Tacy's super spiffy blog...

Summer Vacation Part 1

2009-08-08T19:45:00.012+09:00

Hello to all those out thee who still check my blog. Looking back my last post was right before my grad classes started. Well, you will be happy to know that I am doing well. Classes are good, life is pretty good… and for all those out there who don’t know yet, I’m moving back to NH in early Spring. But on to more exciting things… :-P

I am currently typing this on my wee computer on a bus back from Northern Japan, with the intent to post it tomorrow (turned out to be a solid 4 days later).

So here is the rundown of my trip…

Like last time, Sheena and I walked to the station early in the morning, because we had to be there before any taxi companies were running. So early. >_< But hey, it’s summer vacation, so I don’t really have any complaints. After the usual 2 hour commute to the airport via train, train, trains… we flew from Tokyo to the airport outside of Sapporo, Hokkaido.

HOKKAIDO

Hokkaido is along the same lines as NH is the sense of weather. It’s know as one of Japan’s lands of ippai (lot’s) of snow. And let me tell you the weather was a welcome break from the hot and humid Tokyo stuff. After another commute, this time by bus, we were finally at the city of our intial stop, Sapporo. And yes the famous beer does orginiate from there. And yes we went to the beer museum. More on that later.

SAPPORO

Famous Sapporo Clock tower

Why famous? Not sure.

Chocolate Museum
Hokkaido is famous for a couple of things, but one of the most popular is chocolate. So we had to visit a chocolate factory. Unfortunately, it was a little lacking in the interesting department. But hey, it’s another adventure that had to be done.

Sapporo Beer Museum
Stars, stars, stars… beer, beer, beer. Since the symbol of Sapporo beer is the red star, you can be sure we saw our fair show of star shaped goodness… along with a lovely sampler of beer. To include the best dark beer I’ve ever had. And probably the best Japan based beer… ever! They weren’t kidding when they named it Creamy Taste. Sheena also fully made love to the beer.

Only 400 yen!!! So cheap!

Good news! They are beginning to release it all over Japan.
But as far as we know the closest place it is available is in Tokyo.
Guess who's taking a trip before schools starts.

Belly buttons and lavender
Dad was all excited because I was going to go to a belly button festival. Because everyone knows, there is a festival for everything in Japan. Unfortunately, most of the activities were after the last bus back to Sapporo, so we missed most of the excitement. However, there were some pregame children's activities that we had the opportunity to check out before we took another bus to the lavender fields (the real reason for going to Furano, as recommended by one of my teachers). Before I get into the pictures, I should probably explain the belly button reasoning. Furano is called the belly button of Hokkaido do to its central location. So to honor the belly button, or just make complete fools out of themselves (I’m not sure which), men go shirtless, paint their stomachs to look like faces, and wear big hats to cover their real heads.

A pretty good representation of what the real thing looks like.

Note the wings on the bangs.
I promptly cut those when I got home.

HAKODATE

After a day and a half in Sapporo and Furano, we took a nice long local train to Hakodate, which is located at the bottom of Hokkaido. Since we were short on time we only did the nightview which the city is famous for. It is also the place where Noien, one of my favorite shows, takes place. (Geek moment!) But first on the way, we stopped in a town by the sea.

One-car trains again...

For being one of the cleanest countries... ever... their beaches sure are dirty...

Note the land in the background.
So pretty

Hakodate is an old port town.

HIROSAKI

“Hello. I’m your reporter, Maria Jonas. Today, I’m here in a big park in Hirosaki. I’ve lived in Japan for five years. And, I’ve loved Japanese music since I heard it for the first time.” Hirosaki, is kind of an inside joke for us ALTs. There is a whole section in the third year's book, centered around Hirosaki and its festival… which we went to. Go us!
But first we had to get there. Hirosaki is actually in Aomori, which isn’t Hokkaido. We had to jump on a different train and go under the straight between the two islands. I’ll let the picture explain for its self (thanks to Sheena for the pic).

Again we had a couple of layovers in small towns. But luckily, we were still near the ocean. (Sheena makes fun of me for my obsession with the sea. Anytime I’m near it I have to go!)

We also stopped in Aomori city, which is famous for its Nebuta festival… we were to early for that one, but we did hit up Hirosaki’s Neputa festival… don’t worry… I’m almost there. But first the bridge that looks exactly like the new bridge into Boston… made me very natsukashi…

I’m finally to it, “I’m here in a big park in Hirosaki.” And what would a trip around Japan be with out a castle or two… I have video of Sheena acting out the page from the book as Maria Jones, but she said she would kill me if I posted it anywhere on the interent. I’ll just say it was highly amuzing to try and video with people walking around and wondering what the heck these crazy forgieners were doing.

Look a castle!!!!!

Sheena acting out the scene from the book
with my cellphone as a mike. ^_^

Coming up in Summer Vacation Part 2:
Neputa matsuri in Hirosaki, Sendai and Matsushima (aka festival parades, food, food, more food, a virtual castle and some other stuffs)
Summer Vacation Part 3:
The biggest firework festival in Yamanashi
Summer Vacation Part 4:
Tacy writes a 10 page Philosophy of Education paper

Pictures!

2009-05-24T12:26:00.010+09:00

First I would like to take this opportunity to be angry...

Is it really necessary to make announcements every morning for the past 4 days at 7AM to remind people to wash their hands... and then again at 7PM. Seriously people. I know it's a new strain of flu and everyone is in a uproar (especially in Japan)... but 7AM! On a Saturday and Sunday even!!! 2 times a day!!! Seriously people, seriously!

And now on to picture of the school trip with the 1st years...

I took a lot more pictures, but these are the ones I am most comfortable putting up of my kids. (^^)v

Lined up waiting to get on the buses...

On a normal school day I would still be sleeping.

Oh the sacrifices. ^^

And yes that is my school in the background.

The big windows are the staff room.

This picture is taken from the back of the building.

Skipping right to Ueno park...

In line waiting for the final words of warning

from the teachers before they release them into the wild.

And into the zoo we go!

Ueno did have a panda in the zoo,

but it died this year... so sad.

(This picture is for mom.)

Look monkeys!

Cute!

Look a turkey!

In a zoo?

I guess it is called the America section. ^^

(I told my kids I wanted to eat it! hehehe)

Turkey... it's been so long. >_<

My kids in front of monkey mountain.

I felt there was something wrong with this situation.

What the heck is that monkey sitting on?

What ever it is...

I don't think they would find it

in their natural environment.

Cute penguins... cute kids in the background. ^^

I thought this too was an ironic picture.

The group of kids I went with was mostly boys,

so of course we had to go see the snakes, lizards and crocs.

I love big turtles.

So ancient.

CUTE!!!

Okay we have space food in America too.

You know normal things like ice cream, pizza, cake...

but TAKOYAKI!!! (Fried octopus?!?!)

Only in Japan!

I have to have some!

And last a picture is from the bus.

Look it's Tokyo Tower!

AKA "Tacy Tower"

My nickname from day one of the new school year.

So when we passed Tokyo Tower all the kids on the bus

were like... "It's TACY TOWER!!"

(^__________^;)

Buta Infuruenza

2009-05-20T15:41:00.003+09:00

A.K.A Swine Flu... well it's been all over the news for at least a month now. And it has finally hit Japan. "Hit" as in... has come to Japan like any other flu, and like any other disease the Japanese take it very seriously. And the first big "outbreak" is luckily south of Tokyo... although I'm sure it's only a matter of time. However, this week is field trip week. The 1st years go to Tokyo Zoo for a day, the 2nd years to Kofu (the state capital) for 2 days and 1 night, and the big trip of their junior high careers in their 3rd year is to Kyoto for 3 days and 2 nights... which happens to be located just a small train ride from the "outbreak".

Right now the 2nd years are in Kofu. The 1st years are leaving tomorrow morning at 7AM for the zoo and I'm going with them! Very exciting. I had to ask/slightly beg (not really ^^) and pay my own way, but the school agreed. It's very exciting. If I couldn't go, I would have to sit at my desk like I did last year for a very long 8 hours of boredom. So yeah!

But I'm getting off subject... Kyoto, school trip, much awaited memory making time... outbreak.

Well it was decided yesterday afternoon with the news that the flu was creeping closer to Kyoto... just 12 hours before they were scheduled to leave... Kyoto trip... CANCELLED! Well, actually postponed... not sure to when yet. But there were a lot of disappointed kids. Me included. Today, was supposed to be art day with the 1st years... sketching and painting outside. But instead I had classes with the 3rd years. Trying to teach 40 students who really don't want to be there... not so much fun. Actually it went better than I thought. The teacher smartly decided to have a random lesson instead of introducing new grammar. But not all hope of a fun day was lost. The 3rd year teachers decided to have the students hike the mountain behind the school. Very smart. The kids didn't want to do it... but it got their blood flowing and I think they aren't so depressed about Kyoto anymore. I got to go too. ^^ And I got to reinforce some key grammar points that will be on the test. They just learned the phrase: [something] makes [me, us, them] [feeling]. Examples: "I enjoyed hiking, but it made me tired." "Does hiking make you tired?" "The sun makes us hot."

It was good fun... but it made me very tired. I should sleep well tonight. Which is good, because I have to wake up an hour earlier tomorrow for my trip to the zoo. (^^)v

School, school, school

2009-05-20T15:07:00.002+09:00

So some people have been on my case about not posting... sorry.
I haven't really done much besides go to school, sleep, go to school, sleep, laundry, cleaning, sleep... etc. And somewhere in between I decided to apply to a grad program. I got all the paperwork, reference letters, transcripts and interviews (on the phone) all done in less than a month.

I didn't want to say anything until I was accepted. And since I was officially accepted last week into Franklin Pierce's 100% online Masters of Education and Certificate Program... I can proudly say that in the near future (in the next 2 years) I will be a middle school science teacher (with a masters... hehehe).

I guess you can say I went halfway around the world to finally discover my path. I really do enjoy working in a school. And for some strange reason I really like junior high kids... they're just so... crazy. They are at the point when they are just beginning to find out who they are. They are at the very beginning of self discovery. Beside they're just so funny... maybe it's because I have the sense of humor of a middle schooler. So all you pre-teen kids out there... WATCH OUT!

Some of you may be asking what this means for my current position in Japan. Well, as previously mentioned it is 100% online, besides the student teaching/internship. The only wall at the moment is trying to find American schools in Japan that will allow me to observe classes and find time in my busy schedule to do so.

So starting on June 1st I will be a graduate student. I guess learning Japanese will be going on the back burner. Oh well I still get to learn the practical language stuff while living here.

Wish me luck!

Back to school!

2009-04-20T16:47:00.001+09:00

Well, I've actually been in school now since April 6th. Heheh... wow that's 2 full weeks. It's been very busy. Planning elementary school lessons takes up a lot of time. Especially when you don't have any pre-class planning with the actual teachers. So I end up make a lot of things that we can possibly do in class... so if I end up having to teach the whole lesson I can do it.

Last Monday I had my first actually elementary school lesson.... well actually 6 on the same day (that's every possible period). It went well. The kids had fun... and it's good to know that if I have to I can do a whole 45 minute lesson by myself... and it looks like I will. The teachers are new at this too, so we all don't really know what we're doing. It's much easier to just say I will bring a lesson full of games and then spend the whole lesson playing.

But elementary school is fun. The kids are cute. And hopefully my lessons are fun for them. From here on ganbarimasu! (I will try my best!)

My Japanese is definitely going to have to "level up". By the end of the day at elementary school my brain functions better in Japanese, from trying to speak and understand all day. Granted it's a very low level version of "brain functioning" but the first words that pop in to my head are in Japanese.

As for junior high school... When I go in to school on Tuesday after a day in elementary school, stepping into Uenohara Chu Gakko (JHS) is like going home. ^___^

This year will definitely be different from last year. New first years, with a different teacher, the second years are maturing but still young and full of energy (They're my favorites)... and the new third years (14 year olds)... well let's just say I have a feeling some of them (*cough*boys*cough*) will be testing some limits. But deep down I know they're all good kids, they're just working on finding their personalities.

So besides school...

Last week of March: (2 hours by plane from Tokyo) Kyushuu

April 4th: Kofu (1 hour by train) for training

April 5th: Katsunuma (2hours away) for a "random" festival

April 11th: Kofu again for Samurai Festival

April 18th: Tokyo (1 1/2 hours) for shopping, sightseeing and such

This up coming weekend: HOME?! for cleaning and relaxing?!?! :-P

So the following are pictures of the Samurai festival. It was the first event I went to last year after arriving in Japan. So a year really has passed. (^^)v

Spring Break Day 6 - Back in Kumamoto

2009-04-01T13:03:00.003+09:00

The first picture is techincally from Day 5... still Sheena's b-day... after the beer tasting and cherry blossom viewing in Fukuoka we hopped on a train in the afternoon and headed back to Kumamoto. Our last stop on this whirlwind tour of Kyushu.

Yep that's right Sheena... 2 and 5

Welcome to the-quarter-century club!

If you know anything about Japanese literature...

or have taught from the New Horizons JHS text...

you will know the name:

Soseki Natsume

This is one of his houses/now museum.

Kyushu is wicked famous for it's ramen...

and this one happens to be the best bowl

I have ever had.

Yes that's like half a pork loin in my soup.

And yes I just demolished it.

Well that's it for my pictures of Kyushu. I had an excellent time. I would highly recommend visiting the area if you are ever given the opportunity. Heck I really hope to go back someday. I wish I could have posted more while I was on my trip instead of bombarding you with all of it all at once but what can you expect from free wireless internet in hostels...

Next... pictures from my trip stolen from Sheena's camera and random videos. Tanoshiimi!

