Well, yesterday was bit of a shite sandwich. It started and ended well with a bit of a shitty situation stuck in the middle. Here is how the sandwich was constructed:
Woke up after getting to sleep in (the first time in 10 days) and got on the webcam with mom for the unpacking of the 40 lb suitcase of souvenirs I sent home with Angela. While we chatted and sorted thru too much haku yen store stuff, I did 5 loads of laundry. It was a bit like Christmas watching mom sort all the junk I sent home. Anyway, after that was done I headed to Favore to buy a power strip so I could control my Christmas lights in a more civilized fashion and one to plug in all the computer paraphernalia Dad sent from home. I had dinner at the Italian restaurant here, as I’d been craving spicy pasta and I won two stuffed animals from the UFO machine (and stayed within my spending limit). All good so far.
Then I get to my car, put the key in and NOTHING! DOPE!!!! I left my freaking lights on and the battery is dead. No worries right – I’ll just call someone. WAIT, that’s right I left my phone at HOME! But no worries right – there is a gas station not 100 feet in front of me. WHAT, that’s right – I don’t speak the freaking language!!!! After some useful hand gestures, I got the guys at the station to call someone for me. Unfortunately, whomever they called wanted 100 bucks for a new battery when all I needed was a jump. “Sigh” I’ve yet to collapse into tears, but I am getting pretty pissy. So I decide just to walk to the nearest train station (about 10 min walk) and take a train home and get Satoshi to help me – he’s got to have jumper cable right??? Did I mention it’s raining? Thankfully, the train was on my side and I arrived 3 minutes before it’s departure. So I get home, knock on his door and he looks for cables – but of course, he has none. And he won’t/can’t ask the landlady cause he can’t drive his car anyway – he’s been hitting the sake. UGHHHHH. So I ask if I can just use his car to retrieve the FOUR bags of wet laundry in the backseat of my car. He’s cool with that. So I head back to Favore to get the clothes. Now that I have my phone in my possession, I return a call to Tiffany who suggests calling Ryan. So I do – but he doesn’t have cables either. SIGH – so at this point it looks like I can get the laundry done, Satoshi will take me to work tomorrow at 7am and I’ll have to walk the 3.5 km home and then figure out a way to get my car running again. I get my stuff, head back toward home, drop the clothes in a dryer and go to hide in Satoshi’s car. While I was in the laundry mat, Ryan called – it looks like he DOES have jumper cables – or in Japanese “busto cabaru” – and he’s willing to drive to Yatsuo from Toyama to give me a boost!!! EUREKA!!! I am saved. Needless to say, this is where it starts to get better.
Ryan picks me up at my place (I had to get Satoshi’s car back), we head to Favore, stand in the rain for 15 minutes while we figure out the jumper cables, and voila – my car is up and running!!!! I gave Ryan some gas money and brownie points and headed back to my laundry. Now I am at the laundry mat folding five loads of clothes and the owner comes in. Apparently, I teach her daughter at Sugihara. So we make some small chat (very small given our language abilities). She sees I have my stuff in four big shopping bags so she comes over with this huge plastic laundry bag with handles and says “Present for you”. SWEET! And it’s a nice bag too – it zips shut – which is a good thing since I found one of my socks on the stairs to my apartment when I got home.
The day ended with me back at home, all my clothes clean, a working vehicle and a nice chat with Jess. I got to eat the oishii cheesecake I bought at Favore 4 hours early and I plugged in my Christmas tree and put the presents from home underneath. My shite sandwich was complete, but overall the taste was pretty sweet – LOL.
Monday, November 27, 2006
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Oh Deer!
Well - it's been an action packed week – Angela arrived on the 17th and I put her on a plane back to the states 10 hours ago. It was a great trip and I think I can safely say Angela saw all sides of this country. I even got her to an onsen – complete with little old naked Japanese ladies! We did discover that Windy has an outdoor onsen – very cool – and perhaps where I will spend most of my gym time in the future.
The itinerary for this week include Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, Okasa, Toyama, Kanasawa, Yatsuo and a visit to both of my schools. By the end we were temple’d, Hard Rock’d, crazy jr high kid’d and souvineer’d out!!!!
