I`m only going to update quickly. I`m at Emika`s house for the next two days (until Friday afternoon), when I`ll be moving to Miri`s. *smiles*
A. I`m SO excited to be here at Emika`s! It`s really fun, being with Emika, Joanna, Emika`s CRAZY mother, her brother, and 4 dogs (2 are inside dogs, 2 are outside dogs). We had SO much fun tonight. Kazu from ichinensei (the first year class) came over and chilled with us for a while since he lives around here.
B. I can`t wait to go to Miri`s! She`s really nice, and it`ll be lots of fun to have someone to talk to/do things with!
Anyway, I have some homework for Jason sensei that I should do. Want to stay on his good side if I want to sing and have him play guitar at Sendai Station during the Jazz Festival this summer!
Also, I`m probs going to Mt. Fuji for the last week of summer vacation for the camp hosted (and paid for) by JFIE. Can`t wait!!! XD
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Monday, April 28, 2008
Sendai City
So, yeah. I haven`t posted for a while. Things have been rather crazy in both my lives. My life in America and my life in Japan (as my closest friends well know). But here`s an update on what I did this weekend.
On Saturday, Daisy and I FINALLY had our day in Sendai City. She invited David to come along, which was also really fun. So in addition to getting my package from my parents (JUNO AND ECLIPSE!!!!!!!!!!!! XD - Juno can`t work here because my host family doesn`t have a DVD player that`s compatable with American DVDs, but that`s ok, I think I may be able to watch it at Daisy`s), I took the bus to Sendai City...BY MYSELF! XD
It was awesome because I knew that Sendai Station was the last stop, so I was totally fine. I found my way fairly easily. And then while I was waiting for Daisy and David to show up, I found a bookstore where there was a happy joyus amount of manga. Unfortunately, it was all bundled up into plastic wrapping, so I couldn`t look at the pretty Haruhi pictures. *insert sad face here*
Am still looking for the last 2 Fruits Baskets, however. I think I have yet to find them because I have yet to go to a Book Off, which Daisy promised to take me to the next time I am in Sendai. *smiles*
I WILL FINISH FURUBA BEFORE YOU SUNA YAH AND MINSU YAH!!!!! I WILL WIN!!!!! XD
So, yeah. Once Daisy and David showed up, we went to Karaoke at a really cool secluded place. I think it is my new favorite place to go. And it was only like $3 for 2 hours (plus food, but I don`t count it since i totally could have bought a cheaper meal at Family Mart and brought it with me). If you only have 3 people, 2 hours is fine for karaoke.
Then we went around shopping for a bit. I freaked with joy at every gaijin we saw. Of course. ^-^ And I bought a really cute yellow short sleeved sweatshirt. Short sleeved. Yeah, kinda defeats the purpose, but whatever. It`s cute and I like it. And I am wearing it now.
We also did PURIKURA! I LOVE PURIKURA! IT IS WONDERFUL! IT MAKES ME SO HAPPY! XD When I come back to America, I will have a very amazing Purikura book to show you all. *smiles*
Yesterday and today I just chilled around the house and town. I really should get more pictures of where I live since tomorrow is my last day in my host family`s home. Wednesday after school I am moving to my new host family`s home. Which I think is Miri`s family. I`m really excited about it, because even though she speaks almost no English, and I speak almost no Japanese (although Mao and Haruka insist that it`s getting better :) ), she adores me.
Anyway, I should go and start putting things in my bag. I have too many books. I love books.
On Saturday, Daisy and I FINALLY had our day in Sendai City. She invited David to come along, which was also really fun. So in addition to getting my package from my parents (JUNO AND ECLIPSE!!!!!!!!!!!! XD - Juno can`t work here because my host family doesn`t have a DVD player that`s compatable with American DVDs, but that`s ok, I think I may be able to watch it at Daisy`s), I took the bus to Sendai City...BY MYSELF! XD
It was awesome because I knew that Sendai Station was the last stop, so I was totally fine. I found my way fairly easily. And then while I was waiting for Daisy and David to show up, I found a bookstore where there was a happy joyus amount of manga. Unfortunately, it was all bundled up into plastic wrapping, so I couldn`t look at the pretty Haruhi pictures. *insert sad face here*
Am still looking for the last 2 Fruits Baskets, however. I think I have yet to find them because I have yet to go to a Book Off, which Daisy promised to take me to the next time I am in Sendai. *smiles*
I WILL FINISH FURUBA BEFORE YOU SUNA YAH AND MINSU YAH!!!!! I WILL WIN!!!!! XD
So, yeah. Once Daisy and David showed up, we went to Karaoke at a really cool secluded place. I think it is my new favorite place to go. And it was only like $3 for 2 hours (plus food, but I don`t count it since i totally could have bought a cheaper meal at Family Mart and brought it with me). If you only have 3 people, 2 hours is fine for karaoke.