Spring Break Day 5 - Fukuoka

2009-04-01T12:50:00.005+09:00

I'm pretty sure Fukuoka is the biggest city in Kyushu. It has a general feel of big city like Tokyo... but the people in Fukuoka are wicked nice. (I'm not saying people in Tokyo aren't friendly... for example: Satomi is the nicest person ever! and she lives smack in the middle of the city... it's just that you are more likely to meet a nice person on the streets of Fukuoka... also the feeling in the air is much more relaxed/chill.) We didn't get to spend much time there... I really wanted to go to Beppu, so that took a chunk out of our Fukuoka time. And by the time Sunday night rolled around Sheena and I were pretty much dead. So we decided to take it easy and instead focus on celebrating her birthday. We quickly learned there was an Asahi Brewery in town with free tours and tasting under the beautiful backdrop of a few cherry blossom trees.

Happy 25th Birthday Sheena!

A cherry blossom in your drink is good luck right?!

BEER!

After we continued with Hanami in a local park.

(Cherry Blossom Viewing)

Yes all my pictures of Fukuoka are of cherry blossoms and beer... I guess that means I will just have to go back again some day... I don't think I'll mind... I really liked Kyushu.

Spring Break Day 4 - Beppu

2009-04-01T12:28:00.010+09:00

Beppu is on the eastern side of Kyushu. It is known for it's onsens and hell springs. "Beppu is Japan's onsen capital with the largest volume of hot water in the world apart from Yellowstone in the United States and the largest number of hot spring sources in Japan. Beppu contains nine major geothermal hot spots, which are sometimes referred to as the "nine hells of Beppu". Sheena and I went to 4 of the hells.

Bubbly mud...

Sakura and palm trees... together?!

Cool.

Hell number 2

Pretty bridge.

Hell number 3

And last the "blood hell"

Beppu is also famous for it's sex museum... and yes we went. From Wikipedia (because I'm lazy):

"Since the 1980s, Beppu has been known for its sex museum (Beppu Hihokan) which commemorates the resort town's sex industry with waxwork exhibits. The Hihokan was founded by an aficionado of sex-related artifacts, many of which are on display. A very large tableau of many Samurai in erotic couplings with Geisha has a supported glass over it with fogged areas to hide the genitals." I only took one picture...

I'll leave the rest to your imagination... >_<

Spring Break Day 3 - Aso-san

2009-04-01T12:04:00.005+09:00

This was previously written while sitting in a train station waiting for our train:

Aso-san is a very active volcano... so another train ride and we were there... in the middle of no-where Kyhushu on top of a smelly, cold, active volcano.

I look a little better...

because we decided to sleep in

until 7:30 this morning~!

Look! It's and active volcano!

Look sulfur fumes!

MMMmmm yummy!

You can see the ropeway we took

to the top of the volcano

on the bottom left of the picture.

My second ropeway in 2 days! Go me!

(Future reference... ropeways are expensive.

But granted much easier than walking. :-P)

The train system is something else... to get from Aso-san to Beppu (our next desitination) we had 3 hours to waste before the next train... so we went to the Aso shrine.

We still had bunches of time so we decided to get some of the local food. We ended up at this little mom and pop restaurant. The lady was really nice and talked to us for a bit. People always want to know... where you're from... why you're here. No matter where you go in Japan, if you're foreign expect to answer these questions every time you leave the house. :P

But the lady was really nice. I'm finding everyone in Kyushu to be very nice... and the food is pretty good too!

(900 yen!!! for all that homemade food!)

And now here I sit on a train typing this on my new wee computer, headed towards Beppu. (I'll post it when I have access to the internet.) And as previously mentioned the trains in Kyushu are short... this one happens to be only one car long...

Home

2009-03-31T22:11:00.001+09:00

home

safe

exhausted

wanted to

post more

when on trip

connection

too slow

wanted to

post

when finally

home

...

home...

now

shower

then

sleep

later

post

Spring Break Day 2 - Kumamoto Part 1

2009-03-29T22:17:00.009+09:00

We woke up early again in the morning at hopped on a local train to Kumamoto... We decided to buy a 5 day all you can travel pass for trains. The only catch is local trains only... which means... many hours spent on trains. But that's okay the view is beautiful and I worked my way through my latest novel rather quickly.

Nagasaki and Kumamoto are opposite sides

of a very large bay/lake/... lots of water.

Unlike Tokyo where trains can be anywhere up to 12 cars... and the smallest ones you will ever see in Uenohara (very rarely) are 3 cars long... but since arriving in Kyushu every train but one has only been 2 cars long...

My "I got up too early again" look.

One reason for our trip to Kyushu was to go to Kumamoto Castle... the last of "the three greatest castles in Japan" on our list.

The moat outside.

I'm slightly cherry blossom obsessed. :P

After the castle we went to some gardens...

The big random bump in the back

is supposed to be a model of Fuji-san

Unfortantly nothing holds up the real thing.

It wouldn't be a Japanese garden

with out insanely large carp.

Look more red tori...

this a model of all the red tori

you might remember from our trip to Kyoto.

And of course a vacation wouldn't be a vacation if Sheena and I didn't at least party a little...

Nagasaki - Spring Break Day 1

2009-03-27T17:30:00.007+09:00

We hadn't even left the airport
and Sheena had already purchased
some Hello Kitty strap.
(In case you didn't know she's obsessed.)

I look thrilled to be awake and moving
after 3 hours of sleep so early in the morning...

On the plane waiting to take off.

I've never had so much leg room on a plane...
well since maybe when I was in elementary school...

Did I mention it's cherry blossom season in Kyushuu!

The memorial to the hypocenter
of where the atomic bomb went off in Nagasaki.
It was my first Bombing Museum...
the most touching moment was a little girls lunch box
with the rice still in it burned black by the radiation.

That dog loves that old man.
So cute!

Statue at the Peace Park.

The Fountain

Sheena pretending to be a tree
in front of Japanese oldest arch stone bridge.
It's name is Megane Hashi...
or in english Spectacles Bridge
Spectacles as in glass... you wear on your face. :P

Night view from the top of the ropeway
overlooking Nagasaki.

Me cold on top of the mountain overlooking Nagasaki...
Yes, Sheena I know... I'm a wimp.
But that's what happens when you're old...
Just wait until your birthday on the 30th!
You can join the over-half-a-century-old club!
HEHEHE!

EdIt: "over-a-quarter-century-old club" sorry Sheena :P

Hello Spring Break!

2009-03-26T17:11:00.003+09:00

And HELLO Kyushuu!

So yesterday was the last day of my first school year in Japan. My last day was a mix of emotions. I was happy be finished with the year. The teachers, the students... and me included were getting a little tired of this year by the end. But then again 16 of my 40 teachers at school are leaving... actually have left... so sad... past tense. >.< I've never seen so many kids crying at one time. (6 of the 8 first years teachers moved) It was the saddest thing I've ever seen... 135 kids standing outside singing to the teachers leaving, bawling their eyes out... in the rain! I took pictures and video, but that's on my other computer so I can't share those with you right now... And did you catch the last sentence? Yes, I now have 2 computers. :-P The newest is the one I'm typing from. My new wee ultra portable laptop... bought specifically to travel with... on vacations... to school... down to the river...

Which leads me to the next part... dude I have so much to write about! Last night was my last party with a lot of my favorite teachers (tear). It was a lot of fun! But before we started, the vice principle asked me what I thought about Elementary school and my school schedule next year. Yes as previously mentioned I will be teaching Elementary school once a week and then the other 4 days will be at my middle school. Well I said I'm not sure because I don't have my schedule yet. That kind of blew them out of the water... but considering the board of education just finalized it, Interac really isn't at fault. Anyway, I told them I was okay with the closest elementary school to the middle school and I told them that I already knew about Shimada which is a 15 minute bus ride and then 15 minute walk from my apartment.

And then they drop a bomb on me!

"Well, actually they decided to give you 4 elementary schools."

...

...

...

...

what?!

Apparently they decided to split the Elementary schools evenly between Sheena and I... which is good in theory, because there is no way she could do more plus her middle schools... but did some one fail to notice... I don't have a car... or a license for that fact. And the other 2 schools they gave me are REALLY NOT IN WALKING DISTANCE! I did my best to re-enforce that fact before I knew the decision was made. The board of education was fully aware and so was Interac. I haven't seen the companies reaction yet, but the board's decision was that Interac can deal with it... because... heck... that's what they pay them for... to deal with all the stupid little details.

So as of now Tuesday-Friday I am at Uenohara Middle School and then on Mondays I rotate between 4 Elementary Schools... one a 25 minute walk, another 15 bus ride and 15 walk, one 25 minute by bus... have to look at the schedule for that one... not even sure if the buses run at the right times... and then another school where Sheena had to go to before she had a car...she had to go by taxi... a 6000 yen taxi ride (that equals roughly 60 US dollars) Ha!

So that's how my last party of the school year started. Nice huh? "Bring on the sake!" :-P

My party ended with me being called a taxi from some little mom and pop bar and getting home at 12:30AM... which wouldn't have really been a problem since today was the first day of Spring Break! But then again Sheena and I had plans to catch a plane in Tokyo at 9:35AM... which means a 5:50 train from Uenohara... which meant leaving my apartment at 4:50 to meet Sheena at 5:00 to WALK to the station... >.< Future reference, there are no buses... and no taxis that early in the morning... Note taken for the next time we decide to travel.

So here I sit typing this on my wee new computer... in the dark... while Sheena naps... in a hostel... in Nagasaki. This trip is action packed and travel/train riding intense. I plan on trying to blog through out the trip to keep from putting it on the back burner like what happened with Kyoto... it only look a month (or 2) to actually post about it. Besides it will be like you all are almost here with me... day by day...

With out further ado the orginal topic of posting:

Hello Spring Break and HELLO KYUSHUU!

That said...
I just attempted to post some pictures... but the connection is too slow... So I guess you'll just have to wait until I get a better connection. Besides this post is already longer than I intended. :P

It's official... a different kind from the last post...

2009-03-17T18:05:00.002+09:00

So it's official. I haven't blogged in a month. Granted February IS the shortest month of the year... (^^;) I can't believe it's already halfway through March. I only have 4 days of classes, 5 days of school, and 8 days till my vacation in Kyushuu with Sheena. But whose counting?

It's also official I have lived in Japan a full year now (as of March 15th). It's still kind of hard to grasp the concept.

So I've been meaning to blog about my 3rd years. They graduated a week ago. I wasn't emotional during the ceremony until they all sang. The 3rd years sang their song again. And how could I not cry when they sang the lyrics...

"I feel like giving up, I feel like crying, I feel like I'm going to disappear

Whose words should I trust as I move forward?

Ah, don't give up now, don't cry, when you feel like you're going to disappear

Then you should trust your own voice and move forward"

And as they are signing this... the boys voices are still relatively strong... but the girls voices start to fade out... I look over and most of them are wiping tears out of their eyes.

WAAAAAAAAHHHHHH! How could I not cry?!?!

One thing to keep in mind is not all the kids are going to the same school. In Japan you have to apply and be accepted in to high schools even public ones. So some kids aren't going to be going to the same school as their friends.

Also before my 3rd years left... I was presented by each class with a little book filled with notes from every student and a picture of me with the class. So cute! I wanted to take some pictures of them to share with you... but I haven't done it yet... maybe this weekend when I have 3 days off. (This Friday is spring equinox... which equals holiday in Japan. )

It's official

2009-02-18T17:39:00.003+09:00

Well, I officially failed my Japanese test... but only by 13 points. (227 out of 400... I only needed 240) Not bad for studying on my own and only full out studying for 3 months. (This is the 2nd level up... so grade 3 AKA beginner intermediate.) Don't worry I'm not depressed about it. \(^_^)/ Actually quite the opposite. I'm more motivated than the week before the test. So the plan as of now is to take the same level this coming December so I can get the certificate and something to put on my resume while pushing myself to study for the pre-2nd grade level (The test is being revamped... 4 levels to 5... a level between the insane jump between the 3rd and 2nd grade) I would push myself to take pre-2nd this December... but they moved the release date back.

So to put the 13 points in to context... that's like 6 questions out of a three hour test. Also I would like to mention that I got 78 out 100 on the listening! Go me! (48 out of 100 on vocab and 101 out of 200 on grammar... no wonder I can understand most of the conversations around me but can't form a complete sentence.)

Celebration for the 3rd years

2009-02-15T16:30:00.007+09:00

The day after the sake tasting there were luckily no classes. Instead there was a celebration for the soon to graduate 3rd years. There was a slide show, speeches, and singing. It was very nice. Before hand I asked if I could take pictures and they were so gracious as to allow me to do so. Here are some far away pictures and even some videos. The sound quality is really crappy since it's from my digital camera, but you can at least get the idea.

1st years preparing to sing.

The 1st years skit/cheer for the 3rd years.

It's a slight parody on a traditional Japanese Pep Squad.

They are saying "Senpai! Ganbare!"

(Senpai = senior, superior or upperclassman

Ganbare = keep trying, work hard or good luck)

The 2nd years skit involved big flash cards

held up by individual students.

I was there when they first tried to organize

the students to get it to work right...

It took a lot of work!

2nd years singing

3rd years preparing to sing

This is a very popular song right now

by Angela Aki called Tegami.

I think it's a super touching song.

Other student listening to the 3rd years song.

Now... all the students are up to sing...

Look at all those empty seats!

All 450 of them.

And there they are...

All my absolutely spectacular,

sometimes trouble making,

but still super great...

Uenohara Junior High School students!

And here they are singing.

Again the quality is crap!

You'll see one of the teachers running to the front

to fix the microphone in the piano. ^^;

Wednesday => No School => Sake Tasting

2009-02-15T16:11:00.005+09:00

This week there was yet another random Japanese holiday. (Founding day) So this Wednesday there was no school. And YETI being the amazing social planners that they are, planned a sake tasting at a small local brewery in Yamanashi. Unfortunately they had just finished the last of the rice pressing the weekend before, so all there was to do was check out the big fermenting vats and taste last years sake. We didn't have a probably with that...
especially that last part.

Sheena and I before the tasting started.

Nice normal picture.

The English explanation place mat. So cute!

Let the drinking... I mean tasting... BEGIN!

A couple of bottles later... don't worry

there were like 8 of us drinking at the table.

Starting to look a little bit "happier".

Not sure what happened here...

maybe Sheena was afraid I was going to lick her.

Apparently I didn't get the memo

about taking a normal picture.

