`s what I`ve been up to lately. It seems like a long time since I`ve posted. I just couldn`t stare at the computer too much more after staring at it for so long at work. But, I`m mostly better now. YEAH! SPRING BREAK! Hmmm. We`ll see if I do actually go somewhere.

Trade Offs

2006-02-16T14:58:00.000+09:00

So, I was just realizing that it`s finally starting to warm up around here. The past few weeks have been about 10 degrees Celsius at my place or less. But, this week it`s been more like 14 or 15 degrees. Quite a difference. The trade off is that it`s been raining for the past 3 or 4 days. It`s warm, but I really don`t care want to do anything `cause it`s so rainy. I just want to sleep.

The good news is that all of 5th period, I took a nap. It was nice. Gotta love sleeping on the job. It was either that or study more Japanese which I`ve been doing so much of that I`m not retaining enough of it. Don`t want to waste my time cramming what won`t fit. Seriously.

I want to study more. My books finally came in the mail. Oh glorious day!!!! My savior...I was getting sick of only studying grammar. I like studying the fun stuff. Such as how to say "I got really trashed." Or "I was laying around the house like a huge slacker." Useful stuff. Not that crap they taught me in college--I hate keigo. I used to be good at it too. Thankfully, it`s being replaced by more useful, colorful, and fun things. 大阪べん rules!!!!

I wonder if I`m experiencing a fried food hangover. I ate sooooooo much deep fried shit last night for dinner. It was amazing. Nothing like watching the Olympics and eating something that could result in a heart attack. YES! And I loved every second of it too. Fun to pretend that you`re the one exercising and instead stuffing your face with fried meat and potatoes. Uh-huh. That`s a great trade off....

J Pop

2006-02-12T00:48:00.000+09:00

Yeah, it's addictive. I still can only sing along to the English lyrics, but it's a start. At karaoke, I can sometimes sing along if the song is slow enough. In other words, if the lyrics appear on screen slowly enough for me to follow along. I don't have anything memorized yet, but soon enough I just might. Keep in mind that I'm terrible at remembering lyrics in English, so imagine me trying to do it in Japanese. HAHAHA. I feel bad for my friends that take me to karaoke.

Currently, just watching J tv and trying to catch up on who's who in the music world here. I'm really clueless. So, we'll see how much j pop culture I can remember. I'm not good at this in English either. I never know who is who in movies, never remember lyrics, song names, artist names, and so forth. You get the drift. Same with sports. In fact, a student told me who was in this year's Super Bowl. I didn't even know....And he was disappointed when I told him that I really don't like (American) football that much. (His favorite team is the Kansas City Chiefs. I really can't figure that one out.)

Back to my regularly scheduled J pop.

Not Much to Report

2006-02-07T20:38:00.000+09:00

I guess I feel like I should be reporting some sort of activities, but as such, nothing has really happened lately. I'm still sick. The weather has been crappy in general. You may be thinking, "Why bother?" I guess it's that weird reflex to let people know I'm alive. Much like saying at the dinner table "I'm going to the bathroom." Nobody cares. Just go already. Christ.

Back to more interesting things--tv.

Perhaps...

2006-02-02T09:09:00.000+09:00

I am getting over this illness.　I feel better, haven`t been coughing as much, and mostly only have a sore throat. Mostly. Perhaps I am on the road to recovery. Not out of the woods yet, but perhaps I will be shortly.

As such, I`ve been more 元気　lately which is awesome. I`ve been able to ぎゅうぎゅう some 日本語 into my head. I have a long ways to go if I want to take 2 kyuu this December. (It`s the 2nd highest level proficiency exam in Japanese and you need to know roughly 1000 kanji and an ass-load of grammar.) Otherwise, I guess I`ll take 3 kyuu (not as high of a level)....I was going over previous tests for 3 kyuu and it was brutual. I wasn`t doing very well, but it still is great to know what I don`t know. (There are known knowns. These are things we know that we know. There are known unknowns. That is to say, there are things that we know we don't know. But there are also unknown unknowns. There are things we don't know we don't know. --Donald Rumsfeld)

I keep praying that SMAP will help my Japanese. I love those guys. In fact, I was dreaming that I was talking to Masahiro. HAHAHAHAHA. I didn`t even think that I was watching that much J-tv (and I don`t compared to my friends). I though I had been watching too much "24" lately, but that`s only because it`s been like a fuckin` marathon at my アパアト.

We`ll see how much cramming I can do today. Yesterday, I crammed a lot of the day. So, I need to review and cram some more. I`m feeling better, so it`s possible, but I don`t want to go overboard either.

Semi-Hallicinogenic

2006-01-30T11:00:00.000+09:00

Well, this weekend was interesting in that I was basically semi-hallicinogenic for a lot of it. I really didn`t do much of anything except try to recover. I think I might be a lot sicker than I want to think I am, but I`m too broke and too scared to go to the doctor. Mostly too broke. Doctors don`t actually scare me. I don`t have those weird insecurities about needles or anything.

I`m not coughing as much, but my head still feels really fuzzy. Really fuzzy. Not as though I`m robo-frying or anything, although I am on med`s to be sure. I have no idea what I`m on as it`s entirely in Japanese. So, maybe it`s the same ingredients as robutusin, I have no fuckin` clue. (@_@)

Maybe the caffiene will help??? Or maybe make my head more spinny. Hard to say.

It was mostly fun lying around the house. I usually don`t do such things and caught up, well more or less, on some other projects that I usually don`t have the patience for. But, with my head being morosely slow, it wasn`t so bad.

So, I don`t want those of you who actually care about me to get worried, but I am sicker than I`ve been in a long time with "just a cold." It could be something else, but I am SLOWLY recovering, so I`m gonna hold off on the doc for now.

That`s it in a nutshell. Time to try to focus on getting lesson plans actually done. If I can concentrate....

Hack, Hack, Hack

2006-01-27T15:14:00.000+09:00

Yeah, well, I hope that I`m through hacking. I`m getting better, but seeing as how it`s Friday and I almost passed out about a million times and still don`t feel great, I probably won`t be doing anything exciting tonight. Well, I`m kind of broke anyways, so fuck it.

I`ve been working on my "projects" as such anyways. Slowly chipping away at the language in particular. I need some new tunes too, I`m sick of what I have on the Mac. (Especially the 80`s bullshit and most of the スパン語　stuff...がんまんできあないで!!!!) We`ll see what I can dig out of my partially medicated brain in terms of what sounds good. The second I sit down to find "new" music, I forget what music seems like it would be cool. Sounds like alzheimers has set in early.

Probably shouldn`t mention this, but I don`t care.... I was at the bar the other night with some other ALT`s that I don`t usually hang out with, 2 first years and 1 second year. I asked the first years if they were home sick (they seemed like it) and they were. They asked me.... My response was "Fuck `em." For those who truly know me, you won`t be offended. `Cause you know who comes first in my life.... (Mom, thanks for teaching me that important lesson in life. You`re the best.) Anyway, NO, I don`t really miss "home" where ever that is.

So, shout-outs go to my fam-damily. Whoever the fuck that might be.

Do I sound angry? Have I used the word "fuck" too much? Are you offended? Maybe you don`t know me as well as you think you do. (^_-) And if you think you know me, you probably don`t....

"Meanwhile," I am pondering my weekend options. It`s not looking good with this cough and lack of funds. (BTW You are always welcome to donate to my favorite charity--Beckie. Thank you for your continued efforts.) Either I need to get creative or be boring. I probably do not currently have the mental capcity to organize and sort the necessary data to be creative. Perhaps I should make an effort and start mailing my friends to see what the score is. Perhaps...

6 Months....And Counting!!!

2006-01-24T22:21:00.000+09:00

Yeah, it's my 6 month-a-versary. I've been away for a half a year. I haven't killed anyone, including myself as you can plainly tell, done anything too crazy (that I'm willing to admit to), or injured myself. I think I'm relatively healthy...maybe too much rice in my diet, but whatever. I think I drink too much coffee--not like some people I know, mind you, but still--and don't exercise enough (join the club, okay bad pun).

Anyway, it still feels like I just got here. Maybe not just got here, but as though I've been here only for a couple of weeks. I obviously have lost track of time. I really need to start doing more while I'm here and make the most of it. Seize the day and all that shit....

Attack of the Killer Cold

2006-01-24T11:12:00.000+09:00

Well, okay, still not 100% yet. That`s okay. I woke up freezing my ass off under the electric blankey and thought I was gonna hack up both lungs. What can you do? I am very fortunate this week, however, and only have 1 class today, none tomorrow, and 1 on Thursday. I think I can probably handle most of it. Mostly because I have my lessons mostly done for once. Procrastinating per usual.

On the fun side, I`m gonna teach the kids about rhyme--Beastie Boys anyone? A lot of them love rap. In fact, most of them know more lyrics than I do to many, many English songs. It`s rather embarrassing. But, that`s what happens when you spend your allowance at karaoke. I`m starting to know a couple of J songs--especially the English parts--so, I guess it makes sense. It`s a lot easier with the words flashing up on screen (although the J songs use kanji which I often can`t read unless it has the furigana).

One of my favorite students always asks me if I know some band or another. "Beckie, do you know Metallica?" Funny. They`re quite talented, those J kids.

On the other hand, I guess that they`re not really taught to think critically. I did a class on Martin Luther King, Jr. and I told them how important it is to be tolerant of other people. It`s important to treat everyone the same--something that they don`t think about because it`s so homogenous here. My principal just watched the last class I did on that topic and he thought it was really interesting. They`re not taught to think like that at all.

I was speaking to my vice-principal the other day and he explained to me how J people remember numbers so well. It`s one helluva crazy mnemonic system that`s for damned sure. He asked how we remember numbers and I said that I just simply memorize them. (I used to be the human phone phonebook.) But, that in the U.S. we don`t emphasize the memorization of numbers (the square root of 2 for example which he did in fact remember) or dates (he remembered when Shakespeare was born and died, well that`s assuming that we really know who Shakespeare is, but that`s another issue).

This really explains my Japanese classes back at the U of MN and how they tried to force us to memeorize things that we really thought was better to understand the concept. No, J people don`t think conceptually generally speaking, they memorize. Very different. Explains why they`re better at math and science though. J people also always use the same expression for explict things. Very much imbedded into them. For example, they can`t not yell "irryashaimase" at you when you enter into a store that they`re working at. Don`t mess with them or they get confused. (Some of my friends like to be sacrastic or fuck with the staff, but it ends in confusion which can be very funny.)