Highlights of the trip included:
* The never-ending hunt for “Engrish” – “grass wine, please?”
* The crazy freakin’ deer in Nara park – see video below – hungry buggers!!!
* Harajuku – um, was that guy wearing a horse head? Sure was – see the photos.
* Q&A with Yatsuo ni-nensei – “Do you have a boyfriend?”, “What kind of man do you like?”, “What’s your blood type?” - MAN – I didn’t get these questions when I first got here.
* Tea ceremony in Kyoto – we got to make our own tea!
* And many more.
I particularly enjoyed taking Angela with me to school – it was like human show and tell. She was a hit and the kids were VERY excited to see her. Kinds puts everything into perspective for me – cause the kids were like that when I got here too – it was just happening “to” me – so I didn’t notice. We gaijin really out rock stars here – as least for the first few days. Now they don’t care – as evidenced by this comment:
Student to Angela: You are beautiful!!!
Student looks at me….
Student to me: Oh, you too.
“Sigh” – such is my life – LOL – of course, this same girl was following Angela around and sniffing her – so I am not going to worry too much.
Dropping Angela off at the airport today really brought home the fact that I “actually” live here!!! It was a bit overwhelming for about 15 seconds – cause I wasn’t going home too. Of course, the fact that I bought minimal souvenirs also emphasized this fact – LOL. As we walked though the stores I was like, I can get that later – LOL. Moreover, after 4 months of living here, I just discovered today that Toyama Station has an omiyaga floor – all the food and crappy souvenirs you could ever want!! Danger, Danielle, Danger!!!!!!
The itinerary for this week include Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, Okasa, Toyama, Kanasawa, Yatsuo and a visit to both of my schools. By the end we were temple’d, Hard Rock’d, crazy jr high kid’d and souvineer’d out!!!!
Highlights of the trip included:
* The never-ending hunt for “Engrish” – “grass wine, please?”
* The crazy freakin’ deer in Nara park – see video below – hungry buggers!!!
* Harajuku – um, was that guy wearing a horse head? Sure was – see the photos.
* Q&A with Yatsuo ni-nensei – “Do you have a boyfriend?”, “What kind of man do you like?”, “What’s your blood type?” - MAN – I didn’t get these questions when I first got here.
* Tea ceremony in Kyoto – we got to make our own tea!
* And many more.
I particularly enjoyed taking Angela with me to school – it was like human show and tell. She was a hit and the kids were VERY excited to see her. Kinds puts everything into perspective for me – cause the kids were like that when I got here too – it was just happening “to” me – so I didn’t notice. We gaijin really out rock stars here – as least for the first few days. Now they don’t care – as evidenced by this comment:
Student to Angela: You are beautiful!!!
Student looks at me….
Student to me: Oh, you too.
“Sigh” – such is my life – LOL – of course, this same girl was following Angela around and sniffing her – so I am not going to worry too much.
Dropping Angela off at the airport today really brought home the fact that I “actually” live here!!! It was a bit overwhelming for about 15 seconds – cause I wasn’t going home too. Of course, the fact that I bought minimal souvenirs also emphasized this fact – LOL. As we walked though the stores I was like, I can get that later – LOL. Moreover, after 4 months of living here, I just discovered today that Toyama Station has an omiyaga floor – all the food and crappy souvenirs you could ever want!! Danger, Danielle, Danger!!!!!!
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Um, Fig Newtons - Yummy!
Hum, stumbled across this site. Amongst other junk it tells you what your birth tree is. Sometimes this mystical stuff is a little to on the money - I've been reading about some of my friends - spooky how things fit! But I think mine is pretty much on target too - except for the animal thing - I just don't like um. The question is when will I meet the other 1/2 a billion fig trees in the world?
Here is me:
Fig Tree, the Sensibility
Very strong, a bit self-willed, independent, does not allow contradiction or arguments, loves life, its family, children and animals, a bit of a butterfly, good sense of humour, likes idleness and laziness, of practical talent and intelligence.
What are you? Click to find out:
YO! What's my tree, beeotch?
