Long Days...

Another week has started and I at yet another junior high school. And I really don’t like this one. Out of the five that I have I think this one ranks at the very bottom. Not because the kids aren’t well behaved, or they don’t have adequate materials to work with, but the English teacher at this school. I almost feel sorry for the kids. It just so happens that out of all the schools this one might have the highest enthusiasm but the teacher is always there to take that motivation away. ALL HIS CLASSES ARE BORING!! He just stands up there and makes the kids read the same passage over and over again. I heard that repetition is the “Mother of Skill” but this is getting out of hand.

It’s the first day and only today did I get my schedule for the week. And do you want to guess what the bastard said as soon as I came in? “Today we have third and fourth period, do you have game?” I hate this request than anything Japanese society has thrown at me since the time I arrived. What the hell is up with that?! Why is that he doesn’t use an ounce of creativity on his normal classes and can’t spare anything to even come up with a SUGGESTION of what he wants to do while I’m here. First of all I have no materials, there is no computer with internet that I can even look for things to do, and half the time the dude’s not even in the staff room. How can I wok like this? Anyway I racked my brain for an hour and a half and came up with a game for the second years but ran out of time for the third graders, which he then told me that it was ok because they were just going to read from the book. The poor third graders. They’re also one of the better third year classes in all my schools. But then I just used one of my games from ES, and they were all so excited to play!! What a relief. How does a teacher like HIM become a teacher and stay a teacher without no drive to make learning “fun”? It boggles my mind.

This past weekend we Krystal and I went to Osaka for a friend’s birthday party. It started out being a really good weekend since we woke up at 12:30. I called home, Jake, and Krystal’s family just to see how things were going back home. I tried to convince Krystal about going to Osaka for a day trip. We live like 45 minutes away from the second or third largest city in Japan but for some reason we don’t go as often as we should. So I gave some suggestions like going to the Osaka Castle Park, Expoland, (An amusement park) or just wandering the streets of Osaka. We called Kevin and Val to see if they wanted to go and cruise Osaka before we had to meet at the FABULOUS Mexican restaurant EL PANCHO.

So the four of us got on a train and went to Hep Five mall. It’s one of the many attractions that the Osaka has to offer. It’s basically a mall with tons of floors but their main attraction is a huge Ferris Wheel that gives a nice view of Osaka. It was about 5 dollars for a ride and we found ourselves looking at the beautiful city lights of Osaka. We also decided to stop by a place called Joypolis. Its kind of like an arcade place where they even have some interactive walk through type attractions that are meant to entertain you. We saw Water Rapids, Jurassic Park, Murder Lodge, Treasure Hunters, and there were a few others. Its basically a walk through mini-haunted house set up. We decided to give the Treasure Hunters a try but it was really lame. They had a rubber mummy guy that vibrated when it talked and some simple air blasts. The main thing was to find a bag of “money” that weighed exactly as much as the one in the entrance to find the “real treasure”. So you look and try your luck with the hundred bags they laid out for you and if you matched the bags you could get an official “Treasure Hunters License” that could be used all of the world! Well that’s how they were trying to sell it. Anyways it reminded me of the Kiwanis Haunted House we did a couple of years ago at the Aiea Shopping Center. It could scare you but fell a little short. The Treasure Hunter attraction was our first one and it basically did it for the rest of the stuff there. We did get to play some Time Crisis 3, Mario Kart arcade version, and some Taiko.

After that we went to go check out the Apple Store in Osaka. And it was pretty impressive. I’m not an apple user but being in that store really makes you want to be one. Aside from all the iPod stuff you can get, all the power books, crazy looking monitors, and apple accessories it was like a Nerds Heaven. They even had this really cool thing like a mixing table where you can hook up two iPods and they have that balance changer thing and you can go between two different songs playing on two different iPods simultaneously. Shortly after we left the store with about an hour before we were going to have our much needed Mexican feast, I started to get cramps. All jokes aside they hurt so bad that at one point I couldn’t walk. I couldn’t think of anything that would have made the cramps come. I had eaten the same things as everyone else, I didn’t have gas, and I wasn’t hungry. It got so bad that I decided maybe if I sat on a toilet everything would just correct itself. Then like a massive tsunami I had the urge to go to the bathroom. I got so desperate I went in to lady’s bathroom. It was empty so no harm. I was trying to get my jacket, scarf, and gloves off but by the time I sat down… nothing came out. No solids, liquids, or gas. Nothing. So I was just about to get up when I heard someone come in and use the stall next to me. I was a little freaked out at first but being in Japan they try to make everything as “un-humiliating” as possible. As I was about to get up the stall started to make “fake flushing sounds.” I guess its so Japanese girls don’t get embarrassed when they let a really nasty smelling or sounding one. All you hear is the soothing sound of toilet flush-age. That was pretty cool to experience. Anyway by the time I got back to the group was time to go into the restaurant.

