End of the year post

So, shit happened. Not so shitty stuff happened. All-in-all, I don't think it's a year I'd change. There are some parts that part of me wants to change, but then I realize that I'm sure they happened for a reason and can live with it. Some parts I wouldn't change for the world.

May next year treat you all well and give you more (and better!) surprises than last year! (and for some, less broken bones. Now the names Krisbones has a triple meaning, eh??)

I never felt alone
‘Til I met you
I’m alright on my own
And then I met you
And I’d know what to do if I just knew what’s comin’

...

And I don’t wanna call you
But then I wanna to call you
‘Cause I don’t wanna crush you
But I feel like crushin’ you
And it’s true
I took for granted you were with me
I breathe by your looks and you look right through me

There is so much a man can tell you,
..there....................woa...
So much he can say.
there's so much inside.
You remain,
you.......
My power, my pleasure, my pain, baby
To me you're like a growing addiction that I can't deny.. yeah.
Won't you tell me is that healthy, baby?

I found my jeans. They were in the closet. Hidden...by clothes...non-jeans clothes, that is.

"Whether you think that you can, or that you can't, you are usually right"
-- Henry Ford

Few words are more true, or needed for me now. I've hit a wall with art, with studying, with writing, and have taken up unhealthy sleeping habits (namely, sleep too much). I haven't been to the gym in almost a week. That will be rectified tomorrow, but the other things are not going to be as easy to 'fix.'

On a completely different note, I seem to have lost a pair of jeans. How I did that, I have no idea. They are a size too big, but I'd still like them. I wish I knew what happened to them. Whatever it is, I hope it funny.

The skirt was vetoed. Got huge bruises on my legs that shouldn't be shown. And I'm a skirt pansy.
The Job Fair was a bust. Thought as much, but one should be optimistic, so I went with good feelings (or whatever slightly less than appropriate Japanese phrasing sounds right).
Went to the gym. Took a shower, entered the bath. Almost passed out. Sat in the massage chair.
Went back home-ish. Did a little more Christmas shopping. Bought a thing for steaming things. God times. That was supposed to Good times, but the other o jumped ship. I'm keeping it as it is. Take it how you will.
Now, I'm going to steam some pumpkin in my new thing 'cause it's new and that's how we roll round these parts.

Tomorrow is a holiday. I keep forgetting that today isn't Friday. It feels like it. Last day of the semester, and tomorrow being a holiday and all. Not that the start of Winter Vacation means much to me except that I'll have no work to really do at work. I guess I should study. I started a TESOL class, and language learning never ends. Never. Heck, I'm still learning English. Japanese is obviously not over.

There's a job fair in town tomorrow. I'm going to check it out. In a suit! That's right, a suit! The exclamation point is part of the word...it's not really there for exclaiming anything. That's just how a suit! is. See? There it is again. It's a skirt suit! to boot. My calves are gonna be so cold. Not the -40 of Canada, but I've turned into a cold wimp...a wimp when cold is involved. I have. At least with a skirt I don't have to worry about my hem getting wet. It may rain tomorrow. I hope not. Cold rain is the worst. Snow - not so bad. Rain - terrible. It's about 3 bazillion times colder and whatnot.

Now, off to read then bed.

It doesn't feel like almost-Christmas. At all. I may go to karaoke on actual-Christmas...the 25th. Then drinking! I haven't been drinking! in a while. It'll be nice. I actually haven't been out! in a long time etiher.

Notice, 2 more ••! words. Take note. They may come back (probably not though...)

I've got quite a bit of my motivation back! Now, to start (and continue!!!!!) to study. It may be hard, but what worthwhile thing in life isn't?

I just spent hours cleaning and throwing stuff out. I'm so tired. It's tomorrow. I need to buy more trash bags and hangers. But my room 'looks better,' or whatever. There's less papers about for sure. I just hope I can find everything tomorrow when I wake up...hopefully around noon.

YEAH!


Had Santa times today at a Day Care. I totally fell in front of a room of people. It was hilarious. I calf hurts from it. I took someone out as well. It was great times. No pictures. Gonna see if I can't get a DVD of it. I know at least one person was filming it. THERE MUST BE FOOTAGE!!

I am so tired. One more day til the weekend. Awesome times! 50 minute lessons tomorrow - let's see if I can make it (which I should...'cause it's what I do).

On another note: I do think I am getting sick. Hopefully it remains 'getting' or turns into 'better.' I've no time for sickness. I mean that. I don't. Not until the 24th. But I'd prefer to not get sick.

Gonna go to bed now. Zoning out.

Looking back at my old posts. One thing to say:

What's done can't be undone.

That is all.

我不要你的吃饭。我要ZELDA。

I need to brush up on my Chinese.





...and by that I mean learn it.

我爱几个song。

I heard my neighbors having sex again last night. 1 AM booty call. Yeah.

..at least she's not a screamer. But she is Japanese. That shit don't go down in Japan.

Don't you hate it in life when you realize that probably no matter what you do, it's the wrong thing?

Tokyo Log:

5:10: 4 drunk Chinese people. 1 woman who puked. 1 man.

5:25: Approached by a man who wanted to 'go play.'

The day reached its peak before the sun was even fully up.

I have one bra from Victoria's Secret.
It's too big now.
That makes me sad.
It was smooth and rather comfortable.
Drat.

4 points.
4 points.

Effing h.
Oh well, I'm closer. Now for 2 more weeks of piled up stress and kanji adventures <3

I got confused for a European today...or a Russian (again on that note <3 ).
Life is good.


...I think it's the haircut. One of my teachers said that it looked European. I think it looks 70's. Maybe 80's.

There's no point to this post...I'm just listening to this song now...and drinking wine...and wishing I were asleep

※朝までなだめてyelling　氷の虚像はbreaking
脳裏に焼き付くcalling　回線put me through it
アクセル全開のhot way　限界越えてくvoltage
目指すはsexyなDIVA　gimme gimme, boy I'm ready!※

words up
6am sending ya mail　画面にkissして I'm about to go
let me see ya心も twenty-six そろそろ着替えの time
素足に馴染んだ高めのhealで walking out of my door
watching me out本気を　ここからが勝負 C'mon

△tick tack lady, tick tack baby
girl sing it, lai la la lai　無我夢中で
drive me crazy, drive me bump bump
boy, shake it up, here we go　未知の世界
tick tack lady, tick your body
戻らぬ過去の話はnone sense
kick me harder, kick my booty
今だけを確実に生きてく△

10pm calling your home　途切れだす会話 I'm about to off
Let me see ya身体で　twenty-four 一日絡まるbed
素肌に刻んだ愛しい絆は　keep me strong again
taking me up, coolに　何処迄も挑む C'mon

□tick tack lady, tick tack baby
girl sing it, lai la la lai　上がるtension
drive me crazy, drive me bump bump
boy, shake it up, here we go　次の扉
tick tack lady, tick your body
見えぬ未来の不安はnone sense
kick me harder, kick my booty
今だけを一番に感じて□

Apparently the Japanese have a saying that goes: "Getting used to it is more important than learning it." I can see that, but that as advice for taking any sort of test where you are supposed to know what you are doing and be able to use the information being tested in daily life for things such as jobs doesn't make much sense to me. Needless to say, I will be doing my best to "get used to the test" more than I will try to "pass it through knowledge and ability to reproduce the information in a timely and correct fashion."

Whoo, 10 points to slackers everywhere! Like me <3

Okay. I lied. I still miss Cheerios. But I don't think it's actually the Cheerios that I miss so much as seeing the post before this one making me want them 'cause I wanted them.

Had a nice little birthday celebration on Sunday. It was nice. Obviously. Good times.

I miss Cheerios.
I do.
Granted, by tonight, I won't.
But I do now.
So I thought I'd write about that.
Because that is, actually, as interesting as my life gets.

Well...at least as far as the parts that I can post about are concerned.
I lead a rather dull life.

I think I'll draw a half nude woman tonight.
And draw the comics and commissions I have in the works.
Perhaps.
I NEED to study.
Bad.

All Nighters...

I wonder if I can still pull them. I think I can, but I don't really want to test it out. I enjoy sleep WAY too much for that. Maybe I will. Over holiday. On a coffee binge. Although, with it becoming winter, the idea of being inside my futon becomes more and more appealing.

...and spending all night at a club I don't count as an all nighter. I'm not sure why, but I don't. I can still do that.

I reviewed grammar points for 3 hours. It sucked. Didn't do too well either. Effing H. Still got a lot of stuff to go over, so I can't give up.

WTF?

Seriously. WTF

前には将来のことを一生懸命考えって作ったけど、今の頃は全然作られないようになりました。将来を考えないという訳ではないけど専門的な将来計画ありません。来年今の事を続くか東京引っ越すと新しい仕事を探すかどうか分かりません。そんなに悪くないと思いますが、昔の自分と結構違います。その私は計画あり、高校を卒業して、大学に入学して、卒業して、カロフォニア州へ引っ越すと仕事をやるという計画で、大学の最後の学期で日本での仕事を見つけて計画が変わりました。いいことか悪いことかがまだ分かりませんが、今の私は計画を作りたくない気がします。色々なあり得る事があって、時々『迷っているなぁ』と思って心配するけれでも、未来の不思議さを考えるとワクワクするのでちょっと迷ってもいいと思います。若いうちにいっぱい馬鹿なことをやらなければならないですよね。いつか将来の私になるので楽しんでいきたいと思います。

For those who don't understand above: to summate... (which is a word I made up <3)

I cut my bangs.


Also, surprise birthday cake at the nomikai last night. It was awesome and amazingly embarrassing.

Drinking party tonight.
And I found out who Shuya-sensei is. I was wondering. I thought he was an elementary school teacher. He's not. I just didn't know him by his first name. haha. I suck. But I saw him today, so now I know. I hope he hasn't been spying on me...by, you know, living next door. haha. oh crap.

I finger is pissed off with me for what I did to it yesterday.
My knees pretty pissed off, too.
My hand, not so much. It got off easy.

A vibrating what now?

