Sunday, July 30, 2006
A Would-be Post
I'm supposed to be at the Oyama Fireworks right now. I didn't go. I feel the need to be alone; to get my head on straight. I'm not up for people. And fireworks are fireworks, aren't they? Plenty of future chances to see that. It's times like these, when I get passed missing Riccardo, that I miss my cat, Phoenix. He was always good for a unexplained hug, when he wasn't clawing your face off. So anyhow, apologies for not posting about fun-FIREWORKS-times today... console yourselves by watching the EMO video again.
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Tribute to Shortbus
For the sake of knowing what she'd be getting into, I've posted this educational video defining "Emo," a lifestyle my dear friend Shortbus has been contemplating.
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Saturday, July 29, 2006
He's Gone
Did I disappoint you or let you down?
Should I be feeling guilty or let the judges frown?
'Cause I saw the end before we'd begun,
Yes I saw you were blinded and I knew I had won.
So I took what's mine by eternal right.
Took your soul out into the night.
It may be over but it won't stop there,
I am here for you if you'd only care.
You touched my heart you touched my soul.
You changed my life and all my goals.
And love is blind and that I knew when,
My heart was blinded by you.
I've kissed your lips and held your hand.
Shared your dreams and shared your bed.
I know you well, I know your smell.
I've been addicted to you.
[x2]
Goodbye my lover.
Goodbye my friend.
You have been the one.
You have been the one for me.
I am a dreamer and when i wake,
You can't break my spirit - it's my dreams you take.
And as you move on, remember me,
Remember us and all we used to be
I've seen you cry, I've seen you smile.
I've watched you sleeping for a while.
I'd be the father of your child.
I'd spend a lifetime with you.
I know your fears and you know mine.
We've had our doubts but now we're fine,
And I love you, I swear that's true.
I cannot live without you.
[x2]
Goodbye my lover.
Goodbye my friend.
You have been the one.
You have been the one for me.
And I still hold your hand in mine.
In mine when I'm asleep.
And I will bare my soul in time,
When I'm kneeling at your feet.
Goodbye my lover.
Goodbye my friend.
You have been the one.
You have been the one for me.
I'm so hollow, baby, I'm so hollow.
I'm so, I'm so, I'm so hollow.
I'm so hollow, baby, I'm so hollow.
I'm so, I'm so, I'm so hollow.
"Goodbye My Lover"
James Blunt
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Monday, July 24, 2006
Better than expected
You Are 60% Lady |
You're part lady, part modern woman.
Etiquette is important to you, but you brush aside rules that are outdated or silly. |
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100 Things About Me
1. ONE OF YOUR SCARS, HOW DID YOU GET IT?
I have matching scars on both my heels from a bike I had as a kid. Despite the metal grippers on the peddles, while peddling furiously on several occassions my foot would fly off the peddle and grate along the grippers. Ouch.
2. WHAT IS ON THE WALLS IN YOUR ROOM?
The greyish-biege wallpaper that's throughout my apartment, pictures of family and friends, and various Japanesy shit.
3. WHAT DOES YOUR CELL PHONE LOOK LIKE?
It's fabulous! But it's not a cell phone, it's a KEITAI. It's metallic pink with a reversable screen that features a picture of half of my face. I chose to believe that this is not vain because the picture is slightly artsy, though my boyfriend has mentioned on more than one occassion that he thinks HIS picture should grace the front of my keitai. Because you'll be deported from Japan for NOT having them, my keitai features two charms: (1) a silver "C" with rhinestones and a matching dolphin - a student got me this from Kamagawa Seaworld, and (2) a pink Onsen Hello Kitty - Nori got me this from her trip to Hakone.
4. WHAT MUSIC DO YOU LISTEN TO?
Because I'm totally homesick for television, I have been listening to the five CDs of The O.C. soundtracks that I downloaded. Retarded, I know, but actually, the music is great.
5. DO YOU KNOW WHAT TIME YOU WERE BORN?
I think it was around 7am, but I could be totally wrong. Mom?
6. WHAT DO YOU WANT MORE THAN ANYTHING RIGHT NOW?
For the next four months to go by in a blink.
7. WHO DO YOU MISS?
My family and friends in Canada, and in advance, Riccardo.
8. WHAT IS YOUR MOST PRIZED POSSESSION/S?
The necklace my mom gave me when I left for Japan; the earrings Riccardo gave me.
