In less than 24 hours I'll be in Korea! This trip kind of snuck up on me!
Happy New Years everyone!!!
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Survived.
OK, it is midnight over here, so technically I have just survived my first time being away for the holidays (New Years doesn't count so much). Christmas wasn't too bad. I did work, but it was a really easy day. In fact I only had to teach one class! I also got some sweet Christmas cards from students with thoughtful messages about enjoying my lessons--those are the moments when your hard work feels paid off. After work I went with some coworkers to a "Spanish" restaurant downtown to eat some "Mexican" food. It actually wasn't too bad (or maybe my standards have just reached desperation regarding that kind of cuisine). But anyway, it was nice to sit in that kind of atmosphere and eat something that wasn't Japanese food for a change. However, I have learned my lesson regarding ordering margaritas over here. Last time a friend ordered one, she got about 1 oz worth of clear liquid and paid about ten dollars for it. I took a leap of faith and ordered one tonight. It was brought out to me in a martini glass about the size of a shot glass, almost clear. I thought-that better be 80% Patron for the 700 yen I am paying! But alas, it was weak. Oh well. Live and learn. It's a much smarter idea to just stick with a beer at these kinds of "novelty" places, otherwise you can wind up a bit disappointed.
But can I just say one thing? My coworker told me, "Just wait. Go outside on the 26th and EVERYTHING will be gone. Christmas will not exist." I thought he was exaggerating. We were walking to the restaurant around 9:30 on CHRISTMAS NIGHT and there were tons and tons of workers in cranes removing EVERYTHING. Lights on trees, decorations, etc. I wanted to be like NOOO at least wait until Christmas is actually over???? By the time we finished eating maybe 70% of the stuff in that area was GONE. Figures.
Now I have Saturday night to look forward to. The start of my winter holiday as well as our staff's bonenkai (end of year work party). It will include a 2 hour course meal and we are booked for about 5 hours of karaoke at a place that has COSTUMES!! --You might be going WOW FIVE HOURS, REALLY??!! But trust me, karaoke is a time vacuum. The time goes sooooo fast there, that is actually a great amount of time if you like singing, or are a mic hog like me. It's a good idea to book for that long because you get a special deal with all you can drink for a good price. Otherwise if you book for just two hours and then extend your time (which you ALWAYS wind up doing, because you know, you added all those songs you want to sing!), it can get very expensive hourly-- usually you go in with a 2,000 yen/person deal and come out with a 7,000 yen/person bill. Eeek. It is also important to do something entertaining like singing and dancing the night away while waiting for the first train to run. Sitting at a bar can get boring and sleepy after so long--And um...costumes!!!! Need I say more?? :)
ANYWAY I hope everyone's Christmas is fantastic (as you have just only BEGUN the day). But I bet it will be even MORE fantastic when I am home next year! He he he. Joking!
(I'm not THAT full of myself) ;)
But can I just say one thing? My coworker told me, "Just wait. Go outside on the 26th and EVERYTHING will be gone. Christmas will not exist." I thought he was exaggerating. We were walking to the restaurant around 9:30 on CHRISTMAS NIGHT and there were tons and tons of workers in cranes removing EVERYTHING. Lights on trees, decorations, etc. I wanted to be like NOOO at least wait until Christmas is actually over???? By the time we finished eating maybe 70% of the stuff in that area was GONE. Figures.
Now I have Saturday night to look forward to. The start of my winter holiday as well as our staff's bonenkai (end of year work party). It will include a 2 hour course meal and we are booked for about 5 hours of karaoke at a place that has COSTUMES!! --You might be going WOW FIVE HOURS, REALLY??!! But trust me, karaoke is a time vacuum. The time goes sooooo fast there, that is actually a great amount of time if you like singing, or are a mic hog like me. It's a good idea to book for that long because you get a special deal with all you can drink for a good price. Otherwise if you book for just two hours and then extend your time (which you ALWAYS wind up doing, because you know, you added all those songs you want to sing!), it can get very expensive hourly-- usually you go in with a 2,000 yen/person deal and come out with a 7,000 yen/person bill. Eeek. It is also important to do something entertaining like singing and dancing the night away while waiting for the first train to run. Sitting at a bar can get boring and sleepy after so long--And um...costumes!!!! Need I say more?? :)
ANYWAY I hope everyone's Christmas is fantastic (as you have just only BEGUN the day). But I bet it will be even MORE fantastic when I am home next year! He he he. Joking!
(I'm not THAT full of myself) ;)
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
From me to you
Love and miss you all!
Ps-I am not naked in this, my shirt color just kind of blends in with my skin, haha.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Good day!
I had a really great day today. So, you get a story with pictures this time!
My coworker had a friend visiting her from up North, so she wanted to show her around the area a bit this weekend. Some of us decided to go to Itoshima for the day. Itoshima is in the far south of Fukuoka (Fukuoka is a lot like LA in that it is very spread out and even if you drive for an hour away from downtown, it is still considered part of Fukuoka). It was very rural and coastal. Everything in Japan is done by seasons. So, this season is OYSTER TIME! MMM. I love love love love fresh seafood. So, we went to this area on the harbor that had tons of oyster shacks. We chose the one that made everyone wear bright orange jackets, yellow aprons, and white gloves (I was wondering where the goggles were??) mainly for fun. But the outfit, as ridiculous as it seemed was actually a little practical, because there was ash flying everywhere from the grill, the oysters squirted you when opened, and you need the gloves for opening the oysters, so it worked out OK.