Illogical

2006-01-22T14:11:00.000+09:00

So, I felt pretty shitty all day yesterday. I woke up at 1 pm, took a nap from 3-5 pm, and headed out intending to catch the last train home. I had to go out--yes, HAD TO. It was a friend's birthday and you got show your love, man.

First, I ate cheap Aden (100 yen). Next, to a British style pub for 2 drinks (a shot that had some 190 proof liquor in it and a Long Island--Jumbo sized) and fish and chips. Then karaoke for some tunes. 1 tall boy. Clubbin' until 4 am--1 tequila sunrise and 2 Sky Blues. Then some grub at a takoyaki joint where we had (of course) takoyaki and yakisoba. Quite an evening.

You would think that 1) I might be hungover (well I'm not really) 2) I would feel like shit because I was already sick and went drinking 3) I might be tired because I went to bed at 7 am and got up around 11 am (but I'm 元気 as hell) 4) my cold would be worse from drinking a lot (it's better than yesterday) 5) I would be unproductive (I've gotten so much shit done, it's crazy). Is that logical? Not to me it isn't.

Maybe it was the nap on the train that helped. Maybe it was the C.C. Lemon (1000 mg of vitamin C) or the aspirin I took before going to bed. I'm not at 100% in terms of health, but fuck it, it doesn't matter. I feel better than I thought I would after pulling an all nighter. I don't even having the aching "dance muscles." Lesson: drink it off. Alcohol really does kill germs.

I'll keep my fingers crossed that I keep this up. I think some veggie juice is in order. Compai!

頭がクラクラなあ

2006-01-20T10:55:00.000+09:00

Jeez. Not feeling 100%, that`s for sure. I`m trying to work on a lesson plan, it seems easy enough, but I can`t hardly focus. I`m getting a cold. So, need to be good tonight (even though it`s Friday) so I can seriously do it up on Saturday. (^_-)I`m going clubbing, so gotta rest up.

I really out did myself last night. I went to the Outback and had my fill of American crap--bloomin` onion, bacon cheeseburger, fries, bread, and drinks. I thought I was going roll back to the train station. It was good, but made me realize (again) why Americans are so fat. Always eating that type of crap. I find that I`ve mostly been eating rice lately, despite the expense. Of course, I`m too lazy to make much else and I haven`t been feeling the need to eat out as often. I`ve been too busy after work lately to bother with much of anything.

In fact, I`ve been so outta it that I haven`t been studying, doing lesson plans (hence me posting now), or anything. Just too wiped out. I`ve been trying to cram some Japanese into my head, but....

My friends watch J dramas on tv, so I think I`ll start watching with them. Yeah, the men cry like lil girls, but some of them are so hot! So, even if I don`t understand the language, there`s eye candy and usually it`s easy enough to understand the melodrama. I`ll see if that helps out the language barrier. I know that when I yell "Wooo!" like HG that everyone loves it because it`s so damn funny and everyone knows him here. Knowing a little culture can go really far. (SMAPxSMAP anyone? I think I too love Kimura (*^.^*)....)

Time to teach....

Illiterate

2006-01-17T11:02:00.000+09:00

I really hate being illiterate. It`s a terrible thing. What is even more perplexing to me is that some people can`t read or write in their native language. (How can people mix up such simple things as to and too even? That`s 2nd grade grammar for gawd`s sakes.) How is that even possible? Hmm. Well, I haven`t seen too much of that here fortunately and there are 3 syllabaries that are used. I only struggle with one in particular, but that`s only because in order to read a newspaper (4th grade level in the U.S.), you need to know 1945 characters (and the other two systems of course). This makes me really wonder about the U.S. educational system, or if people in the states are just simply retarded (for lack of a more p.c. term).

Well, it`s a good challenge. I take comfort in knowing that Japanese people sometimes struggle with it too, but certainly not in the same way. It`s all because of the keitai and the preemptive text. I struggle with the on and the kun readings more than anything, if I do know the character.

Back to code cracking....or match the characters depending on the situation.

Yeah, Yeah

2006-01-16T15:42:00.000+09:00

I have too much free time sometimes, and yet never enough. I should really calculate how many hours I "work" because it`s probably only about 25-30 a week maximum, that counts class time. (Do you consider hangin` out with a bunch of kids work anyways? Hmm. Hardly takes much effort unless I`m yelling.) I wish I had more free time and more money. Oh face it, I want to be independently wealthy....That would allow me so many more pleasures in life.

The most difficult part of the job by far is trying to think of crap to teach the kids. I have nothing to do with grammar really (thankfully) and have to think about what might actually interest kids and teach them something. It`s easy sometimes.時々楽するだと思う。きほんてきに生活は簡単やねん。だけどあほの主人がガンマンできないで。めっちゃあほでなあ。それから友達もが敵になったねえ。まあ、しゃない。日本語はがんばれ。

So, in general, I have to say, doesn`t it suck to be me? (^_-) もちろん。（笑）Whining about "nothing" again....

Fuck. I`m trying to "work," but I`m not in the mood and I need to collaborate on up-coming lesson ideas. But, I`m about ready to do a face plant into this crappy パソコン. Well, there`s being productive and getting shit to actually happen. Dreaming and action are two seperate things, I wish some of you would learn that for yourselves. It`s a lesson learned all too late for some people. Tisk tisk.ごめんねえ

てか、大きい鼻の人はきれいじゃないで.

Anyway, looks like I wanna be studying right now. (^_^)v

Pondering Life While Eating (Strawberry) Pocky

2006-01-12T15:47:00.001+09:00

Yeah, I`m in the office trying to cram as much Japanese into my brain as possible. I think I got a flat while doing so. Maybe I have a spare somewhere. Between just learning regular words that I don`t know (really things I should know), grammar, idioms, kanji, and Kansai-ben, it`s getting pretty crowded in my head for more Japanese. I think it`s slowly replacing English...sort of.

So, a Pocky break was certainly in order. With all of the craziness that`s continually happening to me, or rather self-created drama, it`s good just to sit back and relax every now and then. (And by self-created that doesn`t mean that some of you didn`t contribute to it BTW.)

While I`m going crazy cramming, I`m starting to feel slightly more comfortable speaking Japanese. I`m starting to understand more bit by bit. I can`t have deep, philosophical conversations yet; however, I doubt that I could in English either. Overall, I don`t give a crap about most of that anyways. Except knowing that some of you are going to hell when you die (^_-) Haha. (I don`t believe in hell. But I might be going there just for fun anyway.)

Seriously though, I`m trying to keep abreast of this beast known as Japanese (well, to you that`s what it`s called). がんばります!!! I can communicate on a very basic level, so that`s saying something. I guess I just always thought that my progress would be much faster than it is. So, I`m frustrated with myself. まあしゃない....

Potato flavored Fries

2006-01-09T23:01:00.000+09:00

Yeah, when I was eating burgers at this J-hamburger joint, I had cheese fries and a couple of other people got BBQ, and then there was the "potato" flavor. Hmmm. Not sure what's up with that. Go figure, French fries that taste like potatoes.

The fun part about sitting outside and eating our strange burgers (mine was a bacon, cheese, egg burger), was the people watching. Sorry no pic's. But today is "Coming of Age" Day, a holiday for us (^O^)/ but everyone who turned 20 in the past 12 months dresses in kimonos and parades around. I'm not sure what else happens. There were these 3 guys with orange hair, one had partial corn rows on the side (looked like bad 80's punk rock) and all were wearing their male kimonos. Very weird. One girl looked like a transvestite due to bad makeup.

Anyway, trying to finish my lesson for tomorrow which unfortunately is taking way too much reconnaissance time on the internet. Meanwhile, watching 24 and SMAP x SMAP. Gotta love those "boys." (SMAP is a boy band with their own variety show--I missed a couple of weeks ago with Madonna--except they're all like 34. Not so boyish really.)

I've been busy screwing off, avoiding studying, and hoping that I don't keep killing my back. Don't be Dad Jr. That's what I tell myself. I'd would've done even more screwing off except I'm broke. Probably from doing nothing. That's the good and bad thing about vacation, don't get anything accomplished.

But, tomorrow is work. I have 3 classes and no lesson completed--yet. がんばります

At Long Last...

2006-01-04T20:09:00.000+09:00

Well, just trying to catch up on some things. My sister returned back to the states yesterday and I am playing catch up at work....well, not really. I did however need to get some cleaning done, which is only partly complete. My back is killing me, so I'm rather useless in that capacity anyway.

I feel so dead............(@_@) Damn back.

Movie time. Can't take it anymore.

あけましておめでとう!

2006-01-01T19:00:00.000+09:00

Yeah, I really have no idea what Japanese people do on New Year's Eve or day. Something about expensive bentoo boxed lunches and going to the temple. I'm not really sure. I wasn't invited to anything like that. I was invited out for New Year's Eve drinks and dinner. Sounded good. And it was. Creole food in Japan for New Year's Eve, not exactly traditional, but what the hell? At least I didn't stay home like I have done for so many years I can't even count.

Yep, Happy 2006, Biatches! We'll see how crazy this year gets. 2005 was record breaking in too many ways to discuss. I don't even want to think about it.... My head will spin otherwise. Maybe 2006 will be crazy for the rest of y'all too!

I'm glad I'm starting the year off correctly--not in the states. Haha. Yeah, you can be pissed off about that statement if you want to. Whatever.

Compai! To the New Year!

Xmas Is Over!!!! ????????メリークリスマス

2005-12-26T18:49:00.000+09:00

Wow!! Did you ever think that going to the club on xmas eve and having a xmas party the next day at your house is a good idea? Well, it's not. Pulling an all-nighter and then having company can be difficult. Thank gawd for fried chicken--and amazingly we didn't buy the KFC gaijin xmas special.

Xmas was good. I know that some of you may have been worried, but I haven't been "home" for xmas in 9 years. So, the last xmas I feel like I really had was in 1996. Hmm. I've spent those 9 xmas'es at the casino, drinking, and other such mayhem. Of course, drinking is a family tradition and even more so at xmas. So, this was no exception. The only weird part was that there wasn't any snow and we went grocery shopping on xmas. Oh, and Starbucks. もちろん

I'm tired. Wanted to let you know I survived xmas. Whew!

Public Transportation Nightmare

2005-12-23T13:16:00.000+09:00

Okay, I already mentioned the 2 hour bus this morning. I was scared to go home because I didn't know if the buses were running or not let alone if they were on time or not. 30 minutes later, I was at my station.

1 hour to the airport to get my sister....but 1 1/2 hours later I am FINALLY told that she flew into a different airport on a different flight 4 hours after she was supposed to arrive from Tokyo. 1 hour home, of which I had to take the local part way, and transfer onto another train where we had to self cram in order to get everyone into the train.

