Does anyone else feel like something they are anticipating is going to be so exciting and different and have sparkles just hanging in the air announcing that THIS is what you have been waiting for for so long? I do. Especially birthdays and trips. I gave up on birthdays a long time ago. Waking up to a day just like any other is just a mite dissappointing when it's supposed to be the greatest day of the year.
And Japan is pretty cool...But there are no sparkles in the air. I could have gotten on a plane and flown around in circles for 10 hours while they moved in a bunch of Japanese people. I am not endlessly happy and healthy. The walls of this house are made of the same thing as everywhere else. I wake up in the morning and stare at the curtains, willing them to be made of sugar or be slightly glowing. But they're not, they're just mustard colored. And I still have trouble getting to sleep some nights, just like home. You'd think that on a magic trip, sleep would be easy, once you finally got to bed. My host people annoy me sometimes, which also shouldn't happen in a perfect world.
However, the food is very very good, pretty much all the time. Sometimes it's not even so different, but it is made by different people, which makes it infinitely different. It's fun to see things whose uses remain anonymous behind the language barrier.
I was watching tv today, because I am confined to the house for the afternoon, and the people on were insane. And I think I saw snipets of at least three different shows. It might have been for kids, which would explain parts of the weirdness. And the whole not understanding what they were saying I suppose.
This evening, we're going to a memorial service. I'm a little scared about the memorial service, we are just going for 30 minutes or so. I'm not quite sure why we're going. I hope it's not just so that we can observe a Japanese memorial. The lady who died was the grandmother of the man who is trying to help us get cell phones. He was here on the night she dies, but I think she finally did die after he left. I hope so, it would suck to know that you're grandmother died while you were trying to help a couple of picky foreigners get impossible cell phone plans. (Hey, one word they actually use Japanese for, keitai denwa, amazing!) Then after the service, we're going to a sushi bar...talk about killing the mood? And then we'll go see some other girls and plan a trip to Shibuya for tomorrow.
I have decided that my cold will be over by tomorrow. And it had better. I'm really tired of them trying to force feed me medicine and telling me that if I take a shower, I will get worse. And then hitting me, while I'm sick!! I won't complain too much it they pat backsreally hard while I'm healthy, but I really don't like it when I'm sick. And bowing really aggrivates a headache... We were talking about body temperature, I really don't remember why, and they think that 98.6 (37.5) is abnormally high. They say it should be around 35. Now, am I insane? Conny agrees with me, and it's more than one person here who has commented (Okaasan seems to tell everyone EVERYTHING about us). How is this possible? It's shouldn't be possible. I am really confused. But how could some people have a way lower regular temperature. And it doesn't seem likely that that many people are just mistaken.. yes, oh confusion.
21.2.04
I have a cold!! :'(((( I have slept most of the day because of it. Now I just can not bear the thought of sleeping any more. So I will write something for you!
More different things...
Cars must stop one to two car-lengths back from the traffic lights because the roads are so narrow that even regular cars need the extra room when turning.
No garbage can in the kitchen, is this normal?
So yesterday I spent my first time "shopping." We wanted to explore, but as we have discovered, if we do not have a specific place and a specific task in mind, we get one quick. We said we were going to go exploring, and then Otousan was telling us about this shopping mall that is only two stops away on the subway. And then he had decided that that's where we were going...yeah, his English is okay, but not good enough to refute things like that. So we went, promising to get some French bread while we were there.
They told us how to find the bread store, but they didn't tell us that it would be nestled in a basement full of all sorts of goodies. There must have been 25 stands of goodies just asking us to eat them. Most of them looked pretty French. There was lots of strawberry-topped cake!!! So I had to haul Conny through it all so we could get what we came for. As it was, later we bought four different pieces of cake to bring back with us for dinner. And a couple of donut goodies to eat right away!!
So after that, we escaped to do some real shopping. Except everything was way expensive!! So we just wandered around, looked at the crazy shoes, and lamented over the slain bunnies. The shoes are INSANE! All I can say is that they like color, a lot, and all together. All of them had pointy pointy toes, small heals, and were covered with stripes of rainbow, metallic, and patterned color. And some of them had strings of bells to go along with. It was okay that they were way expensive, because I didn't want to buy any. And we couldn't figure out if we could touch them or not. The salespeople kept saying "irashaimase" and there was a different one every 10 feet or so. When they muttered something at us, we didn't understand. Anyway...
The other stuff was mostly okay, with a little splash of WAY GARISH intersperced at regular intervals. They had a whole section of bright green purses. I guess it's a brand or something?? When they take to something, they take to it hard!!
And then there was the rack of fur stoles. At least half of them had to be real, and I don't know about the other half. And they were marked 50% off. That's the worth of life these days. So we petted them and murmured to them for about five minutes.
Yo, gotta taberu (eat).
More different things...
Cars must stop one to two car-lengths back from the traffic lights because the roads are so narrow that even regular cars need the extra room when turning.
No garbage can in the kitchen, is this normal?
So yesterday I spent my first time "shopping." We wanted to explore, but as we have discovered, if we do not have a specific place and a specific task in mind, we get one quick. We said we were going to go exploring, and then Otousan was telling us about this shopping mall that is only two stops away on the subway. And then he had decided that that's where we were going...yeah, his English is okay, but not good enough to refute things like that. So we went, promising to get some French bread while we were there.
They told us how to find the bread store, but they didn't tell us that it would be nestled in a basement full of all sorts of goodies. There must have been 25 stands of goodies just asking us to eat them. Most of them looked pretty French. There was lots of strawberry-topped cake!!! So I had to haul Conny through it all so we could get what we came for. As it was, later we bought four different pieces of cake to bring back with us for dinner. And a couple of donut goodies to eat right away!!
So after that, we escaped to do some real shopping. Except everything was way expensive!! So we just wandered around, looked at the crazy shoes, and lamented over the slain bunnies. The shoes are INSANE! All I can say is that they like color, a lot, and all together. All of them had pointy pointy toes, small heals, and were covered with stripes of rainbow, metallic, and patterned color. And some of them had strings of bells to go along with. It was okay that they were way expensive, because I didn't want to buy any. And we couldn't figure out if we could touch them or not. The salespeople kept saying "irashaimase" and there was a different one every 10 feet or so. When they muttered something at us, we didn't understand. Anyway...
The other stuff was mostly okay, with a little splash of WAY GARISH intersperced at regular intervals. They had a whole section of bright green purses. I guess it's a brand or something?? When they take to something, they take to it hard!!
And then there was the rack of fur stoles. At least half of them had to be real, and I don't know about the other half. And they were marked 50% off. That's the worth of life these days. So we petted them and murmured to them for about five minutes.
Yo, gotta taberu (eat).
19.2.04
Things that are slightly, or even very, different about Japan:
There are fire hydrant signs, but that doesn't make it any easier to find the fire hydrants.
Even cars beep when they back up.
You don't have to wear your seatbelt in the back seat.
No street addresses!
Bigger rear view mirrors.
No central heating in the houses.
TV programs start at odd times.
Buttons on the keyboard are not always what they appear.
That's all I can think of right now, but I'll keep you updated.
Okay, what have I done lately? On Thursday Okaasan took us to Minka En. There are about 20-25 old style houses on display. The big ones of the nobility, not common peoples' houses. But there were houses from all sorts periods and locations around Japan. It was kind of peaceful there, like Hobbiton or something. There was even one house with a circular doorway! Bery bery cool. We had some dango san kyoudai there too. Pretty yummy, if hard to eat. Had to sing the song of course. Sometimes I wonder if they think that we came here knowing nothing about Japan, they are always so surprised when we do know anything.
