Saturday, October 08, 2005
Bonus!
I bet you thought my previous post would be the last you'd hear of me until tomorrow.
You thought wrong!
After sorting and uploading all of the pictures I took this afternoon, it was time to eat dinner again. Since I was pretty tired from walking around all day, I figured I'd just go the place around the corner for some okonomiyaki and then chill at home for the evening, just take it easy to rest up for tomorrow. Little did I know I would have a random encounter in the restaurant and get invited to a little party where I ended up having some kick-ass bourbon and chilling the fuck out.
Sadly, I can't elaborate on this story, at least not in public. If you want to know what happened, ask me in private. I know that sucks, but I've got to consider the ramifications of publicly discussing these matters. I guess that's just how goddamn cool this whole situation was. I still can't believe it went down like this.
Whew, I'm still totally buzzed from the bourbon and I've got a big day ahead of me. Score one point for self-control and ten points for coincidence!
つづく... (Click here to read more)
You thought wrong!
After sorting and uploading all of the pictures I took this afternoon, it was time to eat dinner again. Since I was pretty tired from walking around all day, I figured I'd just go the place around the corner for some okonomiyaki and then chill at home for the evening, just take it easy to rest up for tomorrow. Little did I know I would have a random encounter in the restaurant and get invited to a little party where I ended up having some kick-ass bourbon and chilling the fuck out.
Sadly, I can't elaborate on this story, at least not in public. If you want to know what happened, ask me in private. I know that sucks, but I've got to consider the ramifications of publicly discussing these matters. I guess that's just how goddamn cool this whole situation was. I still can't believe it went down like this.
Whew, I'm still totally buzzed from the bourbon and I've got a big day ahead of me. Score one point for self-control and ten points for coincidence!
つづく... (Click here to read more)
Soaked yet Satisfied
I did go out last night to a little get-together in the park but I didn't stay too long because I had a big day planned today: an outing to Kyôto with Yui (my speaking partner) and Megan. Of course, the weather was totally crappy and rained on and off all day, sometimes quite hard. Having no umbrella I wore my rain slicker which looks like a drape (especially given the weight loss) and it's uncomfortably warm to boot. Still, I had a really nice time.
I spotted this beautiful little bird on my way to the station this morning.
Cutest. Schoolbus. Ever!
Megan and I met at Makino Station to get on the train and we met up with Yui enroute. The really fierce rain earlier this morning made both of them reconsider the day we had planned but fortunately it let up and they both stuck with the plan. I hate the rain as much as anybody (more than most people even) but since we scheduled this outing a week ago it would have really sucked to back out just over bad weather. In the end, I think we all agreed it was worth the mild soaking we received.
This major street in Kyôto was covered (thankfully) so we got a break from the rain while waiting for the bus.
Yui and Megan pose while we wait. Do I really have to tell you who's who?
We had to take a bus to our first destination, Kinkakuji. Along the way the bus happened to pass by a castle I had read about, Nijôjô. Originally we had planned on visiting another famous temple but when I mentioned that I had never been to a Japanese castle before, we changed our plans. I took many photos which I have posted on this separate page. Megan's pictures can be seen right here.
After we were finished exploring the sights we all realized it was high time to eat something. Fortunately, we happened to find a nice little noodle shop around the corner from the castle where we came in out of the rain and enjoyed a nice meal. Rather than wait for another bus in the rain, we took the subway back which ended up being a little cheaper to boot. I'd say it was a pretty nice day and Megan and Yui seemed to get along quite well.
I guess there are a couple things on my mind, what with the big day I've got tomorrow (no hints) and lingering self-doubt born from my communication problems with some folks over the last day or two, but I'm just not going to dwell on it. Fuck it. I'm cool, it's their problem not mine. I'll leave you with this odd shot from one of Kyôto's very clean train stations.
つづく... (Click here to read more)
I spotted this beautiful little bird on my way to the station this morning.
Cutest. Schoolbus. Ever!
Megan and I met at Makino Station to get on the train and we met up with Yui enroute. The really fierce rain earlier this morning made both of them reconsider the day we had planned but fortunately it let up and they both stuck with the plan. I hate the rain as much as anybody (more than most people even) but since we scheduled this outing a week ago it would have really sucked to back out just over bad weather. In the end, I think we all agreed it was worth the mild soaking we received.
