Unphotogenic

Yesterday afterschool (before lunch) I took some pictures with my friends infront of the school at the gate. My host mom said to me the night before that we were going to change uniforms soon, so I should get a picture of myself in uniform before that. She wrote a note to my Japanese teacher and asked her to take some pics of me. I look BAD in the uniform, but somehow all the other students look good in it. *Jealous* Anyways, once I get the pictures printed, I'll get them up on my blog somehow and I can introduce you guys to my friends. They're a pretty crazy bunch, but crazy nice too. Good thing is, I remember all of their names, and even a few people's names who are just classmates. Let's see.. there is Ai, Jinnouchi(we call her Jin-chan, for short), Airi, Ayumi, and Saori(who is from class 1). Saori is the crazy one (well, crazier than the rest) and Jin-chan is the quiet one/shy one. Ai, Aira and Ayumi are pretty loud too.

Yesterday, I went home by myself, kinda as usual now, since Yuri's (Genie, my host sister's name, and no, I was watching anime alone upstairs in my room, although I did watch FMA downstairs a few days ago and *GASP* I'm not going to spoil it for you XD) classes end later for some reason. Since we have exams now, classes end around 12, but I think school is back to normal on starting tomorrow. Anyways, back to my story. At the train station, I saw that girl who had really good English (the one I mentioned in my "Festival" post) but I didn't approach her. She came over after she noticed me, and we talked for a bit (she stared off in Japanese, but we later contiued in English) I got to talk to her a few weeks ago in the cafeteria and I found out that she lived in the U.S for 5 years, so that's why her English is so good. I also know her name now too. Sato-san(that's her name) only seems to talk to me when no one is around, but I don't really mind, since its better than her not talking to me at all. Either way, we took the train home together, but she got off at an earlier stop. It was nice being able to talk to her. See mom(or dad, whoever wrote that comment), I do have interactions with people, I just like to gather it and talk about it at the same time.

I went to the bank yesterday to open a savings account (i think that's what I did.. all I know is that I'm getting a cash card and my money is now in Fukuoka Bank) Dad, I'll get you all those numbers you wanted when I go get my cash card(in about a week.) Supposedly, I get 18,000yen spending money for the school trip. o.O My host mom said something about not spending more, although I'm not sure what she means. Most likely something along the lines of, you have a limit of 18,000yen and if you spend more, you'll get in trouble or something. o.O who knows. Oh, for those of you who don't know, I'm going on the school trip to Kyoto. Don't worry, I'm still coming back at the same time (the trip is in mid October, so I miss 4 days of school, yay.). Yes.. back to the bank story (I seem to go off topic very easily). After the bank, which took almost an hour, I asked my host mom to show me where the post office is. My goodness its far! Ah well, good exercise everytime I want to send a letter. Genie, I sent you a letter.. don't know WHEN you'll get it, but hopefully, you get it. By the way, mom/dad, I got your package yesterday, thanks. (My host mom was rather amused that you sent me face cleaner... I'm amused that you sent me it too.)

Well, after a rather long day, I got home and basically crashed. I went to my room to crash, and apparently Yuri's grandmother came (to see me? not sure.) but I was asleep. Whoops. ^.^;; Okaa-san had dance practice yesterday night, so she bought us bentous. I didn't eat until 9 (which was when I woke up, the same time that Okaa-san came home) and I was scared she would be mad at me if she found out that I took a nap (not sure why I thought that..). She wasn't (I don't think) and apparently I'm going to watch fireworks with Yuri and my next host and her mom. I think that's tonight... Okaa-san is going to lend me a yukata (its like a light, less elegant kimono) to wear to watch the fireworks o.O I'll get pictures (although I SO don't wanna, but I know I'll be happy I did later)

Yuri showed me her stash of manga yesterday night. Not sure if her mom knows about it, since its under her desk (and she closed the door behind me while I was looking at them.) I borrowed one of her books, and she told me that there's a used manga shop near her English class. She's taking me there on Wednesday, before Labo(the name of her English class). Sweet~! ^.^


Kyaaa~! I while I was eating dinner yesterday, I was watching Music Station. Music Station is kinda like MTV Japanese style. They have a whole bunch of artists appear and they show clips of them doing what have you, and they talk about stuff. Then each artist gets to perform between segments. Its like my favourite show that's not an anime. Yesterday was the Music Station 10th anniversary show. They had flash backs of the show and some of the guests, and guess who performed! GACKT! Genie, they showed the clip of him on the Jurassic Park ride! ^.^ No offence to Gackt, but he really can't dance. He was teasing the fangirls by singing right infront of them (he wasn't on the stage, like the other artists) and he was doing is "I gotta pee" dance. I was trying so hard not to laugh. They also had a clip of Utada Hikaru perform (which, btw, her new English Debut is out) and they had Ayumi Hamasaki and Kinki Kids perform. Oo, and also, a few days ago, Yuri's friend lent me her W-inds CD, and I watched the DVD that came with it. It was amusing watching them shoot practically all of their music videos infront of blue screens. I was trying to hard not to sqee while I was watching. ^^;;

Anyways, I think I've rambled enough for today. Japanese class is about to start anyways(I have a Kanji test after this -_- wish me luck, I'll need it.) If you guys have anything you want me to look for at the used manga shop, leave me a comment and I'll try to check it before I classes tomorrow (since I don't have a computer period tomorrow). Anyways, Ja.

