When I was seven, my godmother used to take me with her to catechism classes she taught on Saturdays. Dressed in t-shirts and overalls, it is hard to fathom why all her high school students used to fawn over me as they did. They'd give me candy and chocolate milk. They'd push me on the swing until I grew bored. Swing me around in their arms so I'd laugh. Girls fighting over where I'd sit in the classroom. Everyone finding something for me to color as I'd wait.
Everyone did, when i was a kid.
So behaved and well mannered. Asking permission for everything, keeping silent during mass. Well versed in please and thank you, complete with a smile.
Couldn't read, couldn't add, but precious nonetheless.
Back in the time when I confessed an innocence as sin, I walked in an aisle of white dresses, awaiting bread and not wine.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Onto autumn
Goals for Fall
Pass the JLPT 3 kyu
Suspend all frivolous spending to save for winter travels
Decide between Australia or Asia for Xmas
Love hotel
Make my own Tokaido travel guide
Work toward healthiness of mind and body
Make OC Class movie
Make Tobinator 3000 costume
Stay after school and play with the clubs more often
Ride Splash Mountain with my kids and buy the stupid picture.
See all my long lost buddies together at a Los Angeles bar that serves Newcastle on tap.
Perhaps if I keep it short, I can accomplish them all.
Pass the JLPT 3 kyu
Suspend all frivolous spending to save for winter travels
Decide between Australia or Asia for Xmas
Love hotel
Make my own Tokaido travel guide
Work toward healthiness of mind and body
Make OC Class movie
Make Tobinator 3000 costume
Stay after school and play with the clubs more often
Ride Splash Mountain with my kids and buy the stupid picture.
See all my long lost buddies together at a Los Angeles bar that serves Newcastle on tap.
Perhaps if I keep it short, I can accomplish them all.
Goodnight, summer.
This link was the list of goals that I had made on the first day of summer. Alas, the end of summer has passed away as such did the long weekend, and now it is time to check upon my list to see how I fared this season.
Swim in the OigawaNo, but walked in it.
Camp under the starsTwice
Climb up a rocky waterfallNo
Drink my own homemade UmeshuOishikatta.
Ride a waterride at Tokyo DisneyNo
Boogie board on the southern coast of JapanNo
Beach birthday bonfire nightDamn typhoon!
Drown a bag of CicadasUh, no. That was just a pipe dream. Although one dropped from a tree onto my head. I screamed, and threatened to throw it into a river.
Take refuge in a refrigerated Pachinko parlorYES.
Spend the night in a love hotelUH, no!
Team teach with my sisterAnd they LOVED her!
Master photoclubNot a master.
Go to Ninja restaurant in Tokyo, Hello Kitty storeCheck!
Buy my bassDecided against bass.
Snorkle off the coast of OkinawaNext time, Gadget, next time.
Light skyrockets off the highest tip of FujiNo.
Get backstage at Fuji-rockUh, no.
Party it up with departing SempaiVery little sempai partying, sister in town that week.
Learn 100 summer related KanjiCould only think of 50, but learned them.
Soak in a kiddie poolYES!!!! The coolest kiddie pool in Tokyo!
Make a Tokyo PosseYES, more of posse than before!
Raft down a riverRRRR, no.
Rent a car, roadtrip to ShimodaRented a car, roadtripped to Shujenji
Dance the night away in TokyoOn many occasions.
Party with Gabriel his first night in JapanCheck
Hanabi like its going outta styleCheck
Secure tix to Melbourne for Christmas extravaganza with Moto, Angie, Gabby and AimeeYES and NO, reserved tix, but not sure if able to pay for them.
Swim in the OigawaNo, but walked in it.
Camp under the starsTwice
Climb up a rocky waterfallNo
Drink my own homemade UmeshuOishikatta.
Ride a waterride at Tokyo DisneyNo
Boogie board on the southern coast of JapanNo
Beach birthday bonfire nightDamn typhoon!
Drown a bag of CicadasUh, no. That was just a pipe dream. Although one dropped from a tree onto my head. I screamed, and threatened to throw it into a river.
Take refuge in a refrigerated Pachinko parlorYES.
Spend the night in a love hotelUH, no!
Team teach with my sisterAnd they LOVED her!
Master photoclubNot a master.
Go to Ninja restaurant in Tokyo, Hello Kitty storeCheck!
Buy my bassDecided against bass.
Snorkle off the coast of OkinawaNext time, Gadget, next time.
Light skyrockets off the highest tip of FujiNo.
Get backstage at Fuji-rockUh, no.
Party it up with departing SempaiVery little sempai partying, sister in town that week.
Learn 100 summer related KanjiCould only think of 50, but learned them.
Soak in a kiddie poolYES!!!! The coolest kiddie pool in Tokyo!
Make a Tokyo PosseYES, more of posse than before!
Raft down a riverRRRR, no.
Rent a car, roadtrip to ShimodaRented a car, roadtripped to Shujenji
Dance the night away in TokyoOn many occasions.
Party with Gabriel his first night in JapanCheck
Hanabi like its going outta styleCheck
Secure tix to Melbourne for Christmas extravaganza with Moto, Angie, Gabby and AimeeYES and NO, reserved tix, but not sure if able to pay for them.
"They just appear."
You thought it was of the Buddhist belief to not partake in the ending of an insect's life.
You thought the blue hue and soft clarity of a river meant the water ran clean.
You thought that mold could not grow where there is no oxygen.
You thought window silhouettes kept to the rules on displays of affection.
You thought the innocence of infants sheltered them from recognizing differences in facial features.
You thought disgusting bugs should not fly.
You thought rainbows rest their feet on gold.
You thought everything had a purpose.
You thought alot like I did.
Alot, except for that.
There is no one doing the teaching except for yourself.
Gambarimasu, old friend.
You thought the blue hue and soft clarity of a river meant the water ran clean.
You thought that mold could not grow where there is no oxygen.
You thought window silhouettes kept to the rules on displays of affection.
You thought the innocence of infants sheltered them from recognizing differences in facial features.
You thought disgusting bugs should not fly.
You thought rainbows rest their feet on gold.
You thought everything had a purpose.
You thought alot like I did.
Alot, except for that.
There is no one doing the teaching except for yourself.
Gambarimasu, old friend.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Matsushima "Pine Islands"
Last weekend, I went to Tokyo then onto Sendai. Took a little train trip over to Matsushima to check out one of the Top 3 "most beautiful places in Japan". I forgot my camera, but I took a couple of pictures on my phone.
There was this crazy tree growing out of the side of the biggest island, horizonally. If you look closely, you can find waldo.
Then we found a rainbow.
And some guy caught an eel-y looking fish.
The islands were connected by cute red bridges.
I got an average fortune, so i didn't put my little red guy in a square.
There was this crazy tree growing out of the side of the biggest island, horizonally. If you look closely, you can find waldo.
Then we found a rainbow.
And some guy caught an eel-y looking fish.
The islands were connected by cute red bridges.
