Today is my boss's last day. Huzzah! I'm so happy he's leaving. Alas, I will have to see him again, but not every day, so it will be much better. I think this job has been causing me lots of stress which may or may not have been affecting my health, so I hope his departure will make me feel better.
Friday, I went to curry with Lauren. It was delicious, as usual. We also had a nice chat with the guy who runs the place. He's so nice. He's from Nepal, though, so he doesn't speak English much, so we just chatted in Japanese. It was funny. I will really miss that place when I leave.
Then on Saturday, I did three loads of laundry. I wanted to do two more loads, but the clothes weren't drying as fast as I'd hoped. It was a little colder this weekend, I guess. And then it rained all day Sunday, and of course, I'd forgotten to get my clothes down, so they all got damp again. It's sunny today, though, so they should be dry by the end of the day.
Saturday night, I went out for dinner and drinks with Lauren and Jamie at Shinbashi. I love that place, mainly for their chuuhais, but the owner is very friendly, and the food is pretty good for an izakaya. After that, we walked over to Tsutaya and rented Ocean's 13 and watched that at Lauren's. It was much better than 12, but 11 is still the best.
It rained all day yesterday, as I mentioned before, so I didn't do anything. I went to Jusco and got a pizza and some other non-essentials. I got the book I'd ordered from Amazon: World War Z - An oral history of the zombie war. It's by the same guy who wrote The Zombie Survival Guide, which is one of my favorite books. Aside from that, I downloaded several episodes of Numb3rs and watched them. And I played Mario on my DS. So I guess it's not that I didn't do anything, I just didn't do anything important.
Now I will sit and enjoy the final hours of my boss's reign of terror.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
sakura
The weather has been so nice lately. Finally. It went from being really cold to pleasantly mild while I was in Kagoshima, which was already pleasantly mild. Not a lot of in-between weather.
The sakura are blooming now, and pretty soon, Japanese people everywhere will be losing their shit to go sit under one and have a picnic. Ah, hanami. Maybe I'll go up to Konoue for that, since they allegedly have a ton of sakura. And it's in the middle of the mountains, so maybe not so many people?
I had a dream last night that I was in a weird flirty relationship with Nagase Tomoya (Ayumi's ex and all-around hottie), but he had confused me for some other white girl he'd seen in a production of Peter Pan several years prior, who I later met at a bus stop. I didn't want to tell him about the mix-up, as I was enjoying his company, but the girl seemed really nice, so I was torn. Even in my dreams, I can't have a boyfriend.
It appears that the other people in my section went out for drinks or something after work yesterday. The ALTs, of course, were not invited. Not that I would've gone if invited, but still. Jerks.
The sakura are blooming now, and pretty soon, Japanese people everywhere will be losing their shit to go sit under one and have a picnic. Ah, hanami. Maybe I'll go up to Konoue for that, since they allegedly have a ton of sakura. And it's in the middle of the mountains, so maybe not so many people?
I had a dream last night that I was in a weird flirty relationship with Nagase Tomoya (Ayumi's ex and all-around hottie), but he had confused me for some other white girl he'd seen in a production of Peter Pan several years prior, who I later met at a bus stop. I didn't want to tell him about the mix-up, as I was enjoying his company, but the girl seemed really nice, so I was torn. Even in my dreams, I can't have a boyfriend.
It appears that the other people in my section went out for drinks or something after work yesterday. The ALTs, of course, were not invited. Not that I would've gone if invited, but still. Jerks.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
bed time
I took a nice long walk with Lauren along the sea wall after work today. The weather is finally warming up, so it was a good day for it. And then we went for sushi. I will miss cheap sushi.
Being at the office all day with nothing to do is quite taxing. Even the Internet gets boring after a while. But I refuse to study Japanese, since that's something my boss might want me to do. And I can't plan lessons, since I don't know what my schedule will be like yet, and won't until April 11. Fun.
T-minus four business days until we are minus-T. I can't wait to see him go.
Being at the office all day with nothing to do is quite taxing. Even the Internet gets boring after a while. But I refuse to study Japanese, since that's something my boss might want me to do. And I can't plan lessons, since I don't know what my schedule will be like yet, and won't until April 11. Fun.
T-minus four business days until we are minus-T. I can't wait to see him go.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
...sigh
I'm home now after spending a few days in Kagoshima with Michelle, and I'm lonely. As much as I love living by myself, I wish I lived closer to Michelle. Not that I don't like my other Japan friends, but Michelle is one of my bestest friends. It's different.
