Today is November 20, 2009. Today the 44th Annual Kansai Gaidai International Festival began. INFEST (as it is called) is a three day celebration of everything Japanese and foreign. There is lots of food, all of the school's clubs do special things, and exchange students from around the world give presentations about their countries (Japanese students who have also traveled abroad give presentations too).

Kansai Gaidai has a lot of talent. Today, I watched three of the many hip-hop street teams perform. They were really awesome. Although hip-hop is not really my thing, I feel I must comment as a fellow African-American; THEY DID A GOOD JOB! The leader named Chie was especially cute and genki. After the performance, she came and talked to my friend Ashlee and me too. She's really sweet. I would steal her back to America if I could. The girls danced to a variety of hip-hop song and in the end, they did a tribute to Michael Jackson which was just pure awesomeness. It was a little awkward though, being the only black person watching the show. When the groups noticed I was there, I swear they decided to step up their A-Game. Afterwards, Ashlee and I (the only foreign students present at the event) were greeted like honored guests. There were a lot of "thank yous" being thrown back and forth and the students were definitely asking me for the official "afro-american seal of approval", lol. They won it and they deserve it. Kansai Gaidai has about 30 different street teams and half of them are really, really good!

There was also to boys named Yasu and Taka who did a dance routine. They were really awesome combining hip-hop moves with a little break dancing and crazy "country" style moves mixed in. They totally rocked the classroom we were in too.

The rest of the festival was about eating food. I had tempura ice cream for the second time in my life. This time, it was green tea flavored and most delicious. There was okonomiyaki, enough takoyaki to go to bed with and cotton candy too. It was great seeing all these "hard-core" J-boys roaming around with huge sticks of pink cotton candy; that is the very image of manliness. LOL ^_^


I cut out of the festival early today since I plan to spend most of Saturday there. I went to Tsutaya (the steriod filled version of Boarders) trying to find the next volume of Sengoku BASARA. Instead, I ended up buying a few magazines, the 30th Anniversary Edition of the Gundam Character Encyclopedia which now goes all the way up to Gundam 00 Second Season, a non-anime DVD and the most important thing of all, VAMPS's photobook of their tour in America.

BALTIMORE REPRESENT!

Okay, now that's out of my system. But seriously, I was happy to see something local included in a photobook. The concert looked awesome else where in the country but we all know the Baltimore gig was special. In the back of the book, all the members of the band are listed and then there are special photos of Hyde and Kaz being silly. The most intriguing and erotic portion of the book is ALL THE WAY IN THE BACK and features Hyde... alone... in a hotel... doing his nightly ritual of bathing. 0_0. With or without angel wings, that man's back is awesome. Words cannot do those five pictures justice enough, it's just something you're going to have to order. GO GET IT ELLY, SABIRA and SAM!!!!
Ah, sweet memories of a very awesome summertime event. <3

Speaking of concerts, I plan to see a few of Kansai Gaidai's rock bands tomorrow. And there is only 2 weeks left before I go see D in the wonderful Osaka BIG CAT!!!! Oi, I'm so excited for that one. I definitely wanted to see a band while I was here in Japan but I didn't think it would be one of my favorite bands of all time. THANK YOU ELLY FOR KICK STARTING MY FANDOM all those years ago! I really can't wait and now my best friend over here gets to come with me (so I won't get lost on my way back cause I might be doped up afterwards,lol) According some reports I found, BIG CAT's sound is supposed to be really good and the entire venue has a club lounge type feel. You also get drinks too!!! ^_^

The days are winding down here in Japan but there is still plenty of excitement left before I come back home. BTW, I don't know if it went public or not but my trip in Japan has been cut short by a few days. I should be back on the East Coast of USA just after midnight on December 23, just in time for Christmas!!!! YAY!

Three day weekend this weekend! YAY HAPPY MONDAY SYSTEM. It's Labor Thanksgivings Day on Monday.

Well actually, the situation did not require the use of Geass but had we not been tipped off beforehand, we would have needed it. Here is what happened just a few minutes ago.

THE PRELUDE
My partner in crime Pat-chan and I were enjoying lunch in the school cafeteria. The International Festival (AKA Kansai Gaidai School Fest) is getting ready to start tomorrow (Friday) and we were watching the preperations unfold before us.

THE BACK STORY
Last month, we both kind of dropped out of Archery Club. Mid-Terms has proven that it is near impossible for a non-Japanese to do a rigious club activity and not fail a class at the same time. However, the way we did it was a bit unofficial and backwards. Until we clear up our mess, we've been careful not to come into contact with the archery club.

THE REST OF THE STORY
So, we were sitting at the window watching a large group of guys play with cardboard boxes and material for pitching a tent. I was eyeing a dude who had on argyle socks when Pat-chan went rigid next me.

"Pat-chan" I said. "What's wrong?"

"You didn't just see them? The entire archery club just walked by the window!"

"Oh SMAP! Did they see us?"

"I don't know, as soon as I saw them I put my head down."

We still don't know if they saw us or not, but literally a good chunk of the archery club came into the cafeteria and sat just a few precarious tables away from us. We were trapped. To put away our trays, we would have to walk directly by them. It would have been awkward. There was no where to run or hide. We were doomed.

Then, Pat-chan came up with an idea as the Star Trek style "Red Alert" sound continued to play in my head. "When they leave to get their food, we make a run for it."

It was a very good course of action. I was scouting the area, trying to keep an eye on them. Suddenly I noticed, they weren't at the table. Less than a minute after Pat-chan suggested our escape tactic, I shouted "Pat-chan, the time is now. RUN FOR IT!!! GO! GO! GO!"

Had Sagara Sousuke been with us, or all of Section 9 (or both at once) it would have been a very colorful situation. We quickly packed up our ammo and artillery and high tailed it out of the cafeteria. We waded through crowds of people 19 bodies thick and crawled around the enemy trenchlines, avoiding gunfire while getting rid of our extra load (or trays). Then, we ran out of the cafeteria, across campus back to our HQ in the Center of International Education. When we reach the neutral zone (in between the cafeteria and our gaijin building) we slowed our retreat to catch our breath and assess the situation. None of us had been hit with gazes from the club. All our platoon members where still alive and we were almost home. Once we got into the lounge, we collapsed on a couch, panting heavily and our hearts racing with adrenaline.

"That was so dangerous!" Pat-chan sighed wearily.

"That was too close for comfort. But our mission was a success," I congradulated. "Thank you Full Metal Panic and Ghost in the Shell. I knew there was a reason why I had watched those shows. They have prepared me for this moment."

