Saturday, July 30, 2005
30 minute sessions
So here I am...back in the U S of A! No reverse culture shock or anything like that. No internet access at home...oh nooey. I am at the local library, using the computer in 30 minute blocks. BUT, they just gave me an additional 30 minutes. Now I can write even more about my exciting life *eyes roll*
I don't have a phone book or contact list or anything, so I need to get people's contact info. Not everyone's though...just the people who I like and like me...I like to call them friends. My cell phone from J is still there with all of my numbers in it. I dropped it off to get the last bill which takes 40 minutes (who knows why). A sistah was running late so I couldn't get back to the store before it closed. So, aside from the fact that the cell phone store thought I was trying to leave without paying, I don't have the telephone numbers for most people that I know.
It's a good thing that the trusty library offers internet access in 30-minutes blocks...YAY!
I don't have a phone book or contact list or anything, so I need to get people's contact info. Not everyone's though...just the people who I like and like me...I like to call them friends. My cell phone from J is still there with all of my numbers in it. I dropped it off to get the last bill which takes 40 minutes (who knows why). A sistah was running late so I couldn't get back to the store before it closed. So, aside from the fact that the cell phone store thought I was trying to leave without paying, I don't have the telephone numbers for most people that I know.
It's a good thing that the trusty library offers internet access in 30-minutes blocks...YAY!
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
BJ to the fullest!
...and if you look past that temple on your left, you'll see a brown woman. Feel free to point and whisper. . . . and while you are gawking, let's pretend she's not even human. Feel free to run up to her and take photos . . . treat her like she is a building and that she didn't just pay her money to see the sites, like you did . . . and if she doesn't want to take photos with you, look at her like she has the audacity to say "no"...
I think I will get an agent or manager. I really should be getting paid for the amount of photographs I have been in (in the past 2 years). I'll have to look into it some more. It is something to consider.
I think I will get an agent or manager. I really should be getting paid for the amount of photographs I have been in (in the past 2 years). I'll have to look into it some more. It is something to consider.
Friday, July 22, 2005
lenovo
i'm gone. well, i'm here, but not in J! YAY!
My departure from Japan was not as sad as I thought it would be. One thing it was was hectic. I planned to leave Mutsu by 2pm, but what time did i leave? huh? 7:19p....a big difference from my grand plans. This was a result of me going back to my school and staying longer than I planned....not getting my apartment cleaned fast enough....having to wait 40 minutes to get my last cell phone bill...then an hour at the post office to ship *gulp* 7 boxes right before I left. The number of boxes in total is a bit ridiculous...18. BUT, not big boxes...medium-sized ones ;)
If my friends hadn't rushed around to get my 900p ticket changed to a 950p ticket, I wouldn't be where I am today, right now, at this moment. Where is that? hmmm...we'll see...
My departure from Japan was not as sad as I thought it would be. One thing it was was hectic. I planned to leave Mutsu by 2pm, but what time did i leave? huh? 7:19p....a big difference from my grand plans. This was a result of me going back to my school and staying longer than I planned....not getting my apartment cleaned fast enough....having to wait 40 minutes to get my last cell phone bill...then an hour at the post office to ship *gulp* 7 boxes right before I left. The number of boxes in total is a bit ridiculous...18. BUT, not big boxes...medium-sized ones ;)
If my friends hadn't rushed around to get my 900p ticket changed to a 950p ticket, I wouldn't be where I am today, right now, at this moment. Where is that? hmmm...we'll see...
Monday, July 18, 2005
packing...pills
4 days and counting praying that I get things together in this apartment. i got really blessed yesterday b/c EN took a long drive and took a lot of my stuff...YATTA! I have stuff left here, but I need to get it all out of here by tomorrow or the following day! AAAAHHHHHH!!! Should be interesting.
This weekend was great. MG and S? came over and hung out. They threw down in the kitchen and I got a little packing done. Went camping with a good group of people. Checked out my first and last (not by choice) mixed onsen for my first Japan experience. Had a wonderful time! YAY for good times.
I had the most living-in-Japan visitors since being here in the past 3 days than ever before. Kind of funny...my apartment wasn't in the best shape b/c after all, I AM packing (sort of!) :)
Ok...back toprocrastinating packing. If not, I will have to retrieve all of these pills (that were assigned to me for unnamed illnesses) from the trash.