I was in charge of taking picture during the tasting and Sheena was supposed to take picture of the actual sake brewery area... I just haven't gotten around to stealing them from her yet. ^^;

Kids are funny...

2009-02-07T13:39:00.001+09:00

We have been teaching the first year students about making phone calls in English. I made a worksheet, gave them some dictionaries and let them write their own dialog. For the most part they were normal and followed the example dialog. But one class in particular had an influx of creativity.

First an example of a normal dialog.
(This is word for word, misspelling for misspelling, and punctuation for punctuation.)

A: Hello?
B: Hello. Is this Tom?
A: Yes, it is.
B: This is Judy. Are you free on Saturday?
A: Yes, I'm free
B: How about playing tennis?
A: OK. What time?
B: How about two o'clock?
A: OK!
B: Great! I look forward to seeing you. See you, Tom.
A: See you, Judy.

That is obviously an example of a very good one. The following are kids who obviously enjoyed the rare chance to use the big Japanese to English dictionaries.

A: Hello?
B: Hello, Mokkori?
A: Yes, it is.
B: This is terrorist.
A: Oh, really?
B: Yes. Your kidnappped child. help child if nine million

A: Hello?
B: Hello Is this 11?
A: Yes it is
B: what time is it now?
A: It's nine twenty
B: Thank you
A: You're welcome
B: Goodbye

Not really a good example of the use of dictionaries... but I thought it was funny. Who calls just ask the time? ^^

A: Hello.??
B: Hello Is this piza hat??
A: Yes. I'm piza hat. May I help you?
B: Egachen special & Egachen special No. 2 please.
A: Large ar small?
B: Large please. How mach?
A: That's three thousand and forty yen, please.

Don't ask me what type of pizza a egachen special is... Maybe something weird with eggs. Now the question is normal eggs or fish eggs.

A: Hello?
B: Hello? Is this Judy?
A: No. I'm Taro.
B: really? This is Mary.
A: I don't know.
B: Are you free tomorrow?
A: Who's you?
B: No kidding!
A: It's not joke.
B: Stop joking!
A: You have the wrong number.
B: Oh, really.
A: Yes, I'm sure
B: I'm sorry.
A: That's all right.
B: Goodbye.
A: See you.

This was by far the longest dialog I read. Excellent back an forth. Also note the correct use of punctuation marks.

This next is my favorite.

A: Hello?
B: Hello, Bill? This is Becky.
A: Oh. Hi, Becky.
B: Can I see you now?
A: Yes, I can.
B: Let's go on a date.
A: All right.
B: Please come to my house.
A: OK.

I think he's a little girl crazed.

Hakuba => SNOW!

2009-01-24T11:21:00.006+09:00

Last weekend was the annual YETI ski trip to Hakuba. And yes I'm from New Hampshire... and no I don't ski or board. I tried it once... that's enough. I would much rather take picture of snow than roll down a mountain of it with sticks attached to my feet.

Look real snow banks!!!

snow!

Olympic Museum in Hakuba...

kind of small.

We decided it would be a good idea

to go to the top of the olympic ski jump...

"What do you mean we have to take the ski lift up?!"

View of the mountains from the observatory level

of the ski lift...

well worth the death defying ride up the lift...

with out a safety bar!!!!

Look! The Olympic Rings!

We decided to climb up to the tippy-top of the ski lift.

This required us to climb slightly icy steps

which were just made of grating...

so we could see down to the ground.

I really didn't like that part!

The place we stayed!

Not too bad.

We pretty much took over the whole place...

considering there were 71 of us!

Happy Birthday to Me!

2009-01-13T17:39:00.005+09:00

So the 8th was by birthday! I didn't make any great plans because I thought I had to work the next day... but I'll get to that a little later.

Like Christmas, "Christmas" Dinner and New Year's Eve, the celebration took place at Sheena's humble abode.

Sheena was so kinda as to purchase the cake and make a lovely wee little video for me via the Wii.

Since the bakery was closed

we had to settle for convenience store cake...

not so bad actually.

(Note the 5 forks the clerk gave us

for 4 pieces of cake and 2 people.)

We didn't buy the candles...

they were left over from

the Christmas Cake. (^^;)

(Also note the amount of wax on there!)

Sheena also bought "sakura" flavored chips!

Hmmm... smells like flowers....

and taste like it too!

(Very intersting and almost addictive.

But i don't think I will go out of my way to buy any.)

So I thought I had to work the day after my birthday, hence the low-key birthday bash... but I called my company to ask why I hadn't received a schedule for the next day...

"That's because you're not supposed to go in to school."

my response..."Oh... okay"

So I didn't go to work on Friday. I did get two calls from the school before 8AM. There was a little confusion at first, but all good in the end!

Also Friday was the first real snow! Happy Birthday to Me! It was a day of snow watching, kotatsu sitting, cocoa drinking, movie watching... spectacular day!

Look at the snow come down!

And on to today! I was walking home with one of my students who happens to by my neighbor. (We say hello on the weekends from my balcony to hers. It's the closest roof top in the picture above.) We happened to run in to her cute little grandma while walking. She kept going to talk to me and then interrupt herself and say (in Japanese) "Oh but you can't understand me." I told her I could understand a little. (^^)v So cute!

So we part ways, I go home... take out my contacts, put on my PJs... start reheating the soup I made yesterday and the doorbell rings...

"Maybe it's my birthday package from my parents!" - my thought

I look through the peep hole and all I see is the all to familiar bright blue Uenohara Junior High gym jersey... !!!!!!

"Just a minute!" - me in Japanese (PJs!!!!! need sweater!!!!!!!!)

Apparently Grandma wanted to give me some food!

Soup (Oshiroko) Pickled Cabbage (Tsukemono)

Rice with red beans mixed in!

Homemade Japanese food!!! Piping hot!!!

>_________<

(and chopsticks too!)

DREAM COME TRUE!

Mochi (pounded cooked sticky rice)

in the sweet red bean soup

It keeps going and going and going!

The soup I had just finished reheating

when my student and her mother showed up at my door.

(^^;)

So much food! I can't even finish all of what they gave me, let alone even taste my soup!

By the way if you are ever eating oshiruko... eat it while it's still warm. It's not as good cold... which has happened since I started typing this. ^^

Hakone during Winter Break

2009-01-06T15:19:00.007+09:00

Yesterday Sheena and I decided to actually go somewhere during our winter break... Hakone.

We drove through 3 prefectures to get there... which is mentionable in it's self. But what follows is a countdown of why yesterday was such a productive day:

Reason Number 10:

I killed my lungs with fumes from

Sulfur pits on top of a volcano.

Reason Number 9:

We saw Fuji-san as usual...

Until we got to one of the top places to view Fuji-san...

and then the clouds rolled in...

(Insert Fuji-san center picture...

sigh)

(Fuji-san should be right behind me...)

Reason Number 8:

Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese...

$8 and over 800 calories later...

(that doesn't include the fries which I didn't finish

after I found out how bad the burger was for me)

I was a happy American full of beefy goodness.

Reason Number 7:

I continued my tree obsession.

Reason Number 6:

Saw another castle.

Reason Number 5:

Saw an elephant outside of the castle...

And monkeys too!

(Random)

(poor animals... sigh)

Reason Number 4:

I saw snow and cheery blossoms all in the same day!

Sorry no pictures. ^^;

Reason Number 3:

I saw the ocean!

I miss living close to the ocean.

But I know when I move back,

I'll miss living in the mountains.

Reason Number 2:

I saw a pirate ship...

in Japan!

(This is a lake by the way.)

Reason Number 1:

I added 21 years to my life!

It's said for every egg you eat

that has been cooked in the hot springs

(See Reason Number 10)

you add 7 years to your life!

I ate 3 eggs!

Go me!

(It's black from being cooked in the sulfur springs,

but don't worry it was pretty normal besides the color.)

Since yesterday was such a productive day, I don't have to feel bad about sitting around my apartment until I go back to school on Friday.

^__________^

Holidays 2008

2009-01-06T14:51:00.007+09:00

Here are some pictures from my holiday parties with Sheena...

1st

Actual Christmas with Sheena and Kaz (Sheena's favorite English teacher she works with.)

Kaz copying Sheena's favorite pose.

Me with my first Christmas Kaki (cake).

It's the same one the women tried to sell me

earlier in the week...

For me to eat by myself...

"You can eat it with a spoon!"

For at $20 cake it wasn't bad.

(That's cheap in Japan...

besides they gave me a bottle of sparkling soda,

a christmas mug, and a random serving plate...

for "free".)

Can't any of us take a normal picture!

2nd

"Christmas Dinner" A few day later...

Yes, Sheena has a ham on her head ^^;

Ham with pineapple, mashed potatoes, ham gravy

and my favorite must have...

GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE!

(Not the same without grandma's green beans...

but it was still pretty good!

Not mention 1/4 of it was actually onion...

green beans are expensive in Japan

when they're not in season.

I think I spent $7 on 3 cups of beans.)

My plate!

Shoveling it in!

3rd New Years Eve

Hurray for not cooking!

This is pretty late in the night...

yes I've been drinking... ^^;

We watched the New Years Eve special

It was pretty good...

Interesting at times.

Kyoto Trip Day 4 Nijo-jo and Attempted Night Viewing

2009-01-04T12:24:00.006+09:00

Last day in Kyoto... we left that night on the bus. Nijo-jo was my 2nd favorite place in Kyoto. There are only pictures of the outside, because there was no photography allowed inside. The coolest thing was the floor. The floors of the hallways are made to creak when you walk on them. Not really creak, but chirp. It was the coolest thing ever. It was to alarm the guards to in intruders.

Insane number of people on this tiny train platform.

Come on stuff in there! (^^;)

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree!

Attempted night viewing at To-ji... Well we saw it at night... from outside the gate. HA (^^)!

Satomi showing off her tour guide skills.

Yes it was her idea to go to To-ji... hehehe

And with that I have nothing left to post about Kyoto. Go me! Please keep in mind this only a sampling of my 450 pictures of Kyoto. So many! >__<

Hope you enjoyed and again sorry for the wicked late posting!

m( _ _ )m ゴメンね！

Kyoto Trip Day 3 Part 2 Fushimi-Inari and Night time in downtown

2009-01-04T12:08:00.006+09:00

My favorite place in all of Kyoto was Fushimi-Inari. If you've ever seen Memories of a Geisha, this is where they filmed the scene of the little girl running through all the red torii.

Me making a wish to pass my Japanese test.

So many torii! No we didn't climb the whole thing.

Maybe next time. (^^)

On to out on the town in downtown Kyoto:

An actual Maiko in action!!

You should have seen the people chasing after her

with cameras. I just happen to turn and snap the shot.

Hence the not great quality.

Kyoto Trip Day 3 Part 1 Tofuku-ji

2009-01-04T11:56:00.006+09:00

And let the fun begin. Welcome to one of the busiest days of the whole year in Kyoto! Lines, lines, lines... and that's just to get in to Tofuku-ji.

Action shot of me in the crowd... I really am a freak of nature!

Not my face! Sigh... my height. (^^;)

People upon people!

So cute! >_<

This picture would be much better

if it wasn't for the line of people in the background.

Tree obsessive... that's me. (^^;)

Kyoto Trip Day 2 Kinkaku-Ji and random

2009-01-04T11:43:00.006+09:00

On the second day we actually stayed in Kyoto. First stop Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion Temple)

So many people... and it's not even the weekend yet!

On to the random part of the day:

The sakura trees were everywhere

on the streets of downtown Kyoto.

This one was outside our hostel.

I love this tree!

Night leave peaking again.

Kyoto tower... does every big city in Japan have a tower?!?!

(Tokyo tower, Kyoto tower, Sapporo tower?!?)

Kyoto Pictures

2009-01-04T11:37:00.002+09:00

m( _ _ )m Gomen-ne! (deep traditional bow "Sorry")

This is why I should really post things right after they happen. I get side tracked and put things off... before I know it... 2 months have passed!

So my goal for today is to post the rest of my pictures from Kyoto... I guess I should get started if I want to finish before dinner. f(^^;)

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T00:00:00.000+09:00

Happy 2009 ... (ominous voice) FROM THE FUTURE dun, dun, DUNNNNNNNNN!

hehehe

Die mold! DIE!

2008-12-29T14:45:00.003+09:00

I'm taking a quick break from my end of the year cleaning (a Japanese tradition)... I just had to share something with all of you:

I CAN'T WAIT TO LIVE IN A NORMAL COUNTRY WHERE THE ONLY PLACE I HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT MOLD GROWING IS IN MY SHOWER WHERE IT BELONGS!

Okay I feel better now. ^_______^ Back to cleaning!

Merry (early) Christmas

2008-12-24T16:28:00.002+09:00

So it's finally here. Christmas... well actually Christmas Eve... but tomorrow I should be to busy working in the morning and the eating tacos and nachos with Sheena for Christmas dinner. Since we both work, we decided Mexican would be good for Christmas. Later we'll go all out with the food my parents sent. (Thanks mom and dad.)

So I thought I would share with you a little bit about what Christmas is like in Japan. It's more of a day for couples. Families have parties, but it's more of a social event than anything else. New Years is a huge family event. (Kind of backwards.)

So tonight being Christmas Eve, I decided to have a slightly traditional meal. Fried chicken, steamed broccoli and chocolate cake. Christmas Cake is beyond popular in Japan. Everywhere I look there are cute little cakes with cute little plastic Santas on top.

I went into my convenience store to buy a single piece of cake for tonight. When I pointed to the piece I wanted the clerk said I should get the mini cake on the shelf below it.

My response: "Chotto sabishii" (a little lonely)

Clerk: "But you can eat it with a spoon."

... At that moment I pictured my self sitting alone in my room. The only light coming from my computer screen... wrapped in a blanket fighting off the chilly night air. In front of me sits a chocolate cake shaped like a dome... the size of my head. A spoon in one hand and a glass of red wine in the other.

