Okay, they sound similar enough, don't they? Also, if one of these days I get possessed, it's really not my fault! I'd probably just laugh when I woke up and found out. But anyway,
I forgot to post yesterday even though I didn't really do anything all day. We relaxed plenty(see I'm already speaking in plural) and slept in late. It was nice although since the house is very echo-prone I can't block out all the yelling and loud voices of the children in the morning. Oh well, it's probably better that way since I woke up to find out that I had a rather concerned email from my parents about an Earthquake that had happened near Okinawa. Well, as you can tell, I had NO idea so I managed to get on Skype around the time they requested so they could see me and know everything was fine, which it was and still is. I chatted with them for a good hour or more and then got breakfast.
Chihiro and Gakuto went to school for some event around that time so I didn't see much of them for a while. Miwa-san and Toru-san were working on things for the Salon so I decided to chill in my room like a "good anti-social" child. Well, between trying to watch Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog and playing Chrono Trigger for the like 19th run through in my life, Toru-san knocked and asked if I could help them with a picture. Ironically, he asked me in English and I got confused on what he wanted but I only realized this when I walked into the Salon and saw a photographer there. . . Nani?!
Believe me when I tell you this, I did not see this coming. I had a nearly lounge outfit on and my hair and makeup were well, lacking in the fashion sense. But SURPRISE! They asked me if I could sit down on one of the chairs in this parka thing and I became a model for about a half hour. I had to move around and do all these different poses but I was getting a "Lost in Translation" feeling when I had no idea what to do but pretend that I was a real model and all ready knew what to do... needless to say this failed and I had fits of giggles every once in a while to release the nerves and confusion. I was so confused but I did what they said and apparently these pictures will be up on the website some time soon. I was told my Toru-san to show the website to everyone when they're up so don't worry. I'll post it. But yeah, that was so far the weirdest thing that's happened to me in Japan. Well, maybe it's second to meeting this very nice old Japanese lady who taught herself amazing English through songs and had notebooks full and liked to meet foreigners and speak their languages. She was really nice but a little surprising. She was very energetic too, completely different from what I saw in the other women her age but yeah, fortunately, I had Mai ... or Ayano... with me. I want to saw Mai but at this point I forget... we were on a Train, it was probably Ayano because it was just the two of us.
Anyway, so that was the big part of yesterday, I wandered around a bit and played Mario Brothers on the Wii with Toru-san, Chihiro, and Gakuto. They're on World 8! I didn't even know what was going on! I took a walk to get some pictures of the neighborhood since I realize I've never done that so no one has a clue where I live or what it's like. The rest of the day I relaxed more with the family, chatted with Miwa-san a bit about life, what her Salon does, and guys. It was kind of amusing but then she got some customers at like 11pm and had to go take care of them. I do not know what the hours are but man, these people stay up soo late and wake up soo early I don't understand how they're still conscious! I also spent a lot of time writing that night, YAY! And eventually I got to chat with Jon and remembered, he's on Spring Break and was temporarily jealous...
Okay, today. Sunday, I woke up and felt a little bleck but had to hurry to catch the bus to get to Hirakatashi before 10:02 because that was the train I was to catch to meet up with everyone coming from the station over and had to meet with Mai and her friend Yuka but I caught my bus after fussing with what to wear for about 10 minutes because I didn't think it was too warm but not cold enough for my coat... Ugh, spring, it can be SOOO difficult sometimes... Well, I got to the station somehow before 10, I really don't get how since I forgot to plan for getting from school to the station by bus. It take more than 20 mins to get from my place to Hirakatashi eki but I made it even though I caught the bus at 9:37! It was a miracle. Unfortunately, I didn't meet up with them because I found Mai who I did not recognize at first because she wore a wig today. So confused! But we had to wait for Yuka who showed up a minute later... I had to explain to them that everyone was coming from another station so we were to meet on the train but we missed it so then it was Kyobashi, which by the time we got onto our train we missed them at Kyobashi too... FINALLY, we met them at the Osaka station before our hour train ride to Himeji! Sorry all, I've been spelling it wrong...
We managed to find everyone and catch the train and meet new people. It was fun, we found some food for lunch once we got off the train and wandered around the Famous Himeji Castle! It was really cool but sometimes difficult to get good pictures since it was soo dark and crowded. We got lots of pictures and I have plenty of fun and nice pictures! I deleted 100 of the maybe, maybe not's, so BE HAPPY! Well, we made plans to go to Namba some time soon with Mai for some serious cheap shopping! I also managed to find another used bookstore and bought one more of my series so now I'm up to 7 of the 11. Yay! I read it on the train back from Himeji and the bus back to my place. I finished it! Yahoo! I feel smart! But yeah, we got back early so I had dinner with Toru-san and the children. It was left over curry which was still oishii! They had me eating it with bread instead of rice. It was crazy but good! I hadn't thought of that before. Afterwards, we chatted and I showed some of my pictures and explained how to use anime on youtube to aid with your language studies to Toru-san. He's happy now that he can learn English while watching One Piece. I laughed.
Eventually, things wound down and I left to check what homework I had for tomorrow, did it, and started going through my pictures. I was really good today!! I even have left over chocolate I bought and shared with people today. I did forget to buy something today but hopefully, it'll work out. Tomorrow I should get my money from the school! *Crosses fingers cause she's broke* Hope that's it's sunny tomorrow for me! I don't want to spend anymore money for a while, unless I find another used bookstore because it's cheaper there!
Much love all, by the way, I changed to settings now so anyone can comment! Enjoy and be nice!
PS: I forgot to mention, don't worry I'm too far away from the water to feel the effects of a tsunami. I asked my host family. We're Okay! Love you all!
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
WAKE UP! 起きて！起きて！
So, I realize it's been a WHILE since I last posted something. Sorry to all of you who actually check this daily!
Let's see here, Tues I woke up in a daze and went to classes. I was annoyed with my speaking teacher because she made me redo a part of a hw because I forgot to switch one part that I done right everywhere else. Okay whatever, I did it. I got a last second review with my writing class since we had an in class essay on Wed. The day wasn't anything particular. I helped out some people with stuff, i.e. lent my flash drive out, got a copy of an emulator with FF1,2,4 and tactics! It wasn't big enough to get FF9. >.<* I also showed Lindsey how to use the dreaded speaking program in the Language Lab. Then I went home and finished reading my manga in Japanese and watched a couple *coughentireseason2cough* episodes of that anime to refresh myself so reading would be easier. I did study too. I studied and worked on preparing for my essay by choosing words to remember and review my kanji. But eventually, tiredness won out...
I woke up still in that daze...I really was in a daze and couldn't seem to shake it into Wednesday too. I woke up thinking it was Tuesday. Not just, thinking and oh that's right just kidding... like okay so I've got nothing in the afternoon. I can come back and take a nap! Yeah, after about 20 minutes of waking up I realized that was wrong. Thankfully, or maybe not, my Tues and Wed start at the same time. I went to those classes to take my Japanese speaking test and essay in the writing class. I've now found out I blew that test... I definitely didn't think I did that bad on it, again... reassurance this teacher hates me- she demanded exact wording in English that was for a listening part of the test. She also put something on the test we hadn't covered in this class... so let me stop there with my frustrations before I start to cry AGAIN! I'll find out about my essay tomorrow. I'm sure I did better. I had to.
But I got out of those and met my psych partner for our project again which this time I got to be the victim and might I add, I was a GOOD victim!
I had fake tears, thank you Drama club and Mr. Sableski! It made me laugh, he asked me afterward if I connected with the character at all. Not really except for both undergoing a "Mask" and identity crisis deal. So I did really WELL! Yay! We discussed the situation more and I reminded him of our hw that a lot of people had forgotten. Class was interesting and I doodled a bit more on my castle and temple. I also broke down and bought more colored pens because black, red, and pencil is depressing. So after class, I checked up with the teacher to make sure we were doing the project right. We were good but needed to focus on and compare how we travel through our questions. Well, day ended in normal chatting with Miwa-san and eating with Gakuto and Chihiro after they all got back from golf lessons. I'm getting used to it. So mid way through dinner, I asked what day it was. Surprise, it was Wednesday! Yeah, twice in the same day did I think it was Tuesday... I was going to be a bit concerned if I did it again or woke up still in it.
Thursday! I finally snapped out of it! Yay! Unfortunately, I had a rude awakening seeing my test. I wasn't the only one though so I feel a bit better. Other people cried too. Explain, how can I always know what's going on in class according to my friend and still bomb the test?
Well, after getting through my culture and life in Japan class which was kind of fun except I was still very upset about my earlier experiences, which included many other things going wrong and upsetting me. I also got very sabishii... so that made it worse. I ate lunch alone for the first time today but I found Lindsey, Danielle, and Rachel from my speaking class... they helped snap me out of it so I could go to class. I managed to stay cool by taking mad notes and solving the rubix cube during class. I made sure that he knew I was looking at him so I wasn't slacking off. I would put it in my lap so others wouldn't see and take notes when he wrote on the board and I answered questions. I chatted with Sean this afternoon about random stuff and he helped cheer me up too. I had time to kill since we weren't leaving for Book Off until after 4:30 when everyone got out of class. After a VERY long walk which involved us going to the dorms in the opposite direction, we got there. Hey, I only ended up with 1 blister! Yay! But yeah, there I found more of my manga but of the 5 I had 3 already. I mean seriously what were the odds? I could choose from 1-11 at the other place and I managed to get 3 of the one at Book Off!
Another random odds thing, while we were walking there, Lindsey kind of got a little confused on where it was so I look up and I see someone from campus- no idea what his name is but I know he speaks English and looks less intimidating than any of the business looking Japanese people around. I know I should have practiced my Japanese but I didn't even think about it. I just looked up and said, "hey do you know where Book Off is?" Seriously? He realized I was talking to him, acknowledged me, understood me, and knew where the place was. I was amused. I can pull people into existence where I am so I can get help from them. Fun! Well, I managed to get back to campus and get my bike, run into Cassie waiting at a street corner like 3 miles away for Lindsey to meet for dinner, and got home with enough time to eat dinner with the host family. They picked on me because I got the most sleep but was falling asleep. I know why I'm so tired though, I couldn't explain it without feeling bad though. So now I'm here and going to Himeiji Castle on Sunday, maybe doing Spa World on Sat... maybe not, and taking it easy tomorrow?
PS: Sorry, I know it's long but I forgot. I also hardcore cleaned and organized my room on Tuesday! I was productive! It's very easy to keep my table neat now! And I got my bank card! Unfortunately, it won't get money until the 1st of March! But yeah, I did stuff!! Oyasumi!
Let's see here, Tues I woke up in a daze and went to classes. I was annoyed with my speaking teacher because she made me redo a part of a hw because I forgot to switch one part that I done right everywhere else. Okay whatever, I did it. I got a last second review with my writing class since we had an in class essay on Wed. The day wasn't anything particular. I helped out some people with stuff, i.e. lent my flash drive out, got a copy of an emulator with FF1,2,4 and tactics! It wasn't big enough to get FF9. >.<* I also showed Lindsey how to use the dreaded speaking program in the Language Lab. Then I went home and finished reading my manga in Japanese and watched a couple *coughentireseason2cough* episodes of that anime to refresh myself so reading would be easier. I did study too. I studied and worked on preparing for my essay by choosing words to remember and review my kanji. But eventually, tiredness won out...