So, I have a phone. It's on manner mode 98% of the time. This means that it doesn't ring, it vibrates ('cause that's how I roll). My phone was in my pocket. Someone called me. Now, taking that the phone is in vibrate, most people would assume I felt it going off so that is how I knew to answer it. Those people are wrong. Very wrong. I heard it go off. Once more; I heard go off. I didn't feel it at all, I heard it going off in my pocket. I don't think it's the fault of my jeans, but something is messed up here. I would like to think it isn't me.

I'm catching a cold.
I'm sure of it.

Report over.


Also, this just in: 15% off thigh highs. Don't need 'em, but heck if it ain't tempting...if I lived in the USofA, that is (free shipping on orders of $75 and over)

When I went home over the summer, I had to spend quite a bit of time in airports. Especially coming back. Especially in Detroit. So I did what any self-respecting person does when they are stuck at an airport for hours - I had a breakfast burrito at the Chili's then walked up and down the terminal periodically. Did you know that at the book stores/magazine stands you can buy Maxim and Esquire and PlayBoy and those sorts of magazines, but you can't get PlayGirl? What can I say, I had a lot of free time. And it was kinda irritating that men (and lesbians) can buy porn in the airport but women (and gay men) can't. Also, on the plane from Tokyo to Sendai the dudes in the row in front of me all were looking at a porn-ish comic magazine. It's the only comic in that book that all of them looked at and probably read (...not that that is too arduous of a task).

Went to Iwate yesterday.
Went to school today.

Iwate was a little bit better, but cost a crap ton more.
Rode a boat in Iwate. There were three guys who kept swearing in English. It was pretty funny. Their accents were good, but it's a little hard to mess up 'God damn' and 'fuck,' you must admit that. I thought it was humorous. I wish I had laughed at them. That would have been good. They were big Japanese guys though. I may post pictures eventually. Not now though. That would require uploading them and what not. And that ain't gonna happen. Not right now.

I just realized that you can unlock the shower area from the outside. Now, that begs the question...what's the point in locking it now? Someone can just open it from the outside. Thus making your endeavor pointless. Let's say, for example sack, I have a guest over and play a prank on them. Now, that prank would get them all dirty and most likely sticky, thus requiring a shower. While taking a shower, it's best to not be pranked, correct? Correct. So, they go into the shower with the expectation that that little piece of plastic that sticks up into the ceiling is going to protect them from further pranks and embarrassment. BUT, since I can unlock it from the outside, there is no protection. Now the person in the shower has no hope of surviving if a prank is deemed necessary...they have no where to hide. No where to go. It's a small plastic box. Trust me. There's nothing they could do. It'd all be over. Naked prank times. What is the world coming to?

You know one thing that I hadn't thought of when I started on my quest to get healthy (part one being the weight issue, part two healthy diet, and part three cardiovascular health as well as long term healthy weight management) is that the smaller you get the more bones you can feel. I can feel bones I'm not sure I've ever felt (and surely not since I was about 10). Now, I'm not really complaining. It's awesome...is a slightly creepy way. I like feeling new bones. Take that statement as you will. Although it does make the futon a touch more uncomfortable...as well as leaning against walls.

Two days of track. I got sunburned on my face.

Also, I now have a little sister.


Had to bust out a comforter for tonight. Sucked man. Sucked. It's barely October and I need my warm bedding.

Dessert Latte: Pumpkin Pudding Latte

Normally I stay away from these kinds of desert drinks. But, you put pumpkin into almost anything and I'm there. This was no exception. I was all over that drink. It took about 2 seconds to decide to get it. I knew this was going to end one way or another...deliciously or badly. I didn't know which I was hoping for.





It is actually pretty good. It tastes EXACTLY like pumpkin pudding. I'm sure the latte flavor is there too, but the pudding flavor is overwhelming. It's a pleasant addition to my fermented beans and rice breakfast (the breakfast of smelly champions)

Typhoon.
Not as awesomely huge as I expected.
Slightly disappointed in the largest typhoon to hit Japan since WWII.
But I got to go to the gym, so it's not so bad.

Si, è bene.

È bene, vero?

F$%K

Yesterday, I went to Power Fit for the first time. It was a nice class. They just started the schedule again (so, all the moves are new). It seems like it'll be a great class for some of the problem areas I wanted to work out (namely underarm, lower abs, and inner thighs...as well as my back (recently added to the list)). Came home, worked on a comic a little.
I shall not be posting about the guy I'm seeing any more. If you have an interest, email me, otherwise this is the last note about him.
Gonna go to the gym now-ish. Treadmill for 60 minutes, me thinks.

I found my bright ass pink undershirt. I'm excited. I'm so gonna wear it to school. I think they'll be able to see me in China. I love that shirt! Have yet to wear it...but I love it. I'd sleep with it if that weren't creepy...and not something that I want to do. I already sleep with Pooh...and two pillows. I don't need to add a bright ass pink shirt to that list.


...or do I?




Also, made some spicy cucumbers yesterday. Tasted one or two this morning. Not much taste, but spicy. It's supposed to sit for a day or two in the fridge, so come tomorrow, they may be able to light things on fire.
I'm excited about that. Aren't you?

About half a pants size smaller. Awesome. Except for the fact that it means I need to buy new clothes. Again.

I think if it's weren't for the fact that I go to the gym, the fact that I spend most of my week sleep deprived would probably have detrimental effects on me. Of course, because I go to the gym I'm can't sleep well at night, but if I didn't go I'd never do anything.


Catch-22, eh. I'll stick with the gym-going option, me thinks.

2009.09.27

I met up with him at the bus stop, then we walked around for a little while and got a coffee. From there we went to get him a replacement contact lens. Then to lunch. It somehow turned into a date. After that, he walked me to the subway. I meant to walk him to his house and it turned out that he walked me 'home.' Ha.

Needless to say, no gym today. It's only 1611, but no gym. I kinda don't want to go back out and I NEED to study (notice the capitals, that means it's important). I WILL pass level 2. I will. I've decided. Now let's see if my follow through is any good.

2009.09.26

Yesterday was a good day. I ate WAY too much and drank too much too, but that is for later in the post.

I went to the gym at around noon. One of the trainers corrected my arm position on the chest press which made it so much easier to do. He seems like a really nice guy. I kinda wish I was more extroverted so I could talk to him. ...and to almost all the other trainers. It's probably their job to look happy and helpful, but they all seem to be just nice people. Oh, Japan and your smile requirements for work. I don't have that requirement, but if I don't smile and laugh some of the teachers start to ask if I'm okay...so I do. But I don't.

After that, I hung out with my friend for a little while. We went to a maid cafe. It was pretty good. Not as expensive as I thought it'd be. All the low bowing was a little strange at first, but I eventually got over it. Somehow it came up, but my friend said that I could be a hostess. It was awesome. So now if I lose the job I have, I'll see if there's any places looking for foreign chicks to be hostess. Except for that sex part it wouldn't be that bad of a job. Yeah. Talk to guys all night. Maybe touch their thighs. I could totally do that.

So, at night was a birthday party nomikai (drinking party). It was nice. We went to this place in the PARCO building (which means nothing to anyone but me <3 ). 2 of the people were about an hour late. 2 of the birthday people, none-the-less. We had delicious food and beer (on my end). We all split up only to be called back together for a second party (one of our members was lost though). It was good. But, as I said, I ate too much and drank too much. I didn't actually get drunk, but I did eat and drink too much. I really need to go the the gym. ...and work off at least one of those beers, but I'm meeting the guy I'm seeing at the bus stop. He went home for his father's 60th birthday.

Today was back to normal schedule (meaning that I had classes).
Got asked if it were okay for a couple of the boys to grab my boobs today.
It really has gone back to normal.
Also got asked if I know how to have sex. But, I had to fix the boys verb first. It's not play sex, it's have. I don't know how many times I've had to tell that to these kids. You'd think they'd remember since they also are talking about it.


...I said no, by the way. For all those weirdos out there who think I would have said yes. I didn't. I said that they couldn't.

Most of my classes we canceled today. I went to a different teacher and she let me join in her classes. 2 of them. It was nice.
I also got a good couple of hours of study in. Grammar and Kanji - you goin' down!! Haha, only grammar review today. I didn't do anything new!! I just realized this. Tomorrow, I must start on new stuff. ...wait. I DID do new stuff! Whoo - I'm not behind...yet. Still gotta review and do all that stuff. I'm getting some of it. It's been so long since I've studied...haha, I'm lazy.

Gym was good today. I will get healthy...even if it kills me.

...wait...

Went to Matsushima today.
It rained.
Lightly.
Went to the Date Masume museum.
Got in half price for being foreign.
Go foreigners!
Nothing else.
Continue as scheduled.

I signed up for the JLPT level 2 the other day. Since then (...well...about) I've been studying. Especially grammar and kanji (mostly grammar I must admit...). I bought a book that has exercises that you do for 9 weeks to go through all the grammar you'll need for level 2 (which means if I do it everyday like it says I'll just barely finish it in time for the test). But, today was the first day that I got all the questions right for the day's grammar! Yeah me! Either that means that I understood it well today, that I'm getting used to the questions, or I guessed well today. I'm not sure which I'm going with. I'll leave that up to you all.
Also, pictures.


Sendai's Mascot. And Onigiri headed Date.


Yoshi toy gotten with a coffee that I bought.


Best inside jacket writing ever.


Simple. I like it. Bicycle.

How would you guys feel about going to a selective audience only for this blog? You'd need to log into read it, but that probably won't be an issue since I think you need to be logged in to comment.

So, how'd you feel about being a select audience?

It's like the Twilight Zone, but with my phone...

You ever have those weird dejà vu moments and you can't remember where from? I kinda had one before I started to write this message. It was weird.

AND, does anyone know where I can download some Biology and Agriculture books? I need to study to be able to keep up with this guy. It's been far too long since I've discussed haploids.

*edit* dudes. It happened again. I can't remember when, but 2 times in one day. Something's up. Let's hope it's nothing bad.