Telephone Manners

Well, yesterday was the weekend and not much happened. Tiff, you were supposed to have called... what happened? Anyways, I though now would be a good time to teach you guys how to call and actually get to me without confusing my host family. Just follow this easy convo and you should be able to get to me hassle free:

Host dad/mom/sister: Hai, Imaizumi desu (Imaizumi household)
You: Sumimasen, Tiffany Onegaishimasu (exscuse me, Tiffany please)

If I'm NOT here:
Host dad/mom/sister: Sumimasen, Tiffany wa ima imasen (Sorry, Tiffany isn't here right now.)
You: Ja, matta denwa o shimasu. (Well, I'll call later )

If I AM here:
Host dad/mom/sister: Hai, chotto matte ne (Yes, wait please)
You: Hai (Yes)

Anyways, class is starting.. I'll blog again tomorrow. Ja.

Japanese TV+School Cat

Haven't written in a while. Some stuff has happened here, so I'll start off with some of the interesting stuff I've seen on TV. I must say, Japanese TV is interesting to say the least.

On Wednesday, I finally got to watch some anime that I knew! I saw an ep of Prince of Tennis(not sure what number it is), which was really good. Its the first match of the Dream Team vs. the US Team, and it was Sengoku against Bobby Max (or soemthing like that.. can't remember the name). Sengoku isn't doing so well.. cuz the Bobby guy is like.. huge and does lots of other sports so he's crazy fast. But *GASP* Sengoku finds a weakpoint, and so the episode ends. Ooo, we see Tezuka in the ep~! He's back! And you see Echizen warming up, and guess who walks by.. KEVIN! Yah, they kinda have a little face off, but when Kevin tries to get Echizen to play agianst him, Echizen refuses (not sure what he said, but yah.. he refused.) There was a really amusing part, where the Max guy tells Sengoku to "go home to his mama" and Kikumaru asks Echizen what he said. Echizen was like, in a very monotone voice "mama ni uchi he kaerimasu" It was really funny. The ending song is the new song from the wacko group (what was their name? Pull tab and can? something like that)

Hmm.. what else did i see.. I watched a bit of Naruto... nothing special　happened during the half i saw.. but its basically a group of other ninjas don't like ninjas like Naruto, Sasuke and them. There is also this umbrella guy who shoots needles from his umbrella.. that was cool.

Ooo, I also saw Waterboys2 and the waterboys highschool syncro championships. They were both VERY amusing. Waterboys is basically about a guy who goes to a school and starts up a boys syncro swimming team. Of course they have lots of problems, and yah.. its very gay. The syncro instructor is like... feminine gay beyond belief, and amusing a heck because of it. The Waterboys Highschool Syncro Championships is based off of that tv movie/show. The guys in the competition are from schools in Japan... and it was amusing a heck too. They were good as well, but yah... some of their outfits were pretty scary. One school had pink speedos and light blue caps. o.O Bad colour combination, but they won the competition. No offence to them, but they were very gay.. as in strained happy gay and plain out gay. Extremely entertaining though.

Oo, for the PoT fans out there.. there is this show called Ace o Nerae!. I swear, its exactly like PoT, or atleast Echizen.. 'cept its a girl. Basically the girl is in the U.S Junior Championship, and when she gets back to Japan, she finds out her coach died.(okay, that part isn't like PoT). She basically greves about it, and after sometime at a monestary, she realizes that she must move on. So she trains like crazy, and wins the Semi-finals of the Japan Junior Championships and has to face the girl she played against in the US Junior Championship, cuz that girl is like her "rival" now. The girl has a cat too, just like Echizen! I don't know when the next ep will be, but I'll try to follow this series.

The Japanese really like to learn different languages. There are various English programs (as in they teach English)　but I've seen some other ones too. I've seen programs which teach French, Madarin, Spanish, and Korean. I think the Japanese are rather fond of Korean and Korea, cuz of Winter Sonata (a very popular Korean drama) The guy from that show is like.. in every advertising campaign possible. So far, he's advertised cars, video cameras, and mints. I'm sure he's done more though. You'd think that because he's everywhere.. I'd atleast remember his name... but i don't -_-. I think it was Beyon-sama or something (Yes, is sama.. cuz they like.. worship him)


Okay, enough about TV. Hmm.. at school we have a school cat. Its more like a stray that lives around the school grounds, but I suppose that's what makes it the school cat. Its a white and gray tabby cat, and its rather cute. Apparently it had kittens a while ago, but no one knows where the kittens are. Last week, the cat walked into our gym class. It just lounged around, and everyone just left it alone. Well, some of us went up to it to pet it and stuff.. but yah.. I think its a normal occurance for her to walk into the gym. Earlier this week, we had gym again, except the cat wasn't there.. instead she left some droppings. That was amusing.. and rather nasty at the same time.. since we do floor exercises ON the floor. I saw her on the way to the library today.. I stopped to pet her, and i think she was hungry, because she was mewing at me. She followed me half way to the library, but I think she realized I had no food and left. I would have given her part of my lunch, but it was back at the classroom. Maybe if I see her later, I'll give her something to eat.

