水曜日, 11月 19, 2003 by kaz
Days til I'm home!: 2
Current Yen to Dollar: 108.90
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Daily excerpt from The Paranoid's Pocket Guide:
About 65% of new marriages will end in either divorce or separation.
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Woke up at: 0655
Mood: Koo
Listening to: High Fidelity by Jurassic 5
Weather Report: A little cloudy and chilly, supposed to rain for the next 3 days
Japanese Word/Phrase/Food of the Day: gasshosai = chorus festival
Japan News: KOFU - A magnetically levitated (Maglev) train set a new record speed of 560 kilometers per hour (kph) Monday on an experimental track in Yamanashi Prefecture, west of Tokyo, the train's operator said. Monday's test run of the unmanned three-car train beat its previous record in April 1999 when a manned Maglev train hit a record speed of 552 kph, according to Central Japan Railway Co (JR Tokai).
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Fantasy Football Update (as of 11.18.03):
Record: 6-4-1
Me: 40 - Jim: 52
My WRs didn't do jack! But I give props to Tri (last place), who overtook the undfeated leader, Marty this week! Hip Hip Hooray!!!
Week 12 matchup: Fleas & Ninjas (Paul) 3-8-0
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Fantasy Basketball Update (as of 11.18.03):
Record: 18-11-1
RESULTS
Week 1: 6-4 W, japanimal (Kotaro)
Week 2: 6-3 W, Dribblin' Balls (Jookie)
Week 3: 6-4 W, Scruffs Thugz (Don)
Week 4 Matchup - Gstyle (Gee)
As of right now, I'm up 7-3.
BTW, did any of ya'll see Jamal Crawford's fall? (for those of you who didn't, go to ESPN.com and d/l the ESPN motion and check out the highlights) Man, can't believe that he's out of the hospital already! But it's gonna take a toll on my team.
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Japan Women's National Volleyball Team: (as of 11.18.03)
Finished: 5th place
Record: 7-4
Japan Men's National Volleyball Team: (as of 11.18.03)
Overall Record: 3-0
Round 1 Record: 3-0
Next opponent: USA
Yamamoto Takahiro is the leading scorer in the tournament after round 1! He hits the 'D' like no other!!
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Current Book Status:
Cryptonomicon
The Best American Short Stories 1999: pg 15 Sorry Ha chan, but that book was kinda wack yo!
Count Zero: pg 46
This one is a little confusing. Totally different than Neuromancer.
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News:
TECH:
- BEIJING - Seeking to compete on its own terms in the lucrative entertainment industry, China announced a government-funded project Tuesday to promote an alternative to DVDs and "attack the market share" of the global video format. read more here
- NEW YORK - Code-makers could be on the verge of winning their ancient arms race with code-breakers. After 20 years of research, an encryption process is emerging that is considered unbreakable because it employs the mind-blowing laws of quantum physics. This month, a small startup called MagiQ Technologies Inc. began selling what appears to be the first commercially available system that uses individual photons to transfer the numeric keys that are widely used to encode and read secret documents. read more here.
- TOKYO - Seibu Lions infielder Kazuo Matsui, a seven-time All-Star and three-time Golden Glove winner, is geared up to become the latest Japanese export to take up a career in the major leagues. Matsui, who declared free agency last month after 10 years in Japanese pro baseball, told a news conference Monday he wants to fulfill his dream of playing his trade in the United States.
- LAS VEGAS - Dell announces 23-inch and 30-inch LCD televisions and a multifunction printer at Comdex Monday. ViewSonic, meanwhile, takes the wraps off a line of LCD monitors and a new tablet PC. read more here.
- An altered version of the cannabis chemical THC might help prevent brain damage in head-trauma victims.read more here
- CODE-makers could be on the verge of winning their ancient arms race with code-breakers. After 20 years of research, an encryption process is emerging that is considered unbreakable because it employs the mind-blowing laws of quantum physics. read more here
- Take your Digital IQ Test here. I got a 140!
SPORTS:
- A-Rod wins the AL MVP. ESPN's Jayson Stark had some interesting things to say about this.
- Bonds wins record 6th MVP.
- Doc Rivers was fired as coach of the Orlando Magic late Monday night after the team got off to the worst start in its 15-year history. Rivers told The Associated Press early Tuesday that Magic general manager John Gabriel told him of the decision in a meeting at the team hotel after Orlando lost to Utah 90-88 on Monday night. The Magic, an NBA-worst 1-10 this season, have lost 10 consecutive games.
