Kelsey in Japan

久しぶり。。。ごめんね！

2011-07-03T11:42:00.001+09:00

Sorry I've been MIA for a while! A lot of things have happened and changed, but I haven't had time to write much here. Sorry for that! Anyways I'm sitting in the salon chair at a new place (closer to my house) and I downloaded this blogger application onto my iphone. I figured, since I will be here for 4+ hours--I might as well see if it works~~~
Some small pics of my life recently~~

The Face Shop masks! They are really great esp. chilled in the fridge.

Atsuko came over and we made mole. Her bf in Mexico sent her the mole sauce~so it was da real ish! So yummy! I don't remember the last time I had it, but it was really good.

Mr.T and I went to Fonda de la Madrugada in Harajuku for dinner. The mariachis were amazing! The interior was so authentic! But...

The food was blah. Seriously had better Mexican and Spanish food from my Mom's kitchen. Overpriced for the atmosphere. Not going back sorry.

Now this meal was da bomb! From Mrs.Pyrrha's kitchen. Really yummy enchiladas, Spanish arroz, black beans--all to die for. Thanks so much!!!

Anyways its almost Tanabatta (Star Festival) time here in Japan! Any wishes? I have a few hehe!

Kiddies at my school are wishing to become cake designers and crepe makers--LOL!!!!! So cute!

Sorry about all the food pics~~I promise to do a real "post" soon!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Keep Calm and Whip yo hair

2011-04-15T05:14:00.001+09:00

I found this funny parody of the famous English saying, "Keep calm and carry on". Do you know where it comes from? It's from an English govt. poster campaign in WWII to promote morale. Anyways it very popular in interior design and homes now in the US. I guess it's a good morale booster for us Americans too! The parody is a reference to Will Smith's daughter, Willow's song "Whip my hair". I saw this poster and thought it was too funny! Just wanted to share a laugh~~~

(original poster)

Post Earthquake Feelings and Guam Trip

2011-04-10T15:40:00.000+09:00

I don't have any earthquake photos to post. In fact, I really don't want to write about the whole thing in general. It was pretty alarming and the after effects were even more emotional.

I was lucky to be at school the time the two quakes hit. I was almost finished with my nursery class, babies aged 2. I got everyone out in record time, but was seriously scared. Driving home in the dark, after dropping three coworkers off, took almost four hours. It usually takes 30 mins but there were no traffic lights running and it was semi-chaos on the streets. The beau was lucky to be off that day and not stuck in Roppongi like thousands of other worker bees. Streets were lined with people walking to get home, since all trains and buses stopped running. One of my friends walked 7 hours to get home to his pregnant wife!

The first thing to go after the quake was gas. I was lucky in the sense that I had already filled up my gas tank. After the quake people rushed out to get food: bread (I thought Japanese people didn't like bread), milk, eggs, rice, water and toilet paper. We always have a stock in our house, so I didn't feel the need to rush out. Costco was a lifesaver in the way that they had everything in stock, so when I did need stuff I went there.

Most of my friends evacuated. Lots left for good, which is sad because we didn't have a proper goodbye. When the Fukushima nuclear problem started to get worse, the beau suggested I evacuated to Okinawa, and stay with Kato and Maiko. But it was impossible to get to the airport since Narita Express was down, buses were sparse and gas was hard to find. In the end, I decided to stay since I just had a "feeling" things would be ok.

And they were for the most part. I guess I'm glad now that life for me in somehow getting back to normal. I want things to get better asap, but that's not the way life works. I think that a lot of Japanese people are avoiding going out or having fun, seeing cherry blossoms and such, because they feel like they shouldn't be celebrating in these times of devastation.

I totally disagree. I think doing those things not only lifts people's spirits but also helps the economy. This morning I went out to the local JA (Japan Agriculture) sale and bought a ton of veggies to help support Fukushima farmers. Their plight is something that has hit my heart hard. I don't even want to begin on how TEPCO has infriuitated me, so I won't. But I want to try and help people any way that I can. So I have donated what little money I have and also try to participate in programs that help the vicitims.

Before the earthquake, the beau and I had planned a trip to Guam for our birthdays. So we left last week for some much needed escape to "America".

Guam was interesting. I got a lot of info from the web and Gina from American Mommy in Chiba. I was interested in Guam, mostly because the weather is similar to Florida--but also because it's American territory and I want to move someplace new. I decided Guam isn't the place for me. (And the beau agreed.) Guam people, Chamorros are super friendly, but the island doesn't have a lot of options. For example, they don't have a nice supermarket. Everything reminds me of Piggly Wiggly or Wayfield Foods; there's no Publix or Whole Foods. Kmart was ok, but the prices were a little high. It could be because of it being an island or maybe because it there's no tax so they just jack the prices up. I think it's better on the base, but I don't know for sure.

We had two issues, with our hotel and rental car. Long to short: When the beau walked in the hotel room, there was hair and water in the tub. It was horrible, he said. I politely complained and they changed us to the most expensive suite, which was better, but not amazing. The view was great, but we already had an oceanview room, we just wanted a clean room. I brought lysol as always, but that first one was horrendous. Then the rental car was just plain ghetto. The outside was ok, but inside the drink holder kept popping up, the wheels slid when we turned cause of low tread, the a/c made a loud screeching sound and worst of all---fire ants appeared from nowhere and bit us up! I again complained politely, the company brought a new car to our hotel and noted "Oh yea there are ants on the roof" of the other car!! What the hell!!!! I dunno, but everyone seemed so casual about these things.

I'm definitely not bourgeois in anyway, but I think these things are not normal for good customer service. That said, the beau asked some local Japanese about these things and they said "yeah that's the way it is in Guam". Guam seems like the red-headed stepchild America forgot. They need more govt. funding for projects and more businesses should move there to help improve the economy. Oh one big thing I didn't like was a strip of seedy "24 hr massage" places near the nice hotels, which was gross. While these things sucked, they didn't totally ruin the trip. We went to the South part of the island, I rode a carabao (like a water buffalo), we snorkeled and only saw a few fish lol and ate tons of fatty American food. Now the diet begins.

View from our second room. The "fog" is actually humidity from outside!

Beaches were nice and clean~~

Love the flowers!

We found this Chamorro Punch to be so funny! I didn't try it, but I think it tastes like Hawaiian Punch. Anyways the guy on the bottle looks just like my beau. **Sometimes people ask my why I don't post his photos and the reason is simple. I do it because he is really into privacy esp. on the internet. He doesn't have a facebook and doesn't like the fact that anyone can read this or see this. Of course, he doesn't mind taking photos with me, but I keep those for us, not the web. Besides this is a blog about me in Japan, not just him lol!

We found this nice memorial to the Vietnam Vets from Guam. It was probably one of the most beautiful memorials I've ever seen. The nature and scenery was amazing.

I imagine Yokoi hid somewhere near here. We didn't see Yokoi's cave because the price was crazy. But we toured the area and stumbled upon Big John instead. Big John is a local celebrity of sorts who lives in a campsite near the Ft.Soledad. He let me ride his carabao, which is sorta like a buffalo. I dunno why but he reminded me of my Grandpa lol. We talked politics for a while before eating some amazing fresh starfruit and mangoes. I can definitely say going there, meeting him and seeing the coast from there was one of the trips highlights.

Scared to death on the ledge!

Guam is really beautiful in the Southern parts!

There were amazing Catholic cathedrals everywhere. Simply beautiful!

After a short rainshower, there was rainbow!!! Lovely!

Sad about having to go back to Japan!

I found this poster of IKKO in the Duty Free area to be hilarious. She is popular also in Guam!

We made it back to Japan and were picked up by our car service. If you every go overseas, I recommend parking your car at Narita, right outside the airport. There's a bunch of parking services there that will keep your car safe and secure until you return to Japan. It's very cheap, plus they clean your car for you. We got in the beau's car and headed back to Yokohama. Dinner was Osho, which was super yummy. I had the egg fo yong fried rice-type dish. I totally love fried rice. I think I missed that the most while being in Guam.

I didn't post any pics of what I bought cause I hurried to unpack stuff before heading to work the next day. The beau got lots of food and snacks, he missed from the states, plus some nice new shoes and clothes. I didn't buy much but I did get lots of gossip magazines, deodorant (thank God the Kmart had my brand!) and some shoes.

I got some of those Sketchers type exercise shoes to use as inside shoes at school. (They look kinda like those above) They are an off brand from Macy's, which were incredibly cheap at $25. I couldn't pass them up. Well I wore them only one day on Friday and it felt like I was walking on air! Then Saturday my thighs, butt and calves were sore. So they must work! I'm thinking of ordering another pair to use for the gym.

I also bought a pair of super platforms for summer. They aren't this color, they're actually purple suede, but the same style. I got them at Ross for only $16, but right outside the Ross they were selling for $50 at the Nine West Store!

And the last thing I really like was this. It's a toilet cleaning gel that smells great. It's a bit weird to apply, but I swear it keeps the toilet cleaner with no mess. Aside from those things, I got the usual stuff. Afterwards I realized I forgot my beloved Reese's cups, but hey we bought a ton of other junk food, that I don't really need it anyways.

Guam was fun and I enjoyed being there. Perhaps if I was military and had access to the base, it might be even better. People were super friendly, as I said before--they make it a nice place to visit. But for some reason, I just like Okinawa more. I guess if Okinawa had a Kmart and the malls like Guam, I'd move there lol! We both agreed that we're ready to see Hawaii next!

Very late #2: February trip to Chiba and Roppongi Hills

2011-04-10T14:03:00.000+09:00

Back in February we took a short trip to Chiba, by ferry. There's the Tokyo Wan Ferry in Kurihama, which we took across the bay to Chiba prefecture. It was pretty cheap and interesting.

Getting on the ferry by car

View from the ferry of Kurihama

It freaked me out when the ferry started moving.

Actually, being on a ferry is the same feeling as an earthquake!

Once we arrived in Chiba, I took this photo of the parking lot view. Amazing!

The main purpose of the trip was to see the Big Buddha in Nokogiriyama. It's Japan's largest stone-carved Buddha at a little over 100 feet tall. It was really really cool. I'm not sure why but there weren't many visitors there and also it was very quiet. I liked this Buddha a lot simply because it was so secluded and not really touristy.

Can you get an idea of how big it is?

Afterwards, we stopped by the beach and spent the night in Chiba before driving back to Tokyo.

The beau had tickets to see an exhibit at Roppongi Hills, so we stopped there before going home. I'm sorry to say but most of the exhibits we've seen there have been really disappointing. I like art a lot, especially Dali and Christoph. I even studied various art mediums and periods in university, but at the same time I don't claim to be any connoisseur or anything. Still I felt a lot of the artwork was supposed to seem crazy or edgy and not really artistic. Like a dress made of hair? Come on now. I just didn't get it.

One of the perks was a special tour of the top of Roppongi Hills, basically the heliopad. I'm deathly scared of heights and the wind was whipping my hair fierce! But the view was fab!

The beau took this crazy pic of me punching Tokyo Tower lol.

I guess during February, I really got into Mad Men. The show is really captivating, so I've been watching episodes on tv and the net. Also I am totally addicted to Glee. Very good show indeed. That's pretty much all that happened in Feb.

Very late post from New Year's Kansai Trip

2011-04-10T13:19:00.000+09:00

This is a really late update, but I wanted to post it anyways. Just a few pics from earlier this year. We went to Kansai for a short trip after New Years. The beau had never been to Kyoto or Osaka, only Nara, once in elementary school. When I first moved to Japan, I stayed in Dotonbori for a short time before moving to Fuji. So basically Kansai was my first impression of Japan. Going back, I found Kansai people to be very friendly, but the city was a bit dirty. Nara was also interesting, with a lot of walking. Visiting Kyoto was the best. I really loved it there. I would definitely go back to visit there, because we ran out of time.

Cool ferris wheel on the Dotonbori Donki shop

Bikers in Nara

Lots of deer, roaming free in Nara.

Kisses to you!

Funny sign in Nara.

The first place I stayed at in Dotonbori, back in 2004!

We also went to Universal Studios, which was fab!

I love dinosaurs so much and Jurassic Park was awesome!

We loved it so much, that we rode it twice, even tho it was freezing cold lol.

Cool fake US Postal mailbox!

View from the glass walkway in Kyoto station

We had an amazing Japanese course dinner at the Kyoto Granvia Hotel restaurant, Rakusui. I didn't take any photos sadly because it was such a quiet and pristine environmental, so I felt a little odd pulling the camera then. But it was a nice end to a lovely trip before we headed back to the airport to Kanto.