Well, this has been a rather LONG post. I think there were some other things I wanted to talk about, but I'll ramble about them on Monday. Ja.

Links In The Title

Yesterday was a holiday, so I didn't get a chance to blog... not that there's much to say anyways. Normally I don't get time on Tuesdays to go online, but since today is a shortened day (exams begin tomorrow) I decides to skip lunch and go online for a while. Tomorrow, I get to go on again since I'm only writing the English exam. Yay for Japanese History (the exam I'm exempted from)

Well, on Sunday, I went to Tetsuya, which is a CD Rental chain. They have shelves upon shelves of CDs, DVDs and other junk you can borrow. I got a whole stash of stuff, and I also bought some of their old "rentals" since it was 5 for 100yen each. I basically spent most of Monday afternoon copying the CDs onto MDs. So now I finally have all of the Evanescence album.

Well.. what else happened... yesterday night we had another BBQ. I love their BBQs. Although they tend to burn their food alot. Generally we don't eat dinner together... for some reason my host mother always eats after everyone else as eaten. But since we were having a BBQ, we were all eating at the same time. She really likes to ask me questions. We pratically spent 3 hours just talking about Canada, how I was adjusting to life in Japan and what was going on at school.(Yuri is in Junior high, so our schedules are different)

People keep asking me if I'm homesick and if I've become acustomed to Japanese school life. I tell them yah, and really I don't feel like I'm in a different country at all. Sure everyone speaks in Japanese, and sure somethings are different, but when everyone is so freakin nice to you... it feels just like home. Sure I miss you guys... and sure there are somethings I do miss (like constant internet access at home) but its like normal life here.

Well, that was a pointless ramble. I think there was something I wanted to ramble about... but I can't remember what now. Ah well. Oo, I just noticed that in my other post about the school site... incase you guys didn't notice.. but the title is where the first link is. Just thought I'd let you guys know, incase I pull another one of those on you guys.

Well.. I should get home. I want to stop by the bookstore on the way home, and I also have to pickup my alien registration card. Merg.. but I wanna stay on and chat too. Dang, this sucks. Ah well, I'll go online again tomorrow.

Ja

Pictures of The School

This is my second computer period today. Not that I really mind, but yah... I was scared for a second I wouldn't get a chance to go online again for a while, since two other students were on the computer when I got to the library. Anyways, seems like the school site has been updated, and you guys can take a look at my school (and the summer uniform >.<) There aren't any pictures of me on the site, but you can get a feel of what the campus is like and everything. If you want to go to the junior high/senior high school site directly, use this link: http://www.fukujo.ac.jp/js_new/

Anyways, nothing much has happened these past few days. I showed Kudo-san and Jinnouchi-san (Ivan, they're two of my new friends) the pictures Andrew put up... and supposedly all the guys are now my "possible" boyfriend (they're particularly fond of Bill... Bill, you should come to Japan ^.~)

Wow... lots of adults roaming around the library right now... most likely a campus tour day or something.. (They're kinda scary...)

I just had math class before I came to the library, and man is their math hard! Its like a mix of the stuff we learned in Gr.10, but they go further into it. We're learning about parabolas (spelling?), but we're not trying to find the vertext or what have you... instead we're doing stuff to find out whether x is outside the parabola or contained inside the "dip" of it. Then there's a whole bunch of stuff about making a statement to say that its where on the parabola, therefore x<1/2,1>x(or something like that) Its hard, and I don't really get it, but I must say, I'm very interested in it.

Well, today is the last time I'll be able to write for a while. I don't have school tomorrow, monday is a holiday, Tueday I don't get computer time and on Wednesday the finals begin. I think Thursday is also a holiday. I might go online for a few minutes at home to send emails and what have you, but I'm pretty sure I won't be able to chat. If you guys really want... sunday, monday and thursday would be nice days to call. Just a suggestion.

Either way, my next call will start soon. Tiff, if you're reading this, I sent you an email, so look for it in your inbox/junk mail folder. Gonna go now, ja.

Blah

Yes, I use my blog for self reminder space.

http://www.mmv.co.jp/products/flyer/tennis_musical/

Ja. (and feel free to ignore this post and all my other reminder posts)

Rain

Geez I'm bored. My second computer period today and I think I've ran out of things to do. Of course, I COULD do my Japanese homework while I chat with you guys, but that usually doesn't work so well. And besides, I'm sure I can find more sites to look up.

I checked out Toronto and Ottawa weather just a second ago. Seems like you guys are starting to get some pretty cold weather over there. In Fukuoka, its still warm as ever... and rainy too. Seems like it rains atleast once a day here. Not that I mind... but still, that's alot of rain.

Well, Kudo-san isn't at school today, so its been rather quiet. I had English Conversation class today and the teacher is exactly like Mr. Izumi (Mr. Izumi, if you're reading this.... sorry ^.^;;) Not only does he act like him, but he kinda looks like him too. Although I think Mr. Williams(The EngConvo teacher) is a little "crazier" than Mr. Izumi.

