Playing White Noise

DARK! and Yay! and Hrmmm

2012-02-17T06:22:00.001+09:00

DARK! is still DARK! and I'm really going to miss it when it leaves 6am for earlier times. I won't be missing its friend COLD! too much, but then again, DARK! and WARM! aren't exactly the best combination.

Yay! is for the new signs at the station. They've been up since before Christmas but were just recently put into service. So awesome. Now I can see when the next train is. Sometimes change is good.

Hrm is for a decision I've already made. To buy two more volumes of manga. I don't really have the space or the cash, but I'm starting to crave it and if I don't appease the manga monster inside of me soon, I'm going to start buying LaLa every month. Unless you knew me in high school or college, you don't know how dangerous that would be.

Ooh, yeah...I really want LaLa now. So much good stuff in there.

Bacon!

2012-02-16T16:46:00.001+09:00

Awesome phrase of the day: Bacon could save the world

I hate that bacon in Japan is this weird mix of bacon and ham. I want crispy salty bacon!

Today's dinner: GYOZA

2012-02-15T17:36:00.001+09:00

Yum! I hope...

V-day Purikura

2012-02-14T21:52:00.001+09:00

Spent a fantabulous evening with Samantha in Hama. There wasn't enough time to karaoke without me running for my train, but we did get our purikura on.

Purikura are like the opposite of driver's license photos; they can make anyone look good. Samantha's practically a pro, so it doesn't surprise me, but I barely recognise myself. Oh the magic of purikura.

Speaking of taking purikura like a boss (I've been spending a lot of time on Tumblr...), if you haven't already, check out Samantha's purikura blog: purikura.blogspot.com

She's got purikura machine reviews and tips and tutorials and if I remember correctly, there's still time to enter her first anniversary giveaway. You may see some purikura with yours truly as well.

Headed to Hama

2012-02-14T16:20:00.001+09:00

Then my grandmother's.

But first! To celebrate the V-day massacre a la Bones minus the guns with Samantha.

Purikura and karaoke yay!

Happy Valentine's

2012-02-14T12:52:00.001+09:00

Lookie! I got a valentine from my housemate! Yay!

I also have valentine's for the people working today. The generic ones. All giri choco. Let's see if I get anything back for White Day. Though I always felt like White Day took away from Valentine's. As though girls give because they expect something in return and guys to give back on White Day because they are obligated to.

Meh.

I guess I'm one to talk. I give for purely selfish reasons as well. Because I want to cute little packages. Lots of them. And see them in numbers, similar and yet each individually different. The visual makes me happy. Any happiness that people feel is an extra bonus.

Ukraine?

2012-02-13T06:45:00.001+09:00

After moaning and griping silently under my covers for about 30 minutes, I did some crunches, planks, wall push-ups, and by the time I got to the punches and kicks, there little reason to be cranky anymore. Resigned to my fate, I followed my self-prescribed schedule.

I had the TV on as I cleaned up from breakfast and Zip just started. Today being Monday, Tatsu-ni (Yamaguchi Tatsuya) is suppossed to be on, but he's in Ukraine.

Tetsuwan DASH sent TOKIO to Ukraine to get a first-hand look at post-Chernoybl farmlands. DASH village is in Fukushima, so it's close to home for them. DASH and TOKIO have regularly been checking in with the local people who have been helping them out at the village over the years. While people, myself included, may not have a clear image of the affected areas before and after last March, people -by this I mean the TV watching Japanese public- know TOKIO and most know of DASH village. I'm not the only one who felt a twinge in the chest when a mental connection was made between everything Chernoybl has come to mean and the made-for-TV village that has come to represent a simpler, purer, less-convinient and yet still somewhat better time in Japan.

There was a small joke among the circle of online English-speaking fans I was in that TOKIO would be Japan's last line of defense when the apocolypse came and that the rebuilding would begin at DASH village. When the Seisyun PV came out and only to feed our overactive imaginations. It all made perfect sense.