I flew down and back, and flying domestically here is so much easier than international or any other flying in the States. I didn't have to take off my shoes or my jacket or take out my toiletries, lines were short, and I wasn't interrogated by anybody. And the security folks are nice and will help you move your stuff along the counters/belts. Not like the TSA jackasses that just stand there and stare as you try to move five of those fucking crates over a tabletop. I'm looking at YOU, Dallas-Fort Worth.
Anyway, we had a great time. We went to the Meiji Restoration museum, which features some awesome pro-Satsuma revisionist history. There was even a diorama! And we got to try on some clothes and take pictures.
We did go see two awful movies, unfortunately. The first was Jumper. Ugh. Hayden Christensen owes me about $35 for wasting my time with his movies. He is a terrible actor and his character was a grade-A douche. Jamie Bell was wasted in this travesty.
We saw Jumper on Friday and we were left unentertained, so on Saturday we went to see the new One Piece movie, which was by some feat, worse than Jumper. It started out good, but then there was this flashback that lasted at least half of the movie. I was getting seriously angry that the flashback wasn't ending, and when it finally did, the action wasn't improving, so we got up and left.
I did see one good movie, though. One of Michelle's friends burned lots of movies for her, so we watched the Aqua Teen movie, and it was amazing. I miss that show. Jesus. I think I'll have to buy that one.
Last night, we went out for yakiniku (for the second time in three days), and it was perfection. We ate four plates of meat between the two of us, plus almost a whole vegetable plate and a big bowl of rice. And the waiters were hot. And it wasn't expensive. Excellent.
Now I'm exhausted. Travel really wears me out. And the fact that I have to go to work tomorrow makes me very unhappy. Plus, Cat's gone to India for a week, so I'll be there by myself. I hope Drew doesn't show up.
...sigh
I flew down and back, and flying domestically here is so much easier than international or any other flying in the States. I didn't have to take off my shoes or my jacket or take out my toiletries, lines were short, and I wasn't interrogated by anybody. And the security folks are nice and will help you move your stuff along the counters/belts. Not like the TSA jackasses that just stand there and stare as you try to move five of those fucking crates over a tabletop. I'm looking at YOU, Dallas-Fort Worth.
Anyway, we had a great time. We went to the Meiji Restoration museum, which features some awesome pro-Satsuma revisionist history. There was even a diorama! And we got to try on some clothes and take pictures.
We did go see two awful movies, unfortunately. The first was Jumper. Ugh. Hayden Christensen owes me about $35 for wasting my time with his movies. He is a terrible actor and his character was a grade-A douche. Jamie Bell was wasted in this travesty.
We saw Jumper on Friday and we were left unentertained, so on Saturday we went to see the new One Piece movie, which was by some feat, worse than Jumper. It started out good, but then there was this flashback that lasted at least half of the movie. I was getting seriously angry that the flashback wasn't ending, and when it finally did, the action wasn't improving, so we got up and left.
I did see one good movie, though. One of Michelle's friends burned lots of movies for her, so we watched the Aqua Teen movie, and it was amazing. I miss that show. Jesus. I think I'll have to buy that one.
Last night, we went out for yakiniku (for the second time in three days), and it was perfection. We ate four plates of meat between the two of us, plus almost a whole vegetable plate and a big bowl of rice. And the waiters were hot. And it wasn't expensive. Excellent.
Now I'm exhausted. Travel really wears me out. And the fact that I have to go to work tomorrow makes me very unhappy. Plus, Cat's gone to India for a week, so I'll be there by myself. I hope Drew doesn't show up.
...sigh
Friday, March 14, 2008
mary louise parker is amazing
I've been at home all day, "resting" and taking my medicine at the appropriate times. I've also been buying TV shows off iTunes like crazy. It's just so fast! I can't stop myself.
So far, I am in love with two shows that I hadn't seen before. The first is Weeds, about a widowed housewife (Mary Louise Parker--amazing) who sells pot to suburbanites. I really can't believe I haven't been watching this all along. My only excuse is that it's on Showtime and at home we only have HBO.
The second show I'm really enjoying is Dirt, with Courtney Cox-Arquette. It's about one of my favorite things ever, celebrity gossip, and since it's a cable show, it's extra scandalous.
I also downloaded some Mythbusters and Numb3rs, because those are great shows.
So far, I am in love with two shows that I hadn't seen before. The first is Weeds, about a widowed housewife (Mary Louise Parker--amazing) who sells pot to suburbanites. I really can't believe I haven't been watching this all along. My only excuse is that it's on Showtime and at home we only have HBO.