Had Pat-chan not seen them walking by the window, the situation would have been a lot worse and the power of Geass would have been needed. We would have been caugh behind enemy lines! Luckily though, we are both safely in HQ for now with no intention of going back out onto the battlefield until tomorrow when we will have to evade our former club mates yet again as the International Fest starts!

See, you can live out an anime experience while in Japan. Now if only Kanno Yoko had provided some stylish chase music with Origa singing in the background!!! LOL XD

IN OTHER NEWS: I checked out my first two books from a library in Japan! Yes, that is a major feat since everything was in Japanese!

Its been a long time. All is still fairing well in Japan. It's been insanely busy since Mid-Terms and it doesn't seem to be letting up any time soon. My time in Japan has been cut short by a few days so I can spend Christmas in the states instead. However, there is still so much to see and do. It's not over until RahXephon tunes the world and Macross reappears in Umeda!

皆さん! こんばんわ!!!
Everyone! Good Evening!

信じられない! 七週間ぐらいを過していった! 中長期試験の週です. もう少し大変の週です. 忙しい前になって, 私の中長期意見を報告したい.
I can't believe it. Seven weeks have almost passed! Now, it is mid-term week. This week will be a little difficult. Before I become busy again, I want to share my mid-term observations!

Dの中長期意見
D's Mid-term Observations

On Driving in Japan....
1. 日本人は車を運転しているのが下手です. こわいの. 日本の道路は狭いです. 運転しゃは交通の規則を従わない. こわいの. 日本の交通儀刑を違う. 日本に左に運転している. ちょっとひょんなの. サイドウォークも同じ. 左に歩く. ちょっと紛らわしくた.
Japanese people are not very good drivers. It's scary. Japanese roads are narrow. Drivers don't follow the prescribed traffic regulations. It's mucho scary. Driving in Japan is different from in the States. Here, you drive on the left. It is still a little strange to me. The sidewalks are the same; you walk on the left (at least I think you should lest you be run over by a speeding biker!) That too is a little confusing.


On Typhoons...
2. 日本台風 はこわい. 音が大きくて, 揺れているの. 夜の間には起った. しかし, 凄くた. 私は生存しゃです!
Japanese typhoons are scary. They are loud and cause a lot of shaking. It happened at night to!!! However, despite the creepy moments, I thought it was awesome. I'm a survivor of a Japanese typhoon!


On The Yakuza....
3. ヤクザ組は難しい見つけている. 大阪にいる恐らくとかな...
It is difficult trying to find the Yakuza. I wonder... maybe they're in downtown Osaka....


On McDonald's...
4. 日本マクドナルドのほうがアメリカクドナルドよりうまいですよ. マクドは鰕バーガーを持っている. おいしいの. 日本マクドが一番ですよ. 信じてくださいのよ. \(^o^)/
JAPANESE MAKUDO IS WAAAAAAAAAY BETTER THAN AMERICAN MAKUDO! Why? Because everything tastes so much better here. I think I'm eating real potatoes and beef. Plus, Japan has something called an ebi (shrimp) burger that beats the pants off the American "fish" sammie. Shrimp with awesome sauce on buns is super delicious!!! JAPANESE MAKUDO IS #1!!!! BELIEVE IT!


On What I Miss the Most About Being Home in America...
5. 日本で抱きしめを人気がない. 私はだきしめを欠かしている.皆さん, 私は帰るいつ, のたくさん抱きしめてください.
Hugging people is not popular in Japan.  I miss hugging... a lot. It socially inappropriate to hug your host mother or father or your siblings. Although you will occasionally be glomped by your Japanese girl friends, generally, there is no physical contact. There is very little hugging between boys and girls. Even actual Japanese couples won't go beyond holding hands in public. Although it is possible to get a hug from a fellow gaijin (foreigner) student, it just isn't the same as being able to hug the ones you care about most back home. Therefore, I have a small request.

Everyone, when I return home in December, please give me lots and lots of hugs! Thank you in advance! m(_)m

終
The End  (^_^)v

Minna-san! It is currently 10:32 PM in Osaka, Japan. I'm going to write this quickly before the lights go out.

Conditions here in Osaka have gotten progressively awesome worse. Typhoon #18 is currently bearing down on us. The rain started before 11AM this morning and has increased all day. It hasn't been windy until about an hour ago. With each strong tropical storm gust, the house quivers. Sitting here typing, I can feel the very floor beneath my feet shift. The rain is pounding against the windows. Every once in a while, there is a strange noise that sounds like a freight train. Mind you, I'm not near the train station. I assume it's thunder. There is no lightening. This is a storm of wind, rain and darkness.

I thought I would be able to take pictures of this awesome event but unfortunately it is a night-time event. Tomorrow will be interesting. I doubt school will be canceled but it may be delayed. Most of the Kinki area is under a storm warning or specifically, a gale warning among other things. It's that gale warning that will determined how many classes everyone has to take.

It's an exciting time right now and it's hard to concentrate on homework but I will fight on in the midsts of this typhoon. To everyone in Japan right now, please use caution in this storm!!!!

皆さん! 久しぶりですね? あの... このブロホグをアップデートして約束したが日本に感じに来ました. だから, ブロホグをアップデートしない. 怒わないでください.

It's been a long time hasn't it?! I know I promised to update this blog but I also came to Japan to experience Japan. Therefore, I haven't updated in a while. Please don't be mad!!!  To get the pleasantries out of the way, I'm fine. I've been very busy with archery, studying and trying to buy essentials without spending to much money. I haven't caught the piggy flu yet (despite one person on campus having a 90% chance of having piggy flu) and I haven't been stressed since I changed my classes last week!!! Whoooo! So here is what I've been up to.

SILVER WEEK
Last week (9-19~9-23) we had a string of holidays meaning, NO SCHOOL! The appropreiate name for this lovely event was Silver Week. Silver Week is similar to Golden Week which happens at the beginning of May every year where the entire nation of Japan is off for a whole week. People travel during that time. Silver Week was no exception. I know a few people in homestay went to far out places like Okinawa, Lake Biwa, (a crap load of people went to) Tokyo and Kyoto. While I didn't go anywhere quite that exotic, my silver week was full of shopping and staying home with the host fam.