Then we went around shopping for a bit. I freaked with joy at every gaijin we saw. Of course. ^-^ And I bought a really cute yellow short sleeved sweatshirt. Short sleeved. Yeah, kinda defeats the purpose, but whatever. It`s cute and I like it. And I am wearing it now.
We also did PURIKURA! I LOVE PURIKURA! IT IS WONDERFUL! IT MAKES ME SO HAPPY! XD When I come back to America, I will have a very amazing Purikura book to show you all. *smiles*
Yesterday and today I just chilled around the house and town. I really should get more pictures of where I live since tomorrow is my last day in my host family`s home. Wednesday after school I am moving to my new host family`s home. Which I think is Miri`s family. I`m really excited about it, because even though she speaks almost no English, and I speak almost no Japanese (although Mao and Haruka insist that it`s getting better :) ), she adores me.
Anyway, I should go and start putting things in my bag. I have too many books. I love books.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Sakura Pictures!!!
They are posted!!! Enjoy them!!!
I have an amazing Charmmy Kitty (who is, yes, BETTER than Hello Kitty - Bess, you will one day realize this and then BEG my forgiveness for your mistake all these years) bag that my cotton candy came it. It was magical amounts of joy.
After we went to the sakura viewing, we all decided to go to karaoke and then purikura. Because we rock like that. So Oizumi Sensei went home, and the 9 of us went to karaoke for an hour and a half (because Emika and Joanna were going to a party, it started at 6, but they were late), and David showed me which bus I need to take to get home from Sendai City. If I get off at the Family Mart area, then I get to pay about 40 yen less than if I get off closer to my house. I`m thinking of seeing how much less I have to pay if I get off across the street from Tohoku High School, which would only be a 15 minute walk or so to home. And it`s TOTALLY safe to walk around at night. Like, think North Deering near the Falmouth border safe. So I could save some money doing that. *smiles*
Now I just need to figure out when the bus comes on Saturday, because Daisy and I are planning to go cell phone hunting. I want to buy a cheap one, with a SIM card, and a pre-paid plan. Those are my requirements. A good bonus would be Windows Mobile, which would enable me to get on the internet and therefore connect with Skype. But it`s definitely not necessary.
Today, the kids at school had their routine medical checkup. Emika and Miri were all sad about the shots they had to take. Apparently, Emika cried, poor thing. I just hugged her and was all, "daijoubu, daijoubu!". But, yeah, while they were having their medical checkup, Josh, Joanna, David, and I had a massively long lesson with Jason Sensei where we did fun game type things. *smiles*
Anyway, I should go, it took forever to upload those pictures! XD Hope you all are well!
Let me know when the Sea Dogs start playing! I want to beg my parents for a Sea Dogs...something! *looks over at mom and dad*
I have an amazing Charmmy Kitty (who is, yes, BETTER than Hello Kitty - Bess, you will one day realize this and then BEG my forgiveness for your mistake all these years) bag that my cotton candy came it. It was magical amounts of joy.
After we went to the sakura viewing, we all decided to go to karaoke and then purikura. Because we rock like that. So Oizumi Sensei went home, and the 9 of us went to karaoke for an hour and a half (because Emika and Joanna were going to a party, it started at 6, but they were late), and David showed me which bus I need to take to get home from Sendai City. If I get off at the Family Mart area, then I get to pay about 40 yen less than if I get off closer to my house. I`m thinking of seeing how much less I have to pay if I get off across the street from Tohoku High School, which would only be a 15 minute walk or so to home. And it`s TOTALLY safe to walk around at night. Like, think North Deering near the Falmouth border safe. So I could save some money doing that. *smiles*
Now I just need to figure out when the bus comes on Saturday, because Daisy and I are planning to go cell phone hunting. I want to buy a cheap one, with a SIM card, and a pre-paid plan. Those are my requirements. A good bonus would be Windows Mobile, which would enable me to get on the internet and therefore connect with Skype. But it`s definitely not necessary.
Today, the kids at school had their routine medical checkup. Emika and Miri were all sad about the shots they had to take. Apparently, Emika cried, poor thing. I just hugged her and was all, "daijoubu, daijoubu!". But, yeah, while they were having their medical checkup, Josh, Joanna, David, and I had a massively long lesson with Jason Sensei where we did fun game type things. *smiles*
Anyway, I should go, it took forever to upload those pictures! XD Hope you all are well!