Oh look, its raining... AGAIN. Geez, I rather it start snowing. *Sigh* that reminds me... I won't be home for Chirstmas. I'll still get you guys Chirstmas presents though, but you'll be getting them when I come back ^~^(And for those of you who had your birthday while I was gone, your birthday present as well.)

Well, I'm gonna go do... something. Maybe go buy something off ebay so that I have something to do. Ja.

Ryohei Overload o.O (And My Contact Info)

Genie I read your comment, and are you SURE its Ryuuchi? Not the rapping one and not Keita, but the other one. Anyways, Yuri got me lots of Ryohei stuff since I said I liked him. I have a W-inds notepad/notebook, Ryohei/W-inds keychain, Ryohei photo and a Ryohei eraser stick thinger. O.o I know I said I liked him, but I think that's a bit over board. By the way Genie, I wrote you a letter, but I haven't been able to find a mailbox (or gotten the courage to ask my family where there is one) so you'll be getting it WAY later. And yah... how do you THINK I got blood on the back of my skirt? Take a wild guess hun.

Either way, I told Atobe-cow I'd post my contact info, so here it is. If you guys ever want to contact me, go right ahead, but with the phone... call at a reasonable time please (When its 9pm in Canada, its 10am here) I'll also post my tentative schedule, incase you guys wanted to know what I do at school.

Mailing Address (For September and October)
English: 2-58 Chikushi ekimaedori-Chikushino City-Fukuokaken-Japan
Japanese: （postal code>）818-0022 福岡県筑紫野市筑紫駅前道２丁目５８番地

Telephone
092-927-1685

Anyways, I gotta run to class now I'll keep writing posts later. Ja

New "Old" Posts

I'm supposed to have home making classes right now, but something about something and so I don't join their class until two weeks later. Since I don't have class, I got to go on the computer today (generally, I don't have any computer time on Wednesdays) but for today and next wednesday, I get to use the computer (I'll try chatting with you guys... but I donno if I can do it without getting caught.) But I'll try anyways.

Well, I got a few more of my paper posts up, so just to let you know which ones, they are:
Typhoon, First Sign of Homesickness, Haneda Airport and Host family, School Life Sucks (So Far) and Festival.

I'm holding up well over here. These past few days have been much better, since I've made friends and such. I have friends from other classes too! I have a request to make from you guys though... if you have any pics of us(or of yourself), could you send it my way? My Japanese friends want to see you guys and the school, but I don't have any pics of you guys. If you can post them up somewhere and leave me the link in my blog, I'd appreciate it alot. Or, you could do it the old fashion way (snail mail) I'll put up my contact info soon, so if you guys ever want to call me(at a reasonable time, please) or send me junk, you can.

Anyways, I haven't ACTUALLY finished typing all of them posts, so I'll get back to doing that now. Ja

I Finally Have Internet Time~!

Its been a long time since I've been able to blog. I read all of your comments, and as much as I'd like to email you guys (Jacky) but I'm technically not allowed to at school. My host family has a laptop with internet, but they were saying something about not being able to check their email. Either way, I'll try my hardest to email you guys and such.

I wasn't thinking I'd get time today to go online (I'm supposed to have counseling now, but Hokazono-sensei told me the wrong time, so I acidentally skipped Classical Japanese... whoops　＾＾；；)　　I've been writing paper blogs, and when I have time (when I get home, afterschool､or I think I have scheduled time on Thursday) I'll type them up and post them.

I can't believe its only been 2 weeks(and not even) School is okay I suppose... I have "friends" in my class, and lots of random people say hi to me. The uniform sucks. Mine in particular, because they didn't have a spare one that was my size, so my uniform is longer than most people's (the dress/skirt is supposed to be just below the knee, mine is mid-shin length) and I have no waist definition(I have to find a belt later to pull in the waist). And I know most of you guys don't need to know this, but I basically have to shave my legs everyday, since I have to wear short socks, and yah..... hairy legs aren't nice.

Right now, I tried going on MSN, but it popped up some Japanese notice and I'm not sure what its trying to tell me to do. I'll try going online at home, and maybe my host family can help me figure it out so that I can talk with you guys sometime. I'm going to try checking my e-mail in the library... hopefully they won't notice, and if they do, hopefully they won't take away my computer time >.<>

Festival

Yesterday we had the festival and it sure was interesting. In the morning, we had morning service, and afterwards, everyone scurried off to prepare for the festival. I went with Kudo-san to her table (which was actually outside selling cookies and little cakes, not nail art. ;_;) I helped her for a while, spending most of my time just sitting at the table, stacking coins and rearranging the basket of goods. There was anopther fil with me at the table, and her English is GOOD. I mean, no accent, correct sentence structure and NO pausing to compose sentences. She only talked to me when on one was around, but she seems really nice. She seems like one of those poeple who are pretty, not shy, but prefer being "cool" and silent. I wanted to compliment her on her English, and ask her why her English is so good, but I never got the chance to. I also didn't catch her name. Pity. Gotta go for lunch, then go shopping for a new MD Player. I'll finish later.

Back! I got an MD Player(Its Sony) It was kinda expensive, and I'm thinking I should have bought one later (like closer to when I leave) but oh well. I also got a white tank top set for really cheap! (525yen! That's like... $6 Canadian! I think its name brand too!) I wanna go back to that mall soon! Anyways, back to the festival.