I was really afraid to eat because I wasn’t sure which end the food might come out. And with a 45 minutes train ride in our near future I didn’t wan to take any chances. I was going to pass on the Mexican feast when one of the girls had some ibuprofen. Hey of it works for “girls’ cramps” it should work for mysterious stomach cramps too, right? Well it did because although the cramps didn’t stop the pain severity went down significantly. I was able to enjoy the meal and have a good time with me buddies.

Sunday was another sleep in day. We started again at about 1 in the afternoon and relaxed. But our friend told us about a sale at the local electronics store and the sale included computer hardware and software. We decided to check it out and came out with 2, 250 Gig external hard drives. One hard drive was only $150. Pretty good deal huh? My downloading days have just begun.

Lisa also called on Sunday. She had been trying really hard to get in contact about us because she was having seconds thoughts of ending her contract with JET program. Bottom line was that she had come up with off the wall justifications because she was afraid of going in to the real world and starting her career when JET was over. This is completely understandable since I feel the same way sometimes. But days like today don’t help with my　arguments to stay in Japan another year.

That’s pretty much what’s been happening since last week. For the upcoming annual Sports Super Show the SUPER BOWL ….. GO SEAHAWKS!!! Bring the Lombardi trophy for the NFC!!

I'm A Big Kid Now!!

So with frozen fingers I type. Yesterday was a weird day in Kyoto, it snowed. You always hear weird things like, “if you can live in Kyoto, you can live anywhere in the world.” People in Japan, as well in Kyoto are so …. egocentric. I don’t know if that’s the word but they are so self-involved that they don’t know anything outside of Japan. Although I sit here in the staffroom freezing I know that it can get much colder in other places in the world. For example, Siberia. I’m pretty sure that it’s colder there than it is here. Or actually anyplace that has a higher latitude than Japan. Or when they talk about their humidity and heat during the summer months, it can be a lot worse. For example, California. I’m pretty sure that when I was living in California the days seemed a lot hotter than they do here in Japan. One couldn’t even step out into the sun without feeling that your skin was being instantly burned. Also I’m assuming that the jungles of Africa or even the Amazon can be a lot more humid than Japan. Where do these Japanese people get the idea that they are the only “unfortunate” souls of the world?

Anyway it was snowing yesterday, all day and I had a weird feeling come over me. I had the feeling that I was an … ADULT. Weird huh? OK so I got off the train and from the station to my school it was like a 10 minute walk. And the snow was coming down pretty hard. As I was walking along the sidewalk amongst others going to work, I felt like I was an adult. Here I am in a coat, scarf, and gloved hands in my pockets walking amongst the Japanese white collar workers. As we get to the crosswalk and wait for it to change, I hear one the guys next to me make a comment about the snow. Of course the dude was not talking to me but I felt like everyone at the crosswalk had the same thing in mind. I was like, “whoa, I’m so adult right now.” Anyway I get to school and do my school thing and decide to head over to the Education center. Along the way I notice that there’s a Starbucks and convinced myself that it was perfect weather for a hot beverage. So here after I get Starbucks (I got a tall Cocoa) I’m walking back up the same street that I had come down that morning and I get the feeling again. And this time I even have an adult prop in my hand, a cup from Starbucks. So what if there was cocoa inside, the people that walked by would probably assume that it was coffee. So what’s up with this weird feeling? I’ve lived on my won now for over a year, been traveling to different countries, and pay rent. Why is it only now that I feel like an adult? Krystal said it was because I had my coat on, which is the first coat that I ever owned. Maybe.