Let me know when the Sea Dogs start playing! I want to beg my parents for a Sea Dogs...something! *looks over at mom and dad*
Saturday, April 19, 2008
What do you do with 1000 yen in the middle of nowhere? SPEND IT ON FOOD!!!
How can you unexpectedly spend 1000 yen in one day while living in the middle of nowhere in Sendai?
Well, I will tell you.
400 or so on re-stocking your candy supply and a cold green tea.
300 on the takoyaki that a random man sold in a random stand set up outside the grocery store that you went to to re-stock your candy supply (I promised myself that I would buy takoyaki at every available opportunity. I LOVE TAKOYAKI!!!! XD)
100 or so at Family Mart on a rice ball
and when I say "or so" I mean it was more.
so, yes, you can do it! it is possible! and because the food here rocks so hard, it`s really hard NOT to spend money on it!!!
TAKOYAKI!!!!!!!!!
http://library.thinkquest.org/05aug/01177/photos/japan_takoyaki1.jpg
Well, I will tell you.
400 or so on re-stocking your candy supply and a cold green tea.
300 on the takoyaki that a random man sold in a random stand set up outside the grocery store that you went to to re-stock your candy supply (I promised myself that I would buy takoyaki at every available opportunity. I LOVE TAKOYAKI!!!! XD)
100 or so at Family Mart on a rice ball
and when I say "or so" I mean it was more.
so, yes, you can do it! it is possible! and because the food here rocks so hard, it`s really hard NOT to spend money on it!!!
TAKOYAKI!!!!!!!!!
http://library.thinkquest.org/05aug/01177/photos/japan_takoyaki1.jpg
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
"...Because they were telling us in health class that pregnancy can often lead to an infant."
Summer Vacation Goal (even though it doesn`t start until the end of July): Go to as many Zepp Sendai concerts as possible.
Bought a purikura book today, must fill it with pictures (well, purikura).
Am going to a さくら viewing picnic with my class on Sunday!!!! XD Sensei is picking me (and hopefully Haruka - she`s still not sure if she can go) up at Tohoku HS on Sunday at 10 and taking me (us) to Sendai Station (仙台えき), where we start our adventure.The jocks of Tohoku HS are the baseball team. This does not cease to amuse me even though I found this out last week.
Also, spent time at school for quite a while, I didn`t get home until quarter to 6, but it was mad fun yo. And, yes, I just said yo.
Emika is amazing. She`s Joanna`s host sister, and shorter than me!!! *does happy dance* We already have plans to go to the ocean and the pool during summer vacation as well as purikura and karaoke!!! She`s OBSESSED with Korea and wants to live there, meaning that she knows DBSK and Shinhwa. While I don`t listen to them much, it`s exciting to know there`s someone else here who knows Korean boy bands (most of the people here are more into Koda Kumi, Mika Nakashima, Mr. Children, and Monkey Majik - not that I`m complaining, because they`re all very good artists - it`s just a little taste of Maine with Minsu-yah and Suna-yah here in Nippon). *smiles*
And in case you were wondering about the title of this. I am suffering from Juno withdrawl. I love that movie so much. XD
Bought a purikura book today, must fill it with pictures (well, purikura).
Am going to a さくら viewing picnic with my class on Sunday!!!! XD Sensei is picking me (and hopefully Haruka - she`s still not sure if she can go) up at Tohoku HS on Sunday at 10 and taking me (us) to Sendai Station (仙台えき), where we start our adventure.The jocks of Tohoku HS are the baseball team. This does not cease to amuse me even though I found this out last week.
Also, spent time at school for quite a while, I didn`t get home until quarter to 6, but it was mad fun yo. And, yes, I just said yo.
Emika is amazing. She`s Joanna`s host sister, and shorter than me!!! *does happy dance* We already have plans to go to the ocean and the pool during summer vacation as well as purikura and karaoke!!! She`s OBSESSED with Korea and wants to live there, meaning that she knows DBSK and Shinhwa. While I don`t listen to them much, it`s exciting to know there`s someone else here who knows Korean boy bands (most of the people here are more into Koda Kumi, Mika Nakashima, Mr. Children, and Monkey Majik - not that I`m complaining, because they`re all very good artists - it`s just a little taste of Maine with Minsu-yah and Suna-yah here in Nippon). *smiles*
And in case you were wondering about the title of this. I am suffering from Juno withdrawl. I love that movie so much. XD
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Karaoke Pictures!