In total, not counting how long I was at the airport, I was on a bus or a train for about 4 1/2 hours today. Holy shit!!!! And of course, the first part was cold and somewhat treacherous and the last part was crammed and I almost fell many, many times.

Anyway, the sister is fine and staying at a hotel tonight. I couldn't meet her before the trains stopped running. I'm going to bed now.

Don`t Let it Snow

2005-12-22T11:47:00.000+09:00

Damn! So, it doesn`t snow every year here in Osaka, but today it did. I`m lucky in that I didn`t have classes today which is good because it took me 2 hours to get to school on the bus. Usually it takes 30 minutes. The snow was coming down and it was quite slippery. I saw a woman wipe out on a scooter and someone else on a bicycle.

It was cold on the bus too. I read, took a short nap, it was cold though so it wasn`t very enjoyable. There were 4 students on my bus too. At some point, there was an annoucement which I didn`t understand and I figured that it couldn`t be good. A stop or so later, we were kicked off the bus. The students were waving to me to come with them as this was a couple of stops away from our usual stop. We walked for about 15 minutes and the students (all girls) were freezing and slipping a lot. They were wearing the usual uniform--a skirt and school jacket--but not a coat or gloves.

Why did it have to snow today? Some of my friends are flying back home and my sister`s flying in tonight. Dammit. I was hoping to leave early too, but I think that the bus schedule is fucked up. The students were asking me how and when I would go home today. I couldn`t understand everything that they were trying to tell me.

So, I`ve been sick with a cold the last few days which is why I haven`t posted anything recently. I`m frantically getting ready for the holidays--not happening. I`ve been sucked into watching "24" and loving it. I should be studying, but with this cold, my mind wanders too much and can`t focus at all.

That`s all for now. I did do a lot last weekend that was super fun and cool, but too tired to discuss that now. And I should be "working" but probably won`t get anything done anyways.

Potato Party!

2005-12-15T17:51:00.000+09:00

So, I was invited by one of the Home Ec. teachers to come eat something at 6th period today, outside. I really didn't know what they were making, I didn't understand what she told me. I was late getting outside, but when I finally made it, I realized that the 2 nen-sei were eating potatoes.

All I originally saw was them standing around a bunch of mini-fires. I just thought that they were burning leaves. Nope. They were cooking the potatoes in tin foil in the fire. Can you imagine being able to play with fire at school? It seems bizarre to me, mostly because most people I knew were starting the fires.

As I found out, they were eating potatoes and I think sweet potatoes. The word in Japanese includes yam, sweet potato, and just plain potato. Same word. I ate a regular potato and a sweet potato. Yummy! The kids were trying some English on me. One of the class clowns said to me, in English, "I am from Japan." And I replied in Japanese "Is that so?" Everyone died laughing. It was pretty funny. Those kids crack me up. They're so ridiculous. I told one of them to be careful, in Japanese, next thing you know, he's breaking something. We all laugh. And he says in English "Laugh away!" I was impressed.

Two potatoes and you'd think I'd be full, but I'm not. Why!?

Wham!

2005-12-14T10:15:00.000+09:00

Yeah, for my xmas lesson, I was told that I need to include "Last Christmas"--yep, that`s right a Wham! song. I guess all of the kids know it. I really didn`t understand why at first. I mean, it`s so old that I don`t think I really remember it too well. And I actually remember the 80`s. I guess that some Japanese artist covered it and it was on some drama here. So, everyone, yes everyone, loves it. Or at least knows it.

This week I`m running the same lesson for everyone, less confusing for me and at least everyone is caught up after test week. Weird to have test week, a week of class, then a partial week of class, and then winter break. I think that would suck for the students come next test time--too much time passes and then they forget everything.

So, I`m trying to be on top of my game. I really didn`t do anything last week but sit around the office because I was really unmotivated, it was my birthday week, there were tests, and it was cold so I didn`t want to move. I`ve been huddling around the stove (gas heater) for at least the last week and a half.

I also need to attempt to go xmas shopping. Ha ha. Nobody`s presents are going to be on time--fyi. If you`re lucky enough to get something that is. Shit. I don`t have a lot of money, so I hope you understand. It`s expensive enough buying and sending cards.

Well, maybe I should study some more. I`m just worried that everything I`ve shoved in my brain in the last 2 or 3 days is about ready to ooze out. I`ve been cramming again. I need to finish or almost finish the book that the JET program gives before my sister comes to visit. They send 1 book a month for 6 months of the year. I just got the 3rd book, but I`m barely half done with #2. So, I`m behind but the test for #2 isn`t due until late January. Ugg. I just don`t like being behind. And believe me, I`m way behind the curve on my Japanese as it is. It`s tough to make progress unless I`m cramming all the time. I try, I really do.

Back to the books.

Happy Birthday--to me!

2005-12-08T12:00:00.000+09:00

Yeah, gawd I`m getting old. It`s sad when you realize that you`re about twice as old as a lot of the students. Ugg. Oh well.

I`ve been recieving e-mails all morning--thank you!!!! Also, a (female) gym teacher bought me a small bouquet of beautiful flowers. That`s so nice of her. We don`t even share the same office. I was shocked. She heard it was my birthday and went to some store to buy them. I think that she even arranged them, if I understood her Japanese correctly.

And here I sit. I noticed a lot of the other English teachers aren`t even here today, so I`ll probably leave soon too. I do plan on coming tomorrow and finishing that damn xmas lesson, plus I`d feel guilty if I didn`t come in. (Even though I think it`s okay if I just don`t even show up.) Oh, yeah, I have a few tests to correct too. Goddamn it. I actually have work?! What is this place, anyway?

So, we`ll see where the rest of the day takes me. Maybe to the mall. Or I might save that for tomorrow when I leave early from that.

Until then....I plan on having a good birthday!

Sitting on My Ass

2005-12-06T10:24:00.000+09:00

Yep, I`m an expert at it, good at looking busy, and now experienced at sleeping in an upright position either sitting or standing. These are all the skills I have been honing for a long time now. I`m drinking a mocha (instant coffee and coco), keeping in close range of the stove, and dreaming up a xmas lesson for the kids. Hmmm. BTW In Japan, xmas is couple`s day. I don`t know why, but most Japanese people have dates for xmas. It`s a little strange to me.

For some reason, I`ve been pretty cold lately. I sat in front of the space heater on my new (soft and pretty too!) kotatsu rug for like 8 hours. I ditched work early yesterday, went out for Indian curry with a friend, and then just sat glued to the tv or computer screen. I`m starting to learn a lil about J-tv and what the shows are called. I`ll fill you in on some good ones later.

It`s raining and I`m hoping for something to brighten my day. I should be studying Japanese, but I`m not motivated at all. Hmm. Maybe the mocha will help. Or the fact that I`m stuck here until my sensei will record the listening portion of the test with me. It`ll only take about 5 minutes, but I have to wait.....And I already had it recorded, but they weren`t happy with it entirely. Long story. Damn him and his stupid rules. At least, I got outta bed to at least make it to school today. Otherwise, I would have only left my bed for the space heater. Hehe.

Shit. It`s only 10:30 and I`ve only been here for an hour. That`s not good. Gonna be a long, cold, rainy day.

Horoscope

2005-12-05T10:51:00.000+09:00

Hmmm. Proof that sometimes I think before I speak. Hey, I said sometimes, dammit.

"Your internal editor -- that little something that intervenes between what goes on upstairs and what you say -- is taking the day off. While it's putting its feet up somewhere and enjoying a drink with an umbrella in it, those around you are subject to your genius-containing monologues, your sudden brilliant plays-on-words, your outbursts about how the world should be and more. Just have an apology ready in case you inadvertently put your foot in that wide-open mouth."

Haha. Aren`t you glad that you don`t live near me? I guess you`d get an earful today. Compai little umbrella drink! I miss the tiki`s at Suzie`s.....(x_x)

BTW I`m at work right now. I`m staying close to the heater and happy that it`s test week. Rough for the students, good for me. Back to "work" (ie keeping warm and deciding if I want more coffee).

American Woman

2005-12-04T12:36:00.000+09:00

Yeah, so yesterday I went with two friends to this "international party" that is held once a month. The idea is to meet people that speak either English or Japanese. I was the ONLY foreign woman there. I was swarmed by about a million Japanese people--men and even more women. I felt like a total rockstar. The wierdest part was that there were way more women that wanted to talk to me. I've noticed this phenomena before, where women want to come and be my friend or something. I was kind of scared about some of it. These older guys kept trying to talk to me too. It was weird.

So, I felt kind of weird about how much attention I received, but I guess I should be used to it. I think everyone just wanted to practice their English on me. I guess I've never just had people shoved my way before, at least not in droves. Hmmm. The problems of being an American woman. Such is life.

Progress

2005-11-28T18:56:00.000+09:00

Well, I eat lunch from the cafeteria at school a lot, but not always in the cafeteria or at the same time as the students. If I eat in the cafeteria, I get scared and don't know who I should sit with because I can't remember most of their names. Last week, I sat with a couple of 3rd year students (seniors) and one of them is this badass boxer. I just learned that he's won some titles or something like that. Anyway, I hate asking to sit somewhere and today I didn't have to. Four 3rd year girls asked me to join them! I was so shocked. And later, two of them asked me to hang out with them so they can practice more English conversation either at lunch time or after school. It was really cool. They were so shy, but I told them they could speak Japanese too if they needed to.

I was so impressed that they tried at all. And I feel like I'm making headway--learning names (I know what they look like, but I have a really difficult time learning J-names), hangin' out, speaking broken Japanese/English, it's cool. I've mostly been learning their nicknames too, which is good and bad. I guess it's easier, but I don't really know their real names either. It's really funny what they call themselves. There are 3 "max"es--ojimax, shimax, and hamax--and today I ate with "Monroe" as in Marilyn Monroe (it took me a long time to figure out who they were saying it in Japanese 'cause it sounds nothing like Marilyn Monroe). Other people I know their first name and the teachers know them by their last name or the exchange student knows their first name and I know their last name. It's really quite funny.

Gobble Gobble!

2005-11-26T00:46:00.000+09:00

Yeah, so perhaps you're wondering what the hell I did for Thanksgiving. Well, I can tell you that I definitely did NOT eat turkey. I guess that there was that turkey option at a bar at near this weird station, but I didn't feel the need to go there. Especially since it's the stop where my stalker lives. (Long story.) So, I just didn't bother.