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Gashosai, Roppongi, Dinner @ Yanase's, BBALL in Shibuya, Rakugo & Dinner with Mikie, Junko and Natsuyo
Friday
Today was our gasshosai (chorus festival) @ Narashino Bunka Hll. Takahashi sensei picked me up @ around 0730ish and we headed to Tsudanuma. Got to Narashino Bunka Hall and met up with some other teachers and the student committee. The whole performance was subarashii (wonderful). The kids all shocked me in ways that I've never seen. From piano playing to singing to even conducting! You can see how much time, effort and heart into this festival. They even had a Japanese opera singer perform.
Went drinkin' with the teachers after the festival near Tsudanuma eki. It was actually quite close to my friend Ko's house. The funny thing was that when we were waiting for the restaurant to open, I wondered around and found something that I've been lookin' for even before I came to Japan! The ALT/foreigner bar named Sala! We then headed into the restaurant, had some grubbin' food and tons and tons of drinks. I wasn't expecting to drink so much cuz I was still headin' out to party in Roppongi for an all nighter. But, you cannot refuse when the principal and vice principal and other teachers pour it for you. Got a chance to chat with Ishimura sensei (art teacher) for the first time. Miyakawa and Takeuchi sensei were tryin' to hook me up with our waitress. Anyhow..after all that, all the teachers and even me, gave a little speech about the gashhosai. After drinks, Takeuchi took me to Sala for some more. I guess I wasn't plannin' on takin' a nap @ Kaoru's before goin' out. From what my sister and Neille told me about it, it wasn't what I expected. I had the preconceived notion that all the employees could speak english...boy was I wrong. When I did speak English...they looked at me all funny. Oh wellz. Takeuchi and I had a few beers before he went to the Wild Turkey. I just had a Malibu Rum & Coke. Afterwards, I got on the train and headed to Asakusa to meet up with Kaoru. Got to Asakusabashi and took a cab to her restaurant/house. Thinkin' I could sleep for a little bit, she greeted me at the door and said let's go! I was like, what!? So then we headed out to Roppongi to meet up with Aki.
Got to Roppongi and met up with Aki. She shocked me with her new FOMA cell phone. It's pretty dope! But she still has her old PHS too. Anyhow, since they didn't eat, we headed to Saizeriya for some food. Kicked there for awhile and then headed to Hobson's to meet up with the fellas. Scott, Rick and Bryan were there. Met Edwin for the first time as well as some girls that Bryan brought. That guy is a good person to know. Very well connected in Tokyo. As we waited for some more peeps, Aki and Kaoru got some ice cream at Hobson's and then we went into Muse. I didn't know that girls were free. Guys had to pay about $10 but got a free drink ticket. We got inside and is wasn't too packed. Got some drinks, chilled downstairs in the lounge and then headed back up to chill. Got introduced to this girl Lisa (Vancouver, graphic/web designer) who's friends with Bryan. She used to live in Japan like 2 years ago. We chatted and I pitched her the BA line. Unfortunately I didn't have any cards on me, but I'll be sure to get in touch with her again. While I was talkin' with Kaoru and Aki, I hear this familiar voice say,"that guy looks familiar...is that Kevin?". When I turn around, to my surprise, I see Kyoko. I introduce her to Kaoru and Aki and then they start goin' off in super fast Japanese. I also saw John there too. Another koo kat that's well connected in Tokyo. When we went back down to the lounge, I noticed that Aki wasn't with us. Kaoru said that she's dancing with some guy. I was like huh!? Oh yeah? Good for her. What I didn't realize was that we wouldn't really see her for the rest of the night. While we were chillin' and talkin', Rick came over to chat with Kaoru and I. He busted out his Japanese for her and they chatted it up for a while. Rick is a koo guy. Always lookin' out. It's good to have him as one of my senpais! I also got a chance to talk to Edwin some more, really koo and funny guy. We chatted about all kinds of stuff. Also spoke with Scott a bit. Talked about his English school him and his wife started up. May try to get some private contracts through that. Around this time, Kaoru and I were a little worried about Aki, after we found her playin' ping pong, we went to the dance floor. I must say that this night, they were playin' some good beats. Last time, the music was kinda wack, mostly trance, but that nite, it was mostly hip hop. Some songs I haven't heard in a long time! Went back down to chill and met Hiromi (Lives in Yokohama, went to college in the states, works for Bloomberg), her English was very good. She went to school in Wisconsin and worked in Seattle for a bit but for some reason, she likes Wisconsin better than Seattle. When we went to look for Aki again, she was in the upstairs lounge chillin' with that guy.