What's going on right now~~~

2011-01-15T19:02:00.003+09:00

Well I have so much to share but I'm going to start with things I love lol!

I'm so addicted to this cheese---seriously I LOVE cheese but this one is the best!

(image from Pronweb)

It's a bit pricey, like 330 yen per pack, especially since there's only 24 tiny cubes in each one. But they are yummy yummy!

I watched "Four Christmases" the other day. It's a funny movie with Vince Vaungh and Reese Witherspoon. I've actually seen it before, but a long time ago. I still haven't put up my Christmas tree. I dunno why but I don't want to accept the fact that Xmas is really over.

The Beau is mad addicted to this song by "Tee" and the song is "Baby I love you":

I must admit, the song is rather catchy--but the English isn't grammatically correct lol~~

I have so many movies that I just haven't had time to watch, but tonight I'm going to finally watch "The Social Network".

Anyways that's all for now, but I will post more later!

Happy New Year!

2011-01-03T04:03:00.003+09:00

I'm terribly sorry to not have posted anything in a while! I've been very busy and just a little lazy when it's come to taking photos and writing~~~but here's to a more productive 2011!!! I can barely belive it's alreay here! Geez. Do you remember 1999? Or 2004? So much has happened to me over the years, that it really seems like time is flying by.

There's a quote by one of my fav authors Gabriel Garcia Marquez:

"What matters in life is not what happens to you but what you remember and how you remember it."

I think that sums up 2010 the best way possible!

I hope all of you are having a great start to the new year, and I wish many wonderful things your way in 2011!!

Love ya,

Kelsey in Japan

茅ヶ崎 and Ohno

2010-12-15T17:20:00.006+09:00

(photo from Eboshi homepage)

Last weekend, I had a semi-lovely date in Chigasaki.

(I say semi-lovely cause there was a bit of an argument but other than that it was fine.)

I really wanted to eat sushi, which is rare. I'm not a big fan of the fish and as my Grandma and brother both said, "After eating sushi, I want to eat something else". It's kinda like an appetizer lol~~~but I really love fish. My SO is kinda an expert on the whole Shonan area cause he went to a pretty famous high school there. So he knows all of the places to eat.

We went to Public House Eboshi, a local fave. We had to wait for a while once inside and everyone stared, prolly cause they have never seen a person of color there lol. Everything and anything on the menu tastes good. Seriously all of my food was yummy~~~I thought I took a picture of the place, but I didn't. Sorry. Its a little grimey on the outside, like a fish shack, but inside in bare bones bar and tatami room. The old lady waitress are so sweet and the Grapefruit Sour is fab!

Ok so one of my coworkers lives near Chigasaki and I said I was eating at Eboshi. Suddenly she called and said she was coming over. Well the SO was like "what the hell! Is she Japanese? She should know to ask if it's ok to join before just driving over." and this spawned a semi-argument. Actually I didn't want to meet her then but it wouldn't have caused a huge issue for me if she showed up. But the SO said she is just nosey and wants to see what he looks like and basically gossip. Maybe true. (I don't really show pics of him but he looks like an older Ohno from Arashi.)

Anyways I didn't invite her but it seemed like I did, cause I emailed her. So the whole thing caused an hour long rant followed by a silent angry walk to Fujisawa station. Things turned out to be ok and we decided to drive back to my old place to illegally dump some trash.

JUST KIDDING>>>>

But we went and looked at my old apartment, which seems exactly the same. I'm kinda glad I don't live there anymore. I loved the area but I do not miss that place! And we had dessert at Nagisa Beach Cafe, my fav for late night coffee.

Anyways, Chigasaki is an awesome place. I kinda wished we moved there but it would have been way too hard of a commute for him everyday.

Public House Eboshi (menu all in Japanese)

5-17-56 Nango, Chigasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture

*by train>>>Take the JR Tokaido line to Chigasaki. It's only about 5 mins by car from the station, tell a taxi driver "Eboshi"~~they will know it. (Sorry I don't know how to get there by foot lol)

*by car>>>If coming from Route 134 Route

National Highway Route 134 entrance "Hamamidaira" into the intersection and continue straight ahead (500m) then you will see in front Eboshi first signal.

"Wow you look so different in person"~~~~

2010-12-15T17:02:00.003+09:00

I've gotten this "compliment/insult" a few times before and to be honest, I'm not quite sure what to think of it...Some people have told me that I take good pictures but I'm not sure if that means I look really bad in person. I don't usually wear a lot of makeup and I'm always shiny or oily, IMHO. I also have a really big head which I like to semi-hide with even bigger hair. LOL~~~

But this is a regular pic of me (taken before school) which I think is how I look everyday:

Well this is my Mom's and also my SOs fav pic of me, taken in Okinawa before going to the park lol:

But so many people have told me the first pic looks totally better. Why??? It seems sexy???!!! No way, I am soooo not sexy lol~~~

Anyways do people tell you the same thing? Are you photos better than real life? I'm not sure which way is better.

So loving it right now.

2010-12-04T11:29:00.002+09:00

I really really dispise AKB48. Sorry. They get no love from me.

But I like KARA~~~

And I'm loving these other two songs now.

Nelly. Remember his old stuff? I like the video. It makes me think of the summer Lena, Naho and I went crazy beach hopping in Kamakura lol~~

Excuse the title of Cee-lo's joint lol~~~

ひさしぶり: Long time no see

2010-12-04T10:58:00.003+09:00

I just checked my blog and realized that I didn't post once during the whole month of November!

A lot has happened in my life and I just haven't had time (or energy) to really post anything.

I moved to a new apartment, well actually a "mansion" as they like to call it in Japan. It's very very nice. I promise to post some pics later, but my computer is on the fritz again. (And that's currently my biggest issue.)

I always vowed that I would never move from Hayama (unless it was to Kamakura lol~~) but free rent will make you change your mind, just kiddin!! Where I live now is a very classy suburban area, hidden a bit from the main road, but super close to Yokohama and Kamakura (if that makes sense...) To be honest, I really do miss the hell out of Hayama, but it's not all that far away by highway.

Christmas is right around the corner and I'm working on my list. I really want a new wallet. I've been eyeing a Chloe or Marc Jacobs. I love the simple designs on leather. Hint hint to Santa~~~

But more than that, I guess I want my laptop's wifi to work lol~~~

In other news, we have tickets to the Sky Planetarium at Roppongi Hills...I'm excited to see it! The dinosaur exhibit sucked, mostly because none of the dinosaurs moved and my feet were killing me. (Wearing heels after wearing kicks all week, will get you every time!) And I also had a bit too much to drink at the wedding.

There's so much more to say, but I'm going to attempt to put an IKEA table together now for the second time. The first time, it was missing three holes in the base and a leg was broken---when we opened the box. I called and got semi-krunk on them and they sent a new one out via Yamato. So here's goes my second attempt.

Wish me luck ~~~

2010-10-08T12:37:00.004+09:00

There was another wedding. Not friends of mine, but it was fun nonetheless and I met some great new people. I drank a bit too much and had a hard time walking to the next event:

Dawn of the Dinosaurs at the Mori Museum

What the hell~~~was this one?

OMG the T-rex was fab!

I thought the exhibit would be a little more exciting, maybe I was expecting there to be some moving exhibits or some blood~~something. But it was rather blah. Still it was free so I can't complain that much.

"It smells like cup noodle!"

That's cause there was a cup noodle festival. I didn't participate, but I did take a photo of this massive cup of noodles lol.

There was an art display in the other section of the Mori Museum, which was supposed to be so amazing, but was really blah. This one display was the only notable piece.

You can barely see my head in this one.

This was probably the only cool photo op, two people entered the art displayed at different spots and were able to touch hands.

We were able to laugh at all the bourgeois ppl who were so intrigued by torn strips of paper or a video showing ppl waiting for the train. BORING! I'm no art connoisseur, but Christoph or Dali, definitely had that stuff beat.

夏やすみ in pictures

2010-09-12T20:31:00.012+09:00

Summer was amazing. I really love being off in the Summer. I can't even explain it in words, but here's a bunch of photos that pretty much sum up how fab it was.

Now I just want to do this until Xmas:

Dali and the dark meat

2010-08-27T18:31:00.003+09:00

I went to see the Salvador Dali exhibit at the High last night. It was freakin' awesome. I've been a big fan of his artwork, since I was young. I picked up a vintage copy of his book, Hidden Faces, when I was in Little Five Points with Andie during college. I thought, "Wow Dali wrote a book..." but a few pages into it, I gave up. See Dali had created his own language, not English or Spanish or French--but his "own lanaguage" and I literally could not understand it at all.

Anyways Jess had free tix to the exhibit and we wandered around looking at most of his works. Dali changed his style at least 3239839233910210 times! He was really obsessesed with physics, geometry, DNA, rhinos, and his wife, Gala. Some of the work was like," "Um...ok..", while other stuff was fab.

If you're in the Atlanta area, I highly recommed going to see Dali at the High. It runs until January 9, 2011.

Then we had dinner at Paschal's, which is a historically famous restaurant in Atlanta. The orgianl location was on West Hunter street, but it has since moved to Northside Drive. A lot of famous people have dined there including Aretha Franklin, Angie Stone, VP Al Gore and most importantly Martin Luther King, Jr.

But to me it was just "meh".

The food was alright. I had the fried chicken, which was supposed to be the house specialty. Jess had the rotisserie chicken. The waitress messed up Jess' order by giving her dark meat and then messed up the ticket for the whole meal. She then said it was the manager's fault and the whole experience ended up being blah.

I don't know why, but I have yet to have a amazing meal since I've been home. Most of the food has been ok, but the best dinners I've had, have been my either home-cooked or from the store deli. I don't know if I'm used to Japanese food or just the quality of some American restaurants have went down, but it's still nice to go out and dine with friends.

Anyways, my time is coming to an end here and I'm a little sad about it. I really don't want to go back to Japan, because I want to spend more time with my family...

Too Damn Funny: INEBRIATION

2010-08-24T13:14:00.000+09:00

Three Things Right Now

2010-08-15T15:02:00.003+09:00

1. I got my Native American on.
That's right. I ate a bison burger. It was yummy, but a little too big for me, especially since I don't usually eat beef. We went to this place, created by Ted Turner. The pecan-crusted salmon was also really good. I also had an "Arnold Palmer". Do you know what that is? It's a lemonade mixed with a sweet tea. Wow, talk about a sugar rush! Anyways, I probably wouldn't pick bison again, but it was a nice experience.

2. I got my shop on.
There are just too many choices when it comes to shampoo, face wash, otcs and everything else. I didn't buy much, but I plan to go back and browse the shelves.

3. I'm addicted to tv.
Japanese tv isn't all that fab, so I usually watch my American shows online. Right now, I'm into "True Blood" (I plan to pick up the books, 'cause I heard they are really good) but since "The Office" and "Ugly Betty" have ended, I figured that there was not much to watch. Not true! I have spent endless hours watching Food Network and TLC~~~OMG I miss those channels!

I promise to post some pics, but I have been uber lazy recently when it comes to pulling the camera out lol!

New Andre 3000 and Basketball

2010-08-11T11:06:00.000+09:00

a perfect place

2010-07-28T15:18:00.004+09:00

There's a place not so far from my house, where you can walk into the ocean.

Literally, down the steps into the ocean. I've never walked all the way down, but I imagine the water isn't that deep there. I think it's lined with rocks. But from the top it looks amazing.

Inception.

2010-07-26T11:28:00.002+09:00

If you haven't seen it, something is seriously wrong with you.

So freaking good!

I'm going to do an Inception and plant ideas into some ppl all over Japan. LOL!

Ten Things Right Now

2010-07-18T13:42:00.002+09:00

1. Last night was the first time I slept in my bedroom for almost a week. Well, since the spider was discovered. I actually killed another tiny spider up there yesterday. I'm going to vacuum like crazy and spray more, before sleeping up there again. Seriously tho, that was scary as all hell.

2. It's finally Summer Vacation!!! PRAISE BUDDHA!!! Honestly Friday was so hard, because I was running on zero energy and it couldn't be 6 p.m. fast enough.

3. Preparing for Fuji Rock is really time consuming. This year, I'm a manager for a section of the group, and it's really stressful. I just want the time to come and go. I'm excited about getting away but none of the artists are all that interesting to me.

4. There are, however, 392389283921 other concerts that will be happening that I would LOVE to go to, like Otadama Sea Studios キマグレン and moumoon. But I won't be here for any of them.

5. It's hot as hell outside. Like seriously don't go out until after 2 p.m. hot. There's no reason for it to be that hot out.