It was a really nice day yesterday, perfect for a yestival. Since it was Saturday, some boys from other schools came to the festival. Apparently, they're all high school boys(although they look like university students) These festivals are like mating hotspots (especially for Fukuoka Jo Gakuin students, since its hard to meet guys at an all girls school) You can tell which girls the guys like, because they would approach their stall and do whatever, just to talk to them. (No Ivan, I didn't meet anyone, no one approached me, so you're still fatherless.) After my duties, I had free time to wander. I went with Kudo-san to get lunch (we got MOSburger tickets [terriyaki chicken burger is good ^.^] and we went to claim our free lunch) Afterwards, I wandered around to the other rooms. In the first year, first kumi (aka, highschool first year, class one) they made a gigantic mosaic of the little mermaid. It was HUGE~! It covered 3 walls of the room. There was also half a room dedicated to illustrations. I was hoping to buy some doujins or something there, but all they had were drawings on the wall (this one girl did very nice FMA fanart) I was going to ask if they were for sale or anything, but I never got the chance to. Later, I went to watch the Cinderella Musical. It was really good. The step-mother's ball gown was amazing (it was purple too ^.^) I wanna make a dress like that for next con! (Yes, I'm crazy) I didn't get to take a picture of it, but I got a few from the end of the musical (They do a very nice full cast song and dance of "bippity boppity boo"). The musical was the best part of the whole festival.

Well, that's my festival report. Once I get the film developed, I'll some how get them to you guys. Ja for now.

School Life Sucks (So Far)

I haven't writien in a while (paper form anyways) all the posts you see which were from after I left Tokyo were actually written on the date I have, except they were put up later (since I don't have internet at home, I have to wait til I can set up some time at school.)

On Wednesday, I went to the bank to get some of my travellers checks changed, went to register for my alien resident car and of course, go to school for my orientation. The school is HUGE~! There is the junior hight building, shich is connected to the shared building in the mibble, which is connected to the senior hight building. All of the buildings are connected by either outdoor walkways or long halls. There is also the university beside the neior high, a graduate school, university library (separate building) and the school shop+high school library. Somewhere on the same campus, there is also a kindergarten. Geez, you can get all your education at one place... that's kinda scary. Anyways, I have private Japanese classes with one of the teachers since I'm the only exchange student and my Japanese sucks. I had my orientation, and then went to meet my class. When I was going through the halls, the ctudents were saying "kawaii" (about me o.O), however, the way they say it makes it kinda sound like "kowaii". The first thing they asked me after I introduced myself was if I had a boyfriend. I found it amusing they asked, bvut I suppse it makes sense, since they can't really meet guys at school, and they aren't "allowed" to date, so someone having a boyfriend would be very interesting. Unfortunately, I'm not interesting, so the past few days have been akward.

Yesterday was my first "real" day at school. I slept late the night before, so I woke up at 6:30am and had to rush out the dorr. At school, I forgot which class I was in, and had to ask Hokasono-sensei to show me. In class, I sit in the back by the door, so people have to make an effot to talk to me, and I have to do the same.(Dang) People asked me some wuestions (that's all they seem to do.) They all seem to want to know why I chose Japan and what/who is my favourite singer/group. They're all pretty surprised when I say W-inds, and they (most of them) get happy when I say I like Ryohei from W-inds.(They like him too... a good amount of them) And so ends the convo. Generally, they approach me in groups and introduce themselves in groups. Problem is, most of them have short hair, and everyone wears the uniform, so I have trouble remembering names and faces together (I currently have 15 names in my head, but no clue who they are.) I'm wathcing Doraemon(in Japanese) right now, and I like Doraemon's Chinese voice better (In Japanese, its high and "granny" like). BigRed (his Chinese name literally translated) is very girly o.O Anyways, back to my bad day.

Some girls asked if I wanted to eat with them at lunch, but I had Japanese class before lunch, so when I got back to the classroom, they were gone. Some other people invited me to eat with them, but I really feel out of place at school. To make things worse, I got blood on my uniform! It washed out, but what a way to start school.

Today, we didn't have class since today was dedicated to worship, festival preview and festival preperation. The firsl at this school are very talented. (Makes me jealous) There was choir (which sang the first song from Sister Act.. whatever its called, and Somewhere over the rainbow) There was Cinderalla: the musical (nice costumes and the prince really looks+fills the role well [its a girl who plays the prince, but she looks like a femi-boy and her voice is lowish too] I liked the prince^^ [no I'm not lez]) There was also a group of 4 girls (2 guitar, drums and vocal) who did "Sobakasu"(Kenshin opening song) they had bad amps, but the performance was good. For the next festival/event, I wanna do soemthing liekt hat (I'm thinking Evanescence's "My Immortal" or amybe a Japanese song.) They also had the baton and handbell club perform. Those were good too.

Tomorrow, I'm helping Kudo-san at her nail art table(Yay!) and then after a while, I'm going to go help with the class "project" English Cafe. Its gonna be easy for me, cuz they're supposed to do everything in English. I'll try to take lots of pics. (Now I wish I brought the camcorder with me!) Btw, I jsut got 5 calling cads from Otou-san so I can make "lots" of calls! Ja~!