Karaoke pictures are up!
Scratch my wanting to be a professional baseball game cheerleader. I want to be in the karaoke music videos that they make. XD
I also want to be a Purikura master by the time I leave Japan. I WILL DO IT!!!! FIGHT-O!!!!
Scratch my wanting to be a professional baseball game cheerleader. I want to be in the karaoke music videos that they make. XD
I also want to be a Purikura master by the time I leave Japan. I WILL DO IT!!!! FIGHT-O!!!!
Saturday, April 12, 2008
KARAOKE!!!!
KARAOKE!!!!
First off, apparently I`m good at singing Joss Stone, which is something I`ve been concerned about for a while, mainly because of the awesome soul voice she has and the fact that I know I can never compare to her. But I do have a good range, so that really helped. So, yes, I am good at singing Joss Stone and Skye Sweetnam. *smiles*
THEY HAVE BUDDY HOLLY!!!!! I died with joy when I looked him up thinking I wouldn`t find anything. I sang That`ll Be the Day, and my life was so happy. ^-^
They also have mad amounts of random music, like Billy Idol, Paul Anka (I took a picture of the Paul Anka bit in the book where you can see music because it reminded me of Gilmore Girls ^-^ I isn`t in love with that show. nope. *looks around room*), and LOTS of Elvis Presley. While amusing, I was dissapointed with some parts.
Karaoke Music Dissapointments:
1. no The Donnas - not surprising, but dissapointing nonetheless. However, when I was in Tokyo at the CD store with Miho during summer `06, I did see The Donnas in the American music area, so there`s hope!
2. no P!nk - I`m sorry, but WHAT? P!nk = AWESOME. Seriously, those who deny it are crazy, because not only does P!nk do fun songs like "Get This Party Started" (which is fun without the whole snob bitch part that Avril Lavigne did for "Girlfriend" - which they had - "Girlfriend" made me lose all respect for Avril), but P!nk also does songs that are important like "Dear Mr. President" and "Stupid Girls" and songs that are relatable to lots of different people like "Just Like a Pill", "Family Portrait", and "Hazard to Myself". *shrugs* oh well, I will bring P!nk to Japan, and life will be joyus.
3. they HAD High School Musical, Hannah Montana, and Corbin Bleu. I am concerned for the American music in Japan.
But whatevs. They still had lots of awesome other music there including
Bowling for Soup (no "Almost", but they had "1985" and "Girl All the Bad Guys Want")
Buddy Holly (mentioned with happiness above)
Blue (for those who don`t know, they are a British boy band who can sing from England who never released in America. they are my guilty pleasure - despite being broken up now - and I love them a lot)
Spice Girls (you know I had to mention them ^-^)
Skye Sweetnam
Evanescence
Green Day
Good Charlotte
Colbie Callait
BoA (*insert duh here*)
DBSK (*insert duh here*)
Koda Kumi (*insert duh here*)
Utada Hikaru (*insert duh here*)
Monkey Majik (*insert duh here* - also, I really should have found a way to the concert last night, I heard it was amazing, but probs mad expensive to get there and then the tickets, etc)
Joss Stone (only 3 songs or so, but great songs!)
Kelly Clarkson
Rihanna
Aretha Franklin
I can`t remember what else they had, but all in all, it was wonderful.
And we paid for unlimited drinks, so I had massive amounts of melon soda. I also had Takoyaki and fries. Most. Awesome. Meal. Ever. XD MAD love for the Takyaki, fries, melon soda combo!
The karaoke day ended with Haruka and Joanna singing BoA`s Japanese version of Every Heart (which most will agree is better than the Korean version), and Haruka and I got to sing Brand New Beat. *smiles* I is a happy girl.
And now that my music rant is over (although I could do more, and you know it! - thanks dad for giving me my love of music), oyasuminasai!
First off, apparently I`m good at singing Joss Stone, which is something I`ve been concerned about for a while, mainly because of the awesome soul voice she has and the fact that I know I can never compare to her. But I do have a good range, so that really helped. So, yes, I am good at singing Joss Stone and Skye Sweetnam. *smiles*
THEY HAVE BUDDY HOLLY!!!!! I died with joy when I looked him up thinking I wouldn`t find anything. I sang That`ll Be the Day, and my life was so happy. ^-^
They also have mad amounts of random music, like Billy Idol, Paul Anka (I took a picture of the Paul Anka bit in the book where you can see music because it reminded me of Gilmore Girls ^-^ I isn`t in love with that show. nope. *looks around room*), and LOTS of Elvis Presley. While amusing, I was dissapointed with some parts.
