Tuesday April 1, 4:40 p.m.
Another April Fool's Day....the day when all the newspapers can intentionally put out all sorts of crap. I got another pay day from Cozy for that little translation effort. I was surprised to see that I got quite a bit more than I had supposedly earned. Hopefully, that wasn't part of April Fool's. In any case, I gratefully sent a thank you not to him. Still haven't heard anything from Paddy's buddy.
It was another Beehive treat for me for lunch. They took me out for sushi at the nearby restaurant. I'm grateful but considering that I'm still paying off their advance, I'm gonna be making myself scarce again for the next few weeks after the lessons. 002 was her usual cheery self; she and her husband had gone to Kyoto for a little R&R a couple of weeks back. Looks like they have a recommended restaurant for me. It's a place called Hinode (Sunrise) Udon which specializes in Curry Udon (about as close to Indian Curry as a Big Mac would be to a hambaagu in this burg). Apparently, it's all in the creaminess of the curry sauce which has fish stock in it.
I've got my juku crowd in about an hour. It should be OK...Suzanne, The Mild Family and then maybe...just maybe...Jolly, if he hasn't been pulled into some Fiscal Year Opening Ceremony gig.
I've been looking for a microwave oven between classes. I first took a look at Loft, the oh-so-trendy equivalent of an Ikea in Funabashi, but it seems that they only have the smaller kitchen stuff and not really appliances per se. Then, I tried the Seiyu by Urayasu Station. I did find one for a little less than 10,000 yen which is really bargain basement for microwave ovens. And it certainly looks it: no digital display; it's basically a toaster-oven with radioactivity. But I'm in no real hurry to get one. I've still gotta save up and besides, I've got alternatives to warm up my coffee anyways.
Speaking of Big Macs, first there was the Mega Mac which was introduced here early last year. Then there was the Teriyaki Mega Mac. Finally on Friday, we'll have the Mega McMuffin for breakfast. Won't be around for the debut, but if The Nurse schedules another early Wednesday class next week, I'll definitely check it out.
Just a place to deposit my thoughts on life here in the Kanto and about anything else that sticks to my walls.
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Monday, March 31, 2008
Monday March 31, 10:45 p.m.
Well, another long Monday night comes to an end. Still, it was a good trio. The Tippler had a good first class...very conversant, just like in the model lesson. The Bostonian was a bit all over the place but she has a good sense of humour about it all. Medicine Man is quite sobersided but we had some good discussion on some philosophical matters. If Monday nights are locked like this, then I should actually enjoy my time.
The Lens called up to say that he would be willing to change the venue over to Shinjuku to facilitate the contact on Wednesday. Very magnanimous of him. And I think the variety in restaurants is far better there than at Suitengumae. I've yet to hear from Paddy's associate about the translation gig. I hope I hear something by tomorrow.
But I'm a tired teacher right now and I have kilometres to go before I sleep....and that I shall do for the next few hours anyways.
Well, another long Monday night comes to an end. Still, it was a good trio. The Tippler had a good first class...very conversant, just like in the model lesson. The Bostonian was a bit all over the place but she has a good sense of humour about it all. Medicine Man is quite sobersided but we had some good discussion on some philosophical matters. If Monday nights are locked like this, then I should actually enjoy my time.
The Lens called up to say that he would be willing to change the venue over to Shinjuku to facilitate the contact on Wednesday. Very magnanimous of him. And I think the variety in restaurants is far better there than at Suitengumae. I've yet to hear from Paddy's associate about the translation gig. I hope I hear something by tomorrow.
But I'm a tired teacher right now and I have kilometres to go before I sleep....and that I shall do for the next few hours anyways.
Monday March 31, 7:01 p.m.
Yes, I guess I have a lot to get off my mind today. For one thing, I just read that John Roberts of CNN's "American Morning" (which will be having its last appearance on CNNj tonight before we're stuck with "CNN Today" for the foreseeable future) is thinking of being a bit more hep, a bit less scripted. So I wonder if this means that he's going to be bringing back more of his old 80s J.D. Roberts persona from "The New Music" and "Muchmusic". Will he grow a mullet or will he play air guitar once more? Inquiring minds want to know. Maybe we're getting rid of "American Morning" at just the right time.
The Anime King got back to me to say that he's ordered a CD for me in thanks for all those packages I've redirected to him. It's by Kokia...a name I've heard before but can't really peg. It's a woman, by the way.
It'll be a busy early half to the week. I'm pretty solidly booked up until Thursday. I've only got The Yogist then and then dinner with The Sisters of State in Roppongi. 002 will be back online tomorrow afternoon to fill up the gap between The Beehive and the juku gang. I wonder if Jolly will show up tomorrow night.
Rather ironic considering the migraine I suffered on Saturday that I haven't had any major hay fever outbreaks. I did take the meds yesterday just in case but there hasn't been any need for me at all to do so today. Just as well, since I used the last two pills on Sunday. One reason is that there was a major downpour this morning as I was heading out to Shibuya; all that pollen just got washed down the drain. Tomorrow could be problematic, though.
It's possible that the cold snap of the last couple of days may preserve those cherry blossoms for a few more days. Friday night was a literal washout due to the rain then but yesterday brought out the masses for O-hanami. It was pretty darn cold to just sit around though. I actually felt sorry for the children on NHK's cameras; they were shivering like anything.
Well, The Tippler should be here shortly...
Yes, I guess I have a lot to get off my mind today. For one thing, I just read that John Roberts of CNN's "American Morning" (which will be having its last appearance on CNNj tonight before we're stuck with "CNN Today" for the foreseeable future) is thinking of being a bit more hep, a bit less scripted. So I wonder if this means that he's going to be bringing back more of his old 80s J.D. Roberts persona from "The New Music" and "Muchmusic". Will he grow a mullet or will he play air guitar once more? Inquiring minds want to know. Maybe we're getting rid of "American Morning" at just the right time.
The Anime King got back to me to say that he's ordered a CD for me in thanks for all those packages I've redirected to him. It's by Kokia...a name I've heard before but can't really peg. It's a woman, by the way.
It'll be a busy early half to the week. I'm pretty solidly booked up until Thursday. I've only got The Yogist then and then dinner with The Sisters of State in Roppongi. 002 will be back online tomorrow afternoon to fill up the gap between The Beehive and the juku gang. I wonder if Jolly will show up tomorrow night.
Rather ironic considering the migraine I suffered on Saturday that I haven't had any major hay fever outbreaks. I did take the meds yesterday just in case but there hasn't been any need for me at all to do so today. Just as well, since I used the last two pills on Sunday. One reason is that there was a major downpour this morning as I was heading out to Shibuya; all that pollen just got washed down the drain. Tomorrow could be problematic, though.
It's possible that the cold snap of the last couple of days may preserve those cherry blossoms for a few more days. Friday night was a literal washout due to the rain then but yesterday brought out the masses for O-hanami. It was pretty darn cold to just sit around though. I actually felt sorry for the children on NHK's cameras; they were shivering like anything.
Well, The Tippler should be here shortly...
Monday March 31, 6:32 p.m.
Finished off my dinner of slimy bamboo shoot salad and the bacon epi. I also redeemed my 5 cards, each of which I got with every 500-yen plus purchase at La Vie Du France for a cute little bowl...just what I need...one more bowl with the dozens of other bowls stuffed in my cabinet. Well, if any newbie needs any bowls...or would like to trade for a dead microwave...
Looks like I missed my opportunity this Saturday to teach The Manhattanite for the first time in some weeks. She wanted to get something after 4:30 but I'll be heading home by that point to see MB for DVD night. I'm glad that Speedy is rather generous about that sort of thing...he could've easily reminded me that I promised to keep 11-5 open three Saturdays a month, but he just said he would teach her himself.
Automan is really making his reappearance known for this month. He's got two parties going for the 11th and 12th of April and has sent the invitations via Facebook. I have given my RSVP for the Saturday since Friday is my juku night. Speaking about see old faces, I'm supposed to be seeing The Lens this Wednesday during a small window since I'll be fitting him in between The Nurse and 001.
Going back to the Ol' Teahouse Ladies, it was curious that The Operator invited me and her two fellow ladies, The Argentinian and The Flutist, but not The Stick. Curious, but perhaps not surprising. For one thing, The Stick was never part of the regular Friday night group at the ol' Tea Room, and despite her status of being one of their classmates back at the ol' school, I had always gotten the feeling that she was never the most popular of people...she had a very moody side...kinda Jack Cafferty-like despite the fact that she doesn't look anything like him.
Well, I've got my threesome starting up in about 35 minutes. The new student, The Tippler, is on deck first, followed by The Bostonian and then Medicine Man. The Tippler should be interesting. She is more fluent than her buddy, The Yogist (and she's no slouch herself); I just hope that I can be challenging enough to her. The Bostonian should have her good draft of a Request Letter done...she's a bit of a variable...I really can't prep for her since she always has a request on the day of the lesson itself. Medicine Man isn't the most voluminous in terms of speaking but he is dependable. It should be a good 3-pack. And you may be wondering why I haven't mentioned The Full-Timer. Well, she's off today since she's in Accounting and of course, today is the last day of the fiscal year. I think she probably wishes that she were having her English lesson right now.
I also got Suzanne's textbook for her first lesson tomorrow. She should also be another talkative type. As much as I'll miss Chip n' Dale, I think I'll be able to be less stressed out with a full-grown adult again in the 6 o'clock slot at the juku.
Finished off my dinner of slimy bamboo shoot salad and the bacon epi. I also redeemed my 5 cards, each of which I got with every 500-yen plus purchase at La Vie Du France for a cute little bowl...just what I need...one more bowl with the dozens of other bowls stuffed in my cabinet. Well, if any newbie needs any bowls...or would like to trade for a dead microwave...
Looks like I missed my opportunity this Saturday to teach The Manhattanite for the first time in some weeks. She wanted to get something after 4:30 but I'll be heading home by that point to see MB for DVD night. I'm glad that Speedy is rather generous about that sort of thing...he could've easily reminded me that I promised to keep 11-5 open three Saturdays a month, but he just said he would teach her himself.
Automan is really making his reappearance known for this month. He's got two parties going for the 11th and 12th of April and has sent the invitations via Facebook. I have given my RSVP for the Saturday since Friday is my juku night. Speaking about see old faces, I'm supposed to be seeing The Lens this Wednesday during a small window since I'll be fitting him in between The Nurse and 001.
Going back to the Ol' Teahouse Ladies, it was curious that The Operator invited me and her two fellow ladies, The Argentinian and The Flutist, but not The Stick. Curious, but perhaps not surprising. For one thing, The Stick was never part of the regular Friday night group at the ol' Tea Room, and despite her status of being one of their classmates back at the ol' school, I had always gotten the feeling that she was never the most popular of people...she had a very moody side...kinda Jack Cafferty-like despite the fact that she doesn't look anything like him.
Well, I've got my threesome starting up in about 35 minutes. The new student, The Tippler, is on deck first, followed by The Bostonian and then Medicine Man. The Tippler should be interesting. She is more fluent than her buddy, The Yogist (and she's no slouch herself); I just hope that I can be challenging enough to her. The Bostonian should have her good draft of a Request Letter done...she's a bit of a variable...I really can't prep for her since she always has a request on the day of the lesson itself. Medicine Man isn't the most voluminous in terms of speaking but he is dependable. It should be a good 3-pack. And you may be wondering why I haven't mentioned The Full-Timer. Well, she's off today since she's in Accounting and of course, today is the last day of the fiscal year. I think she probably wishes that she were having her English lesson right now.
I also got Suzanne's textbook for her first lesson tomorrow. She should also be another talkative type. As much as I'll miss Chip n' Dale, I think I'll be able to be less stressed out with a full-grown adult again in the 6 o'clock slot at the juku.
Monday March 31, 4:49 p.m.
It's been a weekend. After taking care of the Businesswoman on Saturday, I headed to Akihabara in the afternoon. Definitely some more evolving going on there. Another oh-so-trendy shopping mall is set to open later this week just a few metres down from the gigantic Yodobashi Akiba store. That trendy/geeky mix is getting more and more interesting. The main road in the area wasn't shut down (that's usually on Sundays) but the place was still hopping. I saw quite a number of foreigners milling about...including some cool-looking French guys in front of an anime shop. The French love anime, doncha know? I picked up several pamphlets on massage chairs and Blu-Ray DVD players for The Lady, and even something on Rolly, that cute little music player that rolls in tune with the tunes. It's a Sony!
I would've gone into places like Animate but they were filled to the gills with the otaku and tourists, so aside from the electronic shops, I went upstairs into the building across from JR Akihabara and toured the various floors like Sale, the import DVD shop, and some of the other otaku-friendly "boutiques" on the various floors. Yep, the foreign element was very lively there, too.
However, the jaw-dropping event came when I came across the usual Maid crowd in front of the station. Not that the Maids were there....they've become a fixture...but then I saw these Caucasian Maids...little elementary school girls of blonde hair. That got a lot of attention from the cellphone-camera-carrying otaku. Plus, there was a guy in mask and body stocking touting his charms as a champion of justice.
Also went into Yodobashi Akiba and to the Tower Records there. I ended up buying my first CD in several weeks....Kaela Kimura's "Jasper". Ever since I saw the video on YouTube, the song hasn't been able to get out of my head. Not surprising, since it was written by Takkyu Ishino, the guru from techno unit Denki Groove. He can really come up with the hooks. After listening to it, I thought that the video was still needed to make the fun complete. Her second song was back to her alt-rock roots so I gave it a pass.
Got home to make dinner which came out rather mediocre as stir-fry goes. And then to add insult to injury, I suddenly came down with this lousy near-migraine. The last time I had anything like that was back in October when I was with The Class Act in Hong Kong. Well, I wasn't about to gut it out since there was a good tendency for the pain to hit my stomach, and since I really wasn't interested in seeing my dinner a second time resembling monjayaki, I raced out to the nearest drugstore to grab some Bufferin. Came back home, swallowed the two and basically shut the TV off and took a 1-hour Jedi healing trance. Was right as rain after that. During that time, it was the TBS quarterly All-Star Quiz Festival...the one where 100 of the tarento and actors get together to answer trivia questions and do all sorts of hijinks. As usual, Governor Higashikokuburo of Miyazaki Prefecture, staying close to his old comedian roots, took part in the mini-marathon around TBS Studios.
Yesterday was the final lesson for The OL before heading out back to her university classes in April. She and her mother had gone down to Ise the day before on some sort of individual tour. And she brought me back some Akafuku sweets. The company got rapped on the knuckles by the government last year for selling the stuff past its "best-by" date. Well, this time the date was clearly marked on the package. Actually, I polished the anko-coated mochi this morning; not bad, but I don't think I'll ever be ordering the stuff anytime soon.