I woke up still in that daze...I really was in a daze and couldn't seem to shake it into Wednesday too. I woke up thinking it was Tuesday. Not just, thinking and oh that's right just kidding... like okay so I've got nothing in the afternoon. I can come back and take a nap! Yeah, after about 20 minutes of waking up I realized that was wrong. Thankfully, or maybe not, my Tues and Wed start at the same time. I went to those classes to take my Japanese speaking test and essay in the writing class. I've now found out I blew that test... I definitely didn't think I did that bad on it, again... reassurance this teacher hates me- she demanded exact wording in English that was for a listening part of the test. She also put something on the test we hadn't covered in this class... so let me stop there with my frustrations before I start to cry AGAIN! I'll find out about my essay tomorrow. I'm sure I did better. I had to.
But I got out of those and met my psych partner for our project again which this time I got to be the victim and might I add, I was a GOOD victim!
I had fake tears, thank you Drama club and Mr. Sableski! It made me laugh, he asked me afterward if I connected with the character at all. Not really except for both undergoing a "Mask" and identity crisis deal. So I did really WELL! Yay! We discussed the situation more and I reminded him of our hw that a lot of people had forgotten. Class was interesting and I doodled a bit more on my castle and temple. I also broke down and bought more colored pens because black, red, and pencil is depressing. So after class, I checked up with the teacher to make sure we were doing the project right. We were good but needed to focus on and compare how we travel through our questions. Well, day ended in normal chatting with Miwa-san and eating with Gakuto and Chihiro after they all got back from golf lessons. I'm getting used to it. So mid way through dinner, I asked what day it was. Surprise, it was Wednesday! Yeah, twice in the same day did I think it was Tuesday... I was going to be a bit concerned if I did it again or woke up still in it.
Thursday! I finally snapped out of it! Yay! Unfortunately, I had a rude awakening seeing my test. I wasn't the only one though so I feel a bit better. Other people cried too. Explain, how can I always know what's going on in class according to my friend and still bomb the test?
Well, after getting through my culture and life in Japan class which was kind of fun except I was still very upset about my earlier experiences, which included many other things going wrong and upsetting me. I also got very sabishii... so that made it worse. I ate lunch alone for the first time today but I found Lindsey, Danielle, and Rachel from my speaking class... they helped snap me out of it so I could go to class. I managed to stay cool by taking mad notes and solving the rubix cube during class. I made sure that he knew I was looking at him so I wasn't slacking off. I would put it in my lap so others wouldn't see and take notes when he wrote on the board and I answered questions. I chatted with Sean this afternoon about random stuff and he helped cheer me up too. I had time to kill since we weren't leaving for Book Off until after 4:30 when everyone got out of class. After a VERY long walk which involved us going to the dorms in the opposite direction, we got there. Hey, I only ended up with 1 blister! Yay! But yeah, there I found more of my manga but of the 5 I had 3 already. I mean seriously what were the odds? I could choose from 1-11 at the other place and I managed to get 3 of the one at Book Off!
Another random odds thing, while we were walking there, Lindsey kind of got a little confused on where it was so I look up and I see someone from campus- no idea what his name is but I know he speaks English and looks less intimidating than any of the business looking Japanese people around. I know I should have practiced my Japanese but I didn't even think about it. I just looked up and said, "hey do you know where Book Off is?" Seriously? He realized I was talking to him, acknowledged me, understood me, and knew where the place was. I was amused. I can pull people into existence where I am so I can get help from them. Fun! Well, I managed to get back to campus and get my bike, run into Cassie waiting at a street corner like 3 miles away for Lindsey to meet for dinner, and got home with enough time to eat dinner with the host family. They picked on me because I got the most sleep but was falling asleep. I know why I'm so tired though, I couldn't explain it without feeling bad though. So now I'm here and going to Himeiji Castle on Sunday, maybe doing Spa World on Sat... maybe not, and taking it easy tomorrow?
PS: Sorry, I know it's long but I forgot. I also hardcore cleaned and organized my room on Tuesday! I was productive! It's very easy to keep my table neat now! And I got my bank card! Unfortunately, it won't get money until the 1st of March! But yeah, I did stuff!! Oyasumi!
Monday, February 22, 2010
I like Reading Stuff not for SCHOOL...
... but that can still be used for educational purposes!
So, sorry みなさん!
I'm exceedingly tired again and will be going to bed right after I finish this upload so that means no new pictures uploaded yet. ごめんなさい! Well, Sat was a lot of fun contrary to how I made it sound. Sorry, that was the frustration and annoyance of my issues of the day getting to me. I was really tired! Well, I woke up and went to Nara yesterday with some friends and my Speaking partner. It was a ton of fun!! It was also kind of really expensive not nearly as bad as this upcoming weekend... *>.> I'm going to see Himeiji Castle! A CASTLE! Woo!
But yeah, Nara was fun and even after buying lots of fun and cool things in Den Den Town I managed to buy more stuff in Nara. I had pasta for lunch which was delicious. I also went to karaoke with everyone which was FUN! I wanna go forever but first, I want my old voice back... it hasn't been the same since November... I don't know what happened but it just suddenly was sore and I lost it for a while (maybe that was before then, I can't remember exactly now) but I am sad... :(
So we walked around a few temples and also pet the deer, which Nara is famous for... mwahahahaha! It was hilarious watching small children!! Then after Karaoke, we went to a bookstore so Lindsey could find a magazine... bad move! It's the land of Manga, which also means it's WAY CHEAPER! I couldn't find a bunch of things I liked that weren't more than 15 volumes long so I settled on Vampire Knight... NO JUDGING!!!
I've been reading it whenever I can and yes, it is ALL in Japanese. It helps that I know the story already but I will need to go through with a pencil and add definitions once I get over the temporary obsession. I managed to not buy all 11 of them at once!!! I only got 4 of them! I've already finished 2 now though, so I'm in trouble... I'll finish them up too quickly if I'm not careful. There's a used bookstore by the train station by campus so I think Cassie and co are going to take me sometime!! I failed miserably at getting up for club today and will continue to not go until they do afternoons/evenings. I just can't justify going so far away so early. I figure I'll get my endurance up from biking everyday to school and back so yay! Other than that, I need to desperately clean my room and I think I'll breath better at night... oops...
Well, besides me not going to club this morning, it was a normal Monday. I was slightly grumpy, I did homework, I went to classes, and had lunch with the normal people. I want to visit this store on my way home from campus that I think is a book store because I see the kanji for read and sell but I don't understand the other two. Unfortunately, I'm being a pansy and want company when I go... Oh, well. Going to bed, hope you all are well! I'd love to hear from you! Night!
PS: if you want to skype with me sometime just email me/facebook me and I'll get your name and a good time. :)
So, sorry みなさん!
I'm exceedingly tired again and will be going to bed right after I finish this upload so that means no new pictures uploaded yet. ごめんなさい! Well, Sat was a lot of fun contrary to how I made it sound. Sorry, that was the frustration and annoyance of my issues of the day getting to me. I was really tired! Well, I woke up and went to Nara yesterday with some friends and my Speaking partner. It was a ton of fun!! It was also kind of really expensive not nearly as bad as this upcoming weekend... *>.> I'm going to see Himeiji Castle! A CASTLE! Woo!
But yeah, Nara was fun and even after buying lots of fun and cool things in Den Den Town I managed to buy more stuff in Nara. I had pasta for lunch which was delicious. I also went to karaoke with everyone which was FUN! I wanna go forever but first, I want my old voice back... it hasn't been the same since November... I don't know what happened but it just suddenly was sore and I lost it for a while (maybe that was before then, I can't remember exactly now) but I am sad... :(
So we walked around a few temples and also pet the deer, which Nara is famous for... mwahahahaha! It was hilarious watching small children!! Then after Karaoke, we went to a bookstore so Lindsey could find a magazine... bad move! It's the land of Manga, which also means it's WAY CHEAPER! I couldn't find a bunch of things I liked that weren't more than 15 volumes long so I settled on Vampire Knight... NO JUDGING!!!
I've been reading it whenever I can and yes, it is ALL in Japanese. It helps that I know the story already but I will need to go through with a pencil and add definitions once I get over the temporary obsession. I managed to not buy all 11 of them at once!!! I only got 4 of them! I've already finished 2 now though, so I'm in trouble... I'll finish them up too quickly if I'm not careful. There's a used bookstore by the train station by campus so I think Cassie and co are going to take me sometime!! I failed miserably at getting up for club today and will continue to not go until they do afternoons/evenings. I just can't justify going so far away so early. I figure I'll get my endurance up from biking everyday to school and back so yay! Other than that, I need to desperately clean my room and I think I'll breath better at night... oops...
Well, besides me not going to club this morning, it was a normal Monday. I was slightly grumpy, I did homework, I went to classes, and had lunch with the normal people. I want to visit this store on my way home from campus that I think is a book store because I see the kanji for read and sell but I don't understand the other two. Unfortunately, I'm being a pansy and want company when I go... Oh, well. Going to bed, hope you all are well! I'd love to hear from you! Night!
PS: if you want to skype with me sometime just email me/facebook me and I'll get your name and a good time. :)
Saturday, February 20, 2010
UGH Anime CRAZINESS
A good way to describe how I'm feeling right now was put as my facebook status: Katie B has had an incredible long weekend and it's only Saturday... She's passed out from sleep deprivation once, freaked out multiple times, gotten lost too many times to count, thought she broke her bike, and has to get up super early tomorrow to talk to family so she can go to Nara at 10. Oh yeah, forgot club starts Monday... so I have to be up and moving by 6:15 at the latest 3 days a week... I'm going to bed now.
I love you all but I've been up too late and up too early too many times and now it's going to get worse. We'll see how long I last before I crap out.
On a side note, Den Den Town was fun and cool and crazy and a little creepy as expected. I spent less than $20 there so I'm proud! That includes my dinner! I didn't get really any pictures because they don't like it when you do that for obvious reasons but I got some later to put up. Sorry all, I am going to bed now.
PS: I forgot to mention, I know have something on my phone! I have a little Miroku who has the look of, "I'm so not up to something but I really am!" Tonight, I almost bought a bar of chocolate. I didn't and I quote "I'm going to regret not buying this." So true...
I love you all but I've been up too late and up too early too many times and now it's going to get worse. We'll see how long I last before I crap out.
On a side note, Den Den Town was fun and cool and crazy and a little creepy as expected. I spent less than $20 there so I'm proud! That includes my dinner! I didn't get really any pictures because they don't like it when you do that for obvious reasons but I got some later to put up. Sorry all, I am going to bed now.
PS: I forgot to mention, I know have something on my phone! I have a little Miroku who has the look of, "I'm so not up to something but I really am!" Tonight, I almost bought a bar of chocolate. I didn't and I quote "I'm going to regret not buying this." So true...
Friday, February 19, 2010
Unexpectedly Tired
Well, I managed to get through today:
rode my bike to school again,
took my test and survived another boring level 3,
but rather than return home to take a nap...