This major street in Kyôto was covered (thankfully) so we got a break from the rain while waiting for the bus.
Yui and Megan pose while we wait. Do I really have to tell you who's who?
We had to take a bus to our first destination, Kinkakuji. Along the way the bus happened to pass by a castle I had read about, Nijôjô. Originally we had planned on visiting another famous temple but when I mentioned that I had never been to a Japanese castle before, we changed our plans. I took many photos which I have posted on this separate page. Megan's pictures can be seen right here.
After we were finished exploring the sights we all realized it was high time to eat something. Fortunately, we happened to find a nice little noodle shop around the corner from the castle where we came in out of the rain and enjoyed a nice meal. Rather than wait for another bus in the rain, we took the subway back which ended up being a little cheaper to boot. I'd say it was a pretty nice day and Megan and Yui seemed to get along quite well.
I guess there are a couple things on my mind, what with the big day I've got tomorrow (no hints) and lingering self-doubt born from my communication problems with some folks over the last day or two, but I'm just not going to dwell on it. Fuck it. I'm cool, it's their problem not mine. I'll leave you with this odd shot from one of Kyôto's very clean train stations.
つづく... (Click here to read more)
Friday, October 07, 2005
Ignored Again
A few weeks ago I told you about something the Japanese call mokusatsu (黙殺) which could be translated as "ignore to death." I'm not dead yet but I'm getting really tired of this crap.
I'm not going to rant and rave about what happened because I'm trying really hard to just let the whole thing go. If this person really wants me to go away, that's her loss. Or at least, that's what I've got to keep telling myself to avoid feeling frustrated and lonely.
So let's instead experiment with a video I made in the dorm, shall we? Please "right-click" and save this before watching it and enjoy watching me squirm in front of the camera.
VIDEO: Beware the Jet Towel!
つづく... (Click here to read more)
I'm not going to rant and rave about what happened because I'm trying really hard to just let the whole thing go. If this person really wants me to go away, that's her loss. Or at least, that's what I've got to keep telling myself to avoid feeling frustrated and lonely.
So let's instead experiment with a video I made in the dorm, shall we? Please "right-click" and save this before watching it and enjoy watching me squirm in front of the camera.
VIDEO: Beware the Jet Towel!
つづく... (Click here to read more)
Thursday, October 06, 2005
俺に話してんの？(You Talkin' To Me?)
Feeling pretty good today, the rain stopped and I only had two classes to deal with, one of which was a complete waste of time. The teacher wanted to show us how to type in Japanese using Windows, something I've been doing for five years now. I'm not sure why we did it, is she expecting us to type something in Japanese now? Like a paper? I hope not! I can barely write papers in my own language.
With a free afternoon I made it my business to get into the gym and really work out this time. Lots of good news to report: I did it, it felt "good" (in that it was physically taxing and therefore useful) and I weighed myself again. I'm officially under 200 lbs for the first time since...high school? As a rule, I avoided weighing myself for most of my life because I hated knowing exactly how fat I was. This past short-sightedness makes my current progress a little harder to determine as I have no frame of reference. Still, I know lighter is better and I continue to shed pounds.
During lunch Scott called me and suggested an evening on the town. I agreed and we met at 8PM. It was mostly the usual affair, lots of conversation, drinking and walking. One bar we went into was showing Jackass: The Movie which was subtitled although that kind of movie doesn't need much translation. I couldn't think of a more internationally-appealing film; physical comedy is universal.
Speaking of which, we had our own little funny moment walking back to the train station. This Japanese guy ran in front of us and started mouthing off to no one in particular. I understood very little of what he said but I could tell he was drunk and making fun of us. Scott actually confronted him and offered him a cigarette but this guy wasn't buying it. He kept calling us aho which is a profane insult in Japanese (translation is pointless but think of "asshole" if you must).
The whole thing was kind of funny because in New York I've been conditioned to ignore people who angrily talk to themselves. I don't know if it's fear of violence or just "minding my own business" but I would never think to interrupt anybody in that situation. However, Osaka is not New York so instead I witnessed a humorous, cross-cultural clash. Sadly, I don't think we won him over and Scott eventually dismissed him in English which he couldn't understand but it was really funny to us.
Busy weekend starts tomorrow. Should make for some great photos.