My coworker had a friend visiting her from up North, so she wanted to show her around the area a bit this weekend. Some of us decided to go to Itoshima for the day. Itoshima is in the far south of Fukuoka (Fukuoka is a lot like LA in that it is very spread out and even if you drive for an hour away from downtown, it is still considered part of Fukuoka). It was very rural and coastal. Everything in Japan is done by seasons. So, this season is OYSTER TIME! MMM. I love love love love fresh seafood. So, we went to this area on the harbor that had tons of oyster shacks. We chose the one that made everyone wear bright orange jackets, yellow aprons, and white gloves (I was wondering where the goggles were??) mainly for fun. But the outfit, as ridiculous as it seemed was actually a little practical, because there was ash flying everywhere from the grill, the oysters squirted you when opened, and you need the gloves for opening the oysters, so it worked out OK.
Some of the oysters were HUGE (see above). We also grilled some prawns and this other shellfish. I was not sure what it was called in English (in Japanese-"Sazae"), so I googled it. Hmm it appears I ate sea snail! It's just one of those things to add to my list of adventurous things I have tried! But it had an interesting flavor--kind of bitter. It was fun to try though. Definitely a lot more appetizing in its shell though!
After we ate--by the way, the meal was so cheap. All this:
cost us around 10 bucks each!-- we took a walk on the harbor
(yes, Mom, that is the coat in all its glory).
After that, we went to a really nice cafe on the coastline, and ate some sweets.
This area reminded me a lot of PCH meets Hawaii but with more of a New England "wilderness" (and chill factor) feel. The cafe was really cool, and the view was fantastic! It was really nice to get out of the main city and see a little more of Fukuoka's coastal side. It is hard to do often, because you need a car to get there.
I don't know, this is how I kind of associate Christmas time: chilly beaches and Christmas trees. It all made for a good familiar holiday feeling, which I have kind of been lacking so far.
After our lovely excusion, we went back to Hakata and ate at a really good gyoza (pot sticker dumpling to you non Japanese understanding people hehe) restaurant that makes Kyushu style gyoza. And now I am sitting here very full, happy, and content. =)
*You know you are slowly turning Japanese when an entire day's events revolves around what you ate (and you document it!). ;)
After we ate--by the way, the meal was so cheap. All this:
cost us around 10 bucks each!-- we took a walk on the harbor(yes, Mom, that is the coat in all its glory).
After that, we went to a really nice cafe on the coastline, and ate some sweets.
This area reminded me a lot of PCH meets Hawaii but with more of a New England "wilderness" (and chill factor) feel. The cafe was really cool, and the view was fantastic! It was really nice to get out of the main city and see a little more of Fukuoka's coastal side. It is hard to do often, because you need a car to get there.
I don't know, this is how I kind of associate Christmas time: chilly beaches and Christmas trees. It all made for a good familiar holiday feeling, which I have kind of been lacking so far.After our lovely excusion, we went back to Hakata and ate at a really good gyoza (pot sticker dumpling to you non Japanese understanding people hehe) restaurant that makes Kyushu style gyoza. And now I am sitting here very full, happy, and content. =)
*You know you are slowly turning Japanese when an entire day's events revolves around what you ate (and you document it!). ;)
Friday, December 19, 2008
A tad more on Christmas
I'm trying to decide which is more amusing--
that some of my twenty-adult aged students seem to believe in Santa (even though none of them actually celebrate Christmas)
or
that they believe he lives in Finland.
** Which was one student's reasoning for believing he is real. After all, how could a fake person live in Finland???
Also, I have finally figured out that KFC or any kind of fried chicken dinner for that matter is the official Japanese Christmas dinner.
It's too bad they can't see up the holiday meal food chain(well in my opinion):
prime rib > ham > turkey > normal chicken > KFC > stale bread > nothing
that some of my twenty-adult aged students seem to believe in Santa (even though none of them actually celebrate Christmas)
or
that they believe he lives in Finland.
** Which was one student's reasoning for believing he is real. After all, how could a fake person live in Finland???
Also, I have finally figured out that KFC or any kind of fried chicken dinner for that matter is the official Japanese Christmas dinner.
It's too bad they can't see up the holiday meal food chain(well in my opinion):
prime rib > ham > turkey > normal chicken > KFC > stale bread > nothing
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Sorry to gloat!!!
But---- IT'S 89 YEN TO THE DOLLAR. Do you understand how INSANE that is???? I can't wait to send money home this month...
(In case you don't keep track of foreign exchange rates, it was 105 yen to the dollar when I arrived here)
(In case you don't keep track of foreign exchange rates, it was 105 yen to the dollar when I arrived here)
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
A Two Part Blog
I was going to spread these two topics out within the week, but then again I am terrible about keeping things in, so you get two topics today!
