Day 206 - 24th of March

11:00pm　セミナーハウス

天気：雨天

Just finished watching “The Producers” with Sarah, Rachael, and Julie; brings back great memories. I couldn’t help singing along; this drove Rachael up the wall. The weather was dismal today, but I still had a good day… I didn’t get up till about 11, which was quite sad actually; half the day already lost. I had the last of my milk and cereal for breakfast (really, really have to go grocery shopping), and then showered, before getting stuck into my blog; I have a lot of catching up to do. It was not until after thinking back on what I’d had done these past few days, that I realised that today was actually Wednesday; I had it stuck in my head it was Tuesday. At around 2, I made my way to uni on foot, meeting Simon on the way; we had a quick chat under cover of umbrellas. Getting to uni I went to my mailbox in the CIE and, as I had expected, there was a package waiting for me. I went up to the desk and signed for it, so eager to open it; but first some lunch. I went over to the convenience store, and bought a sandwich and onigiri. I sat down in the convenience store, and I couldn’t help myself; I had to open my box right then and there. The inside was chock full of chocolate; oh a pun, clever me.

To lighten the box, I put I heap in my bag, and then got stuck into eating my sandwich and onigiri; very filling. While there, I saw Marika, and she let me know that the next koto practice would be Friday from 11 – 3; well at least I can stay for 2 hours. I definitely have to go, since the next performance is only 2 weeks away. In the mean time, I really have to practice for the music party on Sunday; I’m definitely considering playing my own rendition of Lux Aeterna from “Requiem for a Dream”. Finishing my lunch, I made my way back home in the pouring rain, failing miserably to keep the box dry; oh well no harm done. Getting back, Hugo was still out, so I went to see if my family was online, and indeed they were. I spoke with Ben for a while, and then Mum came back from seeing “Alice in Wonderland” (she said it was great), and we talked for a while; and I even got to talk with Dad a bit later. 2 hours later, and they were having dinner, so I said good night and went up to the kitchen, not actually feeling very hungry; as soon as I got home, I got stuck into Nanny’s biscuits.

Getting to the kitchen, I talked with Brett for a while, and watched a really old anime called 鉄人２８号 (Tetsujin28gou - “Iron man number 28); apparently it’s called Gigantor in the West. It was actually kinda cool, especially considering it was made in the 80’s. After that, I watched a show about healthy old people in Japan, and their tips on staying fit. Soon, Sarah and Julie, and I learnt that Ash had taken her parents to the aquarium today, and this made me happy; I meant I hadn’t missed out on going somewhere I haven’t been before. It was about 7 at this point, so I decided it was finally time to make some dinner; gyudon. While cooking, Julie suggested that we watch The Producers sometime, and we thought, well tonight’s a good a time as any; so we decided to get started at 8:30. In the mean time, I ate with Julie and then went back downstairs to lace up my shoes; I used both the green and white laces, and did the same pattern Alex had done yesterday. It looks really cool, though the laces are a bit too long, especially the white ones; I may have to come up with something else. At 8:30 I went up, and we started watching the movie. Rachael had gone with Katie, and Ash and her parents to the aquarium, and she got me a penguin badge for my bag; so, so thoughtful. Katie came in about halfway through, just coming back from somewhere; it felt like I hadn’t seen her in ages. Tomorrow, they’re going to USJ, and I’m free to join. I think I’m going to pass; I’ve got stuff to do, and the weather’s probably going to be crappy again. First priority is getting my blog up-to-date…

Day 151 - 28th of January

21:01pm セミナーハウス
天気：雨天
Jamie and Hugo are already asleep, so I’m out in the computer room again. Today it was cold and wet, and soon after I got up this morning, I had to get the rest of my washing in; it hadn’t gotten that wet. Since I didn’t have any milk, and I didn’t want to go out, I asked Hugo if I could borrow his milk. He told me that he’d accidently put it in the freezer at first, but now it was back in the fridge; he didn’t know if it would be okay to drink. I was more than willing to take a chance, and it was totally fine. After breakfast, I started revising Genki II. We have a test in our first week, to make sure we’re in the right level, and I really, really don’t want to fail it.

I had lunch, and then went to uni, to pay the rest of my fees, before going to the post office to pay for my insurance. The January stipend for the JASSO finally came in, so now I have a bit more money. I’ll have o more fees to pay for the rest of the semester, so from here on out it’s all survival and enjoyment money; hopefully I have some left over in the end. I walked back past Kirindo, to pick up milk and bread, and then went to Avail. I tried on a couple of things but didn’t end up buying anything; I guess I wasn’t in the mood. I got back and continued revising for the rest of the afternoon. I went up for dinner at about 6, a found some anime to watch on TV. The first show was called 銀魂 (Gintama), and it was so funny because words would be “beeped” out. I wondered if they were swearing, or if it was just a gimmick.

Simon came in and we got chatting. We watched Pokémon, then Naruto, then this really interesting travel show. We got to see 箱根 (Hakone), which is near Mt Fuji, and famous for hot springs and outdoor activities. It looks really beautiful; I might just stay there on my way to Tokyo. Finally got sick of TV, and came down here. So excited; going to USJ tomorrow! I checked the weather and it should be sunny, which is great. Or maybe it won’t be great because the lines will be longer. Anyway, we’ll be leaving at about 9, to get there for opening at 10. This week has been long! I’m just really looking forward to next week, and starting classes again; getting back into routine. Oh well, I guess I’ll make the most of the break. Anyway, Simon, and a new acquaintance (Rachel), have gone so I think it’s time for bed.