2009.09.20

He came over at around 5, and we went to dinner. That sushi was darn good. I really liked it. Then we went to see the movie. His bike is so much fun. I really like it. (Don't worry, he's a safe driver) Wolverine was better with all the special effects in it. I must admit that. Although a lot of the effects were so fake looking. I mean, really guys? Let's work on this. Then we went to the baths. That was nice. So very relaxing.
After that we moved to leave and got to his bike. Turned out that he didn't have his keys, so we went back to the baths since that was the most likely place to have left it. It wasn't there. Then we went to the cinema, and, luckily, they were there. He then dropped me off.
I don't think he hates me, which is a good thing. Let's hope I don't fuck this up too bad.

I loved this dialogue from last night:
2: "Sherry, you've been looking really sharp lately."
1: "Yeah, it makes you look more..."
2: "Attractive?"
1: "No."


haha, it was awesome. I love my friends. He's a friend, so I don't take it personally, or even insultingly (which I wouldn't even if he weren't a friend).

Also, talked with a girl from the Fighting class. Apparently I look like a different person. She asked if I had a boyfriend and I said that I was dating someone and she said "That explains it." I'm not sure what it explains, but it does.

A lot of people have said that I've lost weight...slim downed...shape up! Which is fine...except when the students do it. That is kinda strange.

On a kinda related note:
I want this as a ringtone on my phone. But it's not available in Japan...and that makes me sad.

ps...

pictures coming soonish. I thought I'd update then have a picture day.


*notice: this is only for the bunkasai. I have no pictures of the Jazz Fest or the fellow in question. None. So don't ask. Well, you can ask, but it'd be pointless 'cause I can't give what I don't have. I could draw them, but they'd be a silly parody of the reality (mostly 'cause that's how I do what I do when I do what I do)

How it came to be that I rode on a bike.

It almost sounds like an epic story, doesn't it? It's not. Smash those hopes now. This is reality...a distorted reality, but a reality none-the-less.
Well, it was a pretty tepid Saturday. It had rained on and off all day. In town, there was a Jazz Fest going on. I had decided to go, then, on the subway, changed my mind and went to the bookstore instead. I didn't buy anything and came back home. I cleaned a little, and prepared to go to the Jazz Fest later that night. Then decided not to go and watched a movie. Just as the movie ended, I got a call asking where I was. I said at home, and he said that I should come out and that they'd all wait for me. So, needless to say, I got my stuff together and went to the festival. It was decided to go out dancing. But, it was still early (like 9.30ish). So, instead, we went to a bar. THEN went to go dancing. I saw a sign for an release party for Teriyaki Boyz (whom I LOVE!!) so I suggested we go to that club instead of the club that had been decided on. For approximately 20 minutes we drifted between the two clubs (since they are really really close) and finally it was decided on to go to the original club since the 'party was just about to begin there.' We went, we paid our ¥2,000. We danced. This guy started to dance with me. We danced for a little while then I went to the bathroom. After a little, I started to dance again and my friend came up to me to tell me he was leaving (we shared a locker). So I went to the locker with him so he could get his stuff out since I was still staying and the guy I had danced with started to talk to me. You know, normal things: what's your name, what do you do, how old are you, do you have a boy/girlfriend. And he asked me out. I said yes. It was decided to go for a ride on his autobike (motorcycle) and see the Jazz Fest. Then we went home.
The next day we did just that. I got to ride on his bike (which was AWESOME!!!!) and we went to the Jazz Fest. BUT FIRST, we went for a drive, got lost, got gas, ate agedofu (fried tofu). Then we went to the festival for a while. Then he drove us to the MALL and walked me home.
I like this guy. He's so totally willing to take it slow (at least so far). The furthest he's attempted is a kiss. I appreciate that. The other Japanese guys seemed to be just about sex, but he seems to not be. He's younger than I am by a year, but he doesn't make me feel like a ped. He's not like that. I appreciate that too.
The second date was set up to be this Sunday. Hopefully he won't grow tired of my by then... We're going to see Wolverine: Origins. Should be fun to see the whole movie with all the special effects in it and Japanese subtitles.

Ha! One of the teachers saw me on my date. Luckily she's my supervisor so hopefully she won't tell anyone. I haven't really told anyone. Just by best friend (one of) since I freaked out for a minute there and sent her an email. She talked sense to me, and now I just have to figure out what to wear. We're going by his bike so I need to choose carefully. I think if I wore my brown boots with the 3 inch (about) heels I'd be taller than him, and I'm not sure how he'd take that. I think he'd be fine, but you can never tell.

Seriously. Going out with this guy goes against all the walls I've built around myself for so long. It's emotionally trying. Good thing this didn't happen a year ago. I would have said 'No' flat out and walked away. Then again, I've changed in many more ways than most would believe in this past year. Many more ways.

The Bunkasai (2009.09.05)

Or 'School Festival' for those who aren't familiar with that term. It was good. The theme this year was 'Limit Over,' and I got free food. Last time I didn't eat, this time I got enough food for lunch AND dinner.
(mind, this was on the 5th of September)
I got to see some of the shows, and the bands. To be honest, last year the bands were a little more awesome, but that's probably 'cause the people in the bands were more awesome (maybe 'cause I didn't know them, maybe because last year's 3rd years were, in fact, awesome). I got to walk home after this. It was good. It takes about an hour depending on the lights, so Fattie (that's me) got some good exercise. Nothing really embarrassing or interesting happened. I did play rock-paper-scissors for UNICEF donations. This second year asked for a donation, I told him that I had already donated and he called me a liar. So, being the sporting person I am, I said that we'd play rock-paper-scissors and if I won 2/3, I wouldn't donate more, but, if he won 2/3, I'd give ¥1,000 to UNICEF. We readied out fists and the fight began. He won. Twice. I gave, in total, about ¥1,700 to UNICEF, which, to be truthful, isn't terribly much, but from one person is quite a bit (I'm not rich, yo).

Oh god. Sunday. Date. I'm nervous NOW. Probably 'cause most of the details were just decided on...but still. WTF? I need to chill out like mad crazy. I do get to ride on a bike again. That's good with me :D

Why am I so retarded? I mean, really? Why? I know why...I have trust issues and no experience with many forms of interpersonal relationships, but that is neither here nor there. What is both of those is that the second date is on Sunday, and I'm nervous.

(haha, don't you love only having half the story??)

There was a culture festival at my school, and a jazz fest, and an autobike experience. All of those updates will be coming ASAP (which means next to nothing - forgive me).
BUT
I will update with this one thing...

The more I learn about 'what it means to be a Scorpio,' the more I fear for any man who attempts to be my steady boyfriend - he's gonna get sexed to death. Geez. Scorpio's in the 8th house, which is the House of Sex (so, go out and count the houses on your street - that 8th one is kinky. If you are in the 8th house, kink it up babay!)
Also, like Spiderman, with great power comes great responsibility.
Actually, I remember reading about that sex thing when I was younger and laughing my head off. The thought of me + sex was so hilarious at that time. Now...much more plausible.

Anyway, a shout-out to all my Scorpio's in the house. And one to all the other signs. Peace.

haha, updates are coming.

...eventually.

If you believe.
And clap 3 times while gurgling water.

I think I'm going to get to walk to the bus stop in a thunderstorm. YEAH!! If I die, Candi, you get my comics (even the English ones!!), and Krisbones, you get the kid who wants to touch my body (he's a sweetie, really...). Everyone else, it's a free for all.

On another note, we (as in about 4 3rdyrs and I) compared bust sizes yesterday. It was...interesting. They're growing, you know. The 3rdyrs, not mine so much. I think mine might have gotten a touch smaller. Need to bench press more to make them smaller (why? Why not!).

On another another note, I got drewed on.

boy


girls

Can we tell the differences without looking at the labels? I think so. The girls were amazed I kept the poop on. Art is Art, my friend. Poop deserves love too. Just a distant kind of love...

It's obnoxiously sunny right now. Obnoxiously so.

Oh well. At least one of my hopes seems to be coming true.

Dudes. Assuming my calculations are correct, I've lost about 4 inches off my body since 6.11. How crazy is that? I think I did my math wrong, but we'll say I didn't.

Also, typhoon. I'm hoping for a typhoon day tomorrow. Or that that guy I'm "going out with" doesn't message me back because he came to the same conclusion I did - to not continue. I shouldn't, but he makes me feel kinda like a ped. I mean, he's 22, so he's not much younger than me at all, but I still feel like a ped. I mean, say this sentence to yourself and see how you feel: "The person I'm dating is at camp for school."

See. Totally wrong.
He was easy to talk to, but I think we'd make better friends if anything. (I totally want to play his Dragon Quest games)


(And, just so you know, I have the biggest penis in the world. I got told that many times as they were pointing to this one boy. It could be that they just had their English confused, but perhaps they do know my secret. I also got asked by one boy "Can I have sex?" I'm still not sure if he knows what he was saying, and I'm not sure I want to know what he meant to say. When I answered "yes," he asked "why?" I think there was some language problems for this conversation. So...what did you do at work today?)

A week of rain. Non-stop.
Good thing I have laundry outside and I'm leaving to go the gym soon. I enjoy having no clothes to wear to work. I do. It's a secret of mine. Except for the fact that I do have clothes to wear, so it's okay. I'm just proud I did laundry. Be proud

2009.08.29

Gym.
Pizza.
Walking tour.
Drinking party.
Club.
?

That describes yesterday (since it's now the 30th) in about as little detail as is possible with still having some details. I think it's a good thing. This whole non-detail detail.

Also, pictures. For Krisbones, as he has legally changed his name too.



HUGE GAIJIN CLUSTER PARTY. There was about 80 in a small-ass restaurant. I'm amazed we all fit with our giant gaijin bums. (gaijin = foreigner...impolitely)


Bra strap. Bought at Claire's and worn for the first time last night. Totally DOESN'T match the bra, but that's cool. I hadn't planned on showing anyone me bra.