1. Christmas time in Japan
Hmm. Well. They definitely love Christmas here. Or should I say, the concept of Christmas. And when I say concept, I mean "commercialize the heck out of your country in the tackiest way possible." I mean, Japan is already notorious for being one of the most consumer focused countries (or did you already know that?), so it isn't really a huge surprise to see what direction they go in terms of this holiday especially considering there is pretty much no religion here, so that whole concept is lost immediately. Everywhere you go, you will see TONS of...blue and white (are the Japanese Jewish???) lights...I especially love the underground shopping tunnels that look like a disco club on the ceiling. But the way they are strung up in trees/underground/wherever remind me of the way my dad once hung our Christmas lights...with one strand connecting from the roof to the tree so there was literally one line of icicle lights dangling in midair (sorry, Dad, but you may never live that one down). Anyway, that is kind of how they look to me. But OK, lets give them some credit, at least I am getting Christmas lights! There are also tons of interior decorations everywhere you go. And, every single store has the same exact satelite radio station playing carols. Except this station sucks in that it literally plays about 5 carols on loop. Which is a bummer as my school plays it as well, and I am now starting to despise Mariah Carey carols and I really liked those!
So great, right? I get Christmas, although mostly commercial, in Japan! Except...here is the thing. Like I said, they love the concept of Christmas. However, pretty much no one actually celebrates it. That's right. They hang up tons of lights, drown their ear drums in carols, and sell tons of Christmassy things. Yet if you ask anyone, "What are your plans for Christmas?" they look at you strangely and reply, "I am working. Probably overtime as well. Duh." (Well they don't actually say duh). Oh wait, they do eat "Christmas cake" on December 23 or something like that, whatever that is/means. So, due to this, this holiday feels rather empty to me. It just doesn't have that feeling you get back home. Therefore, especially since our Christmas party already happened (almost one month before the actual holiday), it may as well be over for me. Sad, but true. And, of course I am working.
2. A small comment on fashion
I could actually write a novel about the fashion here. Some of it is really inspiriring, some of it is confusing, but today I am going to just focus on one look that amuses me. Long story short, the hooker look is way in fashion here. Everywhere you go shopping, you can find a plethora of hooker clothes. Think "Pretty Woman" thigh high boots. Or if boots aren't your thing, think stripper heels (~6 inches) covered in glitter. Think the shortest shorts you can imagine. Think fishnets. Think beehive hairdos. Think heavy heavy makeup. All of that combined=one of the biggest fashions here that all the "cool girls" wear. It amuses me in that if anyone were to wear that back home, they would be arrested in about 10 seconds. However, it is kind of scandalous here to show your shoulders! Therefore, I must be considered quite the hussy in summertime!
Oh, and the actual hookers here wear high school style prom/homecoming dresses.
No I am not making this up!
1. Christmas time in Japan
Hmm. Well. They definitely love Christmas here. Or should I say, the concept of Christmas. And when I say concept, I mean "commercialize the heck out of your country in the tackiest way possible." I mean, Japan is already notorious for being one of the most consumer focused countries (or did you already know that?), so it isn't really a huge surprise to see what direction they go in terms of this holiday especially considering there is pretty much no religion here, so that whole concept is lost immediately. Everywhere you go, you will see TONS of...blue and white (are the Japanese Jewish???) lights...I especially love the underground shopping tunnels that look like a disco club on the ceiling. But the way they are strung up in trees/underground/wherever remind me of the way my dad once hung our Christmas lights...with one strand connecting from the roof to the tree so there was literally one line of icicle lights dangling in midair (sorry, Dad, but you may never live that one down). Anyway, that is kind of how they look to me. But OK, lets give them some credit, at least I am getting Christmas lights! There are also tons of interior decorations everywhere you go. And, every single store has the same exact satelite radio station playing carols. Except this station sucks in that it literally plays about 5 carols on loop. Which is a bummer as my school plays it as well, and I am now starting to despise Mariah Carey carols and I really liked those!
So great, right? I get Christmas, although mostly commercial, in Japan! Except...here is the thing. Like I said, they love the concept of Christmas. However, pretty much no one actually celebrates it. That's right. They hang up tons of lights, drown their ear drums in carols, and sell tons of Christmassy things. Yet if you ask anyone, "What are your plans for Christmas?" they look at you strangely and reply, "I am working. Probably overtime as well. Duh." (Well they don't actually say duh). Oh wait, they do eat "Christmas cake" on December 23 or something like that, whatever that is/means. So, due to this, this holiday feels rather empty to me. It just doesn't have that feeling you get back home. Therefore, especially since our Christmas party already happened (almost one month before the actual holiday), it may as well be over for me. Sad, but true. And, of course I am working.
2. A small comment on fashion
I could actually write a novel about the fashion here. Some of it is really inspiriring, some of it is confusing, but today I am going to just focus on one look that amuses me. Long story short, the hooker look is way in fashion here. Everywhere you go shopping, you can find a plethora of hooker clothes. Think "Pretty Woman" thigh high boots. Or if boots aren't your thing, think stripper heels (~6 inches) covered in glitter. Think the shortest shorts you can imagine. Think fishnets. Think beehive hairdos. Think heavy heavy makeup. All of that combined=one of the biggest fashions here that all the "cool girls" wear. It amuses me in that if anyone were to wear that back home, they would be arrested in about 10 seconds. However, it is kind of scandalous here to show your shoulders! Therefore, I must be considered quite the hussy in summertime!
Oh, and the actual hookers here wear high school style prom/homecoming dresses.
No I am not making this up!
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Instead of going out on Saturday, I stay in and reflect.