This weekend was great. MG and S? came over and hung out. They threw down in the kitchen and I got a little packing done. Went camping with a good group of people. Checked out my first and last (not by choice) mixed onsen for my first Japan experience. Had a wonderful time! YAY for good times.
I had the most living-in-Japan visitors since being here in the past 3 days than ever before. Kind of funny...my apartment wasn't in the best shape b/c after all, I AM packing (sort of!) :)
Ok...back to
Thursday, July 14, 2005
The big screen
I made my first movie! YAY! Tomorrow is my farewell speech for my school. I made a movie to go at the end. I am sure my school is thinking why can't she just do things like everyone else has done in the past?...always tryin' to do something different... . I am sure the students will like it. My old supervisor who vouched for me to be able to do it and the broadcasting club teacher said it was nice...so we'll see what the students think.
>>>>>> Sayonara Video Removed<<<<<<
EDIT: Video removed. E- me if you want to see it.
I am sure this will be better than a boring speech in a language they can't understand and in a language they understand, but don't want to listen to :) I probably will not keep the video up long though, got to keep the bandwidth together for "the FINAL days".
EDIT: Video removed. E- me if you want to see it.
I am sure this will be better than a boring speech in a language they can't understand and in a language they understand, but don't want to listen to :) I probably will not keep the video up long though, got to keep the bandwidth together for "the FINAL days".
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
last minute rushing is inevitable
folks tell you that they love you, then they want to start making demands. Today, the student who had the "I *HEART* Takeyah" sign, YA, came to talk to me during lunch. He wanted to know if he could take a photo of me again tomorrow when Big Lil Bro DY comes to my school tomorrow. I said sure. He asks me how will I wear my hair tomorrow. Of course, I have no idea so I tell him that. He then proceeds to ask me to wear my hair tied up b/c he likes it that way. I told him that I didn't know right then, but we'll see tomorrow.
Then heasked me again if I would told me that I should wear my hair up. Then asked if I liked the "style" that I had today [which was basically pulled back with a scarf but hanging down]. I think he was trying to get me to see that wearing my hair up was not only the best for him, but it would be in my best interest to wear my hair up as opposed to down.
This student, YA, is special...he's very special...and intriguing. He's the same one that remembers my birthdate from the first lesson I taught him a year and a half ago. It is very pleasing to see that he does his own thing. Tomorrow might honestly be a highlight to his year. A picture with his current ALT ....AND with the one from junior high school...ALL at the same time...in the same pic...got to have joy in simple things...it's must.
Then he
This student, YA, is special...he's very special...and intriguing. He's the same one that remembers my birthdate from the first lesson I taught him a year and a half ago. It is very pleasing to see that he does his own thing. Tomorrow might honestly be a highlight to his year. A picture with his current ALT ....AND with the one from junior high school...ALL at the same time...in the same pic...got to have joy in simple things...it's must.
Monday, July 11, 2005
don't forget me...
my 2nd years gave their "sayonara, don't forget me" speeches today...so sweet.
... it is regrettable that we have to be apart ...
... nice smile ...
... the things of Takeyah is not forgotten ...
... hairstyle is very cool. respect! ...
... i have respect for you ...
These children are so wonderful. They have grown so much. The one that got me to tear up was this student...who writes down and remembers everything that I (and every other ALT that has) say. A the end of his speech, which he memorized, he broke out the "I *HEART* Takeyah" sign...awwwww....*sniffle, sniffle* These are some wonderful people. I will never forget them!
... it is regrettable that we have to be apart ...
... nice smile ...
... the things of Takeyah is not forgotten ...
... hairstyle is very cool. respect! ...
... i have respect for you ...
These children are so wonderful. They have grown so much. The one that got me to tear up was this student...who writes down and remembers everything that I (and every other ALT that has) say. A the end of his speech, which he memorized, he broke out the "I *HEART* Takeyah" sign...awwwww....*sniffle, sniffle* These are some wonderful people. I will never forget them!
Sunday, July 10, 2005
smartness dominate
If one can overdose on karaoke, it is possible that I have reached my threshold for this week...maybe. I have been to karaoke 3 of past 4 days. 6 hours today, 2 hours on Friday (see pic from previous post), and 1 on Thursday (with my "girls"). 9.375% of the past 4 days.
