Steph in Japan ステフで日本

Bookends

2007-04-30T11:20:00.000-07:00

It took a while but here it is. I made a video to commemorate the ending of my time in Japan. Makes me want to cry.

Steph Part 二

2007-04-25T13:52:00.000-07:00

Since I'm not in Japan anymore and I won't be returning any known time I thought Steph in Japan wasn't an appropriate title for my blog; therefore, I have made a new blog, Steph Part 二. So ya, this one will be an archive of my time in Japan. I'll only be making new posts on the new blog so no need to keep checking this one. Ya, I have no idea how to end this post... I guess, thanks for reading and keep on reading!

さくら Sakura

2007-04-23T17:49:00.000-07:00

A few pictures I took of the sakura (cherry blossoms) this season. They were so beautiful! Hope you enjoy it. (^^)

Being Home

2007-04-20T00:33:00.000-07:00

So far being home has been great. Yesterday I went to service and we had a great time playing a game that was a weird, but fun, mix of dodge ball and sherades... We had balls of socks to throw at each other and when we were hit with a sock we took it and sat down. Then when it was our turn we acted out the scene that was stuffed inside our particular ball of socks. It was quite a lot of fun. My favorite scene was "You are trapped in an elevator with a hungry pit bull, and he is starting to look at you funny!".

Today I went with Sasha to her Japanese class where I was able to visit with my Japanese teacher who actually took me to Japan for the first time last June as well as some friends from class and that trip. It was good times. I felt a little retarded when I couldn't answer some of the questions but that's okay...

After that we took a little trip to Grand Ave. downtown and went to His Place coffee shop that my church runs. Took a little walk around Grand after getting out drinks and ended up at a magic shop where we were filmed as an audience of two for this guy doing magic tricks. He calls himself Smoothini, the Ghetto Houdini. It was interesting and fun. Apparently this guy lived in Okinawa doing his magic for three years. No matter where I go Japan will always follow me! I'm okay with that.

Enough with the text, time for some pictures!

The other team for Dodgeball/Sherades. We won!

My Sasha being gansta

Alicia, Lauren and Chante with their Oreos.

Nick. He's a lot bigger than the last time I say him...

At Palomar with my "Choose Me!" notebook from the 100 yen shop

His Place Coffee House

Me with Smoothini and the magic shop owner

It's so nice to be home!

Bubba Pup

2007-04-20T00:07:00.000-07:00

We have a new puppy! He is so cute! Just see for yourself...

Isn't he the cutest?! We (my family) came by him because a friend of the family, mainly my sister, found a bull terrier at a gas station and took her home. She ended up being pregnant and having seven puppies. Then this friend joined the Army and went away to boot camp last Monday so we now have baby Bubba, the runt of the litter. Yes Bubbs, my sister named him... Anyway, he is beautiful and cute and sweet. Not exactly potty trained but we're working on that. We're still not exactly sure on his future with us but one thing is for sure: he's not leaving without a fight! (^_^)

Home Again!

2007-04-18T23:49:00.000-07:00

Yes it is true... I'm HOME!

My flight went well. I actually got some semblance of sleep and watched a few good movies, Blood Diamonds and The Holiday. First an informative, intense movie about conflict in Africa and then a happy-go-lucky chick flick. Go figure. Only in America, right? (>.>)...(<.<)...(>.>)

Being able to see my family and friends was amazing. I'm still running on an Oh My Gosh I'm Home! high. Soon to wear out I'm sure. My body is already telling me to get some sleep so I think I'll follow its advice. Usually turns out to be the best advice to follow. So now, sleep...(-_-)zzz...

One More Day

2007-04-16T07:34:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I was just kidding about the whole picture thing... I had a full day today with my last final (yes!) and then Shinjuku where Kimi, Matt and I had a little Starbucks before we saw Kimi off on her bus to Fukuoka. It was a sad time but we will see each other again soon.

Tomorrow is my last full day in Japan and it will be a busy one. I still have to repack my suitcases while trying to see everyone to say good-bye. I think I will most likely cry in the next few days. If not tomorrow then while I'm boarding the plane I'm sure. I still haven't fully processed everything yet. Oy... We'll see how it all goes.

Last Sunday

2007-04-15T05:41:00.000-07:00

Today was my last Sunday in Japan and it was great. I got to see most everyone and get pictures and some cool gifts and cards. Geigy got Mister Donut too! \(^_^)/ Woohoo! We (Kimi and I) also got a very generous money gift that made my day. I lead worship for both services and it went well. After service Kimi and I went to dinner with Jeremiah and Geigy and their family. It was a great day and I'm glad it went the way it did seeing as it was my last Sunday in Japan. *sigh* Only 3 more days!

I'll post some pictures tomorrow.

Good times

2007-04-13T01:05:00.000-07:00

I've been spending a lot of time in Shinjuku the past few days. Doing a little karaoke, a little eating, had just a few Starbucks, you know, all the usual stuff. Here are some pictured to commemorate these good times.

かいてんすし　(kaiten sushi) The rotating sushi bar. おいしい！

Matt at Shakey's Pizza, the closest we get to American pizza in Japan.

Kara. かわいい！

We're so Japanese. 日本人ですね！

Street in Shinjuku outside on of the many exits at the station

Great faces guys...

Cinnamon Dolce Latte... mmmmmmm...

We love Starbucks!

Kara and my new friend Cristian. Sing it!

Two words: We Rock

And thats the end for now. More on the way as I have become trigger happy with my camera. The realization that I'm leaving has put me in a panic to take as many pictures as I can. And now you all get to enjoy/suffer along with me.

Oy...

2007-04-13T00:11:00.001-07:00

What is wrong with these people... [link]

Boston by Augustana

2007-04-11T08:14:00.000-07:00

This is the song I'm learning to play on the piano right now since I can play whenever I feel the need and its not a problem. I found a video on how to play it and am going from there. This video is totally awesome too! I wanna play the piano on the beach!

Man, I wish I could do that...

OMG!

2007-04-11T08:04:00.000-07:00

I'm coming home in less than a week! I think I'm going a little crazy... and/or just simply freaking out. I don't know what to think. I love Japan and I'm going to miss it and all my friends SO much but I cannot wait to go home and see my family and my friends and my bed and Mexican food and a real beach... *sigh*... Oy! I think I need to get some sleep now...

Simply Kimi

2007-04-10T00:35:00.000-07:00

I made this vid as a tribute to Kimiko. The most beautiful girl in Japan! (^_-) I love you and I'm going to miss you! Now I'm going to have to cry.

The song is Dark Blue by Jack's mannequin.