Later we took our first trip to a hyaku en store. A 100 yen store. It was interesting, but there wasn't a whole lot that I wanted to buy. There was a bunch of stuff that I will definitely get before I start classes though. Fun Japanese paper, pens, and utensils. Fun fun. Then I tried my Visa card for the first time, and it didn't work. But at least I was just trying it for fun. I've got to figure out what went wrong, we were in a hurry, so I wasn't paying attention.
Then we went to the Kawasaki Community Center and watched someone receive Gohonzon. Then we were in the picture. I don't quite know why they wanted us in the picture, it was more on a intimate ceremony than in the U.S. Well, I don't want to know, I wish I didn't know. Right.
Yesterday we had a quite day at home, mostly. I slept until almost 11. Then we took Rano the dog for a walk. It was a long walk, and we got lost a little, but only a little. He's an old dog, so he had some trouble going up and down stairs. It was kind scary. Mostly he would trot along like a puppy, but when we came to stairs, his back feet would miss and he would stumble. He actually fell once, but I was behind him to catch him. Scariness.
Then we separated again to go to a block meeting. Block equates to Group, but with twice or three times the number as I'm used to. There was a guy there who lived in the U.S. for 26 years, longer than me. So he translated for me. They were very interested in SUA. For the people who almost single-handedly financially support SUA, they certainly don't know much about it. The Mizunos didn't even know that there was a graduate school.
Oh yeah, and Okaasan had me wear a sunflower, the symbol of the current Komeito candidate. We're a little nervous about a religious organization mandating voting for one party. Okay, a lot nervous. So we asked what the Komeito poplicy is. They said peace. So we were like...how? And they didn't have too much of an answer. They were focused on peace in Iraq. But I don't know what that means for Domestic policy. From what I've heard, it sounds very conservative to me, which I don't agree with. Otousan said that most parties lie, and this one doesn't, so they are the best. But to me, if they tell the truth about doing something I don't agree with, that's still bad. Anyway, it seems very like SUA to me. High ideals with very little in the way of concrete policies that are going to make it happen.
There are fire hydrant signs, but that doesn't make it any easier to find the fire hydrants.
Even cars beep when they back up.
You don't have to wear your seatbelt in the back seat.
No street addresses!
Bigger rear view mirrors.
No central heating in the houses.
TV programs start at odd times.
Buttons on the keyboard are not always what they appear.
That's all I can think of right now, but I'll keep you updated.
Okay, what have I done lately? On Thursday Okaasan took us to Minka En. There are about 20-25 old style houses on display. The big ones of the nobility, not common peoples' houses. But there were houses from all sorts periods and locations around Japan. It was kind of peaceful there, like Hobbiton or something. There was even one house with a circular doorway! Bery bery cool. We had some dango san kyoudai there too. Pretty yummy, if hard to eat. Had to sing the song of course. Sometimes I wonder if they think that we came here knowing nothing about Japan, they are always so surprised when we do know anything.
Later we took our first trip to a hyaku en store. A 100 yen store. It was interesting, but there wasn't a whole lot that I wanted to buy. There was a bunch of stuff that I will definitely get before I start classes though. Fun Japanese paper, pens, and utensils. Fun fun. Then I tried my Visa card for the first time, and it didn't work. But at least I was just trying it for fun. I've got to figure out what went wrong, we were in a hurry, so I wasn't paying attention.
Then we went to the Kawasaki Community Center and watched someone receive Gohonzon. Then we were in the picture. I don't quite know why they wanted us in the picture, it was more on a intimate ceremony than in the U.S. Well, I don't want to know, I wish I didn't know. Right.
Yesterday we had a quite day at home, mostly. I slept until almost 11. Then we took Rano the dog for a walk. It was a long walk, and we got lost a little, but only a little. He's an old dog, so he had some trouble going up and down stairs. It was kind scary. Mostly he would trot along like a puppy, but when we came to stairs, his back feet would miss and he would stumble. He actually fell once, but I was behind him to catch him. Scariness.
Then we separated again to go to a block meeting. Block equates to Group, but with twice or three times the number as I'm used to. There was a guy there who lived in the U.S. for 26 years, longer than me. So he translated for me. They were very interested in SUA. For the people who almost single-handedly financially support SUA, they certainly don't know much about it. The Mizunos didn't even know that there was a graduate school.
Oh yeah, and Okaasan had me wear a sunflower, the symbol of the current Komeito candidate. We're a little nervous about a religious organization mandating voting for one party. Okay, a lot nervous. So we asked what the Komeito poplicy is. They said peace. So we were like...how? And they didn't have too much of an answer. They were focused on peace in Iraq. But I don't know what that means for Domestic policy. From what I've heard, it sounds very conservative to me, which I don't agree with. Otousan said that most parties lie, and this one doesn't, so they are the best. But to me, if they tell the truth about doing something I don't agree with, that's still bad. Anyway, it seems very like SUA to me. High ideals with very little in the way of concrete policies that are going to make it happen.
17.2.04
This new setup is throwing me off...
Okay, Question of the day: How the heck am I supposed to remember all these darn names? Grace said it's important to remember names, but the only ones I remember are Okaasan and Otousan. And half of them I never heard well in the first place. Like tonight. There is this cute kid. His name is K--Kun. That's all I can remember. And it's not good because he is Okaasan's great-nephew. It will work out as long as I only speak when spoken too, as I do now because I can't figure out how to say anything I would like to. But when I can speak a little, which will happen hopefully, I don't know what I'll do...
Stuff you can learn even when you don't speak the same language: Okaasan and Otousan used to dance in competitions, and Otousan has a license to teach social dance; Otousan was a flight engineer, whatever that is, and just retired 2 years ago; they have 3 sons living in Tokyo and Hokkaido; Okaasan is so busy with SGI activities that she doesn't even have time to eat, literally; Japanese people are amazed that I can do gongyo and chant; it's been Okaasan's dream to host an SUA student; Maju's mom is her "boss."
Is simplifying the truth for the sake of communication okay?
So we did go to the art museum. We saw Higashiyama something. I just remember the one name because it's East and Mountain. Helpful to have that picture in your head. He's apparently one of the most well-known artists in Japan, or was. His paintings are supposed to bring across peace. They're kind of nice, but I don't see why he is considered one of the best. There were a couple of horses that looked like a talented 10-year-old girl who is obsessed with horses drew it. Oh well, one point where east and west opinion differ. Unless I'm just off my rocker and he really is the greatest painter ever to live. I think Conny agrees with me.
Today we went to Shinanomachi with Okaasan and Otousan to see a high mucky-muck in the SGI. We wanted to give him letters to give to President Ikeda. When the idea first came up, I was all ready to write a really long and involved letter describing everything I've been feeling for 20 years of existence. But when I sat down to write it, it took me a hour just to get started. Given, I was watching TV at the time, but it was Japanese TV, and I had no idea what was going on. But I wrote a letter, even though it seemed silly to give it to him. So anyway, we met with Mr. Fukase, the head of the Seikyo Shimbun, the SGI newspaper, because is a close friend of President Ikeda's(?) It was sooooo horrible, because we didn't understand what he was saying. I got a little bit of it, but there were times when we just had to change the subject. To make a long, boring conversation short, we mentioned that Grace was going to talk to Mr. Suda tomorrow and he called the guy up and gave is back our letters to give to Mr. Suda. Who knows? Okaasan and Otousan seemed to think he would be the best one to give it to. So we went to the SGI Headquarters to see Mr. Suda. He mumbles. I couldn't get any of what he said. He finally had to call an interpreter. But he was nice. He reminds me of Ed Feasel, very laid back and kind of a big man. He remembered Conny from a year ago too! We had some confusion with me going to Hokkaido and also wanting to go to a Headquarters meeting, but we'll email Hiro and hopefully get it figured out.