I ran into people and hung out until lunch doing homework,
got lunch, lent someone my flash drive so they could finish hw, found another person who distracted myself and a friend for about an hour, helped someone with learning programs, waited while said person finished using the program, then fled to my bike to return home.
Upon arriving in my room, I collapsed onto my futon and passed out for about 2 hours. At some point, I crawled under a blanket as my room was easily 50^F and apparently, Miwa-san noted my passed out state and closed my door so I could hear less of the children downstairs.
That was fun and unexpected... I must have been really tired to fall asleep and risk getting frostbite in my own room. I'm supposed to be going to Den Den Town tomorrow after skyping for a bit so hopefully I can manage to get the cheap way and be on time this time! Well, I'm going to get back to my コナン-くん! ^_^*
rode my bike to school again,
took my test and survived another boring level 3,
but rather than return home to take a nap...
I ran into people and hung out until lunch doing homework,
got lunch, lent someone my flash drive so they could finish hw, found another person who distracted myself and a friend for about an hour, helped someone with learning programs, waited while said person finished using the program, then fled to my bike to return home.
Upon arriving in my room, I collapsed onto my futon and passed out for about 2 hours. At some point, I crawled under a blanket as my room was easily 50^F and apparently, Miwa-san noted my passed out state and closed my door so I could hear less of the children downstairs.
That was fun and unexpected... I must have been really tired to fall asleep and risk getting frostbite in my own room. I'm supposed to be going to Den Den Town tomorrow after skyping for a bit so hopefully I can manage to get the cheap way and be on time this time! Well, I'm going to get back to my コナン-くん! ^_^*
Thursday, February 18, 2010
名探偵！ JK Just yuumei!
I know, I know. I'm a bad person. It's sooo late but I'm still awake and let me tell you, I definitely wasn't studying! Ooops... Sorry Conan-kun's fault!!!
But a funny note that I forgot to mention earlier, so apparently I'm famous in the neighborhood. I had a crowd of children follow me home the other day and they just smiled and stared... I heard them mumbling something about "eigo" "English" while they were hiding behind some bushes. Kind of silly and weird but I thought it was funny. I rode my bike to school today and didn't die! I also made it in great timing! I'm going to definitely do it again, it's way too expensive the other way... I mean unless it's raining all day... I don't do slippery roads with fast moving cars on a bike. I'm not suicidal! Thank you!
Well, got a test tomorrow so I better get some sleep!
But a funny note that I forgot to mention earlier, so apparently I'm famous in the neighborhood. I had a crowd of children follow me home the other day and they just smiled and stared... I heard them mumbling something about "eigo" "English" while they were hiding behind some bushes. Kind of silly and weird but I thought it was funny. I rode my bike to school today and didn't die! I also made it in great timing! I'm going to definitely do it again, it's way too expensive the other way... I mean unless it's raining all day... I don't do slippery roads with fast moving cars on a bike. I'm not suicidal! Thank you!
Well, got a test tomorrow so I better get some sleep!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
What was for breakfast? Ah! Rice! That's right!
So I think my constant state of sleepiness has now affected my memory as I forgot about my homework last night and nearly managed to repeat the offense for a different class tonight. I was going to bed early... but now, I have to make up a set of interview questions! At least I have an idea to go on and a guide... it won't be too bad.
I was told that I seem to be updating too often with too much detail. If that's the case, just read what you want to. If my memory is going, I'd like to recall these events later. :P
I chickened out of biking again today but tomorrow! I will bike! I ran out of excuses, I start the latest tomorrow, have my bike registration all taken care of, and it should be sunny! Actually that last one is a lie, I have no idea but my bus ticket is running out of money and I'm tired of paying so much. I don't like spending this kind of money everyday! It only gets me places, not things that are pretty or tasty!
I met with my psy partner today and frankly, I think we had a better conversation outside of the role-play than during. 変、ね？ Oh well, next time will be better I'm sure. Hopefully, we'll get something a little easier to relate too. I had to take laughing breaks because things were so forced and awkward. But I tried writing in a story last night, wasn't too successful. I ended up spazzing and freaking out about how I'll never get it finished, anything finished, it's not good enough, I'm not cut out for it. Of course, now I look at it like... really? What happened? I came to Japan and became a pansy? だめ！ぜったいだめ！ How's that going to help me write and finish anything? Sorry, I guess my mental state's been a little unstable since I arrived here. I'm still getting the hang of this so bare with me, おねがいします！
I guess there are perks to being in a review class. I know pretty much everything. The tests will be easy, along with the homework, and if I inconveniently forget we're having a vocab quiz, I can probably still ace it since odds are in my favor for me having already learned most of the words. ^_^*
Well, I'm going to write up those questions and see what I can do about sleeping. It sounds wonderful right now, and I'll need to get used to going to bed way earlier for the next few weeks. Otherwise, I'll be worse than EVER! I am NOT a morning person. End of Story!
おわり！
I was told that I seem to be updating too often with too much detail. If that's the case, just read what you want to. If my memory is going, I'd like to recall these events later. :P
I chickened out of biking again today but tomorrow! I will bike! I ran out of excuses, I start the latest tomorrow, have my bike registration all taken care of, and it should be sunny! Actually that last one is a lie, I have no idea but my bus ticket is running out of money and I'm tired of paying so much. I don't like spending this kind of money everyday! It only gets me places, not things that are pretty or tasty!
I met with my psy partner today and frankly, I think we had a better conversation outside of the role-play than during. 変、ね？ Oh well, next time will be better I'm sure. Hopefully, we'll get something a little easier to relate too. I had to take laughing breaks because things were so forced and awkward. But I tried writing in a story last night, wasn't too successful. I ended up spazzing and freaking out about how I'll never get it finished, anything finished, it's not good enough, I'm not cut out for it. Of course, now I look at it like... really? What happened? I came to Japan and became a pansy? だめ！ぜったいだめ！ How's that going to help me write and finish anything? Sorry, I guess my mental state's been a little unstable since I arrived here. I'm still getting the hang of this so bare with me, おねがいします！
I guess there are perks to being in a review class. I know pretty much everything. The tests will be easy, along with the homework, and if I inconveniently forget we're having a vocab quiz, I can probably still ace it since odds are in my favor for me having already learned most of the words. ^_^*
Well, I'm going to write up those questions and see what I can do about sleeping. It sounds wonderful right now, and I'll need to get used to going to bed way earlier for the next few weeks. Otherwise, I'll be worse than EVER! I am NOT a morning person. End of Story!
おわり！
Monday, February 15, 2010
Lived Another Day- Barely
It rained today. I'm still alive and in one piece!
So, I just finished my homework and man am I tired. I had a pretty quiet day except for stressing out over a stupid speaking program the school has us use. It has a few bugs to work out of it still... or else it was just my computer... which would have been my luck.
I have been getting lots of ideas about my main story from high school, kind of random since most of the ideas come from my Anthro and Psych classes. Oh well... I got lunch with Cassie, Lindsey, Lauren, and Will. I had more chocolate than I expected again. I bought a chocolate croissant because it looked delicious, then I saw my lovely big ball of dough and chocolate chips. Without thinking I'd be really full, I just took both... Oops. >.> It was a REALLY stressful morning. That homework should not have taken my nearly that long! I had already WRITTEN down ALL the answers so it was legitimately the program failing! Then Lauren made me chocolate and gave it to me at lunch. They were soo good. I'm glad I never can get sick of Chocolate! I can get sick from it but not of it! ^_^
Although, I might have to take it easy on that since my new club hasn't started yet. It's nothing special. It's kind of a social sport again but that's fine. I'll be getting lots of exercise with biking to school everyday anyway. My eye has been bugging me for a couple days already, hopefully it gets better quick because it hurts! I'm going to go to bed early since 1 it may help, 2 I was up so late last night being silly and uploading a new video to facebook and 3 because I just want to sleep. If I play Chrono Trigger, I'll be up forever even if I only play to the time-jump. That's how I'm trying to break it up. Every time I play I have to stop at the next time jump until I get control of them, then I'll have to readjust the plan since I'll be able to control when and where... If I write in my stories, I'll get bored and it'll be forced and I'll go to bed anyway or the opposite will happen and that'll be bad, kind of. I could practice more Japanese but I've already done all my homework for tomorrow and my brain has turned off for the night.
I'm chatting with Ashley tomorrow, so yay! I might be a little late since I realize I get out of class at 12:50. I do need to stop by the book store, conbini, and a 100 yen store some time soon. Oh well, I only have an hour to do stuff at school. If it doesn't rain tomorrow, there might be injuries! Wait for the update and pray that nothing happens!
Oh and I had raw fish on top of rice and nori for dinner and this other tasty thing that I can never remember the name of. It know this thing sounds like sushi but it was big slices and everything was in a big bowl. It was unnerving but おいしい！
おやすみ！ Night!
So, I just finished my homework and man am I tired. I had a pretty quiet day except for stressing out over a stupid speaking program the school has us use. It has a few bugs to work out of it still... or else it was just my computer... which would have been my luck.
I have been getting lots of ideas about my main story from high school, kind of random since most of the ideas come from my Anthro and Psych classes. Oh well... I got lunch with Cassie, Lindsey, Lauren, and Will. I had more chocolate than I expected again. I bought a chocolate croissant because it looked delicious, then I saw my lovely big ball of dough and chocolate chips. Without thinking I'd be really full, I just took both... Oops. >.> It was a REALLY stressful morning. That homework should not have taken my nearly that long! I had already WRITTEN down ALL the answers so it was legitimately the program failing! Then Lauren made me chocolate and gave it to me at lunch. They were soo good. I'm glad I never can get sick of Chocolate! I can get sick from it but not of it! ^_^
Although, I might have to take it easy on that since my new club hasn't started yet. It's nothing special. It's kind of a social sport again but that's fine. I'll be getting lots of exercise with biking to school everyday anyway. My eye has been bugging me for a couple days already, hopefully it gets better quick because it hurts! I'm going to go to bed early since 1 it may help, 2 I was up so late last night being silly and uploading a new video to facebook and 3 because I just want to sleep. If I play Chrono Trigger, I'll be up forever even if I only play to the time-jump. That's how I'm trying to break it up. Every time I play I have to stop at the next time jump until I get control of them, then I'll have to readjust the plan since I'll be able to control when and where... If I write in my stories, I'll get bored and it'll be forced and I'll go to bed anyway or the opposite will happen and that'll be bad, kind of. I could practice more Japanese but I've already done all my homework for tomorrow and my brain has turned off for the night.
I'm chatting with Ashley tomorrow, so yay! I might be a little late since I realize I get out of class at 12:50. I do need to stop by the book store, conbini, and a 100 yen store some time soon. Oh well, I only have an hour to do stuff at school. If it doesn't rain tomorrow, there might be injuries! Wait for the update and pray that nothing happens!
Oh and I had raw fish on top of rice and nori for dinner and this other tasty thing that I can never remember the name of. It know this thing sounds like sushi but it was big slices and everything was in a big bowl. It was unnerving but おいしい！
おやすみ！ Night!