I got an average fortune, so i didn't put my little red guy in a square.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Slack Off-ism
In general, I would regard myself as a person with adequate to semi-interesting writing ability. I'd never call myself a Vonnegut or Bukowski, of course, but I do admit to admiring their casual manner of writing as if you are just talking to a friend over a few beers. I like their style. I like how Vonnegut rambles, and how Bukowski never apologizes during drinks.
People often judge others on how they answer the question, "Dead or Alive, which literary figure would you choose to converse with?" Obviously, I wouldn't want to converse with anyone who wouldn't join me in the corner of a bar, pissed about something or other, and suggesting to move this conversation over to the parking lot across the street, when we both know he's got a bottle of whiskey in his knapsack. Obviously, I never answer that question in a normal conversation because my answer would only make me appear uncouth, uneducated, and of course, alcoholic.
Unfortunately, even years after escaping high school follies, i still succumb to obliging under what "they" think.
Rubbish, i'd say.
I am going to admit to you that i have coddled quite a bit of my homemade Ume-shu, and am now writing under the influence. You must know that Ume-shu is delicious, especially if you're of the unlucky lot who hasn't yet discovered its sweet, sticky charm. While Vodka makes one hot and angry, Ume-shu makes you smile and sleepy. It is sweeter than port and creates a melodic lull in the head which could sing babies, and quite possibly, convicts, to sleep.
My eyes begin to close as the incense wears on, and I figure that I must get to my point before the clock rages much further.
She's such an insolent, that time-keeper!
All I wanted to discuss tonight, as I summoned these windows of Bloggy was how impressed I've been with my recent reading material. Tonight, I read a story that taught me what "Royal Jelly" was. I never knew so much about bees. I never thought that i needed to. I love when people teach me something that I never even knew that I wanted to learn.
I wish love were like books.
People often judge others on how they answer the question, "Dead or Alive, which literary figure would you choose to converse with?" Obviously, I wouldn't want to converse with anyone who wouldn't join me in the corner of a bar, pissed about something or other, and suggesting to move this conversation over to the parking lot across the street, when we both know he's got a bottle of whiskey in his knapsack. Obviously, I never answer that question in a normal conversation because my answer would only make me appear uncouth, uneducated, and of course, alcoholic.
Unfortunately, even years after escaping high school follies, i still succumb to obliging under what "they" think.
Rubbish, i'd say.
I am going to admit to you that i have coddled quite a bit of my homemade Ume-shu, and am now writing under the influence. You must know that Ume-shu is delicious, especially if you're of the unlucky lot who hasn't yet discovered its sweet, sticky charm. While Vodka makes one hot and angry, Ume-shu makes you smile and sleepy. It is sweeter than port and creates a melodic lull in the head which could sing babies, and quite possibly, convicts, to sleep.
My eyes begin to close as the incense wears on, and I figure that I must get to my point before the clock rages much further.
She's such an insolent, that time-keeper!
All I wanted to discuss tonight, as I summoned these windows of Bloggy was how impressed I've been with my recent reading material. Tonight, I read a story that taught me what "Royal Jelly" was. I never knew so much about bees. I never thought that i needed to. I love when people teach me something that I never even knew that I wanted to learn.
I wish love were like books.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
200th Post
The person I call my best friend has the same job as I. Since he's arrive, we've fallen back into old habits of calling each other every night and telling the other of our day. However, in Japan, the charges for cellular phone usage is much higher than us spoiled Americans are used to. You see, the companies here give you less than a hundred free minutes which has trained the Japanese people to communicate only through texts. The rates for calls become even higher when you frequently call other carriers. But that's his bad. I told him to get Softbank.
I've always liked texts. I prefer indirect, noncommittal communication. And when I was once questioned on why I waste my time settling weekend plans via 6 texts when I can just make a 2 minute call, I answered
"I dunno".
But I did know.
I know that I have very awkward phone ettiquette. And I also know that i can't keep anything under 2 minutes. It's good to know yourself, I reckon.
Tonight, this friend of mine told me about a student in his class. The assignment was to explain an illness to the doctor, and get a diagnosis.
Doctor: What is your problem?
Boy: I want a hamburger and coke.
Doctor: Are you okay?
Boy: I want a hamburger and coke.
Doctor: Oh, you have the autism.
I laughed. You see, the clincher is that Autism was not on the list of ailments to choose from. Later in the conversation, I begged him to tell me again, with all the same accents, and he did. He's good like that.
I told him that from now on, I was going to tell people that story as if it were my student who wrote that. There's no way it could maintain halarity if I were to start that story with "my friend said". Know what I mean?
So if you and I are alone under beers or whiskey, in the throws of banter, talking about work, and I happen to mention this story, I'd prefer if you'd ignore its true origin. Just assume I'm a liar.
And that i enjoy subtle cheekiness.
I've always liked texts. I prefer indirect, noncommittal communication. And when I was once questioned on why I waste my time settling weekend plans via 6 texts when I can just make a 2 minute call, I answered
"I dunno".
But I did know.
I know that I have very awkward phone ettiquette. And I also know that i can't keep anything under 2 minutes. It's good to know yourself, I reckon.
Tonight, this friend of mine told me about a student in his class. The assignment was to explain an illness to the doctor, and get a diagnosis.
Doctor: What is your problem?
Boy: I want a hamburger and coke.
Doctor: Are you okay?
Boy: I want a hamburger and coke.
Doctor: Oh, you have the autism.
I laughed. You see, the clincher is that Autism was not on the list of ailments to choose from. Later in the conversation, I begged him to tell me again, with all the same accents, and he did. He's good like that.
I told him that from now on, I was going to tell people that story as if it were my student who wrote that. There's no way it could maintain halarity if I were to start that story with "my friend said". Know what I mean?
So if you and I are alone under beers or whiskey, in the throws of banter, talking about work, and I happen to mention this story, I'd prefer if you'd ignore its true origin. Just assume I'm a liar.
And that i enjoy subtle cheekiness.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Saucy
There's alot of things to see-
underneath the trunk
to middle of the leaf
breathe up close
then look away
and in the heat of the vein
aphids play
underneath the trunk
to middle of the leaf
breathe up close
then look away
and in the heat of the vein
aphids play
Monday, September 10, 2007
Motorhead
It is amazing what addiction can do. Unwelcomed, though tiny, thoughts invade your think-space in that slick, non-verbal jumpy frogleg way. As I write, trying to capture this moment so that I might reread it next time I think it'd be nice to go out for a smoke. I was 2 days short of a 3 week non-smoking stint that was quite unlike my others. You see, this bout with nicotine freedom was preluded by a very uncomfortable case of tonsilitis, which took the slight annoyance of craving a smoke and turned it into chronic pain which resulted in days without much water, sleep or tabemono. When you spend a week and a half in a miserable fever haze, tabako no jidou hanbaiki isn't much of a mirage-y oasis. My point is that after I recovered and began feeling good, I didn't want to do anything mean and yucky to my poor body. I was so nice to it. Only feeding it fruits, veggies, rice. Taking it out for afternoon walks. Buying it beautiful smelling soaps, no pickling, no suffocation, no disagreeable chemicals. I somehow convinced myself that it'd be pretty disgusting to do any of these things.