So with the extra trip, we were a little late getting back, but we did manage to get back in time for me to get picked up for another district meeting. It was at Okaasan's younger sister's house. Her and her daughter picked me up. The daughter, see? can't remember her name..., is 26 I think and has a 1-year-old son. Except I think she would be at home on the Soka campus. She's still very young and girly. Eh? She also has a sister, and later, I think we're all going to go to Shibuya together. They're really nice, and I think more real than Okaasan and Otousan. Not that they are insincere, but I think I could have more straight FUN with the others. They are less serious and intense. Anyway, gave my spiel in Japanese again, starred off into space while they had their meeting again. Was in another picture. All in all, a full day.
Tired of reading? I'm tired of writing.
Okay, Question of the day: How the heck am I supposed to remember all these darn names? Grace said it's important to remember names, but the only ones I remember are Okaasan and Otousan. And half of them I never heard well in the first place. Like tonight. There is this cute kid. His name is K--Kun. That's all I can remember. And it's not good because he is Okaasan's great-nephew. It will work out as long as I only speak when spoken too, as I do now because I can't figure out how to say anything I would like to. But when I can speak a little, which will happen hopefully, I don't know what I'll do...
Stuff you can learn even when you don't speak the same language: Okaasan and Otousan used to dance in competitions, and Otousan has a license to teach social dance; Otousan was a flight engineer, whatever that is, and just retired 2 years ago; they have 3 sons living in Tokyo and Hokkaido; Okaasan is so busy with SGI activities that she doesn't even have time to eat, literally; Japanese people are amazed that I can do gongyo and chant; it's been Okaasan's dream to host an SUA student; Maju's mom is her "boss."
Is simplifying the truth for the sake of communication okay?
So we did go to the art museum. We saw Higashiyama something. I just remember the one name because it's East and Mountain. Helpful to have that picture in your head. He's apparently one of the most well-known artists in Japan, or was. His paintings are supposed to bring across peace. They're kind of nice, but I don't see why he is considered one of the best. There were a couple of horses that looked like a talented 10-year-old girl who is obsessed with horses drew it. Oh well, one point where east and west opinion differ. Unless I'm just off my rocker and he really is the greatest painter ever to live. I think Conny agrees with me.
Today we went to Shinanomachi with Okaasan and Otousan to see a high mucky-muck in the SGI. We wanted to give him letters to give to President Ikeda. When the idea first came up, I was all ready to write a really long and involved letter describing everything I've been feeling for 20 years of existence. But when I sat down to write it, it took me a hour just to get started. Given, I was watching TV at the time, but it was Japanese TV, and I had no idea what was going on. But I wrote a letter, even though it seemed silly to give it to him. So anyway, we met with Mr. Fukase, the head of the Seikyo Shimbun, the SGI newspaper, because is a close friend of President Ikeda's(?) It was sooooo horrible, because we didn't understand what he was saying. I got a little bit of it, but there were times when we just had to change the subject. To make a long, boring conversation short, we mentioned that Grace was going to talk to Mr. Suda tomorrow and he called the guy up and gave is back our letters to give to Mr. Suda. Who knows? Okaasan and Otousan seemed to think he would be the best one to give it to. So we went to the SGI Headquarters to see Mr. Suda. He mumbles. I couldn't get any of what he said. He finally had to call an interpreter. But he was nice. He reminds me of Ed Feasel, very laid back and kind of a big man. He remembered Conny from a year ago too! We had some confusion with me going to Hokkaido and also wanting to go to a Headquarters meeting, but we'll email Hiro and hopefully get it figured out.
So with the extra trip, we were a little late getting back, but we did manage to get back in time for me to get picked up for another district meeting. It was at Okaasan's younger sister's house. Her and her daughter picked me up. The daughter, see? can't remember her name..., is 26 I think and has a 1-year-old son. Except I think she would be at home on the Soka campus. She's still very young and girly. Eh? She also has a sister, and later, I think we're all going to go to Shibuya together. They're really nice, and I think more real than Okaasan and Otousan. Not that they are insincere, but I think I could have more straight FUN with the others. They are less serious and intense. Anyway, gave my spiel in Japanese again, starred off into space while they had their meeting again. Was in another picture. All in all, a full day.
Tired of reading? I'm tired of writing.
15.2.04
Eek, I dropped the ball the last couple days. It's hard to find time to write when I just want to go to sleep!! But now, hopefully, I all better.
Okay, so the day before yesterday, we went to see Grace, who is living with her aunt in Shinanomachi. First we went to an international SGI meeting held in English and there were about 5 people there from Seattle. It was really funny. One I hadn't met, but I met him now. He asked a really good question, so I think he's a good guy. I was really weird to be at a meeting in Japan and have to have an interpreter for the visiting Japanese guy. Weird. But it was a good meeting I think. Naoki was there, which was kind of weird, but I didn't know if I made it weird because of what she did and is doing, or if she was really trying to do it to me.
Anyway, then we went to Grace's house. That is the smallest house I have ever seen! And it holds two people and a cat. I'm not quite sure how. But it was good to see her again and talk to her. She had a really hard time when she first got here because no one around her speaks English. And now her husband has found some tumors that could turn cancerous eventually. She is not having an easy time of it!
Yesterday we went to district meetings and they held a welcome party for us. At least at the district meeting I went to, I know Maju's parents, but Conny didn't know anyone. Then I had lunch with Maju's parents, and they showed me a picture album from their trip to England 10 years ago. Maju was soooo cute and young looking! That was fun, they are very nice people and are missing her very much.
And then the party was a bunch of people we didn't know, very few of them who spoke any kind of English. Not that they would let us speak Japanese mind you. But it was interesting. I gave a rubber-duck Ichiro thing that I got at the airport to a junior high student who loves baseball. I think he liked it a lot, which I don't quite understand, but who cares.
Today we might go to a art exhibition and then a Chinese restaurant managed by the mizuno's daughter-in-law's friend. Got that. Should be fun...
Okay, so the day before yesterday, we went to see Grace, who is living with her aunt in Shinanomachi. First we went to an international SGI meeting held in English and there were about 5 people there from Seattle. It was really funny. One I hadn't met, but I met him now. He asked a really good question, so I think he's a good guy. I was really weird to be at a meeting in Japan and have to have an interpreter for the visiting Japanese guy. Weird. But it was a good meeting I think. Naoki was there, which was kind of weird, but I didn't know if I made it weird because of what she did and is doing, or if she was really trying to do it to me.
Anyway, then we went to Grace's house. That is the smallest house I have ever seen! And it holds two people and a cat. I'm not quite sure how. But it was good to see her again and talk to her. She had a really hard time when she first got here because no one around her speaks English. And now her husband has found some tumors that could turn cancerous eventually. She is not having an easy time of it!
Yesterday we went to district meetings and they held a welcome party for us. At least at the district meeting I went to, I know Maju's parents, but Conny didn't know anyone. Then I had lunch with Maju's parents, and they showed me a picture album from their trip to England 10 years ago. Maju was soooo cute and young looking! That was fun, they are very nice people and are missing her very much.