Then reality hit. And we were reminded that our fantasies are not impervious to the real world.

But maybe the rebuilding *can* begin at DASH village. Maybe it will make sure that the general public doesn't forget. And maybe we'll be able to prevent the apocolypse that would be beyond what we can imagine.

Lesson of awesome

2012-02-12T21:29:00.001+09:00

I got to teach someone adjectives by describing Sheryl Nome today. We also talked about seiyuu. My weekend is so beyond complete.

It's going to be hard to top that one. Really hard.

Though tomorrow I get to see two people I haven't seen since I've gotten back.

But first, to go home, get some food, and finish up my Valentine's project.

Dude. Line.

2012-02-12T18:26:00.001+09:00

Looks like I'm not the only last minute V-day 100yen shopper...

At Daiso on my break. I was hoping to hit up Loft too, but chances look slim.

Damn.

Nope. Gonna. Try it.

Slow day?

2012-02-12T10:17:00.001+09:00

Last I checked, I have 6 lessons today. That's just over half.

15 minutes later...

Ran into my housemate at the station. Even though I just saw her in the kitchen, it was good to talk to her again. My schedule being what it is, I don't see her much. A positive side effect of waking up earlier is seeing people on weekend mornings. Obviously I don't see anyone on weekdays, though there is a chance of seeing another housemate who takes the first train in when she has the early shift. (I take the third or fourth.) But I don't think she drops by the kitchen long enough for a chat.

Anyways, I'm at work, so I'll catch you laters.

Hrm...

2012-02-11T21:57:00.001+09:00

So...I got through today unscathed. How does that work? The universe is trying to tell me that resistance is stupid and I just have to accept waking up early as the best option.

I am tempted to say "Challenge accepted" but that's probably a bad idea.

Oh yeah, I had some down time so I looked up "Just do it" and the slogan was inspired by the last words of an executed prisoner. Nothing to do with the goddess of victory, but I learned about the origins of the company. Pretty nifty.

As for my motto, maybe "Challenge accepted" works...
Nah, probably wouldn't fly.

How about:
Life is as simple or complicated as you make it. Smile and be happy.

Too much?

Smile and enjoy life.

Smile and live life.

There's an Elmer/Baccano reference to be made there. I know it.

Maybe I should quote a movie. Or Castle.

Ooh!
Ying needs Yang. Ying-Yang is harmony. Ying-Ying is a name for a panda

Yeah...the company would love me for that one.

Meh. I'm home now, so the motto search continues tomorrow.

So far, so good

2012-02-11T09:24:00.001+09:00

Look! Someone planted flowers!

So after the schedule of death yesterday (that I foolishly gave myself next month too), I managed to wake up at 6.30 as desired and this morning went well. Breakfast and tea. Yay.

But seriously? 4am to 12.30am is a long time to be awake. It's probably happening again next Friday too. At least I can sleep until 6.30am.
OMG

Did you read that last sentence? SLEEP IN UNTIL *6.30AM*

WTF

Anyone who knows me from high school or Cal is probably wondering who the hell is writing this. In all seriousness, I'm pretty productive in the morning as long as I don't sulk about it. When I get stuff done, I get it done. So I guess that's it, isn't it?

I see the possibly non-coincidental connection between Nike being the goddess of victory and the sports brand's catch phrase.

Speaking of catch phrases and the like, I need to change the motto and advice on my work profile. Something simple, understandable, not pretentious or preachy and not typical. You wouldn't believe how many people overuse, misuse, and abuse Carpe diem. Or maybe you would.

I want to change my motto, Just remember to breathe, to my advice. But then what is my motto? I want it to be something that has to do with smiling. Something like "You smile, you win at life" but a bit more refined and something even beginning learners of English can understand.

Meh. Will have to ponder this later. Now, I gotta make myself worth the money my clients are paying and not what I'm getting paid.

...that can sound really wrong. Well, you know what I mean. Right?