6. Suntory's new tea. Premium Clear Oolong. OMG...might replace Sokenbicha.

7. New music, I'm really feeling now...Jessica Jarell. (Thanks to Tosha.)

8. Off to Tokyu Hands and Loft today to find some apartment goodies. Will take some pics hopefully.

9.Did I mention that it was hot out? It is. So freaking hot.

10. OH ate at the Nagisa Beach Cafe, finally last night! (It used to be the Zushi Denny's) Anyways it's my new fav place!!! Food is awesome and so is the atmosphere. I didn't take any pics, but I had the Cream Sauce Loco Moco (basically Loco Moco with cream sauce lol!) and Mr.T had freaking awesomely yummy Tomato Sauce Carbonara. Dessert was Chocolat Fondat (sp?) cake with Ice Cream. So fab! But next time I'm having the French Toast, cause the guy next to us was seriously grubbing on that.

OMG the biggest F------

2010-07-14T21:09:00.002+09:00

Spider was in my bedroom.

Almost 3?4? years in the place and never once seen some nonsense like that. (That was some crazy English...lol)

Anyways sprayed him with some American super-powered bugkiller. He laughed it off.
Then chased him around the room til finally I got smart and vacuumed him up.

Let the vacuum run like 10 mins on high. Hoping he's dead but tied the vacuum up in a trash bag to be safe. (Stupid. Now I can't vacuum...or sleep in my bedroom.)

Anyways will proceed to wait until the next willing guest (read--next person who comes over and I can force to do it) can empty the vacuum and vacuum bag.

I had a nightmare last night that the spider had a family, which came after me.

HE WAS THAT HUGE.

I don't care if he's not poisonous; he shouldn't be trying to come chill out in my bedroom.

T'is all.

So I've Been Kinda Lazy...

2010-07-05T22:00:00.002+09:00

But to be honest, nothing really exciting has happened recently.

I had an awesome dinner in Chinatown on Saturday. To make up for the incredibly homesickness and frustration I was experiencing. I didn't take any photos, but Chinatown is pretty much the same anywhere, I suppose. It was a really nice restaurant and even tho I was rather casually dressed, it didn't matter. Ahh real Chinese food is awesome and I totally fell in love with a new tea--I believe it's called "Rose Oolong Tea".

The kiddies went to Kannonzaki for a field trip. Thankfully, my group didn't go up to the lighthouse. (I've discovered that I'm rahter afraid of heights late in life...)

As you can see they had a fab time!

So random but I discovered this touch screen apartment guide outside of a fudosan in Zushi. How random, after curry to happen upon this. But so cool! Touch the tv screen and you can find a new home in the Shonan area. Spent a good 20 mins or so playing with it.

My kids hard at work!

What's Goin' On?

2010-06-28T20:22:00.002+09:00

Well I have been MIA for a while and it's mostly due to having pneumonia.

Yep. A few weekends ago I came down with this terrible fever. Like so bad that I couldn't leave the house; I could barely walk downstairs to pee. (Only out of fear that someone would find my rotted carcass with pee-stained panties on, after my death...)

In Japan, the only option for health care is going to the overpriced hospital on the weekends. I couldn't even drive myself to the doctor! I just laid in the bed and had terribly dreams about trading my soul to the devil in return for my fever to go away.

Well Mr.T finished work and took me to the doctor, who instantly diagnosed me with pneumonia, and sent me over to the hospital for an IV full of meds. I've never had an IV, so that was an experience in itself. I'm not sure what was worse, my breath or the pain from the IV---but a few hours later, my fever had disappeared and I was sent home. I was told not to go to work for a week and take a ton of pills. The first three days were hell, being stuck at home, but Mr.T stayed over and we watched stupid Japanese TV shows and ate Nepalese curry. I didn't go anywhere or really do anything, but sleep. By the end of the wk, I was ready to get back to work.

Today I received a clean bill of health and head back to school, where everyone was incredibly nice to me!

I guess they were worried that I might just hop on a plane and go home, being sick and all.

I don't know why, but I never got sick in the States, but since living here, I've been sick more times than I can remember!!!

Anyways there's really nothing new to report. While stuck at home, I was able to talk to some of my friends back home: Malinda (who always put things in perspective for me), Tosha and Jess. Oh Toshi's in town and I can't wait to see her!! I'm looking forward to a much needed vacation coming up soon.

I promise to post something new and meaningful soon!

So cute! I love 木村カエラ

2010-06-07T21:11:00.002+09:00

I didn't know much about her until the new Docomo commercials came out...and some of them are mad cooler than the Softbank ones.

Kaela Kimura stars in one as the actual cell phone of a girl, and when the phone rings it plays the cutest song.

Kimura recently married another actor in the current Docomo commercials, Eita (永山瑛太) They make a cute couple, even tho he's totally not my style. (I've been informed he's all the rage for Jgirls tho) Anyways Kimura has a wiki here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaela_Kimura

She also sings another one of my fav songs from tv "Butterfly":

Here's the cute video:

and Docomo commercial:

I totally love her!

I kinda hate Mondays and Tuesdays

2010-06-07T20:55:00.002+09:00

Mondays mean the end of the wkend.

Every Sunday night, and even on some Saturday nights, I get the "OMG I have to work tomorrow/day after tomorrow/Monday"---so depressing!

And it's not even because I don't like my job.
I do.
Very much.

(My kids rock, my boss is mad cool and I get lots and lots of holidays.)

But if I was independently wealthy and didn't have to work, I would spend my days learning karaoke songs, hitting the treadmill and growing a herb garden.

Sadly I don't lead that kind of fab life.

Anyways today wasn't a bad day and tomorrow prolly will be just fine, but I'm so ready for the wkend!

Oooh...Moon Lovers is on now...gotta go.

Random find: Yokohama's アメリカ山公園

2010-06-02T00:13:00.005+09:00

I happened upon this park on the roof of Motomachi-Chukagai station in Yokohama. Take the escalator and then the elevator to the very top. It's awesome and has a good view of the city. Oh and it's free and pet friendly.

Sorry you can't make out the rose on the ground...
I'm totally obsessed with taking shots of my shoes lol.

Totally low-key and clean.
From the elevator.
Lots of roses, the city flower of Yokohama

There's not much info on the park in English, but it does have a Japanese wiki page here: American Mountain Park. There's also the nice historical neighborhood of Yamate nearby and the Foreigner's Cemetery, if you're looking for something else to do.

富士市 and 白糸の滝

2010-06-01T23:06:00.008+09:00

I used to live in 富士市.

It was actually my first real home, not to far from the JR 富士 station. I had a real love/hate relationship with this town.

I loved the Ito Yokado, where I first discovered Japanese supermarkets mark food down at 8 pm. I truly loved walking trhough PAPY dept. store, looking at all of the expensive things I couldn't buy. And I loved seeing the Shinkansen dash across the sunset with Fuji-San in the background from my 11th floor balcony.

My old apt. was renewed! This place has the best view of Fuji-san!

Ito Yokado and PAPY are both closed. Along with many other stores.In fact the whole area around the station is a ghost town. Mr.T remarked that there weren't any women out and about--in fact, most of the ppl we saw were men between the ages 25-35. Sooooo きむちわるい.

No supermarket...but eggs from the corner!
My first bank acct. was opened here, a short walk from my apt.
JR Fuji station

When I lived there, I absolutely despised the smell of OJI paper factory in the nearby townYoshiwara. I pretty much hated my roommates. Oh and I hated the being stared like some science experiment freak while on the train. Well I recently went back to visit my old home, mainly because I was feeling down. It didn't make me feel any better, to be honest.

The Shizuoka Police are mad gangsta

Beautiful rose garden and park near my old apt.

While reminiscent, I actually left feeling this deep desolate hole in my heart for those people. It sucks when things change.

The smallest things are sometimes so pretty!

白糸の滝

All the time I lived in Fuji and worked in Fujinomiya, I never traveled to Shiraito Falls. It's a really short drive from Fujinomiya city center and so serene!

Really far away...

A little closer...
Getting closer...

Right at the water!

After being so depressed about Fuji City, it was nice to see some nature. And totally free. (Well minus the 300 yen parking fee)

I only bought some Fuji-san cookies for my coworkers and we ate lunch purchased from the bakery in Funjinomiya Jusco.
This is NOT Shiraito Falls, but Otodome Falls which are right next to each other. And it's just as beautiful, so you should see this if you are nearby as well.

Prolly one of the best soccer CMs ever

2010-05-25T22:56:00.000+09:00

I'm not a big fan of soccer, but I gotta admit this is an awesome CM.
Enjoy!

So Gangsta...

2010-05-25T22:51:00.000+09:00

OMG I never wanna happen upon these dudes. They are so gangsta lol!

A bit of randomness: Health Check, Oedo Onsen, 三笠公園 and Perry Museum

2010-05-22T22:23:00.015+09:00

The hours of this day will go by, no matter what you do.
What you get from them is up to you.
-Ralph Marston

Health Check

Um Let's sanitize the slippers but not use gloves!

I had a free health exam check the other day. I learned two very important things from this exam, both of which I already knew:

1. Many Japanese doctors are nuts.

2. Just because it's free, doesn't mean you need it.

That was the 392387938293 time I have had to ask a nurse or a doctor to use gloves before taking my blood. I don't care what anyone says, that's downright nasty. Um Staph infections folks! And the nurse didn't wash her hands between seeing me and the next person!

I'm not saying that American healthcare is far superior to that in Japan, but I would just really like people (ESPECIALLY THOSE IN THE MEDICAL FIELD) here to cover their mouths when they cough, wash their hands with soap and/or hot water, and use gloves before taking blood samples.

Also, could you warn me before touch my boobs with your cold hands.
Um thanks.

In other news...

I went to the Oedo Onsen with Jerice a few weeks ago.

We went in the evening to get the cheaper rate. Apparently--everyone else and their mama in Japan--decided to go at the same time. It's pretty far from where I live, but it was nice to ride the train through Shimbashi and Odaiba.

We picked out our yukatas, both opting for length instead of design. Then went into the huge changing room to get naked! Once we got outside, we signed up for the Doctor Fish bath. These little fish eat the dead skin off of you. The whole concept is pretty freakin' nasty and it feels gross like some small creature is sucking on your skin, but I *think* my feet felt softer afterward.

Yes, my skin is that damn pale.

Sadly the other optional baths were already booked up, so we just had dinner and walked around. They give you these wristbands, which you can use to pay for everything--which makes it pretty easy to rack up a bill, with a flick of your wrist. I saw so many kids running around buying toys and food on their wristbands. I'm sure their parents were surprised at the checkout!

I like this dude.It was a little chilly, so they had these happi coats to keep you warm.
She's pretty funny, herself.

It was a good experience, but I can never go there again and still be happy. Semi-obsessed with cleanliness, I felt like I would have had a better time if I had brought some disposable slippers. (I don't like walking barefoot anywhere except my own home and the beach.) Plus everything was overpriced. I've had better esthe experiences in my own town for a fraction of the price. I guess if you have kids or are a tourist NOT living in Japan, this might be a good place to go.

三笠公園

There was a field trip. To Mikasa Park. It was pretty unexciting for me, because I have been there 3293872938239 times. But the kiddies loved it, so that's all that mattered.

One of my fav kids, S, who just fell and scraped his leg.

So cute, but sadly his parents don't care about his dental hygiene.
R-kun hates loud noises. He's totally adorable though!

Onigiri time!
Watching the water show

They have a pretty nice water fountain music show, which is totally free. At night it's better because it lights up and is romantic--so I've heard. But I totally love that part of the park.

They had a pretty fab classical and modern music selection!

If you're ever in Yokosuka, you should check it out. Besides it's free.

Commodore Perry Park and Museum

What's up homie?

Another nice free place in Yokosuka is the Perry Memorial Museum in Perry Park, Kurihama.

I took a friend to Verny Park by accident, thinking that it and Perry Park were the same place. Oops. Totally different.
(Perry came to Japan to "open its ports to international trade"and Verny came to Japan to teach shipbuilding and naval engineering.)

Anyways there's a free (incredibly small) museum at Perry Park as well. There were only a few other ppl in the musuem so we could totally make fun of how incorrect the histoical parts were. Commodore Perry wasn't nice at all about opening up the ports of Japan, but let the history tell it another way. I kinda felt bad about Shogun Toda...anyways there's a huge stone memorial to commemorate the friendship between Japan and America.

I think the military presence here is a lot more welcomed than that in Okinawa. On the way out, the super friendly tour guide gave me an English guide pamphlet. If you ever go there, please pick one up. It's very detailed with facts and info.