I think I should've looked at the microwave ovens when I was in Akihabara on Saturday. My oven decided to die on Sunday night. I had put in the freeze-dried rice and nuked it for the 3 minutes...only to have it come out the same way as I'd put it in. I tried it out with some other stuff such as water...same thing. Well, it gave me a decade of faithful service, so I guess I can't be too surprised. It's a bit of a bummer with the timing, though, considering my current financial circumstances. But in a way, I'm kinda excited about being forced to buy a new electronic appliance. Well, I guess I'll have to head out to Yamada Denki sometime this week. But in the meantime, it's back to gas. And I'll have to deal with the need to call up the sodaigomi guys to have the old oven picked up. Right now, it's basically a giant clock.
Just the usual bunch this morning with The Class Act and then SIL. SIL and I were doing a bit of pop psychoanalysis since we'd discussed an article on John Lennon's brief dalliance with May Pang in the mid-70s. One topic: Did Paul McCartney have a jealous fit about Yoko Ono for stealing John? Discuss.
MB finally contacted me about catching "Cloverfield" on Sunday. Yep, the Blair Witch/Godzilla crossover hits these shores this Saturday. I sent word to Skippy and The Satyr whom I've also not seen in several weeks. And even one of the ol' Teahouse Ladies contacted me about lunch with the old crew sometime next month.
It's been a weekend. After taking care of the Businesswoman on Saturday, I headed to Akihabara in the afternoon. Definitely some more evolving going on there. Another oh-so-trendy shopping mall is set to open later this week just a few metres down from the gigantic Yodobashi Akiba store. That trendy/geeky mix is getting more and more interesting. The main road in the area wasn't shut down (that's usually on Sundays) but the place was still hopping. I saw quite a number of foreigners milling about...including some cool-looking French guys in front of an anime shop. The French love anime, doncha know? I picked up several pamphlets on massage chairs and Blu-Ray DVD players for The Lady, and even something on Rolly, that cute little music player that rolls in tune with the tunes. It's a Sony!
I would've gone into places like Animate but they were filled to the gills with the otaku and tourists, so aside from the electronic shops, I went upstairs into the building across from JR Akihabara and toured the various floors like Sale, the import DVD shop, and some of the other otaku-friendly "boutiques" on the various floors. Yep, the foreign element was very lively there, too.
However, the jaw-dropping event came when I came across the usual Maid crowd in front of the station. Not that the Maids were there....they've become a fixture...but then I saw these Caucasian Maids...little elementary school girls of blonde hair. That got a lot of attention from the cellphone-camera-carrying otaku. Plus, there was a guy in mask and body stocking touting his charms as a champion of justice.
Also went into Yodobashi Akiba and to the Tower Records there. I ended up buying my first CD in several weeks....Kaela Kimura's "Jasper". Ever since I saw the video on YouTube, the song hasn't been able to get out of my head. Not surprising, since it was written by Takkyu Ishino, the guru from techno unit Denki Groove. He can really come up with the hooks. After listening to it, I thought that the video was still needed to make the fun complete. Her second song was back to her alt-rock roots so I gave it a pass.
Got home to make dinner which came out rather mediocre as stir-fry goes. And then to add insult to injury, I suddenly came down with this lousy near-migraine. The last time I had anything like that was back in October when I was with The Class Act in Hong Kong. Well, I wasn't about to gut it out since there was a good tendency for the pain to hit my stomach, and since I really wasn't interested in seeing my dinner a second time resembling monjayaki, I raced out to the nearest drugstore to grab some Bufferin. Came back home, swallowed the two and basically shut the TV off and took a 1-hour Jedi healing trance. Was right as rain after that. During that time, it was the TBS quarterly All-Star Quiz Festival...the one where 100 of the tarento and actors get together to answer trivia questions and do all sorts of hijinks. As usual, Governor Higashikokuburo of Miyazaki Prefecture, staying close to his old comedian roots, took part in the mini-marathon around TBS Studios.
Yesterday was the final lesson for The OL before heading out back to her university classes in April. She and her mother had gone down to Ise the day before on some sort of individual tour. And she brought me back some Akafuku sweets. The company got rapped on the knuckles by the government last year for selling the stuff past its "best-by" date. Well, this time the date was clearly marked on the package. Actually, I polished the anko-coated mochi this morning; not bad, but I don't think I'll ever be ordering the stuff anytime soon.
I think I should've looked at the microwave ovens when I was in Akihabara on Saturday. My oven decided to die on Sunday night. I had put in the freeze-dried rice and nuked it for the 3 minutes...only to have it come out the same way as I'd put it in. I tried it out with some other stuff such as water...same thing. Well, it gave me a decade of faithful service, so I guess I can't be too surprised. It's a bit of a bummer with the timing, though, considering my current financial circumstances. But in a way, I'm kinda excited about being forced to buy a new electronic appliance. Well, I guess I'll have to head out to Yamada Denki sometime this week. But in the meantime, it's back to gas. And I'll have to deal with the need to call up the sodaigomi guys to have the old oven picked up. Right now, it's basically a giant clock.
Just the usual bunch this morning with The Class Act and then SIL. SIL and I were doing a bit of pop psychoanalysis since we'd discussed an article on John Lennon's brief dalliance with May Pang in the mid-70s. One topic: Did Paul McCartney have a jealous fit about Yoko Ono for stealing John? Discuss.
MB finally contacted me about catching "Cloverfield" on Sunday. Yep, the Blair Witch/Godzilla crossover hits these shores this Saturday. I sent word to Skippy and The Satyr whom I've also not seen in several weeks. And even one of the ol' Teahouse Ladies contacted me about lunch with the old crew sometime next month.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Saturday March 29, 12:30 p.m.
Just finished with The Businesswoman. Helped her practice Note-Taking for her upcoming business trip to the States next week. We used some TOEFL Listening materials. For those not acquainted with the test, it's the big English-proficiency exam that's given to Japanese here who plan to study at American universities. Man, these folks have to practice listening and reading lectures teaching everything from American Colonial Furniture History (yep, as if this topic will be circulated around during cocktails) to the Venusian landscape. If these kids can actually pass TOEFL, they truly deserve to be studying at UCLA. The Businesswoman's topic: Society Anxiety Disorder...from initial diagnosis to treatment.
BC just asked me about Maid Cafes. Huh?! Well, apparently, her friend is coming in from the States for a visit, so maybe a visit to this most bizarre of Japanese pop cultural rites would be just the ticket. Ironic...since I'll be heading to Akihabara shortly.
Just finished with The Businesswoman. Helped her practice Note-Taking for her upcoming business trip to the States next week. We used some TOEFL Listening materials. For those not acquainted with the test, it's the big English-proficiency exam that's given to Japanese here who plan to study at American universities. Man, these folks have to practice listening and reading lectures teaching everything from American Colonial Furniture History (yep, as if this topic will be circulated around during cocktails) to the Venusian landscape. If these kids can actually pass TOEFL, they truly deserve to be studying at UCLA. The Businesswoman's topic: Society Anxiety Disorder...from initial diagnosis to treatment.
BC just asked me about Maid Cafes. Huh?! Well, apparently, her friend is coming in from the States for a visit, so maybe a visit to this most bizarre of Japanese pop cultural rites would be just the ticket. Ironic...since I'll be heading to Akihabara shortly.
Saturday March 29, 10:20 a.m.
Back here at Speedy's for an early start to Saturday. I have The Businesswoman for her 60 in about 40 minutes. That is...if the computer can actually work fast enough. It's like dealing with a cranky geriatric.
Last night, back at the juku, Miss Disney has been steady progress although I sometimes think whether I'm being a bit too slow with her. And The Ace came back for the first time in about 3 weeks. He's been doing fine...he and his girl will be heading for Down Under in about another month just before Golden Week. They are playing it smart...getting on the plane the day before all Hell breaks loose at Narita.
Already feeling the grumblies in my stomach. I just got some little knickknacks at the local La Vie Du France...nothing too expensive but they should tide me over til dinner...although I may be doing a bit of exploration in Akiba this afternoon.
Over the past number of months, I've been seeing this commentator on CNN from time to time on shows like "Lou Dobbs Tonight" (sorry, Lou...will miss seeing you) and "Larry King Live" by the name of Laura Flanders. Fairly outspoken sort...even for a commentator. I was rather taken by her dialect, though. I couldn't tell whether she came from Darkest Bronx or England. Well, I looked her up in the Wiki...yep, she's a Brit. It's just that she really elongates those "o"s of hers.
Anyways, gonna see how the laptop is doing...
Back here at Speedy's for an early start to Saturday. I have The Businesswoman for her 60 in about 40 minutes. That is...if the computer can actually work fast enough. It's like dealing with a cranky geriatric.
Last night, back at the juku, Miss Disney has been steady progress although I sometimes think whether I'm being a bit too slow with her. And The Ace came back for the first time in about 3 weeks. He's been doing fine...he and his girl will be heading for Down Under in about another month just before Golden Week. They are playing it smart...getting on the plane the day before all Hell breaks loose at Narita.
Already feeling the grumblies in my stomach. I just got some little knickknacks at the local La Vie Du France...nothing too expensive but they should tide me over til dinner...although I may be doing a bit of exploration in Akiba this afternoon.
Over the past number of months, I've been seeing this commentator on CNN from time to time on shows like "Lou Dobbs Tonight" (sorry, Lou...will miss seeing you) and "Larry King Live" by the name of Laura Flanders. Fairly outspoken sort...even for a commentator. I was rather taken by her dialect, though. I couldn't tell whether she came from Darkest Bronx or England. Well, I looked her up in the Wiki...yep, she's a Brit. It's just that she really elongates those "o"s of hers.
Anyways, gonna see how the laptop is doing...
Friday March 28, 7:11 p.m.
Kinda threw caution to the wind and decided to grab something at Lotteria after my 3 hours at the I-Cafe. Had something called a Zeppin Cheeseburger...which is two slices of thick mozzarella on top of a patty. Kinda tasted like a hybrid pizza/burger but not too bad.
I see that I can add another season to this season of seasons. I just found that the Toronto NHL franchise has been kicked out of playoff contention yet again. Once again, Canada's largest city can "boast" that their Leafs fall in Spring.
Arrived at the juku to have the boss tell me that Jolly has indeed dotakyaned...still made a tidy sum this month. It's definitely happy to see. The boss' niece is visiting again. We've met a number of times over the nearly 4 years that I've been connected to the juku...quite more soft-spoken than her vivacious aunt. She seems to like museums a lot. She went as far as Mt. Takao, which is about as far west as you can go before hitting Kanagawa Prefecture, to some obscure art gallery today. Then she even went to one in Roppongi.
If the weather isn't too nasty tomorrow (it's currently spitting here), after doing my stint with The Businesswoman at Speedy's, I may just drop in on Akihabara. I'd promised The Lady that I would take a look at some of those massage chairs and pick up some brochures. She's been searching for something hi-tech and useful for her friends back in Illinois. Plus, it's been a while since I've gone through otaku town.
I finally sent off the last two packages to The Anime King. He was trying to sell me on the wonders of having a fully-online PC. Hm...yeah, if I had any idea about how to set one up, I'd do so but as it is, I'll be happy relying on everyone else's.
Kinda threw caution to the wind and decided to grab something at Lotteria after my 3 hours at the I-Cafe. Had something called a Zeppin Cheeseburger...which is two slices of thick mozzarella on top of a patty. Kinda tasted like a hybrid pizza/burger but not too bad.
I see that I can add another season to this season of seasons. I just found that the Toronto NHL franchise has been kicked out of playoff contention yet again. Once again, Canada's largest city can "boast" that their Leafs fall in Spring.
Arrived at the juku to have the boss tell me that Jolly has indeed dotakyaned...still made a tidy sum this month. It's definitely happy to see. The boss' niece is visiting again. We've met a number of times over the nearly 4 years that I've been connected to the juku...quite more soft-spoken than her vivacious aunt. She seems to like museums a lot. She went as far as Mt. Takao, which is about as far west as you can go before hitting Kanagawa Prefecture, to some obscure art gallery today. Then she even went to one in Roppongi.
If the weather isn't too nasty tomorrow (it's currently spitting here), after doing my stint with The Businesswoman at Speedy's, I may just drop in on Akihabara. I'd promised The Lady that I would take a look at some of those massage chairs and pick up some brochures. She's been searching for something hi-tech and useful for her friends back in Illinois. Plus, it's been a while since I've gone through otaku town.
I finally sent off the last two packages to The Anime King. He was trying to sell me on the wonders of having a fully-online PC. Hm...yeah, if I had any idea about how to set one up, I'd do so but as it is, I'll be happy relying on everyone else's.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Friday March 28, 3:09 p.m.
Tis the season of seasons. We've got Spring, Cherry Blossom Viewing, Graduation Party, Company Recruitment, Hay Fever, and Moving. I've seen...and experienced..examples of all 6 in the past few days. A lot of young folk in their finest walking out there under the cherry trees which seem to be in full bloom this weekend. And there were two large moving trucks just metres away from each other in the neighbourhood this morning. Of course, hay fever is an everpresent phenomenon. But the meds have kept it under control today.
Hard to believe that this week has whipped by so fast. It's another Tamori Club night tonight. Even with Mega-Hump Day, it just seems to have sped by. Barack Obama may not have had a great 2 weeks, but I've not a great week myself....that is, when it comes to cafe seating. First off, there were those two university delinquents sitting (or should I say, slouching?) beside The New Yorker and me on Wednesday, and then yesterday at the Ichigaya Starbucks while whiling away the time before The Carolinan and BC came, a couple of Bickersons descended beside me to have their healthy "debate" about some idiocy. However, I shouldn't talk too loudly...years ago, my ex and I had a really stupid little row...on her birthday, no less...at the Shinagawa Outback Steakhouse over my present from The Body Shop that I'd given her. I'm sure our eating neighbours didn't appreciate our sideshow. Anyways, by a stroke of good fortune, another booth opened up so I quickly moved off over there away from the Bickersons.
As for The Carolinan, she reiterated the story of the trip to Bali that she and her sister, The New Yorker, had gone on a couple of weeks previously. Thanks to some erroneous overbooking, The Sisters of State got a really good deal on their accomodations at The Hyatt Regency on the island. I received an omiyage in the form of some banana-flavoured (sorta) cookies. BC related some of that kerfuffle involving her and Speedy at the latest trade fair.
As I've said before, whenever there's a lurid news story, the media over here tend to dogpile on it...and they search and "miraculously" come up with a lot of other related tragedies. However, I'm kinda wondering if my cynicism is starting to slip and getting replaced with some true worry about the state of Japanese safety as applies to society. First, there was the nutjob who stabbed 8 folks in Tsuchiura on Sunday at a JR station. Then, I heard about the stab-and-run in Nagoya. And then a couple of days ago, there was an incident in Okayama where another young lad pushed an older man off a train platform and into the path of an oncoming train...killing him (the psycho said that he wanted to get the death penalty). And now, earlier this morning in The Big Sushi, a father confessed that he tried to kill his entire family...he was half-successful.