So yesterday our friend William, invited us to his place to watch the NFC Championship game. He had satellite TV and they Japanese station was going to re-air it at night. So we went over to watch the game, in traditional Football Watching Fashion, Beer and Pizza. DISCLAIMER: IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO KNOW WHO WON EITHER THE AFC OR THE NFC GAME PLEASE PASS THIS SECTION.
So yeah I prefer to watch NFC since my team the BUCS are in the NFC and wanted early for the Carolina Panthers to loose. First of all they were in our division which we beat, and second of all they got into the playoffs by beating the Washington Redskins that the BUCS lost to in a freak game. Anyway no one likes the Panthers because their defense being overrated and their quarterback Delhoumme, getting a lot of credit for doing the bare minimum. Ok so maybe I’m exaggerating but like I said I hate them. They challenged the Sea Hawks from Seattle, which until a couple of years ago was nothing big. So where did they come from? It felt like the SuperBowl a couple of years ago when Baltimore played, “where did the Ravens come from?” So anyway I was rooting for the SeaHawks because A) They’re better than Carolina going to the SuperBowl again, and B) because this would be their first time. Everyone deserves a first time right? Especially these teams that have been around for a few tens of years that waited while the 49ers, Packers, Cowboys, and Rams dominated the football league. Anyway the SeaHawks won. Let me re-phrase that, they totally kicked the Panthers Pu…. Nah shouldn’t swear. Well they totally defeated them defensively when everyone was saying that the SeaHawks were an offense heavy. Because I was rooting for Seattle is was fun watching Delhoumme get frustrated and threw 3 interceptions. And not like the interceptions where the cornerbacks and safeties really worked at getting the ball. The balls were practically thrown right at them! Oh and watching Steve Smith throwing his hissy fits on the sidelines was classic too. The Panthers did return a punt for a touchdown but the play was not challenged by Seattle as it seemed that an illegal block had been made. And a late in the quarter “let us keep some sort of dignity” touchdown catch that was made really late in the game. The Panthers were out scored, out played, and simply out done. Good job to the SeaHawks that are going to Detroit to play the AFC Champions the Pittsburg Steelers. The Super Bowl seems like its going to be a fun one to watch. I just hope that I get a chance ot watch it before I hear any of the results. DISCLAIMER It Is Now Ok To Read Again.
Other than that nothing really going on. Just waiting at the computer for my classes to start. I only have two classes today one during 4th period and one during 6th. What else can I do to pass the time? Is this what being an adult is like?

From slippers and shorts to sweaters and scarfs...

It’s so cold here. I don’t want to bitch about it but I need to. Coming back from Hawaii this is a complete nightmare. Thank God for my thick green VOLCOM skater jacket I bought or it would be frozen curtains for me.

First of all I just wanted to THANK EVERYONE back home for the awesome time!! I was so excited to see everyone and hang out with the gang again. To all the PIZZA HUT people and the ring leader Jake, Thanks for always welcoming Dooku back home. I know I didn’t get a chance to hang out with you guys too much but I will be back sooner than you can say TURBO CRANIUM. Thanks for picking me up Jake and hey when August comes around I know that I can count on you to FULLY understand “NEXT STOP…”

To the COHORT peeps and their ring leader Lisa, thanks for the night out. I know that it wasn’t a long time that I hung out with you guys but it was all that special. Beer, food, and bitchin’ is always ok in my book. Oh and Bernard and Daniel, if you guys want to play just let me know… anytime, anywhere.

To the Sakata family that made me feel like a member of the family you guys are the best. Oh and if you want to buy the subtitled DVD set of all the Korean Dramas that Alden gets go to the Chinese Cultural Plaza on the first floor Ewa side. Very cheap and the lady is really nice.

To- the JET alumni and friends ring leader Cawin, we didn’t have a lot of time to chill together but I think we’ll be seeing more of each other really soon. Hope that all your JET dreams come true and your expectations meet with flying colors. That was lame hahahaha see you guys soon…

And to the Walmart/Karaoke Krew passive ring leader Joel, thanks for more memories in the karaoke box as well as everyone’s performance on stage. It will go down in the memory banks a real show!!


This is the famous Daimond Head mountain that everyone is so used to seeing from Waikiki Beach but as you can see its pretty majestic from all angles.