To end the day, we went to my special place at Tateishi. It was a semi-clear day so I could get this shot of the sunset. You can barely make out the top of Fuji-san in the pic.

Walked around Akiya after until it got too cold. I love how he couldn't walk in the flipflops so he used these Crocs. LOL at the suggested pose.

So random:

Quite possibly, the cutest kid I have ever met.

I'm totally feeling Moumoon's new song...it puts me in a sunshiny mood...

Treadmill Motivation#1

2010-05-13T21:32:00.002+09:00

Ciara's "Ride" video.

Enough to make me drop the donut and hit the treadmill.

PSA about Taiji's Dolphin Problem

2010-05-12T15:37:00.002+09:00

I wrote about seeing The Cove, awhile back, when my Mom took me to see the Atlanta premiere. I'm not sure what my opinion on the issue is now, but I can say the following with complete and absolute confidence:

1. The Cove is probably the scariest movie I have seen in a long time.
2. Even tho I eat meat, I can honestly say that watching any animal die is really sad.
3. I'm pretty sure most Japanese ppl don't know (or maybe even care) about what's going on with the dolphin.

No moral judging, just putting the info out there.

Hil Video from Youtube

2010-05-03T11:23:00.001+09:00

Born Free

2010-04-29T09:50:00.000+09:00

M.I.A - BORN FREE VIDEO OFFICIAL (real and explicit version)
Uploaded by elnino. - Music videos, artist interviews, concerts and more.

Randomness Sunday

2010-04-18T13:20:00.002+09:00

I really have nothing spectacular to write about, so here's the randomness:

1. Japan's school year ends around the second or third week in March and starts in April, which is totally diff. from the States. So now I'm busy preparing for my classes, new students and basically running around like a chicken with her head chopped off--at work. But this wkend I have been able to chill and relax minus one "class" today.

2. I have discovered that I'm semi-addicted to Indian curry!!! I have been to almost 5 different restaurants in the past month and the best one is still my local shop! But there are many nice curry places in nearby Yokosuka and Yokohama. I did eat at one horrible place (which gave the runs later) even tho the owner was nice, his food was crap. Sorry.

3. I keep starting and stopping diets. I really want to lose 10kg before summer, but I keep becoming addicted to crap and it's showing. I wish trainer Matt Thompson lived here so he could whip me into shape!

4. I want to go to Hong Kong and Korea this summer for sure.

5. I am becoming the Kumon master lol. Kimura Sensei is da bomb!

That's all folks...maybe something interesting will happen in the next few days...

"Do all Japanese men cheat?"

2010-04-05T09:47:00.002+09:00

Some friends and I were recently talking about this topic.

I usually listen, but try not to comment too much--as I am often biased on the topic...

I think there are three types of men in Japan:

1. Those who cheat and don't care
2. Those who cheat, but have a very unique idea of what "cheating is"
3. Those who don't cheat

Maybe this can apply to all men--I don't know to be honest.

I have many friends who are dating and/or married to Japanese men, some of which who seem awesome and faithful, others whom are cheating bastards. So it's hard to say.

I will add that Japan seems to have a plethora of "options" for the unfaithful--from おっぱい (boob) clubs, soaplands, delivery health, enjokosai and more. So it's not so difficult for men to find other choices and it's not exactly looked down on in Japan.

I did hear a joke once that went:

"The national past time of Japan isn't sumo--it's cheating."

What do you think?

うんこ！and a night at Roppongi Hills

2010-03-31T22:56:00.004+09:00

I got this book at Roppongi Hills Tsutaya yesterday. My friend pointed it out and said it looked like "something I would like"--how correct!!!

This is a story about a "unko" or poop that comes from a dogs butt. It's pretty funny and incredibly easy to read. I know my kids will totally love it, plus I can quickly read the story without stumbling over the words!

I also went to the Burt's Bees flagship store. It was pretty small and had no customers. The selection is fairly limited, my fav spray deodorant wasn't sold there. I didn't buy anything, but it's good to know that if you want to get Burt's Bees, it's finally available here in Japan.

Dinner in Roppongi Hills was nice and swanky at Hills Cafe and then dessert at HARBS. My friend said people line up at HARBS during lunch time to buy their handmade cakes. To me, the cakes were pricey and just tasted "regular". There are some cheaper and tastier cakes and coffees to be had in Totsuka or Kamakura.

Roppongi Hills is a pretty famous development in Tokyo. It has shops, restaurants, a movie theater, residences and more. It's really pretty at night, but most of the shops are overpriced, in my opinion.

Still if you have a chance to come to Tokyo, you should check it out. And in the meantime, I'm going to read my poo-poo book!

Tochigi

2010-03-31T21:00:00.008+09:00

The other day I went on a short trip to Tochigi Prefecture, Utsunomiya and Nikko. It was a great trip; much needed escape from Kanagawa-ken. Tochigi is famous for strawberries and gyoza, two of my fav foods. It was only about a two hour trip from my home, easily reached by car.

First stop was Nikko, where I visited Toshogu 東照宮 Shrine, built in honor of the Tokugawa shogunate. I was schooled here in Japanese history and tourism: There are over 100 different "Toshogu" shrines throughout Japan. Even though the Nikko Toshogu is the most famous, because it is recognized as a part of the UNESCO World Heritage sites, the "real" Toshogu is in Shizuoka at Kunozan Shrine 久能山東照宮.

It is at Kunozan in Shizuoka, where the Tokugawa Ieyasu was enshrined after his death. **A part of his remains were later moved to Nikko, but he actually died and was buried in Shizuoka.

The shrine in Nikko is considered to be one of the most ornate in all of Japan.

It's also famous for the three wise monkeys さんびきのさる. They represent the ideal of "see no evil, hear no evil and speak no evil".

I also tried yuba soba (soba with tofu bean curd), sounds and looked nasty, but tasted very good.

The next part was very scary, as we had been warned by the police that it was too slippery to drive up the mountain to Lake Chuzenji. (We went even though we didn't have snow tires.) Lake Chuzenji is the highest elevated lake in all of Japan.

I cried and whined the whole way up and down, as I'm terribly scared of heights. But the view was amazing--and the freshly falling snow was even more beautiful!

It was silent like a ghost town at Lake Chuzenji. All the shops were closed by 5pm and no one outside. It was eerie by peaceful.

It was incredibly cold. Wikipedia says Nikko's weather is similar to that of Hokkaido.

Then we went for dinner near JR Utsunomiya station at a famous gyoza chain. I tried the 12 different gyoza, my favorite was "shiso" (perilla) and cheese.

Afterwards, we spent the night in Utsunomiya and the next morning head out to pick strawberries.

They were so yummy and delicious, but I could only eat a few, since I was so full from the previous nights gyoza!

Overall it was a fun trip, with good company! I'm glad that I went to Tochigi.

I like Dante Carver and the White Family

2010-03-31T09:20:00.003+09:00

I really like the Softbank Family CMs!

Oni-san or older brother, Dante Carver, is my fav family member, next to the Father (Oto-san)

He's known as the 予想外人 (yosogai) which means "the unexpected person", because the family is made up of a Japanese mom and daughter, a Shiba white dog, and Dante. Recently they had an appearance by the "Uncle", Quentin Tarantino.

A lot of ppl ask about famous Black celebrities in Japan, and there aren't many. There's Bob Sapp or Bobby Olgun(both ex MMA fighters), but they aren't really interesting to me. Jero is an enka singer here also.

But Dante Carver is just an actor. He doesn't make a fool out of himself like some other Black actors do on tv, which is refreshing to see. I hope we don't have to look like fools to be famous in Japan! Also Dante doesn't try to "be Japanese". He seems to just be himself and not put on airs for anyone. But that's just my opinion from the outside. I don't know him personally.

Anyways please enjoy these Softbank cms with Dante Carver!

矢島美容室 and Why I'm so addicted to them

2010-03-26T15:36:00.002+09:00

When I went to see Bruno there was a preview for the new 矢島美容室: Yazima Biyō Shitsu (Yazima Beauty Salon) movie which will com out this GW. OMG I totally love them. At first, they seemed to be mimicking Beyonce and the Dreamgirls, but the joke has blown up into something bigger and now they have their own movie, parts of which are filmed in the States. The main character, ナオミ, is played by the absolutely fab DJ OZMA himself.

Here's come clicks to convince you how awesome they are.

There's even a duet with SMAP

***FYI They are all men. LOL.

Another Graduation

2010-03-26T15:06:00.006+09:00

These are some the funniest, smartest, cutest kids ever.

It seems like the school year came and passed by entirely too fast. Graduation Day was here, and this year, I was particularly sad to see the Sakura Class go. I've known almost all of those kids since they were babies.

Some of them cried everyday they came to school, peed and pooped on themselves and even ran screaming from me like I was a monster. But four years later, they had grown just as attached to me (if not more) than my own child. I was also close to a lot of the parents. They really made an effort to include me in parties and events and always spoke to me when we met in school or the supermarket. I have probably never felt so connected to a group of kids and parents.

We had our usual school ceremony and then a party after at a fancy wedding hall in Yokosuka. I got so many fab presents and bouquets of flowers from parents and kids. (My house is current littered with them! I need to clean and not be posting here!!!)
Anyways I will leave you with the photos and some videos.

Saito and Matsui Senseis looked so pretty in their 袴

The food was fab and aplenty as usual!
The bear (with my name on it) was actually hiding a can of green tea!

H's Grandpa did a cute magic show with a Chinese theme. It was so sweet to see H give him flowers afterwards, because his Grandpa always picked him up from my English class!

Some of the fab teachers I work with.
This year, two of them are leaving (which really sux) but I have enjoyed working together over the past years.

All the teachers did a dance skit. Even tho I've worked there for almost 5 years, I've never been asked to join the dance. It's OK tho cause this years dance was especially lame.

The Moms all did fab dance skits. T's Mom invited me on stage to dance to Beyonce. (Sorry I didn't get a photo of that!) They all looked so pretty and you could tell they worked really hard to entertain us and the kids! The DJ Ozma skit was very funny. There's a video below.

Mori Papa made an absolutely amazing video chronicling the graduates for the past four years. I mean the video was so amazing, myself and other broke down in tears! I wish I had a copy to post on here, but I don't. Hopefully I will in the future.

*** This is the original DJ OZMA vid, if some of you don't know who he is.

こどもの国: A fun place to take kids

2010-03-26T14:49:00.006+09:00

A while back, we went on a field trip to Kodomonokuni.

It literally means "Children's Park". It's massive park in Kanagawa Prefecture that has a petting zoo, swimming pools, skating rink and even a BBQ area. It's over 200 acres of nature and very very cheap day trip.

There's a huge slide that kids can climb up and go down.
They went gaga over this. I didn't go up, as I'm pretty scared of heights.

FYI If you take the Kodomonokuni Line from the JR Yokohama or Tokyu Denentoshi lines to the final stop "Kodomonokuni", you can arrive right across from the entrance gates. Sometimes there are high school or university students preparing for marathons there, which is really fun to watch. I didn't know that the park was created to commemorate the Emperor and Empress marriage in 1959. Anyways kids love this place.

At the entrance of the park, kids can write all over the ground and walls with colored chalk.

We had a picnic lunch. All the kids eat onigiri, or rice balls.
I'm not a big fan of rice so I usually have a taquito or roll sandwich.

Here's some info in English: http://www.kodomonokuni.org/index2.html

2010-03-25T23:18:00.002+09:00

I've been MIA for a while and for a lot of reasons: cold, my birthday, stomach flu, Graduation and so many more things. (Give me a little more time and I will def post some pics!)

Last night, I went to my fav theater and saw "Bruno", a semi-new comedy movie with Sasha Cohen.

IT WAS TOO DAMN FUNNY!

I loved Sasha Cohen as Borat and he's just as good in his new character, Bruno.

It's only playing in two theaters in Tokyo and five in Kanagawa, so be sure to check locations if you plan to see it.

I will post more later, but now I'm just too tired!

花粉: Hayfever in February

2010-02-27T03:45:00.002+09:00

It's only the end of February and I've already got a runny nose, water eyes and itchy skin. WTF! And yesterday and today were unusually warm. Now it's rainy, but I'm hoping this isn't the start of "Kafunsho" or "Pollen season" already. I've taken numerous Claritin and even Zyrtec, which have just dried up my sinuses or made me sleepy. Why???!!!!!

Drag and Ash: 沖縄 Style

2010-02-13T23:43:00.004+09:00

Totally forgot about this!

I love Kato and Maiko!!!