DARK!

2012-02-10T06:34:00.001+09:00

Yep. Back to work. And thanks to the jetlag, I'm totally awake and set.

My ideal Monday Tuesday Friday schedule is:
4am Wake up and blog in Japanese or read something
4.30 Get out of bed and do some light exercise
4.50 Take a shower and get dressed
5.15 Have breakfast maybe watch the news
5.45 Clean up and leave the house in order to catch the 5.56 train
5.56 or 6.06 Catch the train and blog in English
6.30 Get to work, change (I prefer to commute in jeans), prep
7.00 Teach
9.15 Finish teaching, write up records and follow up, prep for evening classes (Mon, Friday)
10.00 Change and leave work

Saturday Sunday it's
6.30 Wake up and blog
7.00 Get out of bed and exercise
7.20 Shower and change
7.50 Breakfast
8.15 Leave the house and go to the supermarket to pick up sandwich parts for food breaks
8.30ish Catch the train
9.00ish Get to work and change and wait for them to open the doors
9.15-30ish Prep
10.00 Teach
8.30pm Finish teaching, finish writing records
9.00 Change and go home

If it's Monday or Friday, I have another long set of kessons in the other workplace that go to either 9pm or 11pm.

No extra details. Just got to work.

Black Thunder collaboration

2012-02-09T19:40:00.001+09:00

During my trip home to SoCal, I gave everyone I met up with Black Thunders. It's become a random mini-mission of mine to spread the glory of Black Thunder.

While talking to a friend who likes Black Thunder as much as I do, we looked at the site and we found some collaboration ones. So when I saw them at the combini, I just couldn't resist.

The ChocoBall Black Thunder has a light peanut flavor.

The Tirol Black Thunder has a nice kick of coffee.

The Black Thunder ChocoBall wasn't that great, but still good.

The Tirol Black Thunder is my favorite of the three. There are also Black Thunder and ChocoBall Tirols. Must find those!

Mmm, Black Thunder.

And the result

2012-02-09T16:55:00.001+09:00

Check it out!

I'm quite happy with the results.

It won't make it in time, especially outside of Japan, but anybody want a late valentine?

Six thirty am on my day off

2012-02-09T06:33:00.001+09:00

And I got the carving bug again. Plus jet lag.

Something about Valentine's that makes me want to make stuff. It's never been a couples holiday for me even when I was dating someone.

It was always about using it as a creative outlet and a reason to give chocolates and candy and love in cute packages to the people around me who have a part in creating an environment where I can smile and laugh everyday.

Look what I found!

2012-02-08T15:40:00.001+09:00

I regularly hide cash from myself in case of emergencies, but a 20? Not that it matters much with exchange rate.

Finally left the house to restock on groceries and see just how cold it is outside. Not as bad as I thought. This is good.

Bed!

2012-02-07T22:33:00.001+09:00

Yay!

Actually I've been back for a bit. Caught up with housemates and looked at mail. Got a few awesome things from peoples. Thanks you guys!

And that's all for tonight. Good night!

At Centrair

2012-02-07T19:58:00.001+09:00

Just gotta pick up my suitcase and ride a couple of trains and walk up the hill and I can sleep! Yay!

And on the plane

2012-02-07T18:14:00.001+09:00

While the lack of wait time is kinda cool. There's zero time for error.

Likewise the legspace is awesome, but I don't like having to put everything in the overhead.

Can't have it all, eh?

Just a bit more and I'll be back in Nagoya.

Well, immigration was quick

2012-02-07T17:33:00.001+09:00

Hope I can say the same about my suitcase.

So glad NRT immigration wasn't like LAX. 2 min is much more preferable than 1 hour.

Speaking of one hour, I got less than that to my next flight.

Come on, suitcase!

I'm baaack!

2012-02-07T17:18:00.001+09:00

Well, getting off the plane. Yep. Blogging while walking to Immigration. One and a half hours to my Nagoya flight.