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Okinomi-ughy
Yesterday and today were ... fun.
After missing my train because I was chatting with someone, I waited around for the next one. It's really not that hard to figure out where you're going and what you need to wait for... and I met up with Ayano and her friend Miho at Kyobashi where we rode to Osaka together. That was fun. We went to a few different shops and looked at puzzles and other sorts of things. I got 3 pairs of socks because I think some of mine are going missing, only the pair that have holes in them though... >.> <.<*
But these new ones are fun and cute and were about the same price as if I were to buy 3 in the States, so good deal-kind of. I got a pair of toe socks in that assortment too. It's been so long since I've worn any that it's rather disconcerting. I keep thinking, what is touching...oh, nevermind. But they are cute. After getting back from Osaka, I found my way in the dark home from the station and proceeded to eat something creamy and potato-y with rice. It was とても おいしい！ But yeah, I chatted with a certain someone late into the night for me and I did manage to finish my only book I brought with me. Ironically, my friends all know the series and I found this for $1 at half-price books. I really like it and am thinking about hunting down the others, it's called Dragonsinger. Again, sing is in the name. I swear! I always choose them that way! But, yeah. I stayed up too late last night and slept in a little too late today... like 11:30.
Oddly enough, when I woke up I left really dizzy and disoriented but it happened before I even sat up. Maybe it was because I switched directions before I went to bed, so I was sleeping with my head on the opposite side of the bed. I don't know.
But today, I did a bit of house keeping and tidied up a few things, opened my window to let the room air out a bit because it is SO dusty in here- that's probably because I constantly have my heater running and I have a higher portion of the room that appears to never get use or cleaning. But I had lunch with Toru and the kids then they went out and I decided to be up to something but got distracted from it by Chrono Trigger! Yes, I did. I know. It's lame that I'm playing video games in Japan but I was going threw withdrawal so I played it through to right before being put on trial. Then I realized it was getting late in the afternoon so I went to visit people at the Seminar house. I like being able to visit them but I hate the restrictions put on the visitors. I cannot even sit in the dining room and chat/watch people make food. I cannot use the computers so if like today, I show up and no one I know is there yet I have to find someplace to sit and wait. Real nice, right? I'm sure someone before me did something stupid and now we're all paying for it... AGAIN, but other than being left alone for a large portion of the day because I was limited to few places, it wasn't entirely a lonely Valentine's Day. I ate a lot of chocolate and am paying for it now. Oops. Japan can be really lonely sometimes. I mean, not like it's me being super personal but I get that feeling a lot. They isolate a lot of people.
Anyway,
I rode my bike today to the seminar house! I only nearly died like 6 times so that's not too bad. A bus went whizzing past me and I almost fell into the ditch on the side of the road that smells of sewage. I ran my handle bars into the side of a metal building and made an atrocious noise but I did make it and in pretty good time. The way home was scarier since I couldn't figure out how to turn on my bike light and remember where to turn to get back home since the normal bus route is SUPER あぶない！ I found out from Miwa when I got back. We had a lovely conversation and watched a bit of crazy Japanese game shows and I returned to my room to update and work on homework and mischief before chatting with Mom and Dad at 11. Yay! I'm finished now! Hopefully, I don't die by bike tomorrow!
Night!
PS: I had okinomiyaki today for dinner which Lindsey and Cassie made for me. Thank you-it was おいしい！ On a side note, I hate FBchat because it demands your computer's attention and changes the location of where you are typing to an unspecified place so nothing is written. It's stupid and need to get fixed before they do any more stupid changes to FB. I can guess my mother is now clueless on how to use Facebook...
Oh, well.
After missing my train because I was chatting with someone, I waited around for the next one. It's really not that hard to figure out where you're going and what you need to wait for... and I met up with Ayano and her friend Miho at Kyobashi where we rode to Osaka together. That was fun. We went to a few different shops and looked at puzzles and other sorts of things. I got 3 pairs of socks because I think some of mine are going missing, only the pair that have holes in them though... >.> <.<*
But these new ones are fun and cute and were about the same price as if I were to buy 3 in the States, so good deal-kind of. I got a pair of toe socks in that assortment too. It's been so long since I've worn any that it's rather disconcerting. I keep thinking, what is touching...oh, nevermind. But they are cute. After getting back from Osaka, I found my way in the dark home from the station and proceeded to eat something creamy and potato-y with rice. It was とても おいしい！ But yeah, I chatted with a certain someone late into the night for me and I did manage to finish my only book I brought with me. Ironically, my friends all know the series and I found this for $1 at half-price books. I really like it and am thinking about hunting down the others, it's called Dragonsinger. Again, sing is in the name. I swear! I always choose them that way! But, yeah. I stayed up too late last night and slept in a little too late today... like 11:30.
Oddly enough, when I woke up I left really dizzy and disoriented but it happened before I even sat up. Maybe it was because I switched directions before I went to bed, so I was sleeping with my head on the opposite side of the bed. I don't know.
But today, I did a bit of house keeping and tidied up a few things, opened my window to let the room air out a bit because it is SO dusty in here- that's probably because I constantly have my heater running and I have a higher portion of the room that appears to never get use or cleaning. But I had lunch with Toru and the kids then they went out and I decided to be up to something but got distracted from it by Chrono Trigger! Yes, I did. I know. It's lame that I'm playing video games in Japan but I was going threw withdrawal so I played it through to right before being put on trial. Then I realized it was getting late in the afternoon so I went to visit people at the Seminar house. I like being able to visit them but I hate the restrictions put on the visitors. I cannot even sit in the dining room and chat/watch people make food. I cannot use the computers so if like today, I show up and no one I know is there yet I have to find someplace to sit and wait. Real nice, right? I'm sure someone before me did something stupid and now we're all paying for it... AGAIN, but other than being left alone for a large portion of the day because I was limited to few places, it wasn't entirely a lonely Valentine's Day. I ate a lot of chocolate and am paying for it now. Oops. Japan can be really lonely sometimes. I mean, not like it's me being super personal but I get that feeling a lot. They isolate a lot of people.
Anyway,
I rode my bike today to the seminar house! I only nearly died like 6 times so that's not too bad. A bus went whizzing past me and I almost fell into the ditch on the side of the road that smells of sewage. I ran my handle bars into the side of a metal building and made an atrocious noise but I did make it and in pretty good time. The way home was scarier since I couldn't figure out how to turn on my bike light and remember where to turn to get back home since the normal bus route is SUPER あぶない！ I found out from Miwa when I got back. We had a lovely conversation and watched a bit of crazy Japanese game shows and I returned to my room to update and work on homework and mischief before chatting with Mom and Dad at 11. Yay! I'm finished now! Hopefully, I don't die by bike tomorrow!
Night!
PS: I had okinomiyaki today for dinner which Lindsey and Cassie made for me. Thank you-it was おいしい！ On a side note, I hate FBchat because it demands your computer's attention and changes the location of where you are typing to an unspecified place so nothing is written. It's stupid and need to get fixed before they do any more stupid changes to FB. I can guess my mother is now clueless on how to use Facebook...
Oh, well.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Whoosh!
So, I know I didn't post last night but really, give a girl a break! It was a long, hard day and I did try one last time but to no avail. Now it's over, I can't switch but I still refuse to purchase a worthless book and not be able to sell it back! That's okay, I've already figured it out.
But yeah, I took a more artistic approach to campus as I wandered around, not knowing what to do. I explored a little, which made me feel more like KATIE! I wish there was a better place I could do that though... we'll see because now I have a BIKE!
I had asked Toru-san about it yesterday so we went out this morning and found the shortcut through this park to campus so it's possible I can do it in 25 mins or less. Yay! It's a little small for me but it can't be perfect and it has a basket so I can put my purse in it. Now I just need to figure out how to maneuver campus with it. I can only go in so many places... oh well, I'll leave a little earlier.
Miwa and Chihiro have been making Valentine's Day chocolates and caramel all of yesterday and today. It's really cute and I got some pictures although I didn't get the finished product yet... I probably better hurry.
Chihiro and Gakuto and I played Zombies again yesterday and I helped Chihiro with her math homework. Don't worry, it's only double digit multiplication and I can double check my work with my phone. It's not cheating, it's triple checking! But I forgot to get money out of the bank yesterday on campus so hopefully, when I get to Osaka I can find an ATM that works with my card. Otherwise I won't be buying stuff... or food. I'm seriously broke except Toru-san is lending me his train pass that will let me get to Osaka for FREE if I take the JR line! Woohoo! It ends today so I think that's why he's okay with lending it to me. But I was bowing and thanking him.
I'm currently waiting to talk to Jon after Dining Out, I feel bad that I had to miss it... Sorry Love! I promise I'll go with you next year! No matter what's going on!
Well, I'm going to snap a few more pictures before I upload them while I wait. I need to leave for Fujisaka-station by 12:30 so hurry!
But yeah, I took a more artistic approach to campus as I wandered around, not knowing what to do. I explored a little, which made me feel more like KATIE! I wish there was a better place I could do that though... we'll see because now I have a BIKE!
I had asked Toru-san about it yesterday so we went out this morning and found the shortcut through this park to campus so it's possible I can do it in 25 mins or less. Yay! It's a little small for me but it can't be perfect and it has a basket so I can put my purse in it. Now I just need to figure out how to maneuver campus with it. I can only go in so many places... oh well, I'll leave a little earlier.
Miwa and Chihiro have been making Valentine's Day chocolates and caramel all of yesterday and today. It's really cute and I got some pictures although I didn't get the finished product yet... I probably better hurry.
Chihiro and Gakuto and I played Zombies again yesterday and I helped Chihiro with her math homework. Don't worry, it's only double digit multiplication and I can double check my work with my phone. It's not cheating, it's triple checking! But I forgot to get money out of the bank yesterday on campus so hopefully, when I get to Osaka I can find an ATM that works with my card. Otherwise I won't be buying stuff... or food. I'm seriously broke except Toru-san is lending me his train pass that will let me get to Osaka for FREE if I take the JR line! Woohoo! It ends today so I think that's why he's okay with lending it to me. But I was bowing and thanking him.
I'm currently waiting to talk to Jon after Dining Out, I feel bad that I had to miss it... Sorry Love! I promise I'll go with you next year! No matter what's going on!
Well, I'm going to snap a few more pictures before I upload them while I wait. I need to leave for Fujisaka-station by 12:30 so hurry!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
It's raining Pennies!
Random Fact: Did you know most places won't accept 1 yen or 5 yen pieces? That's worth more than 1 penny or 5 respectively... I don't know what to do with all the ones I've collected!
So today was interesting...
I woke up early enough to chat with Jon, Yay! Then he wanted to meet my host family well, he got his wish sort of. Chihiro and Gakuto came bursting in and they messed around/showed off while I was chatting with him until I told them I needed to get ready to go. We had lunch together, it was Pizza of all things! Crazy! But yeah, then I was trying to collect my stuff when they were practically chasing me out the door. We were going to play, I guess. Well, fortunately I took everything I needed for the day because we walked up to a group of children and a Mom and of course, I fumbled with my Japanese and spoke with her until her friend came. Then we all chatted while the children went to play and they asked me where I was going and I explained to the seminar houses but I didn't know which bus to get on. So they took me to the bus stop and we talked more until the bus came. They spoke about as much English as Chihiro and Gakuto, maybe... But it was really nice of them to wait with me since I had like 15 minutes... holiday so less buses. Ooops.