Penang

2010-02-13T21:55:00.022+09:00

Every year my temple takes us on a trip somewhere in Asia. It's one of the reasons why I love my job. The trip is to celebrate the temple's anniversary and is practically free. (I spent a little under $50) This year we went to Penang, Malaysia.

I didn't know that Penang has a "sister city" with my very own Kanagawa Prefecture, here in Japan. That's kinda cool.

Our hotel had a private beach.

We took a small boat to a private island full of wild monkeys.

Some of my coworkers fed the monkeys.
They weren't half as scary as I imagined.

Then there was a yummy beach bbq.
And then lots of temples.
Lots and lots of temples.

Sleeping Buddha--very long!

These monks prayed over us and gave me this:

Shimizu Sensei was my partner in crime. She rocks.

My boss and I both share some common fears: heights and bridges.
I was able to climb halfway up the steps, but had to stop.
I took this photo of him from mid-point.

We toured a tropical fruits farm.
Our guide was very jovial and excited to show us fruits.
He talked extremely fast.

Almost everyone went into the Butterfly Farm.
Mayu and I are terrified of bugs.
There were just way too many butterflies and beetles in there for us.

I realize that sometimes I'm too goofy, but it's nice to have others join in.

Turtle is a delicacy in Malaysia.
It's supposed to have the same aphrodisiac qualities as oysters or dark chocolate, in the Western world. I couldn't stomach eating such a cute animal though.

She said it tasted good, but I just can't believe that from her face...

It's the turtles hand...maybe.

We also went to a traditional crafts center. This man was hand painting batik.

I bought this awesome scarf there.

Some really beautiful metal art in the esthe spa we went to.
(My back is covered in bruises from the massage.)

I usually don't buy anything for myself when I travel. Most of the little trinkets and things like that end up covered in dust or broken. (But I do like to buy おみやげ for people as presents.)

I also like to try the local skin care products. I bought this stuff in the Gurney Mall drugstore. It was all very cheap.

Rainna body wash milk smells so good and is a very popular product made by the soap company "Follow Me". This was only 5 RM or 200 Japanese yen (about $2.30) for the huge bottle. I also bought some Neutrogena face wash called "Hydro Boost". Neutrogena is an American based company, but some products are made specifically for Asian markets, like this one. This wash is made in Hong Kong and I'm pretty sure you can't get it yet in the States, but maybe you can find it on ebay. I also bought my fav makeup remover by L'oreal. It's not sold in Japan (or on the military bases) and was so cheap, I couldn't pass it up.

No durians can leave Penang.

One of my kids, Y-kun, is crazy about durians. I had never heard of this fruit before until he told me about it. Anyways now every time I hear the word "durians", I think of Y-kun.
I really enjoyed spending time with my coworkers away from work. I have come to realize that *most* of them are pretty cool, but perhaps their jobs are slightly more difficult than mine. I didn't know that a lot of stuff isn't required of me simply because I'm American. Often times they have to do things or go along with plans they really don't want to because of Japanese work customs or sempai/kohai things. Sometimes I think the whole thing is stupid--if you don't want to go, don't. But it's a part of Japanese culture, so it cannot be changed.

I'm just gonna do me--and try not to step on anyone's toes.

Overall, I had a really great time in Malaysia. The people are friendly and it's very cheap. There are not many Americans there, but most people speak English. I highly recommend going there if you want a short trip outside of Japan.

***Just be prepared with hand sanitizer and pocket tissues. Almost all of the toilets in Malaysia were dirty and didn't have toilet paper. Even at the ritzy malls or the "international" airport, the bathrooms smelled foul and sometimes we were charged to use them. I'm very lucky that most of my coworkers had pocket tissues with them, or else I'm not really sure how I would have managed. HTH.

Is it Summer yet?

2010-01-19T22:06:00.001+09:00

Just wondering...

湘南乃風 - 睡蓮花
Uploaded by ASHIKASAN. - Watch more music videos, in HD!

Do you overshare?

2010-01-14T22:48:00.002+09:00

This evening, I was a victim of "over-sharing".

Over-sharing is when you give someone too much info. TMI. Stuff they didn't want to know. (Or need to know.) Something that should have been kept inside. Personal. Locked away. In your head. Not told to anyone living/breathing/with a heartbeat.

I think we all do it from time to time.

I was once asked to tell something really personal and odd about myself to a group of ppl.
I thought for a minute and then said I don't like "white things".

By "things" I meant: white cabinets, white t-shirts, and white rice. Not white people. I just envision white stuff getting dirty really fast. That's all! But my friends, this is exactly how misunderstandings happen.

I once said I pee with the bathroom door open to a guy, who thought that was not only atrocious but also very TMI. It's true. Sorry I didn't see how it was such a big deal, but it was very much an over-share.

Tonight a Japanese girl (name withheld, simply for her own protection) said to me:

You're so lucky you were born Black. I wish I was."

I really had no response to that. None at all.

It was quite an over-share on her part. And I was very much a victim of her innermost thoughts.

T'is is all.

Battle Royale

2010-01-14T21:01:00.002+09:00

In Okinawa...

Kato and I are sitting on the couch, chilling, waiting for Maiko to finish her business report so we can all go out and party. Flippin' channels. (Thanks to the three wks of free premium service from Skypa) Bored, emptying bottles of Kirin.

Then Kato comes across channel with a crazy looking movie on: Japanese school kids in the jungle with odd, electric neck braces, shooting at each other, chopping their classmates up--all happening as Beat Takeshi is just watching from the sidelines casually chilling in his taiso trainers.

Battle Royale was on.

And we didn't leave the couch at all that night. Or the apt. for that matter.

It was prolly the best freakin' Japanese action movie I have ever seen.

You better watch it. It is that damn good.

I like you so much that I even got the wiki for you: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_Royale

Mini Rant.

2010-01-13T19:48:00.003+09:00

Not directed at anyone in particular.

Why can't I just have coffee and/or drinks with a guy? Why do we have to be dating/getting married/going to meet his parents---geez!

I don't get why my weird female neighbor always makes a dash for her door when she sees me coming home? Is she scared of me or something?
Shit, she's the one who's always dressed in cosplay and having otaku dudes over in the middle of the night.

Is it really that hard to take off the tomato and add a slice of cheese?

And when I say "Sorry I can't make it, I'm busy." Do I really have to explain why I'm busy, what I'll be doing, and with who?

Last time I checked I'm 27 and my parents both live in America.

Ok I'm done. Thanks for for your time and patience.

So I went to a Catholic church...

2010-01-11T14:37:00.003+09:00

Back home, my folks and I have a life-long tradition of going to church on Saturday evening. Unless there were soccer games, school events, or something else really big happening--you could find our clan up in the house of Mr. Holiness himself (at least for an hour) each Saturday. There wasn't really any reason to this day, except that maybe there were less people on church on Saturdays than Sundays. But nonetheless, it was something that we always did.

Since living in Japan, I really have come to miss that. I mean, you can find God or a "feeling of God" just about anywhere in this country. Which is rather weird, since most Japanese ppl are either "non-practicing Buddhists" or atheists. But I feel a bit of his spirit every time I go to the temple at my job or take a bike ride in my neighborhood. Does that even make sense? I dunno, I'm not the most religious person, but Japan (despite all of it's weirdness and quirkiness) has this calmness to it in a way. Like there's less bullshit here than in my home country. Ooops this is about church. I need to watch my mouth.

So anyways, I had called around and found the closest church to me. The lady who recommended it to me, said "You'll have no problem following along." (She assumed this from my Japanese language ability over the phone.)

FYI: There are a lot of "church-looking" places in Japan, but these are usually wedding ceremony halls. They have nothing to do with God or religion at all, and are only open for new couples to exchange rings and take pictures. Most of the actual churches I have been to in Japan, look like regular old buildings.

By the time I actually "found" the place (thanks to Google Maps!) It's small, which is very nice--kinda like my church back home. I was already 4 mins late, but went in anyways. About 20 mins. after me, another woman and her son came in--so obviously I wasn't the only late arrival. The mass was EXACTLY the same as any other Catholic mass back home. Same songs, motions, everything! But in Japanese. Boy was that a struggle! Afterward, I met the Priest who was very polite and he gave me the "Rites of the Mass in Japanese and English", so I could follow along. He also introduced me to some volunteer groups with in the church.

I like how, even tho I was the only gaijin there, no one (not one person!) gawked or stared at me!!!

I left with some volunteer info, contacts for new ppl in the church, and most importantly a really really warm feeling inside.

If your Catholic in Japan, there are some options here for you:
http://www.jcarm.com/jpn/directory/index.htm

And this site has some amazing photos of old Catholic churches in Japan:
http://www.ne.jp/asahi/saiga/yuji/gallary/tens/top-e.html

OMG 沖縄 was fab! Damn! Back in mainland.

2010-01-06T04:13:00.007+09:00

New Years' was a blast. I partied for the countdown at this small Jamaican bar off Gate 2 street, owned by Ruri's husband. So cool. We had our own private thing there, with tons of free booze and soba. Yum!

And then heard the rumor that one of the military bases General went to the same college as us. So funny!

I'm slightly obsessed.

The beaches and parks are pristine. You already know that tho. Cause it's 沖縄.

Ate too much food. Way too much. Drank everyday. Not my character, but had such a good time.

Kato kicked my arse over and over for my lack of Japanese ability. My improvements meant nothing to him. He's a freakin good teacher. And has made me see how terrible I really am. Driving the highway by yourself from Shizuoka to Kanagawa means absolutely nothing to a potential employer--unless it's Fedex. And being alone in Yomitan with a family of ten, none of whom speak a lick of English really puts your language ability in check and in check FAST.

Random: This was the old NOVA school in Koza.
Last day according to the board in the kids' room was 10/21/2007.

Okinawans have freakin cool family names. My fav is this one and Gaja.

I so wanna go back. In fact I wanna move sooooo bad! I love it there and the people, the houses, the food, the parks, the beach----I could go on forever! I just miss being there so much--but I'm glad to be back in my bed now lol!

I have some more pics, but I'm a bit too tired to connect the camera now. Will post later.

This was the theme song lol 長渕剛!!!!

みんさんあけましておめでとう！！！！！

Ten Things Right Now.

2010-01-04T13:20:00.004+09:00

1. I think I have gained 10 lbs in the past 10 days. A&W, Kings Tacos, Obligato, Tantan Chinese and all the freakin soba and goya I have eaten. Straight to the gym after this holiday.

2. I want a dog so bad.　ぼっこい is too damn cute for words.

3. I miss my Mom.

4. I have also spent a ton of money on random ish and おみやげ. Will post pics later.

5. I want a new computer.

6. I love sleeping on the beach. New hobby.

7. I have yet to find a cute pair of nude heels. Please mail me if you do.

8. I have developed a slight addiction to watching Japanese music videos. Funky Monkey Babys make the best vids.

9. I need to study Japanese more. This is non-negotiable.

10. I think I will go out for coffee more often in 2010.

T'is is all.

Racism in China?

2009-12-25T00:48:00.002+09:00

What do you think?

Racism in Japan?

2009-12-22T10:56:00.003+09:00

I got this video from Japan Probe. This video shows a group of Japanese right-wingers yelling insults at a Korean Primary school in Kyoto, Japan. The Japanese ppl in the video are angry that the Korean school has been using the park (next to the school) for recess and sports activities. It has English subtitles.

A quick search on Youtube and a bunch of videos like this, can be found.

It's a rather disturbing video because in all of my five years in Japan, I haven't encountered any racism, from Japanese ppl to say the least.

I have had some Africans and other nationalities say pretty rude things about Black girls or American ppl, but that's a different story.

To almost anyone who lives in Japan, it's pretty common to hear negative things said about Koreans and Chinese ppl. I've never seen a full-out protest like this video tho. In Yokosuka City, we can often see protest towards the military base. But they are very docile and almost ignorable. (I usually notice that there are no other Americans on the streets, then see a group of elderly Japanese ppl walking in unison saying "We don't want nuke ships"--seriously that's the extent of the protest.)

Even the bosozokus that ride by my house at night, or my neighbor Abe-san (who is definitely something with his full-tatted body and late night visits from the "construction company") are usually just noisy and harmless. Hey, I've seen a bosozoku help an old lady at the conbini!

But something about this video is a bit unsettling. What do you think? Have you experienced racism in Japan?

New Years お正月

2009-12-20T18:16:00.003+09:00

This is where I am, chilling with the ever fab Kato and Maiko.

What will u do this お正月???

I'd Do It All Again

2009-12-20T12:51:00.001+09:00

She's fab.

'Tis all.