Karaoke Music Dissapointments:
1. no The Donnas - not surprising, but dissapointing nonetheless. However, when I was in Tokyo at the CD store with Miho during summer `06, I did see The Donnas in the American music area, so there`s hope!
2. no P!nk - I`m sorry, but WHAT? P!nk = AWESOME. Seriously, those who deny it are crazy, because not only does P!nk do fun songs like "Get This Party Started" (which is fun without the whole snob bitch part that Avril Lavigne did for "Girlfriend" - which they had - "Girlfriend" made me lose all respect for Avril), but P!nk also does songs that are important like "Dear Mr. President" and "Stupid Girls" and songs that are relatable to lots of different people like "Just Like a Pill", "Family Portrait", and "Hazard to Myself". *shrugs* oh well, I will bring P!nk to Japan, and life will be joyus.
3. they HAD High School Musical, Hannah Montana, and Corbin Bleu. I am concerned for the American music in Japan.
But whatevs. They still had lots of awesome other music there including
Bowling for Soup (no "Almost", but they had "1985" and "Girl All the Bad Guys Want")
Buddy Holly (mentioned with happiness above)
Blue (for those who don`t know, they are a British boy band who can sing from England who never released in America. they are my guilty pleasure - despite being broken up now - and I love them a lot)
Spice Girls (you know I had to mention them ^-^)
Skye Sweetnam
Evanescence
Green Day
Good Charlotte
Colbie Callait
BoA (*insert duh here*)
DBSK (*insert duh here*)
Koda Kumi (*insert duh here*)
Utada Hikaru (*insert duh here*)
Monkey Majik (*insert duh here* - also, I really should have found a way to the concert last night, I heard it was amazing, but probs mad expensive to get there and then the tickets, etc)
Joss Stone (only 3 songs or so, but great songs!)
Kelly Clarkson
Rihanna
Aretha Franklin
I can`t remember what else they had, but all in all, it was wonderful.
And we paid for unlimited drinks, so I had massive amounts of melon soda. I also had Takoyaki and fries. Most. Awesome. Meal. Ever. XD MAD love for the Takyaki, fries, melon soda combo!
The karaoke day ended with Haruka and Joanna singing BoA`s Japanese version of Every Heart (which most will agree is better than the Korean version), and Haruka and I got to sing Brand New Beat. *smiles* I is a happy girl.
And now that my music rant is over (although I could do more, and you know it! - thanks dad for giving me my love of music), oyasuminasai!
Friday, April 11, 2008
Thursdays = Joyus
Every Thursday at 4:30, the exchange students plus Haruka and Emika will go to Miyagi University and chill there with Miyagi students and teachers, Japanese and foreign. First, we`ll watch Japanese TV shows and/or movies (the ones we saw yesterday included a TV show about an American in Japan asking random people on the street to tell their "trouble" or "I`m beaten" stories in Japanese and English. There are definitely some hilarious responses from gaijin and nihonjin. XD
I think my favorite was when a Japanese girl was talking about her teeth in nihongo, and when asked to talk about it in English, said "No parents in my mouth."!!!!!!!!!!!! BEST. QUOTE. EVER. I love it SO much!!!
After we watched the randomness, we went into this reception type room where we had cookies, tea, crackers, and orange qoo and talked. I spoke with this amazing woman from Atlanta, Georgia who is teaching English at Miyagi. She is pretty much amazing, she speaks English and Spanish fluently, knows enough nihongo to get by, and a little bit of Swahili. I also talked with a Japanese girl who studied at a school in Newfoundland to learn English. We talked about Fruits Basket (YAY FURUBA!!!), as we are both big fans. But because she`s Japanese, she`s FINISHED with the series!!! I told her not to give anything away as I`m planning to read it in Japanese when I become fluent enough!!! For those Furuba fans in America, the next volume comes out in July!!!! Be happy!!!!
btw, I named my stuffed dog Shigure. *smiles*
After the trip to Miyagi, I come home in time for my new favorite Japanese show. It plays from 8 until about 8:40-8:45 without commercials. It`s a drama about this baseball player who recently moved from the city with his family to Hokkaido, and it`s wonderful. You can already tell that he`s going to fall in love with the shy quiet girl who plays clarinet. His best friend is hilarious, and I love his dog. XD
AND THE THEME SONG IS BY MR. CHILDREN!!!!!! Not that I love Japanese music or anything.....