9. WHAT IS YOUR ZODIAC SIGN?
Capricorn, but I have no idea how that describes me.
10. DO YOU GET CLAUSTROPHOBIC?
Nopers.
11. DO YOU GET AFRAID OF THE DARK?
Nopers.
12. THE LAST PERSON TO MAKE YOU CRY?
I used to say I don't cry, but lately that's not true. Other people don't usually make me cry, I usually cry all by myself.
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE COLOGNE / PERFUME?
On myself, Sandlewood from The Body Shop; otherwise, Riccardo's whatever-cologne.
14. WHAT KIND OF HAIR/EYE COLOR DO YOU LIKE ON THE OPPOSITE SEX?
Dark hair, blue or green eyes.
15. WHERE CAN YOU SEE YOURSELF PROPOSING?
I can't see myself proposing. I've honestly never fantasized that it'd happen that way.
16. COFFEE OR ENERGY DRINK?
Cold "Georgia Max" coffee-in-a-can from any vending machine.
17. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PIZZA TOPPING?
The cheeeeeezu! Then tomatoes.
18. IF YOU CAN EAT ANYTHING RIGHT NOW, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Cashew tofu from the hidden restaurant in Chatuchak, Bangkok.
19. WHO IS THE LAST PERSON YOU MADE MAD?
Riccardo.
21. WHAT WAS THE FIRST GIFT SOMEONE EVER GAVE YOU?
Life.
22. DO YOU LIKE ANYBODY?
Sure do.
23. ARE YOU DOUBLE JOINTED?
No such thing. It's called flexibility, and yes, I am. Seven years of gymnastics will do that.
24. FAVORITE CLOTHING BRAND?
Old Navy, Old Navy!!
25. WHAT'S YOUR DREAM CAR?
Compact Chev Blazer, 4-door, navy blue.
26. DO YOU HAVE A PET RIGHT NOW?
Yes, kind of, but he lives with my parents in Canada.
27. WHAT KIND IS IT?
A cat named Phoenix
28. WOULD YOU FALL IN LOVE KNOWING THAT THE PERSON IS GOING TO MOVE AWAY?
Um no, I would NEVER do that... A-hem, rrrrright. Did I mention that Riccardo leaves in five days?
29. WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO TELL SOMEONE HOW MUCH THEY MEAN TO YOU?
I like email, but it's probably not the best way.
30. SAY A NUMBER FROM ONE TO A HUNDRED:
14. This is not a question, it's a demand.
32. WHAT IS THE ONE NUMBER YOU CALL OFTEN?
Well, not so into calling, but I guess I'd have to say, my parents'.
33. WHAT ANNOYS YOU MOST?
Unfounded disrespect; racism.
34. HAVE YOU BEEN OUT OF THE USA?
Actually, I've spent the majority of my life outside of the USA, thank you.
37. FIRST JOB?
Paper carrier. I think I was 8.
38. DONE A PRANK CALL?
Definitely. Sounds like a good way to spend this afternoon...
40. IF YOU COULD GET PLASTIC SURGERY WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Nothing too invasive; maybe Botox when I get some more wrinkles.
41. WHY DID YOU FILL OUT THIS SURVEY?
I wanted to blog something.
42. WHAT DO YOU GET COMPLIMENTED ABOUT MOST?
My cooking? I don't know. Whatever.
43. WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF ALCOHOL BECAME ILLEGAL?
Drink it anyway. I walk on the wild side, doncha know?
44. WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY?
A return open-ended ticket to Germany. I don't ask much, do I? ;)
45. HOW MANY KIDS DO YOU WANT?
Two or three. Any after that will be adopted from underpriviledged homes/countries.
46. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
Yes, my middle name is from my mom's former best friend, Lynne.
47. DO YOU WISH ON STARS?
Yep, but I'm starting to think this is not a productive way to make things happen in my favour.
48. WHAT DID YOU DO THIS MORNING?
Checked my email, went to to work for 2 hours.
49. WHAT DID YOU LAST EAT?
School lunch: rice, miso soup, boiled cabbage, fried squash fritters and grapefruit slices. Oh, with water and ocha. This is my best school for lunches.
50. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
Actually I do, but everyone else bitches about how illegible it is. Is "illegible" a word?
51. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
Turkey, I suppose, but I'm not really a sandwich girl.
52. ANY BAD HABITS?
Chewing my fingernails, but lately I've stopped. Now if I can only get the damn nails to grow properly and be un-bendy. I hate this habit!