Music Video here>>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJP5wNs9CSQ

Ten Things Right Now

2009-12-20T10:23:00.006+09:00

1. Two of my fav Moms from school had an Xmas party on Thursday. One used to live in the States and has the most amazing decorations for the holidays, Christmas included. I ate way too much and got the cutest chopsticks from her and some crazy adorable handmade Xmas pictures from the kiddies.

2. Hokkaido Professor and his wife invited me to dinner. It was yummy homemade Japanese food! I ate so much, but I was kinda full from no.3 (see below) Then his wife proceeded to give me half of her house! Literally--I left with this huge gift basket of handmade soaps, Shizuoka organic green tea (Shizuoka has the BEST green tea!!), Hokkaido chocolates, the best sponge cake ever, and tons of other goodies all wrapped in furoshiki. (I love furoshiki!!!)

3. CrazyCool Moms from my school had another Xmas party (the same day as the Professor's dinner.) I think these Moms are crazy cause they love coming up with routine dances and doing other funny things, but cool cause they talk about any and everything. Maui Momma bought all the food on the military base, so we ate yummy grilled chicken, made tacos, had shrimp platters and rolled our own sushi. I ate too much and they kept forcing food on me! Only one dad was present, English Papa, donned a Santa suit and grilled steaks and Heathrow potatoes---so good. (Breakfast today) Kids made their own Christmas cakes, which were a big mess--but they all had fun.

4. Y-Mama of the CrazyCool group informed me that I have less than two months to perfect my Naomi Watanabe Beyonce dance-----ahhhh!!!

5. My computer is majorly acting up. I'm scared to even say the "V" word, but I'm hoping it's not super sick. Might have to buy a new one this wkend ughhhh!!!

6. I have a semi-crush on the very cool DHL guy.

7. I got an adorable Xmas card from the Bakers in Florida!!! I'm so happy to see them enjoying their new home and life there!

8. We had a Mochi Festival at school on Friday. It was crazy as usual. Freezing cold and kids all excited to pound rice. I had fun cause I love this event, but I hate mochi lol!

9. I miss my Mom's Mexican chili. OMG it's so good--real Mexican chili doesn't have beans in it. (Ask a Mexican lol) But it's so yum and she always makes this huge pot with yellow rice and corn tortillas. We eat on it for days and later our bums are on fire. It's awesome with fried eggs...geez I'm fiending for it now!

10. Today is such a nice day--going out to enjoy it!!!

Peace!

I (Heart) 木下優樹菜

2009-12-15T17:47:00.003+09:00

I'm not usually obsessed with female celebs, but I totally love 木下優樹菜.

She's way cute, has fab style and I love her voice! Plus she's kinda famous for absolutely nothing, which is pretty damn cool, in itself.

She's been in a few tv shows, most recently, Mr. Brain, with super suave Kimutaka.

She's also a member of girl group Pabo and a Pinky magazine model.

Yukina with Pabo and Aladdin

I ♥ Yukina!!!

Ohmigod, I sound like a total stan....

Ok who do you stan for?

http://kinoshita-yukina.syncl.jp/

All I want for Christmas...

2009-12-15T16:39:00.004+09:00

...is for all of the supermarkets in Japan to ban the song "This Christmas" by Wham! Seriously, if I hear it ONE more time...

But for real.

One of my coworkers asked me today, "Kelsey Sensei, will you have a romantic Christmas dinner with your boyfriend??"

It was such a funny question, because of how she asked it. She had this twinkle in her eye, like she expected me to say "yes" and she would live vicariously through my post-Xmas details.

I was sorry to burst her bubble, but I replied, "Um, no. I don't have a boyfriend and I probably won't be having any sort of romance with my dinner on Xmas."

She dismally replied "Oh" and sighed as she went back to cutting Pokemon characters out of craft paper.

A few seconds later another coworker started talking about what she was making her husband get her for Xmas. It was pretty funny, because she basically demanded a new Gucci purse. She didn't ask, she flat out circled the picture of the bag she wanted in a catalog and tacked it to his bento. Talk about hilarious!

I started to think about what I wanted for Christmas...humm I pretty much have everything I really need, but there's always stuff I want...Here's a mini list (in case Santa Claus is reading)

1. Taiko Drum Master for my Wii

I'm totally addicted to this arcade game. I NEED to be able to play it in my house.

2. Anything Porter

(But not this bag. I already have it.)

I ♥ Porter. It's a borderline addiction, but their stuff is not only functional but totally stylish.

3. A hot, single, honest guy to take me out for coffee.

I'll take him.
Or him.

Not a boyfriend, just a coffee friend. We'll meet for coffee (or lunch), he totally lavishes me with gentlemanly attention, (and pays for the meal) then we leave and go our separate ways--until the next date.

4. Books.

Andie has been super busy. I understand, trust me. But I need new books asap. I have Tokyo Vice and Lords of Finance in my Amazon cart...but those won't hold me over for long. Any other recommendations?

5. My own personal esthetician.

I get tired of going to the salon and spa. She should be super cheap and always available, making house calls for massages, acupuncture, waxing and facials.

What do you want for Christmas? Do you have any special plans?

150 Things To Do Before You Turn 30...

2009-12-14T21:14:00.003+09:00

The ones I've completed are in the bold.
How many have you done?

01. Bought everyone in the bar a drink

02. Swam with dolphins

03. Climbed a mountain

04. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive (no, but I have taken a Hummer for one...does that count?)

05. Been inside the Great Pyramid

06. Held a tarantula

07. Taken a candlelit bath with someone

08. Said “I love you” and meant it

09. Hugged a tree

10. Bungee jumped

11. Visited Paris

12. Watched a lightning storm at sea

13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise

14. Seen the Northern Lights

15. Gone to a huge sports game

16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa

17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables

18. Touched an iceberg

19. Slept under the stars

20. Changed a baby’s diaper

21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon

22. Watched a meteor shower

23. Gotten drunk on champagne

24. Given more than you can afford to charity

25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope

26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment

27. Had a food fight

28. Bet on a winning horse

29. Asked out a stranger

30. Had a snowball fight

31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can

32. Held a lamb

33. Seen a total eclipse

34. Ridden a roller coaster

35. Hit a home run

36. Danced like a fool and didn’t care who was looking (this is pretty much what happens every time I dance)

37. Adopted an accent for an entire day

38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment (almost everyday)

39. Had two hard drives for your computer

40. Visited all 50 states

41. Taken care of someone who was drunk

42. Had amazing friends

43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country

44. Watched whales

45. Stolen a sign (a many times in high school)

46. Backpacked in Europe

47. Taken a road-trip

48. Gone rock climbing

49. Taken a midnight walk on the beach

50. Gone sky diving

51. Visited Ireland

52. Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love

53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger’s table and had a meal with them (it's how I met one of my really good friends here in Japan)

54. Visited Japan

55. Milked a cow

56. Alphabetized your CDs

57. Pretended to be a superhero

58. Sung karaoke (this is a regular thing in Japan)

59. Lounged around in bed all day (ooh this past wkend)

60. Played touch football

61. Gone scuba diving (in Thailand)

62. Kissed in the rain

63. Played in the mud

64. Played in the rain

65. Gone to a drive-in theater

66. Visited the Great Wall of China

67. Started a business

68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken

69. Toured ancient sites

70. Taken a martial arts class

71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight -what is D&D?????

72. Gotten married (see #75)

73. Been in a movie

74. Crashed a party

75. Gotten divorced

76. Gone without food for 5 days

77. Made cookies from scratch

78. Won first prize in a costume contest

79. Ridden a gondola in Venice

80. Gotten a tattoo---no thanks.

81. Rafted the Snake River

82. Been on a television news program as an “expert”

83. Gotten flowers for no reason

84. Performed on stage

85. Been to Las Vegas

86. Recorded music

87. Eaten shark

88. Kissed on the first date

89. Gone to Thailand

90. Bought a house

91. Been in a combat zone

92. Buried one or both of your parents--hopefully I won't have to ever!!!

93. Been on a cruise ship

94. Spoken more than one language fluently

95. Performed in Rocky Horror

96. Raised children

97. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour

98. Passed out cold

99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country

100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over

101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge

102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn’t stop when you knew someone was looking with the windows open

103. Had plastic surgery (as a child)

104. Survived an accident that you shouldn’t have survived

105. Wrote articles for a large publication

106. Lost over 100 pounds

107. Held someone while they were having a flashback

108. Piloted an airplane

109. Touched a stingray

110. Broken someone’s heart

111. Helped an animal give birth

112. Won money on a TV game show

113. Broken a bone

114. Gone on an African photo safari

115. Had a facial part pierced other than your ears (my tongue, during a rebellious phase in university. Took it out a wk later to work on a senator's campaign!)

116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol

117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild

118. Ridden a horse

119. Had major surgery

120. Had a snake as a pet

121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon

122. Slept for 30 hours in a 48 hour period

123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. States

124. Visited all 7 continents

125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days

126. Eaten kangaroo meat

127. Eaten sushi

128. Had your picture in the newspaper

129. Changed someone’s mind about something you care deeply about

130. Gone back to school

131. Parasailed

132. Touched a cockroach

133. Eaten fried green tomatoes

134. Read The Iliad and The Odyssey

135. Selected one “important” author who you missed in school, and read

136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating

137. Skipped all your school reunions

138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language

139. Been elected to public office

140. Written your own computer language

141. Thought to yourself that you’re living your dream

142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care

143. Built your own PC from parts

144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn’t know you

145. Had a booth at a street fair

146. Dyed your hair

147. Been a DJ

148. Shaved your head (once in high school)

149. Caused a car accident

150. Saved someone’s life

Kat Badar has the most AMAZING voice

2009-12-13T13:19:00.000+09:00

Tosha hipped me to her. She has true talent.

It's Christmas Time!

2009-12-13T08:39:00.003+09:00

Chiaki Sempai and Nodame selling Xmas donuts!!!

On Friday, I had my final lesson of 2009 with the Shogakusei kiddies. We did origami. In English. It was a break from the normal strict studies from Edo Period English books, so the kids were all excited to fold little pieces of paper into Santa Claus and reindeer. Only three or four of my kids knew about "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer", everyone else kept asking "Kelsey Sensei, why is his nose red? Shouldn't it be brown?"

Some kids asked me about my huge Christmas tree. (Because all Americans have a huge Xmas tree in their tiny Japanese apts haha!) I didn't have the heart to tell them that I bought a 60cm one from Daiso (our dollar store) and it has one measly strand of pink lights on it.

My Mother would be simply horrified if she knew. I did, however, put up a cute Xmas wreath on my front door. I made it about 2 years ago, in a Christmas decorating frenzy.

Pretty damn cute, if I may say so myself...but I'm not gonna go selling em on ETSY or anything.

The other day in the supermarket, people were lined up to put orders in for Christmas Cakes. It was pure insanity. And KFC had a sign out that said "Christmas Chicken all sold out".

In Japan, Christmas is chopped up and repackaged as a couple's holiday, so if you're single, you will spend the night watch SMAPxSMAP Christmas special on tv and eating a single slice of the Cozy Corner cake (like I did two years ago). One thing Japan does do right about Xmas--is all the illuminations!!! Gosh Tokyo Midtown is prolly one of the best, but even in Yokohama there are fab light displays!

Luckily, some Tokyo friends are having a Xmas bash--so I might not have to fried chicken --or at least eat it alone this year.

新, 新, 新, 新, 新 and more 新

2009-12-13T08:10:00.003+09:00

新 or "shin" means "new"

As in 新逗子駅 or 新幹線...but NOT as in 品川...or three boxes at the river, as I like to say.

According to my daily Japan Today news updates, "Shin" was voted the kanji to best describe the year of 2009. I think it's a really good kanji, at least to describe how my year was. New breaks, new starts, and a whole lotta new stuff!

I didn't study enough to take the JLPT, because I had a whole lot of personal things going on. And well, I was just flat out lazy. But I did learn a lot of new Japanese words and finally mastered stroke order on a lot of old words. One of my coworkers is the Queen of Kanji. No joke. (She literally got another teacher fired because she wasn't teaching stroke order correctly.) Queen of Kanji or "Ms.QK", as I will refer to her from now, taught me 30 kanji in one day.

When she saw me writing my school's address incorrectly, she rushed to the copier to print out a gazillion worksheets for me and then attacked them viciously with her red pen after I completed them. This actually worked wonders for me--and later my 85-year old kanji teacher praised my improvement (and Ms.QK's teaching skills, as well.)

(Kanji is mad difficult, but I prefer to katakana.)