So while I can`t understand what`s going on at any given point, I get the gist of the story and will be able to use it to evaluate my progress in Japanese (I hope). Unfortunately, the other show that I like, about a girl who wants to be a dancer, plays on Friday mornings while I`m on my way to school, so I can`t watch it. *insert sad face here* But whatevs. I`ve still got my baseball drama. *laughs*
Also, Rina from my homeroom wants to show me her sketchbook on Monday!!! *does happy dance* She likes the 3 pictures I`ve drawn in my sketchbook so far. And the watercolor colored pencils are amazing. You were right, Panda, they do blend a lot better than regular colored pencils!!!
The girls at school think that my small face and I are adorable. XD
We haven`t really started classes yet, but will on Monday. I had 2 study sessions with Jason sensei today and have homework to get started on for Monday.
KARAOKE TOMORROW!!!! XD
Have a great day, ya`ll!!
I think my favorite was when a Japanese girl was talking about her teeth in nihongo, and when asked to talk about it in English, said "No parents in my mouth."!!!!!!!!!!!! BEST. QUOTE. EVER. I love it SO much!!!
After we watched the randomness, we went into this reception type room where we had cookies, tea, crackers, and orange qoo and talked. I spoke with this amazing woman from Atlanta, Georgia who is teaching English at Miyagi. She is pretty much amazing, she speaks English and Spanish fluently, knows enough nihongo to get by, and a little bit of Swahili. I also talked with a Japanese girl who studied at a school in Newfoundland to learn English. We talked about Fruits Basket (YAY FURUBA!!!), as we are both big fans. But because she`s Japanese, she`s FINISHED with the series!!! I told her not to give anything away as I`m planning to read it in Japanese when I become fluent enough!!! For those Furuba fans in America, the next volume comes out in July!!!! Be happy!!!!
btw, I named my stuffed dog Shigure. *smiles*
After the trip to Miyagi, I come home in time for my new favorite Japanese show. It plays from 8 until about 8:40-8:45 without commercials. It`s a drama about this baseball player who recently moved from the city with his family to Hokkaido, and it`s wonderful. You can already tell that he`s going to fall in love with the shy quiet girl who plays clarinet. His best friend is hilarious, and I love his dog. XD
AND THE THEME SONG IS BY MR. CHILDREN!!!!!! Not that I love Japanese music or anything.....
So while I can`t understand what`s going on at any given point, I get the gist of the story and will be able to use it to evaluate my progress in Japanese (I hope). Unfortunately, the other show that I like, about a girl who wants to be a dancer, plays on Friday mornings while I`m on my way to school, so I can`t watch it. *insert sad face here* But whatevs. I`ve still got my baseball drama. *laughs*
Also, Rina from my homeroom wants to show me her sketchbook on Monday!!! *does happy dance* She likes the 3 pictures I`ve drawn in my sketchbook so far. And the watercolor colored pencils are amazing. You were right, Panda, they do blend a lot better than regular colored pencils!!!
The girls at school think that my small face and I are adorable. XD
We haven`t really started classes yet, but will on Monday. I had 2 study sessions with Jason sensei today and have homework to get started on for Monday.
KARAOKE TOMORROW!!!! XD
Have a great day, ya`ll!!
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
"This man is gay AND European!"
I just finished lunch. My first day of school was rather overwhelming. I didn`t understand what was going on at the ceremony or anything. Since it`s the beginning of the school year in Japan, there was a lot of, well, beginning of the year stuff. It felt like September, lol.
After school, Haruka and I were hanging out with Joanna (exchange student from Australia, we`re going to karaoke, Haruka, Joanna, and I, this weekend), and she told me something that I`m still giddy about.
We get to choose our classes. ALL our classes. Within certain boundries, of course, I can`t take classes in the other programs, I need to stay in the International program curriculum. But I can take any class I want in the International curriculum in any grade I want. Meaning, I DON`T HAVE TO TAKE GYM OR MATH!!!!!!!!!!
Let me just type that again, it feels so good to type. NO GYM OR MATH!! NO FREAKING GYM OR MATH!!!!
Now I can handle no art class. They don`t have art class at Tohoku High School (a very sports oriented school. I`m still confused as to why they put me here as well, ^-^). I can deal with no art class, I can do art at home. As long as I don`t have to take gym or math my life is filled with the chorus of a thousand angels. I`ll be picking my classes tomorrow (a half day as well, Thursday is the first full day of school), so I`ll let you all know how that goes.
And check out my photobucket for more pictures.