And then the party was a bunch of people we didn't know, very few of them who spoke any kind of English. Not that they would let us speak Japanese mind you. But it was interesting. I gave a rubber-duck Ichiro thing that I got at the airport to a junior high student who loves baseball. I think he liked it a lot, which I don't quite understand, but who cares.
Today we might go to a art exhibition and then a Chinese restaurant managed by the mizuno's daughter-in-law's friend. Got that. Should be fun...
13.2.04
Haha, got lots to write about, so maybe I'll do it every day so I don't forget.
Yesterday we went to Ryogoku, not ryogaku. Ryo as in RYOshin (parents) and Goku as in country. I don't know what it means, but I thought it was interesting. We went to the Edo-Tokyo Museum as saw the history of Japan from 400 years about to post-WW2. We got a free tour in English, so we understood what was going on. It was really interesting to see how the people, common and upper-class, lived 400 years ago. Then we saw how Westernization started. Some buildings had Western-style walls and Japanese roofs. Weird. And they had a hotair balloon bomb thingy that floated over the Pacific Ocean to drop bombs on the West Coast of North America that weren't controlled by anyone. I was trying to figure out how they knew when to drop the bombs. The chick giving the tour was really nice and she showed us things that we wouldn't have noticed otherwise.
Then we decided to go have lunch and look about Shinzuku. It's one of the biggest spots in Tokyo I guess. The Tokyo government is there and a lot of businesses and people. We wandered in these little alleyways looking for somewhere to eat. After we ate, we looked at the guidebook for someplace to go and we realized that we were in the Red-light district. That made sense when I remembered all the guys standing at the entrances to bars and pictures of girls. No wonder it was so hard to find a decent place to eat! haha So we went to the other side of the tracks, literally, to the most wholesome side. We bought things and went to the biggest electronic store I've ever been in. The fridges are crazy and cool. They all have at least 4 doors and come in crazy colors. There were some that could be opened in either direction. Couldn't figure out how they did that... But it was fun and confusing and there were several things that I never figured what they did. Then we came back, but it was time 'cause my feet were hurting a lot. I even went to bed early. And I slept until 8:00, isn't it wonderful!
So that was my first day on the subway. I didn't even get lost. That's a good thing!! Today we're going to see Grace in Shinanomachi. Going to a study meeting in English. Should be interesting. I don't know if it is with English speakers or with Japanese people practicing their English. Either way...hmm. Subway will be more complicated because we have to go from one station and come back to another station. It's all an adventure.
Yup, gotta go!
Yesterday we went to Ryogoku, not ryogaku. Ryo as in RYOshin (parents) and Goku as in country. I don't know what it means, but I thought it was interesting. We went to the Edo-Tokyo Museum as saw the history of Japan from 400 years about to post-WW2. We got a free tour in English, so we understood what was going on. It was really interesting to see how the people, common and upper-class, lived 400 years ago. Then we saw how Westernization started. Some buildings had Western-style walls and Japanese roofs. Weird. And they had a hotair balloon bomb thingy that floated over the Pacific Ocean to drop bombs on the West Coast of North America that weren't controlled by anyone. I was trying to figure out how they knew when to drop the bombs. The chick giving the tour was really nice and she showed us things that we wouldn't have noticed otherwise.
Then we decided to go have lunch and look about Shinzuku. It's one of the biggest spots in Tokyo I guess. The Tokyo government is there and a lot of businesses and people. We wandered in these little alleyways looking for somewhere to eat. After we ate, we looked at the guidebook for someplace to go and we realized that we were in the Red-light district. That made sense when I remembered all the guys standing at the entrances to bars and pictures of girls. No wonder it was so hard to find a decent place to eat! haha So we went to the other side of the tracks, literally, to the most wholesome side. We bought things and went to the biggest electronic store I've ever been in. The fridges are crazy and cool. They all have at least 4 doors and come in crazy colors. There were some that could be opened in either direction. Couldn't figure out how they did that... But it was fun and confusing and there were several things that I never figured what they did. Then we came back, but it was time 'cause my feet were hurting a lot. I even went to bed early. And I slept until 8:00, isn't it wonderful!
So that was my first day on the subway. I didn't even get lost. That's a good thing!! Today we're going to see Grace in Shinanomachi. Going to a study meeting in English. Should be interesting. I don't know if it is with English speakers or with Japanese people practicing their English. Either way...hmm. Subway will be more complicated because we have to go from one station and come back to another station. It's all an adventure.
Yup, gotta go!
12.2.04
Yeah, I know I was a little skimpy on the details earlier, but you can just go read Conny's new one to get the idea. We have been together since we met up at the Mizuno's house. New Topic.
Weirdest thing about Japan: Commercials. Insanely weird. Can't figure out what they are selling or they have too intimate a relationship with what they are selling.
Worst thing about Japan: When I'm asked a difficult question and I pause to think about it and the person thinks I didn't understand the question. I don't know what I'm doing after SUA. I need to think a little about why I chose SUA. I need some time!!
Most annoying that I'll have to live with: All the buttons on the internet are in Japanese and I keep canceling things because I can't read what it said.
Greatest enigma of Japan: Both mornings I have woken up before 7:00 am after having gone to bed around midnight. This is not normal for me. By my bodies choice, I am getting less than 7 hours of sleep.
Biggest spoiling in Japan: Hot meals 3 times a day. Yummy. Breakfast was eggs, toast, warm salad thing, ham, juice, and two kinds of tea (I guess I accidentally asked for it). Lunch was this yummy seafood thing over noodles. Dinner was lots of stuff: toast, french fries, breaded pork, fish/some sort of vegetable salad, rice ball, corn, juice and tea as I can remember.
Done with that I guess. Today we are trying out the subway system. Too bad we picked something on the other side of Tokyo to do it. Conny thought we were on the other side of the map when she decided she wanted to go there. That's okay though, we've got to figure it out some day. So we're going to Ryogaku I think, and to the Edo Museum. Our first big touristy spot. Should be fun once we get there.
The schdule has been being quickly filled up by SGI meetings. Doesn't bother me. One is a welcome party that will consist of mainly tempura and udon I think. Yesterday we went walking with Okaasan (Mrs. Mizuno) and in the process visited abot 4 SGI houses. We didn't really need to have introduced prepared because Okaasan did them for us. She's amazed and tells everyone that we know gongyo really well even though both of us messed up really badly because it was too slow. I can't figure out if Japanese people have a hard time learning it or if they don't expect people ouside Japan to be able to do it.
One thing about that walk is that Okaasan doesn't speak English, so they was a lot more Japanese than normal. Otousan (Mr. Mizuno) speaks almost exclusively English to us. I think he likes to practice his English. It's okay I guess, but he doesn't understand everything, I think it would be easier on some occasions for us to speak Japanese.
As you can see, I'm not all that big on detail by detail stuff, but I'll try to get better.
Weirdest thing about Japan: Commercials. Insanely weird. Can't figure out what they are selling or they have too intimate a relationship with what they are selling.
Worst thing about Japan: When I'm asked a difficult question and I pause to think about it and the person thinks I didn't understand the question. I don't know what I'm doing after SUA. I need to think a little about why I chose SUA. I need some time!!
Most annoying that I'll have to live with: All the buttons on the internet are in Japanese and I keep canceling things because I can't read what it said.
Greatest enigma of Japan: Both mornings I have woken up before 7:00 am after having gone to bed around midnight. This is not normal for me. By my bodies choice, I am getting less than 7 hours of sleep.