Alas, "Shin" is a good kanji for Japan's 2009.

Some of the posters on Japan Today had me in stitches, laughing at their comments:

"they are kidding. 'Shin' is kanji for this year because it was the next most used word after 'Obama' this year. . .Shin as in Shinagata influenza."

"My vote was "減" (cut down, decrease, bonus etc)"

"I agree with Bungalow, it isn't just about the new Government but also because of Shingata influenza. 'Kusuri' would have been better though. Sakai Noriko, Manabu Oshio, plus tamiflu."

"Shin: New: New bankruptcies, new unemployment, new suicide increase, new foreclosures, new corporate scandals, ...and the list goes on..."

I love it!

I had a lot of new things happen to me in 2009. What about you?

さくひんてん and Mayu's Wedding

2009-12-07T23:55:00.009+09:00

さくひんてん??

It's basically a school festival. In previous years we had sea and jungle themes. This year was "Around the World". I'm glad no one assumed I just would do all the America-themed stuff. (BUT I did get late night emails asking for a copy of the Star-Spangled Banner like I had that CD just laying around lol) I also helped make the Statue of Liberty.

For not having ever seen it in real life, I think I did a pretty damn good job!

I also made two surfboards to go with the Hawaii part.
(One is supposed to mimic Dick Brewer boards, but none of my coworkers knew what it said.)

Anyways, I thought about lending my board to the school for the two days, but then I remembered how destructive small kids can be, when having fun. So a few teachers helped me make these out of cardboard. At the end of day one, they were beaten up and battered by kids (and Dads) who took pictures with them.

I also made this small sign to go at the bottom of Mt.Fuji...damn cool, right!

I love the "fish" that Kiryu Sensei made. You could chop it in half with the lifelike-fake knife she also made.

I had fun pretending the fish was one of my coworkers...shhhhh...

I had such a great time participating in the festival!!

Yes. Another wedding....

One of my coworkers got married.

I was invited to her wedding party. It was held at a fab little beach side cafe in Chigasaki.

Mayu Sensei is always trying to get me to move to Chigasaki! If it wasn't for the long commute everyday I prolly would!

Now THAT was a real kiss!

I have a funny story to tell--kinda about the wedding:

So somewhere between meeting my coworkers for the drive to Chigasaki and my house, I ripped one of my thigh highs. Badly. I couldn't go barelegged, cause it was cold (and well a Japanese style party too, so it just didn't seem OK) I went to three conbinis and one footwear store and NO ONE had sheer black thigh highs!!!! So I asked our driver to stop at the 7/11 on the way. It was a Sunday and a sunny one at that, so of course the road was filled with traffic headed to the beach. When we got near the 7/11, I said I would jump out and run in get whatever they had and be right back out before the traffic moved again. GRANTED I have done this a million and one times. LITERALLY. Jump out before the light, run in, get stuff, get back to the car. Anyone who knows this area, knows it is perfectly possible. Well low and behold, traffic starts to move and I'm trying to catch up with the car that is now halfway to the curry restaurant!!! Here I am running down Rt.134 in heels after my coworkers. It was crazy, but I finally caught up and jumped back in the car to change my hosiery.

No one would have guessed that I ran along Rt.134 to get those knee-highs!!!!

It was crazy, but I can totally laugh at it now.

I love it!

2009-11-29T15:06:00.002+09:00

Here's the trailer for a new movie called "Babies", coming out in 2010. It follows the lives of four babies born all over the world for a year.

It's from Focus Features, a film division of Universal, which time after time, has made amazing films. I love "Lost in Translation" (I think every woman living in Japan can relate to this film), "Sylvia" and "The Pianist". Check one of their films out!

Thanksgiving

2009-11-27T10:02:00.003+09:00

Thanksgiving was yesterday in Japan.

I, like everyone else in this country (not military related) had to work. But right after I got off, I changed out of my trainers and into a spiffy dress, headed to Ueno to grub with friends.

We ate at the Hard Rock for Turkey Day. The meal was less than exciting, but being in the company of good friends was better than say...eating kaiten sushi alone.

Sorry folks no pics, just a slight headache from the four glasses of wine.

(And the indescribable yearning for my Mom's meat dressing.)

Two of my friends, Rachel and Ryosuke, aren't American, so we had to explain the tradition of saying what you're thankful for.

Rachel said she was thankful for "being finished with school" and Ryosuke said he was "thankful to experience Thanksgiving".

I'm thankful for:

-Having a job, when the economy is so crap.
-Living in another country (that is a pretty safe country, is a plus!)
-My family and friends all being healthy

and

- that Ishihashi was caught

Tis' is all.

BTW my friend Bambi was in a super cute pera pera CM. Check her out here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1Mt291pcyA

I (Heart) Phontaine

2009-11-23T14:11:00.001+09:00

I found this song through a friend of a friend's blog. I absolutely love it.

What do you mean, you don't know Jonte Moaning?

2009-11-23T13:29:00.005+09:00

Jonte is BIG in Japan.

"You don't know who he is???!!!" one of my Japanese friends exclaimed.

(Nope I had no idea.)

Jonte is "well-known" for being a New York fashion designer/artist/singer, but mostly for his dance choreography skills. He's trained Janet Jackson and Beyonce to name a few. Apparently he's all the rage in Japan and has been on a few tv shows here as well. (Once again, I had no idea.)

His lyrics are pretty wow, but he has some amazing legs for a dude. And he can dance.

I can definitely see where Beyonce gets all of her moves from. Jonte also teaches classes. Check out these Jkids doing his moves:

Anyways here's your Jonte dose! Enjoy!
(Warning: This video is WILD.)

Chrisette Michele in Tokyo

2009-11-20T20:25:00.004+09:00

At 26 years old, Chrisette Michele already has a Grammy award under her fab leather belt. She has this amazing voice and honestly don't get enough radio play.

Chrisette Michele at Borders in New York City
Uploaded by apartment3b. - Explore more music videos.

I saw her first, a few years ago in a Nas video, where she sang the hook to "Can't Forget About You". Oh, did I mention-- Her voice is AMAZING!

Jerice and I went to see her at Billboard Live in Tokyo this past Wednesday.

Night time illumination in Tokyo Midtown--gorgeous!

Billboard Live is the fab concert venue in Tokyo Midtown. It's very swank and posh inside, with cushy sofas and corner booths to snuggle up to your loved one, as you hear the band play. (Unfortunately, I didn't have anyone to snuggle with!)

I did learn that Japanese ppl don't get super excited at concerts. At least not at this one. The crowd was very...dead. (Nothing like Fuji Rock!)

I'd say Jerice and I were the genkiest ppl there next to one super gay Japanese man.

Our cool waitress, Gayle, hooked us up with the manager who brought us backstage to meet Michele, her family and band. They were all super nice.

She is really that FAB.

Her makeup was caked on---but on point. Does that make sense? I mean she looked flawless, but up close it was a lot of makeup. I think celebs have to do that for performing tho.

She shops at Intermix, which must have cute clothes, cause she looked fab!(Chrisette Michele is maybe a size 12 or 14.) I expected her to be more talkative, but it was actually her mom who was super chatty. I experienced another great concert here in Japan and learned something that, well, I already knew:

Celebrities are just regular old people, like you and me.

It rings so true to my own heart.

President Obama and Thriller

2009-11-16T12:35:00.001+09:00

I love this guy!

Good Things Come in Threes!!!

2009-11-10T21:51:00.002+09:00

Today was an awesome day. Three amazingly good things happened to me.

1. ETC Card came!!! Yippie!!! Cheap toll roads!

2. My college homeboy Kato called from Okinawa! We chatted for nearly two hours--which usually happens when we talk--but he gave me the other good news:

3. ISHIHASHI WAS CAUGHT!!!!!

According to Kato, Ishihashi was caught in Osaka at a ferry port (trying to head to Okinawa, where Kato was waiting to catch his arse for the reward money!) Kato literally called me minutes after the news segment aired.

TBS confirmed the good news:

After all this time, I'm finally glad that the Hawker Family can be at some peace, knowing this maniac isn't roaming free anymore.

My Grandma used to say "Good things come in threes"...I'm definitely lighting some candles for her this weekend!!!!

The Little Tiger Woods: Kota Kagasaki

2009-11-03T08:44:00.003+09:00

I must admit that I'm not a big fan of golf. I prefer sports where people are smashing into each other, recklessly knocking one another over for points. Sports like Sumo and American Football, to be frank.

But on today's Minota show, was a segment on the "Little Tiger Woods"--not Tiger as a child, but Kota Kagasaki, a 12 year old golfing prodigy.

He wants to follow in Woods' footsteps, hoping to beat his record by the time he's 18. He was way adorable and spoke eloquently as he told Woods that he planned to outscore him at Japan's Narita Golf Club.

Here's a link to his fanpage: http://kotakagasaki.com/

New Stuff...

2009-11-03T08:07:00.006+09:00

Thinking about all I have to do...

I've been pretty busy recently and a lot of blogging has been put on hold--in addition, to many other things. I went to an amazing wedding. It made me kinda want to have one of my own, but I don't want to be married LOL. Kinda defeats the whole purpose!

New Balance kicks. Super warm and lace less...Very cool, if I may say so myself.

Morisaki Mom at my school made this straw basket for me! It's huge and holds my bath towels.

Krispy Kreme opened in Yokohama.
Only 28 minutes to get crack-glazed yummyness.
Went one time and now will avoid at all costs!!!!

C-chan got into the Halloween spirit! Way cute!!!!

It's a bit old, but still cracks me up.
All the Kanye West photos and aps!
On Facebook you can even "Kanye" your friends LOL!

Tsukasa and Caroline: 御結婚おめでとうございます, 永久にとわにお幸せに

2009-11-01T22:25:00.008+09:00

I went to a wedding on Halloween.

I love these guys!

My good friend Tsukasa tied the knot with a lovely French Canadian girl, Caroline.

All my old Nova Jstudents were there! It was fab!

I reunited with Mhari as well. She's probably the coolest British chick I know.

And a good time was had by all.

Wishing them both many years of happiness!

We were once a fairytale?

2009-10-21T00:03:00.001+09:00

Not sure what I think of this.

Malinda and Kenji's Baby Shower

2009-10-18T17:29:00.008+09:00

Every baby needs some Anpanman goods!!!!

I was a little late arriving!!! Sorry girls---but we still had an awesome time!

Well, I'm admittingly not very good at planning parties, but I wanted to do something for Malinda and Kenji before Masaya came into the world. I swear Malinda is my sister from another mother! She's very uplifting, honest and positive. I wish she wasn't moving back to NYC, but I will definitely have to come visit her.

Chatting up with new friends

The lovely--but very goofy--couple!

We grubbed on massive portions of American style breakfast food at Suji's in Azabu-Juban. The food was amazing. Honestly, I have to go back!

The Suji's omelet was DA BOMB!!!!

Kenji's huge burrito!

Malinda's awesome Lumberjack!

She got some awesome gifts from the girls!

Lil' apron so Masaya can start off cooking young!

Way cute and super soft winter coat

Showing how Masaya will do the dance in his jimbe!

Malinda explaining how your boobs swell up, with Kenji grinning!

Handmade card! Freaking adorable!

Suji's special dessert---yummy!

A great time was had by all!

10/03/2009...

2009-10-05T20:15:00.001+09:00

It was mad crazy...

Japanese Supermarket Shopping???

2009-09-22T08:55:00.006+09:00

Do you like vegetable gratin? This frozen one is da ish!!!

Grocery shopping in Japan is like heaven for the single person.

Portion sizes are perfect enough to where there's plenty for a meal, but none left over for the next day. A lot of supermarkets have freshly prepared meals, full bentos (boxed meals) and side dishes--all reasonable priced.

Discounted pasta salad by 20%

The best part is that after 7 p.m. or 8 (depending on where you live and shop) a lot of the stores will mark these down to 20-50% off, making shopping for food even cheaper and easier.

もやし (moyashi) a bean sprout, is super cheap and very yummy in dishes!

The items, for the most part in grocery stores here--at least the big ones--are comparative to ones back home in the States. You can find shampoo, detergent, cereal and vegetables all in one place.

Soyjoy not very yummy, but available here and back home

I try to avoid Seiyu stores here, because they are owned by the demonic Walmart. Just like in America, Seiyu in my area, often has the cheapest prices. I like Suzukiya and Motomachi Union for their choice of import items and both also have random discount sales. AVE, maybe exclusively to the Yokosuka and Miura areas, have super cheap prices as well. Shopper's Plaza, a mall in this area, has a Daiei in addition to a ton of other stores. Daiei has good deals--but I often wonder if it's co-owned by Walmart as well??