I ended up eating at our favorite okonomikaki restaurant eating of course okonomiyaki and yaki soba. Um-um. Yummy. Not exactly the most traditional Thanksgiving, but I stuffed myself in true American fashion. In fact, one Thanksgiving, we made duck and sushi....Those were the days, choosing sushi over turkey. Haha. I still do--take that America! I ate sushi for dinner tonight in fact. And, again, had the chance to eat turkey last night. Whatever. I just wished that we didn't have to work. Food is food. I'll eat almost anything. Almost.

We had Wednesday off which I spent sleeping at bunraku (Japanese puppet theater). Oops. I felt bad about that. Anyway, we had mandatory meetings Thursday (Thanksgiving) and today. Afterwards, many people went to the Hard Rock Cafe, which I did after dinner (cause it sucked so bad last time). I had one 1/2 priced drink which basically made it regular priced and went bowling. Yes, bowling.

The bowling was fun. I only bowled two games, and scored over 100 on the second one, so not bad. Just not great. It was expensive too. It was 1500 yen for the two games and shoes. No beer either. Wasn't the same. But, it seemed like the states in that there were hochie mamas present, yet on the other hand, the group next to us was salary men (wearing ties still) and their girlfriends. (Yeah, I think they were mistresses, not wives.) A few times, the lights went down, the black lights by the pins lit up, and the music got crazy. I guess if you get a strike during this time, I saw people get fake Hawaiian leighs and then they're photos taken (the winners) wearing bowling pin costumes. Weird. I don't know if you actually win anything of not. It was weird.

Okay, that's it. I'm about to pass out. Too much been going on lately. Happy Belated Turkey Day!

The "Grind"

2005-11-20T20:36:00.000+09:00

Well, it's back to the grind tomorrow. This week is a weird one though. While the rest of you are stuffing yourselves with turkey and mashed potatoes, I'll be in meetings on Thursday and Friday. We have Wednesday off for "Labour Thanksgiving Day" whatever that means to people in Japan, I don't really know. I already had an oversized piece of pumpkin pie last night from Costco so I'm good to go as far as Thanksgiving food.

This week will be easy for that reason. I hate going to the meetings because they're out of the way, but I get to see a lot of other people that I don't usually see. Also, I have no classes tomorrow. All of my classes are on different schedules because afternoon classes get cut which makes those classes behind. It's all out of sync. So, tomorrow, all I have to do is show up. Not so bad. I need to write some tests that are coming up in a couple of weeks, but that's not a big deal. Ahhhh. Studying Japanese and getting paid for it is a beautiful thing. And the staff loves that I'm trying to improve, it reallly impresses them. The fact that I know any kanji seems to impress them even more. I guess they don't understand that reading kanji is easier to me than learning by listening.

Anyway, it's Sunday evening and almost time for my movie. I hope it's a good one. The tv schedule in my zine wasn't printed for some reason this month. I'll be keeping warm under the kotatsu, drinking tea, and hoping that the taco fest that I just consumed won't kill me (I ate 6 fuckin' tacos, ay caramba!).

Costco--America HOOOO!

2005-11-20T01:07:00.000+09:00

Yeah, so I finally made it to the land of American goods and America-sized goods--Costco. I know, not too Japanese to buy in bulk, but there we were in the thick of Japanese people going nuts for bargains just like in the U.S......

So, this weekend is a complete waste for me. I'm not motivated and I hardly care. I spent hours at Costco and it hardly seemed like a dent in my time horizon. I just can't deal with reality sometimes, or at least time in a real way. We'll see if I can cope tomorrow. Maybe not all is lost........

4 Distinct Seasons

2005-11-18T23:07:00.000+09:00

I know, what the hell am I doing at home on a Friday night? Whew, it was a long week. Not bad though, I guess it was longer than normal because it's cold and I'm finally adjusting to it a bit. Everyday it seems like when I wake up, it's a degree (Celsius) colder than the morning before. I hope that this isn't a continuing trend. I sort of winterized tonight. Really, all this means (since I already busted out the kotatsu) is I got out the space heaters.

I was glad to find the "family size" instant hot cocoa at a nearby foreign food market, well, mini-market. It's not the "Costco" sized one that I usually buy, but it's just me anyway. I actually brought it to work to share and have with my coffee. It's even the marshmallow lover's variety. Yummy!

It's movie time. Junk food night. Ice cream and Pringles, can't beat that!

I'm actually thinking about xmas presents. It's probably because everywhere I frickin' go, there's xmas lights and music. I've also been seeing a crapload of card, stockings, and some ornaments. Yeah, I'm starting to love Kitty-chan (that's Hello Kitty to you)....I know, you're disappointed in me, but she's pretty damn cute. I've contemplated buying a Snoopy ornament for the woman who sits next to me at work, she loves Snoopy.

Anyway, I guess not a lot to report currently. But, I am alive and not suffering from the cold too much. Huh, maybe I should actually turn on the kotatsu or a heater..... What do ya think?

A J-Evening

2005-11-14T19:10:00.000+09:00

It's getting cold out and I feel like I'm turning more Japanese by the day. I moved the kotatsu into the living room finally. A kotatsu is basically like a coffee table that has a removable top to put a blanket under the top. There's a heater underneath to keep your feet and legs warm. I'm all nice and snuggly under the kotatsu right now. I'm having rice for dinner (unbelievable how expensive rice is here), watching J-tv, and will probably take a hot bath before bed. Don't forget about the green tea either.

BTW, I'm watching this weird game show that's on every Monday night. Tonight, "Becky's" on. Becky is half Japanese and has her own show. It looks like she has blue eyes too, creepy. Yeah, my name is easy to remember for people because of her show. Nice. The show always ends with the 2 contestants (a guy and a girl) playing air hockey against these two guys that wear different customs. On Halloween, one of them (a fat guy none the less) was dressed as a jack-o-lantern. Another time, both of them were dressed up like two different types of noodle bowl dishes. Yeah. That's Japan for you.

I'm starting to recognize some J-celeb's and some pop songs. Working on becoming so J it hurts.

Oddly Productive

2005-11-13T22:00:00.000+09:00

Yeah, it's Sunday night. Usually, I'm watching the Sunday night movie that's on, but it's not on. So, I'm kind of pissed, but what can you do? (Sha nai yo!) Hence, I have been doing some of my homework. (Can't you see, I'm working hard, dammit!) Anyway, we can take free correspondence Japanese classes and it's for 6 months a year. You get a book every month and the test is due at the end of each month (except December 'cause of xmas).

So, I'm almost done with Book 1 of the Intermediate level. It's not too bad overall, except this month was only on giving and receiving because the grammar is difficult. It's really only a matter of memorization, but I never had it down before, so it was more difficult than what it should've been. (Next month, Book 2, is a bunch of junk that I don't care about. Speaking extremely politely. In most cases, using this form of Japanese makes people extremely uncomfortable.)

Slowly, I am working my way into the language. The more I know, the easier new words and grammar becomes for me. It's like a puzzle coming together in my mind. I've been slacking on the kanji though. It's not that I don't like it, but I've been behind on my other studies because I had that cold for a few days.

Some of you have asked if I've been dreaming in Japanese. In fact, last night, some of my dream was in Japanese, but only really basic crap. Nothing special. Oh, and, I have the worst American accent ever. I'm too busy thinking of the words to think of my accent still. Working on it.

I better start a-cracking again.

Japanese Fire Drill

2005-11-09T21:15:00.000+09:00

Not the same as the "Chinese" one that I just partook in on Halloween. But, weird none the less. 6th period (last period of the day), the fire alarms went off as scheduled. I really was only sort of told where to go, I just followed everyone.

I was told that one student from each class would learn how to put out a fire. Yeah, the fire department came, said some stuff (I only caught a bit of it), and started fires for the kids to put out. Weird.

As a side note, the uniforms aren't nearly as flattering as our boys in blue. But, one of 'em wasn't too bad either (^_-). In general, the men just aren't as manly and that includes the firemen.

Anyway, can you imagine letting high school students put out fires? I only knew kids that STARTED fires, not put them out. So, all of these kids were putting out fires and the fumes from the extinguisher went right for the 1st year students. A couple of them were covered in whitish dust--their uniforms are navy blue and their hair was dusted too! Hilarious! Those kids crack me up.

We were outside all 6th period. I'm glad I could understand some of the Japanese, not much though. I was told what the word for fire extinguisher is, so I did learn something.

Only 30 Shopping Days...Until....

2005-11-08T22:09:00.000+09:00

My birthday. As my brother always said about his birthday, if you save $10 every day, you can buy me something decent. (^_-) An Amazon gift certificate is easy enough...you don't have to ship anything! Isn't that great?! Just a suggestion.

Anyway, I'm feeling better, in case you cared. I was feeling pretty icky this morning, but I think my cold is almost gone. I'm kicking it with a nice cuppa green tea. Yummy! I should be studying, but I'm not super motivated at this point to try to cram any more into my head than what I've been doing. I don't have any particular focus, but my "method" seems to be working. Every day, I pick up new stuff. I think maybe watching J-tv helps too. Most people speak to me in English because, well, I'm the English teacher. I talk to some students, but in a mixture of English and Japanese. I can't always tell them in Japanese if they don't understand my English. But, I try and they love that.

I just started calligraphy now that I was finally told when and where. I suck. But, I get some great kanji practice and the students like that I'm interested in Japanese culture. This week, there were students in the art room making their own hanko's (name stamp). It was really cool. They were carving the kanji out and then using a type of red, thick ink that I've never seen before. I was impressed. But, I'm always impressed at the kids. They blow me away. They're really smart, talented, and work really hard. It's inspiring. It makes me try harder too.

Better get back to work.....

Yeah, Yeah

2005-11-07T21:39:00.000+09:00

I know, I haven't kept my drive to post every other day or so. Gomen, nee! I caught a cold last week and I've been floating in and out of reality. Usually this doesn't bother me too much, but I'm trying to cram a bunch of Japanese into my head, so it's not exactly effective.

And today's lesson, children:

Let me tell you about the izakaiya. Until last week, I just thought this was the Japanese word for "bar," and well, I was wrong. An izakaiya isn't someplace that you stop after work for a beer...you stay usually for 2 hours or so and get completely pissed. The goal is to drink as much as possible in that short amount of time. Often, you sing songs (I'm learning them) to get people to chug their tiny glasses of beer. You take it like a shot, well, a lot of times. You order bottles of beer and then serve them in small glasses to all of your buddies. It's sick and wrong because you can't really count how many tiny glasses you've had.

It's not uncommon to stumble outta of an izakaiya and wonder "What the fuck just happened?" It's dangerous. I really didn't understand the difference until last week or so. And now you know. Did you learn anything? I know I did--the hard way as usual.