Well, I ended up getting off at the intersection with the Hiwajima Pachinko place and walked the rest of the way to the seminar house. It wasn't a bad walk just lonely... I'm not used to walking that far without my friends there to chat with me. But I made it and got in and hung out while the girls went out to buy stuff for dinner, which was Curry and garlic bread-DELICIOUS! But yeah, eventually, I thought of inviting Keck-san only to forget he didn't live in Seminar House 2 anymore... and by the time I realized it, 1 it was pouring down rain, 2 he was on his way there and 3 I apparently spoke commanding when I messaged him. SORRY!
So he came and hung out with Lindsey, Lauren, Cassie and I and later Danielle and her roommate. It was fun but he was soaked when he got there. I managed to avoid the rain until I left.
Anyway, we watched Coraline, cool but CREEPY! So I'm temporarily afraid of buttons... just the ones that look like the ones from the movie though... but yeah, then they made dinner, we ate and watched some things on Youtube and then Keck-san and I left to get to the bus stop. It wasn't really raining at all but I managed to forget where my stop was and passed it. I realized this later when I came to the next one- very far away and in a sketchy, unlit area... needless to say I wasn't waiting there for a bus by myself, so I went to the next one another several blocks down. That was better lit but seeing the timing of the bus, I didn't want to wait there and I thought I was closer than I really was. Wooops!
I walked forever again until I came to this next bus stop and realized I had a long way still and decided to wait the 5 minutes for the bus to come. Thankfully, the buses here are on time! Since that bus was only coming at the 05 and 31 and it was 10:27 at this point. That's a long time to wait and I wouldn't have had the patience... as shone in the beginning part of the story. So I got on the bus and got off where I should and got home safely! Yay! Then I had to explain my story to Miwa-san and then Toru-san when he stepped out of his meeting. They then explained to me there was another bus I could've taken to some place close(I did happen to see that bus too...) and were in awe that I walked as much as I did- simply because it was expensive.
In any case, Toru-san and I are going to figure out the bike path to campus on Saturday morning before I got to Hirakata Station to go to Osaka with Ayano at 1.
I also found out that the Osaka Castle is being worked on in March- well, finishing up the work for the next 5 years and I want to see the outside before I leave here! Therefore, I'm looking for people to go with but Sat is bad for me because of my Osaka trip, which is when Lindsey is going. I'm hoping to rope in Mai to take me some weekend before it closes. *crosses fingers*
Keck-san also told me that because I hate being in the level 3 class so much I should try one last time to ask if I can be in the level 4 class. My fighting spirit has died but he brings up a valid point. I absolutely hate sitting in that class. I don't want to be the person who drags the class along when they don't get something or won't speak. Sorry, I want to be challenged! We'll see if I muster up enough courage and logical Japanese to formulate a coherent argument. We shall see. Since I've got such a busy day tomorrow, I'd better be off!
Night!
So today was interesting...
I woke up early enough to chat with Jon, Yay! Then he wanted to meet my host family well, he got his wish sort of. Chihiro and Gakuto came bursting in and they messed around/showed off while I was chatting with him until I told them I needed to get ready to go. We had lunch together, it was Pizza of all things! Crazy! But yeah, then I was trying to collect my stuff when they were practically chasing me out the door. We were going to play, I guess. Well, fortunately I took everything I needed for the day because we walked up to a group of children and a Mom and of course, I fumbled with my Japanese and spoke with her until her friend came. Then we all chatted while the children went to play and they asked me where I was going and I explained to the seminar houses but I didn't know which bus to get on. So they took me to the bus stop and we talked more until the bus came. They spoke about as much English as Chihiro and Gakuto, maybe... But it was really nice of them to wait with me since I had like 15 minutes... holiday so less buses. Ooops.
Well, I ended up getting off at the intersection with the Hiwajima Pachinko place and walked the rest of the way to the seminar house. It wasn't a bad walk just lonely... I'm not used to walking that far without my friends there to chat with me. But I made it and got in and hung out while the girls went out to buy stuff for dinner, which was Curry and garlic bread-DELICIOUS! But yeah, eventually, I thought of inviting Keck-san only to forget he didn't live in Seminar House 2 anymore... and by the time I realized it, 1 it was pouring down rain, 2 he was on his way there and 3 I apparently spoke commanding when I messaged him. SORRY!
So he came and hung out with Lindsey, Lauren, Cassie and I and later Danielle and her roommate. It was fun but he was soaked when he got there. I managed to avoid the rain until I left.
Anyway, we watched Coraline, cool but CREEPY! So I'm temporarily afraid of buttons... just the ones that look like the ones from the movie though... but yeah, then they made dinner, we ate and watched some things on Youtube and then Keck-san and I left to get to the bus stop. It wasn't really raining at all but I managed to forget where my stop was and passed it. I realized this later when I came to the next one- very far away and in a sketchy, unlit area... needless to say I wasn't waiting there for a bus by myself, so I went to the next one another several blocks down. That was better lit but seeing the timing of the bus, I didn't want to wait there and I thought I was closer than I really was. Wooops!
I walked forever again until I came to this next bus stop and realized I had a long way still and decided to wait the 5 minutes for the bus to come. Thankfully, the buses here are on time! Since that bus was only coming at the 05 and 31 and it was 10:27 at this point. That's a long time to wait and I wouldn't have had the patience... as shone in the beginning part of the story. So I got on the bus and got off where I should and got home safely! Yay! Then I had to explain my story to Miwa-san and then Toru-san when he stepped out of his meeting. They then explained to me there was another bus I could've taken to some place close(I did happen to see that bus too...) and were in awe that I walked as much as I did- simply because it was expensive.
In any case, Toru-san and I are going to figure out the bike path to campus on Saturday morning before I got to Hirakata Station to go to Osaka with Ayano at 1.
I also found out that the Osaka Castle is being worked on in March- well, finishing up the work for the next 5 years and I want to see the outside before I leave here! Therefore, I'm looking for people to go with but Sat is bad for me because of my Osaka trip, which is when Lindsey is going. I'm hoping to rope in Mai to take me some weekend before it closes. *crosses fingers*
Keck-san also told me that because I hate being in the level 3 class so much I should try one last time to ask if I can be in the level 4 class. My fighting spirit has died but he brings up a valid point. I absolutely hate sitting in that class. I don't want to be the person who drags the class along when they don't get something or won't speak. Sorry, I want to be challenged! We'll see if I muster up enough courage and logical Japanese to formulate a coherent argument. We shall see. Since I've got such a busy day tomorrow, I'd better be off!
Night!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Everything will be all right at last...
The title is actually something on Gakuto's shirt yesterday but I figure it works since I couldn't think of anything else for today. Well, it's 10:10pm on Wednesday night... what I would normally doing would be dancing like mad with fun people. Unfortunately, I'm sitting in my room in Japan knowing I just spent the last half hour doing homework... actually, it was a half hour before Chihiro and Gakuto came in and wanted to play before they went to bed. So it was an hour ago but still. It was fun but not the normal fun...
I still haven't found any cool swing dancing places, not that I know where to begin in this search. I feel kind of intimidated to ask people if they know of any this's or that's. I have to get over this little fear.
My day started off with me thinking I had over slept when Chihiro came into the room to check on me. I went downstairs for breakfast and well, those two were there and this little clock said "9:40"... I was like WHAT?!?!?! I have class at 10 and a 20 min bus ride! So, I started sprinting around and swallowing food whole when I was in the bathroom and noticed another clock that said "8:40"... I was like "chotto matte!" "Chihiro!! Ima nanji ka?" She replied 8:40... then I pointed at the wrong clock and asked WHY? She didn't know so I gave up and finished getting ready. Apparently they didn't have school today and don't have it the rest of the week... JEALOUS! I mean, I don't have class tomorrow and I just finished Friday's homework but I do have stuff for Monday that I can't do unless I'm on campus, so I better remember to do that on Friday after my lunch with Mai-first speaking partner.
I also might be going to another flea market with Lauren- we shall see since I have to get that homework finished... We were going to go to the bath house together tomorrow but since it's Foundation Day- oops, everything's closed! Except my host parents' jobs... taihen... oh well. I'm going to the Seminar house for the first time since they picked me up and never brought me back! Lindsey is making curry for dinner so we're invited! Yay!
I also found out that whatever happens, my classes will count so long as I get a C or higher. That's a laugh. I've never gotten lower than an A in Japanese and this class is all review since my vocab wasn't sufficient enough for them. *cough cough* snobs*cough cough* Oh well, I might be able to not buy the books too since you can't sell them back at all. I'll just photocopy the pages I need before I give my borrowed book back. It'll be expensive but cheaper than actually buying either book!
I also have my partner for my Psychotherapy project for Psych! Yay! I'm excited! We get to role play! I ended up with this guy, Alex, from the bus ride from Itami airport. He's cool, I run into him a lot randomly and since he's in my psy class we get to chat every once in a while. This will be fun!
Well, since I had that meeting after I went to class I got back really late and no one was home. I found a note from Chihiro that because it was Wed, they have golf lessons and would be back by 7:30 so I just messed around and worked on stuff until they got back. We had sweetened rice, egg, and salmon eggs with some other kind of regular non-fish eggs fish. I can now say I've had fish eggs... it's a little hen for me... Although it was hilarious to hear Chihiro saying she was eating Nemo... I laughed. I forgot to mention I had onigiri for breakfast and I went with Cass to finish my Gaijin card application so everything's good there and we managed to find our way by ourselves! I was so proud! We bought bus/train passes since that's draining my change/yen in my wallet fast so I'm constantly needing to get more out. It costs the same but I'm not fumbling around for enough change now. I'm going to ask about a bike tomorrow... Cass also told me about a used book store near Hirakata station where she bought 4 books for $10. I was excited. We ran out of time between classes to go there so instead we found a bus and decided we would be each others' Valentines since mine are so far away and she doesn't have any. We are also going to buy each other chocolate so on White Day we also get more- it's an obligation chocolate! Aren't we too smart for ourselves? ;P
Well, other than that I've been in a writing mood if I don't get too tired or distracted by music/anime. I'm out!
PS: I totally waited for it to save and clicked another button and it went away, I almost freaked out about losing it all again until I noticed it was saved under a draft! Shoo! *wipes brow* Sorry, I don't know if I would've rewritten it...
I still haven't found any cool swing dancing places, not that I know where to begin in this search. I feel kind of intimidated to ask people if they know of any this's or that's. I have to get over this little fear.
My day started off with me thinking I had over slept when Chihiro came into the room to check on me. I went downstairs for breakfast and well, those two were there and this little clock said "9:40"... I was like WHAT?!?!?! I have class at 10 and a 20 min bus ride! So, I started sprinting around and swallowing food whole when I was in the bathroom and noticed another clock that said "8:40"... I was like "chotto matte!" "Chihiro!! Ima nanji ka?" She replied 8:40... then I pointed at the wrong clock and asked WHY? She didn't know so I gave up and finished getting ready. Apparently they didn't have school today and don't have it the rest of the week... JEALOUS! I mean, I don't have class tomorrow and I just finished Friday's homework but I do have stuff for Monday that I can't do unless I'm on campus, so I better remember to do that on Friday after my lunch with Mai-first speaking partner.