The second show I'm really enjoying is Dirt, with Courtney Cox-Arquette. It's about one of my favorite things ever, celebrity gossip, and since it's a cable show, it's extra scandalous.
I also downloaded some Mythbusters and Numb3rs, because those are great shows.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
doctor doctor
I have a cold. And a sore throat. Which did get me out of a boring day at the office, but I just traded that for a boring day at home, with a little visit to Jusco and the doctor. And before that, a trip to the bank, so I could pay for food and the doctor.
Fortunately, the doctor closest to our apartment speaks English. Even though I could've understood all that he said in Japanese, when I'm not feeling well, I'd rather not have to think in another language. He told me it's just a viral infection, so it would be healed by rest and eating and drinking well. Surprise. Colds in Japan are exactly like they are at home.
I think maybe I don't have a toothache after all. Maybe I'm just grinding my teeth at night. I've caught myself doing it during the day. Isn't that caused by stress? Thanks, employers!
I'm going to see Michelle in a week! Yay! I think I will drive up to Tsu and take the ferry to the Nagoya airport, as that will be the cheapest thing for me to do. And my flight times are such that I won't have to leave super early or drive in the dark. Hooray.
Fortunately, the doctor closest to our apartment speaks English. Even though I could've understood all that he said in Japanese, when I'm not feeling well, I'd rather not have to think in another language. He told me it's just a viral infection, so it would be healed by rest and eating and drinking well. Surprise. Colds in Japan are exactly like they are at home.
I think maybe I don't have a toothache after all. Maybe I'm just grinding my teeth at night. I've caught myself doing it during the day. Isn't that caused by stress? Thanks, employers!
I'm going to see Michelle in a week! Yay! I think I will drive up to Tsu and take the ferry to the Nagoya airport, as that will be the cheapest thing for me to do. And my flight times are such that I won't have to leave super early or drive in the dark. Hooray.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
meat and rice
I went to graduation today at Isato and got surprisingly emotional. Everybody else was crying, and seeing other people cry tends to make me get all weepy too. Plus I've known the four kids that graduated for almost two years, and I go to Isato the most, so it was sad to see them leave.
On the way back into town, I talked with the principal and told him about the shit that went down at the office yesterday. His first response was, "Is that a joke?" When I assured him it wasn't he said it was "nonsense" and I totally agreed with him. Then he said how the office will be much better when my supervisor is transferred. Yes. It warms my heart to hear Japanese people say stuff like that, because it means that I am not just some crazy gaijin who doesn't understand Japanese people. An asshole is an asshole, no matter what country you're in.
Cat and I wrote notes to each other at the office today like fucking 12-year-olds. Ugh. I think she should teach me sign language.
We went for a walk with Lauren on the sea wall today after work since the weather was so nice. And then Lauren and I went for cheap yakiniku, after dropping off Cat, since she's a veggie. Alas. But it was delicious and cheap. I love meat!
I think the pain in my face is actually a toothache. This is an unfortunate development, since I really don't trust Japanese dentistry, given the state of the teeth I've seen here. But if it keeps hurting, I'll go to the guy that Emily liked, Satou or Saitou, and see what's up. I'm not looking forward to it. Fix yourself, tooth!
Also, WWII in about 2 minutes. All you need to know.
On the way back into town, I talked with the principal and told him about the shit that went down at the office yesterday. His first response was, "Is that a joke?" When I assured him it wasn't he said it was "nonsense" and I totally agreed with him. Then he said how the office will be much better when my supervisor is transferred. Yes. It warms my heart to hear Japanese people say stuff like that, because it means that I am not just some crazy gaijin who doesn't understand Japanese people. An asshole is an asshole, no matter what country you're in.
Cat and I wrote notes to each other at the office today like fucking 12-year-olds. Ugh. I think she should teach me sign language.
We went for a walk with Lauren on the sea wall today after work since the weather was so nice. And then Lauren and I went for cheap yakiniku, after dropping off Cat, since she's a veggie. Alas. But it was delicious and cheap. I love meat!
I think the pain in my face is actually a toothache. This is an unfortunate development, since I really don't trust Japanese dentistry, given the state of the teeth I've seen here. But if it keeps hurting, I'll go to the guy that Emily liked, Satou or Saitou, and see what's up. I'm not looking forward to it. Fix yourself, tooth!
Also, WWII in about 2 minutes. All you need to know.
Monday, March 10, 2008
fuck them
Ugh. I hate my office so much.
Today, as we walked to work, Catherine was in a bad mood since we had to leave earlier and, you know, walk, so I tried to cheer her up a bit. I mean, I was pissed that we had to walk too, but at least the weather was nice.