Loop Line Party!!!!!

2005-10-30T18:05:00.000+09:00

In case you’re wondering, the Halloween Loop Line Party here is 100% insane. I wasn’t sure what exactly was supposed to happen before it went down, but there I was waiting at the JR Loop Line Station on the platform with hundreds of other gaijin dressed in their Halloween wears. My friends and I being all first years weren’t sure when it was supposed to start exactly or how many times you actually go around the loop.

So, we were standing there gawking at all of the madness….Such as one person dressed as Michael Jackson humping another gaijin dressed as a little kindergarten boy. Hmm. We were drinking our beers/chu-highs and soaking it all in. There was of course extra security. They were directing all of the Japanese people to the other trains and making sure that they steered clear of all of us crazy, drunk, freaky gaijin.

The deal is that once it starts (and there are specially reserved cars just for this occasion), you ride around the loop in the most crammed train car you can imagine and at every stop you basically do (for a lack of a pc term) a Chinese fire drill. So, everyone gets out and runs around like mad. You pretty much have to grope your friends just not to lose them. Of course, there is plenty of groping in the train because it’s so packed too. One of friends fell down when we were switching train cars, and another friend fell in the gap between the platform—thankfully it was just her leg and she didn’t get hurt.

People ride on the overhead racks where baggage is supposed to go. This usually entails body surfing just to get on top and then people kind of slide you onto the rack. I was kicked in the head by one guy riding up there.

At some point, we had to switch trains entirely. So, that was when most people did the beer run, smoke break, or used the bathroom. I was too far away from anything to even attempt any of those things and still be able to find my friends. There were hundreds of gaijin everywhere making it difficult to move even on the platform.

Then, back onto another train. We rode it back to where we started. Ultimately, you just ride the loop once. It’s a hell of a ride though. Standing in the train where you can’t move usually and asking your buddies for a swig of their liquor, it’s great. When the train slows down, you try not to fall down, but sometimes there aren’t enough (weird to think of it that way) people to keep you in an upright position.

Whew! It was one hell of a night, people.

Afterwards, I went to an izukaiya (bar) where we opened the doors to the table next to us and they (a couple of people from our group too) sang Japanese drinking songs. We had people chugging beer (always interesting to see from those tiny glasses that they give you). I’m not even sure what else.

Next, clubbing of course. The after-Loop madness was everywhere. We hit up the gaijin club Sam and Dave’s. It was fuckin’ packed as hell too. It was reminiscent of the Loop line itself. Not too expensive though. It was 2000 yen with 2 drink tickets. Maybe chugging two tall-boys while standing in line was not such a good idea. But, too late for those regrets now.

Bus Napping

2005-10-29T00:01:00.000+09:00

Yeah, so I was riding home on the bus the other day. As I was taking my usual nap at the back of the bus, when I wa awakened suddenly. I thought something was wrong because my stop is at the end of the line, so it's not a big deal to sleep. It scared the crap out of me.

As it turns out, this guy was asking me in broken English about Hirakata station. I think he knew where he was going and why ask me if I'm obviously a gaijin? Stupid. He gave me a Hirakata magazine, in Japanese, and said I could keep it. Okay. Whatever. He kept saying all of this crap in English and it just didn't make any sense. The conversation didn't follow any logic as far as I could tell. His Japanese made more sense to me than his English. Sad.

In the end, I think he asked to take me to the near by mall. I just said in Japanese that I didn't understand. Bizarre. So, I was woken up from my wonderful bus nap to be subjected to broken English and being asked on a date. Nice! I was scared when I got off the bus and made sure that he didn't follow me. Hmm. I'm still gonna nap on the bus, can't not.

Not Alotta

2005-10-24T19:48:00.000+09:00

As I can tell, you’ve been missing me greatly. Sorry for not writing much, but I’ve been busy doing, well, I don’t really know what I’ve been doing lately.

I know that I have been studying a lot more Japanese as of late, but that’s only to be expected. I am certainly making some sort of progress. I’m still of course illiterate, but I’m continually studying kanji.

It’s getting cold here. Yeah, that’s right, I’m whining about the cold you bastards! My school has about a million, single-paned windows. So, it’s really cold and there’s no central heat. My apartment is cold too. I have hardwood floors, so I’m glad for the tatami in my bedroom because it’s warmer. I’m such a wuss now. I hate it.

And the tea is on…..

Aight. I’m getting warmer now. Maybe I can type.

Actually, my brain is frozen also. I can’t think, maybe that’s because the Japanese is crowding out the English. Or it’s cold and I have writer’s block. Must watch J-t.v.

Ramen, Ramen, Ramen!!!!!

2005-10-19T12:12:00.000+09:00

There is a lot more to Ramen than what I ever imagined before coming to Japan. Oh, yeah, am I ever learning more about it. At first, I was a bit pretentious about eating the Cup-o-Noodles. Yeah, I know, I’ve been eating American Ramen for years, way before I even started college (the first time). So, why did I start again? Same usual reason, lack of money. But, I started eating the regular ol’ Cup-o-Noodles because when you close the bar down at 5 am, it puts things into perspective.

Just to mention that if you go out to eat for Ramen, there are some basic choices: the broth is made from 1. pork broth (kind of creamy, but really super tasty)—my favorite 2. soy sauce based 3. miso based or 4. salt based. Add to this that you can choose either straight or curly noodles. You can also choose to have extra things added on top of your Ramen too such as kimchi (my favorite) or extra pork. Can’t complain about (what should be) everyone’s favorite meat.

What can you buy to eat at home? Well, that’s a great question. I’m glad that you asked. There is Ramen that looks like the stuff you can get in the states, but it doesn’t seem to be as common. Every type is different. That is to say that not only is the “flavor packet” different (chicken, beef, pork, etc.), but the stuff in the packets isn’t always powered msg/meat stuff. You might get soy sauce and mayo or a flavor packet with another packet of hot chili stuff or with dried veggies like onions (or in curry potatoes). Frankly, it’s a surprise every time to me. I love the spicy ones, but I can’t argue with the packets of mayo either (yummy! mayo is an excellent condiment). Also, not only are the noodles dry, you can buy them fresh (then there might be actual fresh veggies and meat also), but you can buy them refrigerated or in the freezer section.

Yes, this is just a little taste of the wonderfully varied Ramen world that I live in. Also, there is a difference between Chinese Ramen and Japanese, but I haven’t experienced this enough to get into it now. So, happy winter to me! Good thing Ramen is so abundant, cheap, and delicious. I guess I won’t go too hungry.

Himeji Castle

2005-10-16T03:47:00.000+09:00

Yesterday, I went to Himeji where one of the fiercest festivals was supposed to be held. It was raining all day, so it was postponed until today. I was somewhat disappointed because this festival has people carrying floats, they run at full speed and then hit each other. It’s supposed to be awesome, better than the other festival Kishiwada that I had some pic’s of (but I missed the good part of that where they run full speed). It cost 1450 yen one way just to get to Himeji, so we made the best of it. (Payday is Monday. Jeez, it's seems so far away.)

Himeji is considered to be one of the three best castles in Japan. It was a lot of fun. It takes awhile to see everything. You actually have to walk up the stairs too, unlike Osaka Castle which has an elevator!

I love the tiles on the roofs here, just in general. But check these out:

I really enjoyed walking around the inside of the castle grounds.

The view from the top is nice. You can really see how rainy it was yesterday.

The garden was also amazing. It was so peaceful with the rain. The leaves haven't changed colors yet, I'm told that it's about another month away. But, some of the trees were beginning to turn. Here I am.

National Sports Day--ah I love 3 day weekends

2005-10-13T10:31:00.000+09:00

I went to a little town, Sasayama, on Monday. It was a nice drive to a little town northwest of Osaka. I really hadn’t been to a small town here in Japan yet, so it was pretty cool. It was the “black bean” festival. The black beans weren’t like the Mexican variety you may think of, but rather they looked like green beans. I guess they’re green until you bake them. I really didn’t figure that part out, not very obvious. They are tasty. I eat them at restaurants all the time like an app. Hmm.

There were these stuffed, wild pigs everywhere. I saw them as statues on the bridge too. Hmm. I really don’t understand what that was all about, but the pork sure did taste good. Umm. Pork.

Next, we drove up to a little place a little ways away to look/shop for pottery. This little town is well known for its pottery. I was drowning in pottery. It was super cool, but I couldn’t think straight after seeing so much of it. And I wasn’t sure what I should really buy since I’m only living here temporarily.

Homework for Teacher

2005-10-12T12:38:00.000+09:00

Yeah. I should be working on my Halloween lesson plan. The problem isn’t a lack of ideas, it’s mostly just resources may be difficult. For example, I might show the kiddies a clip from “The Simpson’s: Treehouse of Horror” (of course). But, my dvd’s are region 1 which is different than whatever it is here. Or pumpkin carving type activities may also be difficult. For example, have them draw on balloons (preferably orange) would be a good substitute. But, the balloons I’ve found aren’t straight up orange and the jumbo pack of 100 cost 1000 yen. That seems pricey for balloons (that I’d be paying for).

I know, this is my job. Think of what will make the kids learn about Western culture and English conversation. It’s actually a lot of fun. I do a lot of research on the internet. I learned about Guy Fawkes day in England. I had no idea that it even existed when I started. BTW if you research it, that’s where the word “guy” comes from. As in, “Who the hell is that guy?” There, now you learned something today.

Don't Be a Hater

2005-10-10T06:30:00.000+09:00

I’m just staring at this “blank” page thinking that my thoughts can just pour onto it unlike rain onto the cement. Perhaps there aren’t really any thoughts at all. Or perhaps it’s more like a trickle in a quiet, slow current in a babbling brook. Nothing, nothing, nothing.

But, I digress. I for some reason felt more hate walking home than I’ve ever really felt before. I’m not exactly sure what started this downward thought pattern, but there I was realizing how much a lot of (J) people hate me just ‘cause I’m white. I don’t think I’ve ever really felt so personally hated before. Again, it’s not like anything happened, I just suddenly felt this massive wave of hate (toward me) wash over me. I was suddenly completely submerged in my own thoughts of hate and anger. It was weird. Someone once told me that I personally cannot stand being hated by anyone. I think that’s probably far too true.

So, all I could think about was how much I was hated for reasons beyond my control. It’s not my fault I’m white or a woman. I guess I didn’t have to come here, but if not me, then another gaijin would’ve been asked to teach here instead. All in all, I’m just going to let my own crazy negative thoughts just here in print. Nothing will come of it. Just me blabbing about what stupid things run through my mind.