I also might be going to another flea market with Lauren- we shall see since I have to get that homework finished... We were going to go to the bath house together tomorrow but since it's Foundation Day- oops, everything's closed! Except my host parents' jobs... taihen... oh well. I'm going to the Seminar house for the first time since they picked me up and never brought me back! Lindsey is making curry for dinner so we're invited! Yay!
I also found out that whatever happens, my classes will count so long as I get a C or higher. That's a laugh. I've never gotten lower than an A in Japanese and this class is all review since my vocab wasn't sufficient enough for them. *cough cough* snobs*cough cough* Oh well, I might be able to not buy the books too since you can't sell them back at all. I'll just photocopy the pages I need before I give my borrowed book back. It'll be expensive but cheaper than actually buying either book!
I also have my partner for my Psychotherapy project for Psych! Yay! I'm excited! We get to role play! I ended up with this guy, Alex, from the bus ride from Itami airport. He's cool, I run into him a lot randomly and since he's in my psy class we get to chat every once in a while. This will be fun!
Well, since I had that meeting after I went to class I got back really late and no one was home. I found a note from Chihiro that because it was Wed, they have golf lessons and would be back by 7:30 so I just messed around and worked on stuff until they got back. We had sweetened rice, egg, and salmon eggs with some other kind of regular non-fish eggs fish. I can now say I've had fish eggs... it's a little hen for me... Although it was hilarious to hear Chihiro saying she was eating Nemo... I laughed. I forgot to mention I had onigiri for breakfast and I went with Cass to finish my Gaijin card application so everything's good there and we managed to find our way by ourselves! I was so proud! We bought bus/train passes since that's draining my change/yen in my wallet fast so I'm constantly needing to get more out. It costs the same but I'm not fumbling around for enough change now. I'm going to ask about a bike tomorrow... Cass also told me about a used book store near Hirakata station where she bought 4 books for $10. I was excited. We ran out of time between classes to go there so instead we found a bus and decided we would be each others' Valentines since mine are so far away and she doesn't have any. We are also going to buy each other chocolate so on White Day we also get more- it's an obligation chocolate! Aren't we too smart for ourselves? ;P
Well, other than that I've been in a writing mood if I don't get too tired or distracted by music/anime. I'm out!
PS: I totally waited for it to save and clicked another button and it went away, I almost freaked out about losing it all again until I noticed it was saved under a draft! Shoo! *wipes brow* Sorry, I don't know if I would've rewritten it...
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
頭が痛い! (Atama ga itai!)
Hey all,
I have a really bad headache right now and I've actually had it for a while so I'm going to try to crash early tonight. I only have 2 more days of school this week. It was wonderfully warm out today and I found out I was 10 pts off from being in level 4. I consider that very close since on one question I didn't know the word novel and he took 4 pts off for that. I saw the test, I got .5 for a perfect sentence minus one word... If it came down to it, I could argue my way in but my drive has nearly died at this point.
I found out my Department head at home is saying that if I get a good grade in level 3 then it can count. I'm not so sure about all of this but so long as I leave Japan with my minor completed, then I will be satisfied. I still won't be able to take level 3 serious but if it counts and I can't move then there's nothing else to do.
I went to get my Alien Registration all filled out with Miwa-san and co but at first we got there and forgot my papers. Then we got back and got to the guy and realized we forgot the pictures too. So I have to go back tomorrow and finish it up between classes. Mou...
Miwa-san bought us taiyaki so I have better pictures and they were good even though they weren't from a sketchy, white, unmarked van parked on the side of a busy road. She made fried shrimp for dinner with rice and cabbage salad. This almond sesame seed salad dressing is good.
Since there's no school on Thursday, some of us girls were thinking about going to an Onsen- a public bath. I had a blonde moment before I realized what that entailed. I'm still kind of okay with it but we're not sure if we're going. It's either there or with the guys to the Osaka Aquarium. Well, videos are up on Facebook and I think I put up more pictures too but I can't remember. I'm going to go shower and hit bed. Night.
PS: I fell asleep in the ofuro... that's embarrassing... And I forgot to mention that I showed up to my SPJ class level 3 having studied the wrong vocab chapter so with 3 minutes before quiz time I scanned over the correct vocab and managed to get a 100% or I'm pretty sure that's what I got after we went over it out loud... yeah, I shouldn't be able to do that and be in a class that supposedly "challenges" me... *rolls eyes and falls into bed*
I have a really bad headache right now and I've actually had it for a while so I'm going to try to crash early tonight. I only have 2 more days of school this week. It was wonderfully warm out today and I found out I was 10 pts off from being in level 4. I consider that very close since on one question I didn't know the word novel and he took 4 pts off for that. I saw the test, I got .5 for a perfect sentence minus one word... If it came down to it, I could argue my way in but my drive has nearly died at this point.
I found out my Department head at home is saying that if I get a good grade in level 3 then it can count. I'm not so sure about all of this but so long as I leave Japan with my minor completed, then I will be satisfied. I still won't be able to take level 3 serious but if it counts and I can't move then there's nothing else to do.
I went to get my Alien Registration all filled out with Miwa-san and co but at first we got there and forgot my papers. Then we got back and got to the guy and realized we forgot the pictures too. So I have to go back tomorrow and finish it up between classes. Mou...
Miwa-san bought us taiyaki so I have better pictures and they were good even though they weren't from a sketchy, white, unmarked van parked on the side of a busy road. She made fried shrimp for dinner with rice and cabbage salad. This almond sesame seed salad dressing is good.
Since there's no school on Thursday, some of us girls were thinking about going to an Onsen- a public bath. I had a blonde moment before I realized what that entailed. I'm still kind of okay with it but we're not sure if we're going. It's either there or with the guys to the Osaka Aquarium. Well, videos are up on Facebook and I think I put up more pictures too but I can't remember. I'm going to go shower and hit bed. Night.
PS: I fell asleep in the ofuro... that's embarrassing... And I forgot to mention that I showed up to my SPJ class level 3 having studied the wrong vocab chapter so with 3 minutes before quiz time I scanned over the correct vocab and managed to get a 100% or I'm pretty sure that's what I got after we went over it out loud... yeah, I shouldn't be able to do that and be in a class that supposedly "challenges" me... *rolls eyes and falls into bed*
Monday, February 8, 2010
Raindrops on Roses
So... it's a really weird feeling when I've finished all my homework and managed to study vocab cards and watch 3 episodes of an anime... I'm awake but I feel like I should be tired and I feel like it should be later than it really is. This is very strange to me.
Well, my day started off okay in the aspect of I had a warm breakfast, caught a bus, got to school early enough to find out we had a quiz on some vocab in the first period... Don't worry, I'm the master at short term memorization! Down side is that only about half of it is still in my head. I had about 10 mins to find the words and study them, which is better off than some people. Unfortunately it was over Transitive and Intransitive verbs again...
I swear if I have to explain it one more time in Japanese class in English to the class, I might just blow a gear. Needless to say, I probably aced the quiz and felt like my skin was being pulled off my body in every direction as I sat there repeating every short phrase she said and had to drag the class forward by their toe nails. Please, shoot me now!
I showed up to the level 4 class just to ask if I could see my test since I got to see my level 3 but the professor just told me to stay in level 3 and with that I had to bite my lip to manage to walk out of there with any dignity at all. He wouldn't even SHOW me it. I will see that test! If they still have it... Who would've guessed the reason I didn't do fantastic on the level 3 was because I didn't know the vocab from this text book. Hah, I haven't been saying that from the beginning and yet, I tried to remedy it. I even did well on the listening portion and that's saying something since it's me and my listening comprehension confidence is nearly none existent.
I managed to vent to some people earlier in the day so that made me feel a bit better, at least to the point where I could be in public without getting looks for having pink, puffy eyes. I hate that my tear ducts are connected to anger, frustration, and disappointment versus actually being sad... I'm not kidding, I don't usually cry when I think I'm supposed to. I'm waiting on some emails from Miami to help me out but again, I'm still waiting...
I just refuse to go through all the effort and spend the money to get to Japan just to leave here without my minor completed. I'm sorry that's BS. Every second of my life I spend sitting in that level 3 class, I feel as though someone is drilling into my temple and unraveling my brain out except the hole is too small so it's being forced out and stretched out farther than it should be possible. Did I mention, I feel dumber sitting in there and I'm pretty sure I'll lose interest in things I've already learned?
Anyway, I could go on about that for hours but I don't want to dwell on the anger, hatred, and frustration I've been experiencing/attempting to not redirect at innocent people.
So after managing to get to the cafeteria by myself and realizing my phone was dying so I couldn't call anyone, I got some food and sat down in the middle of a long table. About 5 minutes later, a huge group of high schoolers who had just finished taking their college entrance exams came rushing in. Me feeling rather antisocial and still remotely pissed off, kept my head down and ate my food. In no time two male high schoolers sat down in front of me and pulled out their food. I have to say it made me laugh because I pretended not to notice them like everyone who sits by him/herself, but it was difficult when I can overhear part of their conversation in Japanese talking about "say something" "I don't know" "You wanted to practice" "How do I say that in English." Immediately, I realize what's going on and then one of the starts talking to me.
He said that they had just finished their test and wanted to practice more of their English. Since I was currently pissed off about Japanese classes, I was perfectly content with not speaking Japanese. So I humored them. There were lots of long awkward pauses that sometimes I would break, sometimes the talkative one would break. It was funny. I can honestly say, I've never had that happen to me before. They asked me where I was from and what sports I played and general questions like that and I asked them the same but I did point out that one of them seemed shy, which sent the talkative one into a long description of how he's not really shy when he's with his girlfriend and how she's coming to take the test tomorrow and he's going to help her study, etc. He claimed he wasn't embarrassed after having his friend divulge all of that but facial expressions are fairly universal. Fortunately, I had class soon after we all finished our meals so that they didn't feel obligated to continue to talk to me in English. It was entertaining to me and put me in a better mood so that was nice. I got something out of it besides a funny story. At the very end before I left, I asked them what their names were and if I partially recall one was "Yagai" but I was supposed to call him "Michi" and the other shy one was "Shioyuki" or something along those lines. I don't know about Michi though since they both snickered when he mentioned it. Silly high schoolers...
Either way, I had my Anthro class afterwards and it was fairly interesting except I kept falling asleep because 1. I was physically tired, 2. I was emotionally tired, 3. it was ridiculously hot in that room, 4. the professor can be a bit of a boring speaker, and 5. it was right after lunch. Food COMA! But I was really trying to stay awake, which is more than I can say for the girl 3 seats down from me, face flat on her desk and out. When I say I was falling asleep I mean I did the head bobs. We only have his class once this week though, because Thursday is Foundation Day so no school! Hopefully I'll be better next week, I'm sure I will because I will take appropriate measures. Then, I got to my favorite class: My Cross-Cultural Psych. I swear I should have been a psych major... I might get a real job if I had. Plus, a good psychologist is a good listener. I can do that, among other things... But that class was enjoyable and it was fun realizing how balanced I was and ironic some of my answers seemed to be given my other answers and my culture.