I went to this awesome store near Hirakata-shi Train Station called Tsutaya. It's the Japanese version of Borders/Barns & Noble but fifty-nine times better. It's three stories of goodness. The bottom level is the typical Borders with Starbucks, magazines and nik-naks. Level 2 is Otaku Paradise with Manga Heaven, DVD Eden and CD Arcadia. Of course, I splurged. Because my DVD/CD drive died on my laptop, it was necessary for me to buy a portable DVD Player. It is the best thing in the world because it's Region 2!!!! All you Japanese DVDs belong to me now! MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! I also found a very rare Miyazaki Film. Translated it is known as "Only Yesterday". The Japanese title is "Omoide Poro-Poro". This is my mom's favorite Miyazaki film and I can't wait to show it to her when I get home. I also brought Vols. 7 & 8 of Vampire Knight. I read through it and all I have to say iz.... ZOMG. Vol. 7 is what is out in the U.S. already. Volume 8 is where the new stuff comes in. All I have to say is... Kaname's dad was hot. XD I also brought The Godfather Part II and a Dong Bang Shin Ki (Tohoshinki) Live DVD. It was such a great live. I have to go back next month to get D's new single, Tightrope and some more manga and all of.... Sailor Stars and Sengoku Basara!!! (Yes, Sailor Stars is out again! It's true! SM is back on TV wwweeeeeeeeee!)

I had Takoyaki (Octopus balls that are uber famous in Osaka) two Sunday's ago. Otousan, Ai-chan (my sis) and me made them at home. They were very tasty but also, very filling. Other than that, it rained a bit during the holiday but nothing else too significant happened.

After Silver Week, I had something to look forward to. I joined the archery club on campus and it started last Friday!

ARCHERY CLUB
Last Saturday was my friend Pat-chan's 21st birthday party. Saturday was also the second day we had been in archery. Our club was kind of small at first, consisting of a bunch a Japanese students and three international students. Including myself, they are Pat-chan and Jerry-kun. I shot my first arrows last Friday. We did a bit of target practice and I was able to burst a few balloons and hit two arrows in the center of the target block (you know, the cardboard thing that looks like a target sign?). Saturday, we spent all day shooting at targets and we even progressed far enough so that we could move away from the beginner's line (about 10 feet out) to the half-way to "now you're getting somewhere" (30ft. out). The captain, Andou-taichou (or taichou for short) along with the other Japanese members were impressed by how good we international students were. Pat-chan hadn't done archery since middle school, Jerry did it once a long time ago and I only dreamed of doing it. Amazingly, as soon as I got that bow and arrow in my hand, destiny seemed fulfilled. Speaking of destiny.....

As I was saying, last Saturday was Pat-chan's birthday and the members of the club who happened to be free came with us to a small party in  Hirakata-shi. We went to this awesome place called "Hanamai".  It was Pat-chan, Jerry, me, Takkun, Junpei (yes, like from Persona 3) and one of the girl's who's name eludes me at the moment. I finally got around to having a beer at this event. It was Kirin. IT WAS SUGOI. I hate beer but whatever that was, it was smooth, cold, tasty and just what I needed after a long afternoon of shooting targets in my badass archery apperal!!!! XD Anyway, the reason why I'm telling you this is because of the question we asked back and forth between the international kids and the Japanese kids. "Why did you decide to join archery." All of the Japanese kids did it in high school or had some background in martial arts. Jerry-kun was same. Pat-chan said because she was interested. Me... I said it was my destiny. "Ano.. watashi no... ano.... unmei wa.... eto... unmei desu!" Junpei-senpai called me "kawaii". YAY!!!!

So before you all ask, no... I do not like Junpei-senpai like that. My heart belongs to Taichou because, as he said when I first came to practice and was introducing myself to everyone. "Oh, I remember you. We've met before". 0___0 ARE?!  (are means like "huh?!") Actually, we did meet before. He was the one I talked to when the clubs had their meet, greet and sign up event two weeks before. He just looked so different in sports gear. Now, while Taichou is not the cutest cookie in the jar, he is cool. And he wears glasses. And if he spends anymore time in the sun, he'll be as dark as me, lol. Besides, he's Taichou and with a background in BLEACH, you must always respect your Taichou. It might take a while, but I would like to become 3rd seat by the end of the semester LOL.

Fuku-taichou appears to be a cute girl named Minami or Mimi for short. She's so much fun to be with. She's small, and genki, and cute and crazy about Nightmare. Heck, she's apart of their fan club and had Pat-chan and I been able to stay for another semester, she would have taken us to a concert!!! >_< So Minami, Taichou, Koyuki, Reiko, Yoshie, Chisato and a few more plus new comers Jo-chan, Casey-kun and some Hispanic guys make up Kansai Gaidai's Archery Club!!!! W00T!

EVANGELION GONE KARAOKE'N
I haven't been to Karaoke yet. However, last night there was some program on TV where people imitated famous old/new Japanese singers, rock stars, comedians, and enka singers. A lot of people did enka and were really good at it. Near the end of the show, two girls cosplayed as Asuka and Rei from Neon Genesis Evangelion. Of course the fan-girl/otaku in me went wild. The best part was, Asuka sang "Cruel Angel's Thesis" and myself, Ai and Yukkun sang along. They were surprised I new the song and I was surprised they are big Evangelion fans. So there are four very popular things in Japan at the moment (in order of importance):

1. Nightmare
2. SMAP
3. Neon Genesis Evangelion
4. Tohoshinki (Dong Bang Shin Ki)

Three bands and an anime, w00t!!!

Eto... I just lost my train of thought. Hopefully this is enough to keep you all satisfied. It's a bit late now but I might upload some photos to facebook. I have to figure out how to post photos here on LJ. Anyway, everyone take care! Your Christmas Presents are adding up; I'm finding some really awesome stuff for everyone!!! I will also come back and update with the next Japn Observation

じゃね!!!

This post marks the first of hopefully many post dedicated to some of the interesting aspects about living in Japan. Today's post is about landscapes and sunsets.

When most people think of Japan, they think of high rises, congestion and nothing organic. In a way, that observation is both true and false. There are a lot of buildings and people that puncture the sky and hide natural vistas. However, if you look in between the buildings, you will find something quiet unexpected. Perhaps because I am used to seeing pictures from Tokyo, I was unprepared for the mountainous beauty that surrounds Hirakata-shi, Osaka. When I flew in, I was taken aback by all the mountains; I thought perhaps I was in Kagoshima or Nagasaki. Hirakata-shi is nestled in a valley between a bunch of gently rising mountains. All along my bus route and even at my host family's house, you can see the misty mountains in the background.