We all decided to head out around 0400ish and go get some ramen. Aki said she that she's gonna stay so we got our stuff out of the locker and gave her the key before leaving. Since Kaoru had to go wakeboarding the next day, she took a cab home from the club. The only peeps left were: Rick, Bryan, Edwin, Scott, Lisa, Hiromi, Kyoko and I. We went to this pretty ghetto ramen place and had to sit outside on upside down, economy sized shoyu cans with egg cartons for a cushion. The ramen was grubbin' and so was the gyoza. Since everyone had to go different places, Lisa, Hiromi and I took a cab to Ebisu eki. Lisa and Hiromi were both going to Yokohama, but Lisa decided to go pick up her shopping bags she left in a locker in Shibuya first. So Hiromi and I headed to Shinagawa to catch the Yokosuka line, she headed to Yokohama, I headed to Chiba. I pretty much have been up for about 24 hours now and totally passed out on the train. Woke up and realized that I was in Chiba!!! Luckily that was the last stop before it headed back to Funabashi. Fortunately, Tsudanuma station was only 2 stops away. Got home around 0800ish and crashed out.
Saturday
Woke up @ around 1430 and pretty much chilled the whole day. Got call from Atsuko san, invited me over for dinner. She made some grubbin' food as usual. We watched the women's volleyball against China. Man, China is strong! No wonder they're the #1 team in world. They have this one girl who's 197cm (for you metrically challenged, that's about 6'5") who easily hit over the Japan block. Since the match didn't take that long, Yanase san went to bed and Atsuko san and I watched this drama with Konishi Manami called Suntory Mystery. The main girl had this power...kinda along the lines of the guy from the Green Mile. Where they're able to see the destiny of the people when they touch them. Since it was sponsored by Suntory, pretty much all of the CM's (commercials) were some sort of Suntory product. They even went as far as putting it into the drama! All the tea and water bottles were clearly by Suntory.
Sunday
Woke up and pretty much did 3 loads of laundry. It was pretty warm...about 10 degrees warmer than it has been. Unfortunately it was windy as hell! So my laundry pole kept on falling down!! @ around 1500ish, I headed to Funabashi downtown for a spam sandwich @ Freshness Burger. I must say that is was very, very tasty. Afterwards, headed to Shibuya Sports Center but kinda didn't know where I was, so I called Rick up and he guided me in the right direction. The center is a pretty nice place. Met all kinds of new folks: Alex (from eastern Canada, English teacher, been in Japan for 5 years), David (from Dallas, Texas A&M grad, MIS degree, 26, only been in Japan since September), Craig (JA, from LA, 40, graphic designer, has his own company, friend of Bryan's older brother), Lloyd (another friend of Bryan's older brother), Ken (JA, from LA), Derek (happa, from Las Vegas, pretty good baller) and some other people.
Discovered a new way to avoid the Chinese girls that ask you for a massage outside of Tsudanuma eki. Just gotta hit the stairs to the right.
After ball, headed to Mos Burger with Bryan, Sean and Yatsu (Bryan's neighbor and brother's friend, from Sendai)
Monday
Found out that one of our students got 3rd place in all of Chiba prefecture in Kendo.
Today's schedule was Tuesday's schedule, so it was busy.
Since I was totally sore from playin' bball from the night before, I was only gonna help out and observe the practice. I forgot that it was Monday and that Aso san comes to coach that day. While I was takin' a nap in the PE office, he wakes me up and tells me to get out here to play. I'm in frickin' jeans! I don't even have my contacts! He selectively tuned that out and told me again to get on the court.
Dinner @ Ikko. Had some grubbin' sukiyaki, miso shiru and natto gohan. Chatted with Kita san and Sensei for most of the night. Also noticed that Mama got a haircut. After dinner, came home and chatted a bit and then went to sleep!
Tuesday
Another lax day @ school. Since we have an assembly, the classes are short as well no 5th period. Today's assembly was Rakugo. A Japanese style, comedian/talent show. Hmmm...kinda hard to explain. There's nothing really like it back home. Though I couldn't understand some of the dialogue, I really enjoyed the magician. Especially when he asked Kuroda & Miyahara sensei to come up as volunteers! Afterwards, helped clean up a bit and chatted with Tomoko and Mio (from the girls bball team). Then headed back to the teacher's room and helped Honda sensei get the internet up and running. I don't know what's wrong with our router here, but it seems to hang up every so often and the quick fix is to just switch it on and off.
Left school @ around 16:25ish to go to my last dentist appointment! Now I only have to come back for checkups, no more work! Hip Hip Hooray!
Mama told me to come by her place before dinner cuz she was going to take me shopping for some sake. When I got there after my dentist appointment, I was totally shocked that she already got some Kubota for me. And it was the super economy sized one too!!! When I asked how much it was, she told me it was a gift from her and her husband. She's so sweet! I love her!!