Yay for keitai!

At LAX

2012-02-07T04:24:00.000+09:00

Waiting at the gate for my flight. One hour before take off and there aren't too many people here. Hoping for a relatively empty flight. A girl can hope, right?

Currently wearing a Cal shirt as I tend to do when I travel and the x-ray guy at security started up a conversation with me. Basic questions like my major and stuff. Though after the most recent Fringe, I have to admit I freaked out a bit.

Anyways, my time in SoCal is almost over. Thank you to everyone who made visiting home so easy. It's always great to see you all. SoCal isn't home without you guys.

Alrighties, 20 min to go. I'm going to get my stuff sorted and get ready to board. See you around.

Leaving SoCal

2012-02-06T15:39:00.001+09:00

It's hard leaving home. As much as I love living in Japan, SoCal will always be the main place I call home. I guess that's what happens after living in one place for most of my life. Though that is going to change as I get older and keep living in different places.

But still, SoCal is where my parents are, where my cat is, where all of my stuff is, where all of my memories lie, waiting for me to come back and reminisce. It's where I feel comfortable, but sometimes too comfortable, which gets me a bit antsy, if that makes sense. Maybe the thought of settling down still freaks me out. I want to settle down because it's the logical choice, not because I should.

Anyways, my suitcase is packed, thanks to help from my mom. Ever since we got back from a family trip to Joshua Tree (I'll post pictures after I sort through the 800+ photos...), I've been experiencing a sore throat, sniffly nose, sinus irritation and an assortment of other minor, yet annoying symptoms. I think I started to catch a cold, but suppressed it and then allergies kicked in. My mom had to assist me as I just stared at my suitcase and stuff that needed to get packed in a medicated daze. Forget heavy machinery, I couldn't even operate the buckles properly. Feeling a bit better now, though.

It was a short trip. Two weeks. Not that I did much. Not that there was all that much I wanted to do other than snuggle with my cat, hang out with my parents, see my awesome friends, and watch some TV. All that got accomplished, so I'd have to say it was a good trip. Any longer and I probably would have started thinking about moving back to SoCal. Not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing. Probably neither. It just is.

Well, it's 10:30pm and we're leaving the house at 8am, so I should go to bed. Will post some kind of trip report hopefully sometime this week before I go back to work.

Catch you laters.

Kanji and TATSU! OMG! (Warning: Fangirl post, as if you couldn't tell)

2012-02-03T03:20:00.004+09:00

So....those of you who know me know that I'm a fan of a voice actor named Tatsuhisa Suzuki, whom I lovingly refer to as "Tatsu". He has a weekly 15-minute radio show that is streamed through keitai waves and I've been really happy to finally be able to listen to it since I moved back to Japan.

Life was a bit more hectic than I'd like to admit when I first moved to Nagoya and spent the time getting used to my job and all, so I stopped regularly listening to my favorite seiyuu radio shows for a while. But near the end of the year, I was finally feeling a bit more stable and started to listen to Tatsu's show again.

Sometime in mid- late-December, he asked for Happy New Year mail written as if it was already 2012 for obvious recording and streaming time lag reasons. I thought, why not, and sent him a mail asking about his kanji for 2011 and 2012. The kanji for 2011 「絆」"bond" had already been announced as I found out when I looked it up for curiosity's sake as I wrote the mail.

Personally, I went backwards a bit and had 「静」"stillness" for 2010 because I was in a state of thinking and not moving and trying to figure out what to do with my life or figuring out if I wanted to figure out what to do with my life.

2011 was 「動」"movement" because I had my temp job in Torrance that had me doing a relatively long commute every day and because I moved to Japan and because I was running around in a more or less confused way just trying to survive.

I want to make 「活」 "vitality" my kanji for 2012 and actually have meaning and purpose and results from my movement.

ANYWAYS, back to the fangirl squee. (And this is where I'll put in a cut to save your feed readers and space on my blog pages.)

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