Also, mom and dad, I got my American Express card today. I just need to wait until the office in Maine is open to activate it. Joy.
After school, Haruka and I were hanging out with Joanna (exchange student from Australia, we`re going to karaoke, Haruka, Joanna, and I, this weekend), and she told me something that I`m still giddy about.
We get to choose our classes. ALL our classes. Within certain boundries, of course, I can`t take classes in the other programs, I need to stay in the International program curriculum. But I can take any class I want in the International curriculum in any grade I want. Meaning, I DON`T HAVE TO TAKE GYM OR MATH!!!!!!!!!!
Let me just type that again, it feels so good to type. NO GYM OR MATH!! NO FREAKING GYM OR MATH!!!!
Now I can handle no art class. They don`t have art class at Tohoku High School (a very sports oriented school. I`m still confused as to why they put me here as well, ^-^). I can deal with no art class, I can do art at home. As long as I don`t have to take gym or math my life is filled with the chorus of a thousand angels. I`ll be picking my classes tomorrow (a half day as well, Thursday is the first full day of school), so I`ll let you all know how that goes.
And check out my photobucket for more pictures.
Also, mom and dad, I got my American Express card today. I just need to wait until the office in Maine is open to activate it. Joy.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Japanese Samantha Brown?
This needed logging. I`m currently watching this show that Ojiisan put on, and it has a host who looks remarkably like the Japanese version of Samantha Brown!!! I have pictures that I`ll put on photobucket later today. Maybe she`s doing Passport to Asia instead of Samatha Brown?
*doesn`t watch the travel channel in America at all* *really* *looks around* Samantha Brown and Anthony Bourdain? Who are they? ^-^
*doesn`t watch the travel channel in America at all* *really* *looks around* Samantha Brown and Anthony Bourdain? Who are they? ^-^
Photos!!!
I just uploaded massive amounts of pictures onto photobucket for you all to see.
My screen name is LittleRoxie, and the album is a public one so you don`t need a password to check out what I`ve been doing in Japan so far. *smiles* I`ll let you all know when I upload more onto photobucket.
Just a fair warning, while there`s many of you who still think of me as "Baby Erica" or something similar, I will be 18 tomorrow. Some of the pictures in my album may seem, shocking would be the word Caitlin would use, to someone like my grandmother (who thinks one of my favorite movies, Dirty Dancing, the original, is innappropriate for me), but I assure you that my pictures are nothing out of the ordinary for me.
So for my friends reading this, I`m sure you all think I`m crazy, but I know that there will be some people who think my album has some questionable content (not like the webcomic ^-^) in it.
So, fair warning.
Anyway, http://www.photobucket.com
sn = LittleRoxie
album = Japan
Enjoy!
My screen name is LittleRoxie, and the album is a public one so you don`t need a password to check out what I`ve been doing in Japan so far. *smiles* I`ll let you all know when I upload more onto photobucket.
Just a fair warning, while there`s many of you who still think of me as "Baby Erica" or something similar, I will be 18 tomorrow. Some of the pictures in my album may seem, shocking would be the word Caitlin would use, to someone like my grandmother (who thinks one of my favorite movies, Dirty Dancing, the original, is innappropriate for me), but I assure you that my pictures are nothing out of the ordinary for me.
So for my friends reading this, I`m sure you all think I`m crazy, but I know that there will be some people who think my album has some questionable content (not like the webcomic ^-^) in it.
So, fair warning.
Anyway, http://www.photobucket.com
sn = LittleRoxie
album = Japan
Enjoy!
Saturday, April 5, 2008
BIG FREAKING BHUDDA!!!!!
There`s this massive Bhudda statue near where I live. Think the Big Native American in Freeport only 12 floors tall on the inside with room after the 12th floor for the head. So, yah, I`ve kinda been obsessing over its brilliance, and then today Ojiisan and Obaasan TOOK ME TO THE BHUDDA!!!! XD I went inside, and the entrance is A DRAGON MOUTH (yes, Shanti, be jealous)!!!!! It was wonderful. My life became very happy at that moment. ^-^ *does happy dance*
Friday, April 4, 2008
"And all shall know the wonder of purple summer"
I found my new life goal. I want to be a cheerleader at a professional Japanese baseball game.
Yes, they exist. The cheerleaders, as well as the games.
Yes, they exist. The cheerleaders, as well as the games.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Pie. Yes, I still love to say it.
I know it`s been much anticipated for those who are reading the script of my life while in Japan, so here it is.