Well, I did go out last night so maybe it is OK. Anyway, here is a nice deep reflection I have been stewing over for the past few days, from yours truly at 1:30 am (totally the best time to write deep blog reflections FYI).
I feel like the ceiling of insight finally caved and collapsed on top of me earlier this week. As of this minute, I have been in Japan for 8 months, ten days, 14 hours, and two minutes (estimation of course). Some people say it takes a year to adjust to a new life in a foreign place, some say it takes two months, some say blah blah, but I am pretty positive it took me 8 months, and 6 days to adjust.
I have spent the past 8 months on this constant looping emotional roller coaster (with really steep drops and a few loops). I also spent a good deal of time thinking there was something wrong with me--why wasn't I enjoying this experience 100%? All my friends who studied abroad overseas during college seemed to, so why wasn't I, what was wrong with me?? But, now that I have had some good heart to heart talks with a few friends who have lived overseas (especially ones who went to a completely different culture like me), I realized that I was just seeing their "happy" moments, and in fact they admitted every day could be a struggle for them living overseas. So, phew, nothing is wrong with me! OK, I have actually known this now for a few weeks, but this week I finally pinpointed why it has taken me so long to adjust to being in this country.
I mean, take away the fact it is an opposite culture with some really annoying people, lack of variety in food (especially food I am used to), and some weird foreign people living here. Wait, actually that last part does have to do with the point I am about to make. I voluntarily ripped myself away from my comfort zone. I was quite comfortable in college. I have a good group of friends, I was never really "alone", and I always had someone to lean on when I was having a difficult time. In other words I was sheltered and needed to be in the "real world." Except, I purposely put myself in "Real World level 7.5" (anything higher would involve being homeless, or living in Sub-Saharan Africa). Which is good, it's that whole "dive straight into the deep end" thing. But, it also has its ramifications. Some of mine included freaking out because I went from having lots of friends (well I still have them but they are now across the world from me), to wondering what the heck I was going to do on a weekend, and being surrounded (well this is still present tense actually) by weird people. I was in a country whose culture I didn't really understand. The clothes here fit weird. People stare at me. My job has long hours I was not really used to working. The summer weather was shocking. I look fat compared to most girls here. Etc etc. Basically, I lost all of that "security" I felt back in the US. I also lost a lot of confidence in myself, and my purpose of even coming here became kind of lost to me. I found myself clinging like a wet cat onto anything that could make me feel like my life was the same as it was before I left. I was also in a lot of denial--even up until a few days ago.
It's funny because talking to my wonderful friends I eventually made here, they either have gone or are still going through the exact same thing. So once again, it is reassuring to know I am not actually insane or weird. I am sure those of you who communicate with me other than reading this blog can recall many times I vented your ears off about hating it here, or being unhappy, or whatever. My friends said they have done the exact same thing. And none of us are even negative people to begin with! Now, I think it is just a natural phase of adjusting. Because, I have basically had to rebuild myself piece by piece since arrival. It has been difficult. It has made me be furious at myself for even coming here. It has made me cry myself to sleep. But, I think the construction is over. I have finally accepted my life here. I have accepted how this country and culture is, and that it is homogenous to the extreme and that is just never going to change. I have also accepted myself a bit more than before. And, I have also realized I need to keep making things happen for myself (truthfully I haven't been too shabby with that, but still)--opportunities don't really fall into your lap that much back home, so that definitely isn't going to over here in the land of inopportunity! Now it is just that refinishing stuff, which doesn't seem very painful considering what I have experienced. I think while putting the pieces back together, I really did find parts of myself I wasn't that aware of (I know I know I am using some cheesy metaphors haha). I have discovered new hobbies, talents, and abilities. Honestly, you have no idea how rewarding it is to handle your own problems and get away unscathed in a country whose language you don't even speak! It really gives you that "Wow if I can do that, I can do anything!" feeling.
So, especially in my whining moments, I have been asked, "Do you regret going there?" And my answer varied. But now I can say no, I have no regrets. Although it has been difficult so far, and I am sure there is more of that to come in the next 10 months I am here (and, uh, probably the rest of my life haha), what I am getting out of this experience really is priceless. I think I am going to return to the States the person I truly want to be. I know, so sappy. :)
~~~~~
Ok, and now for a normal update that isn't so philosophical or personal. I am getting excited for my vacation to Korea! I am pretty sure I will be able to see some college friends who are there teaching English for maybe NYE and some other things. I am also just generally excited to travel again! Oh, and I hate to brag over here in strong currency land, but *the yen is way stronger than the Korean won right now. At the moment I believe the entire country is a 20-30% discount for me!!! :) I think I deserve it.
*I knocked on wood just in case I jinxed myself.
I feel like the ceiling of insight finally caved and collapsed on top of me earlier this week. As of this minute, I have been in Japan for 8 months, ten days, 14 hours, and two minutes (estimation of course). Some people say it takes a year to adjust to a new life in a foreign place, some say it takes two months, some say blah blah, but I am pretty positive it took me 8 months, and 6 days to adjust.
I have spent the past 8 months on this constant looping emotional roller coaster (with really steep drops and a few loops). I also spent a good deal of time thinking there was something wrong with me--why wasn't I enjoying this experience 100%? All my friends who studied abroad overseas during college seemed to, so why wasn't I, what was wrong with me?? But, now that I have had some good heart to heart talks with a few friends who have lived overseas (especially ones who went to a completely different culture like me), I realized that I was just seeing their "happy" moments, and in fact they admitted every day could be a struggle for them living overseas. So, phew, nothing is wrong with me! OK, I have actually known this now for a few weeks, but this week I finally pinpointed why it has taken me so long to adjust to being in this country.