Here is me:
Fig Tree, the Sensibility
Very strong, a bit self-willed, independent, does not allow contradiction or arguments, loves life, its family, children and animals, a bit of a butterfly, good sense of humour, likes idleness and laziness, of practical talent and intelligence.
What are you? Click to find out:
YO! What's my tree, beeotch?
That's a Major NC on Standard 4.2.3
Last Thursday (11/16/06) was Yatsuo Jr High’s equivalent of an ISO audit (not to be confused with a REAL ISO audit, since that methodology has invaded this country too). This audit was conducted by the Toyama Board of Education (BOE). BAC auditors, you’ll be interested to know you have counterparts in Japan, not as good looking, but equally boring. So I ended up sitting thru the 1.5 hour feedback meeting with the teachers, followed by the 45 min follow up meeting with the BOE – none of which I really understood. At one point, the guy did say the word difficult and I was doing the “I can understand Japanese” dance in my head. Anyway, here’s what I learned from this experience:
1. Don’t freakin mumble – others can’t copy what you are saying if you do – and that is just rude.
2. School desks are uncomfortable in any country.
3. I am destined to sit in the squeakiest chair in the ken OR I just fidget a lot.
4. Japanese BOE employees love highlighters and post-it-notes.
5. It IS okay to wear white after Labor Day, especially if its white tennis shoes with your blue/black pin stripped suit.
6. Japanese sleep thru meetings too.
I was also involved in two of the evaluated classes. One was okay and the other was the hit of the English discussion. Who’d have thought that an off-hand comment by my supervisor @ Sugihara would result in the piece de’resistance of my audited TT lesson at Yatsuo?
Here’s the short of it: Before Halloween, Utsu-sensei made a comment about the process of trick or treating in America. So I asked mom to video tape the kiddies who came to our house on Halloween. She and Dad put together a nice little ten-minute sound bite for me. This in turn became my largest contribution to the team teaching lesson plan for this special day. And it in turn received the most praise – the evaluator liked the “realism” and the emotion it evoked - whatever – hehe – my ego swells with excitement – I am not as sucky a teacher as I think I am!
Friday, November 17, 2006
She's Leaving On the Midnight Bus to Tokyo
I am typing this from a time little room in an internet cafe in Tokyo (I hate the keyboard, by the way). I left last night on the over night bus from Toyama to Tokyo - it’s cheaper than the train and only takes 6 hours. Unfortunately, it’s still difficult to sleep on despite a pretty nice set up and it drops you off on a street corner in central Tokyo at five in the morning. So there I was at the butt crack of dawn, no idea where I was, toting a backpack and 10 hours to kill before Angela’s plane lands at Narita airport. So I did what every stranded American does - I headed for the neon glow of the golden arches and had me some breakfast. But it was getting crowded about 6:30ish, so I wandered a bit. Chatted with a random Canadian on the street - another of my favorite things about traveling - spot someone that looks like you - stop and say hello! I killed another 2 hours napping on a couch at the "other" American mecca, Starbucks. I have a newfound appreciation for that place!!!! And now I am here - waiting for the Tokyo Handicraft Shop to open and then maneuver my way thru the maze that is the Tokyo subway to get to the airport to meet Angela. I am sure I will have some adventure to report!
Random observation: Tokyo, and Japan for the most part, reminds me of a giant ant farm. Everyone seems to always be in black, with the black hair, industriously doing something. Or at least looking like they are doing something - even if it is sweeping the same spot every day.
Random observation: Tokyo, and Japan for the most part, reminds me of a giant ant farm. Everyone seems to always be in black, with the black hair, industriously doing something. Or at least looking like they are doing something - even if it is sweeping the same spot every day.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Bread, Bats, Bug Zappers and Burrrrrrr
Looks like it’s time for an update. Aside from random, pointless posts, I haven’t been keeping you up-to-date on the latest and greatest from Yatsuo. First and foremost, Japan has brought on the cold!!! I know it was a mere 90 days ago that I was cursing the gods of heat and humidity, but now I long for them to return (in moderation of course). As I type this blog, my fingers are frozen – and I am sitting INSIDE the teachers’ room at Sugihara and it’s only the middle of November. This defiantly DOES NOT bode well for the future. I am a constant source of perplexion for my fellow teachers as they can’t fathom why I am wearing short sleeves. Explaining to them that my winter clothes are in route is a monumentous task – so I just shrug and say “Yes, it sure is cold in here!” I believe I have mentioned somewhere that as a rule there is no central heating in Japan. This holds true for both of my schools and my apartment. I’ve yet to try out the kerosene heater – I just burrow under a pile of my super soft blankets. I’ve also decide I must need a super soft lap blanket for Sugihara – so Favore, here I come. Until then, I’ll just wrap my hands in my collection of washcloths (necessary for lunch and bathroom breaks as this country has yet to discover the concept of napkins and disposable hand towels).