Hanging with my students is always fun, so today was no different. It is so easy to hang out and communicte with them. They have grown soooo much! Of course, I sang and they decided to record me on their cell phones. One of my students had on a shirt that said "smartness dominate"...I need one of those shirts. They were still there when I left today at 6pm.
GRANOLA MONOLOGUES:
Now why didn't anyone ever tell me the joy of GYOZA! All this time I have been here and I never once have I tried to make gyoza. I know that buying it is most likely out of the question. So yesterday, I tried my hand at making some...bangin...B-A-N-G-I-N. I made a whole bunch, so I froze half of them and made the rest for dinner tonight.
One more item to add to my mental cookbook...yum!
Hanging with my students is always fun, so today was no different. It is so easy to hang out and communicte with them. They have grown soooo much! Of course, I sang and they decided to record me on their cell phones. One of my students had on a shirt that said "smartness dominate"...I need one of those shirts. They were still there when I left today at 6pm.
GRANOLA MONOLOGUES:
Now why didn't anyone ever tell me the joy of GYOZA! All this time I have been here and I never once have I tried to make gyoza. I know that buying it is most likely out of the question. So yesterday, I tried my hand at making some...bangin...B-A-N-G-I-N. I made a whole bunch, so I froze half of them and made the rest for dinner tonight.
One more item to add to my mental cookbook...yum!
Saturday, July 09, 2005
stage fright(ening)
For the amount of times that J folx claim to be hazukashii [shy], you would think that they would have a problem getting up in front of a crowd and making a fool performing. Not so....not so at all.
definitely not so ;)
definitely not so ;)
Friday, July 08, 2005
Galavantin' in da streets
When Mommy warned me about "galavanting the streets" with my friends all night, I am sure she wasn't talking about these ladies...
:: Somehow, my teacher ended up with a halo around her head ::
What started out as the usual yoga class, ended up being dinner with "my girls" [the obaa-chans (grandmothers) in the photgraphs], and a fun-filled night of karaoke...old school style.
I had such a great time hanging out with them. They had me CRACKIN' up! We sang for an hour and only one pop song came out of the mouths of "my girls". I am really going to miss these ladies. Hard to imagine that most of them have children older than me.
:: Somehow, my teacher ended up with a halo around her head ::
What started out as the usual yoga class, ended up being dinner with "my girls" [the obaa-chans (grandmothers) in the photgraphs], and a fun-filled night of karaoke...old school style.
I had such a great time hanging out with them. They had me CRACKIN' up! We sang for an hour and only one pop song came out of the mouths of "my girls". I am really going to miss these ladies. Hard to imagine that most of them have children older than me.
Thursday, July 07, 2005
the grand send-off
ok...it's time to get real. i leave Japan in 14 days! I have so much TO DO! This weekend it is going to be "Operation Please-pack-up-your-apartment-because-although-you-started-oh-so-long-ago-it-still-looks-like-you-are-on-an-extended-visit-so-MOVE OUT!"
I remember when I first moved into my little apato. It was such a warm and welcoming place. It felt great to just sleep without fear of mold or anything else creeping out in the damp darkness. There is nothing like releasing the fears of all things warm fuzzy and moist. My supervisor (at the time) who I have grown to like in his sometimes ackward (sp?) and nervous boyfriend-like tendancies, has become one of my favorite people at my school. I think we have both learned to relax and embrace the cultural differences that brought us a bit of tension earlier.* It's amazing b/c we both have very similar views about many things here. I think he woudl do well if he in a more progressive part of J (not sure where that is) or in another country.
We both have grown a lot and changed. Once thing that hasn't changed is the weather. I am saying...um...why did I have to sleep with 2 blankets last night?! Can a sistah get some SUN!
*Cultural differences. I just had a convo with a teacher. All he asked me was 'What time are you leaving Shimokita?'
I am not sure if I could ever get used to people making plans about and around me and a fictionalized schedule without EVER communicating anythng to me. Their intention isvery sweet though. I just know that they would have been disappointed if they made all of these plans, then I decided to do something different (not knowing that they had this grand send-off planned).