I mean, take away the fact it is an opposite culture with some really annoying people, lack of variety in food (especially food I am used to), and some weird foreign people living here. Wait, actually that last part does have to do with the point I am about to make. I voluntarily ripped myself away from my comfort zone. I was quite comfortable in college. I have a good group of friends, I was never really "alone", and I always had someone to lean on when I was having a difficult time. In other words I was sheltered and needed to be in the "real world." Except, I purposely put myself in "Real World level 7.5" (anything higher would involve being homeless, or living in Sub-Saharan Africa). Which is good, it's that whole "dive straight into the deep end" thing. But, it also has its ramifications. Some of mine included freaking out because I went from having lots of friends (well I still have them but they are now across the world from me), to wondering what the heck I was going to do on a weekend, and being surrounded (well this is still present tense actually) by weird people. I was in a country whose culture I didn't really understand. The clothes here fit weird. People stare at me. My job has long hours I was not really used to working. The summer weather was shocking. I look fat compared to most girls here. Etc etc. Basically, I lost all of that "security" I felt back in the US. I also lost a lot of confidence in myself, and my purpose of even coming here became kind of lost to me. I found myself clinging like a wet cat onto anything that could make me feel like my life was the same as it was before I left. I was also in a lot of denial--even up until a few days ago.
It's funny because talking to my wonderful friends I eventually made here, they either have gone or are still going through the exact same thing. So once again, it is reassuring to know I am not actually insane or weird. I am sure those of you who communicate with me other than reading this blog can recall many times I vented your ears off about hating it here, or being unhappy, or whatever. My friends said they have done the exact same thing. And none of us are even negative people to begin with! Now, I think it is just a natural phase of adjusting. Because, I have basically had to rebuild myself piece by piece since arrival. It has been difficult. It has made me be furious at myself for even coming here. It has made me cry myself to sleep. But, I think the construction is over. I have finally accepted my life here. I have accepted how this country and culture is, and that it is homogenous to the extreme and that is just never going to change. I have also accepted myself a bit more than before. And, I have also realized I need to keep making things happen for myself (truthfully I haven't been too shabby with that, but still)--opportunities don't really fall into your lap that much back home, so that definitely isn't going to over here in the land of inopportunity! Now it is just that refinishing stuff, which doesn't seem very painful considering what I have experienced. I think while putting the pieces back together, I really did find parts of myself I wasn't that aware of (I know I know I am using some cheesy metaphors haha). I have discovered new hobbies, talents, and abilities. Honestly, you have no idea how rewarding it is to handle your own problems and get away unscathed in a country whose language you don't even speak! It really gives you that "Wow if I can do that, I can do anything!" feeling.
So, especially in my whining moments, I have been asked, "Do you regret going there?" And my answer varied. But now I can say no, I have no regrets. Although it has been difficult so far, and I am sure there is more of that to come in the next 10 months I am here (and, uh, probably the rest of my life haha), what I am getting out of this experience really is priceless. I think I am going to return to the States the person I truly want to be. I know, so sappy. :)
~~~~~
Ok, and now for a normal update that isn't so philosophical or personal. I am getting excited for my vacation to Korea! I am pretty sure I will be able to see some college friends who are there teaching English for maybe NYE and some other things. I am also just generally excited to travel again! Oh, and I hate to brag over here in strong currency land, but *the yen is way stronger than the Korean won right now. At the moment I believe the entire country is a 20-30% discount for me!!! :) I think I deserve it.
*I knocked on wood just in case I jinxed myself.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Twilight
My friend lent me the book over here. I know it is a very popular book series in the US right now, and that the movie just came out, so I really wanted to see what the hype is about.
First and foremost-who the hell was in charge of editing this book?? Ok, now on to my actual thoughts on what was published...
Well...I can just say that at page 334, CHAPTER SIXTEEN (!), I do not understand the hype at all. I feel that the writing is very cheesy and one huge cliche tangled in itself. It's like, I can see exactly what the author is trying to do with this book, but it just isn't working for me. In fact, the writing style kind of reminds me of my junior high days when I would write stories in my journals. I love reading, and have read many different kinds of books. Some very intellectual, and then others that aren't-most of which I deem my "guilty pleasure" kinds of books. But I can't even really consider this a guilty pleasure book at this moment, because my guilty pleasure books are at least entertaining!
I never have a problem putting this book down. In fact, it had been lying in a corner slightly disheveled for the past three days until I just went to check what page I was on. Maybe I would care and be more invested in the story, if there was an actual story by page 334! I am 70% finished with the book! I mean, I feel like I have had to suffer through about the past 300 pages of one long, never ending description of a play by play (and by that I mean from what she ate for breakfast to what her English teacher assigned as homework to how she brushed her teeth at night) description of Bella's boring uneventful days that had nothing to do with the plot at all, or description of them cuddling together, or Bella thinking how perfect Edward is, or Bella throwing a temper tantrum for no reason, or the four combined in some fashion. Not to mention, the protagonist is extremely unlikeable. I am really disappointed in that, because at first the author tries to play her off as this "misunderstood" clumsy (but of course overdoes the clumsy bit 300% to the point you go--there is no way anyone, not even a fictional character in a lame book can be that clumsy!) teenage girl who doesn't know who she is, and who doesn't see her true beauty--someone I totally thought I could relate to in some ways--too bad she is really just a whiny,boring, unambitious, stubborn brat who never shuts up or stops throwing useless temper tantrums (that then make me roll my eyes and toss the book back into the corner). Oh, and did I mention that her name is *Bella Swan??? How...melodrama (please see my first paragraph on the writing).