つづく... (Click here to read more)
With a free afternoon I made it my business to get into the gym and really work out this time. Lots of good news to report: I did it, it felt "good" (in that it was physically taxing and therefore useful) and I weighed myself again. I'm officially under 200 lbs for the first time since...high school? As a rule, I avoided weighing myself for most of my life because I hated knowing exactly how fat I was. This past short-sightedness makes my current progress a little harder to determine as I have no frame of reference. Still, I know lighter is better and I continue to shed pounds.
During lunch Scott called me and suggested an evening on the town. I agreed and we met at 8PM. It was mostly the usual affair, lots of conversation, drinking and walking. One bar we went into was showing Jackass: The Movie which was subtitled although that kind of movie doesn't need much translation. I couldn't think of a more internationally-appealing film; physical comedy is universal.
Speaking of which, we had our own little funny moment walking back to the train station. This Japanese guy ran in front of us and started mouthing off to no one in particular. I understood very little of what he said but I could tell he was drunk and making fun of us. Scott actually confronted him and offered him a cigarette but this guy wasn't buying it. He kept calling us aho which is a profane insult in Japanese (translation is pointless but think of "asshole" if you must).
The whole thing was kind of funny because in New York I've been conditioned to ignore people who angrily talk to themselves. I don't know if it's fear of violence or just "minding my own business" but I would never think to interrupt anybody in that situation. However, Osaka is not New York so instead I witnessed a humorous, cross-cultural clash. Sadly, I don't think we won him over and Scott eventually dismissed him in English which he couldn't understand but it was really funny to us.
Busy weekend starts tomorrow. Should make for some great photos.
つづく... (Click here to read more)
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
All Wet
In case anyone missed it, I added a few words of explanation to yesterday's karaoke picture-post. I had a lot of fun and it only cost me 1000 Yen, a real bargain.
I've had a lot to think about today, especially concerning my friend Hyde. Obviously I can't get into it here but she's been on my mind a lot lately. Recently, I've made a few faux pas in communicating with her and I spent a lot of time contemplating my mistakes. Hopefully I apologized in time to warrant forgiveness.
It rained all day today, lightly at first but steadily by the time I had to walk home. I can't find my umbrella which means somebody else probably walked off with it. Intentionally or not, it was inconvenient for me. I considered buying a new one (they're less than 500 Yen on campus) but opted to walk home in the rain instead. I think I dried myself sufficiently to avoid another cold. I've got a lot planned for this holiday weekend (no, no hints) and getting sick right now would totally suck.
In regards to the "self-help" book I received from my mother two days ago, I was reading it but I recently discovered that the campus library has a surprisingly large collection of English literature. It's also the "shiniest" library I've ever seen, as this whole campus is only about two years old. I picked up Brave New World, one of many books on my list of "heard of them but never actually read them" oversights. I've only just started but it's really good; my favorite quote thus far is:
つづく... (Click here to read more)
I've had a lot to think about today, especially concerning my friend Hyde. Obviously I can't get into it here but she's been on my mind a lot lately. Recently, I've made a few faux pas in communicating with her and I spent a lot of time contemplating my mistakes. Hopefully I apologized in time to warrant forgiveness.
It rained all day today, lightly at first but steadily by the time I had to walk home. I can't find my umbrella which means somebody else probably walked off with it. Intentionally or not, it was inconvenient for me. I considered buying a new one (they're less than 500 Yen on campus) but opted to walk home in the rain instead. I think I dried myself sufficiently to avoid another cold. I've got a lot planned for this holiday weekend (no, no hints) and getting sick right now would totally suck.
In regards to the "self-help" book I received from my mother two days ago, I was reading it but I recently discovered that the campus library has a surprisingly large collection of English literature. It's also the "shiniest" library I've ever seen, as this whole campus is only about two years old. I picked up Brave New World, one of many books on my list of "heard of them but never actually read them" oversights. I've only just started but it's really good; my favorite quote thus far is:
What man has joined, nature is powerless to put asunderIt reminds me of the many "nature vs. nurture" arguments that I've had in the last few years. In other words, (arbitrary) social construction is everything. Very little about your life can be determined at birth. I can attribute nearly my entire personality (the highs and the lows) to my childhood rather than my genetics. If I had been raised in even a slightly different environment (say, Ossining) I'd be a completely different person. I doubt I would have ended up coming to Japan at all.