Typhoon

I come to Japan at the best time of the year. Turns out that yesterday's little 'quake was because of the typhoon. It was raning on and off yesterday, but today, its been raning, no pouring since early this morning. They typhoon is getting closer to Fukuoka, se we're boared up the windows yesterday night (they have metal shutter like things built into the house... I guess its an often occurance, so they need something like that built into the house.) The wind is strong enough to shake the house a little. Also, the rain is getting harder, and the wind is stron enough to shake the house a little. In a few hours, the typoon will reach Fukuoka and GEEZ I'm bored! For the past few days, I've been stuck at home with nothing to do. I knew I should have brought some crafts to do.

I was thinking of calling home to tell them about it, but my phone card is out of money, and I forgot to ask Okaa-san where I could get one while we were out buying bread and picking up Yuri from school. (She doesn't have school today because of the typhoon, yet Otou-san went to work o.O) The wind is REALLY loud now... I think I should go back downstairs. I'll continue this "later".

3:45pm
At around 1pm, the rain and wind subsided a bit. I don't think typhoons have an eye, so I'm pretty sure we're safe now. For a few hours, it was raining on and off, but now, I think the rain has stopped. Watching the news, I think Fukuoka got 80mil of rain... that or its 80cm... either way, its alot. I think I spent the most time I'll ever spend downstairs. Yuri brought down/out her stash of "Myobi" magazines, so i looked though them all. I don't get how Yuri is SO tiny when she eats so much. At meals, she eats the same portions as everyone else, and today, she ate chips, gummy candy, budding AND Pino (its chocolate covered ice cream) Dang her, I'm jealous now!　-_- Tomorrow, I'm finally going to school! I'm not quite sure about the order of events and times, but I'm pretty sure we're leaving at 8ish, going to the bank, get my alien registration and visit school for get my uniform and setup courses. I have to make sure I book lots of computer/internet time cuz A: I have an online English course B: I wanna blog~!(And if the internet time is in the morning, trying to msn you guys~!) I think I'm either coming home with Yuri tomorrow, or Okaa-san is taking me, but either way, I wanna see if there is an electronics store around. I REALLY new a new MD and an electronic dictionary. Anyways, I'm gonna go do another 10 pages of this stupid book the exchange people gave me while i eat some milk candy. Geez, maybe this is why I'm fat. -_- Ja.
Personal Note: sunhoseki.co.jp + cobalt.shoeisha.co.jp

First Sign of Homesickness?

Yesterday, I was at home alone with Yuri(the host family's daughter) because A: it was Sunday (no school) and B: Yuri's parents had to work (which surprised me, because on the form, they said that Yuri's mom was a housewife.)

WOAH~! We just a a little earthquake. It wasn't very big(the house shook for a few seconds) But wow... my first earthquake. Anyways, back to what I was saying.

SInce thye were at work, Yuri took me to a festival they were ahinvg near by (I never did get to ask why they were having one.) The festival was held in the evacuation area (which consisted of a giant basefall/soccer/dusty field and an empty-ish building.) They had a stage setup where drummers and some hiphop dancers performed. We went around to the different stalls (most of them selling food). I got a snowcone(they call it shaved ice) and something that was likea crepe wrapped around chopsticks. It was good. After the food, Yuri introduced me to some of her friends (which I can't remember their names) and then she got me a ballonn yo-yo. (You have to fish for it from a kiddy bool, using a hook attached to a piece of paper string.) I took a picture of it, because I highly doubt its gonna last 5 months. After the festival, we walked home, and passed by 7Eleven. We went in to cool off for a bit and I bought a Fanta(white strawberry is good ^^) I took out my wallet to pay for it, and Yuri and her friend saw the pics in my wallet. She asked to see it, and both her and her friend said that Felix looks "cool". She then went about to ask if he was my boyfriend. I found that rather amusing.

We came home after 7Eleven, and Yuri spend time with her friend in the TV room. I played the piano for a bit, but then went back to my room. She later came upstairs to her room, and came to my room to "inform" me of the Japanese "custom" of putting away the futon. Five seconds later, she came in again to tell me to lock away my "valuables" in the closet. After she left, I couldn't help but cry a little. I'm not sure why, I did, but I just did. After I held back the tears (more like swallowed and shoved it down) I went to ask her for some paper, since I was bored out of my mind and I wanted to blog. She gave me some paper, and after I left her room, Yuri and her friend were giggling about something. I'm pretty sure they weren't giggling about me, but I couldn't help but cry again.

After a few hours, we went to the local supermarket to get something to eat. I bought milk banday and Prez and she kept saying they were good, but I didn't bother to explain to her we had it in Canada.

Later, Yuri's father came into my room while I was writing my blog. He asked me if I was studying, and I told him I was writing a letter. He told me to come downstairs "freely". After he left, I started to sniffle again. It seems like no matter what they say, I'm always crying. Maybe its a sign of homesickness, or maybe its culture shock. Either way, let's hope it stops soon, cuz I don't wanna be crying at school and everyday for the next 5 months. I think crying makes me tired, because I've been feeling tired alot since I got to my host family's house. It also hurts my throat when I hold it in/muffle the crying. So for those of you who are upset about me not saying anything: here is your revenge done.

