Homework for the Overactive Brain

Today's Quote--"Happy birthday to me, Happy birthday to me..."

Sunday, October 05, 2003

 

Ah, the joys of Engrish...;)
Sorry all, I was planning on writing on Friday, but...I had a baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaad day. Later...Doing good...Well, here, I wrote a play by play to Mom...

I think I was kinda in a funk anyway...Thursday night Okaasan had some friends over and either I really didn't like them or I was just suffering from PMS. Friday I was exhausted, and had a hard time staying awake through class. Went to afternoon classes...still doing okay. Went to the computer lab and wrote an email to Mom, but the computer ate it and I got hysterical. Quietly. Then I left to meet Okaasan at the main park in town to go to a concert...we were supposed to meet at 6. I didn't get on the subway until 10 to 6 and it takes at least 17 minutes to get to the main subway station (Odori) where the park is. So I knew I was going to be late...nearly set me crying again on the train. Got off the train about 6:10, determined to get out of the station as quick as possible and meet Okaasan, only a few minutes late. OH yes, the concert started at 6:30. So, I head out the direction I think I need to be going in...I've found that exact exit before (there are about 40 enterences to this subway station) and as I was going along, I thought, now wait a minute, this doesn't look right...About 5 minutes later I realized I had messed up and was not going the right way...in fact, I was halfway back to the previous station (stations are about 4 blocks apart). Frustrated, confused, and angry beyond belief, I turned around and headed back, realized that I forgot to go up a set of stairs, and went straight to the right exit...of course it's about 6:25 by this time...I go out and look around for Okaasan...no where to be seen. Exhausted, confused, frustrated, and just about to get scared, I sit down on a park bench and sob...About 6:27 I look up and see her...dry my tears and we make it to the concert just in time. The concert was okay, but there was a really nifty demonstration of the 12 layer court kimono. Afterwards Okaasan and I went out for yakitori (technically skewered bbq meat, but commonly used as a euphimism for drinking)...Did I mention I've discovered I like orange sours? ;) Went home and to bed...only began to feel better Saturday.

So, we'll continue with the daily play by play...Saturday I went out with Elyse and Keith to the local shrine and the ski jump used in the 1972 olympics held here in Sapporo...It was raining (kinda like it's been doing for the past week) and the park was very pretty! We had KFC for lunch and walked by the American Consulate General (closed on Sat. of course). Hiked halfway up the mountain and took a ski lift to the top of the jump (and mountain)....Kinda Scary but I had friends, so it was okay. The view was GORGEOUS!!! We could see the ocean, mountains, and all of Sapporo! I didn't get any pictures, but Keith did on his digital camera and put them online...(go to www.dipandbob.com/pic/morejapan/ ) They're in the Shrine and skilift folders. Of course you can check out a lot more pictures there too from our trip to Honshu and just of Keith... ;) Anyway, had a great time. Met my host father, finally, Sat. night...Said a total of three words...I left for a moment...came back and he was in his room...hiding most likely. Three weeks to the day...Interesting, huh? Hmmmm.

So, doing tests everyday in class...of one kind or another...or many kinds...lots of tests. Kinda studying hard, but trying to enjoy as much as possible too...Been sewing a lot...finsihed the first cross stich...on the hard, counted one...moving fast, too! Only about a week into it and just chugging along. Also started crocehting squares...the 100 yen store by school sells yarn and needles...oooooo. Except it's wool yarn...hmmm,yes, do more cross stitching...;) Yes, so anyway, I'm feeling like Japan is a good thing...I really like it here, even with all the occasional bad stuff...like earthquakes! Sapporo is wonderful...the people here aren't quite as typical Japanese as those in Tokyo. They're a lot more friendly and open...more like the Ogawa's and other Kansai people...oh wait...you might not understand that one...hmmm. Yes, Tokyo people tend to be a little odd. ;) For all my Tokyo friends... Anyway...I like the feel of things around here...it's a little bit different mindset than America...of course...but there's something that I like...haven't quite put my finger on it, but hmmm...Yes.

So, anyway, I'm alive, well, and tired. Hmmm, somehow that doesn't sound right...ANYWAY! I'm really enjoying my stay here and I think I'm learning a lot too. I miss everything that I normally do, or normally have, but hey, that's normal...(if you say normal one more time....). Right. So, send me a line (at hotmail of course, since school email tends to be finicky)...or hang out near a post office...maybe I'll even write some more postcards...maybe...;) Anyway, much love to everyone, I'm off again into the wild blue yonder....or gray at this moment...hmm.

GL 11:35 PM