Y'know, years ago, there was some sort of government push to relax the stresses of life in Japan...to encourage folks to take it easy....increase vacation time, quality time with the family, cool biz and all that. It seems that the results are quite the opposite. After hearing about the Okayama incident, I wondered as I got on the subway home about how safe we can really be when just about anyone can be a ticking time bomb. Will we have to keep 2 metres away from the platform? Will be have to keep our eyes peeled for suspicous folks with that strange glint of metal inside their jackets? During BC's lesson last night, there was a young salaryman sitting beside us who seemed to have been overdosed with caffeine. He looked very frustrated and was muttering to himself. He was probably just one of those overstressed, high-strung types who got chewed out by the kacho, but I kept my right eye on him....just in case. As I said, it hasn't been a good week for cafe seating.
On a lighter note, the kiosks were showing off the banner about Hideki Matsui's marriage to some 25-year-old office lady. She can now consider herself the luckiest woman in the land, at least for the next week or so. She may also have to think about how to wash out some of that acne medicine from her new hubby's pillow.
Well, tonight will be a 3-hour stint. I've got Miss Disney, The Ace and then Jolly.
Tis the season of seasons. We've got Spring, Cherry Blossom Viewing, Graduation Party, Company Recruitment, Hay Fever, and Moving. I've seen...and experienced..examples of all 6 in the past few days. A lot of young folk in their finest walking out there under the cherry trees which seem to be in full bloom this weekend. And there were two large moving trucks just metres away from each other in the neighbourhood this morning. Of course, hay fever is an everpresent phenomenon. But the meds have kept it under control today.
Hard to believe that this week has whipped by so fast. It's another Tamori Club night tonight. Even with Mega-Hump Day, it just seems to have sped by. Barack Obama may not have had a great 2 weeks, but I've not a great week myself....that is, when it comes to cafe seating. First off, there were those two university delinquents sitting (or should I say, slouching?) beside The New Yorker and me on Wednesday, and then yesterday at the Ichigaya Starbucks while whiling away the time before The Carolinan and BC came, a couple of Bickersons descended beside me to have their healthy "debate" about some idiocy. However, I shouldn't talk too loudly...years ago, my ex and I had a really stupid little row...on her birthday, no less...at the Shinagawa Outback Steakhouse over my present from The Body Shop that I'd given her. I'm sure our eating neighbours didn't appreciate our sideshow. Anyways, by a stroke of good fortune, another booth opened up so I quickly moved off over there away from the Bickersons.
As for The Carolinan, she reiterated the story of the trip to Bali that she and her sister, The New Yorker, had gone on a couple of weeks previously. Thanks to some erroneous overbooking, The Sisters of State got a really good deal on their accomodations at The Hyatt Regency on the island. I received an omiyage in the form of some banana-flavoured (sorta) cookies. BC related some of that kerfuffle involving her and Speedy at the latest trade fair.
As I've said before, whenever there's a lurid news story, the media over here tend to dogpile on it...and they search and "miraculously" come up with a lot of other related tragedies. However, I'm kinda wondering if my cynicism is starting to slip and getting replaced with some true worry about the state of Japanese safety as applies to society. First, there was the nutjob who stabbed 8 folks in Tsuchiura on Sunday at a JR station. Then, I heard about the stab-and-run in Nagoya. And then a couple of days ago, there was an incident in Okayama where another young lad pushed an older man off a train platform and into the path of an oncoming train...killing him (the psycho said that he wanted to get the death penalty). And now, earlier this morning in The Big Sushi, a father confessed that he tried to kill his entire family...he was half-successful.
Y'know, years ago, there was some sort of government push to relax the stresses of life in Japan...to encourage folks to take it easy....increase vacation time, quality time with the family, cool biz and all that. It seems that the results are quite the opposite. After hearing about the Okayama incident, I wondered as I got on the subway home about how safe we can really be when just about anyone can be a ticking time bomb. Will we have to keep 2 metres away from the platform? Will be have to keep our eyes peeled for suspicous folks with that strange glint of metal inside their jackets? During BC's lesson last night, there was a young salaryman sitting beside us who seemed to have been overdosed with caffeine. He looked very frustrated and was muttering to himself. He was probably just one of those overstressed, high-strung types who got chewed out by the kacho, but I kept my right eye on him....just in case. As I said, it hasn't been a good week for cafe seating.
On a lighter note, the kiosks were showing off the banner about Hideki Matsui's marriage to some 25-year-old office lady. She can now consider herself the luckiest woman in the land, at least for the next week or so. She may also have to think about how to wash out some of that acne medicine from her new hubby's pillow.
Well, tonight will be a 3-hour stint. I've got Miss Disney, The Ace and then Jolly.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Thursday March 27, 2:24 p.m.
The Yogist was her usual vivacious self. She could be the Japanese Mary Tyler Moore. And we have been lucky for her renewal.
I just read that the inventor of the Egg McMuffin has passed away. Apparently, he died peacefully, instead of clutching his heart in agony. I will be putting up my next Hash Brown in lighted salute...not as difficult as one might think. Also, actor Richard Widmark has passed on..and I'd thought that he'd already done so years ago....maybe that was George Peppard I was thinking about...I think both were on NBC's Sunday Night Mystery Movie as their detective characters.
Well, one down, two to go.
The Yogist was her usual vivacious self. She could be the Japanese Mary Tyler Moore. And we have been lucky for her renewal.
I just read that the inventor of the Egg McMuffin has passed away. Apparently, he died peacefully, instead of clutching his heart in agony. I will be putting up my next Hash Brown in lighted salute...not as difficult as one might think. Also, actor Richard Widmark has passed on..and I'd thought that he'd already done so years ago....maybe that was George Peppard I was thinking about...I think both were on NBC's Sunday Night Mystery Movie as their detective characters.
Well, one down, two to go.
Thursday March 27, 12:06 p.m.
Survived Mega-Hump Day. It wasn't easy, but I did it. After going through that Private Cafe Teacher's Hell of having those two female delinquents nattering like jackhammers beside The New Yorker and me, I had to settle down The Diver about her upcoming test next week. Usually, it's a take-home but I'm gonna have to have her do it in class since she's so nervous about it. Still can't master Singular/Plural. But her nervousness fades away miraculously when she spoke of her short trip to Okinawa last week. There's a reason that I tagged her as The Diver; she just loves the feeling of going underwater with the fishies. The school got a nice box of custard-filled manju from The Okinawa Aquarium as an omiyage. The box has a manta ray and a whale shark looking straight up at us with their maws way open...just the right message to send for those feeling guilty for overindulging.
However, 001 was a ton of laughs as usual and Medicine Man aced his test...although I had a few tense moments when he blew the very first question. I was just glad that I finished the day. Got home at the stroke of midnight.
Today, I only have half the lessons: The Yogist, The Carolinan and BC. BC just became an auntie for the fourth time yesterday. She showed me her newest nephew on her cellphone. He's got some pretty scarifyingly long tapery fingers. Could make the inevitable nose-picking phase a lot more suspenseful.
Got the lineup for the new CNNj regime. "American Morning", "Lou Dobbs Tonight" and "Election Centre" are all gone with the relatively bland international stuff replacing it. Mind you, I'm not surprised that those shows have been taken off of the Japanese airwaves. They all did just focus on the US. However, "Larry King Live", "The Situation Room" and "Anderson Cooper 360" will still be here. Looks like AC's love for the Seamanship video turned the tide there. So, it'll be back to what CNN was several years ago.
Survived Mega-Hump Day. It wasn't easy, but I did it. After going through that Private Cafe Teacher's Hell of having those two female delinquents nattering like jackhammers beside The New Yorker and me, I had to settle down The Diver about her upcoming test next week. Usually, it's a take-home but I'm gonna have to have her do it in class since she's so nervous about it. Still can't master Singular/Plural. But her nervousness fades away miraculously when she spoke of her short trip to Okinawa last week. There's a reason that I tagged her as The Diver; she just loves the feeling of going underwater with the fishies. The school got a nice box of custard-filled manju from The Okinawa Aquarium as an omiyage. The box has a manta ray and a whale shark looking straight up at us with their maws way open...just the right message to send for those feeling guilty for overindulging.
However, 001 was a ton of laughs as usual and Medicine Man aced his test...although I had a few tense moments when he blew the very first question. I was just glad that I finished the day. Got home at the stroke of midnight.
Today, I only have half the lessons: The Yogist, The Carolinan and BC. BC just became an auntie for the fourth time yesterday. She showed me her newest nephew on her cellphone. He's got some pretty scarifyingly long tapery fingers. Could make the inevitable nose-picking phase a lot more suspenseful.
Got the lineup for the new CNNj regime. "American Morning", "Lou Dobbs Tonight" and "Election Centre" are all gone with the relatively bland international stuff replacing it. Mind you, I'm not surprised that those shows have been taken off of the Japanese airwaves. They all did just focus on the US. However, "Larry King Live", "The Situation Room" and "Anderson Cooper 360" will still be here. Looks like AC's love for the Seamanship video turned the tide there. So, it'll be back to what CNN was several years ago.
Wednesday March 26, 5:04 p.m.
I am rather exhausted right now. My model lesson student was a real lovely lady but as a GABA refugee unaccustomed to tests, she was pretty overwhelmed by our methods which kinda influenced the course of my lesson. Great delivery and listening but grammar is a house of cards. Then, there was The New Yorker. At the best of times, the lass is still not the most gregarious of students, but today, we had the unfortunate circumstances to have these two annoying gyaru sit beside us and just about act as if they were trying to be caricatures of Shibuya gyaru. It was the high-pitched whine and intonation along with the rude manners and attitudes that almost made me want to do something that I would not normally do. Left me somewhat shellshocked as the two of us left the Tully's. And I started to sound like my age as I tried mightily to keep my annoyance level down in front of my student as we made our way back to the station. I hope The New Yorker wasn't offended since I did ask whether she and her sister were like that back when they were kids...but sometimes when you're pissed off, you tend to blurt out things that you regret later. I don't think she would be offended since she's a good ten years on those delinquents. I was further surprised to hear that The New Yorker pegged them as university students...I would've said high school dropouts myself.
Anyways, I still have three more lessons to go. Luckily, the three coming up are people that I've gotten well used to...although The Diver is still quite the Nervous Nellie, and Medicine Man is also quite reticent.
Looks like the season of visitations is upon me. The Lens said that he and his wife will be coming in next week. Automan will be headed her in a few weeks, and then, Mom will be arriving after Golden Week. Saints preserve me...even though I'm atheist.
I am rather exhausted right now. My model lesson student was a real lovely lady but as a GABA refugee unaccustomed to tests, she was pretty overwhelmed by our methods which kinda influenced the course of my lesson. Great delivery and listening but grammar is a house of cards. Then, there was The New Yorker. At the best of times, the lass is still not the most gregarious of students, but today, we had the unfortunate circumstances to have these two annoying gyaru sit beside us and just about act as if they were trying to be caricatures of Shibuya gyaru. It was the high-pitched whine and intonation along with the rude manners and attitudes that almost made me want to do something that I would not normally do. Left me somewhat shellshocked as the two of us left the Tully's. And I started to sound like my age as I tried mightily to keep my annoyance level down in front of my student as we made our way back to the station. I hope The New Yorker wasn't offended since I did ask whether she and her sister were like that back when they were kids...but sometimes when you're pissed off, you tend to blurt out things that you regret later. I don't think she would be offended since she's a good ten years on those delinquents. I was further surprised to hear that The New Yorker pegged them as university students...I would've said high school dropouts myself.
Anyways, I still have three more lessons to go. Luckily, the three coming up are people that I've gotten well used to...although The Diver is still quite the Nervous Nellie, and Medicine Man is also quite reticent.
Looks like the season of visitations is upon me. The Lens said that he and his wife will be coming in next week. Automan will be headed her in a few weeks, and then, Mom will be arriving after Golden Week. Saints preserve me...even though I'm atheist.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Wednesday March 26, 12:04 p.m.
The Nurse came in on a huge ball of steam. She said that she was angry about the fact that she's had a broken toilet for almost a month and that the repairman has yet to show up. So I guess Japan and North America share one more thing. However, she did settle in and enjoyed the lesson.
Next up is that model lesson student.
I came across the news article about "General Hospital" celebrating 45 years on the air. Nothing ages me faster than the fact that Robin Scorpio isn't only just a doctor now but she'll be having a baby. I remembered her when she was the baby...back in the days of Robert Scorpio and Anna Devane. But I go back even further when the plotlines centered around Dr Hardy and Jessie Brewer.
The Nurse came in on a huge ball of steam. She said that she was angry about the fact that she's had a broken toilet for almost a month and that the repairman has yet to show up. So I guess Japan and North America share one more thing. However, she did settle in and enjoyed the lesson.
Next up is that model lesson student.
I came across the news article about "General Hospital" celebrating 45 years on the air. Nothing ages me faster than the fact that Robin Scorpio isn't only just a doctor now but she'll be having a baby. I remembered her when she was the baby...back in the days of Robert Scorpio and Anna Devane. But I go back even further when the plotlines centered around Dr Hardy and Jessie Brewer.
Wednesday March 26, 9:44 a.m.
Well, the Mega-Hump Day starts today. I've got The Nurse, a model lesson student, The New Yorker, 001, The Diver and finally Medicine Man. Apparently, Speedy will also be knee-deep in the lessons.
I made the reservations for Spyros and sure enough, BC contacts me to say that she can't make it in after all since she's got relatives coming in. Grrrr... On a similar note, I asked Mr. Mild if he called up The Yogist, and he basically got cold feet so he'll just go to the gym instead.
Paddy contacted me about a translation gig with an acquaintance of his. It seems to be a webpage this time.
I've got Kaela Kimura's tune playing ad nauseum in my head. I saw the video, "Jasper" on YouTube yesterday. One of the comments said that the tune was simple but very catchy. The day-glo video also helps. I've always had the impression that Kaela was one of those 21st-century Japanese (or in her case, half-Japanese) women with a cheerful, but Don't F*** With Me attitude.
Well, the Mega-Hump Day starts today. I've got The Nurse, a model lesson student, The New Yorker, 001, The Diver and finally Medicine Man. Apparently, Speedy will also be knee-deep in the lessons.
I made the reservations for Spyros and sure enough, BC contacts me to say that she can't make it in after all since she's got relatives coming in. Grrrr... On a similar note, I asked Mr. Mild if he called up The Yogist, and he basically got cold feet so he'll just go to the gym instead.
Paddy contacted me about a translation gig with an acquaintance of his. It seems to be a webpage this time.
I've got Kaela Kimura's tune playing ad nauseum in my head. I saw the video, "Jasper" on YouTube yesterday. One of the comments said that the tune was simple but very catchy. The day-glo video also helps. I've always had the impression that Kaela was one of those 21st-century Japanese (or in her case, half-Japanese) women with a cheerful, but Don't F*** With Me attitude.