So we get into the office, and before I can even sit down, Y comes over and is all, "Kara, everyone here is very busy and blah blah blah so if you and Catherine want to talk, please go somewhere else."
ASDFJKL:SDFAHS:DFHASF
I was so angry I wanted to cry. It's such bullshit. We don't sit at our desks and talk in loud voices all fucking day. We make quiet comments to each other over the course of the day. That's it. Sure, not everything we talk about is work-related, but you know what? All the shit they talk about all day isn't work-related either. And I fail to see how our infrequent chit-chat is more distracting than T yelling into the phone every fucking second of the day and yelling at people across the room, hell, even people in our section, when he's not on the phone.
Christ. I'm so angry, 12 hours later.
And what pisses me off even more is that they have clearly had at least one conversation about our talking to each other (or rather that crazy bitch M complained), because he was ready with his little spiel as soon as we walked in. Goddamn!
The only positive news of the day was that T is most likely leaving in April. A-FUCKING-MEN. Don't let the door hit your ass on the way out, mother fucker! All of the ALTs are "requested" to go to the welcome-goodbye enkai in April. I will go and get drunk, even if it is on a weekday, and hopefully say something mean that I can't be blamed for later.
I was already in a pissy mood due to my sinus congestion, and all this shit today, combined with the no-driving bullshit just made me stew all day. I was super unfriendly to everybody except the Yamamotos, because I don't hate them with all my soul, and would tell them before I burned down the building.
Cat and I Gchatted all day cursing them. It was fun. And on the way home, this old lady on a bike came up behind us and bumped Cat to get around her, and I actually yelled at her, "Bitch, get off the fucking bike!" and it felt really good, even if she couldn't understand.
Anyway, it should be clear that ALT morale in Kumano is at an all-time high. If it wouldn't cause a problem for my schools, I would just leave. Fuck this, really. But I like my teachers and my students (at least half of them), so I don't want to be the sketch foreigner that bailed on her contract, but I also don't want to have to deal with all the shit the office piles on us.
我慢する。
Today, as we walked to work, Catherine was in a bad mood since we had to leave earlier and, you know, walk, so I tried to cheer her up a bit. I mean, I was pissed that we had to walk too, but at least the weather was nice.
So we get into the office, and before I can even sit down, Y comes over and is all, "Kara, everyone here is very busy and blah blah blah so if you and Catherine want to talk, please go somewhere else."
ASDFJKL:SDFAHS:DFHASF
I was so angry I wanted to cry. It's such bullshit. We don't sit at our desks and talk in loud voices all fucking day. We make quiet comments to each other over the course of the day. That's it. Sure, not everything we talk about is work-related, but you know what? All the shit they talk about all day isn't work-related either. And I fail to see how our infrequent chit-chat is more distracting than T yelling into the phone every fucking second of the day and yelling at people across the room, hell, even people in our section, when he's not on the phone.
Christ. I'm so angry, 12 hours later.
And what pisses me off even more is that they have clearly had at least one conversation about our talking to each other (or rather that crazy bitch M complained), because he was ready with his little spiel as soon as we walked in. Goddamn!
The only positive news of the day was that T is most likely leaving in April. A-FUCKING-MEN. Don't let the door hit your ass on the way out, mother fucker! All of the ALTs are "requested" to go to the welcome-goodbye enkai in April. I will go and get drunk, even if it is on a weekday, and hopefully say something mean that I can't be blamed for later.
I was already in a pissy mood due to my sinus congestion, and all this shit today, combined with the no-driving bullshit just made me stew all day. I was super unfriendly to everybody except the Yamamotos, because I don't hate them with all my soul, and would tell them before I burned down the building.
Cat and I Gchatted all day cursing them. It was fun. And on the way home, this old lady on a bike came up behind us and bumped Cat to get around her, and I actually yelled at her, "Bitch, get off the fucking bike!" and it felt really good, even if she couldn't understand.
Anyway, it should be clear that ALT morale in Kumano is at an all-time high. If it wouldn't cause a problem for my schools, I would just leave. Fuck this, really. But I like my teachers and my students (at least half of them), so I don't want to be the sketch foreigner that bailed on her contract, but I also don't want to have to deal with all the shit the office piles on us.
我慢する。
Saturday, March 8, 2008
stupid face
I have been super useless today. My throat no longer hurts, but my sinuses are really stuffed up, but only on the left side, so one side of my face has been hurting all day. Fun.
I did go to Jusco to get a few provisions, but that made me feel worse, so I've spent most of the day either in bed or under the kotatsu.