I think that might be the English translation of sabishii... ^____^;

(I didn't buy the mini cake.... just one piece ^^)

just a quickie

2008-12-16T19:20:00.003+09:00

Just to let you all know... I have been royally slacking lately. Ever since I took my exam, I haven't been very productive. And that goes for posts, too. Don't worry, I know I still have to finish posting about Kyoto... but I'm still feeling non-productive. :-P

Just a quick update in life:

1) I might have pasted the exam... but then again I might not have. If I did there is going to be a party. If I didn't, oh well. At least it forced me to study intensely for a couple of months.

2.) It's been cold here. There's been snow on Fuji-san for over a month now. And as of yesterday there's snow on some of the taller mountains in Uenohara. I finally started using my heater. When it reaches the point where I can see my breath inside my apartment, I know it's time to turn up the temperature.

3.) School is going pretty well. I got an email from my company today saying that I got top scores on my 2nd term review from the school.

4.) I'm working Christmas. Kind of sad... but since I don't have any really plans anyway, and I get paid for the day... I guess it's not so bad. I'm probably going to ask to leave when the kids do around 2PM.

YAAAAAA! Mo yada!

2008-12-02T17:24:00.002+09:00

So this is to let you all know, you will have to wait for the rest of my blogging about Kyoto... until after my Japanese exam... this Sunday

>______________<

Wish me luck. Realistically speaking it will take a miracle for me to pass. I give myself a 30% chance. Ten percent for every month I've been cramming since Sheena said... "You should try for san-ku."

日本語もうやだ！！！！

Kyoto Trip Day 1 Part 2 - Kiyomizu-dera at night

2008-11-27T16:59:00.005+09:00

After coming back from Himeji and settling in to our room... Sheena and I went to Kiyomizu-dera. If you ever go to Kyoto, you have to go. Not just because it's a huge temple and a world heritage site... but because if you ever tell a Japanese person you went to Kyoto they will probably ask you if you went to Kiyomizu-dera. And if you didn't... expect to hear something to the effect of... "Oh really? That's too bad." Since it's so popular it's also crazy busy. I can only imagine what it was like on the weekend. >__< Wait that's right! Sheena and I did go on the weekend! We were planning on doing some souvenir shopping on the street leading up to the temple... but as soon as we turned the corner to the street and saw the sea of people all the way up the street to the temple gates... we changed our minds. But all was not wasted. There was a small shopping selling tea cups for an amazing discount. So I bought 6 for my English teachers back in Uenohara. I won't disclose how much they were (cheap) but I will say that I ended up buying one teacup for myself for the total price of the 6. (^^;)

I'm getting ahead of myself... back to Thursday night!

We went to the night viewing, where they light up the buildings and trees. Absolutely beautiful. I spent a lot of time focusing on the trees and view of the city. Next time I go to Kyoto, I want to go during the day and spend a little more time checking out the buildings. And trust me there will be a next time. So much to see in Kyoto! >__< Maybe next time I'll go in the spring for the sakura. (The other busiest time of the year. ^^;)

That's Kyoto in the back ground.

I know it's a little dark... but for some reason

I really like this picture. ^^

Check out the reflective pool at the bottom.

I wish I would have taken more pictures of it.

Honto-ni subarashi! Utsukushii!

Kyoto Trip Day 1 Part 1 - Himeji Castle

2008-11-26T17:09:00.009+09:00

Sheena and I left Uenohara Wednesday night for Kyoto. We took a bus to Uenohara station and then proceed East to Tokyo, where we then boarded an over night bus headed South West to Kyoto. Yes we started in the wrong direction. It was a little frustrating when we passed through Uenohara just a few hours after leaving... >__<

So the over night bus sounded like a good idea on paper... and it was 1/3rd the price of the bullet train... but next time we'll splurge and take the nicer bus. Hopefully it will have nicer accommodations... it at least looks a lot nicer on the outside. ^^; But nothing could get us down... we were headed to Kyoto on a real vacation!!!

When we finally got to Kyoto station... exhausted and full of aches and pains from sleeping in a really uncomfortable position... we walked to our hostel and waited for the front desk to open so we could give them our bags to store until check in time. After giving them our bags we went back to the station and boarded another train... going even further South-West to Himeji. Home to Himeji Castle, one of the 3 super famous castles in Japan. Two down... one more to go... the next one is even farther away... probably be taking a plane for that one.

So I had heard that once you leave Tokyo, the trains don't really run according to schedule. And I was able to witness it first hand... granted the delay was not the train companies fault. When you hear stories of people in Japan commiting suicideby jumping in front of a speeding train... it's true. I would hate to be the conductor of the train... I'd be scarred for life.

On to happier things... Himeji Castle:

Cherry blossoms in fall....?!?!?!

Look at how small the people at the bottom are

compared to the massive castle!

Proof I was there.

The castle wasn't the only thing of note on our first day. From the train we could see the world's longest suspension bridge.

And look! It's the sea!!!

Techincally it's a bay... but it reminded me

of how I miss living so close to the ocean.

Granted it's only a couple hours from me now...

And the last thing to note about our first day of vacation... Didn't you know? I'm a celebrity! I don't know what's up with kids in Japan.... but almost every one we passed made a point to say "Hello." I thought I was on vacation and not at school?!?!?! These kids were a little more daring and asked for my autograph and picture. Thanks to Sheena for the pictures. ^__^

And so ends Day 1 of my trip. Next time... Kyoto Trip Day 1 Part 2 - Actually in Kyoto... Kiyomizu-dera at night.

Hello again!

2008-11-25T18:14:00.002+09:00

So last weekend was a long one. Thursday was Yamanashi Day (kind of like a state holiday), I took Friday off, of course Saturday and Sunday is the weekend... and Monday was some sort of national holiday. I was kind of afraid they wouldn't grant my vacation request. But when the school heard I was planning on going to Kyoto... they agreed immediately. And from that point on all I heard from the other teachers was, "Kyoto... ii, ne!" (Kyoto... how nice!) The Japanese truly love Kyoto. And rightfully so. I feel the same way. It's a nice city, full of beautiful temples and super nice people. Granted I was only witness to a small portion of the friendly people because Sheena and I happen to go during the busiest time of the year. Between it being prime leaf peaking season and a national 3 day weekend... it was crazy packed.

I know you are all really excited to hear more about my trip... but I'm going to leave it at that for today. I got home late and it's going to take me a while to sort through my 1.2 gigs of pictures. So please be patient and look forward to it.

Until then you can read about Kyoto. :-P

Matsumoto Castle

2008-11-13T11:11:00.000+09:00

Matsumoto Castle is one of the three famous castles in Japan. It is over 400 years old and absolutely stunning. I'll let (all) the pictures speak for themselves.

Hurray for Fall!

Again... whether it is in a line of cars on the expressway,

at the grocery store,

train platform,

highest mountain,

or a castle...

if you are in Japan, you can expect to wait in a line!

East

South

West

North

Proof that I was there

and didn't just steal these pictures

from someone else's blog.

Matsumoto has frog statues all over the place.

Apparently they have close ties

with some historical frog guardian.

I'm in love.....

2008-11-11T18:57:00.002+09:00

In one word:

kotatsu!

Here is another interesting link...

"Hunching to keep from dying of cold poisioning"

It's so true... my back, shoulders and neck hurt from all the tension in my muscles trying to keep themselves warm.

Today I stubbled across another random thought about Japanese culture. It is said that Japanese people have an above average life span compared to the rest of the world. There is the theory that it is because they eat so much fish... my thought on the topic is as follows:

Over many generations Japanese people have toughened themselves to the elements. At least where I am living the range in temperatures is extreme. From 100 degrees to 40 in just a month and a half. Of course this happens in other countries... but the Japanese are hard on themselves.

This is along the lines of why build a school on top of mountain and make the kids walk up?... because it will build character.

Why build a gym that gets the sun all day, with huge windows, but don't make them so they can open?... because it will teach them perseverance in all circumstances.

Why have a very poorly insulated school with no heat?... because they're bodies will become strong and they will live to see one hundred years.... maybe.

Now, I must correct a post from when I first arrived. They do not have air conditioning in the schools, and they do not have central heating... but at some point they will use old school kerosene heaters in all of the classrooms. But that won't happen until the cold is totally unbearable.... sometime at the beginning of December. So until then it will be all about the layers of clothes and disposable hand warmers. Especially in my outdoor shoes. Brief reminder that in Japan you don't where your outdoor shoes inside... that goes for school too... so I have a shoe locker where I change my shoes upon entering. And where is that shoe locker located?... conveniently right next to the front door, which is left open most of the day, exposed to the cold. Today's walk home was a cold one for my feet. So I will have to invest in disposable warmers.... not for my hands like I used so many years ago while marching in parades... but for my feet. Sigh.

Still it's no longer unforgivably hot. And I can always come home to my current love...

my kotatsu. ^_________^ *heart*

Halloween Parade! - Pictures

2008-11-10T11:11:00.000+09:00

Halloween Parade! - Videos

2008-11-09T23:11:00.000+09:00

The weekend before Halloween I had the opportunity to go to a Halloween Parade in Kawasaki... south of Tokyo. I needed a bit of good ole' American culture so I couldn't pass it up. It was really fun. Some of the costumes were along the traditional lines... and others... well... were interesting and things I would only expect to see in Japan or those imitating it. It's wasn't really what I would call a traditional Halloween Parade that you would find back in New Hampshire... Pictures didn't do it justice so I took a lot of video. Enjoy!

Nagano Part 1 - Rock Garden (Gunma)

2008-11-07T11:11:00.000+09:00

While out in Nagano we found a really cool rock garden at the base of an active valcano, just over the boarder in to Gunma.

So many rocks...

they were formed durning the last major eruption

of the the active volcano in the background

a few hundred years ago.

You make a wish and wedge a coin in the rock.

I did it too... the rock was a lot harder than I thought it would be.

More rocks... who knew a big heap of rocks could be pretty...

A lone tree sits atop a lonely pile of rocks.

A little boy and his mother making an offering and prayer

at the shrine in the middle of the rock garden.

Nagano Part 1 - General

2008-11-06T11:11:00.001+09:00

The weekend after I was devastated by a cold Sheena and I drove out to Nagano for leaf peaking and to find where ever the road took us. We bought a local tourist magazine a found some pretty cool places. It took us a lot longer to drive out there than we thought it would... but it was worth it.

So many hours in the car how could I not take a video. ^__^ v

It was a little early for leaf peaking

but still absolutely gorgeous mountains!

Tallest point of the JR rail line...

a couple thousand meters above sea level.

Mooo.....!

"Where are we going again?"

Random waterfalls... beautiful.

How can you go wrong with chocolate ice cream

served in a toilet cone...?

...a Japanese toilet at that.

We had to have it!

Delicious!

Wine Festival

2008-11-04T11:11:00.000+09:00

I knew I hadn't been posting for a while... but I totally skipped the wine festival. Yamanashi is the wine capital of the world... it's only right that it holds a festival with all the wine you can drink for 500 yen ($5). Good times!

2 PM and people are already passed out...

It wouldn't be Yamanashi without being surrounded by mountains.

Yeah Sheena and me!

And we are only halfway around the tasting booths...

Yes, my teeth are purple by this point...

The group!

Scheduled posts...

2008-11-03T16:07:00.004+09:00

Well I have written all about my adventures for the past month or so.... I didn't actually write much but I posted a whole bunch of pictures and videos. So I hope you enjoy the much needed update over the next week and half. Here is a preview of what is to come:

Sorry...

2008-11-03T12:54:00.003+09:00

Yes, I'm still in Japan. Yes, I have been doing things and not posting about them. I've never been able to keep a journal more than a couple of weeks. So based on my previous history, I'm doing pretty well with this blog. ^^;

But I am sorry to all those who look here for a new post on a regular basis and rarely find a new one. So in honor of you, I'm going to update you on the past month or so... but not all at once. That way you can having something to look forward to. ^^;

So here is a general outline of things to look forward to:

Wine Festival Pictures
Nagano Part 1 - Leaf peaking, Rock Garden and random pictures
Kawasaki's Halloween Parade - Pictures and Videos
Nagano Part 2 - Matsumoto Castle.

So a general update on life:

The leaves are changing... it's starting to get pretty cold especially at night... but not cold enough to snow or anything.

The speech contest is over. Judging was really hard... The kids tried really hard and some of them got too nervous and forgot the speech. My kids got second place for both grades. Not bad. ^__^ v

I've been feeling really lazy lately and have discovered powdered soup. Just boil some water and mix it in. So much cheaper than canned soup... and easier than making my own.

The past couple of weeks I haven't been studying much Japanese... I think studying every evening for hours and studying at school in my free time... kind of burned me out. Oh well, the one thing that always motivates me again is the fact that I live in a country where I can't speak or read for the most part. ^^

Random

2008-10-22T19:44:00.002+09:00

It's reached the point where I can't remember off the top of my head which way a book opens. I have to make a conscious effort. You have to understand that Japanese is written vertically, right to left... so the spine of the book is on the right side when you look at the cover. Most of the time. >__< But then again some things in Japanese are written horizontally and then it's left to right. So I get confused... is the book spine supposed to be on the left or right. Which side is the front?!?!? In that case it is on the left like a Western style book. Sometimes this all becomes too much for me and my brain just shuts down all together.

Randomness....

2008-10-17T22:57:00.002+09:00

1. ) How could I pass up a bread roll labeled "NICESTICK"? Hopefully it's delicious. (^_^)v

2. ) Some of you might find this a little below the belt... hehe... but I found it hilarious.

The scene: first year classroom, full of 11 and 12 year olds
The Japanese teacher was reviewing the last lesson involving the usage of "some" and "any".
It's more difficult than you think to explain the two when Japanese uses the same word for both.

She started out fine:

A-sensei: "I have 6 apples. I give you 3 and now you have... some apples. I give you 3 more... and now... I don't have any apples."

Okay fine example.

Next...

She starts writing on the board....

"How many balls do you have?"

Still okay...

Next...

"Do you have any balls?"

... this is where I start to loose it

Next...

"I have some balls."

Okay...

"I don't have any balls."

At this point there is no way I can wipe the smile off my face.

A-sensei: "Repeat after me..."