That is until I wanna relax. I know that sounds stupid. And I'm not referring to the type 1 relaxing that I had been engaging in since the detox. You know, where after a nice brisk walk through a humid afternoon, I'd do a bit of showering, putting on some musik and reading beside the lovely summer evening breeze sauntering past my bed. That's good too. But I mean the type 2 relaxing. The kind where you drink deliciously frosty beverages while focusing on other things: perhaps chatting with a friend, watching movies, or writing incoherently inside a notebook or perhaps atop a keyboard. Type 2 gives the added option of not only relaxing your body, distracting your mind, but also distracting certain emotions. It gives a small vacation from things like the autumn willys. And unfortunately, frosty beverages walk hand in hand with smokey cylindrical pleasure sticks.
In summary, this short reunion with my vices was not that intense. I smoked maybe about 5-6 in total. However, that was all that was necessary to make my after work kaeru fall back into my old desires of smoking 2 on my front porch as a welcome back Toby party today. And as I began this post, nothing sounded quite as good. And even now, as I'm preparing to leave you and depart for the shower/pajama/cold glass of water/cat power/roald dahl/sleep, all that would really satisfy me was an umeshu and soda highball outside the porch beside a half packet of Mild 7's number six. My thoughts run like wild children awaiting the end of a typhoon. My motorhead seeks refuge. It is amazing what addiction can do.
That is until I wanna relax. I know that sounds stupid. And I'm not referring to the type 1 relaxing that I had been engaging in since the detox. You know, where after a nice brisk walk through a humid afternoon, I'd do a bit of showering, putting on some musik and reading beside the lovely summer evening breeze sauntering past my bed. That's good too. But I mean the type 2 relaxing. The kind where you drink deliciously frosty beverages while focusing on other things: perhaps chatting with a friend, watching movies, or writing incoherently inside a notebook or perhaps atop a keyboard. Type 2 gives the added option of not only relaxing your body, distracting your mind, but also distracting certain emotions. It gives a small vacation from things like the autumn willys. And unfortunately, frosty beverages walk hand in hand with smokey cylindrical pleasure sticks.
In summary, this short reunion with my vices was not that intense. I smoked maybe about 5-6 in total. However, that was all that was necessary to make my after work kaeru fall back into my old desires of smoking 2 on my front porch as a welcome back Toby party today. And as I began this post, nothing sounded quite as good. And even now, as I'm preparing to leave you and depart for the shower/pajama/cold glass of water/cat power/roald dahl/sleep, all that would really satisfy me was an umeshu and soda highball outside the porch beside a half packet of Mild 7's number six. My thoughts run like wild children awaiting the end of a typhoon. My motorhead seeks refuge. It is amazing what addiction can do.
Friday, September 07, 2007
Tobymori
Can't tell whether it's my autumn willys, or if I'm just over it. I was over college about 2 years in, but I forged through 2 more years of late nights, silly hijinks, drinky, debauchery. I wonder if I prefer to keep to myself because most of the fun people either aren't around anymore, or if trying seems like more trouble than its worth.
I am tempted to wish for better times, but I'm not sure where they ever really were.
I welcome the willys. They make the sounds of the forest sound like the cries of laughter. And the take-take bump up against each other's silence, telling secret musik. Shut the hippy away, where she'll quit both victory and vice.
I am tempted to wish for better times, but I'm not sure where they ever really were.
I welcome the willys. They make the sounds of the forest sound like the cries of laughter. And the take-take bump up against each other's silence, telling secret musik. Shut the hippy away, where she'll quit both victory and vice.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Fever Dream
Thursday, August 23rd, minutes before 9pm
Sydney from Sydney taps me on the shoulder and warns me about the barback. "He takes your drink from you before you're finished" he says. I thank him, but quietly make a note of where my drink is. I am drinking vegetable juice. Maybe there's Vodka in it, but you can't tell because veggie juice masks those things. I was wondering if I was drunk yet, and I see that barback walking in my direction. He has a stack of pint glasses about 6 feet tall in his hand. I become embarrassed to keep my drink because he has walked all the way over here with that giant stack. How heavy it must be, I thought, as he slipped the glass under the bottom of the stack. My juice fell to the floor. I began feeling hot and thirsty when Sydney from Sydney scares me from behind. "So Toby", he says in a hoarse voice, "you don't even notice El Diablo anymore, do ya?" I answered, "No."
Sometime between Saturday and Sunday
I'm making out with Nicolas Cage's second cousin at a wedding shower party for my dad. I can't keep my mind on the kiss because I'm wondering if this whole Nick Cage-second-cousin-thing is some kind of lie.
Last Night
I'm laying on a bench when I feel something fuzzy brush the back of the hand that's hanging just an inch from the ground. I open my eyes and I see a little monkey. I don't do anything. I'm not scared of it, so I don't get up, but I'm not impressed with it, so I don't try to grab it. I decide that it is a bit ugly and I hope it goes away. It doesn't. Instead, this monkey climbs onto my bench and lies on the curve of my back. I almost thought it was cute, but then I stuck to the initial judgment that it is ugly and I hope it goes away.
Night sweats are shit!
Earaches are shit!
Cough drops are shit!
Japanese over-the-counter pain relievers are shit!
Mitsuya Cider is shit!
Sensitive temples are shit!
Bacteria is shit!
TV Links is shit!
Throat spray is shit!
Celsius is shit!
People's blogs are shit!
Emergency rooms are shit!
Sydney from Sydney taps me on the shoulder and warns me about the barback. "He takes your drink from you before you're finished" he says. I thank him, but quietly make a note of where my drink is. I am drinking vegetable juice. Maybe there's Vodka in it, but you can't tell because veggie juice masks those things. I was wondering if I was drunk yet, and I see that barback walking in my direction. He has a stack of pint glasses about 6 feet tall in his hand. I become embarrassed to keep my drink because he has walked all the way over here with that giant stack. How heavy it must be, I thought, as he slipped the glass under the bottom of the stack. My juice fell to the floor. I began feeling hot and thirsty when Sydney from Sydney scares me from behind. "So Toby", he says in a hoarse voice, "you don't even notice El Diablo anymore, do ya?" I answered, "No."
Sometime between Saturday and Sunday
I'm making out with Nicolas Cage's second cousin at a wedding shower party for my dad. I can't keep my mind on the kiss because I'm wondering if this whole Nick Cage-second-cousin-thing is some kind of lie.
Last Night
I'm laying on a bench when I feel something fuzzy brush the back of the hand that's hanging just an inch from the ground. I open my eyes and I see a little monkey. I don't do anything. I'm not scared of it, so I don't get up, but I'm not impressed with it, so I don't try to grab it. I decide that it is a bit ugly and I hope it goes away. It doesn't. Instead, this monkey climbs onto my bench and lies on the curve of my back. I almost thought it was cute, but then I stuck to the initial judgment that it is ugly and I hope it goes away.