53. WHAT IS YOUR MOST EMBARRASSING CD ON THE SHELF?
So many to chose from... Celine Dion?
54. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
Sure.
55. HAVE YOU EVER TOLD A SECRET YOU SWORE NOT TO TELL?
Yes, but never the important stuff.
56. DO LOOKS MATTER?
Only a little. Intelligence and sense of humour are far more important.
57. HOW DO YOU RELEASE ANGER?
Bitching, crying, eating.
58. WHERE IS YOUR SECOND HOME?
Japan. First home: with Riccardo; third home: my parents' place.
59. WHAT IS ONE OF YOUR PERSONALITY TRAITS?
I'm fair. Or at least I try to be.
60. WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE TOY AS A CHILD?
Barbie, but only to dress her up, do her hair and then undress her and undo her hair. Repeatedly. I never had enough imagination or creativity for a storyline.
63. DO YOU USE SARCASM?
No. I NEVER use sarcasm.
65. WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A GUY/GIRL?
I'm not looking.
66. WHAT ARE YOUR NICKNAMES?
Baby, honey, Cryssie, Crys, Hammy, Hambone, Hamlet, Hamstar, Not-driving-pants...
70. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR?
Lately, this Cookies-&-Cream variety I can only find at Kasumi.
71. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE COLOR?
PINK!
72. WHAT DO YOU CARE ABOUT THE MOST?
Boyfriend, family and friends.
73. WHAT DO YOU MISS MOST RIGHT NOW?
Canada. Television, western food and shopping...
74. HOW MANY WISDOM TEETH DO YOU HAVE?
Just one left. It's in my brain somewheres.
75. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS?
I don't care.
77. LAST THING YOU DRANK?
Am drinking. Cranberry Water.
78. LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
I can't remember. Oh, Riccardo, when he phoned from halfway up Fuji-san last night. I can go weeks without talking on the phone.
79. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE IN THE OPPOSITE SEX?
Teeth/smile.
80. FAVORITE THOUGHT PROVOKING SONG?
Fix You by Coldplay. Yep, ditto. For the moment anyway.
81. FAVORITE THING TO HATE?
Hmmm, there is something I want to say that probably isn't appropriate here, so I'll just say dried fish flakes.
82. FAVORITE DRINK(S)?
Cranberry Water.
83. BLOOD TYPE?
This did say "Zodiac Sign" which was already asked, so I changed it. In Japan they are interested in blood type like we are in Zodiac signs. I forget what mine is.
84. FAVORITE SPORT?
Lately, badminton.
85. WHAT IS YOUR HAIR COLOR?
Light brown/blonde.
86. EYE COLOR?
Hazelish.
87. HEIGHT?
I say 5'3, but people disagree. Must be the high heels.
88. SIBLINGS?
Two fabulous sisters, and a few girl friends who are as close as sisters.
89. FAVORITE MONTH?
December back home, because it's so festive.
90. YOU LIKE SUSHI?
Yep, though not all varieties... some are VERY scary here in Japan.
91. LAST THING YOU WATCHED?
Part of "The Life and Death of Peter Sellers."
92. FAVORITE DAY OF THE YEAR?
Hallowe'en.
93. ARE YOU TOO SHY TO ASK SOMEONE OUT?
Yes. Usually.
94. SUMMER OR WINTER?
Summer.
95. KISSES OR HUGS?
Depends who from. Usually hugs, but they have to be REAL hugs.
96. RELATIONSHIPS OR ONE NIGHT STANDS?
Definitely relationships.
97. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU BOUGHT?
Cranberry Water.
98. WHO IS THE LEAST LIKELY TO ANSWER THIS?
Don't care.
99. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING?
Shogun, by James Clavell. Still. Well, it's is over 1200 pages afterall.