Biggest spoiling in Japan: Hot meals 3 times a day. Yummy. Breakfast was eggs, toast, warm salad thing, ham, juice, and two kinds of tea (I guess I accidentally asked for it). Lunch was this yummy seafood thing over noodles. Dinner was lots of stuff: toast, french fries, breaded pork, fish/some sort of vegetable salad, rice ball, corn, juice and tea as I can remember.
Done with that I guess. Today we are trying out the subway system. Too bad we picked something on the other side of Tokyo to do it. Conny thought we were on the other side of the map when she decided she wanted to go there. That's okay though, we've got to figure it out some day. So we're going to Ryogaku I think, and to the Edo Museum. Our first big touristy spot. Should be fun once we get there.
The schdule has been being quickly filled up by SGI meetings. Doesn't bother me. One is a welcome party that will consist of mainly tempura and udon I think. Yesterday we went walking with Okaasan (Mrs. Mizuno) and in the process visited abot 4 SGI houses. We didn't really need to have introduced prepared because Okaasan did them for us. She's amazed and tells everyone that we know gongyo really well even though both of us messed up really badly because it was too slow. I can't figure out if Japanese people have a hard time learning it or if they don't expect people ouside Japan to be able to do it.
One thing about that walk is that Okaasan doesn't speak English, so they was a lot more Japanese than normal. Otousan (Mr. Mizuno) speaks almost exclusively English to us. I think he likes to practice his English. It's okay I guess, but he doesn't understand everything, I think it would be easier on some occasions for us to speak Japanese.
As you can see, I'm not all that big on detail by detail stuff, but I'll try to get better.
11.2.04
So much had happened since the last I thought about anything. Biggest change. Woke up in Japan. Don't know how I got here, but I did, so I might as well make the best of it.
Airport was boring, no need for description. Maju's parents and the Mizunos picked us up and drove us "home." Tolls are way expensive. The Mizunos have a lovely home. It's really big for Japanese. They have four bedrooms, because they have 3 sons. But they're all out the of the house, so Conny and I get our own rooms and everything. They are really great. Last night when we got here, Mrs. Mizuno feed us and we talked for a couple hours. They are insane. Maju's dad tried to get us to call him Nick. Go figure. Anyway, they are fun and I think it's the perfect way to get introduced to a foreign country.
Okay, more later. Must help Conny set up an outlet.
Airport was boring, no need for description. Maju's parents and the Mizunos picked us up and drove us "home." Tolls are way expensive. The Mizunos have a lovely home. It's really big for Japanese. They have four bedrooms, because they have 3 sons. But they're all out the of the house, so Conny and I get our own rooms and everything. They are really great. Last night when we got here, Mrs. Mizuno feed us and we talked for a couple hours. They are insane. Maju's dad tried to get us to call him Nick. Go figure. Anyway, they are fun and I think it's the perfect way to get introduced to a foreign country.
Okay, more later. Must help Conny set up an outlet.
3.2.04
How many ways are there to spoil a person. I'm completely spoiled in the "things, physical manifestations of" department, but then in other ways, I am rather deficient. Here I was freaking out about the certificate I need and was told I would have in plenty of time, and I was given a couple options. And I was thinking to myself, "yes, must plan ahead to make this evilness the easiest it can possibly be." But I didn't. I told myself that it was a long trip, and that I should call in advance so I didn't make the long trip for nothing. And then I told myself that I needed my plane tickets just in case. I was trying to be a ready as possible so that nothing went wrong. But I never did do anything to prepare, because underneath all that was an irrational conviction that everything would be alright. That even though there was no possible way, it would happen. And then I got an emergency email to call Jason in Japan and I thought that something terrible had happened and that I wouldn't be able to go or I'd have to buy a whole other plane ticket or something. But it wasn't. He got the certificate so that I could get the visa before I left...
And the whole time the crisis was going on, I was thinking about how you have to take action to get action. And I did a little too, just not toward the visa. There were things on my list of stuff to do that I had been putting off, so I did those. And I figured, that if the certificate came in time, I would have at least had to prepare for it's not coming. But I didn't do anything, and it still came. So what's going on.
And then, I remembered a talk with Grace I had freshman year. I was complaining because lots of the other students had to go through crazy hardships to get to SUA and I had just applied and gotten in the first try. And she told me that there were other ways to struggle than just the obvious that I had been seeing so much of. I was in the beginning of that conversation that I had been telling her about my life, my mom and my family. So in connection, I was thinking about all the not-so-obvious obstacles that are in my path. They're mostly in my head and heart. My procrastination is just a symptom of my inner problems. And darn it!
But now I'm jealous of the people who have physical manifestations that they can fight. Half of my struggle is figuring out what's in the way and keeping myself believing it. It's always been like that I think. It's not like I've always had lots of money or anything, but when there's something that I want to do, money is never a big issue. On the other hand, I don't have a good relationship with my family, especially my immediate family, and I've always had hard time opening up to people. And I have a sneaking suspicion that I have a self-esteem problem that's masked, in part, by over-the-top confidence in some areas.
Hey, who needs a shrink? I can ask myself, "And what do you think it means?" without paying them lots of mula.
And the whole time the crisis was going on, I was thinking about how you have to take action to get action. And I did a little too, just not toward the visa. There were things on my list of stuff to do that I had been putting off, so I did those. And I figured, that if the certificate came in time, I would have at least had to prepare for it's not coming. But I didn't do anything, and it still came. So what's going on.
And then, I remembered a talk with Grace I had freshman year. I was complaining because lots of the other students had to go through crazy hardships to get to SUA and I had just applied and gotten in the first try. And she told me that there were other ways to struggle than just the obvious that I had been seeing so much of. I was in the beginning of that conversation that I had been telling her about my life, my mom and my family. So in connection, I was thinking about all the not-so-obvious obstacles that are in my path. They're mostly in my head and heart. My procrastination is just a symptom of my inner problems. And darn it!
But now I'm jealous of the people who have physical manifestations that they can fight. Half of my struggle is figuring out what's in the way and keeping myself believing it. It's always been like that I think. It's not like I've always had lots of money or anything, but when there's something that I want to do, money is never a big issue. On the other hand, I don't have a good relationship with my family, especially my immediate family, and I've always had hard time opening up to people. And I have a sneaking suspicion that I have a self-esteem problem that's masked, in part, by over-the-top confidence in some areas.
Hey, who needs a shrink? I can ask myself, "And what do you think it means?" without paying them lots of mula.
30.1.04
27.1.04
Okay, so I admit it, I wasn't going to blog. I've been avoiding it. But I was just reading the others, and Cassie's quote caught me. The one about not praying when it's raining if you don't pray when the sun's shining.
I guess that's kind of my problem. Most of my peeps are aware that I'm having a small crisis of faith right now. Maybe not a crisis, but something is interfering with my practice. Anyway, I've found myself wanting to pray lately. I'm feeling more materialistic than usual, I think it always happens when I'm at home. Maybe something about reverting to how I was before college? And yeah, I'm a pretty materialistic person in general, but it's gone overtime while I've been here. But that's not the only thing I'm worrying about right now. And I've been thinking about praying a lot, but I having done it except in my head. And when I read Cassie's quote, I realized that I feel guilty about that. For my whole life, I've been one of the strongest practitioners in my age group, and even above. I've been told that it needs to be a constant thing and have always believed it. When I heard the stories about people who had stopped practicing and had their life turn to crap, I was utterly astonished that they had allowed that to happen. And now I've basically stopped practicing. I don't avoid, but I don't self-motivate either. And now I'm afraid that my life is going to go the way of those other people. I'll be homeless someday or completely alienate everyone around me. But when I think about what I can do to stop this spiral that I have heard about for my entire life, I feel guilty that that is what it would take to get me back. And I also haven't reconciled with the reasons I'm putting distance between myself and the SGI. I never had anything bad to say about the faith, just the organization. So, is it dishonest of me to practice alone while disparaging the others when one of the other precepts is participating in the organization? They say that you can't practice alone, part of the religion is sharing with other people.