2009.08.28

I won today.
I got the kid who wants to touch my body to say 'hello' to me.
I remember when he used to ask for help in class so I'd stay by his side for most of it.
Then he stopped that.
And didn't say 'hello' anymore.
Then his secret came out (his own doing, mind).
Then he still didn't say 'hello.'
Now he did.
My powers of never ending 'hello's has finally paid off.*
Or I'm going to be groped after graduation.
I'm not sure which.
All I know is that there are no picture for this post either - sorry.
That and that it's fun to have one sentence per line.
It fills up the post quicker.
Makes it seem longer.
And more interesting.

Also, Wolverine without half the special effects is still a good movie.
And not just because Hugh Jackman is hot.
And Wolverine is a hot character.
It's both.
And a plot.
And Gambit.

I lied.
There's a picture.

There's two.


*it should be noted that I say hello to everyone and everything. And it should be noted that he was the one who (with his 2 friends) started to talk to me while I was waiting around nervously at the school festival last year (hey, I'd been there for like a week and didn't know anybody. I was nervous and wanted to leave BAD). He started to talk to me and took me to see the concert in the gym. I enjoyed the concert. I do awe him. Just not a body touch. But understanding of pubescent desires. Which I give fully. And without question. Also, one sentence per line broken for footnotes. Footnotes deserve respect too. The respect that only full paragraphs can give.

2009.08.27

Mini-date with a student and his friend. He said 'Let's go home together,' I said 'okay,' and we walked. His friend came outta no where and joined us. The first guy told me that I walk to fast and then ordered me to match his pace. I did. I yelled at the 2nd guy to match the pace. He did. Started to turn a corner and some girls came up from behind and said 'oh, should we ask her?' So I OBVIOUSLY stopped...and asked about that. The boys left (yeah!) and I got asked what my bra size is. I told about my American bra size ('cause it's different than Japan) and they told me to go buy a bra in Japan so I know my Japanese size. I might. But not now. It's a lot of work to make the women measure me and touch me goods and outfit me in a cute bra. Not to mention the one I'm wearing today is cute enough for me. I like it.

Also, I emailed people today. It was good times. I enjoyed it! Normally I'm AMAZINGLY slow at it (especially since it's been overtime party lately), and I'm still slow at it, but I did it. And that is the important part.

A new hamper

like thing.



I bought it. Oh yeah. It's purple.

I've noticed some things that I can't do anymore...

I can't eat as much as I used to.
I can't drink as much as I used to.
I can't lift as much as I used to (bench press is pathetically weak now).
I can't wear my old clothes (which isn't a bad thing here, but still, I can't do it).
I can't draw with an anime style as easily as I used to.
I can't play video games for hours and hours on end as easily as I used to.

I'm not sure what I traded all these things in for, but let's hope it was a good deal.
I know what I didn't trade it in for...the ability to sing. Still can't sing.

Rotgut for the win!

http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/13/rotgutonix-the-slightly-paranoid-somewhat-discerning-drunks/

Dude. I just want to have it to whip it out. It seems like it'd make a good conversation piece.

Also, it's not enough to build a robot, but you must make it lie as well?

Eat It

Eat It

Seconds 15-17 are the best.

Oh...stuff...

Dudes. Look at it. AWESOME. I'd love to roll up to school on a 5 year old's bike wearing this jacket and aviators. I'd be the best teacher to ever live. And the quickest fired too probably...

This is okay. I've seen better, but I like where it's going.





...I so need a rich boyfriend who wants to dress me up in bondage-ish wear. I'd vacuum in thigh-highs. I ain't got a problem with that. Unless it's tatami. No shoes on the tatami. It'll be spiritual thigh-highs then.

What for breakfast?

I'm having a beer with breakfast.

...is that bad? It's a refreshing new style so it can't be that bad...

8/08/2009

I cleaned my room!!!





...kinda

New music finds for Sherry (that's me...)

I kinda like the creepy sound things. It's good times.



I love the video especially.



This made me laugh the first time I heard it. Still does a little.

So, as all of you should know, I went on a trip home for 2 weeks. I had packed my tablet in my suitcase 'cause my computer is heavy and makes my carry on murder to carry since it's not that comfortable to carry anyway. Getting home, no problem. All luggages were in perfect condition. Nothing lost, and bags both at most half packed. (I had 2 suitcases; I'll pluralize luggage if I feel like it even though it's not proper) I had a good time at home. Had to buy a whole new wardrobe since darn near all my clothes didn't fit, and bought quite a few pairs of shoes since I have a man sized foot in Japan (26.5 cm, yo!). Also had to buy a crap ton of presents, but that it's so bad. So, had a good time and packed my suitcases too full (overweight charge wasn't as bad as I thought, but it wasn't good either...). Got to Sendai (after quite a bit of flying and turbulence) and saw that one of the pouches on the suitcase was open. I lost my tablet pen. I saw it earlier and thought about putting it in my carryon but forgot...
I lost my tablet pen.
sorry, it deserved being said again because now I either have to find a new pen (which hopefully I can otherwise...) or get a new tablet. Granted, my tablet is going wonky (it's about 5 years old and has moved house about 10 times; it's had a hard life) so I'd like a new one, but the money is the issue.

And, I took the car keys and my storage unit stuff from home. Haha. Gotta mail those back...soon.

What now?

$2.15 for a water bottle. A bottle of water actually. WHAT? Damn airports and their expensive waters. It's not even the best water I've eve had.

About to start the first part of my journey back. FREE INTERNET GET. Obviously, I got free internet so I'm using it.

Till I'm back in my apartment with my dead plant. Adieu.

I have no idea if that is spelled correctly. Never studied French...

2009.07.21

Basic review so far:
I got back safely.
Got told to 'flirt' with old men only on flights long enough to get a free drink from them.
Staying with my parents.
Sleep deprevation.
Basic stuff.

My external harddrive isn't being 'noticed' by the computer. It makes it very hard for image editing...when you have no flash drive and the external harddrive is all that you have.

On a good note, my English isn't doing too badly.

2009.07.18 noon

Good-bye Japan. See you in about 17 days...


See you!

I miss my apartment and Japan already, and I'm still in it...

2009.07.16-18 morning

School was normal on the 16th.
3rd boys tried to teach me dirty words...most of which I already knew. But, listen and repeat was good times.
Got asked if they could touch me.
Had a birthday dinner with some teachers.

The 17th was yesterday and I don't remember much about it. Didn't really do much of anything out of the ordinary.
I got to talk to my little brother, so I was happy. I can't remember how he became my little brother, but he is.

This morning, finish(ing) packing with some last minute omiyage. It's raining. Gotta take a shower. Today's gonna suck. Fright no fun.

It's just that I can't get to sleep you see...

and I had nothing to do, so I looked up what my 'ideal weight' would be for my body frame and height. Basically, I picked a good goal. A healthy one. Yeah for me! Now to just lost the stubborn weight and I'll be good...er. Gooder.

Haha, I say this and I'm NOT going to fighting tomorrow! It's a friend's birthday party, so I'd rather do that. ...'cause they a friend and it sounds like fun, but I do need to get my butt in gear. My secret goal is to get smaller than Katherine so I can call her fat and then SHE'LL STOP COMPLAINING ABOUT NOT BEING AT THE WEIGHT SHE WANTS TO BE AT AND ACTUALLY EXERCISE INSTEAD OF WHINING ALL DAY AND EATING. It's the only way we can motivate her, me thinks. Although I don't think I can get smaller than her, but we'll see. We'll see...

------

I've only looked at about 1/10 of the page and have already spotted many boots that I would like to own. I think I have a problem...
I WANT TO HAVE SEXY BOOT TIME.
I LOVE BOOTS.
EVEN IN SUMMER.
MY LOVE NEVER ENDS.
...although the boot height does get smaller...

...and, yes, I do get emails from this site. I trash most of them without looking, but I DID buy boots from there before...

Okay, this pair is just AWESOME. I mean LOOK AT IT! Brass knuckles for a heel, man. Great!

2009.07.15

Yeah...basically done packing. Gots a little more omiyage and some clothes then I'm done. Probably going to be two pieces when I get to the airport for weight reasons though. haha.


---
Oh good. It's supposed to rain on Saturday. That's going to be awesome as I walk with luggages to the train station ('cause the subway don't go unless I wanna me AMAZINGLY lazy and take the subway 1 stop to get to the train station) that is about 1/2-3/4 a mile away.

...I might be the fat American that I am a ride the subway if it's raining...

2009.07.14-15

Yesterday, the 14th, I had a pretty good day.
After school, 3 teachers and I went out shopping for a present for another previous teacher. It was good. We started a style make over for the male teacher. Later, on the drive home, I was told that I was next by one teacher. Hoho, that would be interesting...and horrendous.

Today, the 15th, I went to elementary school. It sucked. I love them kids, but those 2 teachers don't make me have happy times. I feel bad for the students 'cause it makes the class worse..
Spent almost ¥10,000 printing off pictures. HAHA. Awesome. And they aren't even for me.

2009.07.13

Went to Yanagiu ES today. Couldn't find the teaching plan, so I went in blind. It was okay. It worked out since the teachers there take the lead. Gonna hafta make sure I keep the plan for Nishi Nakada on Wednesday with me. I have to take the lead there. I kinda got stuck at the school for about 30 minutes after school. I did manage to escape and walk back to the Middle school...talked to a few students, and got back in time for about 10 minutes of work. Entered, saw that they were in a meeting and left again. By that time, my work day was over so I walked to the bus stop.
After that, met up with a friend. Gave him a rice cooker and some money. Services rendered, you see. Just kidding, I'm lending him some money since I got some and he don't.
Went to fighting. I had very little energy for it, but I'm glad I went. My friend was amazed by my bruises. She said that they are the worst that she's ever seen. That actually makes me a little happy...except for the fact I got them by FALLING...and not something cool like wrestling a llama.

ugh, Sherry no va. I'm tired, but I highly doubt I'll be able to get to sleep for hours yet. Life's awesome <3

As the Japanese say 仕方ない

I'm just going to have to learn to play the guitar.
There's nothing to be done about it.
I'm going to have to.


...okay, that last one has nothing to do with guitars, I just liked the colors...
This one's pretty good too. Oh Verbal, you seem so awesome. I can appreciate that.