I'm glad I don't have school on Monday. Yes, it sucks that I will be walking to work, but whatever. I don't feel like teaching for a few days. And I'm just going to graduation at Isato on Tuesday, so no teaching that day either! I just have to dress up.
Back to Dino Comics. \O/ <--This means hooray.
I did go to Jusco to get a few provisions, but that made me feel worse, so I've spent most of the day either in bed or under the kotatsu.
I'm glad I don't have school on Monday. Yes, it sucks that I will be walking to work, but whatever. I don't feel like teaching for a few days. And I'm just going to graduation at Isato on Tuesday, so no teaching that day either! I just have to dress up.
Back to Dino Comics. \O/ <--This means hooray.
Friday, March 7, 2008
but 1.1 kilometers is so far
I woke up feeling pretty crap, but since I only had two classes and it was my last day at Arasaka this semester, I went to school. I took the early train back and as soon as I got up to the office, T was all, "Go home." The school called and told them I didn't feel well, so I didn't even have to play up the fact that I felt bad. And I didn't have to do any paperwork for sick leave. As shit as my office is, they're pretty nice with the sick leave.
However, I was also finally told that we are not to drive to work, as we live within 2km of the office. 1.1km, actually, according to my car. Apparently this rule applies to all city hall workers, but it's still bullshit, especially since the station parking lot has been reduced to rubble, so I can't hide my car there. And I didn't bother buying a new bike after mine was stolen in fucking July. And Cat has a shitty bike that she hates to ride. And it's a 15-20 minute walk one way. Fuck. At least winter is almost over.
I had a pizza tonight, and I was very excited, since it was supposed to be a delicious 4-cheese pizza, complete with nama cream! And while it was super cheesy, it didn't have any sauce on it! What the hell? Without sauce, it is just bread and cheese. So I had to get out my tomato and garlic pasta sauce and dip my not-pizza in it. It was tasty.
Yesterday, I sent a little package to America, and it cost much less than I was expecting. A pleasant surprise. Then Cat and I went to Mos, because we didn't want to cook, and when I got home, there was a little note from the post office saying that they had overcharged me. The guy came back today and gave me 400yen back. Awesome! There are lots of things about Japan that piss me off, but the post is definitely not one of them. I love those guys.
Now I am watching Can't Hardly Wait, aka one of my favorite movies ever. I can't explain how much I love it, and I really don't understand why I do. But it's great.
"Why y'all gotta waste my flava? Damn!"
However, I was also finally told that we are not to drive to work, as we live within 2km of the office. 1.1km, actually, according to my car. Apparently this rule applies to all city hall workers, but it's still bullshit, especially since the station parking lot has been reduced to rubble, so I can't hide my car there. And I didn't bother buying a new bike after mine was stolen in fucking July. And Cat has a shitty bike that she hates to ride. And it's a 15-20 minute walk one way. Fuck. At least winter is almost over.
I had a pizza tonight, and I was very excited, since it was supposed to be a delicious 4-cheese pizza, complete with nama cream! And while it was super cheesy, it didn't have any sauce on it! What the hell? Without sauce, it is just bread and cheese. So I had to get out my tomato and garlic pasta sauce and dip my not-pizza in it. It was tasty.
Yesterday, I sent a little package to America, and it cost much less than I was expecting. A pleasant surprise. Then Cat and I went to Mos, because we didn't want to cook, and when I got home, there was a little note from the post office saying that they had overcharged me. The guy came back today and gave me 400yen back. Awesome! There are lots of things about Japan that piss me off, but the post is definitely not one of them. I love those guys.
Now I am watching Can't Hardly Wait, aka one of my favorite movies ever. I can't explain how much I love it, and I really don't understand why I do. But it's great.
"Why y'all gotta waste my flava? Damn!"
Thursday, March 6, 2008
christ i'm tired
The 6th graders weren't as full of awful today as I was expecting. Still bad, but not murder-inducingly so. We played Price is Right, which is a big hit with good classes and passes the time with bad ones. Today fell into the latter category. But the other classes were good, especially the 2nd graders, so the day wasn't a total waste.
I stayed up too late last night and now I am seriously tired. It's not even 8pm, so I feel like I should stay up a little later, but I might just wait a little bit and get into bed and read for a bit. Yes. That sounds like a good idea.
I finally got my big package from UCLA. It somehow got held up in the mail. They have a really pretty campus, with really nice weather, and cute grad apartments. I am tempted.
Georgia is going to give me a scholarship, I think. One of the admissions people emailed about talking to me about scholarships, so I assume they wouldn't just bait me.