Bats – yes folks, in addition to frogs, snails, lizards, prostitute spiders, dragonflies that need landing gear and other assorted large bugs, there are bats in Yatsuo. This just intensifies the aura of eerie that this place exudes. Tiffany and I are convinced that if zombies were real – they’d be living in Yatsuo. There is just no way to convey to you the heebee jeebees I get when I see the one car passenger train making it’s way to Toyama late at night. I just imagine that one day I’ll see that train and the little girl from The Grudge/The Ring will be staring back at me – moaning “go home” no less.
The newly redone Family Mart has gone old school and installed bug zappers. Upon my first visit to the reopened store, I was taken back to a BBQ in my backyard circa 1986. Who would have thought the sound of frying bugs could be so nostalgic.
Yes kids, yours truly made her own bread!!! I had a hankering for Olga bread and I couldn’t convince anyone to send me some. I did however get the recipe and some Tesco yeast packets from JB – so I decided to give it a try. Surprise, surprise after a few burnt pieces I have mastered the art of making pan-fried bread! I was pretty proud of myself!! Now I just need someone to send me some swiss almond cheese and some broccoli soup.
Opps, still no updates. Let’s see….. went to Uozo Aquarium on Saturday – very tiny, no famous firefly squid. They had a few fish, 2 turtles, 3 seals and some penguins. I thought it ironic that the café sold mostly fish dishes, until Tiffany pointed out you can get a hamburger at the zoo – LOL. Saturday night I ventured into the Toyama red light district (TRLD) on a manhunt. I saw many men – but caught nary a one. Did meet some real Russians though. The Russian ladies are my favorite – white furs and red lips straight out of 1982. Ryan owes me a round of drinks, so I guess I’ll be back for a visit to the TRLD. Oh, also got to sing Rainbow Connection at My Pleasure (local karaoke joint).
Bats – yes folks, in addition to frogs, snails, lizards, prostitute spiders, dragonflies that need landing gear and other assorted large bugs, there are bats in Yatsuo. This just intensifies the aura of eerie that this place exudes. Tiffany and I are convinced that if zombies were real – they’d be living in Yatsuo. There is just no way to convey to you the heebee jeebees I get when I see the one car passenger train making it’s way to Toyama late at night. I just imagine that one day I’ll see that train and the little girl from The Grudge/The Ring will be staring back at me – moaning “go home” no less.
The newly redone Family Mart has gone old school and installed bug zappers. Upon my first visit to the reopened store, I was taken back to a BBQ in my backyard circa 1986. Who would have thought the sound of frying bugs could be so nostalgic.
Yes kids, yours truly made her own bread!!! I had a hankering for Olga bread and I couldn’t convince anyone to send me some. I did however get the recipe and some Tesco yeast packets from JB – so I decided to give it a try. Surprise, surprise after a few burnt pieces I have mastered the art of making pan-fried bread! I was pretty proud of myself!! Now I just need someone to send me some swiss almond cheese and some broccoli soup.
Opps, still no updates. Let’s see….. went to Uozo Aquarium on Saturday – very tiny, no famous firefly squid. They had a few fish, 2 turtles, 3 seals and some penguins. I thought it ironic that the café sold mostly fish dishes, until Tiffany pointed out you can get a hamburger at the zoo – LOL. Saturday night I ventured into the Toyama red light district (TRLD) on a manhunt. I saw many men – but caught nary a one. Did meet some real Russians though. The Russian ladies are my favorite – white furs and red lips straight out of 1982. Ryan owes me a round of drinks, so I guess I’ll be back for a visit to the TRLD. Oh, also got to sing Rainbow Connection at My Pleasure (local karaoke joint).