This Week's Top 10 v.1

Here's a list of the top things that happened this week. Good or bad, they are both on the list. I use a different scale than most. Level of remembrance and hilarity factor are my measuring sticks. Good or bad are too judgmental for me. 10 (least) to 1 (most).

10) (secret)*
9) Getting introduced to about 20 Japanese people, and I don't remember any of them...
8) "I'm a man"(me) "Then what's up with those?"(other, pointing at my boobs) "I'm fat. It happens"(me)
7) Getting a talking to about not talking with the students during the concert when I was attempting to get them to stop talking and laughing. Haha, too bad that I can't actually say that to the other teachers just sit there and take the talking to.
6) Getting a talking to about how Japanese and foreigner's bodies are different...again. They don't like the fact that I'm on a diet and know that I need to lose weight. Foreign I may be, but I know that I'm unhealthy as I am.
5) Choral concert
4) SOUL'd OUT (Diggy-MO' is effing awesome. More awesome that I originally thought. And hot.)
3) Genki face
2) (secret)*
1) Face plant.
0) I gave up bread.**

*secret, so I won't tell.
**special for this week only since I forgot about it 'til now. It's life changing, this is.

I just realized, in a good way,

that my flight back to the states is 15 hours total. That is AWESOME!! Granted with layovers and what not it's 20 hours...
Coming back to Japan is also 15 hours, but 22 hours with layovers. Flying this way is awesome! The times before it's always taken like 18 to 20 hours of FLYING. It's still going to kill me, but at least it's shorter. I'd appreciate the 5 hour layover more if it were in Japan so I could go through customs and all that crap, but beggars can't be choosers I guess.

2009.07.11

I forgot the date. That makes me sad. I mean, all of it. Year. Month. Day. The day I can live with. Month is a little less understandable, but still okay...ish. The year. What?! That is unacceptable.

Well, I promised a special someone (you know who you are) pictures, and I will deliver tonight. It takes me a while, but I do eventually get things right.

So, yesterday was the choral contest for my school. It was better than I thought it would be. I did my faceplant there. It was good times. I've got monster bruises from it. Me knees and he arms look like I got in a fight...or jumped off a train. It's awesome. I really do bruise SO easy. I need to look into stopping that activity.

After all of that goodness was the Leavers' Party. I only went to the Nijiaki (second party). After that we went to a club. I meet a soldier there. It was great. He said (and I quote, but a little strangely since I'm translating and can't remember 100%...just 99.8%): "I'm not saying you're fat, 'cause you're not, but if you lost just a little bit of weight you'd be dangerous. You have a "genki" face." I'm leaving the genki in there 'cause it makes the sentences that much better. Genki means "vigor, spirit, vitality, heart, bounce, pep." So, basically, I have a happy face but I just liked the use of genki in that sentence. I think he has a girlfriend though.

Anyway, I cleaned today. It was good. Did a little bit of packing. Got some souvenirs. For those of you who don't know I'll be returning to visit my parents for 2 weeks.
Speaking of which, a note to my parents (especially my mommy): I am watching what I eat, so don't take it personally if I eat differently. It's not you, it's me. I love your cooking, but I gotta watch what I ingest. End of note to parents.

On a good note, I have yet to fall today, so either I've broken the streak, or it's just a work thing...and I do have Yanagiu ES on Monday (which I've lost the lesson plan for, so it's going to be awesome). I've fallen in front of 1 years, and 3 years, and the students at Nishi Nakada ES, so I've only got Yanagiu ES and the 2 years to fall in front of and I'll have fallen in front of everyone. They are progressively getting worse and worse so let's hope that I stop before I end up falling down the stairs and breaking myself. Especially because my flights are coming up ('cause it's more than one to get home).

On a side note involving nothing particular: I like this. Now that is a cool Japanese guy right there. I'll translate it and get back to you. This is a good one too.

Okay, only one picture for today:

These guys were hanging around talking in the parking lot that is next to my place. They were talking for hours. It was good. I so totally wanted to join them, but decided that would be weird. Kinda wished I had though. It would have been an awesome story for them to tell their friends. Such of shame I don't have a jazzercise outfit with head and wrist sweatbands. That would have made it that much better. They'd never forget about that weird foreigner. Sometimes I wish I were awesome. I do. I truly do.

2009.07.10

I've fallen in front of students twice in just as many days.
Life is good.

I split my lip this time 'cause I face planted.

I ROCK!!

I've noticed that in the past couple of days

my thighs, the back of 'em, has been sore. The muscles are stiff. I hope that it can be worked out 'cause it's making me uneasy with my lack of bending and whatnot.

2009.07.03

You know something is wrong when you are an English teacher and you can only get 1 out of 5 of the questions right on the letter scramble game on TV WHEN THE CONTESTANTS GET 4. My English is worst than Japanese television stars. That sucks.

Gave a presentation today. Ended up coughing for a good portion of it. But, I did it and it's over. I can only be asked to do something like this 2 more times (since this is the second time...).
Took 2 hours off, and got a ride from the nurse at my school. It was a good day. Put my futons out to air. That counts as cleaning.

2009.07.01

I listened to the Jonas Brothers and TLC all day today.

Something is wrong with me. I blame it on one of the four medications I'm on.

Also, elementary school tomorrow. I hope I get them all sick. With SADs. As in that they become sad, 'cause the SADS aren't fun, yo. They serious. And a band. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mn40uIudoeI I've never actually heard them. I just knew they existed.

Jehovah's witnesses at my door. Forgot they was coming. Forgot it was Wednesday. They be comin' next week too. WHY CAN'T I JUST SAY NO TO THEM. WHY??!?!??!?

It's official now...

Now, it is official. I went to the doctor and he said I had a cold. Now I have 4 different medications to take and 2 days mandatory rest at home.
The school nurse came with me. She said that I don't eat enough and that is why I get sick. She bought me dessert. I think only in Japan I can have the conversation which is: "Oh, I don't feel well." "I'm sorry. Would you like some ice cream or cake?" "Naw, I'm good. Thanks. "But if you don't eat it you won't get better."
Seriously. It happened to me. It'll happen to you.

HAHAha

Oh wow. Just took my temperature and I gots a fever by Japanese standards, but I'm going into work. Don't wanna go to the hospital even though I probably should...dang it summer cold! Dang it!!

2009.06.27

I got some medicine today. I took my temperature this morning (since the nurse lent me the thermometer from the staff room) and had a temperature of 38.1C, which is when they become rather worried, so I decided it was best to get some despite my lack of liking medicine. Okay, I'll be honest. I rather enjoy the medicine that lays you out for hours on end. That medicine I can get down with. Most others, I'm not a fan of. But, the medicine is working. I feel a lot better and my head doesn't throb. That is a plus. Non-throbbing body parts are a good way to go.

My keeper came over today with food. It was good times. We talked about bad times for some of the students. The food was good. The discussion perhaps wasn't the best. But we all know that life will teach the lessons that must be learned. Perhaps too late, but that is how things go. Life has a way of working itself out.

You know what I love? When elementary school students ask me which of a group of 2-4 students are my type. It's rather surreal and one of those questions which you cannot answer...at all. ...until you make it into a joke. ...which only happens half the time.

2009.06.26, 17.32

The nurse from my school, one of my homies, yo, just called and invited me out to dinner. I tried to refuse, but I don't have the art-form of that down yet in which it leaves me without a date.

AND, I just snotted out part of my brain I think. I am not even kidding. Holy crap. I can breathe through my nose though <3

The results are in...

Apparently lack of sleep + elementary school + weakened immune system from traveling results in me getting REALLY EFFING SICK. We know that now body, let's not do this again.
Today, I attempted to take byoukyuu, sick leave. Whether it turned into sick leave or into vacation times I'm not sure...'cause I didn't go into school because I am sick. I spent most of my day at home. I have little in the way of stores of food at my place except for pasta and rice, so I did have to leave to get food. I attempted to make a beef stew thing which didn't turn out at all like that 'cause they don't have the right kind of meat and I gave up 'cause I didn't feel like making it. I did end up making a soup like thing, so it was good times. Passed out a couple of times. That was fun too. Took a bath with a "Full Alchemist"-whatever fizzy ball. That was good times too. The character toy in it watched me bath. It's cool; he's my homie. These fever patch things are great. I wonder if I can stick them in the freezer? I'm going to go try that.

Thank goodness for spell check <3

2009.06.23 - best part

I forgot that a kid asked me if I had a girlfriend yesterday...the 23rd. He'd misspoken, but it was good times. He was speaking Japanese. I can't judge though. I do that all the time too.

2009.06.23

Had elementary school again today. This time at Yanagiu. I go there again on Thursday...I think. I'm pretty sure I do. I have to make a crap-ton of business card like things for it. That kinda sucks 'cause I haven't done any of them. Okay, I've done about 10, but that's not enough for even one class. I gotsta get to work on that.

I finished-ish on picture for MoD. The Lara one. The other two are in varying states of not-done-ness.

This week seems to be turning out to be an experiment week...'how long can 雪莉 (that's me) survive on less that 5 hours of sleep and still be okay with elementary school students and outwit 13-15 year old boys without falling over from lack of neural stimulus' is the experiment I think. It's now past 10, and I ain't gonna be goin' to bed for awhile. I was doggedly tired this afternoon, but now I'm wired. And, no, I didn't just drink coffee. The last drink I had was a vodka coke about 2 hours ago.

My sticking plaster smells like peanut butter. I haven't eaten peanut cream (since they have no peanut butter here except in foreign goods stores) in probably over a month. I had it last with school lunch...whenever that was. Weird, eh? I wonder what's up with that. Maybe it's a sign that I should take it off...Naw. That ain't gonna fly wit' me. It's staying...until it or my finger falls off. Whichever happens first.

2009.06.22

Today was Nishi Nakada ES. It was okay. ALL ENGLISH ALL DAY IN CLASS. It was great. I got to make fun of one teacher to her face. If she's going to treat me like a retarded 3 year old, that is what I shall do from now on. I'm too old for this crap.