I have late classes everyday except Friday. Being mid-September already, the sun has started to set earlier. The official setting time around here (last time I looked) was 6:01PM. By 5:20 when my last class gets out, the sky is already turning the colors of gold and dusky purple and pinks. I enjoy riding the bus from campus to the train station. In between the buildings, you see the dark purple mountains foreground against a beautiful golden sky. At the train station where I catch the bus to go home, although the mountains are obscured from view, the scene is equally as captivating. Many middle and high school kids are just coming from school on their way home. Many business men and women, older women who have been out shopping, and college kid overflow the sidewalks. The golden sky begins to turn pink before fading into a navy blue as the lights around the station come on. In the center of the place were I wait for the bus is an island. Taxi cabs park around this island. There's a beautiful statue and a digital clock that tells the time and temperature. I enjoy looking up into the sky that seems enclosed by the buildings surrounding the train station while I wait for my bus. It's really beautiful.

At home, I have two windows. One window faces an apartment complex laid out in an L-shape. The other window faces the rest of the neighborhood and looks deep into a distant city (which may or may not be downtown Hirakata-shi) and of course, the mountains. At first, a week ago, at night, all you could see was light pollution in the distance. But it seems the lights from that far off city aren't as bright any more. Now I can see stars in the sky and just make out the mountains surrounding my home.

I really wish I could take a picture on the bus. However, the bus home is really crowded (standing room only) and it's really bumpy. The only thing that could make the sunsets better would be a few more trees. There aren't too many trees in the neighborhood and not so much grass either. There is, however, a bamboo forest just up the road from me in New Koda (Shin Koda). And some of the older houses (that look like temples and shrines) have beautifully landscaped banzai trees, bamboo and  think maple trees. I can't wait until the colors of autumn paint this urban landscape with the colors of red, orange and yellow. Autumns here are really pretty (I've been told), especially in Kyoto.


Future Observations:
- Daily Life
- McDonalds
- KFC and the Kami
- TV & Celebrities
- Deceptive Expenses

Hello journal! I'm a day behind in posting so there might be a double post day! Whoooooo~

Anyway, here are my Sunday Morning observations of Japanese Life. ^_^


It seems on Sunday, even Japanese people get up a tad later. By later I mean 8:30AM rather than the usual 6AM or earlier. It's a slow pace with everyone eating toast and drinking coffee. The TV is on with some random variety show or the news. Today, I watched a bit of TV myself. You would think an otaku like me would be gun-ho to watch all the latest anime while in Japan but surprisingly, I haven't seen one yet. So far, my anime viewing has consisted of Sailor Moon and either Dragonball or Dragonball Z. This morning, I watched Dragonball KAI. It's nothing new (save for the name), just restored artwork of the original Dragonball Z series. They're up to the saga when Freeza was around doing what he does best. I will try harder to catch some of this new stuff showing this season but I just can't stay up that late any more. ^^;

Whether I'm still suffering from jetlag or Japanese Standard Time has kicked in, I've noticed that -even though I hate it- it's getting easier to wake up early. I'm not waking up as early as my host sister (6AM) but 7:30 is pretty good for a person who hasn't gotten up that early in two years or so. My "vampire schedule" has been demolished! I'm usually asleep by 11:00PM!!! It's ridiculous! LOL. But at least I've gotten used to it.

It two weeks, my club starts meeting regularly. I joined the Archery Club! YAY! Practices go until 7 PM so I can't wait to see how I will balance homework, practice and going out with friend/staying home with the family once it get's going. A lot of gaijin joined the club and it Japanese members seem really really nice.

I've never been Tokyo but, I definately think that people in Osaka are a lot nicer. I mean, you still get your gaijin space on the bus every once in a while (until a kindly older woman sits next to you) but despite being different, Osaka-jin generally treat you as an equal. Yeah you get looks sometimes but it seems like that at least appreciate the effort gaijin make in butchering the Japanese language! LOL. ^__^

Yesterday it was cloudy, cold and rainy. Today it's warm and sunny. Hopefully the rest of the day will be a good one!

Ohayou minna-san!!! Genki?

It's Monday, Sept. 7 @ 11:29 in the morning here in Osaka. Happy Labor Day to those in the states.

Classes are going to start today at 1 PM. There are no language classes today. They start tomorrow. The past week has been full of orientation stuff. Every morning we got up really earlier and walked to campus to attend all that orientation stuffz. Thankfully, that's now over and the really mayhem begins. Getting to school by bus or train, stressing out over classes, switching classes... all that fun stuff begins today.

Four well four important things have happened so far in this short time I've been here.

1. I arrived in Osaka Monday afternoon, or Sunday morning state side.

2. We had an opening ceremony last Thursday which was really cool. All 446 of us gaijin gathered, listen to some awesome speeches given by the president of the school, dignitaries from the Australian and US embassies in Osaka, and a very funny speech by the chair of the Dept. of Japanese. Afterwards, we had a big reception in the North Cafeteria full of sushi, and sukiyaki, udon, and takoyaki. Apparently, the takoyaki went very fast. Once again, I missed out. Plus I meet a member of the on campus rock band named Kaoru. He plays drums and his favorite band is Nightmare. (^_^)

3. On Friday, almost the entire school went to Kyoto on a day trip. Although we left in the afternoon, there was still plenty of time to do major sightseeing. My group went to Kiyomizu-dera. We did all the traditional customs (i.e. washed our hands before entering and had our fortunes told). We took a lot of pictures which I would share with you now but it seems the computer on campus doesn't have a little slot to read memory cards. I'll upload them at home. We also drank the water from the spring on the grounds. It is supposed to be exceptionally pure water. It's was really really really good. Nice and cold on yet another hot day in Osaka and Kyoto.

4. This one really isn't as important, but last week at some point (I think it it was last Wed.) we watched Sailor Moon. We were flipping through the channels and it was on Animax. Everyone started fangirling (event he boys fanboyed) and we all had fun watching it together. Of course that led to the discussion of how butchered it was in the U.S. and surprising in some European countries as well.

Yesterday, I met and moved in with my host family. They are pretty cool, even though their schedules are kind of shifty. I have two younger siblings, Ai who is my age just a couple of months younger, and Yutaro who is 18. Yutaro is like 6 feet tall!!! It's awkward. He towers over everyone. I'm still in the process of trying to buy a phone so I can call everyone, but it is hard trying to get the pre-paid one. It sells out so fast. Perhaps tomorrow ^_^

I must say, it's a little expensive being in Japan but so far, the experience has been worth it. I'm still debating whether or not I'm going to join the archery club because almost all of my classes are late (4-5:20PM). We'll see.