But then part of me rebels at the active part. I think that the ideas and taking action part are important, but I can't rationalize the chanting thing with the practical parts of me. To me, chanting has been about strengthening the resolve within the person. But lately, I have been surrounded by so many people who expect it to work like magic. I have always snubbed my nose at the mysticists and been thankful that I had found a religion that still used it's head. But many still don't. And I feel awkward about talking about it to any within the SGI, just in case they are the same way. And I WILL NOT talk to anyone I don't know just because they are big leaders. I trust them, at least those I don't know and respect personally, less than the rest because they are, it seems to me, spreading or at least not stemming these problems as I see them. I know, I have to take responsibility, and I'm trying, but this is about being honest right? Sp then I think about how I don't need it if I can be strong enough on my own, after all, that's what I've always thought chanting did anyway. Shouldn't I be able to stubborn myself through this?
And this leads to a whole new problem in my head. I am beginning to think that I am just selfish and cold-hearted. The things I think make sense to me in a practical way, but they come from the perspective that I am the most important person. And isn't that part of it? I really do think that we need to have our own best interests in heart. There comes a time when sacrifice helps, but a lot of the sacrifice I see around me will change almost nothing or could be severly lessoned. And I see selfishness in other people who force some to sacrifice things. Which sounds a little hypocritical, but bear with me. If we do our best for ourselves and those we are directly responsible for, we can expect and hope that others would do the same as well. If this is done without malice or anything other interest than pure survival, it wouldn't be about stepping on the little guy to get ahead. At one time in history, it may have been, and I don't know what I would say then, but now we can all live, and we must all live, in harmony with each other. We have the resources and technology to live relatively comfortable. We just couldn't use the standards that society has now, and we would have to be satisfied when we were comfortable instead of always wanting more.
Rant for the night. Looking back, it seems like I'm spiraling. Also from a lifetime of learning: it don't stop till you hit the ground. Either that, or they don't get invited to give experiences. Exactly two weeks from now I will be lost in the confusion of customs with no student visa.
I guess that's kind of my problem. Most of my peeps are aware that I'm having a small crisis of faith right now. Maybe not a crisis, but something is interfering with my practice. Anyway, I've found myself wanting to pray lately. I'm feeling more materialistic than usual, I think it always happens when I'm at home. Maybe something about reverting to how I was before college? And yeah, I'm a pretty materialistic person in general, but it's gone overtime while I've been here. But that's not the only thing I'm worrying about right now. And I've been thinking about praying a lot, but I having done it except in my head. And when I read Cassie's quote, I realized that I feel guilty about that. For my whole life, I've been one of the strongest practitioners in my age group, and even above. I've been told that it needs to be a constant thing and have always believed it. When I heard the stories about people who had stopped practicing and had their life turn to crap, I was utterly astonished that they had allowed that to happen. And now I've basically stopped practicing. I don't avoid, but I don't self-motivate either. And now I'm afraid that my life is going to go the way of those other people. I'll be homeless someday or completely alienate everyone around me. But when I think about what I can do to stop this spiral that I have heard about for my entire life, I feel guilty that that is what it would take to get me back. And I also haven't reconciled with the reasons I'm putting distance between myself and the SGI. I never had anything bad to say about the faith, just the organization. So, is it dishonest of me to practice alone while disparaging the others when one of the other precepts is participating in the organization? They say that you can't practice alone, part of the religion is sharing with other people.
But then part of me rebels at the active part. I think that the ideas and taking action part are important, but I can't rationalize the chanting thing with the practical parts of me. To me, chanting has been about strengthening the resolve within the person. But lately, I have been surrounded by so many people who expect it to work like magic. I have always snubbed my nose at the mysticists and been thankful that I had found a religion that still used it's head. But many still don't. And I feel awkward about talking about it to any within the SGI, just in case they are the same way. And I WILL NOT talk to anyone I don't know just because they are big leaders. I trust them, at least those I don't know and respect personally, less than the rest because they are, it seems to me, spreading or at least not stemming these problems as I see them. I know, I have to take responsibility, and I'm trying, but this is about being honest right? Sp then I think about how I don't need it if I can be strong enough on my own, after all, that's what I've always thought chanting did anyway. Shouldn't I be able to stubborn myself through this?
And this leads to a whole new problem in my head. I am beginning to think that I am just selfish and cold-hearted. The things I think make sense to me in a practical way, but they come from the perspective that I am the most important person. And isn't that part of it? I really do think that we need to have our own best interests in heart. There comes a time when sacrifice helps, but a lot of the sacrifice I see around me will change almost nothing or could be severly lessoned. And I see selfishness in other people who force some to sacrifice things. Which sounds a little hypocritical, but bear with me. If we do our best for ourselves and those we are directly responsible for, we can expect and hope that others would do the same as well. If this is done without malice or anything other interest than pure survival, it wouldn't be about stepping on the little guy to get ahead. At one time in history, it may have been, and I don't know what I would say then, but now we can all live, and we must all live, in harmony with each other. We have the resources and technology to live relatively comfortable. We just couldn't use the standards that society has now, and we would have to be satisfied when we were comfortable instead of always wanting more.
Rant for the night. Looking back, it seems like I'm spiraling. Also from a lifetime of learning: it don't stop till you hit the ground. Either that, or they don't get invited to give experiences. Exactly two weeks from now I will be lost in the confusion of customs with no student visa.
21.1.04
Blog blog blog. Nothing. Nope, nadda but yearnings that have to wait. It seems I'm more ready than I thought to be out on my own. But I could just be ignoring the stuff I don't like. Sounds like me anyway.
So I'm having some difficulties resolving the selfish and unselfish parts of my soul, if you want to get dramatic about it. It's about responsibility and sharing lives and reciprocation and all that jazz. Not so much about money, but about time. Maybe, is money good enough, or how many parts money to how many parts pure time? It's kind of the culture around me, the whole "raising the future" thing. What comes first, our obligations to the past, present, or future? Or am I just being selfish? And is there anything wrong with that? Anyway, I suppose only time will tell.
So I'm having some difficulties resolving the selfish and unselfish parts of my soul, if you want to get dramatic about it. It's about responsibility and sharing lives and reciprocation and all that jazz. Not so much about money, but about time. Maybe, is money good enough, or how many parts money to how many parts pure time? It's kind of the culture around me, the whole "raising the future" thing. What comes first, our obligations to the past, present, or future? Or am I just being selfish? And is there anything wrong with that? Anyway, I suppose only time will tell.
15.1.04
Today I bought a $60 computer chair. I have to say, that's pretty good for a computer chair, if not so good for something I won't be able to use until August...after spending the same amount as it cost to send it. But it's not like we need one here, and I really wanted to buy it. Currently trying to figure a way to have my dad send it so that it. Problem is that I can send it now, and have it wait around, but my dad would probably put it off for months and then manage to lose the gigantic box. Don't know how that could happen. All I can say is that it's a good thing that he has a sugar-mama.