Get Fuzzy

2007-04-09T18:19:00.000-07:00

As my Daddy always told me, marketing is everything.

Get Fuzzy by Darby Conely

I don't know anyone like this...

2007-04-09T01:03:00.000-07:00

Another good one. [link]

Heck yes

2007-04-09T00:52:00.000-07:00

First of all I thought this was great. Totally true.

Second of all, I'm done with classes! I did my last class of the semester today and I am so glad. I need a vacation. Now all thats left are three finals that I feel pretty good about with a little bit of studying. I also turned in my withdraw form today to the school which means I really am leaving and that makes me sad. *sigh* The whole leaving part stinks but everything else makes up for having to deal with missing people and all that. Such is life.

Moved Out

2007-04-06T21:12:00.000-07:00

Kimi and I are officially moved out of our apartment and into the nursery of the church. It's been good so far. A little cold but good times. Like being able to play the piano at 1am. Ya, thats pretty cool.

Crazy Boek Kids

2007-04-05T06:07:00.000-07:00

Kimi and I moved into the church today because the contract on our apartment was up. It should be nice, so far its working out for the 9 hours I've been here. Anyway, while I was in the fellowship hall/kitchen area Cali, Jazz and Justus were in there waiting for their mom so we started playing with my camera and here are the results.

Cali came up with these and I recorded and then edited them later. The song in The Game is the theme song from Benny Hill.

Justus and Jazz fight over a pink bracelet to give to their "women". Cali decides they should race over it. The song is from Chariots of Fire and the song in the credits is part of the Benny Hill Theme.

These kids are awesome.

Sakura さくら

2007-04-05T05:57:00.000-07:00

I actually got some pictures of the sakura before they're gone. Hopefully I can get more and better pictures before they're completely gone.

Aren't they beautiful? きれいね！ You think they're just a regular flower but when you see them in person they are amazing and I'm still not exactly sure why but that's just how it works. I'm going to miss these.

It's a Wonderful Life

2007-04-03T09:11:00.000-07:00

A vid that used to be a PowerPoint I made when I graduated high school. It covers from my birth until a little after my 18th birthday. Dedicated to my awesome family and friends. I love you guys!

Part two coming soon covering from the end of this vid to now. A lot has happened since then...

A's

2007-03-30T09:51:00.000-07:00

Heck yes. I just got an A on my research paper on Achilles in my Mythology class. Woohoo!

Happy Birthday Mommy!

2007-03-29T06:48:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday dear MOMMY!!!!! Happy birthday to you! (^_^)v I love you Mommy!

Oprah Parody

2007-03-29T06:37:00.000-07:00

Kara introduced this to me. It is freakin' hilarious. We love you Oprah!

"Bow down to Oprah infidels!"

MAD TV parody

19th Birthday in Hakone

2007-03-28T02:57:00.000-07:00

Yeah! It's finally finished! Its really long but finished. I mean, how are you suppose to put an entire weekends worth of awesome fun into less than 10 minutes, huh?

Anyway, this is in Hakone, Japan (obviously) on March 21st and 22nd. Sasha, Kimi and I went and stayed in the Fujiya Hotel to celebrate my b-day and it was amazing. Hakone is beautiful, the hotel was well worth the 9800円 we spent on the room with its onsens (hot springs) and fancy restaurant with complimentary breakfast and we simply had a great time.

Badgers

2007-03-28T02:52:00.000-07:00

Chante and I made this last summer on the floor of my living room after spending an entire week together which accumulated a lot of inside jokes. Man this was so much fun. Totally obscure and strange but amazingly fun.

The rat in the beginning is my late rat Virginia, may she rest in peace. All sound effects compliments of Chante's cell phone. We shot this with my really cruddy camera too so sorry for the bad audio. You'll love it anyway if only for its obscurity.

2007-03-27T05:01:00.000-07:00

Just some funny funnies I read today. Funny funnies, hahaha, I crack myself up...

The Hollywood Creative Process

"No slacking off Dad. The cost of a college education goes up every 2.3 seconds."
I thought it was fitting that this one was published on my birthday.

Tokyo DisneySea

2007-03-26T18:08:00.000-07:00

A little vid of our trip to Tokyo DisneySea. The park was amazing! The details were unbelievable and each area was so focused and unique. The rides were a lot of fun as well. I think my favorite was Journey to the Center of the Earth and Indiana Jones. We also saw a show in Mermaid Lagoon that was fantastic. They had Ariel in a mermaid costume suspended from the ceiling. The costumes and the puppets and everything made the show. It was in Japanese but the songs were the original English so we could sing along. After that Sasha, Kimi and I were singing the song a lot... ^_^

Anyway, it was amazing and we had a great time. Hope you like the video. I know its a little long but I couldn't make it much shorter!

Moulin Rouge

2007-03-26T06:48:00.000-07:00

Kimi and I just finished watching Moulin Rouge. I haven't cried that hard during a movie in a long time. Not only was the music, singing and acting amazing but the story and the way it was played out was absolutely amazing. I have a new respect for Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman. I never knew they could sing and act like that. I am thoroughly impressed. I'm gonna go become an actress in musicals now.

Hakone

2007-03-26T02:16:00.000-07:00

For my birthday Sasha, Kimi and I went and spent a night in Hakone, a rural city in Japan known for its totally awesome natural hot springs. It was an amazing trip that you will soon be able to see on a video I'm doing. But until thats done here are a few pictures.

On the slow train to Hakone. It took about 2 hours all together on the train.

Japanese garden outside of out hotel.

Water mill in the garden.

Flowers in one of the many green houses in the garden.

View from the front of the hotel.

さくら(sakura) blossoms

滝（たき）Waterfall we found on a hike. きれいですね！

橋（はし）Bridge with my beautiful Sasha

滝 Waterfall again

川 (river) Next to the bus stop that we decided to do some more rock climbing in.

私のサシーさんは鼻をすすります。(My Sasha sniffing a flower.)

My Sasha

That's it for now. Keep your eyes peeled for the video!

Kitty Washing Machine

2007-03-21T23:29:00.000-07:00

This video is hilarious. Poor little kitty...

Tokyo Tower vid

2007-03-20T08:10:00.000-07:00

I edited my video a little. Just added some transitions to make it a little smoother. Other than that its exactly like the first one I posted.

Books

2007-03-20T07:45:00.000-07:00

Finished a few books lately. All having to do with ancient Greece. Maybe that has something to do with my being in a Greek Mythology class this semester. Who knows?...

Sappho's Leap by Erica Jong

A good and easy read. The ending was disappointing because it was way to happy to have been about a women who kills herself over a man but the entire book was also very feminist and it just wouldn't have been right for her to die over a man. Another large part of the book is about Sappho's love affairs that at some points were a little too graphic and unnecessary but I can never truly hate a happy ending so overall I would probably give it a B-.