Night sweats are shit!
Earaches are shit!
Cough drops are shit!
Japanese over-the-counter pain relievers are shit!
Mitsuya Cider is shit!
Sensitive temples are shit!
Bacteria is shit!
TV Links is shit!
Throat spray is shit!
Celsius is shit!
People's blogs are shit!
Emergency rooms are shit!
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Nihongo wo benkyo shimasho
JLPT Application deadline: September 11, 2007
JLPT Test Date: Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007
I've lived in Japan for a year now. I finished the Clair Language books, beginning level. I think that with 15 weeks of study time, perhaps I have a chance of passing the level 3 JLPT. This will be my new obsession over the next couple of months.
Level 4
727 vocabulary words
103 kanji
124 grammar points
21 expressions
I will spend 4 weeks studying this information.
Per week:
182 vocab
26 kanji
31 grammar points
5 expressions
Level 3
682 vocab words
181 kanji
118 grammar points
11 expressions
I will spend 10 weeks studying this information.
Per week:
70 vocab words
19 kanji
12 grammar points
2 expressions
Week 1 begins this Monday.
JLPT Test Date: Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007
I've lived in Japan for a year now. I finished the Clair Language books, beginning level. I think that with 15 weeks of study time, perhaps I have a chance of passing the level 3 JLPT. This will be my new obsession over the next couple of months.
Level 4
727 vocabulary words
103 kanji
124 grammar points
21 expressions
I will spend 4 weeks studying this information.
Per week:
182 vocab
26 kanji
31 grammar points
5 expressions
Level 3
682 vocab words
181 kanji
118 grammar points
11 expressions
I will spend 10 weeks studying this information.
Per week:
70 vocab words
19 kanji
12 grammar points
2 expressions
Week 1 begins this Monday.
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Rockin' that Big Ass Fuji Rock
July 27th, 28th, and 29th was FUJI ROCK....and it rockkkkked. The only other multiple music festival that I've seen before with camping is Coachella in California. But I'll have to say that once again, Japan has improved yet another of my favorite activities---summer-music-love-camping.
Fuji Rock is a bit of a misnomer, as it was held at the Naeba Ski Resort over in Niigata prefecture (which prefers to be called Jishin Central), and not by Fuji-san! Well, Niigata is on the north-west coast of Japan, so it wasn't really that far. A 45 min Shink ride to Tokyo, then another 1:15 hour ride to the camp site.
Here is my friend, Leonie and I, about to enter the festival for the first time. The weather was perfect, and by perfect, I mean a little too hot to where you can wrap your head in a cold-soaked towel and feel like it's just 75 degrees out. On Sunday, clouds came in and out, occasionally dropping some rain on us during some of the sets. I was fine because I had my good friend, Heineken, not too far away from me.
The Red Marquee the 3rd smallest stage where some of the smaller bands played. Here is the line-up for this stage.
We made some fuckin' noise.
This is Blonde Redhead. They played the songs I wanted to play, and I wanna buy the new album.
I must say, though, that my all time favorite show was The Cure.
They kicked ass! Robert Smith may be 50 whatever these days, but he's still got that same Robert Smith charm. Besides that, I've never seen them live before, so I'm used to the recordings they made 20 years ago....but they play so much better now than they used to, which made listening to Disintegration, Let's go to bed, Just like Heaven, The Forest, The Walk, Lovesong, Never Enough, Close to Me, HotHotHot, Pictures of you, Facination St., Lullaby, A night like this, so much better than I've ever heard them before. By the way, yes....they played all those songs. Amazing, I know.
I was in a trance that brought me back to feeling like a 16 year old angst-ster. It was truly my highlight.
The Chemical Brothers were also pretty fucking awesome. I like their new shit. I took a lil bits of video that i might put up later.
Some other honorable mentions are as follows:
Kaiser Chiefs were surprisingly good, and were very good with the crowd. Fun.
I also really enjoyed Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra.
Mika sucked ass.
Deerhoof was cute.
Electrelane were good musically, but not so good with the crowd. I wish they were more bad ass.
Iggy was fucked up, but that's why we love him. He reminded me of Ozzy if he took his FACE-OFF and replaced it with Skeletor. That's not saying that I don't respect the dude. His encore was a repeat of his 1st song which riled up the crowd--I wanna be your Dog. I like that song, so I didn't mind. He called a bunch of people up on the stage to dance around with him...then got a little paranoid when trying to get them back down.
The Beastie Boys were alright. I've seen them have better shows. Too short.
!!! was pretty good. I'd download their musik if only !!! was searchable on limewire:)
The Shins played the songs I wanted them to. But they didn't seem to be very good with the crowd either. But I guess that's how scensters are supposed to be. Too hip to be cool.
Joss Stone reminded me of Rachel. She kind of looked like her, and had that way of singing. Most of you don't know her, but there's nothing else i can compare it to.
I thought her back-up vocalists were much better singers than her, but old black ladies don't sell here in Japan, I suppose.
I bought a YoLeYoLe CD. Ya, they are soft and hippy. But she sings Japanese very clearly and slowly, to where I could actually understand parts of her songs. So it is hippy, maybe, but good Japanese practice. So shut up already, gosh!
On Saturday night, I went to see Space Cowboy and Simian Mobile Disco with Aine and Ross. They were good, we danced, and after the others went to sleep, I wandered around alone checking out the party people, waiting till 2:30am for Justice to play, which was introduced to me not long ago by Davey. They were good. I also saw a bit of Teenage Bad Girl, but soon got too tired, especially knowing that the campsite is a 20 min. walk away uphill.
I was sad to have missed Juliette Lewis' band. But Ross said that she didn't get naked onstage like she usually does, so there you go.
Even though i didn't make Groove Armada, I did have that "shakin' that ass" song in my head during their set.
I called this the sausage lolly. The things these people do with sausages.
This is dinosaur thigh. But seriously, how do they get the meat peices that big?
After you pass through the birth canal, you come to a strange and fantastic place.
The festival at night is very pretty. So many pretty, bright things to look at. It reminded me of Electric Daisy Carnival. Janine and Kenny, you know what I'm talking about, like shiny and acidic.
They had a massage booth. Genius.
They had a nice Alpine river to go to when you needed to be cooled. Although there was a rope that said, "do not cross".
The campground was a golf course. A very beautiful green grassy bed.
One of the dozens of recycling centers. As I've said before, Kirei means both beautiful and clean. In Japan, they are the same. Everyone is very conscious of their trash.
Brilliant! These next few are some photos of the Nihonjin enjoying themselves.
I asked this guy if I could buy his shirt. Just kidding....i wasn't drunk enough to be that big of a douchebag, yet.
And the players......
Leonie, Anne, Me, Aine, Ross
Look at all of our cups. Quite frankly, I thought there'd be more.
Louise, Melissa, and Michelle
Michelle and her J-boy, Mori
Louise and Amir
It was a blast.....thanks goes to Spongebob. Ya, know what I'm talkin' about.....