Day 144 - 21st of January

8:13pm　セミナーハウス
天気：雨天
Finished cleaning; well pretty much… Got up at 9 this morning, and left for Toji at 10; Ryan arrived just before. We walked to Makino and it was drizzling, the sky moist and grey; it had rained the night before. Ash felt right at home, and insisted she didn’t need an umbrella. Soon after reaching the flea markets however, it started to pour; not that that deterred the crowds. Ash and Katie were in bliss, seeking out kimono stalls and the shelter they offered. They got quite a few things. As usual, I just enjoyed browsing; started forming some ideas of what I should get though. Katie found this really cool toy that, when spun, mimics the look of a bubble! It’s basically strips of iridescent plastic that “merge” together when spun. It’s a really cool idea though; looks great.

After about an hour and a half, we left the flea market, out an exit I hadn’t been before. I hadn’t realised just how huge the markets were; this arm extended right the way up to the shinkansen line. We walked further down, past the massive shopping centre that’s opening in spring, and went into Kyoto station. Not far from the door, was one of the most amazing things I’ve ever seen in my life. It’s a bit hard to explain, but basically it’s a fountain of timed water jets, cascading from the ceiling to the floor, that creates shapes, patterns, words and even kanji!!! It was seriously awesome. It wrote ようこそみやこみち and then the translation, “Welcome to Miyako-michi. And then it created images of historical sites in Kyoto, including Toji pagoda, and heaps of different patterns; I was transfixed. We watched it till the completion of the circuit, and then continued through the shops, and over to the other side of the station; facing the Kyoto tower.

Katie wanted to see if she could book tickets for the Beauty and the Beast musical, or in Japanese 美女と野獣 (Bijo to Yajuu). This perked my interest, so we went together to check it out. The theatre is in Kyoto station, and the stairway to it was decked out in red carpet. Inside the foyer, there were statues of classic anime characters, including Astro boy, and Kimba the Lion. After a bit of thinking, I decided I was in, and we chose a day and got the tickets. We’re going on the 6th of Feb, for the Matinee performance at 1:30. It’s going to be so incredible, and so cool to watch in Japanese! After that, we went to donut king and indulged, before catching the train back home bound. Katie and Ash decided to go on to Hirakata station, but I got off at Kuzuha, and then changed for Makino.

I went and bought the Pokémon: Heart Gold Soul Silver walkthrough, at the Keihan store, and then went on to Sanko, to pick up bread and sauce; bread for lunch and sauce for dinner. I got home at about 3, had lunch, and then began cleaning my kitchen box and utensils. I also clean the fridge. Just as I finished, Ryan came up, and I inquired if he’d moved the stuff out from the bottom of the fridge. He said he had and that he’d cleaned it also. Lolz, well now it’s doubly cleaned. Here I was worrying about him getting things done, and he had finished everything by the time I’d gotten back; he’ll be moving to seminar house 4 tomorrow. When I came back down, I put my laundry away, and dusted the shelves. He was watching Mad Max on his laptop; I recognised the Australian accent. When I told him I hadn’t watched it, he said, “What kind of Australian are you?” That inspired me to watch it, along with many other Aussie classics, as soon as I get home!

At about 7:30, I went up and made dinner; my last home-cooked for a while now! I made spaghetti bolognese. Simple, but it meant I used up my last carrot, most of the onion, and the rest of my meat and pasta; so I was happy and so full afterward. I thoroughly washed my plate and cutlery, and then came back down. Yuji soon arrived at our door, accompainied by our new RA, Asumi. He inquired about by progress with inspection, and I let him know that everything but the floor, and shoji doors were done. We explained that we were going to be getting up at 8 tomorrow to vacuum; he implored us to have it done on time. Then I went up and showed him my kitchen box and the fridge; Ryan had already showed his. He was most satisfied, and I’m sure relieved; one less to worry about. I really hope it does go smoothly tomorrow; fingers crossed. As soon as it’s over I’ll be so happy. I don’t think I’ll do much else tomorrow; probably just mail Tamblyn’s shoes. Well, I think I’m going to go have some dessert now, and then say goodbye to the pots and pans…

Day 132 - 9th of January

9:10pm　セミナーハウス
天気：曇り
Another cloudy day spent inside doing practically nothing; aren’t I boring. Oh well, at least I’m saving money… I got up at 9, had breakfast and enjoyed doodling with Alex for a few hours on isribble.net; so cool. I also talked with Carly. Around 2, I was craving food again, so went up and made lunch. I chatted some more afterwards, and then had a nap, getting up at about 5. I decided to bleach my hair; that took about an hour. The difference is very subtle; my hair looks kinda orangey now. I only used half the bottle though, so I’m going to try again next week. At 6:30 I went up and had dinner. I mixed last night’s leftover meat with veggies and macaroni in a yakitori sauce; it tasted really good. I sat with Ash, while watching this horrendous show on TV, where contestants who obviously can’t sing, battle it out in front of a live audience, looking very foolish; people will do anything to get on TV. After dinner I read some more of Deltora.

Now am going to watch some Hetalia: Axis Powers. This is the anime, Alex, Ash, and many others are obsessed with. It presents an allegorical interpretation of historical events, particularly in the WWII era, and the countries are represented by anthropomorphic characters. ヘタリア (Hetalia) is a portmanteau combining へたれ (hetare - useless) and イタリア (Italia). This is to make light of Italy's apparent cowardice during World War II; thank you Wikipedia. The episodes are really short (5 mins), so I thought, what the heck, might as well take a look. I’ve watched a few episodes already, and it’s pretty interesting so far. There are only 49 episodes, so I might watch them all tonight, if the internet is kind. Tomorrow is Sunday, the beginning of a new week; a week where I will no longer be lazy…