Like Bubba, I love shrimp! This small pkg of frozen cleaned shrimp cost almost $4!

When I lived in Fuji, I mostly shopped at Espot. Espot is this fantastic store that sold everything. When I say everything, I mean EVERYTHING and prices were amazing! Fujinomiya has a Jusco, which is a big shopping mall that also has everything in one place. I really liked the yummy fresh croissants made in the bakery there.

A good way to save money in Japan, is to buy locally. I used to live in Miura and my old landlord would give me amazing deals on fresh veggies from their own farm. Now I can buy locally in Mikasa Mall or in the Shonan Village area and Kamakura. You find deals like a whole head of cabbage for about 50 cent or big bundle of jalapeno peppers for $1.00.

Cheap mushrooms almost sold out

I once stupidly bought a pack of 12 kiwis for 100 yen. My friend and I thought "What an amazing deal for kiwi!!" So instead of splitting a pack, we both bought our own. All of the kiwis were in pristine condition and yummy, but three days later, I couldn't stomach the taste of another one.

I also shop at COSTCO. I buy detergent, cheese, and seasonings mostly from there. They have a big selection of Wii Games and English books as well. I find I often waste a lot of money there and leave with the randomest things. But its good place for stuff from home and if you're planning a big party or bbq. Plus they have the best seafood pizza and churros.

I guess the hardest part about shopping in Japan is the lack of coupons. Sure there are point cards and special offers, but I miss shopping with my Mom who has the uncanny ability to go in a store with $20 and arm full of coupons and come out with 2 grocery carts full of deals.

Though if you shop wisely and within your means, you can easily save money here in Japan.

These kiddies agree!!! (Just kidding...random pose for the camera! Gotta love em!)

She's Mad Cool: 上原ひろみ

2009-09-22T08:29:00.002+09:00

A few months back, I was watching some J-TV music program (or shall I say, it was watching me...) and there were several different artists talking about various musical styles. Superfly (a popular Japanese singer) was discussing 上原ひろみ.

I instantly popped back to life once Uehara started to play the piano!

Hiromi Uehara is probably one of my favoritae piantist. She's from Hamamatsu, Shizuoka--which is not a relatively exciting place, but has fond memories for me, from my first year in Japan.

Like many other musical geniuses, she started playing her instrument at a young age. I like how she always seems incredibly happy and fun-loving when she's on the piano. Her genre is mostly jazz, but she also plays some rock and classical pieces as well.

She has a wiki so you can read all about her there: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hiromi_Uehara

Her performances are incredible!

Hiromi Uehara - Time Out
.

And some more of her doing Gershwin:

Hiromi ueharaーI've Got Rhythm
.

Check out Hiromi:http://www.hiromiuehara.com/en/

Beyonce's Reaction to Kanye

2009-09-15T20:35:00.000+09:00

I love it.

Things I love: Japanese Magazines

2009-09-13T14:59:00.003+09:00

Like Anna Sui??? Get this issue of SWEET, and a free cosmetic tote and wallet!

Anyone who knows me from back home, knows that I used to have a serious magazine addiction. I used to always buy the latest issues of People Style Watch, Women's Health, The Economist (which is pricey), and Coastal Living from whatever supermarket or bookstore I frequented.

Even with the Internet and issues being online (and usually free) I still loved to hold the newest copy of my favorite magazine in my hand, turning each glossy page with a (slightly obsessed) twinkle of joy in my eyes.

It was a huge waste of money, if I think back on it now. Living in Japan kinda helped to cure that problem. I had pretty much stopped buying magazines all together unless I went to Costco. I would pick up a copy of Real Simple, look at the 1000 yen price sticker (about $9.60) and think "naw I don't really need it".

Shonan Style...doesn't come with freebies, but has tons of other good info inside!

I have, however, allowed myself one magazine indulgence every month, which is Shonan Style, my absolute fav magazine. It shows the interiors and designs of local homes in this area, in addition to reviewing shops and restaurants. Whenever I walked into a local bookstore, I looked for that magazine and that one only...Until I discovered Japanese fashion magazines.

In Red, comes with two Marc Jacobs mini totes...and an interview with actress/singer, You--who I love!

Japanese fashion magazines are thicker and bigger than their American counterparts. (Think: Every issue is like a U.S. VOGUE---thick, glossy, and juicy...but with a lot of info that I'm not particularity interested in.) There's a different magazine for every age and interest group, but I kinda don't pay attention to that either.

I guess if I had to pick what magazine I like the most, it would be MORE or Glitter. MORE is very late 20s-something Japanesey women's fashion, but has great clothes in it. Glitter is very heavy eye makeup, high heels and Westernized.

But the best part of all Japanese magazine is the FREEBIES!!!!!!

This issue of Steady has a super cute agnes b tote in it!

From DHC skincare kits to cute Cath Kidston eco bags, you almost always get a lil' freebie in your magazine. This is super cool cause if there's a particular product or item you want to try, but don't want to buy a full-size of, you can get the magazine with its freebie in it. Plus the free item is usually ONLY made here in Japan, for this area's market.

If you ever get the chance to try some Japanese fashion magazines, be sure to check out what free item you will get! It might be a CHER tote bag or a limited edition miu miu cosmetic pouch----I love it!

Back at work...

2009-09-03T03:20:00.002+09:00

Yesterday was my first day back at work after a long summer off. It wasn't even a "real day", in my opinion. Kids came to school and did exercises, went to pray at the temple, and went home.

No really.

They were at school from 9-11 a.m. and then got on the bus to head back to their Mommies.

So it was a really easy day.

I love coming back to school after a long vacation.

The kids all notice a haircut or new shoes and say something cute. Plus there's tons of omiyage, or presents, waiting on my desk. Mostly all of the kids were happy to see me, but one little boy told on me for fudging the words to the prayer.

Sure I've been at the school now for more than four years, but there are just too many Buddhist prayers to remember!

So I was singing some random Japanese in a low voice and the kid was looking right at my mouth. Then he said something like "Kelsey Teacher! Those aren't the right words!!"

At that point, the other kids around him turned to look at me and I was slightly embarrassed.

But I instantly thought, "Hey these are 5 year olds."

So I made my meanest face and said "うるさい！” (Urusai!)

Which literally means "Noisy!!" (But at that time meant, "Be quiet!")

It's actually one of my favorite words to use, cause kids instantly shut up, when you say it.

Other useful words for kiddies include:

おいい！Oii! -Hey!! (Like pay attention!) It's a kinda rude, but I still love it. I only use it with the elementary kids if they are really bad.

だいじょうぶですか？Daijyoubu desu ka? -Are you ok?

バンゾクBanzoku -Means "band-aid", little kids want a band-aid for everything

かしてくださいKashite kudasai. - usually kids will add this after something they want to borrow. Like "chopsticks kashite kudasai", it's only for something you will return later.

いきましょう！Ikimashyo! -Let's go.

ねむいですか？Nemui desu ka? -Are you sleepy?

なにあての？Naniateno? -Literally "what are you doing?", depending on the tone of your voice, it could be semi-polite or a "what the f**k's going on here!"

げんきですか？Genki desuka? -are you happy?

おやすみ！Oyasumi! -It means "goodnight", but also can mean "goodbye" or "absent"

20世紀少年: Possibly the funniest thing I've seen in a long time

2009-08-31T20:16:00.007+09:00

The other night I watched "20th Century Boys" Part 1 and 2. They are probably my two favorite Japanese movies I have seen since Nobody Knows and Otegami. (Actually Otegami was really depressing...)

I kept seeing commercials for part three of 20th Century Boys on tv all summer and never got past the scary ぼくのともだち. I was with some friends in Tsutaya the other day and there was nothing else to rent, so we figured "Why not?"

The first movie is hilarious. It starts off with Kenji, one of the main characters with a baby carrier on, working in a conbini. (My friend Matt thought he had the wrong movie, with that as the first scene.)

Basically some childhood friends make a secret hideout in a field one summer. They make a fictitious story about the future and draw a symbol that represents their friendship. The pact is simply called "Tomodachi" or friend. There is one mysterious boy who was always lurking around the other kids with a kinda scary mask on. He's the kid with the deep voice saying "けんじくんあそびましょ。。。" which means "Kenji come and play." Yeah right. Kenji and friends looked at the crazy boy, like "hell no, we know you're nuts."

Fast forward to the present day 2000, and people are suddenly dying or committing suicide. Someone in Kenji's small group of friends has created a cult called "Tomodachi". The stories they made up as kids are now becoming true and the "tomodachi" sign is everywhere, especially on college campuses. People of all ages are joining the cult "Friend" and doing weird things. The leader of "Friend" looks like this:

For real.

By making Kenji seem like a terrorist, Tomodachi turns all the Japanese ppl against him. He starts off with Japan and then moves forward spreading his "Friendship" nonsense to the world. The crazy man above becomes Prime Minister and controls everything. And if you don't follow "Friend" you get sent off to "Tomodachi Land", a Disney-like place of mind control.

Ahhh I don't want to spoil it for you, but this series is great!!!
I love the campy humor and it's a little scary in some parts.

And mostly I really like saying:
みんなさんともだちだよ！！！

Official website:http://www.20thboys.com/index.html

****FYI: You can watch a lot of the movies with English subtitles on youtube!!!

Second Thoughts?

2009-08-31T19:53:00.003+09:00

Well the election polls are in and the LDP is out and the DPJ has won...you don't need me to tell you all the gushy details, that's what Google is for.

Anyways I'm a little sad that Yokokume didn't win. After meeting him, I was really impressed with his honest and polite personality. I'm not so sure how I feel about Koizumi now...this video paints him as a total ass. Watch around the 18 sec. mark as he totally ignores Yokokume not once but TWICE, even though he patiently waited to talk to him.

Despite the election, Koizumi could have still been polite. I guess it doesn't matter since he's won now. It'll be interesting to see how the government changes now that a whole new party has taken over.

Kelsey in Japan

久しぶり。。。ごめんね！

Keep Calm and Whip yo hair

Post Earthquake Feelings and Guam Trip

Very late #2: February trip to Chiba and Roppongi Hills

Very late post from New Year's Kansai Trip

What's going on right now~~~

Happy New Year!

茅ヶ崎 and Ohno

"Wow you look so different in person"~~~~

So loving it right now.

ひさしぶり: Long time no see

夏やすみ in pictures

Dali and the dark meat

Too Damn Funny: INEBRIATION

Three Things Right Now

New Andre 3000 and Basketball

a perfect place

Inception.

Ten Things Right Now

OMG the biggest F------

So I've Been Kinda Lazy...

What's Goin' On?

So cute! I love 木村 カエラ

I kinda hate Mondays and Tuesdays

Random find: Yokohama's アメリカ山公園

富士市 and 白糸の滝

Prolly one of the best soccer CMs ever

So Gangsta...

A bit of randomness: Health Check, Oedo Onsen, 三笠公園 and Perry Museum

Treadmill Motivation#1

PSA about Taiji's Dolphin Problem

Hil Video from Youtube

Born Free

Randomness Sunday

"Do all Japanese men cheat?"

うんこ！and a night at Roppongi Hills

Tochigi

I like Dante Carver and the White Family

矢島美容室 and Why I'm so addicted to them

Another Graduation

こどもの国: A fun place to take kids

花粉: Hayfever in February

Drag and Ash: 沖縄 Style

Penang

Is it Summer yet?

Do you overshare?

Battle Royale

Mini Rant.

So I went to a Catholic church...

OMG 沖縄 was fab! Damn! Back in mainland.

Ten Things Right Now.

Racism in China?

Racism in Japan?

New Years お正月

I'd Do It All Again

Ten Things Right Now

I (Heart) 木下優樹菜

All I want for Christmas...

150 Things To Do Before You Turn 30...

Kat Badar has the most AMAZING voice

It's Christmas Time!

新, 新, 新, 新, 新 and more 新

さくひんてん and Mayu's Wedding

I love it!

Thanksgiving

I (Heart) Phontaine

What do you mean, you don't know Jonte Moaning?

Chrisette Michele in Tokyo

President Obama and Thriller

Good Things Come in Threes!!!

The Little Tiger Woods: Kota Kagasaki

New Stuff...

Tsukasa and Caroline: 御結婚おめでとうございます, 永久にとわにお幸せに

We were once a fairytale?

Malinda and Kenji's Baby Shower

10/03/2009...

Japanese Supermarket Shopping???

She's Mad Cool: 上原ひろみ

Beyonce's Reaction to Kanye

So cute! I love 木村カエラ