Today, Yuri has to go to school, so I'm home alone with her mother. I originally woke up at 7AM this morning, but felling a little tired (and with nothing to do today) I went back to sleep (though I don't think Yuri's mom noticed) I woke up 2 hours later and I've basically spend most of my day writing, crying and watching TV. Okaa-san (we're calling her that from now on since writing Yuri's mom is too long) went out around 10 and came back around 12:30. While she was out... i noticed now many spiders they have in the house. They're very jumpy too, so they're hard to kill.

Either way, tomorrow I'm going to school in the morning to wet up my classes and get my uniform. I don't think okaa-san understands that for my first day, I might not be required to wear a uniform (since I don't have one) but I wouldn't know, so I'm not going to bother arguing with her. Its not that I realize how bad my Japanese is. I can't get though a conversation without having to use English or one of them having to whip out their electronic dictionary.

Well, hopefully I won't break out in tears tomorrow, and hopefully I can go find a Japanese Enlgish electronic dictionary tomorrow afterschool. I kinda wan't wait till I get my work, cuz then I'll be too busy studying to do anything else (like crying) Well, I'm going to go study Japanese for a bit now. Later, I have to prepare the bath (me and Yuri take turns washing the tub and filling it) Ja.

Haneda Airport and Host Family

Yesterday, I took a bus from (A freakin long station name which began with an M) station to Haneda Airport. Ayako-san (she is one of the counsellor people from JFIE who has been looking after us while we were having our orientation in Tokyo[Chiba]) was really nice and bought me some lunch, since the flight wouldn't have one.(Who knew 250 yen finger sandwiches from the convience store would taste so good.) I kinda got lost on the way (there are two stops, both at Haneda airport, but one stop is at the domestic flight area and the other is international[i assume]) I forgot which stop was for which one, so I was rather scared. Good new is that both are rather close to each other, so if I get off at the wrong one, I can just walk to the next one. Well, off I went and I find myself wandering back and forth between the two help desks. I finally give in and ask the lady at the desk (who has very limited English.) Ayako-san gave me the number for Japan Assistiance (I think the person from JA was supposed to help me check in and everything) and the help desk lady called her for me. After checking in, I had go wait for about an hour before my flight, so I ate my sandwiches. I was debating about calling someone, but stupid me, I didn't really remember anyone's number other than my house.

Either way, the flight was shorter than I expected (1hour 25mins) and it was suprising the number of babies/infants there were on the plane. Just around me, there were 3 (2 boys and a girl) I'm rather proud of myself, because when the lady came around with the drinks, I could tell her I wanted water. But then, I forgot how to ask for more. -_-;;

My hose family was at the airport to pick me up, along with a JFIE guy and the school counsellor/teacher. They all seemed rather surprised that I knew how to say "dozo yoroshiku" and other little greetings/phrases. The mother looks WAY younger than in the picture they sent me. We went to their car (which looked rather normal on the outside, but inside.... woah) which was really cool. The interior was leather (or atleastit looks like it) with a screen built into the dashboard. They can get TV on it, and also play CDs/music using the screen to choose. What makes their car even cooler is that it has maps, driving directions (with voice) and when you're backing into a spot, a camera gives you live video feed on the screen, with a yellow outline of your car so that you can follow it to back in perfectly. It also has sensors so that if you're getting too close to a wall or something, it'll beep to let you know. I'd take a picture of it, but I think my host family would think I'm weird(and mostly surprised that Canada doesn't have this.)

We went to the supermarket on the way home to buy food for dinner. The supermarket was pretty big (not really Loblaws sized, but pretty close) they had lots of cool things (who knew sushi and bentos could come in so many different ways.) That night, we had BBQ (Japanese style.) It was good, and during dinner, they asked alot of questions. After dinner, we watched TV and then I took a bath(the traditional kind) Their house is modern, yet not. They have lots of electronics built into the house (the bath has an electronic control built into the wall, which fills the tub with warm water and turns on the jet with a push of a button.) When the tub is filled, a console in the kitchen has a voice which tells you that they bath is ready. Their toliets are also cool. The toliet seat lid lifts up when you walk into the washroom.

I have pictures of my room, but it'll be a while before I can get it up (firstly I have to develop them and secondly, I have to find a scanner.)

Heading Out

This is most likely going to be my last post for a while. In about an hour, I'm going to be on a bus heading towards Haneda Airport for my domestic flight to Fukuoka. Its the first time I'm going to meet my host family. I hope they think I'm okay.

Anyways, funny story here. (Okay, not so funny, more like.... "woah") There's this guy who is from North Bay that is also on the exchange program, and I suppose you could say we hit it off nicely at the airport. No offence to you Ivan, but he's kinda like a mix between you and Max. He's tall (6'2", like Max), very touchy (like Max) and likes to ask lots of questions about me. Okay... so maybe he's exactly like Max. -_-;; Anyways, he was rather "down" after we got to OVTA, and he was pretty dead yesterday morning, but when we got shopping time, he suddenly was very... flirty. o.O So yah.. basically all of yesterday afternoon we looked like we were going out, cuz he was always all over me. What didn't help was that after we got back to OVTA, (and I know this will sound wrong) we when back to our rooms (he came to mine/Danielle's) and we basically ended up on the bed while he was trying to get his camera back. Yah, I know, sounds oh so wrong. Either way, he was basically pinned me under him with his body and wouldn't let me go to dinner.