Tuesday March 25, 7:17 p.m.
It's gonna be an even shorter night than I'd thought. Mild Jr. did a dotakyan as I was coming into the juku today. So I just had Chip N' Dale for their last class tonight. Chip's mother was hovering so that she could give her thanks to me for a year of teaching her son and his buddy. The kids were quite well-behaved....no surprise there. While Dale will be going onto bigger and more stressful things, Chip will still be dropping by to get his education from the juku boss.
So it'll just be The Milds in about 40 minutes, then I head on home. It's probably going to be one of my earliest nights at the juku.
During my stint at the I-cafe today, I came across Kylie Minogue's latest video "Wow" at YouTube. As a cancer survivor, she's doing excellently. If I'd only known her for her special appearance on the latest "Doctor Who" season premiere, my jaw would've fallen right down to the ground...I don't think I know too many 39-year-old women who can throb like she does. Perhaps Cher and Madonna are the only ones.
I also saw last week on that Richard Quest show on CNN that Hollywood is daring to make its own version of the Japanese folk tale, "Hachiko". For those who don't know, Hachiko is the famed Akita dog who faithfully waited for his master at Shibuya Station about a century ago. Even when his master died, Hachiko kept on going to the station to fulfill his daily duty until he himself passed on. The Hachiko statue is the landmark of what is now the Mecca to All Japanese Teens. Well, apparently, that go-to guy for Japanese remakes, Richard Gere, will be playing the doomed master. I guess his stint in "Shall We Dance?" qualified him.
It's gonna be an even shorter night than I'd thought. Mild Jr. did a dotakyan as I was coming into the juku today. So I just had Chip N' Dale for their last class tonight. Chip's mother was hovering so that she could give her thanks to me for a year of teaching her son and his buddy. The kids were quite well-behaved....no surprise there. While Dale will be going onto bigger and more stressful things, Chip will still be dropping by to get his education from the juku boss.
So it'll just be The Milds in about 40 minutes, then I head on home. It's probably going to be one of my earliest nights at the juku.
During my stint at the I-cafe today, I came across Kylie Minogue's latest video "Wow" at YouTube. As a cancer survivor, she's doing excellently. If I'd only known her for her special appearance on the latest "Doctor Who" season premiere, my jaw would've fallen right down to the ground...I don't think I know too many 39-year-old women who can throb like she does. Perhaps Cher and Madonna are the only ones.
I also saw last week on that Richard Quest show on CNN that Hollywood is daring to make its own version of the Japanese folk tale, "Hachiko". For those who don't know, Hachiko is the famed Akita dog who faithfully waited for his master at Shibuya Station about a century ago. Even when his master died, Hachiko kept on going to the station to fulfill his daily duty until he himself passed on. The Hachiko statue is the landmark of what is now the Mecca to All Japanese Teens. Well, apparently, that go-to guy for Japanese remakes, Richard Gere, will be playing the doomed master. I guess his stint in "Shall We Dance?" qualified him.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Tuesday March 25, 12:42 p.m.
Yep, as I said last night, I'm here at the I-Cafe typing away. Since 002 is off this week, I've got some time to surf and watch. I've been declining the Beehive's offer of lunch for the past few weeks since I don't want to impose any more than I already have, and frankly a bit of distance is better now. It's been a month now since I got the financially rude awakening via my real estate agency. I'm accustomed to the new regime now...basically I'm vigilant every day and most hours about anything I pay for. And it's certainly showing in my ledger...most of my food entries have been half of what they were in February. Ironically, the real estate agency sent me my copy of the new lease. Looks like the juku boss' role as my new guarantor has passed muster with them. So, I'm safe for another 2 years, and I no longer have the yoke of my uncle on me. But March has finally shown me the true meaning of fiscal responsibility. Shelter will now be my top priority. And I'm gonna see if I can start saving for moving out of here and into something more manageable by this time next year. I'm thinking about Oakwood...it's a local agency which specializes in helping out foreigners with accomodations. No guarantor, no key money, and no real fuss. It will probably mean that I'll be leaving the city and into Tokyo with all of the complications that would convey, but I think it's high time.
It's been strange since this new life began that I haven't heard anything from Movie Buddy or Skippy. But I'm not gonna look a gift horse in the mouth; I've been lucky that I haven't been asked to go out for a movie and dinner. And I will definitely be turning down the Speedy invite to O-Hanami next week. He always like to have them high-priced.
I had my tonkatsu today. It's also the first time I've been to Tonki in well over a month. It felt good to have my mouth full of pork cutlet and cabbage again.
I've got a shortened night at the juku. It'll be the kids' final...I'm wondering if I should get them some parting gifts. One of the mothers will be dropping by to give her aisatsu. I don't particularly think she should bother. I'm not really all that proud of my work with Chip N' Dale...and frankly, awkwardness is an emotion that I despise. After that, it'll be the Mild Family. And then I'm headed home for an early whack at sleep since I've got the Nurse at her usual time tomorrow morning. Gonna have to be getting that text for Suzanne next week.
Last night when I got home, I decided to get rid of the last remnants of the cognac that had been with me for the last decade. Just mixed it in with the last of the milk and some of the ginseng honey that I'd gotten from The Lady a couple of years ago. Well, I was feeling pretty warm and fuzzy after gulping that down. But ended up having a nightmare of me being pursued by zombies. I'm sure they had quite the smorgasbord at my expense.
I got word from The Entrepreneur that Toronto has been 13 degrees colder than usual this past winter. Gad....and here I thought we were in global warming. Well, it's been pretty nice today. Heck, I haven't even needed to use my mask or take the meds. But I've got the cream shoved up my nose.
Yep, as I said last night, I'm here at the I-Cafe typing away. Since 002 is off this week, I've got some time to surf and watch. I've been declining the Beehive's offer of lunch for the past few weeks since I don't want to impose any more than I already have, and frankly a bit of distance is better now. It's been a month now since I got the financially rude awakening via my real estate agency. I'm accustomed to the new regime now...basically I'm vigilant every day and most hours about anything I pay for. And it's certainly showing in my ledger...most of my food entries have been half of what they were in February. Ironically, the real estate agency sent me my copy of the new lease. Looks like the juku boss' role as my new guarantor has passed muster with them. So, I'm safe for another 2 years, and I no longer have the yoke of my uncle on me. But March has finally shown me the true meaning of fiscal responsibility. Shelter will now be my top priority. And I'm gonna see if I can start saving for moving out of here and into something more manageable by this time next year. I'm thinking about Oakwood...it's a local agency which specializes in helping out foreigners with accomodations. No guarantor, no key money, and no real fuss. It will probably mean that I'll be leaving the city and into Tokyo with all of the complications that would convey, but I think it's high time.
It's been strange since this new life began that I haven't heard anything from Movie Buddy or Skippy. But I'm not gonna look a gift horse in the mouth; I've been lucky that I haven't been asked to go out for a movie and dinner. And I will definitely be turning down the Speedy invite to O-Hanami next week. He always like to have them high-priced.
I had my tonkatsu today. It's also the first time I've been to Tonki in well over a month. It felt good to have my mouth full of pork cutlet and cabbage again.
I've got a shortened night at the juku. It'll be the kids' final...I'm wondering if I should get them some parting gifts. One of the mothers will be dropping by to give her aisatsu. I don't particularly think she should bother. I'm not really all that proud of my work with Chip N' Dale...and frankly, awkwardness is an emotion that I despise. After that, it'll be the Mild Family. And then I'm headed home for an early whack at sleep since I've got the Nurse at her usual time tomorrow morning. Gonna have to be getting that text for Suzanne next week.
Last night when I got home, I decided to get rid of the last remnants of the cognac that had been with me for the last decade. Just mixed it in with the last of the milk and some of the ginseng honey that I'd gotten from The Lady a couple of years ago. Well, I was feeling pretty warm and fuzzy after gulping that down. But ended up having a nightmare of me being pursued by zombies. I'm sure they had quite the smorgasbord at my expense.
I got word from The Entrepreneur that Toronto has been 13 degrees colder than usual this past winter. Gad....and here I thought we were in global warming. Well, it's been pretty nice today. Heck, I haven't even needed to use my mask or take the meds. But I've got the cream shoved up my nose.
Monday March 24, 8:06 p.m.
I've been finished for about an hour now. The Full-Timer got to use the Speedy lounge tonight since the bossman's student cancelled. Looks like she'll be busy next week since it's not only the last day of the month, but it's also the last day of the fiscal year. Just as well, since it'll be a packed Monday on the 31st. Along with The Class Act and SIL, I've got The Bostonian (who cancelled her Saturday class...meaning I've only got The Businesswoman as a student), new student The Tippler...she was the one who had recommended her buddy The Yogist to us, and then Medicine Man. At least I won't have to run between Doutor and the school.
Speedy's asked me whether I'll be attend the next big party in the form of O-Hanami on the 5th. When I heard it was going to be 5,000 yen, my mind automatically balked although I just told Speedy that I'll think about it. There's no way in Hell that I'll pay that much for a meal anymore...or for the foreseeable future. Besides, the cherry blossoms will have probably already fallen off by that time anyways.
I've got a lopsided donut day tomorrow since 002 won't be having me over between The Beehive and the juku students. I'll probably have some long-awaited tonkatsu and then hit the I-cafe. It'll be Chip N' Dale's last bout with me tomorrow night before Suzanne starts taking over the slot. I'll keep it to schedule. I wonder if Mr. Mild has contacted The Yogist about lessons yet. Jolly won't be showing up to clean up, so I can get home by around 9:30 and get some more sleep before the huge Hump Day.
Speaking of Jolly, he taught me a way to prevent fogging up my glasses whenever I wear my hay fever mask. Last Tuesday, he just took my mask and then bent the stiff upper frame. He calls it the Jolly Airflow System. He should patent it.
May be heading out in the next 45 minutes..that is, if Speedy doesn't decide to close up shop even earlier. Could be quite a precedent for a Monday. All of my Monday night students at Speedy are gonna be AWOL tonight. Mr. TOEIC hasn't shown up in weeks, and The Diver plus Medicine Man will be switching to Wednesday night this week.
I've been finished for about an hour now. The Full-Timer got to use the Speedy lounge tonight since the bossman's student cancelled. Looks like she'll be busy next week since it's not only the last day of the month, but it's also the last day of the fiscal year. Just as well, since it'll be a packed Monday on the 31st. Along with The Class Act and SIL, I've got The Bostonian (who cancelled her Saturday class...meaning I've only got The Businesswoman as a student), new student The Tippler...she was the one who had recommended her buddy The Yogist to us, and then Medicine Man. At least I won't have to run between Doutor and the school.
Speedy's asked me whether I'll be attend the next big party in the form of O-Hanami on the 5th. When I heard it was going to be 5,000 yen, my mind automatically balked although I just told Speedy that I'll think about it. There's no way in Hell that I'll pay that much for a meal anymore...or for the foreseeable future. Besides, the cherry blossoms will have probably already fallen off by that time anyways.
I've got a lopsided donut day tomorrow since 002 won't be having me over between The Beehive and the juku students. I'll probably have some long-awaited tonkatsu and then hit the I-cafe. It'll be Chip N' Dale's last bout with me tomorrow night before Suzanne starts taking over the slot. I'll keep it to schedule. I wonder if Mr. Mild has contacted The Yogist about lessons yet. Jolly won't be showing up to clean up, so I can get home by around 9:30 and get some more sleep before the huge Hump Day.
Speaking of Jolly, he taught me a way to prevent fogging up my glasses whenever I wear my hay fever mask. Last Tuesday, he just took my mask and then bent the stiff upper frame. He calls it the Jolly Airflow System. He should patent it.
May be heading out in the next 45 minutes..that is, if Speedy doesn't decide to close up shop even earlier. Could be quite a precedent for a Monday. All of my Monday night students at Speedy are gonna be AWOL tonight. Mr. TOEIC hasn't shown up in weeks, and The Diver plus Medicine Man will be switching to Wednesday night this week.
Monday March 24, 4:47 p.m.
Last week, I'd forgotten to mention about my way home last Wednesday...the last time I was at Speedy's. I was gonna take the Oedo Line but saw my way blocked by a mass of commuters and some harried station personnel. Then, I saw the paramedics and cops literally race in with all sirens a-blazin'. Oops, that couldn't be good, I thought. I'd already bought my ticket, too, so I ended up waiting for half an hour to find out what had been going on. Apparently, the entire line was shut down because of what happened down below...although I kinda knew already. And sure enough, by around 10:45 p.m., the blue-garbed, white-helmeted guys brought up a body; of course, they had him/her surrounded by a green tarp so that noone could see the grisly results. It was a jumper. Well, I'd always heard about these guys. I finally came across one..kinda.
The news about how Japanese society seems to be heading for Hell in a henbasket continues. Police in Tsuchiura City, Ibaraki Prefecture (where The Sisters of State hail from and not too far from where Paddy hailed from) are looking pretty bad right now. In the US, they have shooting sprees...well, over here since gun control is very much a reality, it's stabbing sprees. Some psycho who had killed his relative last week ended up knifing 8 people near a station, killing one. The nutball even called up the cops from an empty police box to have himself arrested. It was the usual M.O....he just had that urge to kill.
And then there is the case involving a US military guy who allegedly sliced the throat of a taxi driver last week in Kanagawa Prefecture. And this morning in Nagoya, a guy on a bike just nonchalantly poked his knife into a woman before racing off. I can't really figure it out sometimes.
Well, the weekend was pretty quiet...luckily. The hay fever has been coming and going. It was just Tully on Saturday...The Coffeemaker was away sick. And then, it was The OL on Sunday morning. I finally met up with M+M at the Keio Plaza in the afternoon. We had a bit of Tea Time at the basement cafe, Jurin. M1 has been pretty busy...in fact, she's headed for Switzerland next week on business...economy class for more than 12 hours...not nice but no money in the budget for Business Class...sign of the times. M2 has been making do in her post in Yamato City as a medical therapist. Apparently, her care home has its share of nuts, including a bully who likes to put in tacks in her target's shoes. M2 has also been working out as well; she did look thinner and her shoulders looked a bit more broader. She's been tackling the freeclimbing course in nearby Fujisawa. The bottomless policy for coffee worked a bit too well for me. I ended up drinking five cups...and ended up shaking all the way home.
I also noticed that there were a lot of folks dressed up in dark suits and white ties...which means that the graduation parties were in full swing. A lot of women were in all gussied up in kimonos as well.
Fairly light day for me. I just had The Class Act for the first time in 2 weeks. We ended up just gabbing again...but it was pretty useful for us. The Lady has been wondering what to get a couple of her newlywed friends in Illinois. She was thinking about something hi-tech, so I suggested either the Wii Fit or one of those Star Trek-like massage chairs with the plasma-panel display. I also gave The Matron the business card for Speedy since her nephew is interested in taking some Parisian French before he heads for France to take the Cordon Bleu course. And then I got some news from The Matron concerning some really cheap electronics place in Mitaka, the really far end of the Tozai Line. Apparently, it sells toasters for just 500 yen. And she thought she saw some nice CD player for just 6,000. Gotta get there sometime.