How are things going in the states? I want to know what I'm missing!

It's been a while and I've been running around a lot with orientation but it is official!!!


Cloudy Revelations LIVE in OSAKA has started!!!!

Osaka and HIrakata City are most beautiful. The past two days have been so surreal. I still can't believe I'm really here. Once orientation and classes have started, there will be regular updates with plenty of pictures. Thank you so much for your support!!! Now let's experience Japan together!!!

The time is really rolling down now. There are only two weeks left before my epic journey across the big blue pond to islands of Japan! I'm a little nervous but at last, there is a bit of excitement coming through. Now it is a race against time to catch up with my friends before I leave. There are still a few things to do, but I think everything will be ready in time! I wonder what this week will have in store....

日本に交換留学を探り当てたあとで, 私は夏休みが本当に楽しみたかったです. 良い友達お蔭で私の希望は叶った. 7月に私たちはボルティモアへ行きました. 私たちは水族館に明け暮れた. ショッピングした後でHard Rock Cafeで昼ご飯を食べた.Otakonの週末でしたが, 私はOtakonへ行くことができないでした.しかしながら,かなしくなかった. 私たちが7月16日にボルチモアに行った理由は、コンサートでVAMPSを見ることでした. コンサートは本当に本当どえらかった. そのコンサートを忘れないと思います. 誰でもは忘れないと思います.

 

 

After finding out that I was going to study in Japan, I really wanted to enjoy my summer vacation. Thanks to my good friends, that wish came true. We went to Baltimore in July to celebrate many things. We spent almost all day in the Aquarium. After shopping at the gift shop, we snagged lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe. It was Otakon weekend but I wasn’t going to Otakon. I wasn’t sad. The reason we had gone to Baltimore on July 16 was to see VAMPS in concert. That was one hell of a concert. I don’t think I will ever forget that concert. I don’t think anyone will ever forget it either.

 

We lined up just after Sabira and Samantha got their con badges. Even with the afternoon rush hour, the taxi ride to the club wasn’t bad at all. Club Sonar was in an out of the way area of downtown Baltimore in a seemingly small brick building. But once inside, the venue proved to be quite spacious. The concert was slated to start at 8PM sharp. We didn’t start moving until 7:45 and I think it was after 8 once we  got into the club. For a moment, we were scared for Sabira because she had brought her camera from out exploits at the Aquarium. Of course an Otakon security dude was there yelling out ‘NO FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY’ and if you had a camera you weren’t getting into the club. Thankfully, the bouncer were more concerned about people trying to sneak in weapons than cameras.

 

By the time we got inside, the little concert area was packed. Although it didn’t seem like that many people ahead of us, all the good front row spots were taken. Our little team had a pretty good view on the right hand side of the stage until an annoying group of people came and usurped from us. Sabira and I were able to squeeze into a 3-4 row position a little more centered than our first spot but we were separated from Sam for most of the concert. It was upsetting, especially since the other group had a really tall guy who didn’t seem to be enjoying himself at all. (>_<)

 

Anyway, the club’s own music kept pumping while we were waiting for the concert. In the back the club, some people were buying drinks, going to the bathroom or purchasing VAMPS gear near the door. After a while, the chanting started as 8:30 kept upon the large, hot group. The weather always seems to know when people are going to be grouped up for it gets really hot and sticky. Shortly after another round of chants, some of the band members came out on stage to warm up. Unfortunately, the club wouldn’t turn off their music so we could listen to the guitar tuning. The club folks also kept toying with us, dimming the lights every now and then even thought the concert wasn’t ready to start.

 

Before the concert, the security folks were shipping in large quantities of water bottles. They would prove useful as the night progressed. I think it was about 8:47 when Hyde came on stage. The lights dimmed and almost immediately, VAMPS broke into song. I was a bit worried at first because the speakers immediately started pulsating with smoke!!! VAMPS really lit up the stage from the get go and although Sabira and I weren’t front and center, we were still pretty close. Compared to the L’Arc~en~Ciel concert of 2004, we were very close, lol. (笑)

 

After the first couple of songs, the sweat was pouring off of everyone. It was REALLY INSANELY hot inside that club and having Hyde on stage wasn’t any help either. (^_^) Hyde introduced the band and told us about their U.S. tour. At that time, they had just come from NY and Columbia, MD. Now they were in Baltimore. Hyde’s English had vastly improved since 2004. One of the most awesome things that he said though was in reference to Otakon’s massive L’Arc~en~Ciel concert back then. Hyde’s words went along the lines of “I was here in 2004. That was about what... six years ago? It’s good to be back,” or something like that. Had Baltimore transformed into Japan for that instant, the crowd should have shouted “OKAERI!!!” at that moment. I don’t need to say how uberly rare it is for the east coast to be graced by the presence of J-Rock stars, even more so by the same star twice! At any rate, the crowd went ballistic since most of us had been there for Hyde’s first concert on the East Coast. Then, the crowd really went wild with his next statement.

 

“This is our last stop on the East Coast”

 

*crowd cheering*

 

Hyde chuckled a little bit and grinned. “But don’t worry... don’t worry...” The crowd shut up to listen to what he wasn’t going to say as his smile got even bigger. “Don’t worry because I’m going to take good care of you. I’m going to take very good care of you!”

 

SWOON is not even a big enough word for that. It was like back in the 1950s when the girls would faint while listening to Frank Sinatra or something. ZOMG. Was not expecting him to say something like that. <3 <3 And as he promised, Hyde and VAMPS did take excellent care of us. I have never been in better health, LOL. (笑)

 

After that moment, the concert went into high gear. On a sultry 90 degree night, all us VAMPS fans were rocking the club like there was no tomorrow. Although most of the time you couldn’t hear a thing, it was still really good. A few people fainted about half way in and the total causalities for the night were just six, not bad at all. But after a while, even the band was getting really hot. They went through four towels trying to keep the sweat out of their eyes but it was all good. At least we were all suffering together. It got to the point where security and the band were splashing water into the crowd to cool us off, perk us up and to create bragging rights about who got splashed by either Hyde or Kaz. Sabira and I both agreed we were splashed by both. (^_^)

 

Sabira and I had been a concert together once before. We had waited hours on end to see Versailles at AUSA last year. Back then, we were on the left hand side of the stage with a good view of Kamijo but mostly entertained by guitarist Teru. Well, for VAMPS, we were mostly entertained by Kaz with a good view of Hyde. However, at one point of the concert, we were entertained by someone else. Hopefully, Sabira or Samantha will let me know who he was because he was many types of awesome with his braided beard, black lips, awesome make up and streaked hair. When our side of the crowd was suffering from heat exhaustion, he came to our rescue and gave us a nice lesson in jumping up and down. At another point in the concert, that mysteriously awesome guy, Kaz and Hyde united at center stage for a guitar solo. That was awesome too.