@ around 1900ish, got on my bike and headed to Kita Narashino. Since I've never been there on my bike, I was just using intution to figure out how to get there. When I got to Narashino eki, I heard a voice say Kevin and to my pleasant surprise, it was Mikie! Phew!!! Good thing I found her cuz she knows the way for sure. Got to Kita Nara, and went to Makudonarudo (McDonald's) to meet up with Natsuyo. We then headed to Watami, the same place Daisuke and I went 2 weeks ago. Had some food and drinks and talked. These girls all have totally different personalities, it's weird to see them together. We were there for about
4 hours and then called it a night. Junko headed home to Takanekodan, Natsuyo to Yachio and Mikie and I back to Takinoi. Last words from Mikie were omiyage matteru (I'll be waiting for my souvenir), my response mochiron (of course!)
Wednesday
My last day @ school for the month. Had some problems today with the 7th graders. One 7th grader threatened another one with scissors and actually hit the other kid with it. Some parents are here, it's kind of a mess right now.
So I'm looking at my obento (it's chukyokyo = funabashi school meeting; so there's no school lunch) right now, and I get depressed because the company we used to use for our obentos went out of business. They had the grubbin': yakiniku, karaage, katsudon, etc... This obento looks like crap! It comes in a nice laquer box but who cares if the food looks and tastes like crap!!!
It's been pretty loud lately @ school with all the people coming to do cut some of the tree branches down.
Takahashi sensei has been walkin' like a Jijii lately cuz he's havin' back problems.
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Closing Words
Here's something my mom sent me. Enjoy!
AIRLINE SAFETY
Alaska Airlines -- Thanks to a retired Alaska Airlines
Captain for sending this "paraphrase" of a memorable
safety PA from their Flight Attendants.
In his own words: "I was flying to San Francisco
from Seattle this weekend, and the flight attendant
reading the flight safety information had the whole
plane looking at each other like 'what the heck?'
(Getting Seattle people to look at each other is an
accomplishment.) So once we got airborne, I took
out my laptop and typed up what she said so I
wouldn't forget. I've left out a few parts I'm sure, but
this is most of it."
Before takeoff...
"Hello, and welcome to Alaska Flight 438 to San
Francisco. If you're going to San Francisco, you're in
the right place. If you're not going to San Francisco,
you're about to have a really long evening."
"We'd like to tell you now about some important
safety features of this aircraft. The most important
safety feature we have aboard this plane is...The
Flight Attendants. Please look at one now."
"There are 5 exits aboard this plane: 2 at the front,
2 over the wings, and one out the plane's rear end. If
you're seated in one of the exit rows, please do not
store your bags by your feet. That would be a really
bad idea. Please take a moment and look around
and find the nearest exit. Count the rows of seats
between you and the exit. In the event that the need
arises to find one, trust me, you'll be glad you did.
We have pretty blinking lights on the floor that will
blink in the direction of the exits. White ones along
the normal rows, and pretty red ones at the exit rows."
"In the event of a loss of cabin pressure these
baggy things will drop down over your head. You
stick it over your nose and mouth like the flight
attendant is doing now. The bag won't inflate, but
there's oxygen there, promise. If you are sitting next
to a small child, or someone who is acting like a
small child, please do us all a favor and put on your
mask first. If you are traveling with two or more
children, please take a moment now to decide
which one is your favorite. Help that one first, and
then work your way down."
"In the seat pocket in front of you is a pamphlet
about the safety features of this plane. I usually use
it as a fan when I'm having my own personal summer.
It makes a very good fan. It also has pretty pictures.
Please take it out and play with it now."
"Please take a moment now to make sure your
seat belts are fastened low and tight about your waist.
To fasten the belt, insert the metal tab into the buckle.
To release, it's a pulley thing -- not a pushy thing like
your car because you're in an airplane -- HELLOOO!!"
"There is no smoking in the cabin on this flight.
There is also no smoking in the lavatories. If we see
smoke coming from the lavatories, we will assume
you are on fire and put you out. This is a free service
we provide. There are two smoking sections on this
flight, one outside each wing exit. We do have a
movie in the smoking sections tonight...hold on, let
me check what it is...Oh here it is; the movie tonight
is 'Gone with the Wind.' "
"In a moment we will be turning off the cabin
lights, and it's going to get really dark, really fast. If
you're afraid of the dark, now would be a good time
to reach up and press the yellow button. The yellow
button turns on your reading light. Please don't press
the orange button unless you absolutely have to. The
orange button is your seat ejection button."
"We're glad to have you with us on board this
flight. Thank you for choosing Alaska Air, and giving
us your business and your money. If there's anything
we can do to make you more comfortable, please
don't hesitate to ask."
"If you all weren't strapped down you would have
given me a standing ovation, wouldn't you?"
After landing...
"Welcome to the San Francisco International
Airport. Sorry about the bumpy landing. It's not the
captain's fault. It's not the copilot's fault. It's the
asphalt."
"Please remain seated until the plane is parked
at the gate. At no time in history has a passenger
beaten a plane to the gate. So please don't even try.