The Lady herself has discovered the wonders of 100-yen shops. This is a woman who can buy an island with her credit card, and she stunned The Matron and me when she said that she had gone to some sort of cheapo store over the weekend and discovered some amazing things for low, low prices. And then she nonchalantly went over to one of her favourite boutiques in Omotesando...the ones with the security guards in suits to buy some clothing....while carrying the paper bag of Daiso goods. I could imagine the shop staff calling security on seeing that. Well, I always said that I had the most interesting of students.
Last week, I'd forgotten to mention about my way home last Wednesday...the last time I was at Speedy's. I was gonna take the Oedo Line but saw my way blocked by a mass of commuters and some harried station personnel. Then, I saw the paramedics and cops literally race in with all sirens a-blazin'. Oops, that couldn't be good, I thought. I'd already bought my ticket, too, so I ended up waiting for half an hour to find out what had been going on. Apparently, the entire line was shut down because of what happened down below...although I kinda knew already. And sure enough, by around 10:45 p.m., the blue-garbed, white-helmeted guys brought up a body; of course, they had him/her surrounded by a green tarp so that noone could see the grisly results. It was a jumper. Well, I'd always heard about these guys. I finally came across one..kinda.
The news about how Japanese society seems to be heading for Hell in a henbasket continues. Police in Tsuchiura City, Ibaraki Prefecture (where The Sisters of State hail from and not too far from where Paddy hailed from) are looking pretty bad right now. In the US, they have shooting sprees...well, over here since gun control is very much a reality, it's stabbing sprees. Some psycho who had killed his relative last week ended up knifing 8 people near a station, killing one. The nutball even called up the cops from an empty police box to have himself arrested. It was the usual M.O....he just had that urge to kill.
And then there is the case involving a US military guy who allegedly sliced the throat of a taxi driver last week in Kanagawa Prefecture. And this morning in Nagoya, a guy on a bike just nonchalantly poked his knife into a woman before racing off. I can't really figure it out sometimes.
Well, the weekend was pretty quiet...luckily. The hay fever has been coming and going. It was just Tully on Saturday...The Coffeemaker was away sick. And then, it was The OL on Sunday morning. I finally met up with M+M at the Keio Plaza in the afternoon. We had a bit of Tea Time at the basement cafe, Jurin. M1 has been pretty busy...in fact, she's headed for Switzerland next week on business...economy class for more than 12 hours...not nice but no money in the budget for Business Class...sign of the times. M2 has been making do in her post in Yamato City as a medical therapist. Apparently, her care home has its share of nuts, including a bully who likes to put in tacks in her target's shoes. M2 has also been working out as well; she did look thinner and her shoulders looked a bit more broader. She's been tackling the freeclimbing course in nearby Fujisawa. The bottomless policy for coffee worked a bit too well for me. I ended up drinking five cups...and ended up shaking all the way home.
I also noticed that there were a lot of folks dressed up in dark suits and white ties...which means that the graduation parties were in full swing. A lot of women were in all gussied up in kimonos as well.
Fairly light day for me. I just had The Class Act for the first time in 2 weeks. We ended up just gabbing again...but it was pretty useful for us. The Lady has been wondering what to get a couple of her newlywed friends in Illinois. She was thinking about something hi-tech, so I suggested either the Wii Fit or one of those Star Trek-like massage chairs with the plasma-panel display. I also gave The Matron the business card for Speedy since her nephew is interested in taking some Parisian French before he heads for France to take the Cordon Bleu course. And then I got some news from The Matron concerning some really cheap electronics place in Mitaka, the really far end of the Tozai Line. Apparently, it sells toasters for just 500 yen. And she thought she saw some nice CD player for just 6,000. Gotta get there sometime.
The Lady herself has discovered the wonders of 100-yen shops. This is a woman who can buy an island with her credit card, and she stunned The Matron and me when she said that she had gone to some sort of cheapo store over the weekend and discovered some amazing things for low, low prices. And then she nonchalantly went over to one of her favourite boutiques in Omotesando...the ones with the security guards in suits to buy some clothing....while carrying the paper bag of Daiso goods. I could imagine the shop staff calling security on seeing that. Well, I always said that I had the most interesting of students.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Friday March 21, 6:20 p.m.
Ironic....we had days last week and early this week which were very Spring-like, and then when the big day came yesterday, it was back to feeling wintry and rainy. Still, it was a holiday so I enjoyed a good 8 hours' worth of sleep and nothing to do with teaching. Even re-watched Tom Cruise's "Minority Report" on DVD. As much of a tribute to Film Noir as it was (or should it be Film Bleu, considering the colour filters used), I kinda noticed all the little Indiana Jones-like touches of humour that Spielberg tried to tap in, such as the scene where John Anderton accidentally drops his eyes. Definitely had that Kubrickian feel to it and more successful than "A.I.", the actual Spielberg-Kubrick fusion.
Today has also been basically a day off. I just have Miss Disney for her 60 in about 90 minutes. Just gotta do some worksheet prep. Really, the next couple of days will be rather relaxing. I've only got Tully & The Coffeemaker tomorrow, and then it's The OL followed by M+M for our long-delayed meeting at The Keio Plaza. Hopefully, the winds will finally die down by tomorrow so that I can get some laundry done. It was a virtual typhoon in Chiba last night and this morning.
Next Wednesday will be a big Hump Day. I've got no less than 6 lessons. The latest addition came from BC's call today about a model lesson sandwiched between The Nurse and The New Yorker.
CNNj, the Japanese distributor of CNN, will be making a few changes to its lineup. For the past few years, we've been getting the lion's share of the US programming such as "The Situation Room" and "Larry King Live". Well, it looks like from April 1st, they may be dropping Lou Dobbs and throwing Larry King to the dinner hour. Maybe ol' Lou's shoutouts were starting to wear thin with the audience here, or the Japanese fans of Barack Obama decided to declare war on the independent populist.
Well, Matsuzaka and his Boston Red Sox did make it over here after all. There had been some concern that a boycott by the Bosox was looming since the management had basically welched on a deal to pay the coaching staff for the trip over to Japan for a few games. Crisis averted, apparently.
Yesterday was the 5th anniversary of The Iraq War. Well, yesterday was also the 13th anniversary of the sarin gas attacks on the Tokyo Metro. And there are still plenty of victims suffering from the gas.
Ironic....we had days last week and early this week which were very Spring-like, and then when the big day came yesterday, it was back to feeling wintry and rainy. Still, it was a holiday so I enjoyed a good 8 hours' worth of sleep and nothing to do with teaching. Even re-watched Tom Cruise's "Minority Report" on DVD. As much of a tribute to Film Noir as it was (or should it be Film Bleu, considering the colour filters used), I kinda noticed all the little Indiana Jones-like touches of humour that Spielberg tried to tap in, such as the scene where John Anderton accidentally drops his eyes. Definitely had that Kubrickian feel to it and more successful than "A.I.", the actual Spielberg-Kubrick fusion.
Today has also been basically a day off. I just have Miss Disney for her 60 in about 90 minutes. Just gotta do some worksheet prep. Really, the next couple of days will be rather relaxing. I've only got Tully & The Coffeemaker tomorrow, and then it's The OL followed by M+M for our long-delayed meeting at The Keio Plaza. Hopefully, the winds will finally die down by tomorrow so that I can get some laundry done. It was a virtual typhoon in Chiba last night and this morning.
Next Wednesday will be a big Hump Day. I've got no less than 6 lessons. The latest addition came from BC's call today about a model lesson sandwiched between The Nurse and The New Yorker.
CNNj, the Japanese distributor of CNN, will be making a few changes to its lineup. For the past few years, we've been getting the lion's share of the US programming such as "The Situation Room" and "Larry King Live". Well, it looks like from April 1st, they may be dropping Lou Dobbs and throwing Larry King to the dinner hour. Maybe ol' Lou's shoutouts were starting to wear thin with the audience here, or the Japanese fans of Barack Obama decided to declare war on the independent populist.
Well, Matsuzaka and his Boston Red Sox did make it over here after all. There had been some concern that a boycott by the Bosox was looming since the management had basically welched on a deal to pay the coaching staff for the trip over to Japan for a few games. Crisis averted, apparently.
Yesterday was the 5th anniversary of The Iraq War. Well, yesterday was also the 13th anniversary of the sarin gas attacks on the Tokyo Metro. And there are still plenty of victims suffering from the gas.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Wednesday March 19, 9:00 p.m.
Well, I'm beyond the donut now, and I'm not alone. As for the first point, I finished up with The Diver about a half-hour ago. It was another one of those struggles with some basic grammar; she just tries so hard. I gave her some homework which she'll do after she gets back from her Okinawa vacation.
As for the "alone" part, there had been a possibility that I would have to hold down the fort all by my lonesome since The Amazon could've been bogged down at her day job, and Speedy wouldn't have returned for the rest of the evening due to some schmoozing around for business. After The Admin's departure, I was alone for about 30 minutes but then The Amazon did arrive...and in heavy rain. And then during my lesson with The Diver, I heard Speedy come back as well. So it's kinda back to normal now.
Got word from The Entrepreneur. He's made his first mass e-mail for me, The Doctor and The Dancer this year. It looks like he and his bride of 6 months are still very much in the honeymoon phase. They even dined on heart-shaped sushi. Awwww.... Can't even imagine what married life would be like now.
I'm not all that perked to head back home right now since it is raining steadily out there. I'll take a bit of a wait-and-see for the next hour or so. Plus, it's a holiday tomorrow.
Well, I'm beyond the donut now, and I'm not alone. As for the first point, I finished up with The Diver about a half-hour ago. It was another one of those struggles with some basic grammar; she just tries so hard. I gave her some homework which she'll do after she gets back from her Okinawa vacation.
As for the "alone" part, there had been a possibility that I would have to hold down the fort all by my lonesome since The Amazon could've been bogged down at her day job, and Speedy wouldn't have returned for the rest of the evening due to some schmoozing around for business. After The Admin's departure, I was alone for about 30 minutes but then The Amazon did arrive...and in heavy rain. And then during my lesson with The Diver, I heard Speedy come back as well. So it's kinda back to normal now.
Got word from The Entrepreneur. He's made his first mass e-mail for me, The Doctor and The Dancer this year. It looks like he and his bride of 6 months are still very much in the honeymoon phase. They even dined on heart-shaped sushi. Awwww.... Can't even imagine what married life would be like now.
I'm not all that perked to head back home right now since it is raining steadily out there. I'll take a bit of a wait-and-see for the next hour or so. Plus, it's a holiday tomorrow.
Wednesday March 19, 5:41 p.m.
Nearing the end of the donut. The Diver should be arriving in less than 2 hours. It's been quiet as expected. A few hours earlier, The Admin and I shared some coffee and discussed a bit more about any potential lessons together. Looks like she'll be another floater like The New Yorker, and we may be heading for another family restaurant. It'll be a fair challenge to teach her since she's pretty high as an English student...some passive errors, though.
True to an imminent transition in the seasons, when I went out about 45 minutes ago, the day had gone from sunny to pretty cool and rainy out there. At least, my nose won't be bothering me today. Just bought a couple of rice balls and a small salad. Trying to keep my purchases down until I get my next cash payment from Tully & The Coffeemaker this Saturday. I know that it'll be corned beef and cabbage tomorrow. Speaking of which, it'll be a national holiday to celebrate the Vernal Equinox. I'll most definitely be sleeping in as late as possible to catch up on the sleep. It'll be good, too, since the weather will probably be dreary then as well.
I got word from The Carolinan. She and her sister, The New Yorker, got back from Bali last night. They had a good time. Unfortunately, that revised date of the 29th for Spyros in Roppongi won't take with the Sisters of State due to other plans. I've asked for other possible Saturdays and even proposed one of their Thursday nights, provided that The New Yorker has the night off then in April.
Basically, spent the time just looking through those Time Lord files, and then just Wiki'ed. Another new fact from the I-Encyclopedia: I learned that it was director Barry Levinson of "Rain Man" fame who had been that enraged busboy who attacked Mel Brooks' psychiatrist character, a la "Psycho"'s famous shower scene, in "High Anxiety". I also attempted to play I-go on the computer, via Facebook. Lost pretty badly...but no surprise there.
Nearing the end of the donut. The Diver should be arriving in less than 2 hours. It's been quiet as expected. A few hours earlier, The Admin and I shared some coffee and discussed a bit more about any potential lessons together. Looks like she'll be another floater like The New Yorker, and we may be heading for another family restaurant. It'll be a fair challenge to teach her since she's pretty high as an English student...some passive errors, though.
True to an imminent transition in the seasons, when I went out about 45 minutes ago, the day had gone from sunny to pretty cool and rainy out there. At least, my nose won't be bothering me today. Just bought a couple of rice balls and a small salad. Trying to keep my purchases down until I get my next cash payment from Tully & The Coffeemaker this Saturday. I know that it'll be corned beef and cabbage tomorrow. Speaking of which, it'll be a national holiday to celebrate the Vernal Equinox. I'll most definitely be sleeping in as late as possible to catch up on the sleep. It'll be good, too, since the weather will probably be dreary then as well.
I got word from The Carolinan. She and her sister, The New Yorker, got back from Bali last night. They had a good time. Unfortunately, that revised date of the 29th for Spyros in Roppongi won't take with the Sisters of State due to other plans. I've asked for other possible Saturdays and even proposed one of their Thursday nights, provided that The New Yorker has the night off then in April.
Basically, spent the time just looking through those Time Lord files, and then just Wiki'ed. Another new fact from the I-Encyclopedia: I learned that it was director Barry Levinson of "Rain Man" fame who had been that enraged busboy who attacked Mel Brooks' psychiatrist character, a la "Psycho"'s famous shower scene, in "High Anxiety". I also attempted to play I-go on the computer, via Facebook. Lost pretty badly...but no surprise there.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Wednesday March 19, 1:04 p.m.
Well, finished up wth those grandmothers that Speedy usually teaches. Man, nice ladies both but they really took the energy out of me. The first grandmother is the prototypical nice little ol' lady but being in her early 80s, the listening comprehension just isn't there anymore. As for the second grandmother, she has a tendency to digress from the text...kept me on my toes. So any effect from the coffee has now largely been nullified.
Now, I'm in the empty zone...the "hole" of Donut Day. It's just The Admin and me for the next several hours until The Diver shows up. By that point, I hope to be filled with some food to keep me going. Speaking of The Admin, it looks like she's still holding out hope for me to teach her privately. It's possible that late April could be the earliest available time for us to meet. Nice to have another customer....and she's very willing to pay transportation money.