My inner thought: (NO WAY?!?! Don't do it!)

A: "Do you have any balls?"

Students: "Do you have any balls?"

A: "I have some balls."

S: "I have some balls."

Me: (No! Stop!)

A: "I don't have any balls."

.... I've completely lost it by this point.

S: "I don't have any balls."

WaHaHaHaHAAAAAHA!

Yes, I have the sense of humor of a junior high student... maybe that's why I like my job so much. But luckily the kids didn't understand stand why I was laughing. A ball is still just a ball in English. I never did get a a chance to explain to the teacher. (^_^)v

Cold number 2!

2008-10-07T17:46:00.003+09:00

And so the new cold season begins. (Not to be confused with influenza... just a common head cold.) Again it was only a matter of time until I got the bug. It's been spreading like wild fire and this time I'm one of the last few to get it. I've been on a hand washing craze lately... but in the end I'm sick just the same.

Granted I think it's easier to teach with a stuff head than it is wait on tables feeling yucky. I keep reminding myself of that fact. At least if you're a junior high teacher... elementary... probably a different story. ^___^ I might be able to give my opinion on that in a few months.

Yes, that's right! Teaching English in elementary school. Starting in 2010, the Japanese Ministry of Education is mandating English in 5th and 6th grade elementary school class rooms. Today in the office, I was sitting at my desk, when I over heard my name mentioned. It was a conversation between the principle, vice-principle and English teachers. I kept hearing my name and shogakko mentioned. (elementary school) Later, Yoshihara-sensei mentioned in passing that next year they're planning on sending me to the elementary school once a week.

I'm excited but also anxious. First of all, I love little kids. They're so genki! (happy) And I think it would be a lot of fun. But my concerns are as follows:

1) The kids know very, very, very few words in English. Whatever they have learned is from Japanese pop culture and TV.
2) I speak very little Japanese.
3) Usually the ALT is the teacher. Unless they hire someone, I will be the main teacher when I'm there. That means planning and executing/teaching a class of 30-40 students. There will be a Japanese teacher in the room for classroom management and helping when needed... but I will be running things. That is if there's no English teacher. Who knows what the board of education will decide to do. They techinically don't need a full time teacher until 2010.

But I am excited. I think it will be a lot of fun.... singing, dancing, playing games. It will definitely be a challenge with or with out a Japanese English teacher.
I'll keep you updated.

Off to finish my soup. ^_____^

YATTA!!! (Japanese sound of exclamation)

2008-10-02T19:06:00.002+09:00

Today Akiyama-sensei told me that Yoshihara-sensei was praising me at the Uenohara teachers meeting yesterday. (There are 4 different junior high school in Uenohara and this was a meeting for all of them.) I really respect Yoshihara-sensei. She's the one I blogged about before... not being able to approach her because she's always really, really busy. Everyone looks up to her, as do I. And today, when I heard that she thinks I am great at my job and that I'm really good teacher.... it made me feel so happy and fulfilled. Like I'm actually making a difference and the teachers I work with appreciate me. Suddenly, I find myself with a renewed energy toward bettering myself in my job. YATTA!
On a side note:
On October 28th Uenohara and the surrounding towns are having an English speaking concert. The past 2 weeks I've been working closely with a few student to help them with their pronunciation and memorization. 2 hours everyday after school... not all the students have the passage memorized... but I certainly do. >___<
Also, I've been chosen to be one of the two native English speakers to judge the competition. That should be fun.

A very, very productive month!

2008-09-29T18:21:00.005+09:00

Tomorrow is the last day of September... my first full month since summer vacation.

I did something every weekend:
Climbed Mt. Fuji (all the way to the top)
Participated in my first school festival
Made wine (which I should get in the mail around Christmas)
Partied hearty with fellow English teachers (That was the weekend I didn't post anything... too much wine >__<)
And this past weekend I went foreign food shopping with my teachers again and went to an onsen afterwards. (My first experience onsen-ing without my security blanket of foreign friends. Just me with two Japanese teachers surround by tons of other naked Japanese women. Still not totally used to the whole naked thing... in front of a group. >__<)

I also finished 2 Japanese books (beginner level). My reading and listening ability is increasing on a daily basis. After the test I need to focus on speaking!

So next month is October... and it finally feels like fall. Today was rainy and cold. I can now wear the majority of my closet again! ^____^

I don't think this month is going to be as active as it's predecessor. I'm getting paid for August this paycheck. Which means I only get 40% of my salary. Not bad for working 4 days that month... but still, that means limited funds for some of us... and that equals less fun. However, I'm starting off the month with a blast. This Saturday is the much heard-about Wine Festival. Apparently last year was a blast. Compared to the acceptable nakedness in groups, I've had a much easier time grasping the concept of drinking in public. (Totally not against the law!) And what better way to epitomize this accepted practice, then to have a wine festival. Get a whole bunch of people together outside surrounded by barrels of wine. I can only hope it doesn't rain and I remember to stay hydrated. ^____^;

It was not meant to be...

2008-09-24T21:19:00.006+09:00

This morning I went in to school knowing that I only had 2 classes in the morning and then 4 periods of nothing.
"Oh, perfect! I was behind on my Japanese studies!"
And when I arrived at school, I came to find out that one out of my two classes was moved to a different day.
"An extra period of Japanese! Excellent!"
But alas... it was not meant to be.

I had my first period class, my only one of the day, and then I asked the 3rd year teacher, "What is the plan for Friday's class?"
(originally today's 2nd period but was rescheduled)

Teacher: "We're having a speaking test. You know what would be perfect? If you could draw some pictures to demonstrate the dialog."
My thoughts: Cool. I don't mind drawing. Besides, my mind might explode if I study all day.
Me: "Okay, sure!"

I then went to my desk and commenced drawing.
Within the period, the 1st year student teacher came to me to discuss the plans for tomorrow's classes. (By the way I've been working with a student teacher the past two weeks. Kind of painful to watch him muddle through his first real experience teaching ^__^)

Student teacher: "We have two classes tomorrow. One on 2nd period. And one on the 5th."
Me: "Ummmmmmmmmm.... Did they change the schedule? Because I thought it was the 4th and the 5th."
Yes they had changed the schedule... for the 3rd time this week. Common occurrence. It was then rescheduled for me to teach today's 6th period. Back up to my expected two classes of the day. Acceptable.

Student teacher: "Great! We can teach together today."
Me: "What do you have planned?"
Student teacher: "Well since you're coming, why don't you plan something?"
Me: (smerking) "Okay." I would love to pull something out of my hat. Le sigh.... Luckily I had an activity I had done with every class except for today's scheduled addition.

Student teacher: "And tomorrow class..."
Me: "Yes, what do you have planned?"
Student teacher: ... ... ... ... (silence) ... ... ... "Well, I've already taught them all of unit 5."
Me: ... ... "Well I think a review might be a good idea."
Student teacher: "Yeah!"
Me: ... ... ... (silence) "Any ideas?"
Student teacher: ...
Me: ...
Student teacher: ...
Me: ... (sigh) "Why don't we have the students write there own dialog based on page 42 and then act it out?"
Student teacher: "I like that idea."
Me: "Okay, cool. How, then?"
Student teacher: ... (staring at page 42) ... ... ... ... ...
Me: ... ... ... "I can make a work sheet, with an example dialog. Then based on that, they write their own."
Student teacher: ... "Yes, that's a good idea!"

Sigh. So now we're up to drawing pictures for the 3rd years, making copies for my additional 1st year class, making a worksheet from scratch, and Japanese no where in sight.

So while making my worksheet, one of the 2nd year teachers comes up to me and asks me to proof read her lesson plan for an observation lesson that I am teaching with her on Friday. (pictures, copies, worksheet, proof reading... Japanese?!?!)

While taking a brief moment to get a cup of tea, the other 2nd year teacher comes up to me...

2nd Year Teacher: You remember what you made for class last week? With the single words for all of the text on flash card and magnets on the back?" (For a game I don't feel like explaining at the moment.)
Me: "Yes"
My thoughts: You mean that pain in the butt thing, I was hoping never to do again?
2nd Year Teacher: "Could you do that again by tomorrow morning's class... for page 39?"
Me: (smiling) "Sure!"
(pictures, coping, worksheet from scratch, proof reading and pain in the butt many, many, many words by hand on big flash cards)

Take note, that by this time every grade has asked me to make something.
When I left this afternoon, I hadn't finished everything I set out to do... studying Japanese?!? Ha! Not even on the radar!

I'm sorry if this post leaned towards the bitter side. I did it for a sense of irony. Yes, I would have liked to have studied Japanese all day... but that's not what I get paid to do. Granted it has been approved by my company that studying Japanese, when there are no assigned tasks. is highly appropriate. I just found it highly ironic, that I went in to school carrying 3 Japanese textbooks, with every intention of finishing one, continuing in another, and starting a new one.... I didn't crack open a single one. Heck, I didn't even finish all the tasks assigned to me today. But don't worry my time management skills are up to standards and each and everyone of them will be finished in time for their respective classes with time to spare for studying Japanese. ^___^

4th and final post of the day

2008-09-16T14:32:00.005+09:00

Okay I've reached my blog quota for the week... and then some with this one.

Yesterday Sheena and I went to Katsunuma, which is one of the wine capitals of Japan. There we found a place that would let you make your own wine.... Technically... not really... all we did was pick 2 bundles of grapes for each of us and make a wine label. But those grapes will be put in to the wineries stock and used to make the actual bottles of wine we should receive in the mail by Christmas. It was a lot of fun. And we were allowed to eat all the grapes we wanted while we picked out the ones we wanted to use! (^___^)

I forgot to mention...

I was too tall to stand up under the grapes!

Mmmm....

Look at all those delicious grapes!

I found a hole to stand up in!!!

"T" is for Tacy!

This is me not studying Japanese...

2008-09-16T14:12:00.005+09:00

Pictures from the festival and Fuji-san:

Left to Right:

Kajiwara-sensei who sits next to me in the office

Me in my kimono

Akiyama-sensei who helped me put on my kimono

My local area's (Arai) portable shrines

These paper good luck charms

were everywhere in Uenohara for miles!

Me with my borrowed head lamp

some where around the 8th station

climbing Fuji-san

So close to the top I can see it!

>__<

Me at the top!!!!

GO ME!

So bright!!!!

>_<

Behind me is Fuji-san's crater

Remember... it's an active volcano

This is no camera trick...

that's the true incline of Fuji-san!

Again... insane incline.

Going down the mountain

was my least favorite part!

Me at what I thought was the end...

actually I had another 45 minutes to go!

But look at that smile! v(^__^)

Video time!

2008-09-16T14:02:00.002+09:00

Sheena and I driving around Uenohara.

Sushi time! I love this concept!

I love it even better when the food that I ordered is delivered on a tiny train!

It wouldn't be a festival with out taiko drumming.

This was taken at the Uenohara festival earlier in September.

You can't get the full feel from the video but I tried to capture the atmosphere as they carried the portable shrines up and down the street. The heaviest one weighs a ton and they were bouncing it up and down like it was a baby on their knee.

Hurray for a random Tuesday off!

2008-09-16T13:24:00.002+09:00

This Sunday was my school's cultural festival... hence the random Tuesday off. ^__^

It was a lot of fun... but really long. Most school festivals include plays and things of that sort... but since there are so many kids at my school I think they decided to just stick with a concert for that part. I was really impressed with all of the classes' performances. Some of those kids are wicked talented.

After lunch was the sports portion of the festival. Of course it was outside... which made things a little interesting. It was a gorgeous morning, full of sun shine during the chorus portion of the day... (perfect for making the gym unbearably warm... remember the windows don't open >__<) But soon as the sports part was about to start, the clouds rolled in. It was spitting the rain a little at a time, but as soon as they organized the kids and gave the opening speech...

"Okay, let's begin!"

"Yeah!!!!!"

(Everybody starts clapping)

*rain*rain*rain*

And not just a little rain... a serious downpour! >___<>

It was kind of funny to watch everyone to scramble to get inside or under a tent. (I was already staying dry in the nurse's tent. (^__^)v

After a 30 minute delay, the rain had stopped and the field was dry enough to start again. (lucky)

There were 4 events.

1.) Jump rope... one class per one jump rope... INSANE! A whole class of 30-40 students jumping a super long jump rope all at the same time. Very impressive. I think the top number was some where around 30 jumps in a row!

2.) Tug-of-war... pretty straight forward. Once class against another. (Keep in mind it was 1st years VS 1st years, 2nd years VS 2nd years, and 3rd years VS 3rd years the whole festival.)

3.) Kibasen... Okay I had heard about it and seen it on videos... but it's a little different in person. Each class made teams of people. Each team consists of 3 people on the bottom holding up one person on the top who is held up in a sitting position. It's kind of hard to describe but it's basically a human piramid of 4 people running around... What for you ask... Well the person on top is wearing a helmet and on the helmet is an inflated bag full of some sort of powder so when it pops it explodes in a small cloud of colored dust. Also the top person is holding a rolled up newspaper in one hand. Have you made the connection yet?

The following is not my video... but it will give you an idea of what exactly I'm trying to explain... in this video the objective is to steal the other teams flags without falling over. At my school the goal was to pop the inflated bag on the other players head... the 3rd years were kind of violent about it. (^__^;)

4.) Relay race. By this point I had been at school for at least 10 hours and I was beginning to feel a little loopy. It came across in the fact that I was screaming for every student to "RUN, RUN, RUN!" or "GO, GO, GO!"... for all of my 460 students. Some of the kids were laughing at me for being so loud and yes the teachers on the other side of the field told me they could hear me perfectly. >_<

In the end there was a "folk dance". They lit a bomb fire and the kids did a kind of dance around it in circles. I got roped in to dancing with them... but for some reason they told me to dance with the girls. >__< It was probably for the best...

1.) I was dancing with the 3rd years... might have been kind of weird for me dancing with all the prepubescent boys.

2.) I'm taller than 99% of the 3rd year population.

3.) The girls were really excited to dance with me.

It's definitely going to produce a lot of fun pictures for the year book.... >___<

So many vegetables!