I feel like I'm getting a little sick. My throat is quite sore and my nose is a little stuffy. Oddly enough, I was joking with Michelle last night, hoping I wake up sick so I could call in and not have to teach 6th grade today. But I guess karma is coming back at me and I am getting sick a day too late. But if I could somehow avoid seeing Kubo's ugly face tomorrow, it might be worth it.
Michelle and I also had great conversations about models falling (see here - Stam's wipeout is especially hilarious) and farts, but that's neither here nor there.
Apparently the Indians that work at the consulate in Osaka are a bunch of fuckers. Some of the people here are going on a Habitat trip there in a few weeks, and the consulate folks are giving them so much shit about visas. I'm so glad I'm not going. Fuck you, India. Maybe if you took better care of your billion-plus citizens, dirty foreigners wouldn't have to come and help them. Was that racist?
I stayed up too late last night and now I am seriously tired. It's not even 8pm, so I feel like I should stay up a little later, but I might just wait a little bit and get into bed and read for a bit. Yes. That sounds like a good idea.
I finally got my big package from UCLA. It somehow got held up in the mail. They have a really pretty campus, with really nice weather, and cute grad apartments. I am tempted.
Georgia is going to give me a scholarship, I think. One of the admissions people emailed about talking to me about scholarships, so I assume they wouldn't just bait me.
I feel like I'm getting a little sick. My throat is quite sore and my nose is a little stuffy. Oddly enough, I was joking with Michelle last night, hoping I wake up sick so I could call in and not have to teach 6th grade today. But I guess karma is coming back at me and I am getting sick a day too late. But if I could somehow avoid seeing Kubo's ugly face tomorrow, it might be worth it.
Michelle and I also had great conversations about models falling (see here - Stam's wipeout is especially hilarious) and farts, but that's neither here nor there.
Apparently the Indians that work at the consulate in Osaka are a bunch of fuckers. Some of the people here are going on a Habitat trip there in a few weeks, and the consulate folks are giving them so much shit about visas. I'm so glad I'm not going. Fuck you, India. Maybe if you took better care of your billion-plus citizens, dirty foreigners wouldn't have to come and help them. Was that racist?
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
local trains are slooooow
I'm home from Yokohama. I almost didn't make it back home, since I spent too much money and barely had enough for my train fare. Oops. How did I do that? I think it's the souvenirs I bought for my friends. The things I do to be liked.
Of the things I will miss about Japan, I think trains will be in the top five. Even slow ass local trains, because it is usually easier than driving. I will not miss the expense of taking public transportation everywhere, but the convenience aspect is so great. If there existed a comparable system in America, I would never fly domestic again. Unless it was like New York to LA or something.
I ran into this guy at the conference that I met when I took the LSAT in Tokyo last September. I felt kind of bad, since he hadn't heard from any schools yet and I'd already gotten into five.
I have to teach the fucking 6th graders at Ido tomorrow. I think I hate them the most out of all the kids in Kumano. They are such little bastards. I've decided we're going to play The Price is Right, and if they can't enjoy that and not act like little shits, then I might just walk out. At least I've got 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades to balance out their awful.
Of the things I will miss about Japan, I think trains will be in the top five. Even slow ass local trains, because it is usually easier than driving. I will not miss the expense of taking public transportation everywhere, but the convenience aspect is so great. If there existed a comparable system in America, I would never fly domestic again. Unless it was like New York to LA or something.
I ran into this guy at the conference that I met when I took the LSAT in Tokyo last September. I felt kind of bad, since he hadn't heard from any schools yet and I'd already gotten into five.
I have to teach the fucking 6th graders at Ido tomorrow. I think I hate them the most out of all the kids in Kumano. They are such little bastards. I've decided we're going to play The Price is Right, and if they can't enjoy that and not act like little shits, then I might just walk out. At least I've got 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades to balance out their awful.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
pity, party of 1
I didn't get into Berkeley. My first rejection, and it was a big one. At least they sent the letter to my house in America and not to where I actually live.
Oddly enough, I'm not too broken up about it. I think the fact that I already got into Virginia, which was my other top choice, played a big part in my response. I mean, sure it would be nice to live in California and go to a school that doesn't use grades, but I can always try to get a job out there after I have my degree from another awesome school.
I'm still waiting to hear from Columbia, since that's the only school I haven't heard from yet that I would consider going to. I don't want to go to Duke and Harvard is too cut-throat (and Boston is too cold). But most likely, I will go to Virginia. Woo-hoo!