Bacchae by Euripides

A classic Greek tragedy. This was a good one. It is about the Greek god Dionysos who comes back to his hometown of Thebes and is rejected by its citizens (who are also his relatives) that he then proceeds to punish but making his aunt, Agave, rip her son to pieces. What do you expect from the god of wine and theater? We had to read this one for class by the way. Grade: A.

Medea by Euripides

A little different from the previous play but just as brutal. Medea, a Corinthian and therefore foreigner in Greece, marries a Greek man, Jason. After they move to an area in Greece Jason marries the princess. Medea is now the scorned lover that decides to get a little revenge. She kills the princess and her father with poison and then murders in cold blood her two sons by Jason. Jason comes and finds her and she magically rides away in a chariot pulled by dragons and thats the end. Very good play that shows the value and place of foreigners and women in Greek society. This one was just for kicks. A+

The Essential Homer Translated and Edited by Stanley Lombardo

Very good abridged version of the classics. I read the Iliad for my research paper on Achilles. I'll tell ya it was a lot different then the movie. But I still like Brad Pitt. I can't really grade this. I mean, come on, its Homer. I do think its pretty ironic that the cover is of a famous Japanese woodblock print, the most famous in fact.

Its Cold

2007-03-19T19:03:00.000-07:00

On the way to school. Ya, its cold.

Shigeko in Sasha's earmuffs. She is so funny.

Pics by Kimi, again...

Tokyo Tower pics

2007-03-19T18:45:00.000-07:00

Some more pictures of Tokyo Tower.

And thats the end.

Purikura

2007-03-18T09:11:00.000-07:00

Japanese photobooths. These things are totally awesome. They are so much fun and usually cheap. Here are some examples of the ones we've done so far.

One of our firsts. 200 yen at Daiso!

With Kara in Akihabara.

Before Vanilla on Friday. With my new hair that I got re-straightened on Thursday. Now its real straight!

I love this one!

Of course all photos of our photos are courtesy of Kimi. Who is the bomb.

Vanilla again...

2007-03-18T06:55:00.000-07:00

So as a part of Sasha's initiation to Japan we had to take her to Roppongi at least once so on Friday we went to Vanilla and did some dancing. It was crazy amounts of fun but also really tiring. As you can see from the pic below of us after we got home at 7am on Saturday. Photo courtesy of Kimi.

Oh ya, we had a great time...

Tokyo Tower

2007-03-17T01:51:00.000-07:00

Sasha and I went to Tokyo Tower the other day and I put together a little video of the view. This is my first video so cut me a little slack but I still think it turned out pretty well.
Anyway, the tower was amazing. Quite a view with buildings are far as you could see. That was fun.

The Breakfast Club

2007-03-12T16:53:00.000-07:00

My Sasha gave me The Breakfast Club for my birthday yesterday! I absolutely love this movie. It is good times with the 80's movie goodness. The best part is that Kimi and Matt have never seen it so we WILL watch it, we will.

My Sasha's Here!

2007-03-09T16:55:00.000-08:00

Yeah! My Sasha is in Japan! So far we are having a good time. Its been an interesting experience sharing a futon with two people but I think we've been friends long enough that its okay.

First Japanese meal eaten at Jonathans. Tonkatsu with rice and miso! Yumm-y.

Are you sure this stuff is good?

Sitting outside in the cold eating Baskin Robins. Because we can!

I'm go glad she's here! \(^^)/ Yeah!

Jesus vs Satan

2007-03-07T01:39:00.000-08:00

My Daddy sent me this and I thought it was pretty funny.

Nintendo DS Lite Pink

2007-03-05T18:14:00.000-08:00

I want one.

It's Windy

2007-03-05T17:22:00.000-08:00

'Nough said...

Taken by the wonderful Kimi.

Club Vanilla

2007-03-03T02:14:00.000-08:00

Yesterday after a mixer the school had, with really yummy nachos, I went with some friends from school to Vanilla, a club in Roppongi. It was so awesome! It was the first time I had ever been to a club and it will not be the last. We got there early so that we could get in for free and sat around for a while just hanging out. Then at about 12:30am we went to the trance floor and started dancing. We pretty much kept dancing with a few breaks until about 5:30am this morning. It was so much fun. I love dancing and this was the perfect place to do it. They played everything from hip hop to remixed rock songs and obviously trance music. I will be going back if I get the chance to before I leave.

And now I am exhausted. I got back to my apartment at about 7:30am this morning and slept until 4:30pm this afternoon. My feet and knees hurt and I am just really tired but it was well worth it. Ya, I'll be going back.

You're not allowed to take pictures inside the club so I pulled these off the internet just to give you a general idea of what it looks like.

The trance floor where we spent most of our time.

We were right in the middle most of the time dancing like fools.

Canoodle

2007-02-26T06:44:00.000-08:00

The computer generated the word canoodle for a game of hang man I was playing. I had no idea what it was until I looked it up and I was pretty surprised. Go figure.

Video

2007-02-26T06:11:00.000-08:00

Just watch it.

"You're just jealous of my mane."

Shazbot

2007-02-24T08:43:00.000-08:00

Kimi, Matt, Bobby and I went to Sunshine City in Ikebukuro today and went to Shazbot, a hat store. Check these out...

Life is puzzle.

We told Bobby to do a girly pose here. Ya, thats girly.

My new hat!

Bobby is gangsta, yo

21st Century Sherlock

One of my favorite pics.

Now Kimi is gangsta!

Watch out Dick Tracey, 'cause here I come!

hehe... hehehehe... hahahaha... Hahahahahaha!!!!!

*Continues laughing hysterically.*

Apparently we should be fined for being so sexy.

Man! That was so much fun! And I got a new hat which I will wear all the time because its cute. ^_^

FYI: ALL of these were from Kimi's wonderful camera. Thanks!

Signs

2007-02-23T21:03:00.000-08:00

I found these here.

Drug Dealers

2007-02-23T18:15:00.000-08:00

Yep, I actually hang out with these people. At school anyway. See Josh's blog.

Yokohama

2007-02-23T17:35:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday Kimi and I went to Yokohama China Town to meet up with our Japanese class for the Chinese New Year. We were a little late so we missed the dragon parade so we walked around China Town a little and then started walking towards a ferris wheel that Kimi has always wanted to ride and we found out when we got there that it was a little amusement park. So we went on the ferris wheel and took a LOT of pictures and rode the roller coaster which was fun, short but fun. They also had a very large arcade so we took pictures in a photo booth and then headed for the mall. This mall is huge! It has 3 towers that all have several floors. Needless to say we only walked around a few floors of one tower before going down to the bottom floor that is a train station. I know, a train station inside a mall. Only in Japan. So it was a lot of fun and we will definitely be going back. I mean, they have a Sweet Factory for goodness sake!