つづく... (Click here to read more)
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
Irresponsible and Loving It
Got drunk tonight and sung karaoke! Look at my pictures, no commentary uuntil tomorrow when I sober up...
[Sober Edit 10/5: Some commentary added]
The rates were chopped in half as part of a Tigers' Victory Sale. Drinks were complimentary which didn't include beer but it did include shôchû which will get you just as drunk if you drink enough of it. I had about seven glasses.
From left to right: Mizuki, Mai and Maki. Obviously, they're happy to be here.
Unlike American karaoke "bars," this was a "box" establishment. The rates are hourly. Here, Ryuhei shows off for the camera.
Yoshi's turn to sing (and show off a little).
Alrighty, now it's my turn to belt one out.
I suppose those things weren't intended as hats but what else would we use them for? We already had microphones so we didn't need to yell any louder.
Since there were six (later seven) of us, we had rented two rooms and people moved in between them whenever they felt like it. Maki's on the mike while Yoshi and Yuki (who just arrived) observe from afar.
That's right, time for the power move: "New York, New York."
Notice that the video has absolutely nothing to do with the song. This often produced a humourous contrast of images, such as scenic shots of the Metro-North Railroad while I sang Van Halen's "Hot For Teacher." Japanese songs, on the other hand, often featured the actual music video playing behind the words.
I ended up singing at least eleven songs including a few Japanese songs for good measure. I don't think I sang anything particularly well (in either language) but I suppose that's hardly the point in karaoke; we were all equally unskilled but loved every minute of it. Only pros like Hyde really blow anyone away at this.
つづく... (Click here to read more)
[Sober Edit 10/5: Some commentary added]
The rates were chopped in half as part of a Tigers' Victory Sale. Drinks were complimentary which didn't include beer but it did include shôchû which will get you just as drunk if you drink enough of it. I had about seven glasses.
From left to right: Mizuki, Mai and Maki. Obviously, they're happy to be here.
Unlike American karaoke "bars," this was a "box" establishment. The rates are hourly. Here, Ryuhei shows off for the camera.
Yoshi's turn to sing (and show off a little).
Alrighty, now it's my turn to belt one out.
I suppose those things weren't intended as hats but what else would we use them for? We already had microphones so we didn't need to yell any louder.
Since there were six (later seven) of us, we had rented two rooms and people moved in between them whenever they felt like it. Maki's on the mike while Yoshi and Yuki (who just arrived) observe from afar.
That's right, time for the power move: "New York, New York."
Notice that the video has absolutely nothing to do with the song. This often produced a humourous contrast of images, such as scenic shots of the Metro-North Railroad while I sang Van Halen's "Hot For Teacher." Japanese songs, on the other hand, often featured the actual music video playing behind the words.
I ended up singing at least eleven songs including a few Japanese songs for good measure. I don't think I sang anything particularly well (in either language) but I suppose that's hardly the point in karaoke; we were all equally unskilled but loved every minute of it. Only pros like Hyde really blow anyone away at this.
つづく... (Click here to read more)
Monday, October 03, 2005
Frustration
I've got frustration on my mind today, thought I'd blog about it.
I get frustrated often and it's really quite irritating. When frustration hits, I seldom know what to do or how to let it go. It consumes me, makes me feel angry and upset and it usually surfaces at unremarkable times. Where does it come from? Why can't I shake it when I feel this way? Is this learned or genetic? Does everyone get this upset over little things, and if so, does it linger for hours on end?
The way I see it, 99% of my problems relate to my feelings of frustration. It compounds normal feelings like loneliness and makes me upset when I should not be. Frustration leads me to helplessness and as I mentioned a few weeks ago, helplessness drives me crazy. A few examples of situations that bother me for no good reason:
I started thinking about this matter after this afternoon's shodô practice. I had felt pretty good about my work last Thursday but today I found myself failing to paint [is that the verb I want to use here?] anything graceful at all. Everything looked horribly ugly to me and I felt like each stroke was worse than the last. To make things worse, I simply can't stand sitting on the fucking floor. I don't know if it's my weight or poor circulation but if I sit on the floor for ten minutes in any position (nevermind the "correct" seiza position which hurts like hell) my feet, legs and sometimes testicles fall asleep. I am the only person in the room who seems to have a problem with this and I'm never the only foreigner present at our meetings (though I am, by far, the heaviest).