 

HOWEVER, the second most awesome part about the VAMPS concert was somewhere toward the end of the main show. The band was hot. We were hot. Another person was just hauled out of the crowds as the band wiped down. I want to say Hyde asked us how were doing. Then it happened. Just when everyone was on the verge of seriously passing out from the heat...

 

“Uh-oh! We’re in trouble...”

 

ZOMG. I don’t care if you were or were not there, if you were still going strong or like me thought you just might pass out at a rock concert. When VAMPS played TROUBLE, we all rocked out at our very hardest. It was the most amazing revival I have ever seen because by then, everyone was feeling the effects of the heat. But no... TROUBLE made the concert that night. Although the crowds had been singing to some of the songs (I get happy when American crowds sing to songs), you could really hear everyone on this one. I was too busy rocking out myself but I really glance up on stage once. Hyde seemed really happy that we had come alive on the song. It was totally amazing and unforgettable. Afterwards, Sabira and I were just laughing and clinging to each other, still caught up in the moment. To this day, I wonder if everyone shared a collective vision of the Power Rangers movie when they heard that song.... LOL. Probably not. But whatever it was, that is definitely my favorite memory from the concert.

 

I want to say that after TROUBLE there was one or two more songs (maybe not) and then the band departed the stage. We all just cheered and took a moment to collect ourselves. Intermission was about 7 minutes long. Then the band came back on stage. The crowd, at least all the girls were bona fide girls.... how should I say this.... lost it.

 

There is a legend in Japan that states if you are really really lucky, you’ll be at a L’Arc~en~Ciel concert or one of Hyde’s solo concerts and see his angel wings in full view with no cotton to obstruct it. It’s a rare sight in Japan and none of us fans in Baltimore that day was expecting it either. It was too much to hope for....

 

It was time for the encore. The band came back out on stage and a few moments later, Hyde appeared... shirtless!!! O_O Like I said, it was a hot night but no one had expected that. For another friend of mine who had missed out on Larku in 2004, I know that was the icing on her revenge cake. It was the icing on my cake too! Hyde then said something about “it is really Fing hot” to which I swear half the audience shouted back “you’re really Fing hot!” LOL. Then, the encore started with my favorite song, Season’s Call. I wanted to cry, faint, die and go to heaven then. A shirtless Hyde singing Season’s Call live in Baltimore about 50 feet away from me = BLISS. I sang along to the song too. I was soooooooooooooooo happy at that moment, even happier than when they played I Gotta Kick Start Now (my former favorite VAMPS song).

 

I really can’t recall what happened after Season’s Call. There was a few more songs. Then Hyde and the rest of VAMPS bid us a fond good night and the concert was over. Our ears rang all weekend as we stumbled forth from the club into the streets to try and catch cabs and fangirl over everything we had just witnessed. I think every Otakon needs to find a band to do a US tour that coincides with the con the day before. For all those going to Otakon the next day, that was one hell of a way to start a convention weekend!

 

There were a lot of re-plays from the L’Arc~en~Ciel concert that made a lot of us audience members happy we were there the first time. As always, Hyde asked if we like crabs and had we eaten any lately. This time, there was no mass confusion. We understood him perfectly the first time and shouted back our eager replies to which he responded “Me toooooooooo.” Then he asked us to guess how he had spent his time before the concert. Apparently, he had watched Dragon Ball all day the day before (and some into the day of the concert). That was totally adorable. Then he asked Kaz how he had spent his time. Kaz was a bit shy and instead introduced himself, the band, thanked us for coming then pitched it back to Hyde who just looked at him like “DUDE! That’s not what I asked you!!!!” (笑)

 

So on top of the crabs, watching Dragon Ball, and asking us if we are f-ing ready!!!! (^_______^) we had new memories of Hyde to add to our internal databases. It would have been cool if he could have been Evangelion and gone berserk again but what we got was more than enough and much better than a man-eating mecha! (笑) Outside the club we all got cards announcing VAMPS tour. Mine is posted on the wall above my pillow so I can wake up everyone morning and greet Hyde and Kaz before starting my day.  Another memorable thing was just what Sabira and I kept thinking we saw during the concert. Given our positions in the crowd, every time Hyde looked to his left, it felt like he was staring directly at us. He probably wasn’t but we couldn’t shake the feeling. I know at one point, I felt like I was staring directly into his eyes! 0_0

 

It was a very memorable concert and definitely made my last summer in the US before I head to Japan one of the best ever. It was even sweeter because I was with two of my dearest friends I had met at T-Mode the year before. Here’s looking at you Samantha and Sabira!!!!

 

With the glittering memory of VAMPS securely in my heart, I can go to Osaka with no regrets.

VAMPSのきらめきの記憶、しっかりと、心では、私は後悔なしで大阪に行くことができます。

 

さようなら, REVAMP!

お久しぶりですね! ごめんなさい! 賑やかと豪快な夏休みでした. しかし, 夏休みは暮れる. しかし, 夏休みは暮れるですから, REVAMPにこれらの出来事を掻い摘まれる.

It’s been a long time! I’m so sorry! This summer has been busy and exciting. However, summer break is about to end. Therefore, I will attempt to summarize all of my summer doings in REVAMP.