Please be careful opening the overhead bins because
'shift happens'."
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Kaz out...
Current Yen to Dollar: 108.90
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Daily excerpt from The Paranoid's Pocket Guide:
About 65% of new marriages will end in either divorce or separation.
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Woke up at: 0655
Mood: Koo
Listening to: High Fidelity by Jurassic 5
Weather Report: A little cloudy and chilly, supposed to rain for the next 3 days
Japanese Word/Phrase/Food of the Day: gasshosai = chorus festival
Japan News: KOFU - A magnetically levitated (Maglev) train set a new record speed of 560 kilometers per hour (kph) Monday on an experimental track in Yamanashi Prefecture, west of Tokyo, the train's operator said. Monday's test run of the unmanned three-car train beat its previous record in April 1999 when a manned Maglev train hit a record speed of 552 kph, according to Central Japan Railway Co (JR Tokai).
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fantasy Football Update (as of 11.18.03):
Record: 6-4-1
Me: 40 - Jim: 52
My WRs didn't do jack! But I give props to Tri (last place), who overtook the undfeated leader, Marty this week! Hip Hip Hooray!!!
Week 12 matchup: Fleas & Ninjas (Paul) 3-8-0
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Fantasy Basketball Update (as of 11.18.03):
Record: 18-11-1
RESULTS
Week 1: 6-4 W, japanimal (Kotaro)
Week 2: 6-3 W, Dribblin' Balls (Jookie)
Week 3: 6-4 W, Scruffs Thugz (Don)
Week 4 Matchup - Gstyle (Gee)
As of right now, I'm up 7-3.
BTW, did any of ya'll see Jamal Crawford's fall? (for those of you who didn't, go to ESPN.com and d/l the ESPN motion and check out the highlights) Man, can't believe that he's out of the hospital already! But it's gonna take a toll on my team.
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Japan Women's National Volleyball Team: (as of 11.18.03)
Finished: 5th place
Record: 7-4
Japan Men's National Volleyball Team: (as of 11.18.03)
Overall Record: 3-0
Round 1 Record: 3-0
Next opponent: USA
Yamamoto Takahiro is the leading scorer in the tournament after round 1! He hits the 'D' like no other!!
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Current Book Status:
Count Zero: pg 46
This one is a little confusing. Totally different than Neuromancer.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
News:
TECH:
- BEIJING - Seeking to compete on its own terms in the lucrative entertainment industry, China announced a government-funded project Tuesday to promote an alternative to DVDs and "attack the market share" of the global video format. read more here
- NEW YORK - Code-makers could be on the verge of winning their ancient arms race with code-breakers. After 20 years of research, an encryption process is emerging that is considered unbreakable because it employs the mind-blowing laws of quantum physics. This month, a small startup called MagiQ Technologies Inc. began selling what appears to be the first commercially available system that uses individual photons to transfer the numeric keys that are widely used to encode and read secret documents. read more here.
- TOKYO - Seibu Lions infielder Kazuo Matsui, a seven-time All-Star and three-time Golden Glove winner, is geared up to become the latest Japanese export to take up a career in the major leagues. Matsui, who declared free agency last month after 10 years in Japanese pro baseball, told a news conference Monday he wants to fulfill his dream of playing his trade in the United States.
- LAS VEGAS - Dell announces 23-inch and 30-inch LCD televisions and a multifunction printer at Comdex Monday. ViewSonic, meanwhile, takes the wraps off a line of LCD monitors and a new tablet PC. read more here.
- An altered version of the cannabis chemical THC might help prevent brain damage in head-trauma victims.read more here
- CODE-makers could be on the verge of winning their ancient arms race with code-breakers. After 20 years of research, an encryption process is emerging that is considered unbreakable because it employs the mind-blowing laws of quantum physics. read more here
- Take your Digital IQ Test here. I got a 140!
SPORTS:
- A-Rod wins the AL MVP. ESPN's Jayson Stark had some interesting things to say about this.
- Bonds wins record 6th MVP.
- Doc Rivers was fired as coach of the Orlando Magic late Monday night after the team got off to the worst start in its 15-year history. Rivers told The Associated Press early Tuesday that Magic general manager John Gabriel told him of the decision in a meeting at the team hotel after Orlando lost to Utah 90-88 on Monday night. The Magic, an NBA-worst 1-10 this season, have lost 10 consecutive games.
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Gashosai, Roppongi, Dinner @ Yanase's, BBALL in Shibuya, Rakugo & Dinner with Mikie, Junko and Natsuyo
Friday
Today was our gasshosai (chorus festival) @ Narashino Bunka Hll. Takahashi sensei picked me up @ around 0730ish and we headed to Tsudanuma. Got to Narashino Bunka Hall and met up with some other teachers and the student committee. The whole performance was subarashii (wonderful). The kids all shocked me in ways that I've never seen. From piano playing to singing to even conducting! You can see how much time, effort and heart into this festival. They even had a Japanese opera singer perform.