I also found out that I'm going to Yanagiu tomorrow. That'll be fun. I'm not cool with missing my school damn near everyday this week. I got today, tomorrow, and Thursday. It's uncool, dudes. Uncool.

Been working on the MoD pictures. I'll hopefully be able to finish them to be able to ship them off this weekend. ...seeing as they are due by the end of this month and mine have a lot further to go than most. Oh well. They'll hopefully be done...soon.

Fighting class was nice. I talked to some different people in class today. Normally I'm not that social, but I was okay today. I'm hoping to become a little more as time goes by.

My face is really itchy. I wonder why? Sweat? Dry skin? Nerves? Some unknown disease? Potatoes?

2009.06.07-2009.06.21

Let's see what I can remember...
-5th period cheering practice
-Sports Festival
-1 win in softball, 1 lose
-Tennis madness
-Track and Field
-Questions which could make a sailor blush from T&F
-Losing
-"yosete..."
-10 days straight of work
-Tokyo for a day and a half
-Meeting up with my friends again!
-Gundam statue
-Love Hotel...S&M style
-Bad Gym times
-Bonding with one of my friends over bad times
-Cleaning
-Working on commissions
-March of Dimes
-Shopping
-New Shoes!
-I can wear Mediums!
-Making Katherine sad
-Moeru Karada GET!

I think that about sums it up in a non-linear fashion with no explanation at all. I like it that way. I've still got to clean so much!! And finish the commissions I've got going on.
I'm thinking about hitting on someone tomorrow. We'll see how that goes. I'm foreign. I'm a freak show. I might as well. Don't judge.

2009.06.06

Today I basically slept and ate. In the morning (and yesterday...) I just couldn't get full...at all. At least until I got to yakiniku. Then I got nauseous. Whooooo! That was fun. Not really, but it's okay. I did have fun. I have quite a bit of work to do. So, to everyone out there to whom I owe things to, I'm sorry!! I'll work on them soon!! Sorry!!

2009.06.05

Today wasn't too bad...unless you count that my period started in second period and I had no pad with me to utilize. (hey guys, what a way to start an entry, eh? ) Other than that, it really wasn't a bad day. Not much went down. There is an enkai tonight. A 'pre-junior high school sports tournament' drinking party. It's also raining. ...and I'm kinda tired, but it should be fun...and drunken. Drunken makes most things better...except for the things that it doesn't. I can't decide if it's a good idea to attempt to bring my camera or not. I think not. I'm going with not...and I shalnt bring it. I'm also wondering if I should bring my big umbrella or my small one. I think the small one is better...
I have a feeling something interesting happened today, but I can't remember what...drat.

--

Just got back from the enkai. It was fun! Not too much drinking, and no second party. All in all, it was a good night. But, it was yakiniku. Tomorrow is yakiniku. I'll be so full of meat come tomorrow night. It ain't even funny. Okay, it is a little funny...

2009.06.04

All ready 4 days into June, eh? Amazing, ain't it? All ready June. Who would have thunk it?
Today was a pretty good day. I went to class with one of the teachers with whom I haven't had many classes with. It was good times. He likes to make jokes in class as much as I do. A girl brought him a birdie/shuttle cock today in class. He was throwing it around a little. Then, I had a GREAT idea. I went up to him and said 'we could totally play badminton with our textbooks,' and we did. It was awesome! He said that I was the strangest ALT he'd ever met, and then I said that I knew I was strange and then apologized...then did a smash shot. It was possibly the best class ever.

Fighting was good times too. About 20 minutes in I seemed to lose all energy, but it eventually came back to me.

2009.06.03

I went to the gym FINALLY!! It was a good workout. Nothing killer, but a good one, none-the-less. Just walked on the treadmill, did a bike, and did some weights. Fighting is tomorrow - that should be killer, but AWESOME! The fighting class is going out to Yakiniku so I think I should go to class at least once before it...and because I feel so much better after it. I think if I am stressed then it is a good combatant for that.

Had fun in classes today. I also started studying for the JLPT...which I may or may not take depending on how long I actually keep up the studying...which may not last that long...But it may. Who knows. Until I remembered that I have to make a worksheet for a class, I wasn't going to bring my computer to school, but now that I remember that, I may have to bring it. Drat. If I bring it, I probably won't study. Oh well. You gotta do what you gotta do, eh? I'm so undisciplined.

Friday is also an enkai. I'm doing so much socializing. It's scary...

2009.06.02

I bought kiwis today. It was a good day.
On a good note, I don't feel nearly as sick as I had been feeling. Yeah!! I just feel bad 'cause I haven't been exercising lately. But, I have been drawing more...kinda. Mostly finishing up half finished pictures for March of Dimes. I'm still so far behind on so much stuff!! Sorry to all those I owe stuff to!!

2009.06.01

I don't know what Japan has done to me, but I'm not sure I like it. This time I am referring to the fact that I used to rarely get sick at all, and now I get sick every couple of months. It sucks...in plentiful amounts. I felt nauseous all of today. I'm not going to fighting because of it.
And, tomorrow I have a scheduling meeting with Nishinakada Elementary School. I'm not looking forward to it. Maybe I can make them hurry up...? Well see. If I'm feeling better tomorrow, I'll head to the gym then. If not...well poopie. We'll see...we'll see...

Two Good Things From Overtime...

"I was not a pencil yesterday"
and, slightly better,
"The game watched TV at 2."

Not the best, but pretty good, all in all.

2009.05.30 + 1 more time

So, my computer's memory is basically all filled up. ...and so is my external hard drive. I had to go into town and buy another external hard drive. It's a sexy little guy...with 1TB of space. It's sexy and reminds me of a PS somehow. My other one reminds me of Gamecube. Why do my external hard drives remind me so much of gaming platforms? Oh well.

I also got a little eraser thing called Slendy. It's very slendy, indeed. It looks a little less like a utility cutter than the other ones did. Now I should be able to erase small things with ti...which I need.

2009.05.30

Does it make me a jerk 'cause I don't like sleepovers? I just don't. It never works out well for anybody involved. It's epic failure on many levels.

2009.05.28-29 - an overview

No boxercise.
Overtime.
Assigned to an After School Program for adults about English Tests.
Rain.
Bread eaten.
Low levels of actual productivity.


And now, on Saturday, it's raining, I cleaned, I drew (very little), and updated my calendar. Cooked too. Listening to Ice Ice Baby because I can't stop listening to it...like a car crash.

2009.05.27

Hoho, today probably won’t be that good of a day. I forgot the day’s teaching schedule at home, and I’m already spacing out at 8.25 in the morning. I also have the teacher who I have an irrational hatred of today. If it wasn’t for that fact that leaving would mess up everyone’s day here, I’d so totally tell them I’m not feeling well and go home. But, I can’t do that to them. I really want to though. In all honesty, except for the one teacher who I have irrational hatred for, elementary school isn’t so bad…I’m just not quite over my burn-out from it. The kids are real cuties, and aren’t any worse (or better) than the first years. It’s just the burn-out, man, the burn-out. I don't think I’d have any problems going to Yangiu E.S., but Nishinakada E.S. is a small one to me. It’s so totally burn-out…and that one teacher. Oh well. First period is going to be interesting. Luckily I did remember to make the flash card things.
First period went relatively well. The missing plan on my part didn’t seem to hinder the lesson much. Hopefully the next couple of lessons will be okay…especially since there’s only 3 left. I wonder if I can get back in time for lessons with my middle school…? I have been lately, but that doesn’t mean that I will be able to now.
My irrational hatred burns unevenly. Sometimes I’m completely fine with them, other times just hearing their voice alone sets me off. Oh, it is problematic, but hopefully it’ll simmer down. I think it will.
Apparently there will be a fire drill/emergency drill thing today. We’ll see how that goes. ...It wasn’t too awful. Actually, they just spoke over the intercom. Now I know. If ever in an emergency situation, go into the nearest classroom. Gotcha. But, just so you know, if I’m in the bathroom, I’m finishing first. Nobody likes emergency situations with a full bladder.
I think I have irrational hatred for more than one teacher. Oh Hell.
Third period was okay. Not much to report. Irrational hatred is spread between 2 teachers so it has less depth…which is kinda good.
Elementary school wasn’t too bad. I got back to middle school during 5th period so I couldn’t go to ti, but I did go to 6th. I also thought that the front gate was locked and asked a teacher to open the gate. He said that it wasn’t locked, and I said that I thought that it was…it wasn’t. Hoho, that was good times. It’s a good thing I’ve learned to laugh at myself.

They be bringing God to the doors here...

So, a few days/a week or so ago (I can't really remember 'cause it wasn't that important to me), some Jehovah's witnesses came to my door. I played ignorant of the Japanesez. It seemed to work because they left. But, BUT, they came back today...with an English speaker.

Now I have a date with them in two weeks on a Wednesday. {{p´Д｀q}}

I actually wrote an update for today on paper...it'll be posted eventually.

This means that I have to clean my apartment. That makes me sad. Rather so.

2009.05.26 - the day

Not much happened at all, actually. There were classes and whatnot. No real shenanigans...on anybodies part. Okay, I did steal a students brush and give it to a couple of first years who were running laps...and they didn't come back. Oops.
Otherwise, I just came home and worked on a couple of commissions and then passed out from lack of sleep.
The 27th is elementary school. Let's hope I make it through. ...especially since I have no bloody idea what we are doing. I should read the schedule...

2009.05.26

It's only the beginning of Tuesday.
I'm not sure I'm going to make it.

But, man, Fighting was awesome last night. I've only been back for one lesson, but I feel better already. I better go on Thursday. I'd better.

2009.05.22

Today was an interesting day.
I was about 2 inches away from being grabbed by a male student.
And there's a third year boy with strange hair who threatened to kill me.

Needless to say, I laughed at both of them and can't wait for Monday. Neither one of them is going to do anything, and we both know that. It's days like these that make me glad I didn't skip out on work.

Ya'ever notice...

that May spells out Yam in the mirror? I think it's the only month that spells something backwards.