日本へ旅の前に20余日です. 私はおろおろです. 日本語の力量は疑る. (笑) でも, がんばる契ます! このブログは助けて. 全て仕度を仕立てれた. 飛行場拾うサービスとSpeaking Partnerと収容を仕立てれた. その実, 今日はSpeaking Partnerが連絡しました. 私は漢字と語法を勉強し始める. 今まで, 120くらい覚えた. 600を知るべきです! いやだ! (>_<) 私の発声は働きました. 国訛はありますかしら? 関西アクセントと思いません. 「まへん」ってと「おきに」って言わない. しかし, 「ほな」っては言う. ROCK MUSICAL BLEACHありがとう! 一丸銀はに依る事実上. 一丸は私のマスコットです. (笑)

 

There are only 20 days left before my trip to Japan. I’m nervous; I don’t trust my Japanese language skills. LOL. However, I have promised to do my best. Having this blog helps. All the necessary arrangements have been made. Pick-up service at the airport, the speaking partner program and housing arrangements have all been made. In fact, I contacted my speaking partner day. In addition to the arrangements, I have begun to study kanji and grammar. So far, I know about 120 kanji by heart. I’m supposed to know 600! That’s not happening! I’ve also been practicing my speaking with my mom. I wonder what type of accent I have… I don’t think it’s a Kansai accent. I don’t say “mahen” or “okini”. I do say “hona” however. Thank you ROCK MUSICAL BLEACH. Actually, I should be thanking Ichimaru Gin. He’s my mascot for this trip!

 

I hope I hear back from my speaking partner soon. I’m also shopping around for small gifts to give my host family. There are MANY shops in Union Station that sell Washington D.C. specific niknaks and stuff. I have my eye on several things ranging from photos to postcards to Obama T-shirts.

REVAMP Vol. 2- REVAMPS is going to be next!

Although it is already July 5 in Japan, it is still July 4 in America!


FIREWORKS FOR ALL!!! =^_^=

Ah, you thought I had abandoned you. NOT!!! Just with language classes and hang out with the family in June, I haven't had time to update you on everything that has been happening. With July almost here, I expect things will pick up. So, let me fill you in on all that wonderful jazz ^_^

SUMMER LANGUAGE COURSES
... are over now. It was really fun, I was fortunate to find somewhere to go instead of spending $$$ on RosettaStone or paying tuition at GW for their summer course. My instructor was Yamaguchi-sensei and we learned a more than just Japanese Language. She was very keen on teaching all 11 of us many important cultural aspects of Japanese life plus cultural points in the language. It was almost like taking a linguistics class. My 10 other classmates were cool but everyone was a post-graduate save for myself and one other girl named Tina. The final exam was hard. 200 Kanji!!! Unfortunately, I only remember...mmmm.... maybe less than half! >_< I really have to start memorizing for the 600 I'm supposed to know by the time I get to Japan. It was also interesting riding the Metro at night ^___^ It harkened back to all those cons.... *sigh*


KANSAI GAIDAI
Well, it seems Judgement Day with Kansai will be July 10. That is when all the accepted students learn their fate about housing, what's going to go down at the orientation and a bunch of other important information. I've been sending out emails left and right communicating with them. I guess it is SLOWLY sinking in that in two months, I'll be on a plane... by myself... to Japan. I mean, this is a dream come true but I can't believe it is actually happening... yet. ^_^ Other than that, I'm anxiously awaiting my papers so I can go back to the embassy and get my student visa. I have my plane tixx set and reserved a hotel room for Christmas ^_^ Now all I have to do is stop my dad from trying to visit.... >_<

SUMMER BREAK
Well now, with language classes over.... I CAN FINALLY SPEND TIME WITH MY FRIENDS! W00t! Unfortunately... that'll have to wait until the week before Otakon. This coming week is booked up. Going to explore National Harbor, doing a museum tour, eating lunch with my mom's friends and an eye appointment on Thursday! Yay. LOL. On top of that, I've gotten in contact with an old friend of mine through FB. It's nice that he, his brother and sister and his parents are doing on right. On top of that, I'm stoked that I get to see VAMPS in a few weeks! HHHHHHHHHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYDDDDDDDDDDEEEEEEE!!!! *fan girls*

Despite being a good month over all (even if busy), it's been really sad the past few days with the passing of Michael Jackson, Farrah Fawcett and Ed McMahon. In light of that, I'd like to dedicate this entry to all three of them and I pray their souls find peace in the next life. =^_^=


Keep your eyes peeled!!!

じゃね!

今, 6月です! 非公式に、夏です. 太陽がもっと大きともっと輝くです.日はもっと永くなる. 天気は暑くなる. 午後の雷雨は悪い物だけです. 私は雷雨をきらいです. 夜で特に雷雨をきらいです. いつも,こわいです. でも,雨は花を育てる. 夏は好きです.

It's already June! Six months of the year 2009 have come and gone! WOW! With the start of June, it's officially summertime. The solstice is still a few weeks away but the pools are open, schools are getting ready to close and the weather is warmer. The sun is bigger and brighter and the days are getting longer. The only bad thing about summertime is the afternoon thunderstorms. I like thundershowers but not storms. I particularly hate thunderstorms that occur at night. It's always scary! Strangely though, I don't mind hurricanes. Again, I hate hurricane spawned storms at night! But, rain makes the flowers grow. I'm trying to grow sunflowers this year so I hope it rains a little bit. Too much wind would break the steams and if it doesn't get enough sunlight, it'll droop.  It things like sunflowers, iced coffee and lots of sunlight that makes me like summer. (=^_^=)

I wonder what summer is like in Osaka...
私は、大阪で夏が何に似ているかと思います…

It's hot, isn't it?
暑い,ね?

たくさん週も待った後に,私は関西外大に応えをいただきました.今,確認です. 私は日本へ行きます! やった!

After weeks of waiting with no reply, I finally received a status update from Kansai Gaidai. They are in the process of applying for my Certificate of Eligibility, but I need to send them better, more "official" photos than the ones I sent earlier. Aside from that, it's nice to hear from them again. I was really worried something might have happened because I went a whole month without any contact. But now, the dry spell is over.


やれやれ.
I'm relieved.

ああ... 嬉しいよ. (=^_^=)
Ah... I'm so happy.

そやから, 本当に,私は大阪へ行きます. うわあー! 凄いやん!
So, I'm really going to Japan... WAHHHHHHH! This is awesome!

もう, 大阪弁の実施始めました. 近々、市丸ギンちゃんのように話すことができるようになりたいです. 私は勉強するたくさんの物があります.
Teehee, I've even started practicing my Osaka-ben. Soon, I want to be able to talk like Ichimaru Gin from BLEACH. LOL. I still have so much to study though.

『The Final Countdown   That’s Your Answer!
   いつわりなら Hell’s Drive!
    The Final Countdown   It’s Your Future
   われとともに Hell’s Drive!
    The Final Countdown   I am Kaiser!
   神か悪魔 Dead or Alive?』  ♪♪♪
                                                   ~ "The Gate of Hell" by JAM PROJECT

期末試験のウイークです. 近日は夏休みを始める! いいです! この学期はよくよく難しかった. 終りをありがたがるよ.