The conference has been good. CLAIR got better speakers for this one than any other JET conference I've been to, I think. Even the guy who talked about something that had nothing to do with us was at least interesting.
Also, this conference is not mandatory, so I didn't have to go to all of the career sessions today, just the ones I was interested in. As it happens, I was only interested in the law session, so I spent the rest of the day shopping and eating. Haha! I got another pair of skinny jeans at Uniqlo (like I need them, but these are in a more casual wash!), plus some cute hoodies. I think I might go to Zoff tomorrow and see if they have the sunglasses I like so much.
Megan, Stan, and I went to TGIFriday's for dinner tonight. (We went to Chinatown last night, it was good, but the waitress was a bitch.) I never go to TGIFriday's or Applebee's or similar restaurants at home, but it was so good tonight! I had loaded potato skins and chicken fingers with honey mustard and this delicious Bailey's/mint/oreo/ice cream drink. It was expensive, but worth it, since I never get to eat stuff like that here.
I don't want to go home tomorrow. I'd much rather stay here and not work. Boo.
Oddly enough, I'm not too broken up about it. I think the fact that I already got into Virginia, which was my other top choice, played a big part in my response. I mean, sure it would be nice to live in California and go to a school that doesn't use grades, but I can always try to get a job out there after I have my degree from another awesome school.
I'm still waiting to hear from Columbia, since that's the only school I haven't heard from yet that I would consider going to. I don't want to go to Duke and Harvard is too cut-throat (and Boston is too cold). But most likely, I will go to Virginia. Woo-hoo!
The conference has been good. CLAIR got better speakers for this one than any other JET conference I've been to, I think. Even the guy who talked about something that had nothing to do with us was at least interesting.
Also, this conference is not mandatory, so I didn't have to go to all of the career sessions today, just the ones I was interested in. As it happens, I was only interested in the law session, so I spent the rest of the day shopping and eating. Haha! I got another pair of skinny jeans at Uniqlo (like I need them, but these are in a more casual wash!), plus some cute hoodies. I think I might go to Zoff tomorrow and see if they have the sunglasses I like so much.
Megan, Stan, and I went to TGIFriday's for dinner tonight. (We went to Chinatown last night, it was good, but the waitress was a bitch.) I never go to TGIFriday's or Applebee's or similar restaurants at home, but it was so good tonight! I had loaded potato skins and chicken fingers with honey mustard and this delicious Bailey's/mint/oreo/ice cream drink. It was expensive, but worth it, since I never get to eat stuff like that here.
I don't want to go home tomorrow. I'd much rather stay here and not work. Boo.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
yokohama yo mama
Yokohama is boring when you're alone. I realize that now.
The conference for JETs who aren't recontracting is tomorrow through Wednesday, and I came up to Yokohama today so I wouldn't have to take the early early train on Monday morning.
I got to my hotel about 3 o'clock, but check-in wasn't until 4, so I dropped off my bags and went to the history museum across the street to kill time. I'm not staying at my usual hotel choice, Toyoko Inn (which are usually awesome, except for the one at Asakusa Senzoku, as it is staffed with bitches), because they only had the expensive singles available, so I went with a place on almost the same street that was 2000yen a night cheaper.
Anyway, the history museum was nice. I like stuff like that. And they had these enormous pictures of Perry in Japan-o-vision, in which all gaijin look like giant-nosed monsters, which was a nice touch.
I got back to the hotel and ironed all my clothes again, since they got wrinkled on the way up. Then I looked up the location of the nearest Mosburger and went there for dinner. I was kind of paranoid walking there, as I was by myself and I'm not at all familiar with Yokohama. But I managed to get there and back without damage, and it's not that cold out, so I didn't freeze either.
Tomorrow should be better, as people I know will be here for the conference, the lucky ones that don't live 5 hours out like I do.
I'm thinking I'll go to the Ramen Museum to eat before the conference. At the museum, there are restaurants that serve the different kinds of ramen you can get in Japan, and much to my delight, there is a Fukuchan. I think I went to a Fukuchan with my host family in Fukuoka, and it was super delicious, as most Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen is. I mean, it might not be Ichiran, but it's close. I might try the "mini ramen" that is advertised in the brochure, or I might go all out and get a big bowl, since I'll be at the conference until 6:30 at least.
Yokohama also has the biggest Chinatown in Japan, and the dinner I had there the last time I was here was great. It was like seven courses for 2100yen. I was completely stuffed. So maybe something like that for dinner? Who knows.
I kind of wish I had called Kyle before I came up so we could hang out a bit. I haven't seen him since I stayed at his place before the LSAT. I'm a bad friend.