2009.05.18

The second years are on their school trip, and an English teacher got married and has the week off. That means, at most, I'm left with 3 teachers. I think one is on the trip, and one never uses me.
So, in summary...I have darn near nothing to do this week. Let's see how this works out.

ps: Bali posts ARE coming...just slowly...very.

Back from Bali

It feels strange and somehow nice to be back home.

More of an update later.

2009.04.28

I had elementary school. I have an irrational hatred for one of the teachers. But, it was fun.
Got back to my middle school and got to go to the last class. It was funner.

I'm going to be leaving in a few hours to go catch the bus to go to Tokyo to go to Narita to get to Bali. It's exciting, really. And hot. At least in Bali it will be. I've last minute cleaning to do...dishes...For some odd reason, I just really don't like to do them.

Well, talk to you all in about a week or so!!
Cheers!

BAAaaaaaaaaaNNNNNNKKKKKKK!!

Bank needs to seriously back off. If it were fraud, it'd be a fabulous life, but it's not, so it sucks >:-[

2009.04.27

My first island vacation. Awesome.
2 days. I've basically packed and am prepared to go.

2009.04.26

I did a little bit of shopping today. It was a good day all around. Met up with a couple of friends. Got my bus ticket, a couple of shirts which are amazingly too big, a couple of books including one on Indonesian for Bali travels, and a cheap notebook to take with me since it had a rather deep message for a cheap notebook, had some sushi with my friend, then came home, let a friend use my internet, then met up with another one Japanese translations and finally he, another friend, and I had dinner. Some garlic pizza to be precise.
The notebook reads:
Note Book
I've been hurt before
and I'm afraid to speak out
what's on my mind.
I believe you're just like me.
But somehow I know
this time all the magic
will come true.
This time it's real.

Love makes the world go around.
No wonder I'm kinda dizzy!


Rather deep, eh?
Overall, it was a good day. Tomorrow I guess I should start preparing for the bus ride to Tokyo, eh? I'm not sure the trip has hit me yet...but it shouldn't be that hard to prepare for it.

I also think I cut my hair too short, but that is okay. It grows.

2009.04.24

I'm goin' to Bali. That's right. My friend Katherine and I are going to Bali for a romantic get away. It was picked mostly 'cause Italy was too expensive and it's one of the top 5 romantic getaways in Asia (Kyoto, Shanghai, and the Taj Mahal city were on the list too. Option 5 is a secret since only 4 were listed). It should be fun, and sunnily hot. Pictures will surely be coming. Summer clothes...where are you? It's winter-ish time here...

2009.04.22

School today. Did school things. Had a meeting with Elementary school teachers today.

A shirt of mine broke today. I can sow it back together, but it doesn't lessen the fact that it broke while cooking dinn-dinn.

2009.04.21

Y'know, one problem with earthquakes is that even after they are finished you still feel kinda shakey and can't tell if there are smalls ones going on, or if it's just you. Most of the time it's just me.


I got to translate a love letter for one of my students. The letter's in English and I translated it into Japanese. It's actually a little surreal to be doing it. Weird, but I did it. And I did it with only having to look up a few words. Who knew my love letter vocabulary was so good? I certainly didn't.


If you are bored, look up 'muscle men' on google's image search. The really large guys are frightening...and muscley. I need to learn to draw muscley men. All my men are skinny little things. But, that is better then the women that they were.

2009.04.20

I cooked lunch and the sliding glass door fogged over. It feels like winter all over again <3 Not sure if that's a good thing or not, but it really does feel like that and it makes me sort of nostalgic for winter.

Nostalgic is a really weird word to spell. I'm amazed that I spelled it correctly the first time round.

My abs hurt from doing 'the bicycle' and mini-crunches yesterday. I love it. I did a few more today, but I've got to do more. Nothing quite like laying half on the futon half on the floor doing 'the bicycle' and crunches while looking at Male Nude Collection for a good pose on a Monday around noon.

2009.04.19

I realize how pathetically weak I am.
I take that as it comes, and hope that I can get stronger.
I worked yesterday, so I have tomorrow off.
On a sad note, it's the 20th - the gym is closed therefore no Fighting. I've been missing the Thursday classes of it lately. I'm not sure why, but I have. I'd better go this Thursday or else. I'm not sure what the else is, but it's bad. ...I think.

2009.04.12

Today was a nice, nice day. I stayed in for most of it, but that was precisely what I needed, me thinks. I (almost) finished the commission I'm doing currently, I inked a picture, I made some corrections to a pin-up I'm working on (Storm), I cleaned up my room some, I watched 'She Devil' again, and I just relaxed. I also played a video game, and drunk about 10 cups of tea. It was nice. I put away the kotatsu table blanket, and put up one of the comforter-like blankets and the fuzzy blanket today. Somehow that makes the room seem more...springie. My room is not yet clean, but it seems closer.
A friend came over in the evening, and that was nice. We talked for a little while and did some Japanese studying. After that, we went out for ramen and then we both went to our homes. It was really great to talk to him. He somehow always makes me remember that living in the now is best and that no matter how lost I am feeling it's okay. I have a great job that I love and so a little confusion about where I'll be in 10 years is okay.

It was an overall nice day. I enjoyed it. I hope tomorrow is also a nice day.

2009.04.11

Today I went to the ALT art show. It was nice. It was nice to see everyone's stuff. Some of it was very good. I didn't stay there for long - about an hour/hour and a half. After that I bought a white out pen and came home. From there worked on some sketches and ... am now doing this.
The warm weather is turning cold again. I hear that by Golden Week it will be rather warm and spring-like. A couple of more weeks and we'll have beautiful weather. A couple of weeks after that it'll be summer, I'm sure. Go from huddling under three or four blankets trying to regain feeling in limbs that are too cold to deciding if you are really comfortable sleeping naked with all the windows open and no blanket. Hopefully spring will stay around for a good bit.

I read "The Little Prince" again today. Every time I read that book, I get something else out of it. Such a shame I waited so long to read it in the first place. Good book, that is.

2009.04.09

The lofty plans I had for this week have come to nothing. So far, I haven’t gone to any of the other classes I had wanted to. I wanted to go to the Latin Dance one tomorrow, but there’s an enkai so I can’t. Maybe this weekend I’ll go. In fact, I should. I’m planning on it in that way that I can plan on doing things. I’ll go to the gym, perhaps not a class or anything.

For the past day or two I’ve been a little light headed. I wonder why. I’m sure it has to do with sleep – either not enough of too much since I can’t ever seem to get it perfect.

There was the 1 nensei entrance ceremony today. I was introduced - it wasn't so bad. Not that awesome, but not that bad.

2009.04.08

Today was the official start of the semester. Only the new 2, and 3 nensei came today. It's so weird seeing them. They still seem like they used to be. It's hard to see them as the year above what they were, but that is no problem. Not much happened today. A ceremony was just about it. I am now able to eat lunch with the students - assuming it's okay with the teachers that is. I think I'm also able to now come to homeroom with one of the teachers which I've wanted to do for awhile now. Hopefully both things will be as awesome as I hope.

2009.04.06

Fighting killed me.

More later.

Must sleep...

どうしてその心？

もし間違えば、心から「ごめん」と言えば、児童、生徒、子供達が次ぐに許すけど大人だったら、許せない。どうして大人になるとそんなに…ダメになるなの？もちろん子供は子供けど、子供達の心は、そんなに美しい物という訳？何歳で、「大人の心」を持つようになる？どうしていつでも「子供の心」を持つ事できない？「子供の心」は大人の生活にそなにダメで、持てない？私がそうと思わないから、「子供の心」を持つように頑張りたいと思う。それと毎日を大切にしたいと思う。
私にとって、今月のモットーは「毎日を大切に」と言う事で、そのように頑張る〜☆

頑張らなきゃね。皆さん、自分の事に頑張って下さい！！

2009.04.05

Today...not much happened. I don't think I even left my apartment. I had plans to, but I didn't. I did draw one image, color another...and that's about as much 'constructive' things I did. I played some video games, and watched a movie and some episodes of a TV show.

迷ってる…ホンマに迷ってる。

2009.04.04

So far, today has been pretty good. I still feel bad about not going to the pantomime, but I absolutely refuse to be filmed. I know they are doing great, though!
I mailed off the 3 packages I had to be mailed today. It feels good to finally have done that. After that I did a little bit of shopping. I got some pictures printed off. I'm currently attempting to make a scrapbook like thing to chronicle my stay in this country. So far, it's 10 pages long and not in a time-line order merely 'cause that's how I roll. It's mostly in a time-line like order, but there are some pictures that were added mostly 'cause I had them but not space at the appropriate time. That make sense? Too bad. Bought a couple of other things and had a Txpresso (as they called it). It wasn't really that great, but I'm glad I tried it. Now, I'm back at home and trying to figure out what to do with the rest of my day. Maybe some games, some drawing, a little reading. Perhaps some cooking, even.

The Pillow...

was fine. It smelled a little of coffee and whatnot, but generally okay. BUT, I did buy a couple of pillows just in case it wasn't. They are cute as heck. See. One was even on sale.

2009.04.03

A couple of nights ago I had a dream where everything was going my way. Perhaps it wasn’t the best, but at least things were crawling in the right direction. It seems like that was a karmatic warning for me. The director of the pantomime is pissed off at me (which I can accept) and is completely misunderstanding why I did what I did (which saddens me). I feel as if the people would get more enjoyment of doing the play without me and having a DVD be made than if I were to join in the play and there not be one. As one person put it, “Imagine the drunk funs times we’ll have watching it and remembering how dumb we were.” Then, there’s also the parent and friends outside of the Sendai area factor. They’d get to see it. My role really isn’t that important. But, I did tell her (the director) that having the DVD would mean more to everyone than it means for me to be in it. I can see how that could be taken the wrong way. I obviously didn’t take it the wrong way because I understand my feelings. She did because I didn’t do a good job of explaining my feelings. I hope that she will forgive me eventually. AND, I also spilled coffee on my futon, comforter-like thing, pillow, and carpet this morning. The pillow took most of the brunt of the spilled coffee. I think I’m going to have to get a new one. Oh well; time to drown my sorrows in shopping, food, and drinks…maybe. There’s also video games and movies; drawing and writing, exercise too. Y’know, sometimes I think I’d be much better off living on a mountainside with little to no human contact, but for that I’d have to have a way to support myself. All I need to do is become a famous writer or something so I can work at home and never leave it except to occasionally go grocery shopping. Maybe I can get a maid to do that. Sometimes I really do think that would be the best way to go about living. Maybe I could just move to Poland. But if the economies keep going the way they have been, who knows if being an author would be such a prestigious career option as it used to be (assuming you actually sold a decent amount of books that is). Perhaps I’ve just been thinking too much lately. I am currently sitting in a completely empty staff room with only the tea lady who never says a full sentence to me for company. I might just be feeling a little left out. But there is no way I will be able to sit through the staff meeting. Maybe what I need to do is go sit at the Starbucks in the most visible seat and draw nudey pictures…and by that, I mean the 11’ x 14’ pin-ups for March of Dimes that I’m doing.