You can see some cool videos on my friend Josh's blog. He actually saw the parade and got a good video of Ray eating roasted scorpions. O.o...

Claire

2007-02-22T23:08:00.000-08:00

For my Greek and Roman Mythology class, my professor is Claire Jacqmin. She is a French lady that has been teaching at TUJ for quite some time now. She teaches the mythology course and other courses on ancient Philosophy, etc. She is an amazing teacher, she makes mythology interesting and fun and I am enjoying that class.

She also has a great sense of humor and makes everyone laugh which helps being that the class is at 9am three times a week. For example, about two weeks ago, she made one of those jokes that just makes you groan and another student in the class who does the same thing was making a comment. Her response was (keep in mind this is with a French accent), "You're the only one allowed to make bad jokes?" We were rolling and continue to laugh about that now and probably will until the end of the semester.

Today was another good one. I came into class and, for a little background, I haven't been wearing make up this semester because I haven't really felt like it until lately and today she saw me in the middle of class and was like, "Stephanie, are you wearing make up?!" And I was like, ya... Then she made a classic remark. In her French accent she said OooOooOooOoo. Just like that. I have no better way to write it... Anyway, it was awesome and awesomely hilarious. I love Claire.

Shinjuku

2007-02-22T23:04:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I went with Matt, Kimi and Bobby to the Tokyo Government building in Shinjuku to the 45th floor observatory. The view was amazing. City lights as far as the eye can see and from he 45th floor. It was incredible.

Beforehand we went to Shakey's Pizza where they have almost American sized pizzas for relatively cheap. Kimi and I polished off a large Ham & Pine (pineapple). Delicious! And for only about 800 yen each excluding drinks. So not bad. It was another good adventure.

Odaiba

2007-02-19T17:07:00.000-08:00

Saturday was fun. We went to Odaiba to see the Rainbow Bridge and it was awesome! It was raining so the only thing we really got to see was the bridge but it was still really cool. The walk across the bridge took about 20~30 minutes ish and was really cool. I think I already said that...

Anyway, after we got to Odaiba we walked around and just saw stuff and then went to eat at McDonalds. We checked out the restaurants in the indoor mall but they were a little too pricey. So McDonalds it was! They have these new Mega Mac's that have 4 patties and all that fun stuff for 650 yen. Yes... We also found a konbini (convenience store) that had Crunky ice cream bars so we got Crunky. hahaha... Luckily they had a Tully's Coffee so I bought a Honey Milk Latte and we sat inside while eating our ice cream while it was raining. It was a lot of fun and I will be going back while it is nice and sunny as well. It wasn't too expensive either so a great trip.

By the way, most of these pictures are from Kimi's camera. It is much better than mine so ya...

Happy Strawberry and Akihabara

2007-02-15T00:01:00.000-08:00

I am currently eating a Happy Strawberry Crunchy bar that was a Valentines gift from a friend. Apparently it is "A fine combination of crunchy malt-puffs and chocolate". Only in Japan...

Anywho, Because of our Undergraduate Holiday on Tuesday Kimi, Matt, Bobby and I decided to walk around Akihabara. Kimi and I met Matt and Bobby at Shinjuku station where we started watching a band perform. There is usually a band there but this time they were good. We stayed for the entire performance and afterwards bought CD's and took pictures with the guys. Bobby even did a little rap and drew quite a crowd. It was so much fun! We're groupies! Hahaha... It was great and apparently they're there every Tuesday and Friday night so we plan on going back. Luckily Kimi took a vid of them and of Bobby. It was rad.

Akihabara was fun too. We were going to go to a Maid Cafe but decided against it due to the fact that we have no idea what goes on in those places at night. So instead we had some ramen and then went to Don Quixote. I bought a very strange looking can with Hello Kitty on it that I believed to be a soda. Boy was I wrong. I have no idea what was in that can but it did not smell and/or look good. You can see the picture in the slide show. Ya, that was gross. But it was a fun time. I love exploring new places.

Sorry about the fuzziness. Slide is still being retarded... (>.<)--O)*~*)

Relient K New Release

2007-02-12T21:12:00.000-08:00

Relient K is releasing their new CD, Five Score and Seven Years Ago, on March 6, 2007. Woohoo! I am excited about listening to this CD. I have listened to a few sample songs on their MySpace and their new sound is great. It's more of a rock sound but still classic Relient K that I love. This will be a very nice addition to my collection.

By the way, the release date, March 6th, is awfully close to another very important date like, March 22nd which just happens to be a certain someones 19th birthday. Now who could that be? =D

Jean-Luc Picard doing a little dance

2007-02-12T19:26:00.000-08:00

Now tell me that is not funny? If you're not a Star Trek fan then it probably isn't but oh well.

Ueno and Vegetables

2007-02-12T02:38:00.000-08:00

Saturday I went to Ueno with Kimi, Matt and Bobby (Matt's new house mate) and we had a pretty good time. Kimi had to go to an art museum for her Art History class so I walked around with Matt and Bobby and saw some of the shrines and temples and such. I've been to Ueno before and seen some of these before but I did see some new things. They had the booths set up in front of one of the temples as well so I bought myself a banana choco or chocolate dipped banana. It was so yummy!

After Ueno, Kimi and I headed to Shigeko's house for dinner. There were a lot of people there with a lot of good food. Rhojon made some seriously good artichoke and cheese dip and adobo (I have no idea except that it was pork, from the Philippines and amazingly delicious) and Shigeko made chicken and tacos and so much good stuff! Oh ya, good times. And of course Shigeko stuffed us full of food until we burst. Even after we had eaten dessert she kept bringing out apples and yogurt and candy and tea and more tea. Good times.

Today I have done absolutely nothing. Its a holiday so Kimi and I have been vegetables all day. I didn't even wake up until 2pm because I stayed up until about 2am watching tv. I just finished a big bowl of Mac and Cheese and I plan on continuing to be a vegetable until I go to bed. Tomorrow should be more exciting with a trip to Akihabara. Stay on the look out for more pictures.

tv

2007-02-11T05:47:00.000-08:00

I love tv! Hahahahahahaha! I have found the Law & Order: SVU episodes! They couldn't keep them away from me forever, I have found them! Mwuahahahahaha! And House, ER, Gilmore Girls... Oh! I'm so happy, I could fly! And I'm going to stay up really late watching them and eating doughnuts. You wanna know why? Because I can. Because someone decided that today was the day they founded Japan so many thousands of years ago and they decided to make a holiday out of it which means I don't have school tomorrow or Tuesday. Life is good. Or as Daddy would say, its just another day in paradise!