Cast for Erica`s Nihon World:
はるか - my host sister, Haruka is going into 2nd grade at とほくこうこう (Tohoku High School), and enjoys her club activity, which is cheerleading. Haruka has been ill the past few days, and is currently on drugs prescribed by her doctor and sleeping much of the time. However, she is very funny and loves the idea of having a host sister (me), who she lovingly calls おねえさん (oneesan, meaning host sister in Japanese)
おじいさん - my host grandfather, Ojiisan spends much of his time in the vegetable garden in the front and back of the house. Ojiisan knows some English and is working hard to improve his English speaking skillz. He is very friendly and loves to speak to me in Japanese and English.
おばあさん - my host grandmother, Obaasan is an excellent cook. She loves the bag I gave her from LLBean, as do her friends. While Obaasan does not speak English at all, I can tell that she is a kind person who wants to help me in my Japanese any way that she can.
Unfortunately, I don`t have the rest of the cast list yet. A general rule in theater is that you need to be patient while waiting for the cast list, as it is in the hands of the director who ends up where in the cast. Unfortunately, I am not the director of this play yet. The director is currently a combination of my host school (とほくこうこう Tohoku High School) and JFIE (the Japan Foundation for Intercultural Excahnge). Sadly, Hillary isn`t directing this play either. She did a wonderful job with Small World. Congratulations again to PHS One Acts for making it to States! You guys rock! XD
The rest of the cast (my homeroom teacher, classmates, etc.) will be posted shortly, hopefully early next week, as school starts on the 8th.
Just very quickly, I wanted to point out that while Ojiisan told me how to use the heater in my room, I have found a better way to warm my living space. I have these 2 massive windows that pretty much take up one wall space. I decided today to see how the greenhouse idea would work in my room, and I`m pleased to say that there`s no better way to get a room warm than by leaving the curtains open so the sun can pour in. *smiles*
The other day I woke up to snow! While it didn`t stick and only lasted for a few moments, I was still very happy. However, I am slowly getting used to the idea of spring in April (have fun in mud season to all you in Maine!!!!). The sakura trees should start to bloom sometime next week or the week after. The ones in Tokyo are already in full bloom, but since I live in the north, I have to wait a bit. I don`t mind though, it`ll be nice to see the stages of the sakura blooming.
Cast for Erica`s Nihon World:
はるか - my host sister, Haruka is going into 2nd grade at とほくこうこう (Tohoku High School), and enjoys her club activity, which is cheerleading. Haruka has been ill the past few days, and is currently on drugs prescribed by her doctor and sleeping much of the time. However, she is very funny and loves the idea of having a host sister (me), who she lovingly calls おねえさん (oneesan, meaning host sister in Japanese)
おじいさん - my host grandfather, Ojiisan spends much of his time in the vegetable garden in the front and back of the house. Ojiisan knows some English and is working hard to improve his English speaking skillz. He is very friendly and loves to speak to me in Japanese and English.
おばあさん - my host grandmother, Obaasan is an excellent cook. She loves the bag I gave her from LLBean, as do her friends. While Obaasan does not speak English at all, I can tell that she is a kind person who wants to help me in my Japanese any way that she can.
Unfortunately, I don`t have the rest of the cast list yet. A general rule in theater is that you need to be patient while waiting for the cast list, as it is in the hands of the director who ends up where in the cast. Unfortunately, I am not the director of this play yet. The director is currently a combination of my host school (とほくこうこう Tohoku High School) and JFIE (the Japan Foundation for Intercultural Excahnge). Sadly, Hillary isn`t directing this play either. She did a wonderful job with Small World. Congratulations again to PHS One Acts for making it to States! You guys rock! XD
The rest of the cast (my homeroom teacher, classmates, etc.) will be posted shortly, hopefully early next week, as school starts on the 8th.
Just very quickly, I wanted to point out that while Ojiisan told me how to use the heater in my room, I have found a better way to warm my living space. I have these 2 massive windows that pretty much take up one wall space. I decided today to see how the greenhouse idea would work in my room, and I`m pleased to say that there`s no better way to get a room warm than by leaving the curtains open so the sun can pour in. *smiles*
The other day I woke up to snow! While it didn`t stick and only lasted for a few moments, I was still very happy. However, I am slowly getting used to the idea of spring in April (have fun in mud season to all you in Maine!!!!). The sakura trees should start to bloom sometime next week or the week after. The ones in Tokyo are already in full bloom, but since I live in the north, I have to wait a bit. I don`t mind though, it`ll be nice to see the stages of the sakura blooming.
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