Afterwards, I ran into my old roommate from the seminar houses who is in my level 3 class and reconfirmed that I had homework in it, which I forgot to make a copy of because I'm not using the page out of my friend's book. He might need it some day! So, I have to do that before class tomorrow and do the homework but again... it's easy and stuff I've already done twice! So that reawakened my annoyance for that class and made me stomp off to the bus stop (hence I forgot to make the copy). But yeah, I ran into Lauren at my bus stop so I chatted with her a bit and heard how she tried to apply for her alien registration card today but got lost with the map the university gave her, which is apparently completely wrong according to local Japanese people. So yeah, she got lost and by the time she got there, it was closed of course. I was glad to see some familiar and friendly faces then before hopping on the bus home. You know the bike ride is looking better and better if only the weather would get warmer.
But I came home, still slightly soured from the day and messed around on the computer a bit, then began my homework when Chihiro-chan came to visit and wanted to play. I did manage to finish my worksheet before giving in. I had music playing so we danced a bit, had a breath holding competition in which I managed 1 minute and 10 seconds. Woohoo! My new record! We also played with my new pretty things and of course, took more pictures. It was fun and she went downstairs for a bit saying that she'd be back. But after about 10 minutes I realized something was up, so I finished up looking at my vocab for one of my quizzes tomorrow and ventured downstairs.
Surprise! Miwa-san was making Takoyaki. And no, there is nothing Taco- about it. Think okinomiyaki with Octopus in it and in little ball shapes. It was oishii! For all of you who don't know what okinomiyaki is, I took pictures too. My first time eating octopus, I believe. Kind of chewy but tasty. I was also super hungry! So I watched her make that for a while and then we ate, and she went to pick up Toru-san and we made more while she was out so they would have something when they got back. I went over more review cards afterwards, but then came upstairs after everyone went their separate ways. I started looking up new musical artists from the tv shows they watch when I saw a amv for Tokyo Mew Mew and I had to watch a couple. So I did and well, here I am. I figure I'll go over my vocab another few times and head to bed soon. Maybe I'll get more pictures up. Maybe not! I haven't heard any guesses except from Kimmy about what I bought!
Oh well, I'll talk to you all later!
~Me
Well, my day started off okay in the aspect of I had a warm breakfast, caught a bus, got to school early enough to find out we had a quiz on some vocab in the first period... Don't worry, I'm the master at short term memorization! Down side is that only about half of it is still in my head. I had about 10 mins to find the words and study them, which is better off than some people. Unfortunately it was over Transitive and Intransitive verbs again...
I swear if I have to explain it one more time in Japanese class in English to the class, I might just blow a gear. Needless to say, I probably aced the quiz and felt like my skin was being pulled off my body in every direction as I sat there repeating every short phrase she said and had to drag the class forward by their toe nails. Please, shoot me now!
I showed up to the level 4 class just to ask if I could see my test since I got to see my level 3 but the professor just told me to stay in level 3 and with that I had to bite my lip to manage to walk out of there with any dignity at all. He wouldn't even SHOW me it. I will see that test! If they still have it... Who would've guessed the reason I didn't do fantastic on the level 3 was because I didn't know the vocab from this text book. Hah, I haven't been saying that from the beginning and yet, I tried to remedy it. I even did well on the listening portion and that's saying something since it's me and my listening comprehension confidence is nearly none existent.
I managed to vent to some people earlier in the day so that made me feel a bit better, at least to the point where I could be in public without getting looks for having pink, puffy eyes. I hate that my tear ducts are connected to anger, frustration, and disappointment versus actually being sad... I'm not kidding, I don't usually cry when I think I'm supposed to. I'm waiting on some emails from Miami to help me out but again, I'm still waiting...
I just refuse to go through all the effort and spend the money to get to Japan just to leave here without my minor completed. I'm sorry that's BS. Every second of my life I spend sitting in that level 3 class, I feel as though someone is drilling into my temple and unraveling my brain out except the hole is too small so it's being forced out and stretched out farther than it should be possible. Did I mention, I feel dumber sitting in there and I'm pretty sure I'll lose interest in things I've already learned?
Anyway, I could go on about that for hours but I don't want to dwell on the anger, hatred, and frustration I've been experiencing/attempting to not redirect at innocent people.
So after managing to get to the cafeteria by myself and realizing my phone was dying so I couldn't call anyone, I got some food and sat down in the middle of a long table. About 5 minutes later, a huge group of high schoolers who had just finished taking their college entrance exams came rushing in. Me feeling rather antisocial and still remotely pissed off, kept my head down and ate my food. In no time two male high schoolers sat down in front of me and pulled out their food. I have to say it made me laugh because I pretended not to notice them like everyone who sits by him/herself, but it was difficult when I can overhear part of their conversation in Japanese talking about "say something" "I don't know" "You wanted to practice" "How do I say that in English." Immediately, I realize what's going on and then one of the starts talking to me.
He said that they had just finished their test and wanted to practice more of their English. Since I was currently pissed off about Japanese classes, I was perfectly content with not speaking Japanese. So I humored them. There were lots of long awkward pauses that sometimes I would break, sometimes the talkative one would break. It was funny. I can honestly say, I've never had that happen to me before. They asked me where I was from and what sports I played and general questions like that and I asked them the same but I did point out that one of them seemed shy, which sent the talkative one into a long description of how he's not really shy when he's with his girlfriend and how she's coming to take the test tomorrow and he's going to help her study, etc. He claimed he wasn't embarrassed after having his friend divulge all of that but facial expressions are fairly universal. Fortunately, I had class soon after we all finished our meals so that they didn't feel obligated to continue to talk to me in English. It was entertaining to me and put me in a better mood so that was nice. I got something out of it besides a funny story. At the very end before I left, I asked them what their names were and if I partially recall one was "Yagai" but I was supposed to call him "Michi" and the other shy one was "Shioyuki" or something along those lines. I don't know about Michi though since they both snickered when he mentioned it. Silly high schoolers...
Either way, I had my Anthro class afterwards and it was fairly interesting except I kept falling asleep because 1. I was physically tired, 2. I was emotionally tired, 3. it was ridiculously hot in that room, 4. the professor can be a bit of a boring speaker, and 5. it was right after lunch. Food COMA! But I was really trying to stay awake, which is more than I can say for the girl 3 seats down from me, face flat on her desk and out. When I say I was falling asleep I mean I did the head bobs. We only have his class once this week though, because Thursday is Foundation Day so no school! Hopefully I'll be better next week, I'm sure I will because I will take appropriate measures. Then, I got to my favorite class: My Cross-Cultural Psych. I swear I should have been a psych major... I might get a real job if I had. Plus, a good psychologist is a good listener. I can do that, among other things... But that class was enjoyable and it was fun realizing how balanced I was and ironic some of my answers seemed to be given my other answers and my culture.
Afterwards, I ran into my old roommate from the seminar houses who is in my level 3 class and reconfirmed that I had homework in it, which I forgot to make a copy of because I'm not using the page out of my friend's book. He might need it some day! So, I have to do that before class tomorrow and do the homework but again... it's easy and stuff I've already done twice! So that reawakened my annoyance for that class and made me stomp off to the bus stop (hence I forgot to make the copy). But yeah, I ran into Lauren at my bus stop so I chatted with her a bit and heard how she tried to apply for her alien registration card today but got lost with the map the university gave her, which is apparently completely wrong according to local Japanese people. So yeah, she got lost and by the time she got there, it was closed of course. I was glad to see some familiar and friendly faces then before hopping on the bus home. You know the bike ride is looking better and better if only the weather would get warmer.
But I came home, still slightly soured from the day and messed around on the computer a bit, then began my homework when Chihiro-chan came to visit and wanted to play. I did manage to finish my worksheet before giving in. I had music playing so we danced a bit, had a breath holding competition in which I managed 1 minute and 10 seconds. Woohoo! My new record! We also played with my new pretty things and of course, took more pictures. It was fun and she went downstairs for a bit saying that she'd be back. But after about 10 minutes I realized something was up, so I finished up looking at my vocab for one of my quizzes tomorrow and ventured downstairs.
Surprise! Miwa-san was making Takoyaki. And no, there is nothing Taco- about it. Think okinomiyaki with Octopus in it and in little ball shapes. It was oishii! For all of you who don't know what okinomiyaki is, I took pictures too. My first time eating octopus, I believe. Kind of chewy but tasty. I was also super hungry! So I watched her make that for a while and then we ate, and she went to pick up Toru-san and we made more while she was out so they would have something when they got back. I went over more review cards afterwards, but then came upstairs after everyone went their separate ways. I started looking up new musical artists from the tv shows they watch when I saw a amv for Tokyo Mew Mew and I had to watch a couple. So I did and well, here I am. I figure I'll go over my vocab another few times and head to bed soon. Maybe I'll get more pictures up. Maybe not! I haven't heard any guesses except from Kimmy about what I bought!
Oh well, I'll talk to you all later!
~Me
Sunday, February 7, 2010
First Weekend Homestay
Okay, First weekend with a host family and it wasn't too bad aside from things outside of their control. I. E. My disappointing results from the japanese language tests... I've already got a back up plan- downside is I don't want to use it... and me getting lost by myself at Hirakata Station for about 45 minutes before I managed to figure out where to go and then actually get there.
I'm not saying it was a bad weekend by any stretch of the imagination. I got to talk to people on Skype including my parents, which made me very happy. I was able to watch a fair bit of anime and oddly enough, it reminded me of home. I hung out with Chihiro-chan and Gakuto quite a bit and we played and I have lots of pictures of them now, which I will upload later. I also went to Toji Temple to attend a flea market. So cool! So much old stuff, it was crazy! Needless to say, I finally broke down and bought something that I didn't see as a necessity but really, really wanted. I actually ended up getting 3 things and it totally out to 1800 yen, which I did the math and ended up being about $16.38. I was pretty proud of myself although, I wasn't able to barter at all but that's okay... I'm not very good at that anyway... *>.> <.<* *^-^* v.v*
I'll give you a couple hints:
it's sometimes light and sometimes not,
depending on the wearer.
It's made very large for those very small,
and no, they made no error.
Many holes exist in this design,
but only two are made for limbs.
A week of going full out in these
and you won't be needing any gyms.
Give me a break: I tried! It's not very good but I'm tired! Still! I definitely didn't sleep much this weekend so let's remedy that now!
Again, pictures: later. Videos: remind me later! Feeling like you've been robbed after checking your bank account after your first two weeks in Japan: Definitely NOT Priceless!
I mean: I did have to buy a phone and a phone card and books and pens, a pencil, two notebooks, a folder, food, traveling to and from school, more food, paying to get to school from the airport, paying my bills at school in cash... it is expensive here...
I really need to man up and bike to school... I know the way now... I just need to not be afraid to ride with all the crazy drivers on the left side of the road of main streets and make sure I always have my bike registration on me and get my bike a parking pass...