Hachiko Crossing

2007-02-09T06:10:00.001-08:00

Click To Play

My friend, Kimiko, took this video while we were walking through Hachiko Crossing in Shibuya, Tokyo where an estimated 2,000 people cross the street every time the light changes.Â Thats a lot of people.

Justus and Jazz

2007-02-09T04:11:00.000-08:00

Kimi took these pictures of Justus and Jazz at church on Sunday and I thought they were classic. Justus is totally posing for the camera... Again, taken by the magical Kimi.

Sorry about the size, slide.com is being weird. If you click on the button for viewing the pictures you can see them on a larger scale.

4 Days

2007-02-09T01:36:00.001-08:00

4 full days off from school.

Woohoo!

Kamakaze Veggis

2007-02-08T05:59:00.000-08:00

Only in Japan...

Oh the humanity! The carnage!

New Template

2007-02-08T02:58:00.000-08:00

I upgraded my Template a little. You will notice the Picture of the Week on the sidebar. I thought it was pretty cool. I'll try to update it every week. Probably on the weekend because that's when I tend to go places and take pictures.

Kenya Update 1

2007-02-07T07:20:00.000-08:00

At Bible Study Wednesday night we went through 2 Corinthians 10 and while we were reading I looked over on the previous page and something caught my eye: "'He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.'" And I automatically thought about Kenya. So I decided to read the rest of the section and I was even more encouraged.

"But this I[Paul] say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. 9 As it is written: 'He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.' [Psalm 112:9] 10 Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, 11 while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through God. 12 For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God, 13 while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for all men, 14 and by their prayer for you, who long for you because of the exceeding grace of God in you. 15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" 2 Corinthians 9:6-15

I've heard this passage used many times to encourage people to tithe money but I think it also means giving of your time and resources. If all we do is sit at home and hand out money every now and then, we're not going to really help anyone. People don't change, don't feel loved when you simply hand them money. I'm sure it may help them out by giving them something that will last for a little while, but giving of your time and genuinely trying to help and just loving people is what is eternal and what they, and God, will remember forever. That's what changes people. Like the old saying goes, "Give a man a fish, feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime."

See the original post on Kenya.

Send Me to Kenya

2007-02-07T01:57:00.000-08:00

I am going on a missions trip this summer for two weeks in July to Kenya to build school buildings for children orphaned by HIV/AIDS. The organization I am going with is COMMIT Ministries. I have wanted to go to Africa for a long time now and I finally have the opportunity. Thank You Lord!

I am also blessed by the ability to use technology. I will need some assistance/miracles to have the almost $4,000 for the trip therefore I have set up a way for people to send donations to me directly through this blog. In the blue sidebar on the top section you will see a title "Send Me to Kenya" and underneath it a button saying "Make a Donation". Please click this link to send a donation. Anything is appreciated from $1 and up. I have done this through PayPal and it is all completely safe and legitimate. I have been using PayPal to make online purchases since I've had my debit card and it works well. You don't even have to have a PayPal account to do it. Please see the COMMIT website for details on the trip and PayPal for any questions about donations. Please also feel free to e-mail me at any time. I will put my e-mail in my profile.

Enough about money. I am so excited! I know this will be an amazing trip where I can bless and help others while growing myself and being able to explore a new area. The Lord has been so good to me to give me this opportunity and I can't wait!

Thank you for any contribution whether it be monetary or prayer, I am appreciative and blessed to have both.

Vid

2007-02-07T01:42:00.000-08:00

I found this video on Facebook. It is so great! If you don't know what Facebook is then don't worry and if you've never heard the Enrique song Hero then again, don't worry. Google it.

Samoas and もち

2007-02-06T04:30:00.000-08:00

Woohoo! On Sunday after the potluck at church, Rhojon, the lady who lives on the Army base, brought Girl Scout cookies! I bought two boxes of Samoas right away! They are so good and actually cheaper here because they are 400 yen ($3.25 ish) when at home they are $4.00 a box. Hahaha! They are so crazy good and I am so glad to have cookies. Just another comfort of home. *sigh*

So tonight for dessert Kimi and I had Samoas and もち (mochi). Man was it good times. I also made チーキンかつ　(chicken katsu, fried chicken), えだまめ (edamame, Japanese peas) and みそ (miso soup). Woohoo! It was seriously good times. I like this whole cooking thing. I think I'll have to try it out more often.

Comic

2007-02-05T18:42:00.000-08:00

Bizzaro by Dan Piraro

Crazy Pictures

2007-02-05T16:45:00.000-08:00

I was at Jeremiah and Geigy's house Sunday night after church and we decided to take some pictures with Jeremiah's camera on his Mac Book Pro. I thought they turned out well.

Ya, they turned out well. Which one is your favorite?

Shibuya

2007-02-03T09:03:00.000-08:00

We took a trip to Shinjuku for more art supplies today and then went to Shibuya for dinner. We went back to Ichiran Ramen. SO YUMMY! Then a little trip to Don Quixote where I bought some dried mangoes and then off to the busiest Starbucks in the world. It was good times. I also met Matt's new house mate, Bobby. He's pretty cool.

This is totally hilarious

2007-02-02T23:25:00.000-08:00

Seriously, I was laughing so hard through the whole video that I couldn't breath! You have to watch the whole thing. Both of them. I cannot tell you how funny this is.

I love this country.

Kareoke

2007-02-02T22:21:00.000-08:00

Found another one and it is so awesome! This will be Sasha, Kimi and I when Sasha gets here and we do some kareoke. Woohoo!

カレオケわすきですね！

Emoticons

2007-02-02T21:35:00.000-08:00

I found these cute little emoticons when searching for anime emoticons, I thought they were cute.

This is how I feel right now... Cold in Japan...

This what I want to be doing, all the time...

My new nick name in International Politics is onigiri (rice ball) and he's eating ramen, my favorite!

This is how my Daddy dances. Break it down!

More dancing!

Gotta love these guys! Got them from here.

ER

2007-02-02T20:07:00.000-08:00

Did I ever mention how much I love tv? I just finished watching the new episode of ER and it was awesome! I do miss watching it on my couch in the living room with my Daddy but this will have to do for now.

Now I have to go take a shower and do some laundry. I love lazy Saturday mornings.

Friday

2007-02-02T04:18:00.001-08:00

I am so glad its Friday. So glad...