2008-09-10T18:13:00.002+09:00

And here I was just thinking yesterday: "I haven't been eating enough vegetables... but they're so expensive right now!" And what happens today at school? One of my favorite teachers, my surrogate mom, gives me 8 Japanese eggplants (smaller than American ones), 9 tomatoes, 8 green peppers and and a bag of green beans! Plus 12 homemade peanut butter cookies! YUMMY!

It's almost too much. Plus, yesterday I just bought 3 cucumbers, a head of broccoli and a super large diakon. At least I know I'll be eating enough vegetables over the next couple of day... now I just need to be concerned about my protein. Oh well, I'll make up for it next time I go for yakiniku. ^___^

Quick shout out!

2008-09-08T21:01:00.001+09:00

Happy Birthday Grandma!

So many muscles have never hurt all at once...

2008-09-08T18:04:00.003+09:00

I think every muscle I have ever stretched in my live plus a few dozen more hurt at the same time!

Fuji-san is evil. I don't think I will ever look at him the same. Before I was in complete awe every time I saw him. Now... it's hate! But it's slowly changing into respect. I'm going to try and blog about my trip up the top 1/3 of Mt. Fuji. Let's hope I don't have a breakdown and start convulsing and crying in the corner.

I went with a group of other ALT in Yamanashi (YETI). The Uenohara group (3 of us) were a wee late, but the rest were nice enough to wait. We started at the 5th station, which is as far as you can drive up the mountain. It's about 2/3 of the way up, right at the tree line... if that tells you anything out the air content... low on Oxygen. Normal people would stay at the 5th station for an hour or so to get accustom to the low O2... But since we were late... that didn't happen. ^___^;;

Keep in mind this was a night climb. We started at 8PM.

The "hike" up Mt. Fuji actually starts down hill for a mile or so. Looking back I find this to be ironic and just plain mean. Shortly afterwards, the path become more of what I expected... up bound. It wouldn't have been that bad except for the fact that we had to stop and just breath... damn low O2. This is the point where Sheena and I broke off from the rest.

Then we reached the 6th station. Up until this point we had been going in one direction. After the 6th station we weaved up the mountain in a zig-zag pattern. This is also where it changed from a hike to a climb. We were climbing a slope anywhere between 20 and 40 degrees... remember this isn't straight up the mountain... zigzag. Stupid Fuji-san and it's insane incline!

It probably took us 2 hours from the 5th to the 7th station. At the 7th station... things changed. There were still the occasional zigzag-ed, nicely packed pathways at about a 35 degree angle but then there were the rocks... >_< One of my least favorite things about the up part.

After one not fun patch of rocks we paused at a small sleeping hut. Behind the hut was another "patch" of rocks. More like a wall of them. Sheena decided to stop and sleep in the hut until sunrise. It was too cold to just stop some where and rest for a long period of time. It was well under freezing this far up the mountain. So it was a smart choice to stay in the hut.

After Sheena stopped, I was techincally by myself. But there was a constant flow of people and I would see someone at least every 5 minutes... I'm assuming it was about 5. I lost all concept of time.

Back to the wall of rocks. I had vaguely been told there was a point where you would literally have to get on all fours to climb up "some rocks". It's a lot different when you have actually do it... in the dark, with a spot of light from your flash light only 3 by 3 feet, in the cold, with a walking stick in hand for one hour. Luckily when Sheena stopped I asked for her head torch so I didn't have to use a hand held flash light... That would have made things nearly impossible. Heck it was already nearly impossible.

The "path" up the rocks is chained off to keep you to the safest part of the mountain. The chains also double as something to help pull yourself up. I usually opt not to and climb up my own way. It was really frustrating to not be able to see the whole path with out pausing and looking around via the 3 by 3 foot patch of light. I would have to take a moment to stop and look around for the easiest way up. There were points where I would have to place my walking stick on the rock I wanted to be on above me so I could use both hands to pull my self up. Fuji-san is insane!

After the wall of rocks was the 8th station and after that it was a little easier. The rocks were gone for the most part but replaced by more zigzag paths. This time with looser dirt and volcanic rocks mixed in... making the footing loose and difficult at a 30-45 degree angle. So imagine this if you can... to go 10 feet up the slope you have to 3 to 4 times the distance as you walk your way back and forth.

At some point before sunrise I hit the 9th station. I was determined to make it as far up the mountain before sunrise so I continued my trek. I really wanted to make it to the top to see it... but it became quickly apparent that it wasn't going to happen. The path at this point was made up of mostly small volcanic rocks and pebbles making the footing even harder than when the small rocks were combined with sand/dirt.

Sunrise was amazing. I saw it from the side of the mountain about half a mile from the top. Half a mile of slope... not actually distance I had to travel.

I didn't pause long to fully watch it happen because once I stopped and my body tempature came down, I realized just exactly how cold it was. As I walked, I passed people under thermal blankets, white faced, blue lipped and shivering.

Sunrise was amazing. It was unfortunately a clouding morning, but since I was a couple of miles above the cloud level it was still absolutely beautiful. There were storm clouds in the distance and I could see the tops rolling over with rain and lightening striking through the air with the sun rising as a back drop.... sigh. I could even see the far Japanese Sea across the whole of the Japan.

Afterwards I continued my climb up the mountain. No matter where you go in Japan whether it be on the train platform or the tallest mountain on the island... you still have to wait in line. After sunrise many people continued climbing to the top. The path was so narrow that it could only fit two people side by side. So if someone was a little slower the whole thing would back up... which is exactly what happened. So instead of taking me 20 minutes to go a mile it took an hour of stop and go traffic up volcanic rubble and occasional patches of rocks.

Once I reached the top I nearly cried. I was happy to have accomplished my goal. There was a point between the 9th station and the top that I could have broken off and joined the descending path but I knew I had to reach the top or I could possibly be convinced to attempt the climb again... and I really didn't want that at the time. So now I can say I have climbed to the top of Mt. Fuji. Not from the bottom, but definitely the toughest part.

This is seriously, the most physically demanding thing I have ever done. So many things hurt when I move. And I only recommend to those who are truly motivated or could compete in a decathlon. Because not only is it really hard to get up... once you reach the top you have to get down... there are no cable cars or anything like that. You have to either go down on your own two feet or by helicopter... and that is usually not a good thing.

So after climbing the mountain you go down a different way... an "easier way". Why they don't make the ascending part as easy... I'm not sure. But I can tell you right now go down was my least favorite part. It took me 10 hours to get up the mountain and 4 hours to get down... for a total of 14... >_< oh man! And comparing the 10 hours of zigzag-ing and rock climbing, to going down the mountain for 4... I would almost say I would go up it again rather than go down. Maybe because it was my last impression. But imagine this... you are zig-zagging down a mountain at an insane angle in course dirt and small rocks for 4 hours. The whole time not being about to see the end in site. Every time you come over another crest it's more of the same. 4 hours of down hill... at an angle between 30 and 45 degrees in unsure footing... sigh I must admit I got really good at it and end up passing a lot of people. Granted I was being passed my those who were seriously running down! Insane people. Even with all my newly acquired down hill skills, I fell once. There was big rock under the sand and I stepped on it... slid and with no way of keeping my balance. Considering I fell pretty hard on the rock I'm surprised I didn't hurt myself or end up with a decent sized bruise. Maybe it's all my rear-end padding or maybe it was my newly tighten sore muscles that protected me.

I have never been so happy to see a hill going up... but after 4 hours of intense down hill I was so thankful for the change and so were my muscles. It's still really hard to go down stairs while going up is hard but easier.

Sigh, just sitting here and typing this... my muscles have completely cramped up again.

I have pictures... but I have to get them off my computer which requires me to go to Sheena's to unload them so you'll just have to be patient.

And finally I will leave you with a famous Japanese proverb roughly quoted:

A smart man climbs Fuji. I stupid one does it twice.

^_____^

Yukata Videos

2008-09-05T23:28:00.002+09:00

Here are a few videos of me in my yukata for those who might care to partake. ^__^

Tired

2008-09-05T22:31:00.003+09:00

I'm wicked tired but I'm going to be a good little bunny and post... bunny?!?! Why did I pick a bunny? Maybe it's a sign of my extreme exhaustion.

Yesterday was the first day of the Uenohara festival. The main focus were the mikoshi. They are portable Shinto shrines. And since Uenohara is actually a bunch of towns that they meshed in to one city, there are different sects within it. Each sect has it's own mikoshi and people from that area carry the shrine up and down the main street for a couple of hours. The whole time they're carrying it they're chanting and dancing. It's a very sweaty event. It's also quite the site to see two of them coming head to head. But fear not, there is a system and people to direct the others carrying the massive shrines. The heaviest one is over a ton, and these people are shaking it up and down while they chant. It was awesome. I took some video on my camera but I have to get it on to my computer first so look forward to it. That and more drumming! Love it! Oh I forgot to mention the traditional mikoshi carrying "uniform"... for men. It's very similar to what a sumo wrestler wears... I saw a lot of bear legs... butts and the occasional... more than butt/leg... >___< As Natalie, the ALT for Uenohara High School, said " there are 'giblets' everywhere!" paraphrased slightly... but the keyword is 'giblets' >___< I didn't really noticed until she said something... and then they really were everywhere!

Today there where no mikoshi and no exposed 'giblets'. Just lots of people and lots of food. One of my dreams when I came to Japan was to wear a yukata at a festival and it's come true. ^___^ One of my teachers was kind enough to help me put it on and tie the obi (bow) for me. You know an outfit is a success when a little 4 year old girl comes up to you and says "Kawaii" (cute). She was the cute one! >_< The interesting thing about being an English teacher in Japan... especially in a smaller city... you become like a celebrity . Every corner I took... all I would hear is "Tacy da." (It's Tacy!) Proceeded by them coming up to me and exchanging hellos. They really are good kids.... most of the time. ^___^ I've never heard my name called so many times in my life. Not to mention the number of times I say "hello" in a day. And those of you really know me... know that I used to say "hello" all the time randomly just to break the silent moments. Why because I'm slightly random like that. ^___^;; But nothing beats the number of times I say when I'm surrounded by my kids.

Two more things... ok wait 3 more... before I head to bed.

1) I got to pick a fortune out a box at the festival. (One of the teachers helped me) And the preliminary results are... "so, so" according to Yuki-sensei. I don't know the details but she's going to translate it for me. She, on the other hand, got a really good fortune. ^___^ She deserves it. She's super nice.

2) I'm climbing Mt. Fuji tomorrow night in to Sunday morning to see the sunrise. I hope the weather is good. Every single time I get near the mountain it's always really hazy. "Where's Fuji-san?" "Well... he's technically right in front of us taking up the whole horizon... but it's too hazy." Every single time! Seriously! (3 times!) Hopefully tomorrow will be better. And hopefully I don't hurt myself.

3) Pictures taken by my computer camera... more to come once I download my pictures from my camera... along with some videos! ^___^

(Ignore the mess in the background)

The bow is so tiny because I'm just slightly bigger

than the average bear... *slash*/ Japanese girl... >_<

There's a hair clip in there somewhere...

and I know for a fact at least 25 bobby pins.

It wouldn't be a "photo shoot" in Japan

without the "V"sign (^_^) v

Monday again

2008-09-01T17:40:00.003+09:00

Nothing really funny to write this time. You'll just have to be satisfied with an update. ^___^

Friday Night: What did I do.... oh yaa payday! Which equals yakiniku with Sheena.

Sunday: Went to training in Kofu (total of 3 hours on the train) then burgers and beer with Sheena... mmmmm

Saturday: Sheena and I went to Tokyo. We had delicious mexican food. We both bought yukatas for the up coming Uenohara festival. Very exciting. We're going with a Christmas theme. Sheena in green and me in red... unintentional. ^___^; Oh yaa, Sheena also convinced me to take the JLPT (The Japanese Language Proficiency Test). And for some reason I'm going for level 3. (There are 4 levels... 1 being the highest... 3 and 4 being much easier than 1 and 2... Sheena is going for level 1 because she's "wicked smaaht" and insane Heck, most Japanese have a really hard time with level 1... if they can even pass it. ^___^;) Right about now I think I have a 50% chance of passing level 3. I know I could do level 4... 3 on the other hand... and in only 3 months (December 7th). >_< This is going to be tough. Oh well... it's great motivation.

Quote of the day...

2008-08-27T18:37:00.002+09:00

"I also enjoyed tripping with my friends."

... what?!?! Halfway through one of my 3rd years summer vacation essays about their trip to Kyoto and Nara in May. I think they might have wanted to say sightseeing or traveling... tripping?!?!? I hope not! ^______^;;

Ring, Ring, Ring....

2008-08-25T17:36:00.002+09:00

Have you ever had to sit in a room with phones ringing but you can't answer them? Not because it's not your place to do so, but because you just can't! All the teachers went into a meeting and left me to "answer the phones". The extent of my Japanese phone abilities are as follows:

"Hai. Uenohara Chuo Gakko desu. Tacy desu."

(This is Uenohara Junior High School. Tacy speaking.)

I can't tell them everyone's in a meeting or tell them to call back or harder yet.... take a message. >__< So, I sat there listening to the phone ring and ring followed by a teacher frantically running down the hall to answer it. Either due to lack of communication or deep down they knew I couldn't actually answer the phone. I felt kind of bad for him. >__< Ever hear of an answering machine?!

Hello again!

2008-08-24T14:16:00.002+09:00

Well school starts tomorrow, so I thought maybe it was about time to get back in to the swing of things. It was a good summer. Sorry I didn't post more. ^___^;; To sum it all up I had a good time. Thanks to all those who dropped everything they were doing to hang out with me while I was back home. And a special thanks to the people who made it all possible... my parents. Without them the trip would have been impossible.

This has been the definition of a summer vacation. I pretty much did nothing productive. I really slacked on my Japanese studies which was very apparent this past week back in Japan. Once I settle back down in to daily life I have a feeling I'll kick it back in to gear.