I give up! Bed!
I'm not saying it was a bad weekend by any stretch of the imagination. I got to talk to people on Skype including my parents, which made me very happy. I was able to watch a fair bit of anime and oddly enough, it reminded me of home. I hung out with Chihiro-chan and Gakuto quite a bit and we played and I have lots of pictures of them now, which I will upload later. I also went to Toji Temple to attend a flea market. So cool! So much old stuff, it was crazy! Needless to say, I finally broke down and bought something that I didn't see as a necessity but really, really wanted. I actually ended up getting 3 things and it totally out to 1800 yen, which I did the math and ended up being about $16.38. I was pretty proud of myself although, I wasn't able to barter at all but that's okay... I'm not very good at that anyway... *>.> <.<* *^-^* v.v*
I'll give you a couple hints:
it's sometimes light and sometimes not,
depending on the wearer.
It's made very large for those very small,
and no, they made no error.
Many holes exist in this design,
but only two are made for limbs.
A week of going full out in these
and you won't be needing any gyms.
Give me a break: I tried! It's not very good but I'm tired! Still! I definitely didn't sleep much this weekend so let's remedy that now!
Again, pictures: later. Videos: remind me later! Feeling like you've been robbed after checking your bank account after your first two weeks in Japan: Definitely NOT Priceless!
I mean: I did have to buy a phone and a phone card and books and pens, a pencil, two notebooks, a folder, food, traveling to and from school, more food, paying to get to school from the airport, paying my bills at school in cash... it is expensive here...
I really need to man up and bike to school... I know the way now... I just need to not be afraid to ride with all the crazy drivers on the left side of the road of main streets and make sure I always have my bike registration on me and get my bike a parking pass...
I give up! Bed!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Ordinary Days
So, I've got an early start on my homework which is a good thing since I have so much studying to do for classes tomorrow and I have 3 again and they're early! I haven't written anything lately because 1. I've been exhausted and wanted sleep more, 2. no one's been hounding me, and 3. because the days were fairly ordinary. I've had an ofuro, which by the way, I want in my house! I've had my laundry done which seems strange since I didn't help do it at all. I have been doing homework and catching buses and going to class. I seem to do well in my level 4 speaking, it feels much better for me than 3 since I've already learned it and the challenge level isn't high enough for me. Sure, my speaking ability isn't that great but the reading and writing part is decent. I need to do well tomorrow!
It been fun. I can all ready tell my speaking ability has gotten better. The most obvious way to tell is that I'm speaking more and able to communicate better with my host family: especially the people who don't know much English. It's been fun, running into people and meeting new people. It's weird going to class knowing I'll speak more English there than at home... we celebrated a little bit of Setsubun yesterday but since Toru-san didn't come home for dinner from work, I think we held off. Chihiro-chan and Gakuto are cute as always and silly as any 8 and 9 year old would be. I think after this week I'll be able to sleep more and better because I won't be stressing about these tests and needing to memorize an obscene amount of information. I'm not sure how enthusiastic I am about my Culture and Everyday Life class but I definitely like my Psy class. Miwa-san painted my names to practice more before she opens her nail salon. They're pretty but pink... I guess they're in season since they've got hearts on them too. I forgive her because she doesn't know I don't like pink but it's funny seeing it on my hands. It doesn't seem to fit the rest of my persona. -_-*
I think I've... nope, I know I've worn a hole in my pajama pants... uh oh... I'll have to figure out how to sew it closed. >.<
I've made a lot of plans lately- I've met both my speaking partners and have more plans with them. I'm chatting with people from home on Friday and Saturday. I'm going to a flea market in Kyoto on Sunday, getting my alien registration taken care of on Tuesday with Miwa-san, and going to Nara with Mai and hopefully some friends! It'll be fun! Mai is like a more asian version of Kimmy without the benefits. I think that's a fair assessment. I mean Kimmy's not from Asia so I'm not being mean or anything. It's some of the personality and energy. Oh and I just finished making plans to go with Ayano to Osaka to go shopping too! I actually haven't bought many crazy Japanese things yet, it's basically been food and transportation and school stuff.
In case you didn't know, it's expensive to live here.
But yeah, I think this is good for now. I'm going to continue with my homework and study!
It been fun. I can all ready tell my speaking ability has gotten better. The most obvious way to tell is that I'm speaking more and able to communicate better with my host family: especially the people who don't know much English. It's been fun, running into people and meeting new people. It's weird going to class knowing I'll speak more English there than at home... we celebrated a little bit of Setsubun yesterday but since Toru-san didn't come home for dinner from work, I think we held off. Chihiro-chan and Gakuto are cute as always and silly as any 8 and 9 year old would be. I think after this week I'll be able to sleep more and better because I won't be stressing about these tests and needing to memorize an obscene amount of information. I'm not sure how enthusiastic I am about my Culture and Everyday Life class but I definitely like my Psy class. Miwa-san painted my names to practice more before she opens her nail salon. They're pretty but pink... I guess they're in season since they've got hearts on them too. I forgive her because she doesn't know I don't like pink but it's funny seeing it on my hands. It doesn't seem to fit the rest of my persona. -_-*
I think I've... nope, I know I've worn a hole in my pajama pants... uh oh... I'll have to figure out how to sew it closed. >.<
I've made a lot of plans lately- I've met both my speaking partners and have more plans with them. I'm chatting with people from home on Friday and Saturday. I'm going to a flea market in Kyoto on Sunday, getting my alien registration taken care of on Tuesday with Miwa-san, and going to Nara with Mai and hopefully some friends! It'll be fun! Mai is like a more asian version of Kimmy without the benefits. I think that's a fair assessment. I mean Kimmy's not from Asia so I'm not being mean or anything. It's some of the personality and energy. Oh and I just finished making plans to go with Ayano to Osaka to go shopping too! I actually haven't bought many crazy Japanese things yet, it's basically been food and transportation and school stuff.
In case you didn't know, it's expensive to live here.
But yeah, I think this is good for now. I'm going to continue with my homework and study!
Monday, February 1, 2010
Nani? 3 & 4?
So today I had the biggest headache I've ever had! ALL DAY!
I didn't sleep very well last night, partially because I went to bed so late and partially because I was a light sleeper and was scared I'd miss my alarm, bus, class, etc. Of course, I don't sleep enough and am exhausted all day.
I make it plenty early for my Japanese class- about 40 mins early... oops. So I just sat around for a bit and checked my mail. I went to class and saw that I had already learned everything in there and everything we were going to learn. Crap! So I asked the teacher if I could move up and she set up an appointment with me at 4:30. I successfully participated in class and only was a little bit nervous speaking in front of everyone. I need to get better about that quickly.
So I had nothing afterwards and luckily found Lindsey and Cassie and we wandered to the bookstore for a bit where I got money and bought a grammar dictionary for Japanese. It WILL be useful. I then remembered I had a meeting with my second speaking partner at 11, not 12... So I ran to meet her and got there early again. We chatted for about 2 hours over lunch with her friend and someone from my Japanese class but my brain was fried and exhausted so my Japanese was in shambles. Complete Shambles... I was also falling asleep and had 2 classes afterwards.
Well, the Anthro class sounds fun and so does the psych but hopefully, I'll be more mentally conscious for them. I made friends with a German guy who's in both of them with me and this other girl who's from Kansas. After going through the intro's for both classes, I was faced yet again with the imminent danger of speaking in Japanese to my professor and hopefully sounding coherent enough to get her stamp of approval to attend a level 4 class. Somehow I managed it, even though I was all over the place mixing up how to form causative, potential and something else which I cannot even remember right now. Not bad for extreme mental exhaustion. So now I've got to get up for another 9 am and basically go to 4 Japanese classes in the morning, maybe 3. My sensei wants me to ask the other RWJ sensei about level 4 too for kanji... KOWAII. I didn't ask for that but we'll see what happens tomorrow.
My afternoon is pretty much free afterwards though because I don't have class Tues or Fri afternoons. It's nice. I am going to meet my first speaking partner so hopefully, I manage better after going through 3/4 Japanese classes and already seeing a speaking partner. We shall see.
Oh, Gakuto was taken to the doctor today because he's still sick. I think he's okay though since they (Toru-san & Miwa-san) came back and seemed fine. He spoke to me today so maybe he is feeling better. It was just Chihiro-chan and I for dinner and we practiced some Japanese and English and watched Fairy Tales(?) some crazy anime that actually looks interesting. I made some flashcards for review and got to have my first use of the o-furo! It was really relaxing and soo cool! I want one in my house! It almost made my headache go away. Speaking of that. I'm going to bed now.
oyasumi!
I didn't sleep very well last night, partially because I went to bed so late and partially because I was a light sleeper and was scared I'd miss my alarm, bus, class, etc. Of course, I don't sleep enough and am exhausted all day.
I make it plenty early for my Japanese class- about 40 mins early... oops. So I just sat around for a bit and checked my mail. I went to class and saw that I had already learned everything in there and everything we were going to learn. Crap! So I asked the teacher if I could move up and she set up an appointment with me at 4:30. I successfully participated in class and only was a little bit nervous speaking in front of everyone. I need to get better about that quickly.
So I had nothing afterwards and luckily found Lindsey and Cassie and we wandered to the bookstore for a bit where I got money and bought a grammar dictionary for Japanese. It WILL be useful. I then remembered I had a meeting with my second speaking partner at 11, not 12... So I ran to meet her and got there early again. We chatted for about 2 hours over lunch with her friend and someone from my Japanese class but my brain was fried and exhausted so my Japanese was in shambles. Complete Shambles... I was also falling asleep and had 2 classes afterwards.
Well, the Anthro class sounds fun and so does the psych but hopefully, I'll be more mentally conscious for them. I made friends with a German guy who's in both of them with me and this other girl who's from Kansas. After going through the intro's for both classes, I was faced yet again with the imminent danger of speaking in Japanese to my professor and hopefully sounding coherent enough to get her stamp of approval to attend a level 4 class. Somehow I managed it, even though I was all over the place mixing up how to form causative, potential and something else which I cannot even remember right now. Not bad for extreme mental exhaustion. So now I've got to get up for another 9 am and basically go to 4 Japanese classes in the morning, maybe 3. My sensei wants me to ask the other RWJ sensei about level 4 too for kanji... KOWAII. I didn't ask for that but we'll see what happens tomorrow.
My afternoon is pretty much free afterwards though because I don't have class Tues or Fri afternoons. It's nice. I am going to meet my first speaking partner so hopefully, I manage better after going through 3/4 Japanese classes and already seeing a speaking partner. We shall see.
Oh, Gakuto was taken to the doctor today because he's still sick. I think he's okay though since they (Toru-san & Miwa-san) came back and seemed fine. He spoke to me today so maybe he is feeling better. It was just Chihiro-chan and I for dinner and we practiced some Japanese and English and watched Fairy Tales(?) some crazy anime that actually looks interesting. I made some flashcards for review and got to have my first use of the o-furo! It was really relaxing and soo cool! I want one in my house! It almost made my headache go away. Speaking of that. I'm going to bed now.
oyasumi!
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