30,000 yen and Construction Workers

2007-02-01T05:44:00.000-08:00

Yeah! The school FINALLY got our housing deposits calculated and I was able to go to the Annex building (after I figured out where it was) and hand the guy my ID card, sign the paper and he handed me 30,000 yen in cash. That's just a little less than $300. In cash... Sometimes I love this country.

And then other times, I don't. Like when I'm walking down the street, minding my own business just trying to get home after a long day of school and BAM! There's a construction dude standing next to his truck thats parked on the street and he's peeing. Yes you read correctly. I looked over to the street and there's some old guy peeing underneath his truck in broad daylight with people, including little kids, walking down the street. I was totally amazed and grossed out. Ya, that was just gross.

Anyway, I got the last part of my application taken care of. Now all I have to do is wait. I hate that part.

Get Fuzzy

2007-01-31T02:21:00.000-08:00

I don't have long to make a huge post but I will do that a little later. I just thought this comic was pretty funny and that I would share it with you!

Potluck

2007-01-28T03:10:00.000-08:00

Today was had a potluck at Horizon Setagaya where I do worship. There was some seriously good food there. Kimi and I made fried rice. Good times.

You Crazy Kids

2007-01-27T08:27:00.000-08:00

I found this video on YouTube while looking for Kelly Clarkson songs. I really like her. Anyway, this video is pretty funny. I would almost venture say that it's hilarious, but I wouldn't want to get your hopes up and then have you think its lame or something.

Regina Spektor

2007-01-27T04:01:00.000-08:00

Matt introduced me to a new artist today, Regina Spektor. I like her style and her voice. This is a great video too. Even if you don't like the song, the end of the video is worth watching it.

Shinjuku on a Saturday

2007-01-27T03:08:00.000-08:00

Today Kimi and I met up with Matt in Shinjuku. First we went to Sekaido, the art store and then to Wendy's for lunch. We walked over to the Krispy Kreme but it was CRAZY crowded and the line was about an hour and a half wait so we decided to go to Mister Donut instead. There wasn't anywhere to sit there either so we went to Starbucks and had coffee and donuts, outside! But it was still daytime and it was rather warm today as has been the trend for the past two days. Hopefully that keeps up.

Anyway, we started planning a road trip in May so that we can visit each others cities and families. It will be loads of fun and we're trying to make it as cheap as possible while still getting the most out of it that we can. It'll be fun.

Here is a little slide show of the day. Shinjuku is quite an interesting city with a lot of different areas and people. I would have more pictures but my computer, and/or I, is being retarded and I lost some the pictures somehow. Here it is, or what's left of it. =D

Bizarro

2007-01-26T18:57:00.000-08:00

I thought this was pretty funny. I think Daddy will like this one a lot.

Post Office Blues

2007-01-25T02:02:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday I came home to discover that the mail man had tried to deliver two packages to me but was unable to do so because no one was home to receive said packages. I was thrilled knowing that my new DVD of a Japanese drama, Suppli, and my new book for Greek and Roman Mythology, The Universe, the Gods and Men by Jean-Pierre Vernant, would soon be in my hands so that I could enjoy them thoroughly. I was eventually able to call the post office's English help number and instructed the nice man on the phone to have the packages delivered the next day, Wednesday, between the hours of 5 and 7pm. The packages were delivered on time and I couldn't have been happier.

At 7:30pm Kimi and I went to Jeremiah and Geigy's house for the Wednesday Night Bible Study which was a lot of fun as usual. Afterwards we were sitting around talking and at 11pm the phone rang. We were completely shocked and were wondering who would be calling at such an hour. Luckily we had Isaac there to translate for us and we found out that the mail man was calling about my packages. Apparently one or both of the packages required a signature that the mail man failed to get from me upon deliver and that he wanted to come to my home to get my signature. He wanted to come to my house at 11 o'clock at night to get my signature for a package, my signature! I was totally amazed. Of course I was said, "No way! It's 11 o'clock at night! Tell them they can come tomorrow and no earlier then 10:30am!". We were in a state of shock for quite a while and had a good discussion about it. On the one hand its nice to know that they are working that late and if I ever needed them but on the other hand, they called at 11pm, 11pm! Crazy country...

にほんご！

2007-01-22T04:29:00.000-08:00

I got the Japanese language bar to work on my computer! Grant it I never really tried before but it works and its cool! If you can't view the characters then I must say, すみません、I am sorry. If you couldn't read them anyway then it doesn't really matter now does it? Sorry, I'm still mad about that Law & Order business...

I must say ありがとう　ございます　マシューさん！ Arigatou gozaimasu Mashu-san! Thank you Matt! *Phew, what a lot of translating...* For helping me get it to work. And now I will give a short Japanese lesson, because I can!

おはいよおございます：Ohaiyoogozaimasu, Good morning
こんいちは：Konnichiwa, Good afternoon or Hello
こんばんは：Konbanwa, Good evening
すみません：Sumimasen, Excuse me or I'm sorry
トイレはどこですか。：Toire wa doko desuka. Where is the bathroom?

And those are the main phrases anyone should know when going to a foreign country so there they are. If you ever plan on coming to Japan then I suggest memorizing these. If not, then do it anyway because knowing even a few words in a foreign language will benefit you and others eventually! =D

NNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-01-22T03:53:00.000-08:00

NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They deleted ALL of the Law & Order: SVU episodes from YouTube and are preventing any further episodes from being uploaded! NNNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Life as we know it is coming to an end! I need to go put on my all black outfit and my veil and mourn the loss of my favorite show in the whole world. *weep* : (

On the bright side I got to have beanie weenies for dinner. That makes it a little better but I'm still sad. *sigh*

NNNNNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Koto Performance

2007-01-21T05:23:00.000-08:00

Here's the video of the lady playing the koto. It's pretty cool. See the post below for details.

Click To Play

This is a Japanese women playing the Koto.Â This song is called Sakura.Â A very famous song in Japan and abroad that is said to be about Japan's soul itself.Â It's a beautiful song.

Pacific Culture Club and Ichira Ramen

2007-01-21T02:31:00.000-08:00

Oh my goodness, yesterday was so much fun! I went on a school trip to the Pacific Culture Club that is held at a Japanese womens home. She played the koto for us (I'll post some videos), dressed some girls from the group in kimono, taught us calligraphy and did a tea ceremony for us. It was a lot of fun.