Fuji Rock is a bit of a misnomer, as it was held at the Naeba Ski Resort over in Niigata prefecture (which prefers to be called Jishin Central), and not by Fuji-san! Well, Niigata is on the north-west coast of Japan, so it wasn't really that far. A 45 min Shink ride to Tokyo, then another 1:15 hour ride to the camp site.
Here is my friend, Leonie and I, about to enter the festival for the first time. The weather was perfect, and by perfect, I mean a little too hot to where you can wrap your head in a cold-soaked towel and feel like it's just 75 degrees out. On Sunday, clouds came in and out, occasionally dropping some rain on us during some of the sets. I was fine because I had my good friend, Heineken, not too far away from me.
The Red Marquee the 3rd smallest stage where some of the smaller bands played. Here is the line-up for this stage.
We made some fuckin' noise.
This is Blonde Redhead. They played the songs I wanted to play, and I wanna buy the new album.
I must say, though, that my all time favorite show was The Cure.
They kicked ass! Robert Smith may be 50 whatever these days, but he's still got that same Robert Smith charm. Besides that, I've never seen them live before, so I'm used to the recordings they made 20 years ago....but they play so much better now than they used to, which made listening to Disintegration, Let's go to bed, Just like Heaven, The Forest, The Walk, Lovesong, Never Enough, Close to Me, HotHotHot, Pictures of you, Facination St., Lullaby, A night like this, so much better than I've ever heard them before. By the way, yes....they played all those songs. Amazing, I know.
I was in a trance that brought me back to feeling like a 16 year old angst-ster. It was truly my highlight.
The Chemical Brothers were also pretty fucking awesome. I like their new shit. I took a lil bits of video that i might put up later.
Some other honorable mentions are as follows:
Kaiser Chiefs were surprisingly good, and were very good with the crowd. Fun.
I also really enjoyed Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra.
Mika sucked ass.
Deerhoof was cute.
Electrelane were good musically, but not so good with the crowd. I wish they were more bad ass.
Iggy was fucked up, but that's why we love him. He reminded me of Ozzy if he took his FACE-OFF and replaced it with Skeletor. That's not saying that I don't respect the dude. His encore was a repeat of his 1st song which riled up the crowd--I wanna be your Dog. I like that song, so I didn't mind. He called a bunch of people up on the stage to dance around with him...then got a little paranoid when trying to get them back down.
The Beastie Boys were alright. I've seen them have better shows. Too short.
!!! was pretty good. I'd download their musik if only !!! was searchable on limewire:)
The Shins played the songs I wanted them to. But they didn't seem to be very good with the crowd either. But I guess that's how scensters are supposed to be. Too hip to be cool.
Joss Stone reminded me of Rachel. She kind of looked like her, and had that way of singing. Most of you don't know her, but there's nothing else i can compare it to.
I thought her back-up vocalists were much better singers than her, but old black ladies don't sell here in Japan, I suppose.
I bought a YoLeYoLe CD. Ya, they are soft and hippy. But she sings Japanese very clearly and slowly, to where I could actually understand parts of her songs. So it is hippy, maybe, but good Japanese practice. So shut up already, gosh!
On Saturday night, I went to see Space Cowboy and Simian Mobile Disco with Aine and Ross. They were good, we danced, and after the others went to sleep, I wandered around alone checking out the party people, waiting till 2:30am for Justice to play, which was introduced to me not long ago by Davey. They were good. I also saw a bit of Teenage Bad Girl, but soon got too tired, especially knowing that the campsite is a 20 min. walk away uphill.
I was sad to have missed Juliette Lewis' band. But Ross said that she didn't get naked onstage like she usually does, so there you go.
Even though i didn't make Groove Armada, I did have that "shakin' that ass" song in my head during their set.
I called this the sausage lolly. The things these people do with sausages.
This is dinosaur thigh. But seriously, how do they get the meat peices that big?
After you pass through the birth canal, you come to a strange and fantastic place.
The festival at night is very pretty. So many pretty, bright things to look at. It reminded me of Electric Daisy Carnival. Janine and Kenny, you know what I'm talking about, like shiny and acidic.
They had a massage booth. Genius.
They had a nice Alpine river to go to when you needed to be cooled. Although there was a rope that said, "do not cross".
The campground was a golf course. A very beautiful green grassy bed.
One of the dozens of recycling centers. As I've said before, Kirei means both beautiful and clean. In Japan, they are the same. Everyone is very conscious of their trash.
Brilliant! These next few are some photos of the Nihonjin enjoying themselves.
I asked this guy if I could buy his shirt. Just kidding....i wasn't drunk enough to be that big of a douchebag, yet.
And the players......
Leonie, Anne, Me, Aine, Ross
Look at all of our cups. Quite frankly, I thought there'd be more.
Louise, Melissa, and Michelle
Michelle and her J-boy, Mori
Louise and Amir
It was a blast.....thanks goes to Spongebob. Ya, know what I'm talkin' about.....
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Summer Kanji--Part 1
夏natsu-summer
熱netsu-heat, temperature, fever
祭日saijitsu-festival day, holiday
虫-mushi-insect
酎ハイ-chuhai-delicious drink
蒸し暑いmushi atsui-humid
果物kudamono-fruit
梅ume-plum
梅干し-umeboshi-pickled plum
梅酒umeshu-Plum liquor
休みyasumi-vacation
先輩sempai-elders
扇風機-sempuki-electric fan
石けん-sekken-soap
滝-taki-waterfall
誕生日-tanjobi-birthday
乾いた-kawaita-dry
酒-sake-sake
泳ぐ-oyogu-swim
大井川-Oigawa-Oi River
お祭り-omatsuri-festival
蜘蛛-kumo-spider
蚊-ka-mosquito
花火-hanabi-fireworks
泉-izumi-fountain, spring
地獄-jigoku-hell, inferno
乾くkawaku-feels dry
風-kaze-wind
季節kisetsu-season
公園-koen-park
富士山Fuji san-Mt. Fuji
沖縄-Okinawa
下田-Shimoda
自慢jiman-pride
東京Tokyo
神社jinja-Shinto Shrine
実験-jikken-experiment
人事移動jinji-idou---personal changes
凍るkouru-to freeze, to be frozen
海umi--sea
裸体ratai-nakedness (の)naked
冷却する-raikyaku suru-to cool
冷水reisui-cold water
冷凍する-freeze, refrigerate
冷蔵庫reizouko-refrigerator
お空ozora-sky
運動-undou-sports, exercise
氷-kouri-ice
波nami-wave
暑さ-atsusa-hot weather
Little bits of Tokyo
I was very disappointed when I realized that formatting a memory card means erasing it. I lost all the pictures of our road trip halfway down the Izu peninsula, the day trip to Shizunami beach, walking around Harajuku, Ikebukuro and our visit to Namco town, which is a little cat theme park created by the inventors of Pacman.
However, I do have a few pics from our fancy shmancy Ninja dinner, and our walkabout through Asakusa shrine. However, after the camera mishap, I lost all motivation to photograph anymore. Here are a few of my sister that she might want.