On a happier note, I’ve just been either sleeping in the hammock (such a perfect day today) or just sitting around the house today. My friends went to Oktober Fest, but I drank enough last night to be okay without drinking anything today. It sounded like fun too, but we all have our limits. It’s not like we have work tomorrow either, but still I don’t want to push it.

Hmmmm. Back to the hammock.

Mall Day

2005-10-09T10:33:00.000+09:00

I finally made it to the mall today. There’s one 3 stops away from my station. It’s nice. It’s pretty classy too. For example, the food court did not consist of sketchy mother fuckers where you were always wondering if some teenager is going to mug you or not. There weren’t any screaming kids. I did see a cool t-shirt at the mall though. It said “They like a good whipping.” Hmmm. (Another patch on a bag I saw a few days ago that a guy was wearing said, “Suck my fuckin’ twat.” I love that a guy was wearing it. Sorry, didn’t get a photo of it. There wasn’t enough time. But yet another classic Engrish moment.)

Basically, I only bought work clothes today. I need them. I was in desperate need of khakis. I’m still broke, but I NEEDED them dammit. It’s important to have khakis and button downs, otherwise what would I wear to work? I’ve gotta look decent, no sluttin’ clothes at work. That would be bad.

My friends and I decided that most things here in Japan are becoming “normal” to us. So, things that used to make us wonder, make our heads turn, just usually don’t any more. For example, people dress quite wildly here, but we saw this magazine (remember that my former co-worker, LL Cool, had purchased a book entitled “Fresh Fruits”?) showing people dressed up here. The magazine of women was called “Fruits” (hmm. coincidence I think not) and the zine of men “Tune.” Frankly, we thought the names of the zines should be switched around because J-men are so fruity. Anyway, just an FYI on that.

A lot of the stores are “bohemian chic” which is bizarre (from an American standpoint), but so typical. It’s amazing how expensive that crap was, even in the mall. So, we hit the Gap (haha, yes it’s everywhere), UniClo (cheap but nice clothes, ok, a J-version of the Gap perhaps, and a ton of other miscellaneous stores. BTW UniClo hems pants for free. So, listen to all of you short people (why the hell am I getting my pants hemmed here? I’m taller than a lot of people, dammit) it’s FREE. And it only took about 30-45 minutes too. Damn. Now, that’s customer service.

Wow. It was a good day. Shopping heaven. I’ve been trying to learn more about the shopping at local train stations here. I always go to Namba, but there’s so much shopping everywhere. I’m learning where all the deals are. It’s great.

Hmm. Better rest up. It’s Saturday night, time for the club in a couple of hours. (^0^)v

Para Para

2005-10-06T08:00:00.000+09:00

I know that a lot of people don’t like the rain, but today I’m loving it. As I was walking to and from the bus stop under my very pink umbrella, the entire world seemed so peaceful and still. Para para—the rain slowly and steadily drops from the sky.

I thought of how in the U.S. I didn’t even own an umbrella. It seemed so strange to me. I have 7 (7!!!) umbrellas here. How could I live without one in the U.S. I wondered. I realized that when it rains back home, I just make a mad dash for the car. So, in other words, I’m never outside for that long unless I want to be. Here, I must deal with the elements of nature.

It’s a 10-15 minute walk to the station from my apartment, I would get soaked without any of my trusty umbrellas. In fact, I almost always have a compact umbrella with me just in case it rains. I was caught without one in Kyoto and I was soaked to the bone. It was actually rather exhilarating except I was on my way to a museum to look at priceless works of are. That wasn’t too cool. And I was cold as hell when I was in the museum at the height of summer.

I have both my sliding glass doors open. The rain is tapping away so calmly. It’s so relaxing. Even walking home under the dome of the pink overhang was serene. Watching the world take a bath has I went unscathed walking steadily home at an Osakan pace. (BTW The average Osakan walks 1.6 meters per second. I guess that’s the fastest in the world. Why do they teach us such things?)

Kamikaze Kanji!

2005-10-05T08:05:00.000+09:00

Wow! I originally thought that I knew roughly 100-200 kanji, not every reading of course, but just basic readings. Theoretically I knew, at the peak of my studying, 450-500. I have of course forgotten a lot in the 3 years since I’ve graduated. Yesterday, I reviewed 50 kanji (again, I knew them, just not the many readings each can have) and today 25. I feel like my head is going to explode which means I’m actually learning a thing or two. I think I kind of actually know about 300-400 kanji, at least can recognize and say one or two of their readings.

Not to bore you too much, but I’ll see a compound (2+ kanji which makes a noun) and then look up the second one to learn more about it. In this way, I am learning two fold. I am learning how to read better and I’m learning new vocabulary. Kanji is certainly a love hate relationship. I love them because even if I can’t read them properly, often I have an understanding of what the meaning is as they are pictorial. I also love them because then you can picture what they’re trying to convey. For example, “rumor” has the kanji for “wind” and for “to listen,” so rumors are nothing but hot air. Right?

Okay, the rest of you aren’t geeky enough to appreciate this. So, I won’t bore you any further with this right now.

The bottom line is that I’m learning Japanese little by little. YES!

Whatever

2005-10-03T14:24:00.000+09:00

Wow! This weekend seemed less eventful than usual. Perhaps that is in part because I’m somewhat broke. We only get paid once a month and I’m about two weeks away from payday. Oh well. That’s life.

I’ve been spending my week trying to download…um, free stuff. Yeah. That’s it. Anyway, I’ve been learning a lot. Props to those who’ve been helping me through that hell. (*^o^*) So, anyway I guess that’s what you do when you don’t have a lot of cash.

I went to Kyoto, again, on Saturday afternoon. Some people said that they never had been, so I offered to sort of show them around. My disclaimer “I’m not a tour guide and I’m bad with directions, so be prepared.” It turned out well. First, Shakey’s Pizza for lunch and then we hit three temples. Each time I go to Kyoto, I go to temples I’ve never been to. I figure that eventually I will have seen most of them by the time I move back to the states.

The first temple was cool because 1. it was free 2. it was small and therefore not crowded 3. the guy working there explained everything to us 4. somebody translated what he said 5. we got to actually got to touch stuff (not very typical). This was a “new” temple, built in the Edo Period (1603-1867). There was a Buddha made up bone. They took the bones of people and crushed them and then made the statue. Pretty sweet. I touched it.

The second temple was the home of Lady Murasaki, she wrote “The Tale of Genji,” the most famous author in Japan. Apparently, this is considered the first novel ever written. I didn’t know that before even though I have read it.

The third temple was Kinkakuji, the temple of gold. I thought I had been there because I went to another one that was silver. The word for gold is “kin” whereas the word for silver is “gin” (not gin and tonic, but pronounced “jin”). So, I was confused. This temple was super sweet. Gold indeed.

We met a fair amount of Germans there. We were talking to this older German guy and his daughter. He asked us, “What was the worst thing that the Americans did to the Japanese?” It was a little awkward. We all were saying, “Umm, Hiroshima? Nagasaki?” It was uncomfortable. And then he says, “No. McDonald’s.” Pretty funny. But weird coming from a German especially.

So, no clubs this weekend. I know, it’s hard to believe, but I am somewhat broke. I did go out on Saturday of course. A chu-hi and a beer by the Dontomburi River, one free drink at the bar where my friend works, a not as free drink at the same bar, and a shot paid for by another friend that owed me a drink or several. That’s about it. Five drinks. Hmmm. It sounds like a lot, but it sure didn’t seem like it at the time.

One hell of a lazy Sunday. I should have studied more Japanese, but I’ll have plenty of time this week at school for such endeavors. There aren’t any classes this week. I’m going to do some lesson plans and study Japanese. It’s much easier to study at school because if I don’t understand, I have a lot of native speakers that I can ask. It’s very convenient.

So, I’m sorry that I don’t have anything more profound to say. It’s just been mellow around here.

OMG--I'm About to Explode

2005-09-30T06:52:00.000+09:00

So, I’m still full and I stopped eating lunch around 1 pm—that’s 5 hours of being full. I’m in a food coma. I’m about ready to pass out. I went to the school’s nearby grocery store for some take out sushi and after I ate it, a teacher invited me to eat with a group of teachers.

This was the second time that I was invited to this other teachers’ lounge for lunch and the third day in a row that I ate with some teachers. Usually, I just sit at my desk and sometimes brave the cafeteria. Today they made okonomiyaki and I’m not sure what the other dish was. The second thing was batter with onions topped with kimchi. I ate and ate and ate. The iced tea kept flowing too. Some of the okonomiyaki had natto .

I think that the teachers are beginning to realize two important things about me 1. I’ll eat just about anything (and usually like it) 2. I’m trying to learn Japanese. So, I think that they’re beginning to warm up to me a bit more. We had fun. They taught me some Japanese and they asked me questions about the U.S. and what I like to eat.

Whew! It was awesome! Onaka ga ippai desu nee.

Japanese Men

2005-09-28T11:48:00.000+09:00

The Japanese men are really effeminate. My gay friends have the worst time being able to tell if the men are gay or not. And frankly, I wonder too. Here’s why: 1. many men spend more time on their hair than women 2. men wear bobby pins in their hair 3. straight men sit on each other’s laps 4. they’re often just prettier than the women 5. sometimes they hold hands with each other 6. not afraid to do “fruity” things.

I was watching tv tonight and saw men doing a synchronized swimming. First of all, this seems really girly anyway. But, at the end, they all got out of the water and did a cheer. A cheer like girls would do at a football game. It seemed, well, gay. It continues to baffle us here.

Anyway, something to ponder for all of us. Check your gay-dar. Mine’s busted here.

Two Months

2005-09-27T11:19:00.000+09:00

It’s already been two months since I came to Japan. It’s crazy how fast time moves here. Well, unless it’s between the hours of 4 am and 6:30 am, waiting for the first train. Other than that, it goes fast.

The kids have tests this week, so I’ve been working on the tests and trying to plan upcoming lessons. Can you imagine having a three-day weekend and then having to test the week after? Shitty. The exchange student doesn’t have to take any of the tests because he already graduated from high school in AU. So, he has the next two weeks off. Lucky.

I still have to go to school even if there isn’t class. It’s only fair to the other teachers. I’ll probably just study Japanese because I really need to. I study usually every other day, but it’s really tough with only my own volition and no text to speak of. I’m waiting for my texts from when I actually took Japanese to arrive soon. Review. It’s good. The grammar is far too different to not study it. Otherwise, I’ll be napping on the leather chairs like all of the other teachers. Or in the library. On the tatami mats.