100. ANYONE IN LOVE WITH YOU?
Yes. Madly. :D
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Sunday, July 23, 2006
Tochigi Party Weekend
Well, perhaps I was due for a bender. It has been a while. I sure can't hold my alcohol like I used to, but I managed to pull myself together for two nights in a row of partying, Tochigi-style.Friday night was Riccardo's Goodbye Party, organized by his good friend and colleague, Shigeru. We returned to the great little hole-in-the-wall okonomiyaki restaurant and then proceeded to karaoke. I was an excellent time, and neither Riccardo nor I had to pay a dime! Thanks so much, Shigeru!I could have spent all day Saturday in bed; light was giving me a pounding headache through my CLOSED eyelids! Damn draught beer! But, after doing some late-afternoon shopping we met up with Anna-and-friends on the roof of the Tochigi Grand Hotel for a lively beer garden drink-fest. Met loads of new people, mostly visitors to Japan, and it didn't take long to get on the drinking bandwagon (about half a grapefruit sour). Again to karaoke, where hilarity ensued and then fairly early home because dear Riccardo is off to Fuji-san today for another attempt at summitting the peak.Thanks Anna, for letting us help you celebrate your Quarter Centery Birthday! Another amazing weekend here in Japan!
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Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Respect Ranking
My recent bitching has uncovered an interesting ranking of respect in Japan. I was peeved today when I walked into ANOTHER Parent's Day without notice; apparently the school's don't feel that we should be privy to information like this IN ADVANCE. The following list was provided to me, sources will not be disclosed, Riccardo, I promise!Ranking of Respect In Japanese Society- Japanese men
- Rice
- Sake
- Beer (not gaijin beer)
- Sushi
- Cars
- Railway Crossings
- Dogs
- Neighbours' dogs
- Dog on the street
- Stray dogs
- Traffic lights
- Air conditioning machines
- Cats
- Neighbours' cats
- Stray cats
- Condoms
- Mickey Mouse
- The number 17
- Gaijin men (only if not Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese or Black)
- Cockroaches
- Japanese women
- Gaijin Women (only if not Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese or Black and if they look like gaijin men, e.g. because of a beard, mustache or "male parts")
- Dirt
- All other gaijin women
I round out this list by adding "English Teachers" at place #26.
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Monday, July 17, 2006
Kamakura
On our last weekend-roadtrip before his departure (next weekend is filled with Goodbye Parties and Birthdays), Riccardo and I chose Kamakura and the Amida (?) Buddha. We left Friday night and found a lovely Love Hotel at about 1:30am. Thankfully check-out wasn't until 11am.
After viewing some beautiful shrines and gardens, we hiked along a mountain to the Buddha. The hike was supposed to be 2.2 kms, but I think it was closer to three, since we hiked quite a way before the "Buddha Hike: 2.2 kms" sign appeared in the woods. Thankfully the forest was quite cool and the ups and downs of the path were nicely staggered with flat portions.
After much Buddha-viewing (from outside and in), and even more people-viewing (Japanese women, particularly, who love to site-see in stilettos), we headed for the beach.
Kamakura is South of Tokyo, on the Pacific Ocean and we heard before we left that it is home to a fabulous beach. We were quite surprised by the fabulousness of the beach, and glad to have come prepared. After some body-surfing and sun-bathing (in the late-afternoon, cloud-covered sun) we played some badminton. I'm pretty sure I can kick Riccardo's ass at at least one sport! Yippee!
Home again, home again. We dined at Jolly Pasta and were happy to find garlic toast on the menu. We were also happy to find that Toyko wasn't a gongshow of traffic, despite our early evening starting time. We tried our luck through Ginza (a very affluent shopping district and high-society part of Tokyo) and were not disappointed. I even spotted the Tokyo Tower through the sky-rises, but sadly, couldn't get a good shot.
Saturday we fell into bed, utterly exhausted, at about 2am. Thankfully we had all of Sunday to do absolutely nothing. Our absolutely nothing consisted of reading, laundry, Shogi, SIMS and card playing, and Sushi Ondo dinner.
Thanks for the fabulous weekend baby!
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Sunday, July 16, 2006
Tipp Pool Outcomes
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Friday, July 14, 2006
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Tastes Like Home
Having nearly dehydrated to death without my Ichibansuki durinku (favourite drink), cranberry juice, for the last 15 months, I am now overjoyed at my most recent 7/11 find:Ocean Spray Cranberry Water!
Tastes like the real thing, low in carbs, calories, fat. Doesn't get any better than this.Within a day of finding cranberry water I noticed Tressa drinking a bottle; a few days later I heard Jody raving about the liquidy goodness. We are all superenthused about Cranberry Water. Hey, doesn't take much to make a girl's day when she's stuck in Japan.On the downside, Japan has a tendency to introduce a new beverage and immediately take it off the shelves again. We're thinking that our new beloved beverage won't last in stores past summer. We're wondering if we should buy out every store that we pass...
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VIVA L'ITALIA!