Website if you're interested in this cool, but expensive restaurant. Reservations are needed.
http://gojapan.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ&sdn=gojapan&zu=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ninja.tv%2F
Ninja Cynthia and her starry senbai.
Cynthia and our Ninja menu.
The entrance of Asakusa shrine.
Cynthia and the Akasaka night view.
Maybe later, I'll be able to put up a few more pictures of our battle against the typhoon, the creepy Shining hostel we stayed in, and yummy sushi dinner--courtesy of pictures from my friend, Leonie.
However, I do have a few pics from our fancy shmancy Ninja dinner, and our walkabout through Asakusa shrine. However, after the camera mishap, I lost all motivation to photograph anymore. Here are a few of my sister that she might want.
Website if you're interested in this cool, but expensive restaurant. Reservations are needed.
http://gojapan.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ&sdn=gojapan&zu=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ninja.tv%2F
Ninja Cynthia and her starry senbai.
Cynthia and our Ninja menu.
The entrance of Asakusa shrine.
Cynthia and the Akasaka night view.
Maybe later, I'll be able to put up a few more pictures of our battle against the typhoon, the creepy Shining hostel we stayed in, and yummy sushi dinner--courtesy of pictures from my friend, Leonie.
It's not my bag, baby!
I did not take this picture. Instead, I googled "bag of urine". Yes, people have captured plenty of bags of urine on film. Now that I look back on it, I wish that I would have photographed my bag of urine. Unfortunately, my camera was broken at the time.
My sister and I had been walking in the rain from Harajuku all the way to Otemosando when we figured that we better take a rest, look at our Tokyo map again, and hit the Toire. So I found the bathroom and rushed inside the stall, and sighed at presence of a pee-riddled squatty. I mean, we were in this super posh shopping district that had 2 story shops dedicated to 5 outfits and a pair of boots, yet all they provided were squatties? So as I fumbled inside the stall with my backpack, shopping bags, umbrella, and whatever else was hanging from my appendages I looked around for hooks to hang my stuff on, all the while pulling at skirt ready to pee. (I had been holding it for awhile)I was able to rest one of my small shoulder bags atop of a little trash pail in the back corner of the stall.
As I balanced above the hole while holding my bags above the floor as to not touch any urine, I successfully kept the bags, my skirt, and my butt from touching any of the affected areas. (At least that's how I'll portray it in my written account) As quickly as I went in, I rushed out. I gathered my stuff, unlocked the door and headed toward Cynthia at the sink, ready to complain about having to use a squatty while she lucked out getting the western toilet right next to it. As I approached Cynthia, washing her hands at the sink, I noticed a look of confusion on her face. "What's that?" Now she must have seen my puzzlement in the mirror's reflection because she turned around and pointed to the clear plastic bag hanging from my hand.
I looked down. I was holding a small clear bag half-way filled with yellow liquid. I must have had on some disgusted look on my face, or perhaps I had shouted an obscenity because after that, Cynthia was laughing hysterically as I held it like one would hold a stinky diaper, running around trying to find a place to put it down. From what I can gather, i must have picked it up from the bathroom stall thinking that it was one of my bags without noticing.
It wasn't until 4 days later, while we rode the train back to Nagoya International Airport that Cynthia brought up the incident again. We laughed, of course, but then began to question why had there been a bag of pee left behind in this Tokyo bathroom stall.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
In Touch weekly
Top 5 Headlines from the magazine my sister left on my futon the day before she left.
5 Who wore it better?
4) Their kids wear hand-me-downs
3) Owen's hooked on fake tans
2) At home with Scott Baio
1) How tan is too tan?
I read the entire magazine.
5 Who wore it better?
4) Their kids wear hand-me-downs
3) Owen's hooked on fake tans
2) At home with Scott Baio
1) How tan is too tan?
I read the entire magazine.
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Me/Nutshell
"10:15 on a Saturday night, and the tap drips under the strip light"
--Robert Smith
When I'm bored on the internet, I read that secrets page. I like them.
I almost laughed.
I almost cried.
--Robert Smith
When I'm bored on the internet, I read that secrets page. I like them.
I almost laughed.
I almost cried.
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Longu Longu
Every Wednesday (almost), i go to the 4th floor of my local grocery store and learn Japanese for about an hour and a half. A friend I met there, named Leonie, and I usually go to the yakitori izakaya down the street for a few beers afterward. Since the first time we came to this place, we would joke about getting the Longu longu sausage. It looked so funny on the menu....a long (about 2 foot) sausage that is held to stand by a metal clutching device. Of course, it was always just a joke. However, yesterday, we thought we'd go and order it. When the waiter brought it to our table, we both broke into a hysterical laughter. This thing was fucking ridiculous. Our waiter did not laugh. Instead, he handed us utility grade scissors which we figured was to be used to cut the sausage into smaller pieces for our plates. I'm happy to say that longu longu sausage exists in this world.
Leonie and the sausage
Toby and the sausage
Leonie and the sausage
Toby and the sausage
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
I must have been the Adversary.
I was sleeping soundly, when Batman had woken me up in the orphanage, handing me a little toy telephone that had a red, movable lever on its side. And as sudden as my waking blinks were over, he was gone again. What the hell was this little thing, I wondered. I pulled down on the little lever and suddenly my ears were in pain. There was an indistinguishably horrific sound coming from this little toy phone. Instinctively, I pushed the lever back up and the noise seemed to diminish by a couple decibals. Then, I noticed that the lever kept trying to go down. So I fought with the lever, holding it up while it insisted on going back down. I began to wonder how long I could do this before giving up. I decided to step on the phone, but something in the back of my mind told me that was not going to do any good. And it didn't. I smashed the toy and found the source of the noise. It was a flat, metal, circular object that resembled a watch battery. It vibrated when you touched it. Suddenly I was outside in an urban, American neighborhood that could have been Oakland, Long Beach, etc. I was walking quickly through the streets trying to find somewhere far to dump this annoying sound.
The thing i wonder now, as I recount my dream, is why I thought I was in an orphanage. There were many creaky metal beds with white sheets but no one was in them. I was in an old building, sleeping in a bed among many, alone. In my mind, that must be an orphanage.
Anyway, I finally was sick of looking, and wanted to drop this thing NOW. So i looked around, and just saw a couple of homeless masses huddled in the corners. So I flicked it the way I would a cigarette. And it landed on the white part of the street next to the curb. I turned to walk away, when I heard "hey, get that thing out of here." I looked to see who spoke, you know, to see if they were any real threat. It was an early 20 something with a grimey face and bleached blonde hair, so i decided to pick it back up and find another place for it. As I walked back and scanned the floor, I realized that the sound was gone and I couldn't find the stupid phone heart, plus I had to pee so I turned and walked away.
I came upon a Konbini....AMPM, to be exact. There was a big group of people there that looked like they were just taking a break from the bar across the street. Most of the kids looked pretty young and drunk. I stood in line for the bathroom outside. I was third, behind two guys of whom one of which had a Brooklyn accent. Though I can't remember the specifics, I do remember finding their banter to each other funny. In waiting, i felt a sense of urgency. I think i had to pee pretty bad.