I took the shinkansen up here from Nagoya like I always do, because even though the overnight bus is soooo much cheaper, trains are the way to go. And I was fortunate enough to score a Fuji-side seat, which was great, because I have never actually seen Fuji from the shink, even though it's apparently very obvious. I think it's always been raining when I come up to Tokyo or I'm always on the wrong side, or I'm just not paying attention. Probably a combination of all of those. Anyway, I spent the whole time looking out the window, and I'm pretty sure I know where Fuji is now, but of course, there was a giant cloud sitting right on top of it, so I couldn't see it at all. Damn. I'll try again on the ride home.
Also train-related, there was a guy a few rows ahead of me who looked like homeless ana Jesus. With Japanese teeth. He had the long scraggly hair and one of those knit caps that wasn't pulled down all the way so it had the condom-tip effect going on (how do I know what that looks like, I wonder?), which I always associate with homeless people for some reason. But he had a really cute toddler, though said toddler was fussy and he had to get up and walk around with him. Fun times, I'm sure!
Okay, this has clearly gone on too long. It's because I am bored. I should just go to bed. I have to be rested for this totally useless conference. I mean, if I didn't really know what I was going to do after JET, it wouldn't be useless, but as I do, it is. Oh well, at least it's getting me out of work.
The conference for JETs who aren't recontracting is tomorrow through Wednesday, and I came up to Yokohama today so I wouldn't have to take the early early train on Monday morning.
I got to my hotel about 3 o'clock, but check-in wasn't until 4, so I dropped off my bags and went to the history museum across the street to kill time. I'm not staying at my usual hotel choice, Toyoko Inn (which are usually awesome, except for the one at Asakusa Senzoku, as it is staffed with bitches), because they only had the expensive singles available, so I went with a place on almost the same street that was 2000yen a night cheaper.
Anyway, the history museum was nice. I like stuff like that. And they had these enormous pictures of Perry in Japan-o-vision, in which all gaijin look like giant-nosed monsters, which was a nice touch.
I got back to the hotel and ironed all my clothes again, since they got wrinkled on the way up. Then I looked up the location of the nearest Mosburger and went there for dinner. I was kind of paranoid walking there, as I was by myself and I'm not at all familiar with Yokohama. But I managed to get there and back without damage, and it's not that cold out, so I didn't freeze either.
Tomorrow should be better, as people I know will be here for the conference, the lucky ones that don't live 5 hours out like I do.
I'm thinking I'll go to the Ramen Museum to eat before the conference. At the museum, there are restaurants that serve the different kinds of ramen you can get in Japan, and much to my delight, there is a Fukuchan. I think I went to a Fukuchan with my host family in Fukuoka, and it was super delicious, as most Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen is. I mean, it might not be Ichiran, but it's close. I might try the "mini ramen" that is advertised in the brochure, or I might go all out and get a big bowl, since I'll be at the conference until 6:30 at least.
Yokohama also has the biggest Chinatown in Japan, and the dinner I had there the last time I was here was great. It was like seven courses for 2100yen. I was completely stuffed. So maybe something like that for dinner? Who knows.
I kind of wish I had called Kyle before I came up so we could hang out a bit. I haven't seen him since I stayed at his place before the LSAT. I'm a bad friend.
I took the shinkansen up here from Nagoya like I always do, because even though the overnight bus is soooo much cheaper, trains are the way to go. And I was fortunate enough to score a Fuji-side seat, which was great, because I have never actually seen Fuji from the shink, even though it's apparently very obvious. I think it's always been raining when I come up to Tokyo or I'm always on the wrong side, or I'm just not paying attention. Probably a combination of all of those. Anyway, I spent the whole time looking out the window, and I'm pretty sure I know where Fuji is now, but of course, there was a giant cloud sitting right on top of it, so I couldn't see it at all. Damn. I'll try again on the ride home.
Also train-related, there was a guy a few rows ahead of me who looked like homeless ana Jesus. With Japanese teeth. He had the long scraggly hair and one of those knit caps that wasn't pulled down all the way so it had the condom-tip effect going on (how do I know what that looks like, I wonder?), which I always associate with homeless people for some reason. But he had a really cute toddler, though said toddler was fussy and he had to get up and walk around with him. Fun times, I'm sure!
Okay, this has clearly gone on too long. It's because I am bored. I should just go to bed. I have to be rested for this totally useless conference. I mean, if I didn't really know what I was going to do after JET, it wouldn't be useless, but as I do, it is. Oh well, at least it's getting me out of work.
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