Monday, November 13, 2006
This is what random internet searching produces...
Desiderata
Anonymous
Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexatious to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy.
Anonymous
Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexatious to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy.
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Update....
Um, it's been brought to my intention that a previous blog makes it look like I'll be coming home for christmas. Not true. I am a cheapskate and can't/won't pay $1300 buck for a ticket. I will be in toyama for the holidays :-). I have more to say on the impending festivities - but that is for a later blog.
Friday, November 10, 2006
Someone Hit the Lights, Please
*** Extremely Pointless Rant Below ***
A very good friend recently told me “You draw crazy to you like bugs to a lightbulb, my dear”. She is absolutely right – and I have no problem with crazy! You know why? Cause I am crazy (not in the clinical sense of the word of course). But today I realized that ‘crazy” kinda sucks. I have some friends (and one stranger I met on the street – gotta stop handing out cards) that are going thru some emotional crazy right now – be it relationship, employment or personal – that I’ve been taking the time to listen to them. Cause like I said – I know what I do and need when the “crazy” hits. Maybe not to the same extent, maybe not the same situation, but I defiantly understand. I understand the need to talk incessantly about a issue (I apologize to every one for pre-Japan stuff – LOL), the desires to just avoid the situation, or the hope that things will get better. But I also know that what or who they think is important and essential now – won’t be in time. Being the person I am, I want to beat this into their heads when they won’t listen to me – LOL. But the brain functions on a different level when ‘crazy’ is in control. Now I know how my friends must feel when I do my “crazy” thing. Mom, you are a SAINT!
This same friend with the “crazy” quote also said that we pretty much develop the attitudes and mentality we are today at a young age, and our coping mechanism rarely change after that. This is what is gnawing at my brain right now. Cause I am seriously concerned about how I will handle things the next time “crazy” comes knocking at my door. Will I have learned from my past experiences? I think not. Ugh! Will I act differently? One can only hope – but having read my journals from the last ten years, I doubt it – LOL. So I guess what this all means is that I need to keep my friends close – so the next time “crazy” shows up – they’ll try to beat the advice I am peddling to my friends right now into my head. Emotions are a bitch, but they are what make life worth living!
A very good friend recently told me “You draw crazy to you like bugs to a lightbulb, my dear”. She is absolutely right – and I have no problem with crazy! You know why? Cause I am crazy (not in the clinical sense of the word of course). But today I realized that ‘crazy” kinda sucks. I have some friends (and one stranger I met on the street – gotta stop handing out cards) that are going thru some emotional crazy right now – be it relationship, employment or personal – that I’ve been taking the time to listen to them. Cause like I said – I know what I do and need when the “crazy” hits. Maybe not to the same extent, maybe not the same situation, but I defiantly understand. I understand the need to talk incessantly about a issue (I apologize to every one for pre-Japan stuff – LOL), the desires to just avoid the situation, or the hope that things will get better. But I also know that what or who they think is important and essential now – won’t be in time. Being the person I am, I want to beat this into their heads when they won’t listen to me – LOL. But the brain functions on a different level when ‘crazy’ is in control. Now I know how my friends must feel when I do my “crazy” thing. Mom, you are a SAINT!
This same friend with the “crazy” quote also said that we pretty much develop the attitudes and mentality we are today at a young age, and our coping mechanism rarely change after that. This is what is gnawing at my brain right now. Cause I am seriously concerned about how I will handle things the next time “crazy” comes knocking at my door. Will I have learned from my past experiences? I think not. Ugh! Will I act differently? One can only hope – but having read my journals from the last ten years, I doubt it – LOL. So I guess what this all means is that I need to keep my friends close – so the next time “crazy” shows up – they’ll try to beat the advice I am peddling to my friends right now into my head. Emotions are a bitch, but they are what make life worth living!
