Saturday, April 07, 2007
What a Break!
To look at this blog, one might think I did nothing this week but revel in my JET success while sitting around the apartment alone in New York. That's not true; I left the building several times this week, and not just for food!
On Tuesday I had decided to check out the MoMA while I could still get in for free. In theory, I shouldn't have that option once I graduate, but it's not like my student ID says "Class of 2007" on it. Irregardless, I planned a museum trip and invited Hyde to join me. She agreed (she also gets in for free) and we spent a few hours there checking out the new exhibits. As always, the MoMA defies me to closely re-examine what I consider to be "art" but I definitely saw some intriguing works. One piece by Takashi Murakami caught my eye because it reminded me of the famous Hokusai print featuring a giant wave in front of Mt. Fuji.
After a few hours of modern art we went downtown for some ramen at Minca, my favorite spot (I was overdue for some real Japanese food), and then we just mulled around the neighborhood for a while. It wasn't until after I got back that I learned the good news had arrived. My joy kind of overrode the fun day I had already had and put me in full-on celebration/look-ahead mode. Dad and I had a celebratory meal over at Ariyoshi (Unadon!) which felt extra appropriate.
Wednesday was a rain-soaked waste of a day but Thursday was a busy day. As part of accepting the position with JET, I had to get my fingerprints taken and then I sent them to the FBI for a criminal record check. The funny part is, they say it will take 16-18 weeks to get the results. By that point I'll already be in Japan! Would they really ship me home prematurely if they discovered my horrible secret?*
In the evening Hyde and I met up again for dinner at Veselka followed by a late showing of the horror/comedy The Host. The movie was a lot of fun and sufficiently scary at the same time. I was impressed by the chances the filmmakers took as far as monster movies go. As a non-spoiler, I would point out their decision to clearly show the monster throughout the film in a complete reversal of conventions in the genre. You don't need to show creatures jumping out of dark corners to scare the audience, as Hyde will happily confirm.
But Friday was the real kicker of the week: I met up with my friends in Westchester and we caught the double feature madness of the Grindhouse. The film far and away exceeded my sky-high expectations, which is hard to believe. I won't get into details because anything I might reveal would make the movie that much less enjoyable. I strongly urge anyone at all interested in the film to see it soon with a crowd; the group response to the more outrageous elements of the picture(s) is worth the price of admission alone. It won't be the same if you rent it six months from now, I promise.
Saturday turned into a surprise outing to New Jersey when my sister gave me a lift. With my father otherwise occupied I suggested an impromptu visit to Mitsuwa across the river for a day of Japanese shopping and foodstuffs. Salena had never been and I hadn't made the journey in at least six years, so it was a great time. Lunch was great and being surrounded by Japanese products (and people) got me all the more jazzed about going back there this summer.
My break is nearly over. I knew the week would fly by, but did it have to be so cold? At least I got out of Albany for a stretch - imagine how much frostier it must be up there.
*Horrible secret not guaranteed to exist.
On Tuesday I had decided to check out the MoMA while I could still get in for free. In theory, I shouldn't have that option once I graduate, but it's not like my student ID says "Class of 2007" on it. Irregardless, I planned a museum trip and invited Hyde to join me. She agreed (she also gets in for free) and we spent a few hours there checking out the new exhibits. As always, the MoMA defies me to closely re-examine what I consider to be "art" but I definitely saw some intriguing works. One piece by Takashi Murakami caught my eye because it reminded me of the famous Hokusai print featuring a giant wave in front of Mt. Fuji.
After a few hours of modern art we went downtown for some ramen at Minca, my favorite spot (I was overdue for some real Japanese food), and then we just mulled around the neighborhood for a while. It wasn't until after I got back that I learned the good news had arrived. My joy kind of overrode the fun day I had already had and put me in full-on celebration/look-ahead mode. Dad and I had a celebratory meal over at Ariyoshi (Unadon!) which felt extra appropriate.
Wednesday was a rain-soaked waste of a day but Thursday was a busy day. As part of accepting the position with JET, I had to get my fingerprints taken and then I sent them to the FBI for a criminal record check. The funny part is, they say it will take 16-18 weeks to get the results. By that point I'll already be in Japan! Would they really ship me home prematurely if they discovered my horrible secret?*
In the evening Hyde and I met up again for dinner at Veselka followed by a late showing of the horror/comedy The Host. The movie was a lot of fun and sufficiently scary at the same time. I was impressed by the chances the filmmakers took as far as monster movies go. As a non-spoiler, I would point out their decision to clearly show the monster throughout the film in a complete reversal of conventions in the genre. You don't need to show creatures jumping out of dark corners to scare the audience, as Hyde will happily confirm.
But Friday was the real kicker of the week: I met up with my friends in Westchester and we caught the double feature madness of the Grindhouse. The film far and away exceeded my sky-high expectations, which is hard to believe. I won't get into details because anything I might reveal would make the movie that much less enjoyable. I strongly urge anyone at all interested in the film to see it soon with a crowd; the group response to the more outrageous elements of the picture(s) is worth the price of admission alone. It won't be the same if you rent it six months from now, I promise.
Saturday turned into a surprise outing to New Jersey when my sister gave me a lift. With my father otherwise occupied I suggested an impromptu visit to Mitsuwa across the river for a day of Japanese shopping and foodstuffs. Salena had never been and I hadn't made the journey in at least six years, so it was a great time. Lunch was great and being surrounded by Japanese products (and people) got me all the more jazzed about going back there this summer.
My break is nearly over. I knew the week would fly by, but did it have to be so cold? At least I got out of Albany for a stretch - imagine how much frostier it must be up there.
*Horrible secret not guaranteed to exist.
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Yay!
as tom green said, "...ya got the job!! YA GOT THE JOB!!!..."
Of course this is without the strange drawings and all out madness (well, maybe a little madness)
Good for you! I just can't wait to hear about all the experiences that would be dull through anyone else's eyes but with a little of the feit flair will become more hypnotizing than... a hypnotist... I guess... anyway I just can't wait for the new blogging madness to beguin. All I can think of is "end of chapter 4. Chapter 5: a new life in japan".
コメントがあります？ Type something, please. It's less work for me.as tom green said, "...ya got the job!! YA GOT THE JOB!!!..."
Of course this is without the strange drawings and all out madness (well, maybe a little madness)
Good for you! I just can't wait to hear about all the experiences that would be dull through anyone else's eyes but with a little of the feit flair will become more hypnotizing than... a hypnotist... I guess... anyway I just can't wait for the new blogging madness to beguin. All I can think of is "end of chapter 4. Chapter 5: a new life in japan".
When leaving comments, please don't remain Anonymous. Click on "Other" and pick a name!
Be sociable! No sign-up is required!
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