Spent quite a bit of time at Staples today, where I bought the chair. Climbed on, over, under, and and around it for at least 30 minutes. There will be no more buying of things that I'm not sure about from this section of the room. There were a bunch of people sitting in the desk area and using it as a meeting place. I hope they at least work there. Smart really, cut down on office costs. And then looked around for the ergonomic foot-rest that was advertised on the chair, but they didn't have it, only a standard. The guy seemed surprised at the notion when asked.
It's funny what I buy, I decided I didn't want to buy a bag thing that I wanted, and suspect would be highly useful, because it was $50, then I go ahead and buy something that I really don't need for more. Can anyone understand me, 'cause I sure can't.
Oh yeah. Decided to start buying movies, spur of the moment. Saw this absolutely beautiful documentary called "Winged Migration" and had to buy it. I would have bought the soundtrack too, but it was a miracle that I was able to find the movie itself. That got me to looking about, and now I want more. Starting a list and trying to confine myself...hard hard work. Once the money starts flowing, it's hard to stop.
Spent quite a bit of time at Staples today, where I bought the chair. Climbed on, over, under, and and around it for at least 30 minutes. There will be no more buying of things that I'm not sure about from this section of the room. There were a bunch of people sitting in the desk area and using it as a meeting place. I hope they at least work there. Smart really, cut down on office costs. And then looked around for the ergonomic foot-rest that was advertised on the chair, but they didn't have it, only a standard. The guy seemed surprised at the notion when asked.
It's funny what I buy, I decided I didn't want to buy a bag thing that I wanted, and suspect would be highly useful, because it was $50, then I go ahead and buy something that I really don't need for more. Can anyone understand me, 'cause I sure can't.
Oh yeah. Decided to start buying movies, spur of the moment. Saw this absolutely beautiful documentary called "Winged Migration" and had to buy it. I would have bought the soundtrack too, but it was a miracle that I was able to find the movie itself. That got me to looking about, and now I want more. Starting a list and trying to confine myself...hard hard work. Once the money starts flowing, it's hard to stop.
12.1.04
Okay, so here are my honest and true thoughts on children...(brought on by a visit of my cousin and her devil children and the birth of my other too-young cousin's first child: all descending on me yesterday to confuse my thoughts and make me run away from the sheer volume of it all)
They truly have the potential to make someone's life miserable for the rest of their life. And even if they aren't the spawn of Satan (he's been roaming in the guise of the milkman again...) they take a lot of work, dedication, and selflessness. At this point, I don't feel that I am or ever will be in the right state of mind to become a parent. There is also the physical pain that is involved with the whole process.
On the other hand, what would I do when I got old if I had never had children. I would HATE to be dependent on my children the way my grandparents are on theirs, but most of their social life also revolves around their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Let's face it, when you get old, your friends start to die on you, unless you can be lucky enough to go first. ...
And I guess in my future planning, unconsciously, children are always involved, though a long, long time from now. But then, even if I did eventually want and have children, there is always the fear that they would turn out to be horrible serial killers or something. And then I would have to blame myself and feel all guilty. I'm not even exaggerating about one of the devil children being of the devil. She almost died when young and had to go through a liver transplant at 6-months-old and, as a result, was spoiled literally rotten. She never listens to anyone, tells blatant lies when asked direct questions regarding her actions, physically harms her mother when she tries to restrain her, and is an all around brat. Doesn't hurt that she's the only girl in a pack of boys. If I were her mother, I'd have to do something drastic, either to her or myself.
If I do decide to have children, and I have a sneaking suspicion that I won't be able to avoid it, I guess I'll just have to find a way to get past the pain and do the best I can to not raise maniacal hooligans. Either that or do what Grace did: marry into children who are already providing grandchildren.
They truly have the potential to make someone's life miserable for the rest of their life. And even if they aren't the spawn of Satan (he's been roaming in the guise of the milkman again...) they take a lot of work, dedication, and selflessness. At this point, I don't feel that I am or ever will be in the right state of mind to become a parent. There is also the physical pain that is involved with the whole process.
On the other hand, what would I do when I got old if I had never had children. I would HATE to be dependent on my children the way my grandparents are on theirs, but most of their social life also revolves around their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Let's face it, when you get old, your friends start to die on you, unless you can be lucky enough to go first. ...
And I guess in my future planning, unconsciously, children are always involved, though a long, long time from now. But then, even if I did eventually want and have children, there is always the fear that they would turn out to be horrible serial killers or something. And then I would have to blame myself and feel all guilty. I'm not even exaggerating about one of the devil children being of the devil. She almost died when young and had to go through a liver transplant at 6-months-old and, as a result, was spoiled literally rotten. She never listens to anyone, tells blatant lies when asked direct questions regarding her actions, physically harms her mother when she tries to restrain her, and is an all around brat. Doesn't hurt that she's the only girl in a pack of boys. If I were her mother, I'd have to do something drastic, either to her or myself.
If I do decide to have children, and I have a sneaking suspicion that I won't be able to avoid it, I guess I'll just have to find a way to get past the pain and do the best I can to not raise maniacal hooligans. Either that or do what Grace did: marry into children who are already providing grandchildren.
9.1.04
Stupid thing...won't even let me do stuff.
Well, I'm back in the land of the living. All the snow and ice is gone and the power is back on. Oh yeah, we're living large.
I've very insulted by a study that found Tacoma the #1 stressful city in the U.S. Not that I have a thing about Tacoma or anything, and I can't say anything about most of the criterian, but one of the reasons is that it's cloudy! Can you believe that!?!?!?! As if everyone in the entire world gets depressed when it's cloudy! I didn't catch where the people from this study were, but it had to be somewhere evilly sunny. I personally get depressed when it's too sunny. So I guess So Cal gets on the list huh? And it wasn't just Tacoma. The Portland/Vancouver metropolis is #10. I also find it interesting that those two cities are always together. Anyway, so I guess that NO Northwest city is on the LEAST stressful city list, only on the MOST stressful city list. I am angrified.
Who knows what grade I got. I don't want to look, I never do. And anyway, I don't know how to do it.
Well, I'm back in the land of the living. All the snow and ice is gone and the power is back on. Oh yeah, we're living large.
I've very insulted by a study that found Tacoma the #1 stressful city in the U.S. Not that I have a thing about Tacoma or anything, and I can't say anything about most of the criterian, but one of the reasons is that it's cloudy! Can you believe that!?!?!?! As if everyone in the entire world gets depressed when it's cloudy! I didn't catch where the people from this study were, but it had to be somewhere evilly sunny. I personally get depressed when it's too sunny. So I guess So Cal gets on the list huh? And it wasn't just Tacoma. The Portland/Vancouver metropolis is #10. I also find it interesting that those two cities are always together. Anyway, so I guess that NO Northwest city is on the LEAST stressful city list, only on the MOST stressful city list. I am angrified.
Who knows what grade I got. I don't want to look, I never do. And anyway, I don't know how to do it.
5.1.04
Ah ha!! (You can just try to figure out what that means)
I must record my morning so that we can all recognize the signs when we begin to age. Heck, we already think we're old and that the darn young-ins and taking over the world and plan to drive the rest of us insane. Case-and-point: Hillary Duff.
So this morning I took my grandparents to breakfast with their siblings and spouses (at this point, it's hard to remember which is sibling and which is spouse). All told, there were seven elderly people over 65 and me. Which isn't all that bad, I love my grandparents and the others are okay. But I noticed something this time, and it's something we must take pains to avoid.