Well, finished up wth those grandmothers that Speedy usually teaches. Man, nice ladies both but they really took the energy out of me. The first grandmother is the prototypical nice little ol' lady but being in her early 80s, the listening comprehension just isn't there anymore. As for the second grandmother, she has a tendency to digress from the text...kept me on my toes. So any effect from the coffee has now largely been nullified.
Now, I'm in the empty zone...the "hole" of Donut Day. It's just The Admin and me for the next several hours until The Diver shows up. By that point, I hope to be filled with some food to keep me going. Speaking of The Admin, it looks like she's still holding out hope for me to teach her privately. It's possible that late April could be the earliest available time for us to meet. Nice to have another customer....and she's very willing to pay transportation money.
Wednesday March 19, 9:33 a.m.
Hump Day once more. Feeling buoyed by the Mac coffee but that should pass by the afternoon. Yep, it was another late night with Jolly followed by 6 hours of sleep and then out the door once more. Jolly was feeling lighter in spirits after about 2 weeks of corporate horror. At one point, he'd been wondering if he would be on a flight to China to investigate some problems concerning his company's products but that crisis was averted.
Will be diverting from my usual lesson with The Nurse since she came on Monday morning, and will be having the grandmothers. It won't be quite the Donut Day that Monday was, but I'll still be having several hours before the last lesson of The Diver. I'll see if I glean some more info from the Time Lord database.
Speaking of epic sci-fi, I just heard that Arthur C. Clarke of "2001: A Space Odyssey" fame has passed on, at the ripe old age of 90. Perhaps instead of just going to Heaven, he's evolved into the Starchild and gone on to a far better place.
Hump Day once more. Feeling buoyed by the Mac coffee but that should pass by the afternoon. Yep, it was another late night with Jolly followed by 6 hours of sleep and then out the door once more. Jolly was feeling lighter in spirits after about 2 weeks of corporate horror. At one point, he'd been wondering if he would be on a flight to China to investigate some problems concerning his company's products but that crisis was averted.
Will be diverting from my usual lesson with The Nurse since she came on Monday morning, and will be having the grandmothers. It won't be quite the Donut Day that Monday was, but I'll still be having several hours before the last lesson of The Diver. I'll see if I glean some more info from the Time Lord database.
Speaking of epic sci-fi, I just heard that Arthur C. Clarke of "2001: A Space Odyssey" fame has passed on, at the ripe old age of 90. Perhaps instead of just going to Heaven, he's evolved into the Starchild and gone on to a far better place.
Tuesday March 18, 9:30 p.m.
Waiting for Jolly who'll be 15 minutes late. Great...and I've got an early start to Wednesday. However, anyone who's willing to learn from me at such a late hour deserves the best. I had The Milds...Mild Jr. from 7-8 and then the parents themselves afterwards. Mr. Mild has been wondering about how he'll occupy his time now that he's one of the millions of retirees in this country. I extended one potential option...I gave him The Yogist's business card, and he may just give her a contact for a lesson. He's a bit trepidatious but that's not too surprising. Hope the two connect into a new student-teacher pairing.
Waiting for Jolly who'll be 15 minutes late. Great...and I've got an early start to Wednesday. However, anyone who's willing to learn from me at such a late hour deserves the best. I had The Milds...Mild Jr. from 7-8 and then the parents themselves afterwards. Mr. Mild has been wondering about how he'll occupy his time now that he's one of the millions of retirees in this country. I extended one potential option...I gave him The Yogist's business card, and he may just give her a contact for a lesson. He's a bit trepidatious but that's not too surprising. Hope the two connect into a new student-teacher pairing.
Tuesday March 18, 6:45 p.m.
Well, had the penultimate class for Chip N' Dale just now. Looks like they're leaving me at the right time. Dale just got her first cellphone...a shiny Softbank number with e-mail, Internet and digital camera. It's like giving a psychopath his own fully-loaded AK-47. She's already talking the girly talk with her buddies. Of course, neither of them bothered to do their homework, so which means I'll be quite happy to see them go next week.
The reason Dale got her first keitai is that she's not only having a birthday tomorrow, but she's heading for junior high school next month. She's taking that first step into adolescence; meaning that she'll be getting increasingly insufferable. Again, good to see her go. No, I mean she's an alright kid but when it comes to the student-teacher relationship, teens and I will never mix.
Didn't have to worry about dinner tonight, thanks to the juku boss. She was kind enough to make me some leftover curry. She was worried that it might be a bit too spicy, but heck, I can handle my chili. And this dish was no exception. Certainly saved on the money front as well.
Chip N' Dale were the big hurdle. Now it shouldn't be too bad...got the Mild family followed by Jolly...perhaps.
Well, had the penultimate class for Chip N' Dale just now. Looks like they're leaving me at the right time. Dale just got her first cellphone...a shiny Softbank number with e-mail, Internet and digital camera. It's like giving a psychopath his own fully-loaded AK-47. She's already talking the girly talk with her buddies. Of course, neither of them bothered to do their homework, so which means I'll be quite happy to see them go next week.
The reason Dale got her first keitai is that she's not only having a birthday tomorrow, but she's heading for junior high school next month. She's taking that first step into adolescence; meaning that she'll be getting increasingly insufferable. Again, good to see her go. No, I mean she's an alright kid but when it comes to the student-teacher relationship, teens and I will never mix.
Didn't have to worry about dinner tonight, thanks to the juku boss. She was kind enough to make me some leftover curry. She was worried that it might be a bit too spicy, but heck, I can handle my chili. And this dish was no exception. Certainly saved on the money front as well.
Chip N' Dale were the big hurdle. Now it shouldn't be too bad...got the Mild family followed by Jolly...perhaps.
Tuesday March 18, 4:39 p.m.
Thought I would be going through another day of Hay Fever Hell, but the meds kicked in a little later than usual. So, the fellow coffeedrinkers at the Tsudanuma Becker's had to deal with my sniffling for a bit before Mrs. Travel showed up. But afterwards, my nose settled down nicely. Mrs. Travel was indeed the solo Bee to show up...not often that happens. But out of all of the Bees, she's the one I chime with the best. Looks like Croatia isn't the only big destination for her this year; just a few weeks after that big tour, she'll be headed for the ruggedness of Arizona...that's right, John McCain country for a few days. Man, she can give 001 a run for the money in terms of air miles.
But there's also another one. My old friend, DTE, who used to be one of our fellow teachers at the ol' school has been doing her tour of Asia. And guess where she ended up in a few days ago...embattled Tibet. Well, she couldn't stay all that long since the Chinese security forces made traveling a tad difficult. Still, I'm glad that she's safe...she even Superpoked me on Facebook.
002 was also suffering from hay fever when I did my weekly house call. Otherwise, she was her usual jovial self. I won't be seeing her til April Fool's Day for her next lesson, though. And in about 75 minutes, I've got the usual juku gang. So far, we haven't heard anything from Jolly about whether he's gonna make it or not.
I got a much-belated present of chocolates for The Admin tomorrow when she does one little favour for Speedy and help out at the school tomorrow. She's now officially unemployed from our school since she needs to help out her hubbie, but she was kind enough to pitch in for the 19th.
I heard that SMAP heartthrob, Takuya Kimura, will be playing the Japanese PM in the next round of Spring dramas that start next month. So, fans can look forward to another scintillating rendition of Angry Snarly Young Man. I shall pass and stick to CNN, thank you.
Thought I would be going through another day of Hay Fever Hell, but the meds kicked in a little later than usual. So, the fellow coffeedrinkers at the Tsudanuma Becker's had to deal with my sniffling for a bit before Mrs. Travel showed up. But afterwards, my nose settled down nicely. Mrs. Travel was indeed the solo Bee to show up...not often that happens. But out of all of the Bees, she's the one I chime with the best. Looks like Croatia isn't the only big destination for her this year; just a few weeks after that big tour, she'll be headed for the ruggedness of Arizona...that's right, John McCain country for a few days. Man, she can give 001 a run for the money in terms of air miles.
But there's also another one. My old friend, DTE, who used to be one of our fellow teachers at the ol' school has been doing her tour of Asia. And guess where she ended up in a few days ago...embattled Tibet. Well, she couldn't stay all that long since the Chinese security forces made traveling a tad difficult. Still, I'm glad that she's safe...she even Superpoked me on Facebook.
002 was also suffering from hay fever when I did my weekly house call. Otherwise, she was her usual jovial self. I won't be seeing her til April Fool's Day for her next lesson, though. And in about 75 minutes, I've got the usual juku gang. So far, we haven't heard anything from Jolly about whether he's gonna make it or not.
I got a much-belated present of chocolates for The Admin tomorrow when she does one little favour for Speedy and help out at the school tomorrow. She's now officially unemployed from our school since she needs to help out her hubbie, but she was kind enough to pitch in for the 19th.
I heard that SMAP heartthrob, Takuya Kimura, will be playing the Japanese PM in the next round of Spring dramas that start next month. So, fans can look forward to another scintillating rendition of Angry Snarly Young Man. I shall pass and stick to CNN, thank you.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Monday March 17, 9:55 p.m.
Amazing how quickly I've reached the half-century point of the 2,100s. Just burning those entries.
Well, I've finally reached the other side of the donut day. I just finished with Medicine Man and he's off to do his test of the first three chapters. It's been a day and night of just looking through various homepages...I think it used to be called "surfing" back in the day...most notably through the history of the Time Lords. Yep, extremely geeky of me, I know. But the guy who wrote up the stuff beats me several times over in his encyclopedic results. However, I actually did get some planning done for Tuesday's lessons. Not sure if Jolly will be showing up, though.
001 called in to say that she'll have to cancel this Wednesday's stint. It's gonna be a pretty light week overall. I'm just lucky that I'll be having Speedy's grandmothers to make up for the shortfall, although it'll be another repeat of Donut Day. Speedy says that it's gonna be light for the entire school schedule this week since this Thursday is also a national holiday.
M+M called up to ask about changing the venue for this Sunday. The Elder M suggested a cafe inside the Keio Plaza Hotel, my old stomping grounds in the JET days. It's possible that I've even frequented the place back then. I gave them my approval. I just hope that they remember that they usually pay for my coffee.
I bought some more Benza Block for my hay fever although I'm not having any major sneezing fits right now. However, the bossman noticed that my left eye is looking pretty livid. Just another sign that Spring is around the corner.
Amazing how quickly I've reached the half-century point of the 2,100s. Just burning those entries.
Well, I've finally reached the other side of the donut day. I just finished with Medicine Man and he's off to do his test of the first three chapters. It's been a day and night of just looking through various homepages...I think it used to be called "surfing" back in the day...most notably through the history of the Time Lords. Yep, extremely geeky of me, I know. But the guy who wrote up the stuff beats me several times over in his encyclopedic results. However, I actually did get some planning done for Tuesday's lessons. Not sure if Jolly will be showing up, though.
001 called in to say that she'll have to cancel this Wednesday's stint. It's gonna be a pretty light week overall. I'm just lucky that I'll be having Speedy's grandmothers to make up for the shortfall, although it'll be another repeat of Donut Day. Speedy says that it's gonna be light for the entire school schedule this week since this Thursday is also a national holiday.
M+M called up to ask about changing the venue for this Sunday. The Elder M suggested a cafe inside the Keio Plaza Hotel, my old stomping grounds in the JET days. It's possible that I've even frequented the place back then. I gave them my approval. I just hope that they remember that they usually pay for my coffee.
I bought some more Benza Block for my hay fever although I'm not having any major sneezing fits right now. However, the bossman noticed that my left eye is looking pretty livid. Just another sign that Spring is around the corner.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Monday March 17, 11:59 a.m.
Finished up with the lesson with The Nurse. As usual, we ended up going 20 minutes overtime. But that's a good thing...the last lesson seemed a bit tense; she struck me as being nonplussed about something. I gave her the White Day present for which she was duly appreciative. And now, I have about 8.5 hours of nothing but there will always be things go to.
Because of The Nurse's lesson, it was another early commute on the subway. It is always an interesting subway ride early in the morning...quite unlike the commutes home. At night, there are always gaggles of folks, fueled by alcohol, cigarettes and stress, gabbing away; especially on Friday nights, the subway could almost be mistaken for a moving party lounge.
Not in the mornings. The subway has a near-cathedral silence, a lot of it due to the fact that a lot of the commuters are in still in sleep mode. It's much easier to squeeze into the seats between folks; they just tend to conform to the shape of my butt entering their space instead of getting all huffy. Still, I'll be happy not to the morning commutes if possible...I would prefer to sleep in my comfy futon at home. However, although The Nurse came in for this morning, I'll still be required to come in on Wednesday morning, The Nurse's usual slot. Since the bossman will be off on one of his study-abroad conferences, I have to teach his pair of grandmothers.
Finished up with the lesson with The Nurse. As usual, we ended up going 20 minutes overtime. But that's a good thing...the last lesson seemed a bit tense; she struck me as being nonplussed about something. I gave her the White Day present for which she was duly appreciative. And now, I have about 8.5 hours of nothing but there will always be things go to.
Because of The Nurse's lesson, it was another early commute on the subway. It is always an interesting subway ride early in the morning...quite unlike the commutes home. At night, there are always gaggles of folks, fueled by alcohol, cigarettes and stress, gabbing away; especially on Friday nights, the subway could almost be mistaken for a moving party lounge.
Not in the mornings. The subway has a near-cathedral silence, a lot of it due to the fact that a lot of the commuters are in still in sleep mode. It's much easier to squeeze into the seats between folks; they just tend to conform to the shape of my butt entering their space instead of getting all huffy. Still, I'll be happy not to the morning commutes if possible...I would prefer to sleep in my comfy futon at home. However, although The Nurse came in for this morning, I'll still be required to come in on Wednesday morning, The Nurse's usual slot. Since the bossman will be off on one of his study-abroad conferences, I have to teach his pair of grandmothers.
Monday March 17, 9:34 a.m.
Ahh....yes, it is St. Patrick's Day, isn't it? Leprechauns, Pots O' Gold, and all that Irish. Well, it's a Monday so I don't expect any more major celebrations. All that was done over the weekend, but I'm sure some of the more enterprising establishments will still offer green beer on tap tonight, and there will be enough barflies to try them out, I'm sure.
Yesterday, it was just The OL for her 60 at the cafe in Nihombashi. She gave me a book report on "Jane Eyre". She didn't really like it since she thought noone in the book was all that sympathetic, although her sister (and my former student), The UL, had a very different take on it. My only exposure to the Bronte Sisters was the SCTV parody, "Jane Eyrehead".
We did have the same opinion on "Catcher in the Rye"...which was that it was more of a novel of its time than a timeless classic. Nowadays, we can see Holden Caulfields all over the world.