I remember when I first moved into my little apato. It was such a warm and welcoming place. It felt great to just sleep without fear of mold or anything else creeping out in the damp darkness. There is nothing like releasing the fears of all things warm fuzzy and moist. My supervisor (at the time) who I have grown to like in his sometimes ackward (sp?) and nervous boyfriend-like tendancies, has become one of my favorite people at my school. I think we have both learned to relax and embrace the cultural differences that brought us a bit of tension earlier.* It's amazing b/c we both have very similar views about many things here. I think he woudl do well if he in a more progressive part of J (not sure where that is) or in another country.
We both have grown a lot and changed. Once thing that hasn't changed is the weather. I am saying...um...why did I have to sleep with 2 blankets last night?! Can a sistah get some SUN!
*Cultural differences. I just had a convo with a teacher. All he asked me was 'What time are you leaving Shimokita?'
I responded by saying, 'Oh...I don't know. Sometime in the afternoon maybe. Why?'
Teacher: Oh we (teachers and students) are planning to see you off at the train station.
Me: Oh really?! I had no idea.
I am not sure if I could ever get used to people making plans about and around me and a fictionalized schedule without EVER communicating anythng to me. Their intention isvery sweet though. I just know that they would have been disappointed if they made all of these plans, then I decided to do something different (not knowing that they had this grand send-off planned).
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
Bunkasai 2005: Make It!
After a good number of days and night preparing, the Bunkasai was successful. Everyone was super genki and my girls held it down by cooking everything by Friday night and Saturday morning. When the day began I was super tired b/c I stayed overnight in Aomori City after the governor's farewell party.
Things went well with our booth...
DY and CH passed through, so it was good to have some people to chat with. An DY is famous here so his presence along with a new face (CH!) only brought more people to our booth ;)
It turned out great. Even better, Ihave today and tomorrow Monday and Tuesday off...YAY!
Anyone have any friends in Beijing?
Things went well with our booth...
DY and CH passed through, so it was good to have some people to chat with. An DY is famous here so his presence along with a new face (CH!) only brought more people to our booth ;)
It turned out great. Even better, I
Anyone have any friends in Beijing?
Monday, July 04, 2005
AIDS Walk DC
I am going to participate in the AIDS Walk Washington, DC on October 1st. AIDS WALK Washington is a 5k Walkathon. This will be the 4th or 5th AIDS Walk that I have participated in. Team Aya.Duafe's fundraising goal is $2000. My team recruiting goal is 15 people. So with that in mind, please visit my donation page to give a donation or to join the team. I plan on organizing at least one additional fundraiser for this effort.
NOTE: The site has secure industry-standard SSL encryption techniques to make sure that your credit card information, passwords, and personal information travel securely over the Internet. However, if you prefer to mail a donation, please leave a comment and I'll e- you an address to mail your donation.
NOTE: The site has secure industry-standard SSL encryption techniques to make sure that your credit card information, passwords, and personal information travel securely over the Internet. However, if you prefer to mail a donation, please leave a comment and I'll e- you an address to mail your donation.
Saturday, July 02, 2005
saisho no sayonara*
Aaaahh! 21 days until I move away from Japan. Time has flown by pretty quickly. All f a sudden it's "I am leaving in 3 weeks!"...it seemed like I had so much time not too long ago.
I think yesterday kind of solidified things in my mind. I bought my ticket home. I sat at my desk and turned the calendar to "July". I went to my first official farewell party held by the governor of Aomori. It turned out to be a GREAT day (which extended to morning) and a following day.
It was ES' bEARTHday, so we (a LOT of people) went out to celebrate. I wasn't going to stay b/c I had my school's culture festival today, but I stayed. I am glad I did b/c I had a WONDERFUL TIME and I got a chance to hang w/ people that I haven't seen since who knows when.
Now all I need is some sleep, then I'll be good to go.
* bad Japanese ==> the first goodbye
I think yesterday kind of solidified things in my mind. I bought my ticket home. I sat at my desk and turned the calendar to "July". I went to my first official farewell party held by the governor of Aomori. It turned out to be a GREAT day (which extended to morning) and a following day.
It was ES' bEARTHday, so we (a LOT of people) went out to celebrate. I wasn't going to stay b/c I had my school's culture festival today, but I stayed. I am glad I did b/c I had a WONDERFUL TIME and I got a chance to hang w/ people that I haven't seen since who knows when.
Now all I need is some sleep, then I'll be good to go.
* bad Japanese ==> the first goodbye