After that about seven of us girls headed to an onsen (hot spring) in Mitaka. It was amazing. I've been to public baths before which are nice but this was a natural hot spring where the water is full of minerals that make your skin really soft. After we all got over the awkwardness of being totally naked in front of complete strangers we had a great time. It was so relaxing and nice. They had six different types of baths to go including one that shocked you when you touched a particular part of the wall. Supposedly its good for your back. I don't know, it felt really weird any everyones first reaction was funny to watch. It was pretty funny because the water is the brown color of iodine and it was a little salty. One of the girls, Megan, said it was like bathing in soy sauce! We all had a good laugh at that one.

I made friends with two of the new study abroad students, Megan and Barbara so after the onsen we went to Shibuya for dinner. First we went to Tower Records where they have the English/Import bookstore where I bought a book on The Rape of Nanking by Iris Chang. It looks rather disturbing but only because its historically accurate so I think it will be very informative and eye-opening. Yasuka, one of the leaders of the trip, told us about a ramen place next to Tower Records called Ichira Ramen. We found it and were first a little sceptical because all they had was a machine to buy your ramen ticket and then a line to get in. But we bought our tickets and waited in line only to discover that they had a special sheet that you filled out to specify exactly how you wanted your ramen from the strength of the broth to the tecture of the noodles to the fat content, you decide everything. It was pretty awesome. Once there were seats available, as displayed by the blinking sign indicating which tables were open, we went in and sat down. The "booth" looked a whole lot like a testing center were we used to have to put up those three-sided cardboard things. The hands took our order sheet and brought back the ramen within a matter of maybe 2 minutes and we were off to eating. The ramen was so good! It was probably the best ramen I ahe ever had in my life and that is no exaggeration. Everyone who visits Tokyo must go to Ichira Ramen in Shibuya. It is the best I have eaten. Man, that stuff was good.

After the delicious ramen we took a trip to Haagen Dazs and got some over priced but yummy ice cream and then went to Starbucks for some more over priced but delicious treats and then we parted ways and headed home. I got on the wrong train line and had to turn around but it was okay. I still got home by midnight-ish.

Those were some seriously good times. I will definitely be going back to the onsen (Megan, Barbara and I decided at least once a month) and to Ichira Ramen any chance I can get. Good times. Crazy good times.

Let it Snow!

2007-01-20T22:41:00.000-08:00

Yeah! It snowed yesterday! Well, it was more of a flurry but its close enough. I tried to take pictures but you can't see the snow so I added a little effect to make it easier to see. ; )

Monkey!

2007-01-19T06:47:00.000-08:00

I totally forgot to put the pic of the monkey in the bathroom in the slide show! I am ashamed. : (

Apartment Pictures

2007-01-19T06:20:00.000-08:00

Finally decided to buy some batteries so now I can use my camera and I took some pictures of the apartment and used the cool new setting on Slide.com called the Revolver. Oohhh... 0.o

Counter Codes

2007-01-19T03:38:00.000-08:00

This is pretty cool. Kimi sent me a link to StatCounter where I set up a counter that will, not only count how many people view my blog, it will also show me what country/state they are viewing from. It's pretty cool because sometimes random people view your blog and its interesting to see where they are from. Like Kimi had someone view her blog today from Israel. I think that's pretty rad. And don't worry, it doesn't show exact addresses or anything, just the general area where your IP address is.

Well I thought it was pretty cool.

Lion King 2

2007-01-18T04:22:00.000-08:00

Kimi and I just finished watching The Lion King and began watching The Lion King 2: Simba's Pride on PeekVid.com. We were looking for some of the songs on YouTube.com and here's something that Kimi found. I thought it was pretty cool.

This is the song My Lullaby sung in Japanese! How cool is that?! They also have it in German, Arabic and many other languages. Good times!

No Tatoos at the Onsen

2007-01-16T23:49:00.000-08:00

Oh my gosh... I recently discovered through an e-mail about a school event to an onsen (hot spring) that most onsens do not allow anyone in who has a tatoo. I them researched this surprising discovery and found that it is, in fact, true. I found a picture that someone took at an actual onsen. I do not have that picture available at the moment but believe me. Just type in "no tatoos at onsen" in Google and you too will see what I have seen.

So, I have a question. How can a country that is a democracy and has a constitution with civil rights, do something like this and get away with it? If you ask me it si another way to "keep out the riff raff" aka gaijin (foreigners). Og course that is my opinion and you are free to disagree because we live in a free country where we are allowed to do what we want and not be punished or outcast for it. Obviously it doesn't always work like that in America and foreigners are not always discriminated against in Japan but it's the principle of the thing.

Just something to ponder and, if you are an American, appreciate being one. Man, I am glad I am an American.

You learn something new everyday, even if you don't like it.

One of Those Days

2007-01-16T00:04:00.000-08:00

Today has just been one of those days. This morning was great. I woke up at 8:48am before my alarm went off and felt well rested and excited that I was going to be able to talk to my parents.

I came down the ladder and signed onto AIM and there was Mommy! It took some time but eventually Daddy figured out how to make the new headset/mic work so that I could actually hear them and then we were able to talk for free for as long as we wanted. It was great! I always love talking to my parents and now that we've figured out how to do it for free over AIM it's even better.

Then it all began. DUN DUN DUN! I got in the shower a little late and was therefore running late when I eventually made it out the door and towards the station. I was about 3/4 of the way to the station when I realized that I had forgotten my commuter pass in my closet. You know, the one that saved me over $400. So I went back for it and decided to take the bike so that I wouldn't be outrageously late to class. I got the keys and registration slip and went down to the bike parking area. I unlocked the bike, turned it around and started down the path when I discovered that the rear tire was extremely flat. With a heavy sigh I turned the bike back around and put it back in its parking spot. I turned around to walk to the station and CRASH!, the bike falls over and takes the neighbors bike with it. Oi... I pick up the bike and attempt to make it stay. After about 2 or 3 minutes of propping it up on the (useless) kickstand it finally stays standing and I am finally able to get all the way to the train station without anything else going wrong.

I made it to class only 15 minutes late and the rest of the day has been going well since then. Class was interesting and engaing as always and I was able to complete (except for the essay portion) my application to the University of Richmond and send off my transcript requests from Temple and Palomar.

Now I sit waiting for Kimi to get out of class so that we can head back to Machida for the Womens' Dinner with the other ladies from church. That should prove to be a good time as it always is.

I think I'll go take a nap now.

Virginia

2007-01-15T03:24:00.000-08:00

Yeah! As some of you may now, and now all of you will know, I will most likely be returning to the states to finish out my college career. Now don't get your hopes up if you're in CA, I won't be going back to a CA school most likely because the deadline for applications is long gone. But, if you're in VA then rejoice! I will soon be joining you if everything works out. Of course this is all subject to change and I reserve the right to change my mind at any time if I so feel like it. I just thought I would warn everyone ahead of time.