*In case you don't speak Italian, Bella=beautiful
I'm sure you are going--why don't you just stop reading it if you don't like it? Unfortunately, I have this weird thing that once I start a book, I have to finish it. Even if it takes me two years, and many other (much better) books in between, I always finish. So I will persevere through this, but just had to rant about this--I just don't really get why so many people adore this? And no, I do not think I will be continuing the series--especially since I have been told the main character gets even MORE whiny and annoying as they go on--how is that possible??
*Also I would like to apologize if I have offended any hardcore Twilight fans. I am not trying to insult your taste. Obviously, everyone has different things they look for in books. To each his own.
First and foremost-who the hell was in charge of editing this book?? Ok, now on to my actual thoughts on what was published...
Well...I can just say that at page 334, CHAPTER SIXTEEN (!), I do not understand the hype at all. I feel that the writing is very cheesy and one huge cliche tangled in itself. It's like, I can see exactly what the author is trying to do with this book, but it just isn't working for me. In fact, the writing style kind of reminds me of my junior high days when I would write stories in my journals. I love reading, and have read many different kinds of books. Some very intellectual, and then others that aren't-most of which I deem my "guilty pleasure" kinds of books. But I can't even really consider this a guilty pleasure book at this moment, because my guilty pleasure books are at least entertaining!
I never have a problem putting this book down. In fact, it had been lying in a corner slightly disheveled for the past three days until I just went to check what page I was on. Maybe I would care and be more invested in the story, if there was an actual story by page 334! I am 70% finished with the book! I mean, I feel like I have had to suffer through about the past 300 pages of one long, never ending description of a play by play (and by that I mean from what she ate for breakfast to what her English teacher assigned as homework to how she brushed her teeth at night) description of Bella's boring uneventful days that had nothing to do with the plot at all, or description of them cuddling together, or Bella thinking how perfect Edward is, or Bella throwing a temper tantrum for no reason, or the four combined in some fashion. Not to mention, the protagonist is extremely unlikeable. I am really disappointed in that, because at first the author tries to play her off as this "misunderstood" clumsy (but of course overdoes the clumsy bit 300% to the point you go--there is no way anyone, not even a fictional character in a lame book can be that clumsy!) teenage girl who doesn't know who she is, and who doesn't see her true beauty--someone I totally thought I could relate to in some ways--too bad she is really just a whiny,boring, unambitious, stubborn brat who never shuts up or stops throwing useless temper tantrums (that then make me roll my eyes and toss the book back into the corner). Oh, and did I mention that her name is *Bella Swan??? How...melodrama (please see my first paragraph on the writing).
*In case you don't speak Italian, Bella=beautiful
I'm sure you are going--why don't you just stop reading it if you don't like it? Unfortunately, I have this weird thing that once I start a book, I have to finish it. Even if it takes me two years, and many other (much better) books in between, I always finish. So I will persevere through this, but just had to rant about this--I just don't really get why so many people adore this? And no, I do not think I will be continuing the series--especially since I have been told the main character gets even MORE whiny and annoying as they go on--how is that possible??
*Also I would like to apologize if I have offended any hardcore Twilight fans. I am not trying to insult your taste. Obviously, everyone has different things they look for in books. To each his own.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
FYI
I won't delete my last entry for sentimental purposes, but in case it made you go, "huh?" or read it twice to try to understand what I was saying, I thought I should mention that I wrote that after 3 Christmas parties, in a row, at around 5:30 am, so my mind wasn't it's usual old self ;)...I guess I just really wanted to tell you about my snow experience!! Hahaha.
(Snow is cool, though).
(Snow is cool, though).
YAY
So, this morning, while getting dressed it was extremely freezing. When it is pouring rain I can hear it and prepare while getting dressed...but imagine my surprise when I opened my door, ready to leave for work. It was snowing! Granted, I have seen the snow before. But to have my street as silent as it was, and to see the white snow flakes fall (last entry=just damp droplet snowflakes), silently. I don't know. I guess you have to live where there is everyday snowfall like this to appreciate (or hate haha) this. but for me, to open my front door in panic of missing my train, and hearing silence, and watching white snow falling down EVERYWHERE in absolute silence....it was a moment of perfection. You know, when I could see something like that and die happy. I was very happy. =) Yay snow!!!!
Friday, December 5, 2008
Bizarre day
Today was just one of those days where you keep asking yourself whether it is really happening or not. It all started with me waking up from weird dreams, and feeling a little out of it, probably due to going out for drinks with coworkers the night before. I was expecting a package to be delivered before noon, so all morning I was half asleep, just waiting for my intercom to buzz. Finally at 11:15 I really had to start getting ready for work, so I jumped in the shower. At 11:23 I got out of the shower, and to my dismay saw a red slip in the middle of my hallway marking that I had missed my delivery. Of course. Of course. So now I have to wait until tomorrow for it to be delivered at work. But that isn't really what was bizarre today, just some added details.