And in a flash, the three of us were standing in the back of a big truck. I'll admit that my first thought was "this is fun" until i realized that this didn't make sense. How did I get into this truck? Why was i there? And who was driving? As I was about to ask the boys, the truck turned to block oncoming traffic and i watched a car slam into the side. I tried to pay attention to the trajectory of the truck to see when the best time to jump off would have been. The truck never flipped, though, nor did it incur any damage from any other cars besides the one that just slammed into it. The three of us were okay. The driver got out of the car, and she looked up at us. Then she pulled a Zippo out of her pocket and lighted it. As she walked toward the gas tank she said, "well, i guess I'll just blow you guys out". That's when I climbed over the wooden gates around the top of the flatbed and jumped. I was expecting a sharp pain in my feet upon landing, but i never did. Instead i was flying a little.
It was one of those uncontrollable flies, where i begin to lower down without wanting to, and i was soon on the ground, running. I got back to the same gas station, and this time there was no line. I went and used the bathroom. (I did not pee my bed).
When I came out, i saw the guys again, and asked them if they knew what was going on. Before they could answer, the truck was back. I saw it turn into the driveway, and i ran to the only place that looked safe; a tall iron gate that was painted light blue. I began climbing to the top past the height of the truck. But as I was climbing a big commotion broke out and all the people outside were running for this gate. The truck shined its headlights on our backs. I could feel it. The people were pulling on my legs trying to get me down. I knew she was going to plow at any moment. I knew my only chance for survival was to get to the top of that blue fence.
I kicked at the guy who was pulling me down and again tried to ascend the bars. I was still being pulled by my pants as i struggled. Just then, someone grabbed my arm and helped pull me up. I was looking down trying to keep my feet from people's hands. I reached the top and watched about as a 8 layer people sandwich was made. I heard the engine revving as it pushed against group of people. I noticed my friend Glen from Shimada as one of the people on the gate, and i figured it must have been him who helped me up. Before I could thank him, I saw the girl get out of the truck and point a gun as us stupid ducks sitting on the top of the gate. Easiest marks. I screamed and awoke. Not screaming but kinda moaning a little.
The thing i wonder now, as I recount my dream, is why I thought I was in an orphanage. There were many creaky metal beds with white sheets but no one was in them. I was in an old building, sleeping in a bed among many, alone. In my mind, that must be an orphanage.
Anyway, I finally was sick of looking, and wanted to drop this thing NOW. So i looked around, and just saw a couple of homeless masses huddled in the corners. So I flicked it the way I would a cigarette. And it landed on the white part of the street next to the curb. I turned to walk away, when I heard "hey, get that thing out of here." I looked to see who spoke, you know, to see if they were any real threat. It was an early 20 something with a grimey face and bleached blonde hair, so i decided to pick it back up and find another place for it. As I walked back and scanned the floor, I realized that the sound was gone and I couldn't find the stupid phone heart, plus I had to pee so I turned and walked away.
I came upon a Konbini....AMPM, to be exact. There was a big group of people there that looked like they were just taking a break from the bar across the street. Most of the kids looked pretty young and drunk. I stood in line for the bathroom outside. I was third, behind two guys of whom one of which had a Brooklyn accent. Though I can't remember the specifics, I do remember finding their banter to each other funny. In waiting, i felt a sense of urgency. I think i had to pee pretty bad.
And in a flash, the three of us were standing in the back of a big truck. I'll admit that my first thought was "this is fun" until i realized that this didn't make sense. How did I get into this truck? Why was i there? And who was driving? As I was about to ask the boys, the truck turned to block oncoming traffic and i watched a car slam into the side. I tried to pay attention to the trajectory of the truck to see when the best time to jump off would have been. The truck never flipped, though, nor did it incur any damage from any other cars besides the one that just slammed into it. The three of us were okay. The driver got out of the car, and she looked up at us. Then she pulled a Zippo out of her pocket and lighted it. As she walked toward the gas tank she said, "well, i guess I'll just blow you guys out". That's when I climbed over the wooden gates around the top of the flatbed and jumped. I was expecting a sharp pain in my feet upon landing, but i never did. Instead i was flying a little.
It was one of those uncontrollable flies, where i begin to lower down without wanting to, and i was soon on the ground, running. I got back to the same gas station, and this time there was no line. I went and used the bathroom. (I did not pee my bed).
When I came out, i saw the guys again, and asked them if they knew what was going on. Before they could answer, the truck was back. I saw it turn into the driveway, and i ran to the only place that looked safe; a tall iron gate that was painted light blue. I began climbing to the top past the height of the truck. But as I was climbing a big commotion broke out and all the people outside were running for this gate. The truck shined its headlights on our backs. I could feel it. The people were pulling on my legs trying to get me down. I knew she was going to plow at any moment. I knew my only chance for survival was to get to the top of that blue fence.
I kicked at the guy who was pulling me down and again tried to ascend the bars. I was still being pulled by my pants as i struggled. Just then, someone grabbed my arm and helped pull me up. I was looking down trying to keep my feet from people's hands. I reached the top and watched about as a 8 layer people sandwich was made. I heard the engine revving as it pushed against group of people. I noticed my friend Glen from Shimada as one of the people on the gate, and i figured it must have been him who helped me up. Before I could thank him, I saw the girl get out of the truck and point a gun as us stupid ducks sitting on the top of the gate. Easiest marks. I screamed and awoke. Not screaming but kinda moaning a little.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Mood swings
As I was leaving the supermarket with my quartered cut watermelon and pack of gyoza, I saw the most fantastic sight. A tiny Japanese grandma smiling into space. If I were her grandchild, I may have believed myself to be in an anime cartoon. It was almost as if I could see the twinkle lines on the side of her cheek. She had her soft white hands folded and relaxed just beneath her tummy. By my estimation, I'd say she weighed about 80 pounds. I only mention weight as a way to describe how small and light she appeared to be, about the size of a 9 year old. Something about her was much more innocent than the sleeping infant I had passed in his mother's arms only minutes before. As I relished the few seconds I spent staring at her, I admired her soft-apron dress whose fabric appeared to have softened after hundreds of washing cycles and balcony line dries. A swish of emotion stirred inside me but quickly settled. I stopped my thoughts before they became a catalyst of embarrassment. I had begun to imagine how nice it would feel to bring my head to her chest and feel her wrinkled arms around my shoulders, as I closed my eyes and weeped. At that moment, there at the supermarket, across from the ridiculously expensive loquats, I was the saddest I had been in a very long time. And upon realizing this, I allowed my imagination a quick little swing through its playground. I imagined what would happen if I were to go up to this tiny octogenerian, crouched down and put my head to her heart and my arms around her waist. I imagined her scream, her face, her confusion, her fear and I laughed. I LOL. Suddenly my sadness had vanished, and all that replaced it was a minor afterthought before I opened my umbrella and mounted my bike. They must think I'm fucking insane.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Ah, Shokuinshitsu!