First they were complaining about Bush and Medicare/Social Security (I don't know the difference or which one we were actually talking about). They were comparing copays on doctors, specialists, and prescriptions (among other things). And I must admit that they did have an excellent point. Bush screwed them over so he could pay for his pet war. Before we left, there was a little ditty on the radio (ad??? Skit??). It summed up the problem of Social Security perfectly. The father was telling the son that the son was going to have to help him and his mom out. And the son was all indignant because he thought that if he paid for his father, he wouldn't be able to pay for himself when he got older. And the dad said that his children would pay for him in the neverending loop. And the son just wanted to keep the money for his own retirement. Yeah yeah, 1) That's all great and good that he'll be taking care of himself, but what about the old people now who were forced to pay for their parents and weren't able to save enough. 2) Uh huh, he's going to be saving that money all right...right. 3) They just have to pay it to the military anyway, and how are they going to save it then? 4) I'm sure I could think of more or possibly less stupid arguments, but I'm done thinking, back to my story...
Anyway, so then they were talking about this skier that was lost for four days in the mountains (obviously) and they just found him alive. And they were saying that he was stupid for getting lost. Yeah, but what are you going to do. I'm sure he won't be doing that again. Then they moved on to an avalanche that took out a cabin. And they were saying that it was stupid of them to build in avalanche country and that they were probably going to whine because the Powers That Be allowed them to build there. Fast forward. They were complaining about people that were building on the flood plane...and let me tell you, there is an entire development on the flood plane. And they were talking about the stupid guys that work for the city who can't read a map to be able to tell when a house will be safe and when it's flood-prone.
I tell yeah. Either the people are stupid for expecting the government to keep them safe instead of taking care of themselves, or the government is stupid because they aren't keeping the people safe with their permits and stuff. It's a bit of a dilemma for me. Yeah, SOMEone is being stupid, because, obviously, houses are going up where they shouldn't, whether in a flood area or an avalanche area. But I don't think you can fault both sides for the same thing.
My personal feeling is that they just want to complain because it's different from when they were in their prime. So watch yourself. If you start complain about both sides of things, just because they are different than the way you like them or remember then, you gotta find a way to stop. Your complaints should remain pretty much consistent logically. Complaining can help purge things, I think, but only in a healthy, moderate dose. It's no way to live always looking at things negatively. Pointing out the positive side, or why some person might not be as stupid as they seem doesn't get you very far with my elderly relatives. Don't be the same way. Yeah, and I know. I should be the one to talk.
Oh and by the way, that's not all they complained about. The only thing they talked about was news and stuff, and why whatever was happening was some stupid person's fault. I think that they didn't mean it that way, but it's kind of what it turned into. It was the "back in my day, pigs could fly and were happy to jump in our ovens to be cooked and eaten" kind of thing. So we gotta live in the moment, in the now, in the 21st century, in...hehe...and not feel like the world is falling apart around us because things are being done a different way and people have different values than they used to.
You can have my soap box back now.
I must record my morning so that we can all recognize the signs when we begin to age. Heck, we already think we're old and that the darn young-ins and taking over the world and plan to drive the rest of us insane. Case-and-point: Hillary Duff.
So this morning I took my grandparents to breakfast with their siblings and spouses (at this point, it's hard to remember which is sibling and which is spouse). All told, there were seven elderly people over 65 and me. Which isn't all that bad, I love my grandparents and the others are okay. But I noticed something this time, and it's something we must take pains to avoid.
First they were complaining about Bush and Medicare/Social Security (I don't know the difference or which one we were actually talking about). They were comparing copays on doctors, specialists, and prescriptions (among other things). And I must admit that they did have an excellent point. Bush screwed them over so he could pay for his pet war. Before we left, there was a little ditty on the radio (ad??? Skit??). It summed up the problem of Social Security perfectly. The father was telling the son that the son was going to have to help him and his mom out. And the son was all indignant because he thought that if he paid for his father, he wouldn't be able to pay for himself when he got older. And the dad said that his children would pay for him in the neverending loop. And the son just wanted to keep the money for his own retirement. Yeah yeah, 1) That's all great and good that he'll be taking care of himself, but what about the old people now who were forced to pay for their parents and weren't able to save enough. 2) Uh huh, he's going to be saving that money all right...right. 3) They just have to pay it to the military anyway, and how are they going to save it then? 4) I'm sure I could think of more or possibly less stupid arguments, but I'm done thinking, back to my story...
Anyway, so then they were talking about this skier that was lost for four days in the mountains (obviously) and they just found him alive. And they were saying that he was stupid for getting lost. Yeah, but what are you going to do. I'm sure he won't be doing that again. Then they moved on to an avalanche that took out a cabin. And they were saying that it was stupid of them to build in avalanche country and that they were probably going to whine because the Powers That Be allowed them to build there. Fast forward. They were complaining about people that were building on the flood plane...and let me tell you, there is an entire development on the flood plane. And they were talking about the stupid guys that work for the city who can't read a map to be able to tell when a house will be safe and when it's flood-prone.
I tell yeah. Either the people are stupid for expecting the government to keep them safe instead of taking care of themselves, or the government is stupid because they aren't keeping the people safe with their permits and stuff. It's a bit of a dilemma for me. Yeah, SOMEone is being stupid, because, obviously, houses are going up where they shouldn't, whether in a flood area or an avalanche area. But I don't think you can fault both sides for the same thing.
My personal feeling is that they just want to complain because it's different from when they were in their prime. So watch yourself. If you start complain about both sides of things, just because they are different than the way you like them or remember then, you gotta find a way to stop. Your complaints should remain pretty much consistent logically. Complaining can help purge things, I think, but only in a healthy, moderate dose. It's no way to live always looking at things negatively. Pointing out the positive side, or why some person might not be as stupid as they seem doesn't get you very far with my elderly relatives. Don't be the same way. Yeah, and I know. I should be the one to talk.
Oh and by the way, that's not all they complained about. The only thing they talked about was news and stuff, and why whatever was happening was some stupid person's fault. I think that they didn't mean it that way, but it's kind of what it turned into. It was the "back in my day, pigs could fly and were happy to jump in our ovens to be cooked and eaten" kind of thing. So we gotta live in the moment, in the now, in the 21st century, in...hehe...and not feel like the world is falling apart around us because things are being done a different way and people have different values than they used to.
You can have my soap box back now.
4.1.04
2.1.04
1.1.04
Happy New Year.
Why oh why do I always go to MORNING New Year's Gongyo? I guess I don't want to be associated with the slackers at the afternoon session. And I always notice the the Bellinghamsters come for Morning. They're no slackers those ones; I'm glad to have been raised among them. I went with my brother who had to be there 1 1/2 early. And I noticed another Bellinghamster on Soka Group as well. I wonder what time he woke up this morning. I almost didn't make it myself and it takes twice the time for them to get there. Not that we're particularly close complared to some people, but yeah. Actually it was pretty full. When they asked everyone to move to the middle so they could seat the people in the back, I laughed, but there actually WERE people in the back.
Why oh why do I always go to MORNING New Year's Gongyo? I guess I don't want to be associated with the slackers at the afternoon session. And I always notice the the Bellinghamsters come for Morning. They're no slackers those ones; I'm glad to have been raised among them. I went with my brother who had to be there 1 1/2 early. And I noticed another Bellinghamster on Soka Group as well. I wonder what time he woke up this morning. I almost didn't make it myself and it takes twice the time for them to get there. Not that we're particularly close complared to some people, but yeah. Actually it was pretty full. When they asked everyone to move to the middle so they could seat the people in the back, I laughed, but there actually WERE people in the back.