When one of the Japanese students asked me what was wrong (I can only imagine the look I had on my face at the time), I tried to explain but I couldn't. Now I was double, perhaps triple-frustrated at my situation. All I could manage to explain was that "I was in a bad mood." She suggested that if I was in a bad mood I didn't have to paint anything; instead, I should wait until I am in a good mood and then paint "beautiful things." The last thing I wanted to do was leave but I didn't know how else to relieve the mental anguish that was running rampant in my brain. I also realized that when I practiced shodô last week I was in a particularly fantastic mood so maybe she was really onto something. Of course, the inability to properly paint is what led to my bad mood, so I'm not sure I'll ever improve if I can't paint when in a bad mood.
So what's the answer? How do I relax? What do you do when you feel like everything is wrong? It's funny, just today I got a package from my mom that included Don't Sweat the Small Stuff...and it's all small stuff. I didn't ask her for it, she just thought it might be useful to me. Maybe it will be.
つづく... (Click here to read more)
I get frustrated often and it's really quite irritating. When frustration hits, I seldom know what to do or how to let it go. It consumes me, makes me feel angry and upset and it usually surfaces at unremarkable times. Where does it come from? Why can't I shake it when I feel this way? Is this learned or genetic? Does everyone get this upset over little things, and if so, does it linger for hours on end?
The way I see it, 99% of my problems relate to my feelings of frustration. It compounds normal feelings like loneliness and makes me upset when I should not be. Frustration leads me to helplessness and as I mentioned a few weeks ago, helplessness drives me crazy. A few examples of situations that bother me for no good reason:
- When I see the cool looking guys snuggling with their Japanese girlfriends in the dorm lounge (these guys arrived at the same time I did, by the way).
- When a teacher asks me a question in Japanese and I can't understand it despite their clear speech and occasional hints.
- Similarly, when I have an urgent question that the teacher can't understand because I don't speak enough Japanese to properly ask it.
- Knowing that despite all the weight that I've lost I still have another 20-40 pounds to go before I'm "normal."
- Realizing that lots of people still see me as just another fat guy because they can't see how far I've come (hell, sometimes I can't see it myself).
I started thinking about this matter after this afternoon's shodô practice. I had felt pretty good about my work last Thursday but today I found myself failing to paint [is that the verb I want to use here?] anything graceful at all. Everything looked horribly ugly to me and I felt like each stroke was worse than the last. To make things worse, I simply can't stand sitting on the fucking floor. I don't know if it's my weight or poor circulation but if I sit on the floor for ten minutes in any position (nevermind the "correct" seiza position which hurts like hell) my feet, legs and sometimes testicles fall asleep. I am the only person in the room who seems to have a problem with this and I'm never the only foreigner present at our meetings (though I am, by far, the heaviest).
When one of the Japanese students asked me what was wrong (I can only imagine the look I had on my face at the time), I tried to explain but I couldn't. Now I was double, perhaps triple-frustrated at my situation. All I could manage to explain was that "I was in a bad mood." She suggested that if I was in a bad mood I didn't have to paint anything; instead, I should wait until I am in a good mood and then paint "beautiful things." The last thing I wanted to do was leave but I didn't know how else to relieve the mental anguish that was running rampant in my brain. I also realized that when I practiced shodô last week I was in a particularly fantastic mood so maybe she was really onto something. Of course, the inability to properly paint is what led to my bad mood, so I'm not sure I'll ever improve if I can't paint when in a bad mood.
So what's the answer? How do I relax? What do you do when you feel like everything is wrong? It's funny, just today I got a package from my mom that included Don't Sweat the Small Stuff...and it's all small stuff. I didn't ask her for it, she just thought it might be useful to me. Maybe it will be.
つづく... (Click here to read more)
Sunday, October 02, 2005
Nearly 10,000 words today
I spent the afternoon in Umeda today with Scott. We didn't get up to much but I took a few pictures. Click on these small versions if you want to see the big ones. Full-size versions are available upon request.
Umeda is all about people; there's a ton of stores, restaurants and bars everywhere and all three of the major railway stations are connected to big department stores. Scott and I basically strolled around, talking about whatever and occasionally stopping in for a bite to eat or a beer. A few video games were played. I hope you enjoy seeing some of the things we saw.