One of the many beaches not populated by Japanese tourists, wannabe surfers, and irritating beach combers.


For all you "Lost" fans, this is just below the ridge where the stress relieveing golf course can be found in the show.


This is the Hawaii Convention Center, you might know it as the Sydney International Airport in "Lost".


This is my cousin William that I prettyy much grew up with. He came down to Hawaii the same time we did and it was pretty awesome!


This is at Pali Lookout where legends says that it is so windy that if you were to throw a man off the edge the trade winds can blow you right back up. So my cousin out the iwnd to the test and is really leaning into the wind.


This is the whole family at the lookout. You know, its cool sometimes to hang out with your family.


A shot from the famous North Shore on Hawaii. We just got there before sundown and it was very surreal.


A shot of me and Krystal by the famous rock formation where Elvis Presley shot his movie "Blue Hawaii".

Okay so that all done. So anyways HAWAII was awesome! I didn’t get to all the things I wanted to do but it was memorable nevertheless. It was especially good going back this time because Krystal came too. I felt somewhat guilty this past summer for going home without her. It was also pretty cool hanging out with her family the few times that I did. It was really fun watching Krystal freak out about all the little things like the way the airport looked, the unique smell of Longs, and even drinking fruit punch.

Going back home for me this time was much more relaxed than back in the summer. I got to hang out with my family a lot. Especially because my cousin from California came down about a week after I did. It was nice to see him again and talk about the old days. Because my cousin Willis was around that meant my cousin Jason would also be around. I used to be really close with my cousins Jason and Jennifer but as we all grew up everyone just gets used to doing their own thing. But every time Willis is in town, I see Jay almost everyday. We called him Will’s Shadow. But actually this time around it was all good because Jason was now able to drive (even has his own car) so we would always have a designated driver.

The top three activities that I did when I went back home had to be
1) DRINKING- which was done almost every night and to the point of puking on some of those nights.

2) GAMBLING – Texas Hold’ em and Korean Hanafuda were a staple at any venue that more than 4 people.
And

3) MARIO GOLF- We went to the store to buy a four player game for gamecube and we got Mario Golf which was played as soon as we woke up and just before we passed out.

About the Korean Hanafuda. It was just something we decided to do one day with the encouragement from my mother. She was off one day and as Will and I were playing golf she asked to join in. The game was a little complicated to explain so we said we play something else with her. She suggested that we play Korean cards. It was actually kind of shocking since the playing of the cards was always associated with grown ups. The tradition was that every now and then the uncles and aunties would get together and play. And the way the point system worked, lots of money could go around. Playing for a dollar each point one gets, one could easily rake in 100 dollars from each player in one game. As kids we used to sit by our parents and just watch but being invited to play was kind of like a rite of passage. We were now considered adults. No longer will we forced to sit on the kiddie table, or watch the kids, or drink soda. We can now play with the adults. The feeling was kind of good, kind of like the first time my dad offered me a beer after work to drink with him. Anyway we knew the basics of the game from all the watching we did on the sidelines as kids. But the strategic part of the game is something we could only learn through experience. Anyway we started off playing 25 cents a point and the biggest of pots would only reach about 5 dollars a game. But as we became more cocky and knowledgeable of the game, we up the ante to run with the big guys. So one night we called my Scary Uncle who just seems to excel in things like drinking and gambling and started to play. Well long story short yours truly walked away with a lot of money. I took money from my dad, mom, and both my cousins. It was awesome.

Another highlight of the trip was the day before I left for Japan my mom wanted us to go on a little road trip around the island. We even rented a mini van and set out to follow the sun. It was actually pretty nice just hanging out with my immediate family. We joked around in the car, ate good food, and took some nice pictures of Hawaii. (I’ll put some pics up) I think it was a good idea so we could appreciate our island home and have the whole family in close proximity even if for just one day.

The trip home was really relaxing and well needed. I indulged in beef, MTV, and family to hold me over until I go back for good in August. Well the decision is not in stone yet. I still need to brew on it a little longer.

So what do I come home to? Artic winds and temperatures in the 30’s. Not to mention that I have a junior high streak of 5 straight weeks. All I know is that when Jake, Lauren, AND JOEL come in March it will be a nice change of pace. Sigh….