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
For Purple Mountain Majesties
One of my favorite things about living in Toyama is being surrounded by mountains. On most days, it’s hazy and the mountains are just silhouettes behind the city. But on a day like today, after a hellacious rain storm yesterday, the scene changes. Today was gorgeous. Crystal clear blue skies, sunshine, and the stunning Tateyama mountains with their snow covered peaks. I spent quite a few minutes staring out the window.
Another bonus to living in the mountains is the scenery that accompanies this landscape. On Sunday, a group of us traveled to Shomyo Falls, the tallest waterfall in Japan. It’s Autumn here, so the mountains are turning into a carpet of color and as luck would have it, Sunday was beautiful weather. Got some great shots – click here to view.
Of course, I’ll probably be cursing the landscape once it starts to snow. I’ve already got a taste of the cold that is on it’s way – and there is no central heating in Japan (it would spoil the fish – LOL). Bought myself a second UBER-soft blanket to combat the cold. At some point I’m gonna have to crank up the kerosene heater – yuck – cause I hate the smell of kerosene in the morning – LOL.
Another bonus to living in the mountains is the scenery that accompanies this landscape. On Sunday, a group of us traveled to Shomyo Falls, the tallest waterfall in Japan. It’s Autumn here, so the mountains are turning into a carpet of color and as luck would have it, Sunday was beautiful weather. Got some great shots – click here to view.
Of course, I’ll probably be cursing the landscape once it starts to snow. I’ve already got a taste of the cold that is on it’s way – and there is no central heating in Japan (it would spoil the fish – LOL). Bought myself a second UBER-soft blanket to combat the cold. At some point I’m gonna have to crank up the kerosene heater – yuck – cause I hate the smell of kerosene in the morning – LOL.
Our Voices are Sensational and Spicy
Yes, little children, your voices are spicy. So much so, I was moved to tears on Saturday at Yatsuo Junior High’s cultural festival. Well actually, that was a hormonal response to the Japanese version of “Amazing Grace” and John Denver’s “Country Roads” – LOL. Let me tell you folks, there is nothing like John Denver in Japanese!
Overall, the cultural festival is an interesting event – kinda like science fair, art display, music concert, and conference all rolled into one. Of course, the highlight of the day was the English club display – assisted by yours truly! The focus was on American holidays. We blasted Easter, Christmas, and Halloween music and made Easter eggs. The three ladies in the club carved pumpkins, made posters, and constructed holiday “things” out of paper. Click here for the awesome Canon paper craft site. Listening to “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” repeatedly brought on a HUGE dose of homesickness – I rushed home to purchase my ticket back home for the holidays. But there is no better cure for homesickness then a $1300 airfare. Here’s my pumpkin – any idea what it is? I was quite proud of myself.
Overall, the cultural festival is an interesting event – kinda like science fair, art display, music concert, and conference all rolled into one. Of course, the highlight of the day was the English club display – assisted by yours truly! The focus was on American holidays. We blasted Easter, Christmas, and Halloween music and made Easter eggs. The three ladies in the club carved pumpkins, made posters, and constructed holiday “things” out of paper. Click here for the awesome Canon paper craft site. Listening to “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” repeatedly brought on a HUGE dose of homesickness – I rushed home to purchase my ticket back home for the holidays. But there is no better cure for homesickness then a $1300 airfare. Here’s my pumpkin – any idea what it is? I was quite proud of myself.
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Dust, Dust everywhere and not a broom in sight
Today was my 46th day of cleaning time with my students. And every time I get out my broom and start sweeping the steps – I have to ask myself – how can this school be dirty all the time if we clean it everyday and no one wears shoes from outside past the entryway? And better yet - where in the hell does all this dust come from? Alas, I believe I have the answers to both of these questions. To answer number one – I believe this place is dirty for several reasons:
ONE: they leave the cleaning to 250 kids who don’t give a rat’s ass about the concept of clean. To be honest, I believe they have honed “looking like they are cleaning” to an art form. I am pretty sure if I threw a piece of paper on the stairs, it would still be here, albeit in a different spot a few days later.
TWO: Since it’s the kids’ job to clean, no one else does it. There are no janitors making boku bucks in this country. And since the teachers are really just Japanese kids at heart….. You get the picture.