Two different dragons guarding two different karaoke clubs. Coincidence?
Found this little shrine nestled in between the bright streets seen above.
I tried to describe the area between the three major stations in a post last weekend and today I took a few shots to give you a better sense of what it looks like.
JR Osaka Station
Yodobashi Camera/Comme ça Ism
Hankyû Umeda Station
Dude singing. Notice that he's not asking for money.
Hanshin Umeda Station. That banner is in celebration of the Tigers' victory.
Speaking of the Tigers, there have been huge sales all over the region this weekend in celebration of their victory. Why don't we get to do that in New York? I'd buy a lot more clothes if there was a 20% off sale every time the Yanks won their division. Sadly, most things I saw today were still too expensive even with the discount. Maybe if they win the Japan Series things will be 40% off!
つづく... (Click here to read more)
Umeda is all about people; there's a ton of stores, restaurants and bars everywhere and all three of the major railway stations are connected to big department stores. Scott and I basically strolled around, talking about whatever and occasionally stopping in for a bite to eat or a beer. A few video games were played. I hope you enjoy seeing some of the things we saw.
Two different dragons guarding two different karaoke clubs. Coincidence?
Found this little shrine nestled in between the bright streets seen above.
I tried to describe the area between the three major stations in a post last weekend and today I took a few shots to give you a better sense of what it looks like.
JR Osaka Station
Yodobashi Camera/Comme ça Ism
Hankyû Umeda Station
Dude singing. Notice that he's not asking for money.
Hanshin Umeda Station. That banner is in celebration of the Tigers' victory.
Speaking of the Tigers, there have been huge sales all over the region this weekend in celebration of their victory. Why don't we get to do that in New York? I'd buy a lot more clothes if there was a 20% off sale every time the Yanks won their division. Sadly, most things I saw today were still too expensive even with the discount. Maybe if they win the Japan Series things will be 40% off!
つづく... (Click here to read more)
Q&A Time
Posting again so soon? Yeah, it's a fun little game that I hope you'll play with me.
Leave your name and:
1.) I'll respond with something random about you.
2.) I'll tell you what song/movie reminds me of you.
3.) I'll pick a flavor of jelly to wrestle with you in.
4.) I'll say something that only makes sense to you and me.
5.) I'll tell you my first/clearest memory of you.
6.) I'll tell you what animal you remind me of.
7.) I'll ask you something that I've always wondered about you.
If I do this for you, you must post this on your journal (if you have one). You MUST. It is written.
My answers from Hyde (she told me about this game):
1.) You have lots of inspiring "Craig's List" adventures
2.) New York, New York
3.) Blueberry
4.) Marlon Brando--Fan Tan
5.) Hammer and I found your blog. We were at my place procrastinating last December and read through a lot of it, looking for clues to figure out who you were. We left you a comment together a week or so later. I'm not sure of the first time I commented as "hyde."
6.) Deer-- you have always been sensitive and seem to have a gentle nature.
7.) What are your three primary goals in life?
For the record, my answers to her question are:
つづく... (Click here to read more)
Leave your name and:
1.) I'll respond with something random about you.
2.) I'll tell you what song/movie reminds me of you.
3.) I'll pick a flavor of jelly to wrestle with you in.
4.) I'll say something that only makes sense to you and me.
5.) I'll tell you my first/clearest memory of you.
6.) I'll tell you what animal you remind me of.
7.) I'll ask you something that I've always wondered about you.
If I do this for you, you must post this on your journal (if you have one). You MUST. It is written.
My answers from Hyde (she told me about this game):
1.) You have lots of inspiring "Craig's List" adventures
2.) New York, New York
3.) Blueberry
4.) Marlon Brando--Fan Tan
5.) Hammer and I found your blog. We were at my place procrastinating last December and read through a lot of it, looking for clues to figure out who you were. We left you a comment together a week or so later. I'm not sure of the first time I commented as "hyde."
6.) Deer-- you have always been sensitive and seem to have a gentle nature.
7.) What are your three primary goals in life?
For the record, my answers to her question are:
- to be loved.
- to feel good about myself (my whole self, not just a few parts).
- to make a difference in somebody's life.
つづく... (Click here to read more)
unpaid advertising...I'm no sell out!