Went drinkin' with the teachers after the festival near Tsudanuma eki. It was actually quite close to my friend Ko's house. The funny thing was that when we were waiting for the restaurant to open, I wondered around and found something that I've been lookin' for even before I came to Japan! The ALT/foreigner bar named Sala! We then headed into the restaurant, had some grubbin' food and tons and tons of drinks. I wasn't expecting to drink so much cuz I was still headin' out to party in Roppongi for an all nighter. But, you cannot refuse when the principal and vice principal and other teachers pour it for you. Got a chance to chat with Ishimura sensei (art teacher) for the first time. Miyakawa and Takeuchi sensei were tryin' to hook me up with our waitress. Anyhow..after all that, all the teachers and even me, gave a little speech about the gashhosai. After drinks, Takeuchi took me to Sala for some more. I guess I wasn't plannin' on takin' a nap @ Kaoru's before goin' out. From what my sister and Neille told me about it, it wasn't what I expected. I had the preconceived notion that all the employees could speak english...boy was I wrong. When I did speak English...they looked at me all funny. Oh wellz. Takeuchi and I had a few beers before he went to the Wild Turkey. I just had a Malibu Rum & Coke. Afterwards, I got on the train and headed to Asakusa to meet up with Kaoru. Got to Asakusabashi and took a cab to her restaurant/house. Thinkin' I could sleep for a little bit, she greeted me at the door and said let's go! I was like, what!? So then we headed out to Roppongi to meet up with Aki.
Got to Roppongi and met up with Aki. She shocked me with her new FOMA cell phone. It's pretty dope! But she still has her old PHS too. Anyhow, since they didn't eat, we headed to Saizeriya for some food. Kicked there for awhile and then headed to Hobson's to meet up with the fellas. Scott, Rick and Bryan were there. Met Edwin for the first time as well as some girls that Bryan brought. That guy is a good person to know. Very well connected in Tokyo. As we waited for some more peeps, Aki and Kaoru got some ice cream at Hobson's and then we went into Muse. I didn't know that girls were free. Guys had to pay about $10 but got a free drink ticket. We got inside and is wasn't too packed. Got some drinks, chilled downstairs in the lounge and then headed back up to chill. Got introduced to this girl Lisa (Vancouver, graphic/web designer) who's friends with Bryan. She used to live in Japan like 2 years ago. We chatted and I pitched her the BA line. Unfortunately I didn't have any cards on me, but I'll be sure to get in touch with her again. While I was talkin' with Kaoru and Aki, I hear this familiar voice say,"that guy looks familiar...is that Kevin?". When I turn around, to my surprise, I see Kyoko. I introduce her to Kaoru and Aki and then they start goin' off in super fast Japanese. I also saw John there too. Another koo kat that's well connected in Tokyo. When we went back down to the lounge, I noticed that Aki wasn't with us. Kaoru said that she's dancing with some guy. I was like huh!? Oh yeah? Good for her. What I didn't realize was that we wouldn't really see her for the rest of the night. While we were chillin' and talkin', Rick came over to chat with Kaoru and I. He busted out his Japanese for her and they chatted it up for a while. Rick is a koo guy. Always lookin' out. It's good to have him as one of my senpais! I also got a chance to talk to Edwin some more, really koo and funny guy. We chatted about all kinds of stuff. Also spoke with Scott a bit. Talked about his English school him and his wife started up. May try to get some private contracts through that. Around this time, Kaoru and I were a little worried about Aki, after we found her playin' ping pong, we went to the dance floor. I must say that this night, they were playin' some good beats. Last time, the music was kinda wack, mostly trance, but that nite, it was mostly hip hop. Some songs I haven't heard in a long time! Went back down to chill and met Hiromi (Lives in Yokohama, went to college in the states, works for Bloomberg), her English was very good. She went to school in Wisconsin and worked in Seattle for a bit but for some reason, she likes Wisconsin better than Seattle. When we went to look for Aki again, she was in the upstairs lounge chillin' with that guy.