I went to work a little early today, because my coworker and I were being videotaped "teaching" (more like repeating the same three sentences over and over and over again thinking to yourself-WHEN -smile-WILL-smile- THIS-smile- BE-cheesy laugh- OVER?!!!?) for some Japan advertisement network. Of course no one ever really tells me the details, and even after this was finished, I am still really unclear of the details or how it works, but it has something to do with our videos being sent to cell phones? Possibly on a website?? Who knows. At this point, I feel so pimped out for this stuff I am immune to interest. I just smile and do the work and then get back to what I should have been doing instead of that.
I also found out my coworker called in sick (very rare occurence) so in that retrospect it almost felt like hell froze over. I had to teach one of this classes, which wasn't a big deal. At first I was afraid it was a class that didn't speak English (somewhat low level lesson), but the girls wound of being awesome. In fact, one was so cute and constantly smiling, I just wanted to put her in my pocket or something. Anyway, later in the day we found out my coworker went to the doctor and that he either has ecoli or some other not as serious (ha) virus that will last a few days. But with the way health care works here, they will probably wind up giving him a heart transplant, just in case (they LOVE doing surgeries--a hypochondriacs dreamland). Regardless, he isn't coming into work tomorrow (Sat) which is our busiest day, so that means we all get to teach extra classes!! Yay!! We also have a Christmas party (er more like 4 parties) right after work, so it will be a long day ahead! Oh, and did I mention my staff wanted me to wear this slutty Santa outfit? Not that it was originally intended to be slutty, but I think due to my height, the skirt is much shorter than it should be =) Well, anyway, I opted for some "Christmas accessories" instead..plus I am too broke to go all out for a one day thing. Maybe next year...maybe.
In one of my evening classes, I was expecting one female student, and was surprised to see this old man I had never seen before in my life hanging out in my classroom. He actually goes to a different branch of my school in a city two hours away, but was joining my lesson because of business....yet we had no record of him on the schedule or anything. Go figure. Anyway it wasn't so bad, and he was very friendly, but his skills were.................yeah, so I think my other student started getting annoyed, and it kind of threw the lesson a little off balance.
Ok, so now for the grand finale of my weird Friday. In between my last two lessons, my manager asked me to talk to a man who showed up interested in lessons. I had no time, but sat down anyway and asked him how he was, and he literally used a hand gesture of sending me away (you know, how rich people do to servants in movies), and gave me a dirty look. I tried one more time, thinking I imagined that because after all, who has ever seen a Japanese person be rude directly to your face?--they always do it on the sly instead, but yeah he did it again! So I thought "Fine, come to an English school and refuse to speak to a teacher, Ok." And ran back to my manager who saw the whole thing and we shared a "wtf" moment together. I watched him do the same thing to my coworker, and then taught another lesson and thought nothing more of it. ANYWAY after lessons were finished I was with my head teacher and she told me that after the last lessons started, the man started yelling at my manager and told her we were all idiots, and left. THEN he apparently called about 8 times and yelled at our staff, saying he had a horrible experience at our school and was going to return and hurt us. Yeah, I know, right?? So since something like this has probably happened in all of Japan's history of complaining maybe .00000000000000000000000087 times, everyone freaked out and called the police, and someone from our head office showed up to help manage the problem. We were asked to be out of the office a little earlier in case he came back, so I have no idea what happened with that. I mean, the chances of him "following through" with his threat are low and he is probably just a crazy old man, but at the same time that NEVER happens here, and is a weird situation anywhere to begin with. And these days, people are crazy. My criminology brain couldn't help but think of all the mass murder cases I studied about disgruntled customers, etc. But don't worry, I am sure I will show up to work and have maybe two personal police escorts assigned to me and the rest of our staff at all times tomorrow, based on how things are handled and situations are over handled here =) (kind of joking). All in all, it was just a very BIZARRE day!
But, on the flip side it WAS SNOWING TODAY. Not enough for it to actually stay on the ground, but yes, it was snowing!!! =)
I went to work a little early today, because my coworker and I were being videotaped "teaching" (more like repeating the same three sentences over and over and over again thinking to yourself-WHEN -smile-WILL-smile- THIS-smile- BE-cheesy laugh- OVER?!!!?) for some Japan advertisement network. Of course no one ever really tells me the details, and even after this was finished, I am still really unclear of the details or how it works, but it has something to do with our videos being sent to cell phones? Possibly on a website?? Who knows. At this point, I feel so pimped out for this stuff I am immune to interest. I just smile and do the work and then get back to what I should have been doing instead of that.
I also found out my coworker called in sick (very rare occurence) so in that retrospect it almost felt like hell froze over. I had to teach one of this classes, which wasn't a big deal. At first I was afraid it was a class that didn't speak English (somewhat low level lesson), but the girls wound of being awesome. In fact, one was so cute and constantly smiling, I just wanted to put her in my pocket or something. Anyway, later in the day we found out my coworker went to the doctor and that he either has ecoli or some other not as serious (ha) virus that will last a few days. But with the way health care works here, they will probably wind up giving him a heart transplant, just in case (they LOVE doing surgeries--a hypochondriacs dreamland). Regardless, he isn't coming into work tomorrow (Sat) which is our busiest day, so that means we all get to teach extra classes!! Yay!! We also have a Christmas party (er more like 4 parties) right after work, so it will be a long day ahead! Oh, and did I mention my staff wanted me to wear this slutty Santa outfit? Not that it was originally intended to be slutty, but I think due to my height, the skirt is much shorter than it should be =) Well, anyway, I opted for some "Christmas accessories" instead..plus I am too broke to go all out for a one day thing. Maybe next year...maybe.