Took me a few minutes but managed to pick up something for White Day (although that was back on Friday) for The Nurse, since she got those bath salts for me on Valentine's Day. They were labeled "Long-Life"...not quite sure what she was getting at, although she knows about my habit of eating McBreakfasts whenever she's slated for the morning lessons. In any case, I mirrored her choice by not getting chocolates but a couple of scented candles at an oh-so-trendy store called Serendipity in the Coredo mall where The OL's cafe is located. Speaking of The Nurse, I've got her in a few minutes. In fact, I've got a bit of a donut day...not that I'll be heading for Krispy Kreme...the lineup there is probably still snaking its way around the corner. What I mean is that I have one of those days in which I've got several hours of nothing between classes. This is definitely one of the biggest scheduling donuts I've ever had: 8.5 hours between the end of The Nurse and the start of Medicine Man's class tonight.
Well, I will be keeping busy...or trying to, anyways. BC was kind enough to send me a couple of revisions to her stuff from last week, although I think since they are second drafts, there won't be as much to correct. I'll also be doing a bit of hard drive moving on the computer here, and of course, planning for Medicine Man and for the Tuesday lessons. I do have Chip and Dale for two more lessons.
Ahh....yes, it is St. Patrick's Day, isn't it? Leprechauns, Pots O' Gold, and all that Irish. Well, it's a Monday so I don't expect any more major celebrations. All that was done over the weekend, but I'm sure some of the more enterprising establishments will still offer green beer on tap tonight, and there will be enough barflies to try them out, I'm sure.
Yesterday, it was just The OL for her 60 at the cafe in Nihombashi. She gave me a book report on "Jane Eyre". She didn't really like it since she thought noone in the book was all that sympathetic, although her sister (and my former student), The UL, had a very different take on it. My only exposure to the Bronte Sisters was the SCTV parody, "Jane Eyrehead".
We did have the same opinion on "Catcher in the Rye"...which was that it was more of a novel of its time than a timeless classic. Nowadays, we can see Holden Caulfields all over the world.
Took me a few minutes but managed to pick up something for White Day (although that was back on Friday) for The Nurse, since she got those bath salts for me on Valentine's Day. They were labeled "Long-Life"...not quite sure what she was getting at, although she knows about my habit of eating McBreakfasts whenever she's slated for the morning lessons. In any case, I mirrored her choice by not getting chocolates but a couple of scented candles at an oh-so-trendy store called Serendipity in the Coredo mall where The OL's cafe is located. Speaking of The Nurse, I've got her in a few minutes. In fact, I've got a bit of a donut day...not that I'll be heading for Krispy Kreme...the lineup there is probably still snaking its way around the corner. What I mean is that I have one of those days in which I've got several hours of nothing between classes. This is definitely one of the biggest scheduling donuts I've ever had: 8.5 hours between the end of The Nurse and the start of Medicine Man's class tonight.
Well, I will be keeping busy...or trying to, anyways. BC was kind enough to send me a couple of revisions to her stuff from last week, although I think since they are second drafts, there won't be as much to correct. I'll also be doing a bit of hard drive moving on the computer here, and of course, planning for Medicine Man and for the Tuesday lessons. I do have Chip and Dale for two more lessons.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Saturday March 15, 6:11 p.m.
Managed to get through the gauntlet of lessons with sanity intact. In fact, all three students were in fine fettle: The Bostonian practiced writing a request letter, the EIC student was a bit on the mousy side but she did fine in her last lesson before her debut tomorrow, and although The Businesswoman was half an hour late, she breezed through the last of the exercises.
Now, just gotta figure out what I'm gonna have for dinner with the bountiful cash I've gotten from Tully and The Coffeemaker this morning.
St. Patrick's Day has become the latest foreign holiday to infiltrate these shores. There was a spate of parades today, most notably one in Omotesando. And of course, all the bars are planning big parties involving lots and lots of Guinness. I think it is rather natural for the Irish holiday to make a big hit here
Managed to get through the gauntlet of lessons with sanity intact. In fact, all three students were in fine fettle: The Bostonian practiced writing a request letter, the EIC student was a bit on the mousy side but she did fine in her last lesson before her debut tomorrow, and although The Businesswoman was half an hour late, she breezed through the last of the exercises.
Now, just gotta figure out what I'm gonna have for dinner with the bountiful cash I've gotten from Tully and The Coffeemaker this morning.
St. Patrick's Day has become the latest foreign holiday to infiltrate these shores. There was a spate of parades today, most notably one in Omotesando. And of course, all the bars are planning big parties involving lots and lots of Guinness. I think it is rather natural for the Irish holiday to make a big hit here
Friday, March 14, 2008
Saturday March 15, 2:29 p.m.
A beautiful day and the pollen is flying. But I've got the meds in me and the mask on me. Looks like a lot of my compadres are going through the same Hell: Speedy, Tully, The Bostonian and BC.
Tully did show up for today's lesson since he got that report done. He and his classmate, The Coffeemaker, had a pretty good time going through statistics in English...these are pretty committed students. Then I had The Bostonian for her 60; yep, she's a hard worker but still gets a tad skittish on herself. All that furor over who was gonna get that 8:30 Wednesday slot between her and The Diver was all for nought, though. It looks like that for the next month at least, The Bostonian can only come on Saturdays due to the rigours of her job. So, The Diver can now rest easy.
In about 10 minutes, I've got that EIC student for her last lesson before her debut tomorrow at cooking with Mr. Influence. And then to wrap up, it's the Businesswoman.
I found out that butter may actually become an endangered species here in The Land of the Rising Sun. Because of all of the problems with oil and milk supplies, the sticks may no longer be all that available. So, goodbye Western omelettes, hotcakes and steaks (yes, for some bizarre reason, the Japanese love their steaks served with a pat of butter on top). And of course, the lowly toast may also become a thing of the past...the Japanese may find themselves ingesting miso soup, fish and rice again for their breakfasts. However, they may find that artherosclerosis may also be an endangered species.
A beautiful day and the pollen is flying. But I've got the meds in me and the mask on me. Looks like a lot of my compadres are going through the same Hell: Speedy, Tully, The Bostonian and BC.
Tully did show up for today's lesson since he got that report done. He and his classmate, The Coffeemaker, had a pretty good time going through statistics in English...these are pretty committed students. Then I had The Bostonian for her 60; yep, she's a hard worker but still gets a tad skittish on herself. All that furor over who was gonna get that 8:30 Wednesday slot between her and The Diver was all for nought, though. It looks like that for the next month at least, The Bostonian can only come on Saturdays due to the rigours of her job. So, The Diver can now rest easy.
In about 10 minutes, I've got that EIC student for her last lesson before her debut tomorrow at cooking with Mr. Influence. And then to wrap up, it's the Businesswoman.
I found out that butter may actually become an endangered species here in The Land of the Rising Sun. Because of all of the problems with oil and milk supplies, the sticks may no longer be all that available. So, goodbye Western omelettes, hotcakes and steaks (yes, for some bizarre reason, the Japanese love their steaks served with a pat of butter on top). And of course, the lowly toast may also become a thing of the past...the Japanese may find themselves ingesting miso soup, fish and rice again for their breakfasts. However, they may find that artherosclerosis may also be an endangered species.
Friday March 14, 9:17 p.m.
A couple of hours ago during the model lesson, a lightning bolt struck down within a kilometre of us. Man, kinda shook up the neighbourhood...along with a few neighbours. However, it doesn't seem that there was any major fire because of it. Haven't heard any sirens so far.
Speaking of that model lesson, the young girl is pretty good in terms of fluency. She's gonna be doing a homestay in Oz in a few months so I'll probably give her a good does of PASSPORT and some higher grammar for starters. In terms of her makeup and temperament, she reminds me somewhat of a pint-sized version of that tarento Suzanne (who's really full Japanese although she looks like a halfie), so I guess that's what her name will be. Suzanne will be replacing Chip N' Dale from April.
Miss Disney was much more on the genki side tonight, though she got drenched from the downpours hitting Chiba right now. Let's hope that last Friday was merely a sophomore jinx. I'm just waiting for Jolly...hopefully, he does show up. He's had a small habit of doing a no-show without calling us.
Got word from BC that most likely The Manhattanite will not be coming in tomorrow. Will lose out on some income but gain some sanity from the loaded schedule.
A couple of hours ago during the model lesson, a lightning bolt struck down within a kilometre of us. Man, kinda shook up the neighbourhood...along with a few neighbours. However, it doesn't seem that there was any major fire because of it. Haven't heard any sirens so far.
Speaking of that model lesson, the young girl is pretty good in terms of fluency. She's gonna be doing a homestay in Oz in a few months so I'll probably give her a good does of PASSPORT and some higher grammar for starters. In terms of her makeup and temperament, she reminds me somewhat of a pint-sized version of that tarento Suzanne (who's really full Japanese although she looks like a halfie), so I guess that's what her name will be. Suzanne will be replacing Chip N' Dale from April.
Miss Disney was much more on the genki side tonight, though she got drenched from the downpours hitting Chiba right now. Let's hope that last Friday was merely a sophomore jinx. I'm just waiting for Jolly...hopefully, he does show up. He's had a small habit of doing a no-show without calling us.
Got word from BC that most likely The Manhattanite will not be coming in tomorrow. Will lose out on some income but gain some sanity from the loaded schedule.
Friday March 14, 6:27 p.m.
Yeah, yeah...still blogging. This time, though, I'm at the juku instead of the I-cafe. Had my dinner at Subway's for the second time this week. I do like the place but the other reason is that I was able to fill up my point card to get that medium sandwich and drink for just 200 yen. And I did use that lousy coupon for free cheese...cheese indeed.
The juku boss is downstairs with her good friend from Kyushu. Apparently, her friend is an accomplished pottery expert. We were briefly introduced before I went up to my post here. I've done some prep work for tonight's lessons. That model lesson student for tonight is an old student of the kids' teacher from way back. Could be like Miss Disney.
I hear the rains coming down. Not a good night for White Day enthusiasts. But I'm sure some of those young folks are enjoying themselves at some romantic candlelight dinner in Ginza or Omotesando. The barber this morning was bantering with me as usual, and the topic of March 14 came up. He opined that nowadays, women start kicking up a fuss if they don't get only the finest of chocolates. In other words, if their candies don't come with the Godiva or Maison Du Chocolat stamp, that candlelight will probably blow out quickly and coldly. Well, I hope that really isn't the case...it wouldn't impress me much about women here, and my opinion of the twentysomethings hasn't been too great of late.
Speaking of female twentysomethings, that woman who has now joined the ranks of Gennifer Flowers and Monica Lewinski has been outed. Alexandra Youmans, aka Dupree, is pleading with the world not to think of her as a monster. I don't think that will happen, although I'm kinda surprised that her family isn't kicking much of a fuss over the fact that their daughter is a high-priced call girl. No...I think Eliot Spitzer is the one who should be doing the duck n' cover.
Yeah, yeah...still blogging. This time, though, I'm at the juku instead of the I-cafe. Had my dinner at Subway's for the second time this week. I do like the place but the other reason is that I was able to fill up my point card to get that medium sandwich and drink for just 200 yen. And I did use that lousy coupon for free cheese...cheese indeed.
The juku boss is downstairs with her good friend from Kyushu. Apparently, her friend is an accomplished pottery expert. We were briefly introduced before I went up to my post here. I've done some prep work for tonight's lessons. That model lesson student for tonight is an old student of the kids' teacher from way back. Could be like Miss Disney.
I hear the rains coming down. Not a good night for White Day enthusiasts. But I'm sure some of those young folks are enjoying themselves at some romantic candlelight dinner in Ginza or Omotesando. The barber this morning was bantering with me as usual, and the topic of March 14 came up. He opined that nowadays, women start kicking up a fuss if they don't get only the finest of chocolates. In other words, if their candies don't come with the Godiva or Maison Du Chocolat stamp, that candlelight will probably blow out quickly and coldly. Well, I hope that really isn't the case...it wouldn't impress me much about women here, and my opinion of the twentysomethings hasn't been too great of late.
Speaking of female twentysomethings, that woman who has now joined the ranks of Gennifer Flowers and Monica Lewinski has been outed. Alexandra Youmans, aka Dupree, is pleading with the world not to think of her as a monster. I don't think that will happen, although I'm kinda surprised that her family isn't kicking much of a fuss over the fact that their daughter is a high-priced call girl. No...I think Eliot Spitzer is the one who should be doing the duck n' cover.
Friday March 14, 4:40 p.m.
Was going through YouTube's round of scalp massage videos. Yup, I'll have to admit it...I've developed an addiction to those things...kinda like my addiction to Pringle's. But I'm pretty convinced that watching vids such as "Indian Style" comes a fairly close second to actually experiencing the thing. And for someone who has to commute through Tokyo traffic nearly every day and deals with a variety of students every day, it's no surprise that massage clinics rival McDonalds branches in number.
So, it was with great anticipation that I had my first haircut of the year today at the neighbourhood salon. I didn't bother with the New Year greetings...it would've just looked silly. However, the guys there were their usual fine selves. It isn't so much the haircut that's thrilling, but the extras such as the shampoo with the massage, and then the extra rubdown on the scalp with the menthol tonic along with some stuff done on the shoulders and the back that makes the 5,000 yen worthwhile. Yup...even in my financial dire straits, I would still pay that much for good service and banter...and that's considering there is a discount barber closer to my apartment for 990 yen. I don't go that often to the barber...at this rate, I figure that I'll just be going three more times this year, so I think I can handle that.
However, watching those Indian barber videos, it would seem that India may take the crown in terms of tonsorial services. I don't think I've ever seen barbers anywhere else that intensely occupied to ensure their customers leave smiling. Even my barber looks like he's slumming compared to these folks in Mumbai. Still, I'm happy to be getting the tonsorial that I get here since North Americans would never expect such things back home in their barber shops. And it's a pity, too, since it does make sort of sense....you wanna keep your follicles nice and happy and sprouting hairs?...make sure they get rubbed down once in a while. I've had past barbers tell me that massaging the various nerves leading via the neck into the scalp ensures that your hair stays longer on your head.
Was going through YouTube's round of scalp massage videos. Yup, I'll have to admit it...I've developed an addiction to those things...kinda like my addiction to Pringle's. But I'm pretty convinced that watching vids such as "Indian Style" comes a fairly close second to actually experiencing the thing. And for someone who has to commute through Tokyo traffic nearly every day and deals with a variety of students every day, it's no surprise that massage clinics rival McDonalds branches in number.
So, it was with great anticipation that I had my first haircut of the year today at the neighbourhood salon. I didn't bother with the New Year greetings...it would've just looked silly. However, the guys there were their usual fine selves. It isn't so much the haircut that's thrilling, but the extras such as the shampoo with the massage, and then the extra rubdown on the scalp with the menthol tonic along with some stuff done on the shoulders and the back that makes the 5,000 yen worthwhile. Yup...even in my financial dire straits, I would still pay that much for good service and banter...and that's considering there is a discount barber closer to my apartment for 990 yen. I don't go that often to the barber...at this rate, I figure that I'll just be going three more times this year, so I think I can handle that.