We all decided to head out around 0400ish and go get some ramen. Aki said she that she's gonna stay so we got our stuff out of the locker and gave her the key before leaving. Since Kaoru had to go wakeboarding the next day, she took a cab home from the club. The only peeps left were: Rick, Bryan, Edwin, Scott, Lisa, Hiromi, Kyoko and I. We went to this pretty ghetto ramen place and had to sit outside on upside down, economy sized shoyu cans with egg cartons for a cushion. The ramen was grubbin' and so was the gyoza. Since everyone had to go different places, Lisa, Hiromi and I took a cab to Ebisu eki. Lisa and Hiromi were both going to Yokohama, but Lisa decided to go pick up her shopping bags she left in a locker in Shibuya first. So Hiromi and I headed to Shinagawa to catch the Yokosuka line, she headed to Yokohama, I headed to Chiba. I pretty much have been up for about 24 hours now and totally passed out on the train. Woke up and realized that I was in Chiba!!! Luckily that was the last stop before it headed back to Funabashi. Fortunately, Tsudanuma station was only 2 stops away. Got home around 0800ish and crashed out.
Saturday
Woke up @ around 1430 and pretty much chilled the whole day. Got call from Atsuko san, invited me over for dinner. She made some grubbin' food as usual. We watched the women's volleyball against China. Man, China is strong! No wonder they're the #1 team in world. They have this one girl who's 197cm (for you metrically challenged, that's about 6'5") who easily hit over the Japan block. Since the match didn't take that long, Yanase san went to bed and Atsuko san and I watched this drama with Konishi Manami called Suntory Mystery. The main girl had this power...kinda along the lines of the guy from the Green Mile. Where they're able to see the destiny of the people when they touch them. Since it was sponsored by Suntory, pretty much all of the CM's (commercials) were some sort of Suntory product. They even went as far as putting it into the drama! All the tea and water bottles were clearly by Suntory.
Sunday
Woke up and pretty much did 3 loads of laundry. It was pretty warm...about 10 degrees warmer than it has been. Unfortunately it was windy as hell! So my laundry pole kept on falling down!! @ around 1500ish, I headed to Funabashi downtown for a spam sandwich @ Freshness Burger. I must say that is was very, very tasty. Afterwards, headed to Shibuya Sports Center but kinda didn't know where I was, so I called Rick up and he guided me in the right direction. The center is a pretty nice place. Met all kinds of new folks: Alex (from eastern Canada, English teacher, been in Japan for 5 years), David (from Dallas, Texas A&M grad, MIS degree, 26, only been in Japan since September), Craig (JA, from LA, 40, graphic designer, has his own company, friend of Bryan's older brother), Lloyd (another friend of Bryan's older brother), Ken (JA, from LA), Derek (happa, from Las Vegas, pretty good baller) and some other people.
Discovered a new way to avoid the Chinese girls that ask you for a massage outside of Tsudanuma eki. Just gotta hit the stairs to the right.
After ball, headed to Mos Burger with Bryan, Sean and Yatsu (Bryan's neighbor and brother's friend, from Sendai)
Monday
Found out that one of our students got 3rd place in all of Chiba prefecture in Kendo.
Today's schedule was Tuesday's schedule, so it was busy.
Since I was totally sore from playin' bball from the night before, I was only gonna help out and observe the practice. I forgot that it was Monday and that Aso san comes to coach that day. While I was takin' a nap in the PE office, he wakes me up and tells me to get out here to play. I'm in frickin' jeans! I don't even have my contacts! He selectively tuned that out and told me again to get on the court.
Dinner @ Ikko. Had some grubbin' sukiyaki, miso shiru and natto gohan. Chatted with Kita san and Sensei for most of the night. Also noticed that Mama got a haircut. After dinner, came home and chatted a bit and then went to sleep!
Tuesday
Another lax day @ school. Since we have an assembly, the classes are short as well no 5th period. Today's assembly was Rakugo. A Japanese style, comedian/talent show. Hmmm...kinda hard to explain. There's nothing really like it back home. Though I couldn't understand some of the dialogue, I really enjoyed the magician. Especially when he asked Kuroda & Miyahara sensei to come up as volunteers! Afterwards, helped clean up a bit and chatted with Tomoko and Mio (from the girls bball team). Then headed back to the teacher's room and helped Honda sensei get the internet up and running. I don't know what's wrong with our router here, but it seems to hang up every so often and the quick fix is to just switch it on and off.
Left school @ around 16:25ish to go to my last dentist appointment! Now I only have to come back for checkups, no more work! Hip Hip Hooray!
Mama told me to come by her place before dinner cuz she was going to take me shopping for some sake. When I got there after my dentist appointment, I was totally shocked that she already got some Kubota for me. And it was the super economy sized one too!!! When I asked how much it was, she told me it was a gift from her and her husband. She's so sweet! I love her!!
@ around 1900ish, got on my bike and headed to Kita Narashino. Since I've never been there on my bike, I was just using intution to figure out how to get there. When I got to Narashino eki, I heard a voice say Kevin and to my pleasant surprise, it was Mikie! Phew!!! Good thing I found her cuz she knows the way for sure. Got to Kita Nara, and went to Makudonarudo (McDonald's) to meet up with Natsuyo. We then headed to Watami, the same place Daisuke and I went 2 weeks ago. Had some food and drinks and talked. These girls all have totally different personalities, it's weird to see them together. We were there for about
4 hours and then called it a night. Junko headed home to Takanekodan, Natsuyo to Yachio and Mikie and I back to Takinoi. Last words from Mikie were omiyage matteru (I'll be waiting for my souvenir), my response mochiron (of course!)