Today, I was standing by the newspaper reel, flipping through headlines while I waited for a copier to open up. Of course, located in my favorite spot, behind page 1 was a small story about a teacher who shot an arrow at a student's head while giving a demonstration on how to aim. I laughed out loud unexpectedly upon reading the concluding sentence. Something like "This teacher was of the lowest level of Kyudo mastery." And of course, who is there but to ask what I am laughing about, but an eigo no sensei. "That's so funny, huh? What is it?" I paused and quickly scanned the nearest articles to see if I could feign amusement at some other article. Bush visiting Kosovo, no. So reluctantly, I showed him the kyudo story. "Oh, that boy is very lucky he did not die." Another one lost in translation.
Saturday, June 02, 2007
Bunkasai
School Festival is a time for the students to exhibit their talents and involve the local community in what the school is all about. Though I was a bit upset to have to go to school on a Saturday and Sunday, I am extremely glad that I did. It was really fun.
On Sunday, each homeroom had their own activity going on. Some sold food, some had game booths, some provided entertainment. Most clubs also had a presentation of their work. Saturday was spent at the music center next door to city hall. Here, they exhibit their musical and drama school. I was really impressed with their work.
Each homeroom designed their own shirts.
I love the manhole.
Akie is a sannensei who won the speech contest last year. She speaks really well and sometimes I play with her with the tennis team. She's a cool kid.
I'm a dork, just had to take a picture with Nakashima, the little high school rock star.
And here he is rockin' out.
From the crowd's view.
This is a hologram the science club made.
I did a little tea ceremony, but i'll talk about that soon enough.
Again, science club and their little
Funniest part of haunted house, i thought.
Here is some footage of making mochi. Mochi is made by pounding rice over and over until it turns gooey and sticky.
After the pounding, they are rolled into little balls and covered in a sweet powder.
It is delicious with green tea.
These girls are ninensei. Miki was another girl who I met helping with her speech. She's the one next to me. When we met, I was like....oh, ya, Miki, like the mouse, huh? And she gave me a serious face and said, "but I am not a mouse!" She's also on student counsel so I always find her doing cool stuff like chilling with the bands backstage and organizing activities. I love when she includes me in stuff and explain what's going on. Her friend, Sato-san, in front of her plays bass, and I really wanna play with her. She also likes to tell me about her boyfriend. In return, I made them mix CDs.
On Saturday, one of the performances was Shoji or drawing Kanji's with a big paintbrush. Cool or what? (I oftentimes get Shoji and Shugo confused, maybe even now. One is calligraphy and the other Japanese chess. I'd go look it up, but I'm in a zone right now, so i'll change it if someone calls me on my ignorance.
I'm writing genki. It means enegetic/happy/excited.
These girls are in tea ceremony and flower arranging club. These traditional japanese activities usually call for wearing yukata. Aren't they lovely? The girl in the middle, whose name I'm totally going to find out next time i teach her class, plays phenomenal piano. Also, she's barely ichinensei! Crazy talented, these kids.
See what I mean? Here are some works by the art club. Jouzu, ne?
They also made this cool dragon.
Science club once again with a little demonstration table of the elements. Like my pun? Was it a pun?
A couple of cuties.
Japanese chess. I really want to learn how to play. Better put that on my summer goal list. I'm a big fan of chess.
These are a few sannensei girls who are performing Rollie by the Skakallabits
This is a Mr. Children song performed by two kids in my OC class. Daiki is playing bass looking all rock and roll with his spiky hair, and Hayato is singer. I was really proud of him. He's also really clever and likes to make jokes in the assignments I give the class. I realized from this festival that he's the little ladies man. In fact, there were alot of little socialy things I noticed between the students, but I'll go into that in another post.
I forget this sensei's name. I know, i'm a douchebag, especially because he's always so kind to me. I thought his song rocked, though.
And last, but not least, our school's brass band. Unfortunately, I could not get longer footages of their awesomeness due to having only a 520mb camera card.
On Sunday, each homeroom had their own activity going on. Some sold food, some had game booths, some provided entertainment. Most clubs also had a presentation of their work. Saturday was spent at the music center next door to city hall. Here, they exhibit their musical and drama school. I was really impressed with their work.
Each homeroom designed their own shirts.
I love the manhole.
Akie is a sannensei who won the speech contest last year. She speaks really well and sometimes I play with her with the tennis team. She's a cool kid.
I'm a dork, just had to take a picture with Nakashima, the little high school rock star.
And here he is rockin' out.
From the crowd's view.
This is a hologram the science club made.
I did a little tea ceremony, but i'll talk about that soon enough.
Again, science club and their little
Funniest part of haunted house, i thought.
Here is some footage of making mochi. Mochi is made by pounding rice over and over until it turns gooey and sticky.
After the pounding, they are rolled into little balls and covered in a sweet powder.
It is delicious with green tea.
These girls are ninensei. Miki was another girl who I met helping with her speech. She's the one next to me. When we met, I was like....oh, ya, Miki, like the mouse, huh? And she gave me a serious face and said, "but I am not a mouse!" She's also on student counsel so I always find her doing cool stuff like chilling with the bands backstage and organizing activities. I love when she includes me in stuff and explain what's going on. Her friend, Sato-san, in front of her plays bass, and I really wanna play with her. She also likes to tell me about her boyfriend. In return, I made them mix CDs. On Saturday, one of the performances was Shoji or drawing Kanji's with a big paintbrush. Cool or what? (I oftentimes get Shoji and Shugo confused, maybe even now. One is calligraphy and the other Japanese chess. I'd go look it up, but I'm in a zone right now, so i'll change it if someone calls me on my ignorance.
I'm writing genki. It means enegetic/happy/excited.
These girls are in tea ceremony and flower arranging club. These traditional japanese activities usually call for wearing yukata. Aren't they lovely? The girl in the middle, whose name I'm totally going to find out next time i teach her class, plays phenomenal piano. Also, she's barely ichinensei! Crazy talented, these kids.
See what I mean? Here are some works by the art club. Jouzu, ne?
They also made this cool dragon.
Science club once again with a little demonstration table of the elements. Like my pun? Was it a pun?
A couple of cuties.
Japanese chess. I really want to learn how to play. Better put that on my summer goal list. I'm a big fan of chess.
These are a few sannensei girls who are performing Rollie by the Skakallabits
This is a Mr. Children song performed by two kids in my OC class. Daiki is playing bass looking all rock and roll with his spiky hair, and Hayato is singer. I was really proud of him. He's also really clever and likes to make jokes in the assignments I give the class. I realized from this festival that he's the little ladies man. In fact, there were alot of little socialy things I noticed between the students, but I'll go into that in another post.
I forget this sensei's name. I know, i'm a douchebag, especially because he's always so kind to me. I thought his song rocked, though.
And last, but not least, our school's brass band. Unfortunately, I could not get longer footages of their awesomeness due to having only a 520mb camera card.
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