I am in the process of applying (again) to The College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA and recently discovered (thank you Mommy) the University of Richmond. The University of Richmond looks extremely promising since it has the programs I want including Japanese language and a large and well organized study abroad program where I can go to Ghana, Africa, Greece, Italy and almost any other country I so desire. It also looks like I have a very good shot at being accepted as a transfer student.

Again, any of this could change at any time but that seems to be how life works. Like they say, "Man plans, God laughs." We'll see how it all goes. In the meantime I would appreciate any suggestions people may have for schools that may be of interest to me. I am interested in Literature, Cultural Studies, Japanese language, language in general, Journalism and the like. I appreciate all suggestions.

I'll let you know how it goes!

Poetry

2007-01-15T03:21:00.000-08:00

Here's a nice little poem I wrote today...

Loss

Somber.

I walk to the shore.
Hair floating,
Free.

But there is a price.

Memories floating,
Pain.

Chill hits my face.
I shudder.

The question why,
Never leaving my mind.

But now I know,
Now I know the price,
The Pain.

The horizon is so beautiful,
So inifinite.
And yet I cannot behold its greatness.
I cannot see,
Cannot hear,
Cannot feel.

All is lost,
All is gone.

Because you are not here with me.

Please keep in mind that I wrote this while feeling rather emotional and such. I usually don't do poetry but I just felt like it I guess. Works for me. I kinda like it but I don't know how good it is. Again, I don't do poetry.

Countdown

2007-01-12T20:59:00.000-08:00

Here's another Counter that I made online. I'll actually put it in my sidebar so that I don't have to put up a new post every two weeks. That was kind of annoying... ^_^

Create your own MySpace Countdown Counter Today!

Don Quixote and Yakuza

2007-01-12T06:17:00.000-08:00

Today was one of the saddest days of my life. I found out that one of my favorite stores, Don Quixote is run and supports a form of the Yakuza which us the, very powerful, Japanese mafia. So, in all my lack of sleep, I have written a poem to commemorate this event.

Ode to Don Quixote

My heart was saddened within me
and then I burned with a righteous indignation!
How dare these mafia men change something that was once so wonderful
into a world of deceit and betrayal.
Good bye sweet Don Quixote,
I will miss thee.
I will miss your overstuffed walls full of useless merchandise like
hair wax and man thongs.
I will miss your eight floors of household merchandise.
I will long for the food section with my favorite candies,
Doritos and the Meiji Chocolate song.
Goodbye cruel Don Qui!
I will miss thee.

Thank you.

First Day

2007-01-11T00:23:00.000-08:00

Ahhhhh... I finally have some time to sit and post...

I started classes on Tuesday and my first, and only, class of the day was Asian American Literature from 1:30pm-3:00pm. The professor is one that I had for Asian American History last semester and there are about four students in the class including myself. So far the material has been great and looks to continue that way. I am very interested in this class and will enjoy it very much as the semester goes along. Here's a quote from "The Women Who Makes Swell Doughnuts" by Toshio Mori from his book of Short Stories Yokohama, California: "'I say to them play, play hard, go out there and play hard. You will be glad later for everything you have done with all your might.'" I thought that was a great quote said by someone who has gone through a lot of hardship and still sees the light at the end of the tunnel and is choosing to go for it in spite of everything. I like this class.

Wednesday was a little different but still good. The train ride was nuts. Kimi and I were running a little late but we still got there and in rush hour. We were so cruched on the train that sometimes we couldn't even breath. It was nuts but we survived and were only about five minutes late to class which started at 9am meaning I had to get up at 6am... Anyway, my first class of the day was Greek and Roman Mythology. That was also a very fun and interesting class that I will enjoy. There will be a lot of reading but also a lit of discussion in class which I enjoy. Then there was International Politics which was okay. Not a lot of homework so that's good. Then a lunch of yummy, yummy leftovers that belong in a different post and then more class. Next was Japanese. The teacher, Koyama-sensei, is very energetic and funny. She reminds me of my mom except for the whole Japanese part. She even kinda looks like her. I like her. After that was the biggest disappointment of the last few months, Journalism. It turns out that the class is actually an aesthetics of journalism class which means we will be evaluating movies and how they show media and popular culture and blah blah blah... I thought we were going to be doing some, you know, journalism. Anyway, that's why I love college. I dropped that class like a hot potato and am not looking back.
So ya, that's my first few days of class. Some other good stuff happened in those days but they deserve their own posts and right now I have to go meet Kimi so we can go back to Machida and get another bike.

...

2007-01-10T06:35:00.001-08:00

Sorry I haven't been keeping you too up to date. I'll do more of that tomorrow. Right now, I need to sleep...

Computers and Grandberry

2007-01-08T04:03:00.000-08:00

Today was a long yet good day. I woke up at 7:00am this morning again and not on purpose. I'm still on CA time but that's good because going to school will require me to wake up at 7am on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. So after I woke up I preceded to play on the computer, which I love, until about 10am when I got in the shower and got ready for the day. Then I walked the two minutes to Jeremiah and Geigy's house and used their phone to call my parents and my Sasha. It was so great to talk to my parents. I miss them so much along with the rest of everyone... O.o Talking to Sasha was good too. She's a little crazy but that's why I love her.

After I got back to the apartment Kimi and I had intended to go to Grandberry Mall in Minami-Machida but we ended up playing on the computers for a long time. It was good though because I was able to make AIM talk work with Sasha. We talked for about two hours. Kimi let me use her earphones/mic and it was perfect quality for talking to Sasha. Hopefully my parents will get an AIM name or Skype or something and a mic so we can talk that way. *hint hint* It was so easy and completely free. I loved it. We could also still send IM's, pictures, files and songs over AIM. It was awesome. I couldn't stop saying how much I loved the internet. And I truly do. It is the best way to stay connected and to get information. And it just keeps getting better, they keep coming up with better programs and ideas. Gotta love it.

Well Kimi and I eventually got ready and began our adventure to Grandberry Mall. It was only 5 stops away with one transfer and no walking from the station because it was directly outside the station. We went to the Food Colosseum for dinner and had Teriyaki Chicken Burgers and fries and shared a 3x Chocolate dessert. After dinner we walked around the outdoor mall for a while. We walked through the book store that had some interesting books in it. Not much in English but they did have a book on Tree-houses around the world that was pretty cool. We also went to the grocery store and bought the making of curry and a pineapple. We don't really know how to cut it up yet so any help would be appreciated but we figured we'd give it a shot. It was like $3.50 for that pineapple though. Anyway, then we came back home and now we're going to watch Little Women on the laptop. Good times.