Wednesday
My last day @ school for the month. Had some problems today with the 7th graders. One 7th grader threatened another one with scissors and actually hit the other kid with it. Some parents are here, it's kind of a mess right now.
So I'm looking at my obento (it's chukyokyo = funabashi school meeting; so there's no school lunch) right now, and I get depressed because the company we used to use for our obentos went out of business. They had the grubbin': yakiniku, karaage, katsudon, etc... This obento looks like crap! It comes in a nice laquer box but who cares if the food looks and tastes like crap!!!
It's been pretty loud lately @ school with all the people coming to do cut some of the tree branches down.
Takahashi sensei has been walkin' like a Jijii lately cuz he's havin' back problems.
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Closing Words
Here's something my mom sent me. Enjoy!
AIRLINE SAFETY
Alaska Airlines -- Thanks to a retired Alaska Airlines
Captain for sending this "paraphrase" of a memorable
safety PA from their Flight Attendants.
In his own words: "I was flying to San Francisco
from Seattle this weekend, and the flight attendant
reading the flight safety information had the whole
plane looking at each other like 'what the heck?'
(Getting Seattle people to look at each other is an
accomplishment.) So once we got airborne, I took
out my laptop and typed up what she said so I
wouldn't forget. I've left out a few parts I'm sure, but
this is most of it."
Before takeoff...
"Hello, and welcome to Alaska Flight 438 to San
Francisco. If you're going to San Francisco, you're in
the right place. If you're not going to San Francisco,
you're about to have a really long evening."
"We'd like to tell you now about some important
safety features of this aircraft. The most important
safety feature we have aboard this plane is...The
Flight Attendants. Please look at one now."
"There are 5 exits aboard this plane: 2 at the front,
2 over the wings, and one out the plane's rear end. If
you're seated in one of the exit rows, please do not
store your bags by your feet. That would be a really
bad idea. Please take a moment and look around
and find the nearest exit. Count the rows of seats
between you and the exit. In the event that the need
arises to find one, trust me, you'll be glad you did.
We have pretty blinking lights on the floor that will
blink in the direction of the exits. White ones along
the normal rows, and pretty red ones at the exit rows."
"In the event of a loss of cabin pressure these
baggy things will drop down over your head. You
stick it over your nose and mouth like the flight
attendant is doing now. The bag won't inflate, but
there's oxygen there, promise. If you are sitting next
to a small child, or someone who is acting like a
small child, please do us all a favor and put on your
mask first. If you are traveling with two or more
children, please take a moment now to decide
which one is your favorite. Help that one first, and
then work your way down."
"In the seat pocket in front of you is a pamphlet
about the safety features of this plane. I usually use
it as a fan when I'm having my own personal summer.
It makes a very good fan. It also has pretty pictures.
Please take it out and play with it now."
"Please take a moment now to make sure your
seat belts are fastened low and tight about your waist.
To fasten the belt, insert the metal tab into the buckle.
To release, it's a pulley thing -- not a pushy thing like
your car because you're in an airplane -- HELLOOO!!"
"There is no smoking in the cabin on this flight.
There is also no smoking in the lavatories. If we see
smoke coming from the lavatories, we will assume
you are on fire and put you out. This is a free service
we provide. There are two smoking sections on this
flight, one outside each wing exit. We do have a
movie in the smoking sections tonight...hold on, let
me check what it is...Oh here it is; the movie tonight
is 'Gone with the Wind.' "
"In a moment we will be turning off the cabin
lights, and it's going to get really dark, really fast. If
you're afraid of the dark, now would be a good time
to reach up and press the yellow button. The yellow
button turns on your reading light. Please don't press
the orange button unless you absolutely have to. The
orange button is your seat ejection button."
"We're glad to have you with us on board this
flight. Thank you for choosing Alaska Air, and giving
us your business and your money. If there's anything
we can do to make you more comfortable, please
don't hesitate to ask."
"If you all weren't strapped down you would have
given me a standing ovation, wouldn't you?"
After landing...
"Welcome to the San Francisco International
Airport. Sorry about the bumpy landing. It's not the
captain's fault. It's not the copilot's fault. It's the
asphalt."
"Please remain seated until the plane is parked
at the gate. At no time in history has a passenger
beaten a plane to the gate. So please don't even try.
Please be careful opening the overhead bins because
'shift happens'."
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Kaz out...
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