Currently, I’m in a food coma. I was too busy today to eat lunch and after skipping breakfast, I ate a lot at dinner. Umm, greasy fried Japanese food. And a beer. I’m almost passed out now and it’s only 9:30.

So, off to stare at the tv for a bit. G’nite.

No Pants!

2005-09-26T08:29:00.000+09:00

You know that it’s starting to get cold when you have to start wearing pants again. In fact, when I slept on the hammock today, I even needed a ‘lil blanket and I was even wearing a long-sleeved t-shirt. Damn! It was about 26 degrees Celsius today—what’s that in Fahrenheit? According to the all-mighty net, that’s 78.8 degrees. Yeah, and I was chilly. That’s Osaka for ya.

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So, I finally bought another electronic dictionary. My last one’s screen was fizzled out a bit and not as cool as I would have liked. It’s pretty cool. You can do English-Japanese, vice-versa, it can tell you how to say kanji (either via hiragana or it will speak to you), and you can write the kanji on the screen if you’re trying to find it. I know, I’m probably geeking out on you, but it’s really nice. It’s hard to communicate without one often times.

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I’m so exhausted. Two days of my three day weekend have been spent sleeping or lying around. Saturday was kindof a marathon. The Osaka JET’s were invited to go to Nara to see some temples and we had to be in Nara around 10:30 am. In other words, no sleeping in.

Nara is really pretty. There are about 1200 deer that live in the city. They’re a bunch of beggars and aren’t afraid to go and nudge you for some food. You can buy them cookies and then they’ll follow you around until you don’t have any more cookies for them. At lunch, we saw a woman with her baby and husband trying to feed one. She freaked out. She was saying in Japanese “Scary! Scary!” The deer was barely coming near her and the woman started to run away on this steep slope. The woman totally ate it. I felt bad for her, but she was really unnecessarily scared of the deer.

The deer are really small too. A couple of guys wanted to ride them, but they’re way too small for that. I think the deer are maybe a little bit bigger than a golden retriever, maybe. Photos coming hopefully soon. Another snafu on that, but it should soon be rectified. Did I mention I hate computers?

After a long day of sight-seeing, I went to Namba as I thought a few of us would be going to dinner. Well, I guess I was wrong. I spent the next 4 or 5 hours shopping alone, hence the electronic dictionary. I bought a couple of other small items, but nothing much to mention here.

I had dinner, alone, around 9 pm at a Mexican restaurant! Oddly enough, it was only a couple of doors down from where I spent the first night here in Osaka at the Dontomburi Hotel. Hmm. I must still been jet-lagged. In fact, I know that I was still was. I had enchiladas. Yummy!

Met everyone by the river around 10 or 11. Danced until 4ish am, and passed out around 6:30 am. I’m surprised my legs aren’t bitching at me for what was probably about 15 hours or so of walking yesterday.

That was my weekend.

(Not in a van), Down by the River

2005-09-24T04:42:00.000+09:00

At four am, waiting for the first train that really doesn’t come until 5:20, you start to think about various things. Well, unless you’re passed out on the stairs like my friends. As I looked around the usual meeting place, I realized that none of the usual lights were on. Usually, there’s so much light pollution that the sky looks purple at night. The hustle and bustle of Osaka was muffled under the semi-dark sky.

Oh, there were plenty of people there, just mostly asleep. As I stayed awake to ensure my friends’ safety, I noticed a J-man that seemed like he had been working at a hostess bar sitting on the stairs fishing, trying to stay awake. I thought he was going to crack his head on a corner of one of the stairs because he was so close to following over from his sitting position.

Other people were sleeping right next to the nasty river on the wooden planks. One man had his sheet of cardboard and his shoes off. He looked comfortable somehow in the corner, tucked out of the way.

So many people were sleeping. It was in some ways peaceful, but in other ways it bothered me. I guess what really bothered me was that the U.S. isn’t safe enough to even consider sleeping outside. I considered sleeping next to my friends, but I just wasn’t that drunk anyway. It feels good here in that way. People just don’t fuck with you like they would in the states. I see people sleeping in the train stations too. It’s just something that seems so natural before the first train comes.

Around 5 am, there is a shuffle of people slowly moving toward the entrance of the station if they weren’t already there. Hundreds of people trapped, miles from home, wanting to sleep, eventually descend down the stairs only to have to wait more.

Whew!

2005-09-20T12:44:00.000+09:00

Well, I survived the first of two three-day weekends in a row. I didn’t go too wild or go too crazy. Friday night was mellow, I took the last train home. Saturday was more typical. I went shopping all day long and was completely dead around 11 pm or so. Everyone convinced me to go to a club, most everyone was planning to go to Sazae where it’s house. Not too into that, especially after the previous weekend’s Club Triangle. Plus, it would have been yet another subway. So, my group opted for the hip-hop club Azure. Amazingly, it was just us and a black girl, we didn’t know her, who were the only gaijin in the whole club. The price was decent—1500 yen with two drink tickets before midnight. It was well worth it. The music was great, the people were bumping, and we all had a good time. Of course, I took the first train home. Didn’t feel too bad about it.

Sunday we all slept in, or tried to. A few of us went shopping in my town Hirakata-shi. My friend actually bought a new couch for 15,000 yen—about $150! Can you believe it? It was usually 26,000 yen, but there was a 10% off sale, plus the color was a “summer” color and therefore on sale in addition to that. The delivery charge was only 500 yen. Cheap as hell. I finally had my first Mos burger. Mos is a Japanese fast food burger place. I choose the “fresh” burger which seemed like a Big Mac because of the sauce.

Today, we were all very unmotivated. I managed to get my ass to Namba to go to a bookstore (yeah books I can actually read!) and out to dinner. OMG. I’m tired and I haven’t done anything in two days. What is that about?

I’m gonna to bed soon. Night.

Kishiwada Festival--Thursday September 15

2005-09-17T22:31:00.000+09:00

The Kishiwada Festival is two days every year—September 14 and 15. I was so dead on Wednesday as were all of my friends that I was intending on meeting that we went only on Thursday night. Apparently, someone dies at this festival every year. The deal is that they have these floats, in this festival they’re called danjiri, and they run with them. The floats take sharp right angled turns at full speed. The danjiri weigh 4 tons! Imagine that going super fast through crowded, narrow streets.

By the time we reached our destination, it was way past the time where they’re running through the streets. Mostly, everyone just really tanked at this point. The floats were cool. They looked like ships with a lot of lamps. I think everyone riding on the float was male, wearing a traditional (?) Japanese shirt (the type that is tied with a belt), white tights, and the weird Japanese shoes that separate the big toe from the other toes. (Look at the photos if what I’m describing doesn’t make sense.)

I also randomly found this other blog that talks about the festival Undercover in Japan .

Men on the Danjiri

Lanterns at Kishiwada

Men in the Bottom of the Danjiri

Back of the Danjiri

Front of Another Danjiri

J-Man and the Danjiri

Men in White Tights

Engrish

2005-09-14T00:02:00.000+09:00

Maybe you haven’t heard of Engrish . Seriously, because Japanese people can’t hear the difference between an “l” and an “r,” they get mixed up all the time. I was watching baseball, a Hanshin Tigers game, and a banner said “2005 World Reague Champions.”

We all love it. It’s a total game. A lot of things are just sick and wrong, but what the hell, it’s Japan. Here are the two that I've bothered to photograph:

What the hell is that supposed to mean? I saw this outside somebody's house.

Who doesn't like a fucky lady?

My friend took this last one. Who doesn't eat a cock every now and then?

Nagao High School's Festival

2005-09-13T01:50:00.000+09:00

Well folks, it's the time I've been waiting a long time for--photos! I finally got the internet today, so I can start showing you the shit that I find interesting.

This weekend was my high school's festival. The only thing that I think might come close in the U.S. is when you have a school carnival. Not quite the same. Here's the low down. 1st year students did the events--dancing and drumming mainly. The second year students sold things like curry, snacks, bracelets, and other miscellaneous crafts. The third year students performed plays. Each class (there are 7 in each grade) made a display, the third year’s were by far and away the best. Damn, these kids are really creative.

So, here are my favorites:

Third Year Class 6

Third Year Class 7

Comic Book Club

It’s great to feel like a celebrity. All of the kids yelling my name to come into their classroom to look at the stuff they’re selling or just to see the crazy displays. The exchange student said that they all love to yell his name too. One of my favorite things was his class dancing. Namely he’s about 6 feet tall or so and blond haired. He was in the middle of the entire routine. He sticks out so much that it’s just ridiculous

First Year Class 6 Dancing--with the AU Exchange Student

1-6 (A different dance)

It`s that Time Again--Yawn!

2005-09-10T04:56:00.000+09:00

Yeah, 3 pm on a Friday afternoon. Except, I have the school festival this weekend, so it hardly seems like Friday. There aren`t many people in the office because they`re busy helping the students and I`m trying not to go into a carb coma. It does kindof remind me of the last job where everyone left the office around 2:30 or 3 every Friday. It`s usually not like that here. In fact, last Friday, I think I was the first one to leave around 4:30 or 5. Even the students were still here.

I`m slipping away, people. Too much rice for lunch. I`m drinking the (free) cold tea to try to stay awake. I don`t think it`s working. Another JET e-mailed me saying that they turned off the ac and she`s been sleeping with her eyes open. She was also doing the classic trick of sleeping with a book to make it look legit. I mentioned that the teachers here just sleep on the couches in the office and the students (as she already knows) sleep at their desks (and this is acceptable!). The exchange student told me that he sleeps in the library. (BTW it`s not okay in Australia to sleep at your desk as a student either.)

Hard Rock Cafe

2005-09-10T02:16:00.000+09:00

Okay, I caved. A lot of other JET`s decided that they missed American cuisine and we all headed out to the Hard Rock Cafe for expensive drinks and burgers. Ummm, burgers.... I had two Long Island Iced Tea`s and a cheese burger. Pretty much everyone had a (bacon) cheeseburger. I`ve never been to a Hard Rock before, it always seemed ridiculously expensive and just retarded. Apparently, everyone that had actually been to a Hard Rock had only been in ones abroad. It must be a haven worldwide for gaijin.

Today, there aren`t any classes in prepartion for this weekend`s school festival. So, here I sit, hogging a computer (we have to share, not my favorite activity). I should be studying Japanese, but I will be soon....

I`ve been editing student`s short essays that are about Japanese culture. It`s pretty cool to read about facets of their culture that I`ve never considered. But it`s difficult to edit their work because I don`t know the culture and many of them literally translate from Japanese into English. Translating just doesn`t really work that well, I`ve done enough to want to go postal on people. The structure is too different to do it easily.

