April 21, 2005

So yesterday during lunch, me and Chelsey were supposed to go to Kamadoya, but Nathan convinced a large group of ppl that a place called "Eggs" was a cheap place w/ large portions for 500 yen. So, Chelsey and I decided to follow them on foot. Nathan, and two guys ran ahead, but no one knew where the restuaruant was, so we walked around for a little bit then finally ate from 7/11. It was (Yue)'s b-day so he bought us ice cream, but Mike at mine. It was cool, I didn't need it. Me and Chelsey and Nathan are going to the imperial palace tomorrow morning. htere is a welcome party hosted by tht eDoshisha Desa club at 5 pm tomorrow. The immigration class was supposed to go to Osaka b/ Professor MacDougal fell ill and the trip was canceled. Today, me and Hazella went to Eggs. It was alright. No toothpick w/ the chopsticks though. I went to 7/11 for a yougurt and Yaosen for an orange b4 I ate my lunch. I helped a guy who seemed American to find the Kyoto Handicraft store.

Today was the first religion class. We learned about Shinto. The stoyr of how the world started was very interesting. The prof (Ludvik) gave us a list of paper topics that also had great places to visit. I like the class b/ I will check out the books. I got my Nihon-go no hon today and yesterday I piked up the heavy Immigration class readings. That class will have a lot. Yesterday, pat and I rode home together. We are in the same Nihon-go class. Last night, I really wanted to talk to Stephen, but I knew I only had a little yen on my phone. I called and asked why he hadn't called and if he could. Id idn't get a chance to say, "I love you" b4 it cut me off. I felt so distraught I climbed n2 bed and cried a little b/c I miss him so much. Around 2 am I got up, used the bathroom, did some nihon-go homework and read Esther. I really liked the book. I read theh end 2 days ago and last night I read the beginning. This morning, I knew I had to put money on my card, so I went to Family Mart to withdraw money. My card was rejected so I used my meal allowance money. B/c it took so long, and I tried once more to find an accepting ATM, I was 5 min. late to Nihon-go class. I didn't get to check my email or use my card. During break, I called my Mom and Mike. Stephen didn't pick up. I called him 2 more times and finally, when I got back home I talked to him. He is still job hunting b/ he is in the process of registering for classes. I want to buy him a sword. He also suggested nihon transformers.

Today, Chelsey and I discussed Golden Week. She already had a list. She suggested Himejijo, Tokyo (Disneyland), Osaka, Nara, and Kobe. Shyuuku sounded cool, but its a little far for my budget. Eiko drew names for jobs and I think I have lock-up. Depending on how much money I will make, I think I will just go to Tokyo and Himejijo. Mt. Koba sounded cool, but again a little far and maybe expensive (I would have to live in a hostel). Deac gave me $50 and I am waiting on my tax return . Mike also said to ask if I needed anything. For our 8 month anniverswary, I told Stephen I wanted some sunflower seeds. I will try to send him something nice. I need to wash my clothes this weekend. I also need to twist my hair. Anyway, about Japan:

There are temples (Buddhist) and shrines (Shinto) everywhere. The center is next to the mountains. Its so beautiful. Kyoto is surrounded by mountains on 3 sides. There are lots of ppl, especially on Shijo street. Lots of people ride bikes, young and old. The cars are kind of square. I am not sure if I already said this, but because I am having to go from japanese to english, my brain feels like a muchsle being worked out that needs to stretch...its kind of weird. Engl. is sometimes hard and comes out slow. I am getting more accustomed to it though. I think my host family is Shinto... I hsould ask. I am sure they have told me twice if and when they go to shrines on Sunday. at the beginnign of the week, I noticed results from my exercising, but today I didn't see too much. So, I will wait until the end of next week (When I finish ramp it up) to expect results. I will start Burn it up and do that for the next 4 weeks I also have keep it up. After the first 6 weeks, I have 4 full weeks then Sunday-Tuesday. I don't knjow if I will work out the day I leave. Stephen will pick me up from the airport. I know he would notice even now. But my chest was the first place to loose fat... :( Oh well. A smaller stomach will make ti look bigger! :) 10 pm. yawning...