In one of my evening classes, I was expecting one female student, and was surprised to see this old man I had never seen before in my life hanging out in my classroom. He actually goes to a different branch of my school in a city two hours away, but was joining my lesson because of business....yet we had no record of him on the schedule or anything. Go figure. Anyway it wasn't so bad, and he was very friendly, but his skills were.................yeah, so I think my other student started getting annoyed, and it kind of threw the lesson a little off balance.
Ok, so now for the grand finale of my weird Friday. In between my last two lessons, my manager asked me to talk to a man who showed up interested in lessons. I had no time, but sat down anyway and asked him how he was, and he literally used a hand gesture of sending me away (you know, how rich people do to servants in movies), and gave me a dirty look. I tried one more time, thinking I imagined that because after all, who has ever seen a Japanese person be rude directly to your face?--they always do it on the sly instead, but yeah he did it again! So I thought "Fine, come to an English school and refuse to speak to a teacher, Ok." And ran back to my manager who saw the whole thing and we shared a "wtf" moment together. I watched him do the same thing to my coworker, and then taught another lesson and thought nothing more of it. ANYWAY after lessons were finished I was with my head teacher and she told me that after the last lessons started, the man started yelling at my manager and told her we were all idiots, and left. THEN he apparently called about 8 times and yelled at our staff, saying he had a horrible experience at our school and was going to return and hurt us. Yeah, I know, right?? So since something like this has probably happened in all of Japan's history of complaining maybe .00000000000000000000000087 times, everyone freaked out and called the police, and someone from our head office showed up to help manage the problem. We were asked to be out of the office a little earlier in case he came back, so I have no idea what happened with that. I mean, the chances of him "following through" with his threat are low and he is probably just a crazy old man, but at the same time that NEVER happens here, and is a weird situation anywhere to begin with. And these days, people are crazy. My criminology brain couldn't help but think of all the mass murder cases I studied about disgruntled customers, etc. But don't worry, I am sure I will show up to work and have maybe two personal police escorts assigned to me and the rest of our staff at all times tomorrow, based on how things are handled and situations are over handled here =) (kind of joking). All in all, it was just a very BIZARRE day!
But, on the flip side it WAS SNOWING TODAY. Not enough for it to actually stay on the ground, but yes, it was snowing!!! =)
Monday, December 1, 2008
Ehhh
I decided my picture was more important than that vintage-y background, so now you can look at a plain white blog and a picture haha. At least the font is bigger!
Tickets for Korea are bought. Now I just need to figure out where I am going and what I am doing there! I did buy a guidebook though, so I think reading it could be my first step ;)
The economy in Japan is hurting a tad due to the fiasco in America, but just like any other negative issue in Japan, no one talks about it, so there is no reminder. It is sad to read MSN news every morning and read about huge layoffs from big corporations, etc etc. But the other day, I read the saddest article by far. It was quoting people who dress up as Santa for malls. The Santas were saying this year that instead of asking for toys, they are getting a lot of requests from kids for a new job for their dad, or money for their parents to buy their house back. These aren't orphanage kids either, just your ordinary kid at the mall sitting on Santa's lap. I just thought it was heartbreaking that these little kids are carrying their parents' worry. They also quoted a mother who took her daughter to see Santa. Her daugher listed off some things she wanted from him, and the mother was very stressed out, because her daughter was unaware she has been laid off for the past nine months and doesn't think she can really give her a Christmas this year. It's just really sad that our economy has become this bad and that jobs are so scarce. I really hope it turns around!!
And um re: the news story of the man trampled to death by greedy shoppers in Walmart-I am disgusted with a percentage of the human race. Just putting that out there...
Tickets for Korea are bought. Now I just need to figure out where I am going and what I am doing there! I did buy a guidebook though, so I think reading it could be my first step ;)
The economy in Japan is hurting a tad due to the fiasco in America, but just like any other negative issue in Japan, no one talks about it, so there is no reminder. It is sad to read MSN news every morning and read about huge layoffs from big corporations, etc etc. But the other day, I read the saddest article by far. It was quoting people who dress up as Santa for malls. The Santas were saying this year that instead of asking for toys, they are getting a lot of requests from kids for a new job for their dad, or money for their parents to buy their house back. These aren't orphanage kids either, just your ordinary kid at the mall sitting on Santa's lap. I just thought it was heartbreaking that these little kids are carrying their parents' worry. They also quoted a mother who took her daughter to see Santa. Her daugher listed off some things she wanted from him, and the mother was very stressed out, because her daughter was unaware she has been laid off for the past nine months and doesn't think she can really give her a Christmas this year. It's just really sad that our economy has become this bad and that jobs are so scarce. I really hope it turns around!!
And um re: the news story of the man trampled to death by greedy shoppers in Walmart-I am disgusted with a percentage of the human race. Just putting that out there...
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