So goals for before the end of the school year in March:

1. Get to 2000 kanji

2. Go out at least 2 weekends a month (my plans in September have already beat that number)

3. Save money to go on a trip outside of Japan (Taiwan, South Korea, Vietnam, etc.) - I'm here I might as well see the places around me while I'm in the area.

4. Get decent at cooking with my limited kitchen and skills (Fresh ginger is my ingredient of the moment)

5. Pictures, pictures, pictures.

I'm sure there's more I want to do but that's a good start. ^____^

Time.... what's that?!

2008-07-28T22:36:00.002+09:00

So some of you may be wondering what I'm doing on my Summer vacation in Japan... well to put it plainly I am losing track of days and time. Due to my desire to save money, my only friend's lack of any money, and it being so bloody hot most of the time... I waste my days away reading, playing video games and making new layouts for my blog. But hey isn't that what vacation is for... besides this is the stress-free portion of my Summer break and I must admit I am feeling very relaxed.

You know you're addicted when...

2008-07-25T11:38:00.003+09:00

... it's already 90 degrees at 8:30AM and you're drinking a cup of hot coffee... >_<;

So yaa it's been a while since my last post.... sorry. So to update you, I'm currently on summer vacation. Actually I have been for a week now. ^_____^; I haven't really been doing much... reading, making origami, studying a wee bit of kanji and watching TV... English and Japanese. In the past week I've been to Tokyo once, Kofu once (to get my re-entry permit) and Hachioji twice (for shopping purposes). It's been really hot lately and it's only going to get worse. Every morning when I roll out of bed I immediately begin to sweat. I'm trying really hard to keep a promise with myself that I won't turn on my air conditioner until 2PM or my room reaches 36 (body temp = 96.8).

Let's see what else:

1. I'm coming home in a little over a week. That's very exciting.

2. Oh! There was a huge bug outside of Sheena's apartment yesterday while we were hanging out... super yucky. He was hanging out on the window screen last night and apparently this morning he was on the opposite side hanging out in front of her door. I guess he really likes her or just really wants to come in. >___< It's a super large beetle and in Japan the name translates to hair cutter, because of it's strong pinchers in the front. >__<

His body alone (not including his legs or antenna) is at least 2 1/2 inches.

3. I've really wanted to buy a new ultra-portable laptop to take between home and work so I could type up my worksheets and things at school and take it on the train to study or play with. Instead I decided to wait until a few more generations come out and the price goes down. But that didn't solve the issue of occupying me on my upcoming plane trip. And since I've been so bored this past week I thought it was time to break down and buy a game system... an ultra-portable one! I bought myself a DS lite. ^______^ And what were the first 2 games I bought... "New Super Mario Brothers" - classic nintendo and a Japanese drumming game that is in all the arcades - classic Japanese. I can't wait to buy some English games while I'm home. ^____^ Yes that's right I'm a geek!

4. Lastly. I was on the train yesterday from Hachioji for the 2nd time and I had my first real conversation with someone random in JAPANESE! All by myself. I feel like I've accomplished something. I wish I was going to be on the train longer because I think she and I could have been friends. Maybe we'll see each other again since she commutes past Hachioji on a daily basis for college. And it all started when I gave her a napkin to put her popsicle stick in. Sigh, random acts of kindness... looks like I might have to do them more often and maybe I'll actually make some Japanese friends in Japan. Imagine that! ^____^

Country road....

2008-07-10T18:29:00.003+09:00

I must admit today was the first day I was 100% homesick for a moment in time. I actually ended up crying in front of one of my first years classes. Why, you ask. Well, my teacher decided to teach them the song "Take me home, country roads". Of course, it's all about West Virginia. Which is exactly where both my parents are from and most of my family still lives. We taught them to sing the first two verses. By the end of the second verse I was crying. Here there was a class of my little Japanese students all the way across the world from my family and they were singing about West Virginia. Sniffle. So, yes mom I do get home sick. And yes I miss you and Dad today. ^___^; It's unfortunate that I had to do it in front of my class. ^_____^;

"Country roads, take me home

To the place I belong

West Virginia, mountain mama

Take me home, country roads"

Sniffle. Okay the emotional moment has passed. Now, I'm off to make some good ol' fashion green beans with plenty of onions and garlic. Too bad I don't have any bacon grease.

Still Alive!

2008-07-08T18:06:00.003+09:00

I know I haven't posted in a few days... it seems to be becoming a trend. That's what happens when you don't get home till 5:30 and all you want to do is eat dinner and vegetate. So know that no news is good news. The few things that I can update you on...

1) A few of my 3rd year boys learned the word penis recently... that should make things more interesting... >___________<;;;

2) I'm surviving the heat. And yes it's still rainy season... kind of.

3) 8 more days of classes and then summer vacation!!!! YES!

4) I went to an ALT party this weekend. It was a lot of fun and I met some cool people that I hope to meet again. Unless, I scared them away with my dancing. I must admit my swing dancing wasn't all that bad... until I swung too fast, fell and twisted my ankle. We'll it might have been: swung too fast, twisted my ankle and fell. I'm not exactly sure of the order. Either way, life is slightly more difficult now. And I hate that hill in the morning more than ever. The kids are now passing me. >___<

I hope who ever reads this is doing well. Remember, I'm coming home the first 2 weeks in August. Mark your calendars!

Too hot to move

2008-07-03T16:20:00.002+09:00

It's been a while since I've posted about the weather. That's because it's actually been decent... if not slightly humid. But when it's been humid it's been cloudy... But now... sigh

I got home, jumped in a cold shower, didn't dry off and sat in front of a fan eating ice cream. And now I sit here in a tank top that I wet down and stuck in the freezer for 15 minutes. I think I might have to put it back in soon. >_<

The next couple of days are going to be anywhere between 30 and 35 degrees (celsius) - that's 86 to 95 for all you none converters... with a humidity between 65 and 90% and no rain in sight. Does that mean the rain season is over?... I expected more rain... for longer! That means two months of increasingly hot days and then typhoon season. I can't wait ^____^;

Sorry, I get very bitter when I'm hot. Some people are meant to live in Florida and others... Canada... I'll settle for New Hampshire. ^___^

Well, my shirt is officially no longer cool... time to put it back in the freezer for a while.

Scottland and Japan?!?! Interesting ^____^

2008-06-29T12:08:00.004+09:00

Combined two of my countries and what do you a Japanese man in the middle of Japanese park playing the bagpipes in a kilt. heh

Picture time...

2008-06-29T11:37:00.003+09:00

Outside on the roof of my apartment after the rain...

Another Friday afternoon off...

2008-06-27T14:29:00.002+09:00

There's been a lot of meetings recently where they've decided to let me leave after lunch. That's very nice of them. Then today, the teacher in charge of my scheduling comes up to me and asks,
"So we have a meeting Tuesday after lunch and there are no classes Thursday or Friday. What do you think?"
Well, what do you want me to say... "well since there are no classes... I guess I don't need to come in." Of course I can't just come out and say that.
My actual response: "What ever you think is best. There are English finals on Thursday right? I can do the hearing tests if you need me to."
Teacher: "Let me check with the other teachers and the vice principal" (who for some reason gets to decide everything concerning me)
Well it turns out I'm not need for ANY of the listening tests... but I have to be there for the full time all week. To make "worksheets". Here's a little insight in to my job... every time I make a worksheet that I think can be used in class... it's not needed. But when something is ACTUALLY needed they tell me an hour before class. That's not really enough time to create three large pictures based on some silly text. Another insight in to my job, textbook exerts:
1st year:
Do you come to school by car?
No, I don't.
Do you have a car?
No, I don't. I like walking.
2nd years:
About 1,500 years ago, people made the first moai. Later people made many moais in the mountains. Now we can see some of them on the beach. "How did the moais get there?" I asked a man. He answered with a smile. "They walked." Do you believe that?
3rd years:
Emi: Shin, do you play the shamisen?
Shin: No. But my brother Rio plays very well.
Emi: How long has he played the shamisen?
Shin: He has played it for three years. He's very good.
Emi: I want to hear his shamisen.

Insight... I just wrote all of that from memory and I can tell you what page of the textbook it's on. When you have to read the same text in 4 to 5 classes over and over again having it repeated back to you... you tend to memorize it without trying.
Okay, no more pessimistic attitude.
Increasing optimism level! Okay, so next week I will go in on Monday... and ask each one of the English teachers if I can do anything for them. And if they have time, think of anything I could possibly prepare for the following week or even further in yo the future. Maybe I can even grade some papers or make copies for them. Anything, to keep me busy. Otherwise I can always fall back on my usual plan... Kanji. Must study Kanji! 200 a week. If I can keep this up, I will know over 2000 before the end of summer vacation... that's enough to understand a Japanese newspaper! It doesn't mean I'll speak Japanese any better, since I'm just learning one English meaning to each 2086 kanji used in everyday life. Note each one has many, many meanings depending on the context and what other kanji it's put with. But it's a start in the right direction and I'll be a little less illiterate, which I think is the worst part of living in Japan. I keep getting all these papers at school and only having a vague idea what they are for... granted that's better than last month when I only knew like 50 kanji. My quality of life is improving. ^_____^
Anyway, this post is for my parents who keep asking if I'm going to post ever again. :-P
It gives you a little insight in to my daily life. I wouldn't consider it a normal day, but not a very noteworthy one. ^_____^;;
Now, off to study more kanji... my goal is to input 100 of them in to my notebook, so I can spend all weekend practicing them. Maybe I'll get ahead of schedule next week with all my "time off" in school. ^____^

Way past my bedtime...

2008-06-20T23:01:00.002+09:00

...by all of an hour. And I just got home. The school gave me the afternoon off, so I decided to take a trip in to Tokyo. I have a few things to share about today. Some related to my travels and others... just because.
1. I was on the train in to the city, and I decided to practice writing some kanji to pass the time. An elementary school kid sat down next to me and started to look at what I was writing. Before I knew it I saw him writing the same kanji, using his finger and drawing it in the air. So cute!
2. Friggin' hottest day so far. And crowded trains aren't fun on days like today. On a side note, they way I've survived in my apartment so far is: a) get home and immediately put on shorts and a tank top b.) stick my head under a cold sink c.) lay in front of my fan... which is by far the best purchase I've made in Japan d.) eat a "Coolish" (a nifty little squeezey thing filled with ice cream which you then suck out of the little plastic opening... it's designed so you can eat your ice cream and type with both hands at the same time... trust me. I've tested it many times. The best part is, it's only 150 calories!)
3. What's the best way to empty an over crowded train during rush hour? Put one loud, obnoxious, smelly, burping, mumbling/singing annoying guy on the train and see how fast the train car clears out. I pretended to be asleep. I wasn't giving up my seat! I worked hard for it!
4. Customer service in Japan is amazing. I went to the Gap today. They have so many people on staff... they are constantly straightening the clothes, greeting people, and their dressing room service! WoAh! You want a different size or color... just ask. They let someone know on their headset and 1 minute later it's there. And they speak English! At least in Tokyo.
5. Another train story. Wow, trains in Japan are interesting places! But I already knew that. :-P
Standing in line waiting to be crammed into another train, I was standing behind a junior high kid about my height. I know! Tall! Japanese people are getting taller! I saw many more girls, who were about my height. Granted they're wearing really big heels and their hair is all puffed up. But still! It makes me feel better. I digress. The boy... my height-ish... apparently he had a wicked wedgie because he spent two solid minutes picking it. Seriously! If you've got a major wedgie... don't just nip as it for two minutes.... if you're going to draw attention to yourself anyway, you might as well just go all out and get it with one big swoop. If he would have been shorter it would have been easier to avoid looking in the general direction of his picking... but since he was pretty tall... I had a really hard time trying to keep his activities out of my peripheral vision. I had an even harder time trying to keep a straight face.
6. Finishing up with one of my least favorite topics. Bugs. Japan is really pretty. The landscape is amazing (when you can see it though the humidity), the flora is great. There is always something in bloom, and I've seen some of the most interesting flowers. But along with this new and exotic scenery comes something that takes away from it all... B-U-G-S! *slash* spiders. On my way home this evening I saw the scariest looking flying bug I've ever scene. We have something similar in the states but this one's legs are like 4 inches long. Now on to the spiders. So mingled with all of this beautiful flora are spiders. There are spiders EVERYWHERE! (except my apartment... correction... inside my apartment) Every where you turn there's a spider web. EVERYWHERE! One bush could have like 20! On my way home tonight there were at least 5 new ones. One of them was just getting started on making a web across the walk way. Didn't notice that one until I walked into the edge of it... ECK! And they're not your typical house spider... but they're also not your truly tropical arachnid either... however, they're still scary in their own right. Bugs... ECK!
Okay it's way past my bedtime now and the back of my knees are sweaty from the way I'm sitting. I don't like it. BLAA!
Bai bai (bye bye)

Question of the day....

2008-06-19T17:39:00.002+09:00

"What's this called?"
"That's a... a pit stain."
HA! That was asked by one of my more rowdy students. I could see that one coming back to bite me. Oh well.
So yaa, lots of pit stains. What do you expect? It's 80 degrees which isn't so bad but a humidity level to match it... 80% and no sign of improving. Unlike America, where a high pressure area will sit on us for a couple of day, until a low front pushes it out with a line of thunder storms. That doesn't happen here in Japan. There's no low pressure area waiting to make it's way through. The high pressure just sits here with a cloud of humidity. Sigh
I don't plan on using my air conditioner until I absolutely have to.
1.) It's going to only get hotter and I don't want to rely on it yet.
2.) It's expensive.
3.) It's bad for the environment.
4.) The control is in Japanese. I know, I could just play with the 4 different dials on the control, but not only is it considered what we call an air conditioner, but it's also a heater. In Japan "Air Con" means an "air conditioner". Something that conditions the air to be either cooler or hotter. And I don't want to get any hotter than I have to. Besides each dial has at least 5 options... that over 20 different combinations. >_______<

sticky...

2008-06-18T19:24:00.001+09:00

90% humidity?!?!?!?! Such a thing actually exists... and what do you mean the humidity is going to be over 75% for the next 5 days.... is that even possible?!?!?!?! Sigh.