Well, it`s lunch time.

Pissed Off

2005-09-08T15:29:00.000+09:00

Okay, I just spent a lot of time composing y`all a great composition, but then I hit a button and it disappeared. (Everything on the blog site is in fuckin` Japanese!!! AHHHHH)

I digress.

I was mentioning that I finally had the nerve yesterday to eat in the cafeteria with the students. The other teachers always eat at their desk, never with the students. I am planning to eat there every few days so the students can hang out with me. It`s kindof wild. There I am, wondering what the hell is going on, the menu is in Japanese (in a restaurant, I point to the photos of what I want or if I don`t give a fuck, point to the words), and I really don`t know the students yet (especially by name).

The students only have one English class a week, max. So, it`s a good idea to make myself seen as much as possible. Otherwise, I`ll be like the other teachers that hide in the office. (Note that it`s harder to hide here because unlike Corporate America, there aren`t any cubes.)

Exchange Student

2005-09-07T04:23:00.000+09:00

Well, yesterday I finally met the infamous exchange student from Australia. And yesterday it was his 19th birthday. He`s the oldest student here and he`s actually in 1st year (10th grade). There`s a huge language barrier, so it only makes sense. He`s actually already graduated from high school in Australia, but again it`s a lot different here. In fact, I think he`s working on his college degree, but the Australian system is so much different than what I`m accustomed to that I`m not sure.

Anyway, as I was told by senior JET`s, use the exchange students to your advantage. They help bridge the gap between you and the other students. So, I think it`s a good opportunity for both of us.

He`s a nice guy, likes computers, which is sure to come in handy. (I hate computers and I need to learn how to burn dvd`s, so this will be very helpful.) I also get to sit in on his Japanese lesson if I have time. Score! It will be very helpful to study with someone else, I have a difficult time trying to focus otherwise.

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Typhoon.

Yes, it`s coming. I`m told that it`s worse than Katrina. But, it should only be rainy with (violent) winds. According to the forecast, it doesn`t look so bad, but I still have to be careful. That`s why today is the third day in a row that it`s raining.

Last night was actually nice. It`s usually hot and sticky when I sleep, at least enough to need a fan if not the ac. I left the sliding glass door open (with the screen of course) and actually needed a blanket to keep warm. Perfect sleeping weather....Ah, it was great until I had to get up for school.

That`s another thing I should mention. School here starts at 8:40 am. When I went to school, we started at 7:50. We had 7 periods, 4 before lunch, and lunch was around 11:30 or so. In Japan, there are 6 periods, 4 before lunch, and lunch starts at 12:35. I feel like LL Cool ____. "One o`clock!!!!!" It`s pretty late for lunch. When I was in school, I was hungry at 10. Anyway, 4th period is therefore going to be the most difficult for both me and the students. Ugg. (>_<")

The students also have class all 6 periods. Ie, no study hall. (Not that I ever took study hall. What a waste of time.) Also, the students stay in the same class all day, the teachers rotate. Apparently, there aren`t any electives.

That`s all for now. ((((((^_^;)

Rain, rain, rain

2005-09-06T03:45:00.000+09:00

Okay, perhaps you are wondering what the hell I ended up doing on Saturday. Really, there aren`t a lot of juicy details from my end; however, there was a lot of craziness. Eventually, we met up at Shinsaibashi (near America-mura, aka America town). There were 5 of us. Soon this morphed into about 15 of us within about 15 minutes. Go team gaijin!

We all went to Club Triangle (my second time) because our JET advisor is friends with the DJ`s that were spinning. They were from London. So, he got all of us in for free. Well, free after you pay 500 yen, but you get a free drink ticket. (Yet again, everything is free, after you pay for it.)

The details would honestly bore you. Lots of JET`s started hooking up with other JET`s. So, people are quickly coupling off. Other than that, the music mostly sucked--way too much 80`s. I caught the first train home and got back around 6:30 am.

Actually, waiting in the train station for the trains to start was incredibly annoying. Usually, I have a pre-paid train card, but I used it all up earlier. So, like everyone else that was finished drinking, I had to wait for the ticket machine to open just to purchase a ticket. As I looked around, one JET was nearly passed out on the counter next to the ticket machine, the other on the floor limp, and a Japanese guy that actually looked quite comfortable and an expert at sleeping in a train station. He was also wearing a suit. Yada yada ya. After I was able to buy a ticket, then I had to wait for the gates to open up to get to the platform. Got that first train and had to wait for my transfer to a LOCAL train. (It`s the only thing that runs first thing in the morning. Locals stop at EVERY stop.)

So, yesterday, all it did was rain. Today, all it`s doing is raining. It`s the typhoon, it`s coming! Okay, so far, all this means to me is a lot of rain. It wasn`t so bad yesterday because my only plans included sleep. Not that I even did much of that. I only got 3 hours of sleep and maybe napped for an hour or two at most. Too much clubbing. The good news is that I didn`t have to ride on the back of anyone`s bike and as a result I didn`t get bruised this weekend. Also, no hangovers. So, I`m in much better shape today than I was after Club Pure.

(^o^)

(For you HereNT)

What the Hell?

2005-09-04T09:42:00.000+09:00

Yep, still at Popeye`s typing away. Too much "me" time equals too much time to ponder my life.

Anyway, I`m meeting people for some grub, but that`s not until later. Apparently, we`re going to Club Azure. I`ll keep you posted, probably. If it gets too wild, you`ll here the edited version. (^0^)

So, random thoughts.

Here are some unofficial mottos:
"Team Gaijin"
"Gaijin Devil"
"Everything`s free, after you pay for it"
"Hangin` out--it`s what we do"

Submissions are welcome.

Thank you for your time.

Nasty River

2005-09-04T08:41:00.000+09:00

So, I didn`t get myself into any trouble last night. I had dinner with some JET`s (and even one non-JET)--okinomiyaki and yakinikku. I had a chu-hi there. Later, we chilled by the river in Namba with some flashing drinks. Kindof like last Saturday.

As we were drinking the flashing chu-hi`s, we noticed how disgusting the river was. Momo had mentioned to me before that when the Hanshin Tigers (baseball team) lost, many people jumped into the river. I don`t think anyone died, but they got really sick because the water is that polluted. There were a lot of dead fish floating by, algae, other weird stuff. Not really any trash, which was surprising. When posed the question "What is that?," one guy said "severed gentials." And I said (this is not something I made up, I just remembered the famous Green Mill saying), "Cock and ball soup, Mother Fucker." Everybody died laughing. Apparently, none of them thought I was capable of such vulgar language. (I guess they don`t read my blog...or know me very well, yet.)

A little later, we all noticed that the river was flowing the other direction. Huh. A little while after that, suddenly there were`nt any dead fish or other nasty green stuff drifting by either. And again, the river changed direction.

Friday Afternoon

2005-09-03T04:46:00.000+09:00

Yes, I`m definately in school again. It`s almost 3 pm on a Friday afternoon and I`m itching to get outta here. But, I need to be here until at least 4:30, it`s that whole pretending to work deal. Everyone else actually is busy with next weekend`s school festival. Yep, I have to be here on a Saturday and Sunday. At least I get the following Monday and Tuesday off.

Anyway, I`m not sure what`s cooking for tonight. It`s the first Friday of the month, so I think that movies are cheaper, but I don`t think that`s happening tonight. Usually, movies cost 1800 yen and tonight it should be 1000 yen. Every Wednesday is "ladies night" and is also cheaper for women. So, I probably won`t go to the movies for awhile because it`s too difficult to try to contact a group of people and figure everything out via e-mail.

On the other hand, it`s really cheap to rent dvd`s. I just (finally) watched "Supersize me" last night. It was because at work, we were discussing the differences in fastfood here and the U.S. For example, at KFC, there is always a statue of the Col. to welcome you into his store. I`ve never seen one in the states. I thought I had better watch the movie to better understand the deal-o. Maybe it`s just because I really don`t eat a lot of fastfood anyway, so the film just re-enforced what I already know--just don`t eat Maku-Doo (McDonald`s). Not that I have for four years, but never-the-less....

....But I digress....

Friday. It`s been a long week. I`m still tired from last weekend for gawd`s sake. I told all those 22 and 23 year olds that life starts going down hill after 23 and they believed me. So young and naive... Ha! I know now that it`s more like 28. My body isn`t as broken as it was last weekend, but most likely that will be remedied tonight. We`ll see what trouble lies ahead. Or maybe, everyone is tired like me. Ah, to be young again!

Lessons

2005-09-02T04:51:00.000+09:00

Yep, I did it. My first lessons were yesterday, third year students (12th grade in the U.S.). Two classes yesterday and two today of 1st year students (10 grade). Pretty much all four classes were genki (energetic). A couple of cheeky boys in pretty much all of the classes, but I don`t mind because that`s kind of how I am.

The most cheeky of the students also seemed to be the best at English. As a whole, they`re not great at English, but they try, well mostly. I actually think the outspoken ones are pretty funny. We`ll see if I continue to feel that way.

I have to say that learning their names is going to be an absolute bitch. They all have black hair (they`re not allowed to bleach or color it), mostly wear uniforms, and more or less look very similiar. At least enough to not remember people specifically. Japanese people are pretty homogenous overall. Also, there are about 40 kids per class. Multiply that by, I think, 19 classes. Plus, I`m really because I am really bad at remembering Japanese names. Yes, I have them make name cards. I even have individual photos of a lot of them with their names in Romanji, but it only sort of helps.

Anyways, I`m having a lot of fun. The kids love to yell out my name, although I was getting called "Helen" a lot today because she was the JET here before me. (Interesting, she was half Chinese and half British, so it`s not as though we look anything alike.)

I`m glad that the students are so friendly and easy-going.

Goddamn Yahoo BB

2005-09-01T06:11:00.000+09:00

Long story short, I`ve been waiting for Yahoo BB to send me a modem for a month now. Apparently, my predecessor didn`t complete her paperwork and therefore the phone line did not get put into my name until yesterday. So, I`ve been waiting and waiting for it to come in the mail. When three weeks passed (they told me it would take two), I had my vice-principal call Yahoo BB again.

I`m told today that it will be two weeks to get a letter that will tell me when I can expect the modem. Fuckin` A. Customer service here sucks. I was warned about Yahoo BB, but so far I`m the only one who seems to have had any problems. Another JET asked after my initial request and it was installed yesterday! Goddamn it! This always seems to happen to me.

So, no photos until then. They`re all on my computer which does me no good. So, that`s the deal in case you`re wondering.