World Cup Football has finished. I admit, I only watched three games, but miraculously I came in SECOND in our tip-pool!!! Approximately a dozen of Riccardo's friends and family participate in pre-selecting the winning teams before each World Cup. Not only do we guess the winners, but we also gauge the scores. Had to be Beginner's Luck.
Though he is also half German, Riccardo puts all his luck behind Italy's football team, and this year he was not disappointed...
ITALY WON!!! BEST IN THE WORLD!!!
The last match was quite thrilling; Italy won against France in a post-overtime kick-off. Had it not been for France's Zidane's hilarious head-butting action in the second half, France would surely have made things more difficult for Italy. Happily, Germany placed third in the 
Cup.
I was more than a little annoyed that Canada didn't qualify for the tournament. Get your shit together Canada!! If I'm gonna have to watch football, then I want to be able to support my home country!
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Thursday, July 13, 2006
TANABATA BBQ
The legend of Tanabata is a romantic one. Dear Yoshiko, my student who teaches me more than I ever taught her, has come through again. In her latest journal she explained Tanabata.
On their home on the Milky Way, Orihime's father felt sympathy for his daughter who put all her time into her work, and left none for love and so he arranged a marriage for Orihime. Orihime and her new husband, Kingyu (?), fell madly in love and both forgot their work entirely. After some time this angered Orihime's father, who needed Orihime's fine weavings, and he separated the couple, forcing them to opposite shores of the expansive Milky Way. He promised that with hard work they would earn time together, which would be granted on July 7th.
Orihime and Kingyu worked diligently with the hope of being together again, but when July 7th finally arrived they found that the rains had widened the Milky Way so much that they could not cross it and be together. The lovers cried for each other on their respective shores.
Suddenly a flock of passing birds saw the weeping lovers and felt pity for them. They rallied together and by spreading their wings wide, made a bridge on which the lovers could walk to each other. Finally the lovers were together and all their wishes came true.
In celebration of this legend Japanese people place their wishes on a bamboo wishing tree. The stars representing Orihime and Kingyu are said to grant these wishes when they come together every July 7th.
Because we need another reason to celebrate, Nori and Dan and family put on a huge Tanabata BBQ at the their store every year. Last year's event was the first time I met many people I hold very dear now, so this year was full of anniversaries, and good times.
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We were in the Ibaraki Prefectural Newspaper!
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Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Complaining
When it comes to the weather, it's what I do. Complain, that is. Japan has shitty weather; it's always too something. Too cold, too rainy, too smoggy, too hot. Yesterday afternoon we had a vicious thunderstorm. Actually, this is good because it reduced the impenetrable smog that has been hanging over the Kanto plain for weeks. But this morning, as a result, is blue skies and brutal heat. So I'm thinking:
This weather would have been lovely on Saturday, when we planned to go to the beach, but now I get to teach 10 classes at 35 degrees with no air-conditioning! Yeah. Fucking singing-and-dancing.
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Monday, July 03, 2006
Tokyo-type Weekend
We found this great new izakaya just blocks from our apartments. Actually, it's the new location of an izakaya we were already familiar with. Anyhow, it's a trendy joint with yummy food and drinks at reasonable prices, though the service is often S-L-O-W. Riccardo, Trex, Jod, Daichi, Masaki (Hothairdresser), Jen and Drew and I met up there on Friday evening for some post-week buzz.Before too late, Riccardo and I walked home in search of Football. Both Riccardo's national teams (Germany and Italy) were playing on Friday evening at midnight and 4am, respectively. Needless to say I watched only one of the games. Riccardo pulled a near-all-nighter and was happy to report that both Germany and Italy were victorious and will be carrying on the the finals or whatevershit. YAY!!! We later discovered that major contender and punch-packing Brazil was ousted, leaving every remaining team a fair chance at the cup!Saturday the ladies and Riccardo and I hoped to go to the beach. Alas, it rained and our beach plans were cancelled yet again. Grrrr.Sunday Riccardo and I ventured to Tokyo, despite the rain. Riccardo's colleague and friend, Shigeru, offerred to play tour guide and we were pleased to accept. We visited several wards in Tokyo that I've never been to before, and one I had. All-in-all, it was a terrific day, regardless of a little rain.Just three weekends left with my boyfriend.For descriptions of the pictures just hover your cursor above the shot; vary the speed with the + and - icons on the bottom left. Enjoy!
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oh you poor baby.
love you lots!