I tried Cafè Ole with lemon juice, a Cafè Leme if you will, and it’s worse than the Mocha Leme. If you are going to try one yourself, I suggest the Mocha Leme. It’s surprisingly tasty…and curdled.

I looked at a schedule for the gym classes today. I highlighted ones that I might be interested in. There’s quite a few. I’m going to have to look up the teachers of the classes online tonight (http://inspa.jp if anyone wants to check it out) and see how they strike me. I’m already doing the “Fighting” one and have no plans of stopping. It’s a great class – I love it. Some of the classes I highlighted are: Zumba, Flamenco, Belly Dance Beginner (since you gotta pay extra for the higher level), Hot Yoga, Crunch Circuit, Latin Dance, Hula Dance, Aerobics Beginner (since I’ve never done it before), Stretch Circuit, Fighting (with a different teacher), Aerobics Latin 45 (‘cause just listen to the name, man, listen to it), and Rock Dance (since I have no idea what that could be). There a couple that just confused me, so I want to read the description of them and they are “Hot Diet,” and “Diet School.”

I think I should give up coffee…and cut back on black teas. Not sure how that is going to go especially since I’m in the coffee club at school and whatnot, but we’ll see. It may not go anywhere, and this idea might be spawned from a slight distaste I have hidden within me for coffee from this morning’s incident.

My music might be trying to tell me something. The first song it played: Clay Aiken’s Solitaire. Coincidence, perhaps, but it might be my life councilor.

2009.04.02

I’m planning on quitting the pantomime today. It’s now 11.06 in the morning, and I don’t have access to the Internet here except on a shared computer and I don’t have my flash drive to take the Word file that I typed up my resignation in and take it to the shared computer to send it. So, that is my plan for tonight. Send resignation, and then go to boxercise.
I helped clean today at school. It was entertaining. I dirtied up my shirt, but that ain’t no big thing.
The Mocha Leme actually tasted pretty good. As should be expected with something made from milk, it separated. But, other than that, it was darn good. Chocolate and peppers work better. I wonder what other flavors will work with coffee and lemon. Something not milk based, eh.
All the 4-nen teachers had lunch (which is to say: everyone who isn’t an 1, 2, or 3-nen sei teacher is one…so the heads of the ‘departments,’ the (vice) principal, accountants, cooking staff, and nurses…and me, the foreigner) had lunch together. It was a darn good lunch. There was a little self-intro time in which I made all my hobbies a secret. Luckily they accepted that. I mean, I would have told them if they asked, but I’m bad at all my hobbies so the last thing I need is to have them go on display.
A girl who has spent the last 3 years in Thailand came in today. She’s going to be entering into 2-nen. Her English is darn good from what I’ve heard – I’m not sure if she’s fluent just ‘cause she’s only spoken about 3 sentences, but she seems like it.

I did send in my 'resignation' from the pantomime. Hopefully they'll accept it. If not...then it's really going to suck. A LOT.
Boxercise, or as they say it "Fighting Power," has changed into "Fighting" today. I'm excited to see what the differences are...if any. It should rock!
Later!

Who put THAT in my coffee??

At first the title was 'ho put THAT in my coffee??' since I missed the W. I think it says something about what I'm about to reveal.


I put lemon juice in my coffee. It actually tastes pretty good...assuming you get the right amount of coffee flavor and lemon flavor. Today, I'm going to try it with the Caffè Mocha I bought yesterday. This desire stems back to Farsi class where one student thought 'Mokallæme' meant 'Mocha Leme' which means 'Mocha Lemon' apparently. Since that time, I've had a slightly scary desire to try it. And try it I will.

ps: I ate horse at that nijikai on Friday. I had forgotten about that. It really wasn't that bad.

2009.04.01

First day of April, eh? Where has the time gone?
We met the new teachers today – there’s 11 of them. I saw an old(er) woman yesterday and I remember her because she had a rather strange stomach. It looks as if she’s pregnant – I can hope she’s not at her age. She’s one of the new teachers. She needs to smile, me thinks, and speak up. She has such a soft voice for such a severe face. I said konnichiwa to her when she was emerging from the squatter and she said nothing to me. She’s not an English teacher, so I’m safe…safer. The new English teachers look nice. I’ve met one before when I helped out at a school near here. At least I think I met him. I’m not sure. It was for about a minute a few months ago, so it could very well not be him at all. I hope I can learn to work well with them. I introduced myself to them. The one teacher remembers me, so hopefully I made a good impression at that time.
One of the teachers told me to leave early if I’ve nothing to do. Then the one who sits beside me asked if I had nenkyuu. He said that he didn’t know. Then I started to say that in summer I wanted to go somewhere, but before I could get it all out, he asked if I had a boyfriend. I said no, and he said that I should get one while I’m young. I asked where to find them, and he said here. It somehow ended up with us jokingly setting up a date. I love the people who work here.

2009.03.31

I arrived to school later than I had planned, so I bought chocolates for everyone to share. Luckily they did eat it, so it’s all good. The woman who sits next to me gave me a couple of pieces. I wonder if you’re supposed to eat the candy you bring? It probably doesn’t matter, but I thought about that as she laid two on my desk.

2009.03.30

The Farewell Party went well. The nijikai was okay. I think some of the teachers are trying to set me up with another one of the teachers. Weird. The third party was karaoke. I don’t really remember the last bit of it, but I did eventually figure out that I paid for it…since I checked my finances and I was about ¥15,000 short. Luckily, I did pay for it. I had thought that I hadn’t, and then not paid for the taxi. That would have been bad, but paying for it makes it okay. It would have been terrible if I hadn’t have paid or helped pay for some of it…I know I’ve done that before and it sucks. I figure paying for it is the least I can do for making them have to listen to my terrible singing. I did it gaijin style. Poor Japanese people - gaijin style was probably new for them. They probably had no idea what was going on at all. But we were all drunk, so it’s okay. Really, really drunk.

That was Friday, Saturday I went to buy tickets for a bus to Tokyo with a friend. I misunderstood one thing and the ticket guy got rather…cranky(?) with us. It was probably one of the worst experiences I’ve had with service here. From there, the friend and I went to Starbucks, had some coffee, and then left for cheap food. We suddenly met up with another friend at a soup restaurant, talked there for a while, and then headed for the cheap food in question. It was pretty good – not the best, but that’s okay. After our feast, two of us went to Yodobashi to look at computers…and other things. We eventually ended up in the games/toy section (because it’s the only natural course of action, really), and we tried to find him a sexy game. The sexy games were found, but none that met certain requirements. I’ll leave those up to your imagination. Spent probably about ¥1,000 on stupid keychains which I love. It was completely worth it…and I kinda want more. From there, we went to buy foodstuffs for a gathering that a friend was having. We arrived late…and that kinda sucked; she was pissed off. Luckily she didn’t take it personally, and we had a good time with great food.

Sunday…my stomach hurt all day - partly nerves about not remembering the last bit of karaoke, and partly ‘cause it did. I skipped out on pantomime practice. I just couldn’t do it. I cleaned my apartment a little bit, did laundry, watched 9 episodes of a strange Japanese Drama that I’m not sure if I like or not. It wasn’t the best day, but it’ll do. Some woman came to my door and made me fill out a survey. She honestly wouldn’t take my ‘I don’t know what you mean’ as it was meant and just kept asking the questions. Did she explain? Nope, she just kinda picked an answer for me. Luckily I got out of having them come to my door again. I honestly couldn’t be buggered to use the energy it would take to figure out her questions and answer them. She gave me a crappy mechanical pencil in return for my time and energy. I’m just glad I put on pants before I opened the door. But maybe I shouldn’t have…
I felt rather disgusting for most of the day. Lately, I’ve been treating my body rather badly. Granted, I had been going to boxercise, but I had been eating pretty badly so it made my body unhappy. I kind of want to skip out on boxercise tonight, but I know I shouldn’t. I’ll enjoy it, and I know that. I guess it’ll all depend on whether my clothes are dry or not. Lately, the people at the gym (as in the staff) have been talking to me. It’s a little weird for a foreigner, but I think they talk to the other people, so it’s probably okay…just…new.

Oh man. My belt it going into my back in a rather uncomfortable fashion. It’s not really that cool with me, but it’s okay. There’s not much to do about it. I can’t get rid of the belt, and I probably should stay at my desk.

Ahh, I can’t work up the energy to go to boxercise tonight. I know I’ll like it, but getting there might be a problem. Oh well. On a good note, I all but got told to come into work at about 9 tomorrow. Whoo-hoo - an extra hour of sleep that isn’t at work. Unfortunately the rest of the days there are meetings so I must come in on time. I think I’m going to grab some takoyaki and/or okonomiyaki from the store tonight and then get some comics and spend the night inside…although I should go to the gym. Perhaps I will. Who knows. It really isn’t too terribly important…I’ve just got about 42 minutes left at work and I ran out of things to do before I got here this morning.

I did go to boxercise. Again, it was amazing. Had some takoyaki; wasn't that good. Got told not to show up for work until about 9 tomorrow, so I shall. I gets to sleep 'til 8 - whoo hooooo!