今日はクラスの最後の日でした.今日は二テストを受た. 共に日本語試験でした.難しくなかったでした. 今,私は歴史研究報告だけを書かなくてはならない. さようなら, 2009年春学期!


Today was the last day of classes. Tonight officially begins the start of Finals Week. I'm so excited. This was, by far, the hardest semester I've had since I started college. Remind me never to have a semester like this again. Sadly enough, I was only taking four classes but -aside from Japanese and Geography- it was a bit challenging. The most challenging part continues to be my HISTORY 300 class. If anyone is coming to Towson University next semester, DON'T TAKE IT! IT WILL KILL YOU... It's that slow, torturous kind of death; not pleasant at all.

Anyway, once I hand in that paper which has stolen four months of my life, I will be unofficially done! I'm waiting for my Anthropology teacher to email us our take-home final exam. Once that is complete, then everything will be officially over! YAY! Good-bye Spring 2009 semester. May you rest in pieces!!!

I hope that none of the classes I'm thinking of taking in Japan will drive me this insane. I almost had a nervous breakdown! 0__0

In other pleasant news, my passport came in the mail. According to my mom, the picture didn't come out so bad. She said it was kind of cute actually. =^_^= I've also been signed up to the U.S. Embassy's Tokyo mailing list. I guess that means something important, ne?

Well, let me go off and finish this paper. If I never return, just know that I died with only three regrets and I will return as a vengeful spirit so Naoe and Lord Kagetora can exorcise me, LOL.

パスポートを得る, 難しいです. 写真と申込書で...ええと... 正しいパスポートオフィスは見つけるのが難しかったです.パスポートは通常に申し込めば, パスポートオフィスはありません. ポストオフィスへ行くべき. 1ポストオフィスだけは申込書を受け入れる. お母さんと私は多くの丁目を歩きました.パスポートアプリケーションを提出しました... いずれ. 果ては, 私たちはLuigi’sへ行きました. パスタと飲物は美味しかったでした.

煩わしい日は甘い日になりました. 小さい痛みがなければ、喜びが全くないでしょう。今, 私は分ります.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


Last Friday (5/1), I finally went to apply for a passport. Thursday afternoon, I took my passport photo at the CVS. Unfortunately, I was really sleepy and looked doped up on account of staying up late for no go reason. It was decided I would take another one in the morning after a good night's sleep. I spent the afternoon playing my new BLEACH Wii game and went to sleep kind of early.

Friday started out really bad. I know I woke up on teh wrong side of the bed. I was grouchy all morning and really didn't want to submit my application. Unfortunately, it was something that needed to be done THEN and at no other time so reluctantly, I ventured forth into the world. The first order of business was getting a new photo taken; I didn't want the "mug shot" to be my official photo when I went oversees. We were just going to go to the CVS near my house but the digicam equipment was not working that morning. >_< That should have told me something.... My mom then decided to go to the Wallgreens (sp?) that opened near my house. I didn't want to go but she insisted. Long story short, we ended up waiting 30 minutes only to find out that the their digicam equipment wasn't working either. That only served to piss off both of us because it took 15 minutes just for someone to come to the photo center. Stupid Wallgreens... As a last resort, we went back to the CVS we had visited on Thrusday. I was praying that the lady who took my picture then wouldn't be there.... unfortunately, she was. That sistuation did not go well but hey, at least I got a better looking passport photo.... though I'll admit, you could see it in the photo that I was angry. LOL.

Finally, we the photo shinanegins behind us, we hopped on the Metro and headed to Downtown Washington D.C. I was happier by now but our troubles were just about to start all over again. First, we went to the wrong passport building. It was the passport renewel building. We were sent five doors down to the actual government-protected passport office. We had to go through uber tight security but all the guards were nice. Our time in line was less than two minutes. At the window, we were informed that the official government-protected passport office was by appointment only or you had to be leaving within two weeks. Yeah, the real passport office protected by security guards is for emergency passport applicants only. T_____T

By now, my shoes (which I had been waiting so long to wear) were really hurting my feet and I was loosing hope in ever submitting my passport application. I kept asking if we could delay this adventure until after I got out of school but no.... we marched forth to the post office the guy at the government-protected passport office directed us to. Supposedly, the US postal service is where you need to go to submit your application. The post office he directed us to was the wrong one. It was the other post office in the opposite direction, one block down that accepted the forms. >>_<< COME ON PEOPLE!

We marched back down and found the hidden post office and.... SUCCESS!!! Though my feet hurt a lot, the friendly faces of the employees took away all my pain... *_* おかげさまで, 元気元気ですよ! ども! [Trans: Thanks to you, I am very very happy. Thanx!] On tiny little setback remained, my passport application was old! But I was given a new one, filled it out, handed over all the important info and finally my application is in the mail. Hopefully, I'll get it by the end of the month.

After all the pain and pissed off moods and such, we went to yet another CVS to get some insoles for my aching feet. Then it was off to lunch at Luigi's (it's an Italian resturant) for lunch. Surprisingly, it was right across from the passport renewel office! @_@ The food and drinks were delicious and mother and I spent a nice afternoon chatting, admiring the Italian guys sitting next to us and watching the rain fall.

In the end, a bad day turned into a sweet day with a cannoli on top! No pain, no gain. I now understand that!

I was recently told by a friend of mine that VAMPS is coming to Maryland this July. It's been five years since I last saw Hyde live in concert... not since the 'Line of Doom' of the L'Arc~en~Ciel Concert of Otakon 2004. That was an awesome concert. *_* <3 Anyway, VAMPS is playing in two locations, Columbia and in Baltimore. I really hope I can snag some tickets. I <3 VAMPS. It goes without saying but... they rock! LOL.

It's quite chilly today compared to the past few days where its been around 90 degrees. It's going to be a rainy weekend, perfect for getting a passport and attending a pre-departure orientation meeting. Slowly, I am moving into the next phase of my study abroad experience. This weekend, we are getting briefed on expectations and requires for study abroad while also filling out important paper work. I also have to start e-mailing a bunch of professors as I do my course equation sheet. I only need 18 more credit hours before I complete my major in Asian Studies. I'm going to try and fit that all in when I got to Osaka; I think we're required to take at least 5 classes to be considered "full time". I need six classes to finish out my major and help me graduate on time >_< (The system works against you on that. Towson is not a 4-year institute, it's 5-years if your lucky, 7-years for most. >_<)

人生が次に準備させるものを見ましょう。
Let's see what is next in life!