Okaeri

2008-06-18T17:42:00.002+09:00

This is the second day in a row I've heard "okaeri" coming home from school. Yesterday, from a man outside my apartment in his garden. And today's "okaeri" was super cute. A little elementary schooler and his mom were four houses down the road waving at me. I didn't notice them until I reached the third floor of my apartment. When I saw them I waved back and the little boy shouted "OKAERI." It made me want to cry.
To save you the trip to a Japanese dictionary, okaeri means welcome back. Sniffle. Kind of like welcome home. So cute.

Now on to some good ol' fashion English. Here's the quick dialog between one of my 2nd year students and me:
Student: "Do you think about boys?"
Me: "No, I think about men."
I think they understood. ^_____^;
I'm not sure if that's the answer I should have said, but it was the first thing that popped out of my mouth. Well it did shut them up. Sigh... middle schoolers.

Comments on food in Japan

2008-06-15T17:34:00.004+09:00

FOOD IN JAPAN:

Onions are hotter.

Lettuce is bitter.

Ketchup is runnier.

Carrots only come in one size... ridiculously large.

Whole fish can be eaten and are especially enjoyed if they're pregnant with lots of eggs.
(The things you'll eat at school when you're really hungry.)
Me - "Do you eat it tail or head first?"
Teacher - "It's a matter of preference."
Me - "Sigh."

When cooking and the random Japanese ingredients come out with a funky taste... add garlic. Garlic makes everything better. (That's an international rule.)

Cabbage is better cooked than raw.

School lunch usually has chicken, fish, beef and pork... but in small, small amounts mixed in with either the soup, rice or side dishes. There is never enough of any one meat to satisfy your desire for it.

The mayonnaise is better... hence why they put it on EVERYTHING!!!

Even the smallest fish can be used... just dry it, salt it and use it as a seasoning or small snack. There's nothing like a hand full of dried fish looking at you to hit the spot. (They're actually pretty yummy.)

The Japanese get a kick out of watching you eat funky things.

Eat first, ask later... if you really want to know. >____<

Guess who...?

2008-06-12T18:25:00.003+09:00

Guess who... has her internet back. This girl right here!
Guess who... has had a tough time surviving without continual access to the outside world. ME!
Guess who... got their Japanese Driver's License. Not me.... but SHEENA! YAAA very excited for her. Now she can drive her own car around... instead of me driving her :-P
Guess who just had chicken fingers dipped in home made spicy scallop sauce. ^______^ Yes it was yummy!

So updates:
hmmm... life is pretty much the same. Last week my company came to videotape one of my classes to see how I was doing. It went pretty well. The opening line of my review was something to the effect of how I looked really comfortable in front of the class considering I just started. Of course there were pointers on improvement, but nothing I didn't really know already. So today, more practice in front of the class.... alone. >____< That's right alone... 3rd years... >____< Slightly scarier than the 1st years. But it went... "well". I'd have to say the biggest issue was keeping the class going and focused only using English. That and the boys talking in the back... grrr! I'm not allowed to discipline the kids... so says my all might company. For that matter, I'm not even supposed to be in the classroom alone with the kids... hmmmm. But what are you supposed to do when it's a random thing and the teacher right before the period says, "here's the lesson plan... I have to go to this really important meeting with the people in charge of the school. I'll be there as soon as I can." Sigh. Ten minutes before the end of class... she shows up. But I survived. I don't think they all understood the grammar point, but that can be fixed next time... in Japanese. They have the general idea :-P
Well just wanted to say I'm back! ^________^

sigh...

2008-06-01T17:15:00.001+09:00

Well... another reason to learn how to read kanji.
They shutdown my internet... hopefully I should have it back by the end of the week... but who knows.
Now, it depends on the postal service and how quickly the internet provider opens their mail.
Sigh.

The Japanese love their mayo!

2008-05-28T18:37:00.004+09:00

I love it when my title has nothing to do with the post... but it's true! They do love there mayo!

Anyway 3 random points of today:

1. I've received two letters in school the past week or so. Don't worry... they were good letters. One from a teacher about the cookies my mom sent for everyone. And one from a 1st year! So cute. I keep meaning to bring them home and type them up for you all, but I keep forgetting... sorry!

2. I've been studying a lot lately using a new method for memorizing Kanji... the trickiest one of the THREE Japanese writing systems. Well today I looked at the wall and read the sign. I don't know what it says in Japanese but I know what it means in English. It was the kanji for extinguish, fire and utensil! (Utensil in the sense of tool.) Their powers combined and they become... a fire extinguisher!!!!! (Suddenly the song from Captain Planet is suck in my head... for all you 80's babies out there) Granted I already knew what it was since there was a bright red fire extinguisher right below the sign with a big arrow pointing to it.... but I knew what the sign meant... kanji by kanji! That was an exciting moment.

3. Student: "Your eyes are blue!"
Me: "Yes, blue and a little brown."
Student: "My eyes are shit."
Me: "Brown?!"
Student: "Yes, shit brown."
Me: "..."

NANI!!!!!!!! (WHAT????)

2008-05-27T18:29:00.002+09:00

Some kid told me today that I was thin... WHAT? Are you blind? But thank you. I made the connection later... a girl in the hallway afterwards (from a different class) told me I had a small face. Ah Ha! It must be because I'm not wearing my classes and I have my hair pulled back... not to mention I just cut my bangs this morning.
Later in the same class where I heard I was thin... I heard "oki" to describe me. The literal translation of "oki" is big. Which lends it self to my theory. Everyone is amazed my by small head, big eyes and overly tall body. I know I'm a freak of nature...
...at least in Japan ^_______________^;;

Which goes along with the other student a few weeks ago telling me I was unique. ^___^;;

birds.... grrr

2008-05-26T20:16:00.003+09:00

The birds just love to sit on the electric wires right outside of my window... especially in the morning. It gets to the point where I will actually get out of my comfy bed and close it. Note the song that starts a couple of seconds in. That plays everyday at 6PM all over Uenohara. I don't know what it's called yet, but I've heard the kids sing it at school for ceremonies and things... so I'm assuming it's some anthem thingy.

Raining Baseballs in Japanese

2008-05-24T16:38:00.003+09:00

Why is it that I don't decided to go to the grocery store until it rains... or is that it decides to rain only when I plan to go food shopping?

So I went to my school's baseball game today. They were undefeated. Key word... were.

>____< So sad. It was a really good game all the way up until the end. I must admit that the baseball boys are a few of my favorites, and I was sad for them. Especially the the 3rd years. I think this was the game to decide if they went towards the finals. I got to meet some of the parents and the nice lady who gave me the lettuce was there. ^__^

Almost everyday I come home from school to my little Japanese apartment... I think to myself.... "Japan... why? Why did I come to Japan?" It's not a bad questions, just a "Holy crap! I'm in Japan!" moment. Well I've recently reminded myself of some of the reasons:

1.) I wanted to travel before I felt I couldn't anymore.

2.) I like Japan. I like the culture. The people.

3.) I wanted to test myself. New experiences. Figure out who I am just a little bit more.

4.) Learn the language. Why? Well... There are different reason I guess. I want to be able to read it... understand it... and now that I'm here... speak it!

Now that I'm in Japan (of all places) I want to be able to talk to people. I want to get to know them. I want them to get to know me. So, right now I am totally motivated to learn Japanese. So wish me luck. I'm planning on undertaking a big goal... but I know I can do it. Sheena has introduced me to a few really good books, programs and webpages. Besides when I'm at school and don't have classes or a project... I'm getting paid to study Japanese!!!! That's awesome.

Today could be classified as hot...

2008-05-21T17:26:00.002+09:00

Random things continued:

1. The frogs are still really loud. And they're 10 minutes late. Usually they start in around 5:30! I hope every things okay... I get scared in the middle of the night when they randomly ... all... stop.

2. Some of the 3rd year girls asked me what color pantsu I was wearing today... "Do you mean pants or pantsu?... oh... in that case... pink... light pink" Pantsu in Japan is not the same as "pants" it means panties or underwear. ^___^;;

3. I've discovered the reason there are so many mosquitoes in Japan... Hurray someone stop the presses! Look!!!! Aren't there a lot of rice paddies in Japan? Yes. What are rice paddies? Place where they grow rice... Yes, but how. Well, to quote wikipedia... "The fields require large quantities of water for irrigation. Flooding provides water essential to the growth of the crop. Water also provides a favorable environment for the rice strains being grown as well as discouraging the growth of many species of weeds." So they fill the paddies with standing water? Yes. Standing water! Don't mosquitoes grow in standing water! Ha! I've discovered the 8th wonder of the world!

4. They let me leave early today, since there were no club activities and the teachers were having a meeting (in Japanese... kind of pointless for me)... but before I left I was off in a side room in the office making tapes from cds... apparently they were lying and didn't want me to leave AT ALL... because they all went to their meeting down the hall and locked me in the office. Apparently they didn't know I was still there. ^___^;

5. There is a random ringing... alarm thingy out side somewhere and it is driving me CRAZY! But it's too hot to close the window.

6. We were playing a game in the 1st year class where I would write a letter or sentence on the board and they would have to tell me if it was right or wrong. I never made the connection before, but if you switch the vowels in lion it spells something funny. Luckily they of course didn't get it... and neither did my Japanese English Teacher... "Is that a word?"...

Still Sunday

2008-05-18T19:05:00.002+09:00

"So Tacy. What did you do all day?"

Nothing ^___^

(nothing = watching movies, eating food and not moving from the same spot all day...)

Sunday again

2008-05-18T14:11:00.003+09:00

Sunday has turned in to my chill day. It's beautiful out and I should probably go for a walk or something... but I'm in the mood to stay in. Besides I was enjoying watching them plant rice in the paddy behind my apartment. By the way if you click on the picture it will make it bigger so you can actually see them planting.

The path I walk to school in the morning and home in the afternoon.

There are usually lots of kids playing in the street.

They're so cute!

(Check out the butterflies in the bottom right quarter.)

So I cleaned yesterday.

And when I say cleaned, I mean...

I took everything off the floor, mopped,

organized and dusted my shelves,

scrubbed my bathroom from the ceiling to the floor,

and washed all my dishes.

See what happens when you don't leave your apartment...

let alone your bed!

>_______<

Random things to note:

2008-05-16T17:21:00.004+09:00

1. I was wondering where the frogs were last night. Apparently there are rice paddies behind my apartment and they just filled them yesterday... the frogs decided it would be a good idea to move in. The sound of frogs crocking at night definitely makes me feel like I'm in the country.

2. One of my students told me last week that I was unique (in a good way). ^____^

3. It only costs me a little under $7 each way to get to Tokyo... not bad considering it's an 1 and half (when you include transfers) it cost me $4 to get to Hachioji which is only 30 minutes away, and $12 to get to Kofu (1 hour in the other direction).

4. My hair is getting really long.

5. My apartment is a MESS!

6. I'm having left over rice from the school lunch today for dinner.

7. Japanese hair dryers are crap... unless you feel like spending almost $100. I splurged and went for the $30 one (the cheapest was $20). But hey, I got it for free. If you ever move to Japan you will realize, yes, things are more expensive... but every store has a point system. When I got here I bought an electronic dictionary for $300 (that was after the student discount... even though I'm not a student. Maybe it was the big eyes and even bigger smile because I had no idea what was going on ^____^)

With that I earned like 4000 points which equates to yen... $40... sweet!

8. I can't wait to get paid on the 30th!

9. I can't wait to go clothes shopping when I get home in August.

10. Japanese girls make leg warmers look good!

You know it's a good day when...

2008-05-14T18:21:00.002+09:00

1. you find out you don't have to work tomorrow

2. you get a free head of lettuce

So now I'm having dinner consisting of soup and a very large salad... and I'm trying to figure out what I'm going to do with my random day off. ^______^

Tacy's super spiffy blog...

Summer Vacation Part 1

Pictures!

Buta Infuruenza

School, school, school

Back to school!

Spring Break Day 6 - Back in Kumamoto

Spring Break Day 5 - Fukuoka

Spring Break Day 4 - Beppu

Spring Break Day 3 - Aso-san

Home

Spring Break Day 2 - Kumamoto Part 1

Nagasaki - Spring Break Day 1

Hello Spring Break!

It's official... a different kind from the last post...

It's official

Celebration for the 3rd years

Wednesday => No School => Sake Tasting

Kids are funny...

Hakuba => SNOW!

Happy Birthday to Me!

Hakone during Winter Break

Holidays 2008

Kyoto Trip Day 4 Nijo-jo and Attempted Night Viewing

Kyoto Trip Day 3 Part 2 Fushimi-Inari and Night time in downtown

Kyoto Trip Day 3 Part 1 Tofuku-ji

Kyoto Trip Day 2 Kinkaku-Ji and random

Kyoto Pictures

Happy New Year!

Die mold! DIE!

Merry (early) Christmas

just a quickie

YAAAAAA! Mo yada!

Kyoto Trip Day 1 Part 2 - Kiyomizu-dera at night

Kyoto Trip Day 1 Part 1 - Himeji Castle

Hello again!

Matsumoto Castle

I'm in love.....

Halloween Parade! - Pictures

Halloween Parade! - Videos

Nagano Part 1 - Rock Garden (Gunma)

Nagano Part 1 - General

Wine Festival

Scheduled posts...

Sorry...

Random

Randomness....

Cold number 2!

YATTA!!! (Japanese sound of exclamation)

A very, very productive month!

It was not meant to be...

4th and final post of the day

This is me not studying Japanese...

Video time!

Hurray for a random Tuesday off!

So many vegetables!

Quick shout out!

So many muscles have never hurt all at once...

Yukata Videos

Tired

Monday again

Quote of the day...

More posts?!?! No way!

Ring, Ring, Ring....

Hello again!

Time.... what's that?!

You know you're addicted when...

Country road....

Still Alive!

Too hot to move

Scottland and Japan?!?! Interesting ^____^

Picture time...

Another Friday afternoon off...

Way past my bedtime...

Question of the day....

sticky...

Okaeri

Comments on food in Japan

Guess who...?

sigh...