As for the dust in the country – that is a whole ‘nother story. Fortunately, during one of my hideout sessions in the library of Sugihara, I ran across the explanation. I submit for your reading pleasure the legend of Princess Kibou & Lord Zetsubou.
“Many ages ago, in the land before Swiffers, there lived, in Kosi (present day Hokuriku region) a beautiful princess, Kibou. Her father, Shinnen, had decided that it was time for her to marry. So he sent a message to all the royal families in the land to come and check his kid out. Many brave and handsome lords showed up (cause the princess was also loaded). But Princess Kibou didn’t really want to get married and get down to having numerous babies (as was the practice back in those days). So she went to see a crazy old lady, Chie, for advice. Chie looked into her green tea and gave Kibou the following prediction: “Of the lords that come to offer for your hand, there is one who’s very nature will call out to you, but you are opposites, and no good will come of your relationship. Beware.” Of course, you know what happens when you tell kids (hell, adults for that matter) to stay away from something.
On her way back to her father castle, Kibou met Lord Zetsubou. She looked into his eyes, there was an instant connection, and Kibou forgot all about what Chie had said. He followed Kibou home and joined the ranks of her suitors. The two spent all of their time together, to the annoyance of the others. But theirs was not a peaceful relationship – because they were opposites (as Chie had predicted) – they loved hard but fought harder. On the day they announced their betrothal, the god Jounetsu, who had been watching the two and knew they shouldn’t be together, cursed them. If they were to consummate their love, something really bad would happen. But because they were “in love”, they ignored this. They married and on their wedding night, at the exact moment of togetherness, Kibou and Zetsubou exploded. Chie, who was really a goddess, took pity on the two and turned their “matter” into never ending dust so the two would always be together. To this day, Kibou and Zetsubou blow around the Hokuriku region. And that is why Toyama is so freaking dusty!”
ONE: they leave the cleaning to 250 kids who don’t give a rat’s ass about the concept of clean. To be honest, I believe they have honed “looking like they are cleaning” to an art form. I am pretty sure if I threw a piece of paper on the stairs, it would still be here, albeit in a different spot a few days later.
TWO: Since it’s the kids’ job to clean, no one else does it. There are no janitors making boku bucks in this country. And since the teachers are really just Japanese kids at heart….. You get the picture.
As for the dust in the country – that is a whole ‘nother story. Fortunately, during one of my hideout sessions in the library of Sugihara, I ran across the explanation. I submit for your reading pleasure the legend of Princess Kibou & Lord Zetsubou.
“Many ages ago, in the land before Swiffers, there lived, in Kosi (present day Hokuriku region) a beautiful princess, Kibou. Her father, Shinnen, had decided that it was time for her to marry. So he sent a message to all the royal families in the land to come and check his kid out. Many brave and handsome lords showed up (cause the princess was also loaded). But Princess Kibou didn’t really want to get married and get down to having numerous babies (as was the practice back in those days). So she went to see a crazy old lady, Chie, for advice. Chie looked into her green tea and gave Kibou the following prediction: “Of the lords that come to offer for your hand, there is one who’s very nature will call out to you, but you are opposites, and no good will come of your relationship. Beware.” Of course, you know what happens when you tell kids (hell, adults for that matter) to stay away from something.
On her way back to her father castle, Kibou met Lord Zetsubou. She looked into his eyes, there was an instant connection, and Kibou forgot all about what Chie had said. He followed Kibou home and joined the ranks of her suitors. The two spent all of their time together, to the annoyance of the others. But theirs was not a peaceful relationship – because they were opposites (as Chie had predicted) – they loved hard but fought harder. On the day they announced their betrothal, the god Jounetsu, who had been watching the two and knew they shouldn’t be together, cursed them. If they were to consummate their love, something really bad would happen. But because they were “in love”, they ignored this. They married and on their wedding night, at the exact moment of togetherness, Kibou and Zetsubou exploded. Chie, who was really a goddess, took pity on the two and turned their “matter” into never ending dust so the two would always be together. To this day, Kibou and Zetsubou blow around the Hokuriku region. And that is why Toyama is so freaking dusty!”
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