Well, to make a long story short, I finally convinced him to go to dinner and after talking all through dinner about past realtionships, he went back to his room and fell right asleep. This morning, he wasn't very talkative either.

Anyways, I have to go to a meeting now, and after that, I have to go catch a bus to the airport.

Ja

On The Way Here & Orientation

I'm gonna have to make this post breif, since I have to get off in less than 20 mins. I read your comments guys, and again, I'm sorry I didn't tell you. I really do regret it. Read my last post for my apologies.

Well, I'll just make a quick comment on how the flight was and what's happened since I left Canada.

Flight: Going though lugguage check and everything wasn't so bad. The flight it self was pretty boring. I met with the 4 other people who were from Ontario on the plane, and they all seem like very nice people. The food wasn't that bad, but sleeping on the plane was rather hard. Also, their selection of movies sucked. The only good one they had was Man on Fire (which I fell asleep during, because I couldn't get enough sleep)

Pick-up: Narita Airport was kinda weird. Not really confusing persay, but getting though customs and immigration did take a while. When the JFIE representative came to pick us up, I think we were all rather shocked by how good her English was. It wasn't until we got off the plane did we realised there were 2 others from Ontario who were with us. ^^;;

OVTA: After we mailed our luggage to our host family, we took a bus to OVTA, which is an overseas vocational tranning place. Its an okay place I suppose. They have a caf, hotel like rooms (and service) and classroom like things. Its kinda like a live in private school,'cept you're allowed to smoke almost anywhere. I should take some pictures of this place. Either way, we have just been eating, sleeping and learning the basics of Japanese here. We're leaving tomorrow to head off to our different locations. (I get to take a domestic flight to Kyushu Island, while everyone else just takes the Shinkansen or go to Tokyo Station. Ain't that great?)

Well, I have a rather interesting story for you guys, but I have to go now, because the computer room is closing for the night. I'll try to get back on tomorrow morning, and mayb I'll be able to talk to you guys on MSN.

Ja

Final Fairwell & Apologies

I was writing this post before I was leaving, but the computer died and I had to leave before I could rewrite it. Here's a "hashed-up" version of my original post:

In about an hour, I'll be on a plane heading off to Tokyo, Japan. If you haven't realized, I'm heading to Japan to study for a semester. I'm sorry I didn't tell you guys, I know some of you might be angry at me right about now. I have my reasons for not saying anything though, and the main reason is that I just wanted to leave quietly. I must say though, you guys will be missed, and I will be back sooner than you think. (My original post was worded WAY better than this one.) Thanks guys for all the great memories, and we'll make more when I come back (This one sounded about the same in the old one: stupid)

Well, this post IS called "final fairwell and apologies" so I better get to the aplogies part. I'll address most of you individually, and if I don't: my apologies for not doing so.

Tiffany T: Sorry I didn't tell you. I'd say that I didn't tell you so that I wouldn't hurt you, but I think the real reason is that I was scared of your reaction. Thx for always being there for me, and hey, I'm still here for you if you if you need me.

Ivan: Sorry I lied to you when you asked me if I was going to orientation and about going out the Sunday before school started. Again, I was a little afraid of your reaction, and so that's most likely why I didn't say anything. BTW, stop reminding me its been 6 months! I know already!

Reagan: For a while, I was going to mention it to you, seeing that I wouldn't be seeing you after I left anyways. Sorry for not telling you either. If there's anything you want, I'll try my best to get it for you.

Bill: This is why I couldn't get your costume to you. Sorry for not telling you either, and I'll have your costume all fixed up for the next time you see me.

Dan: Thanks for all your support and thanks for not saying anything. Also, thanks for listening to me ask myself "am I crazy" everyday for the last week.

Jacky: Thanks for not telling anyone (atleast, I don't think you did). Have fun and good luck at Ashbury. Come back for the mid-semester break you have from Feb. 3-7. I need to give you your tofu ^-^

Jon:Please don't cry. I'm sorry I lied to you. I knew you most likely wouldn't take it well, and so I though it would be best for me not to say anything. I'm most likely wrong about that, and again, I'm sorry.

Frankie: I don't know if you even care what I do anymore, but either way, I'm sorry. Its okay if you hate me or something, I haven't been the nicest person.

If I didn't address you personally, again, I'm sorry. If there is anything any of you guys want from Japan, just leave a comment in my blog and I'll see if I can get it for you. If I run out of money though, you guys might have to wire some to me ^^;;

I'll try to keep posting as much as possible. I'd tell you guys to call me, but I'm not allowed to have too many calls in English. I'd also tell you to email me, but same deal, I'm not allowed to spend to much time infront of the computer. Once again, I'm sorry for not saying anything to the majority of you guys, but please understand: I truely did so out of love and maybe, out of personal fear. I'll try to keep in touch.