However, watching those Indian barber videos, it would seem that India may take the crown in terms of tonsorial services. I don't think I've ever seen barbers anywhere else that intensely occupied to ensure their customers leave smiling. Even my barber looks like he's slumming compared to these folks in Mumbai. Still, I'm happy to be getting the tonsorial that I get here since North Americans would never expect such things back home in their barber shops. And it's a pity, too, since it does make sort of sense....you wanna keep your follicles nice and happy and sprouting hairs?...make sure they get rubbed down once in a while. I've had past barbers tell me that massaging the various nerves leading via the neck into the scalp ensures that your hair stays longer on your head.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Friday March 14, 2:06 p.m.
Well, finally got the last of FY 2006 big bills paid off...my income tax one. Despite the two trains and 15-minute walk to the tax office, the whole thing took just 5 minutes to complete. When the government wants your money, you'd be amazed at how quickly service can be. Feeling considerably lighter in the wallet, but heavier in the soul, I decided to walk down to Colton Plaza, one of the very first megamalls in the Kanto. Maybe its only claim to fame is that back in 1999, during all the hoopla surrounding "The Phantom Menace", the guy who played Darth Maul made an appearance there to sign autographs...of course, he charged folks for the courtesy.
I found a cheap Chinese eatery which serve chuukadon for 750 yen. It's a bunch of veggies, shrimp and pork cooked up in the usual thick cornstarch sauce and thrown on top of a bowl of rice. That stuff could also be easily found in any of the greasy spoons of Chinatown but I'm sure it's still about half the price there that it is here.
I then ended up walking all over the place for an hour...naively thinking that I could actually walk all the way back to my neck of the woods. Forgetting that Ichikawa covers a massive amount of land with 2 rivers and a wide expressway cutting through it, I plodded through a lot of suburban wilderness. I saw a lot of my adopted city that I hadn't seen in my fourteen years here. Not that it was really worth seeing again, mind you. I realize now that Ichikawa is definitely one big plate of corporate subsidiaries, government buildings and auto dealerships with a liberal sprinkling of plops of residential neighbourhoods. I managed to come across a map in front of the Ichikawa Police Department HQ and saw how far I actually was from my neighbourhood, and then decided to make the beeline back to the nearest JR station. Ironic that I made the realization in front of the cops...they do say "Nothing to see here" quite a lot.
Last night, I made it over to Ichigaya Starbucks. Sure enough, I had to line up for a table for about 15 minutes. But the corporation knows how to provide good service; the barristas gave all of us squatters small free cups of black coffee...presumably so that we wouldn't collapse. I was phenomenally lucky, though. The same barrista who gave out the free java also got me a table for two right by the glass corner overlooking the main intersection. It was in the midst of the hustle and bustle inside but also isolated enough.
The Carolinan was grateful as well for not having to endure through the smoke of Tully's. She and her sister got their White Day gifts from me, and I think at this moment, they're probably boarding their plane for Bali where they'll enjoy their few days of sun and massages. Must be nice not being poor. Then, BC showed up and we discussed her resume and covering letter. No particular problems outside the fact that she needs to do a bit of cropping and editing...just a bit too much information.
Got home last night to watch that "Doctor Who" tape that The Entrepreneur had kindly sent me. Mind you, it took several tries and minutes to get the ol' VCR going. It's very much on its last legs. The Entrepreneur sent the last 3 eps of Season 3...the big epic involving The Master. Sir Derek Jacobi had just a few minutes of playing the villain before he regenerated into the next actor, but he sure did make the most of them, chewing up the scenery like he did. It was a good watch although the resolution in the final episode dangerously skirted "Kum-Bah-Yah" territory.
It'll be quite an atypically busy Friday night and Saturday. I've got a model lesson student at the juku to start before Miss Disney shows up. The Ace actually cancelled but his class is just half an hour; and then, Jolly shows up. When he cancelled his class on Tuesday, the boss told me that ol' J had told her that things may be even worse when he had to chew linoleum for a sales screwup a few weeks back....which may mean he might have a whole lot of time on his hands from now on. However, I'm sure he'll let me know. I may have to put on my psychiatrist's hat tonight...something that I do from time to time.
Then, Saturday will be chock-filled with classes. Tully (maybe) & The Coffeemaker, The Bostonian, an EIC student, The Businesswoman and maybe even The Manhattanite to finish things off.
Well, finally got the last of FY 2006 big bills paid off...my income tax one. Despite the two trains and 15-minute walk to the tax office, the whole thing took just 5 minutes to complete. When the government wants your money, you'd be amazed at how quickly service can be. Feeling considerably lighter in the wallet, but heavier in the soul, I decided to walk down to Colton Plaza, one of the very first megamalls in the Kanto. Maybe its only claim to fame is that back in 1999, during all the hoopla surrounding "The Phantom Menace", the guy who played Darth Maul made an appearance there to sign autographs...of course, he charged folks for the courtesy.
I found a cheap Chinese eatery which serve chuukadon for 750 yen. It's a bunch of veggies, shrimp and pork cooked up in the usual thick cornstarch sauce and thrown on top of a bowl of rice. That stuff could also be easily found in any of the greasy spoons of Chinatown but I'm sure it's still about half the price there that it is here.
I then ended up walking all over the place for an hour...naively thinking that I could actually walk all the way back to my neck of the woods. Forgetting that Ichikawa covers a massive amount of land with 2 rivers and a wide expressway cutting through it, I plodded through a lot of suburban wilderness. I saw a lot of my adopted city that I hadn't seen in my fourteen years here. Not that it was really worth seeing again, mind you. I realize now that Ichikawa is definitely one big plate of corporate subsidiaries, government buildings and auto dealerships with a liberal sprinkling of plops of residential neighbourhoods. I managed to come across a map in front of the Ichikawa Police Department HQ and saw how far I actually was from my neighbourhood, and then decided to make the beeline back to the nearest JR station. Ironic that I made the realization in front of the cops...they do say "Nothing to see here" quite a lot.
Last night, I made it over to Ichigaya Starbucks. Sure enough, I had to line up for a table for about 15 minutes. But the corporation knows how to provide good service; the barristas gave all of us squatters small free cups of black coffee...presumably so that we wouldn't collapse. I was phenomenally lucky, though. The same barrista who gave out the free java also got me a table for two right by the glass corner overlooking the main intersection. It was in the midst of the hustle and bustle inside but also isolated enough.
The Carolinan was grateful as well for not having to endure through the smoke of Tully's. She and her sister got their White Day gifts from me, and I think at this moment, they're probably boarding their plane for Bali where they'll enjoy their few days of sun and massages. Must be nice not being poor. Then, BC showed up and we discussed her resume and covering letter. No particular problems outside the fact that she needs to do a bit of cropping and editing...just a bit too much information.
Got home last night to watch that "Doctor Who" tape that The Entrepreneur had kindly sent me. Mind you, it took several tries and minutes to get the ol' VCR going. It's very much on its last legs. The Entrepreneur sent the last 3 eps of Season 3...the big epic involving The Master. Sir Derek Jacobi had just a few minutes of playing the villain before he regenerated into the next actor, but he sure did make the most of them, chewing up the scenery like he did. It was a good watch although the resolution in the final episode dangerously skirted "Kum-Bah-Yah" territory.
It'll be quite an atypically busy Friday night and Saturday. I've got a model lesson student at the juku to start before Miss Disney shows up. The Ace actually cancelled but his class is just half an hour; and then, Jolly shows up. When he cancelled his class on Tuesday, the boss told me that ol' J had told her that things may be even worse when he had to chew linoleum for a sales screwup a few weeks back....which may mean he might have a whole lot of time on his hands from now on. However, I'm sure he'll let me know. I may have to put on my psychiatrist's hat tonight...something that I do from time to time.
Then, Saturday will be chock-filled with classes. Tully (maybe) & The Coffeemaker, The Bostonian, an EIC student, The Businesswoman and maybe even The Manhattanite to finish things off.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Thursday March 13, 2:41 p.m.
Finished up with The Yogist. She cruised through her test at 92%. Also managed to get her name card from her so that I can give it to Mr. Mild, who has expressed an interest in learning yoga. Looks like that trip to India a couple of weeks left quite an impression on my newest retiree student. Not sure if I'll get a finder's fee if Mr. Mild decides to sign up with her, though.
I'll be taking off in about an hour and a half for Ichigaya to teach The Carolinan and BC. The venue will be shifted from Tully's to Starbucks since The Carolinan had expressed a desire to no longer have her clothes smell like coffee and cigarettes, and since all of Starbucks is non-smoking.... However, it is only half the size of Tully's which will make finding a table that much more difficult. I've got my White Day chocolates for The Sisters of State since they were kind enough to give their old teacher some giri choco last month. I can guarantee that my contribution will be far cheaper than the delicacies they jointly gave me.
I found out from CNN that Dawn Wells who had played the girl-next-door castaway, Mary Ann, from "Gilligan's Island" got busted for marijuana possession. Well, I guess that definitely refutes the theory that age and wisdom go hand in hand. Try to imagine....Mary Ann gets some Mary Jane. Hope that the ghosts of Bob Denver, Alan Hale Jr., Jim Backus and Natalie Schafer aren't rolling too hard in their graves right now. I saw her mug shot; she certainly had that "Ooops...I kinda goofed" look on her face. Well, at least, she doesn't look as bad as Nick Nolte.
Finished up with The Yogist. She cruised through her test at 92%. Also managed to get her name card from her so that I can give it to Mr. Mild, who has expressed an interest in learning yoga. Looks like that trip to India a couple of weeks left quite an impression on my newest retiree student. Not sure if I'll get a finder's fee if Mr. Mild decides to sign up with her, though.
I'll be taking off in about an hour and a half for Ichigaya to teach The Carolinan and BC. The venue will be shifted from Tully's to Starbucks since The Carolinan had expressed a desire to no longer have her clothes smell like coffee and cigarettes, and since all of Starbucks is non-smoking.... However, it is only half the size of Tully's which will make finding a table that much more difficult. I've got my White Day chocolates for The Sisters of State since they were kind enough to give their old teacher some giri choco last month. I can guarantee that my contribution will be far cheaper than the delicacies they jointly gave me.
I found out from CNN that Dawn Wells who had played the girl-next-door castaway, Mary Ann, from "Gilligan's Island" got busted for marijuana possession. Well, I guess that definitely refutes the theory that age and wisdom go hand in hand. Try to imagine....Mary Ann gets some Mary Jane. Hope that the ghosts of Bob Denver, Alan Hale Jr., Jim Backus and Natalie Schafer aren't rolling too hard in their graves right now. I saw her mug shot; she certainly had that "Ooops...I kinda goofed" look on her face. Well, at least, she doesn't look as bad as Nick Nolte.
Thursday March 13, 12:05 p.m.
Started the morning watching the continuing fallout from the Eliot Spitzer debacle (that must be some dinner table scene in their household these days) while I was proofreading BC's resume and covering letter.
Of course, I'm now here at Speedy's awaiting The Yogist for her regular lesson. I might ask her about Mr. Mild's earlier interest in yoga. Not sure if she does house calls for lone customers, though. Plus, I'm not sure about how Mrs. Mild may feel about this.
Got a letter and photos from The Cat following my visit to her home last month. And I finally got that "Doctor Who" tape from The Entrepreneur after that first abortive attempt. Strangely enough, my two long-distance friends had met a few times years and years ago; The Entrepreneur's friend was an elementary school teacher in Toronto who was looking for someone to give a presentation on present-day Japan, and The Cat (during her freewheeling days as a working-holiday student) decided to assist me in the event.
I also received a "personal" invitation from former Ontario Premier David Petersen to some sort of light reception at the Canadian Embassy in Akasaka on the 9th. It's apparently involving the U of T Alumni Association. I actually had a second of his time....again, years and years ago...when, for reasons that I forget now, he was traipsing through the Koffler Student Centre in the main campus. I'd heard that he and his father had done dealings with various Japanese companies. There was no security cordon whatsoever around him, so one of my very first students and I just cordially went up to him and greeted him. He gave the usual vacuous smile and acknowledgement that all politicians learn to give the unwashed masses.
Unsurprisingly, I will not be attending the event, since: 1) I'm working, 2) I hate parties, 3) frankly, English teachers don't exactly occupy a high place on the totem pole here, and 4) I had a rather uninspiring time at the last Alumni reunion a decade ago.
Started the morning watching the continuing fallout from the Eliot Spitzer debacle (that must be some dinner table scene in their household these days) while I was proofreading BC's resume and covering letter.
Of course, I'm now here at Speedy's awaiting The Yogist for her regular lesson. I might ask her about Mr. Mild's earlier interest in yoga. Not sure if she does house calls for lone customers, though. Plus, I'm not sure about how Mrs. Mild may feel about this.
Got a letter and photos from The Cat following my visit to her home last month. And I finally got that "Doctor Who" tape from The Entrepreneur after that first abortive attempt. Strangely enough, my two long-distance friends had met a few times years and years ago; The Entrepreneur's friend was an elementary school teacher in Toronto who was looking for someone to give a presentation on present-day Japan, and The Cat (during her freewheeling days as a working-holiday student) decided to assist me in the event.
I also received a "personal" invitation from former Ontario Premier David Petersen to some sort of light reception at the Canadian Embassy in Akasaka on the 9th. It's apparently involving the U of T Alumni Association. I actually had a second of his time....again, years and years ago...when, for reasons that I forget now, he was traipsing through the Koffler Student Centre in the main campus. I'd heard that he and his father had done dealings with various Japanese companies. There was no security cordon whatsoever around him, so one of my very first students and I just cordially went up to him and greeted him. He gave the usual vacuous smile and acknowledgement that all politicians learn to give the unwashed masses.
Unsurprisingly, I will not be attending the event, since: 1) I'm working, 2) I hate parties, 3) frankly, English teachers don't exactly occupy a high place on the totem pole here, and 4) I had a rather uninspiring time at the last Alumni reunion a decade ago.
Wednesday March 12, 8:18 p.m.
Just finished with 001. Her Alaskan adventure was quite successful. She showed me her photos straight from the digital camera. Couldn't quite get the actual aurorae (I think it would challenge even a professional) but could show me a lot of the wilderness there. Got some souvenirs in the form of chocolate and smoked salmon. Gonna have to get some bagels and cream cheese now.
Waiting for The Diver to show up...
Just finished with 001. Her Alaskan adventure was quite successful. She showed me her photos straight from the digital camera. Couldn't quite get the actual aurorae (I think it would challenge even a professional) but could show me a lot of the wilderness there. Got some souvenirs in the form of chocolate and smoked salmon. Gonna have to get some bagels and cream cheese now.
Waiting for The Diver to show up...
Wednesday March 12, 5:44 p.m.
Before coming out all the way here, I stopped off at the local Subway's sandwich shop near my station for a small bite. I did...and got one back in return. It used to be the custom for me to use a lot of the coupons for slightly discounted sandwiches such as tuna or BLT or the club. Well, it looks like those familiar green sheets have now gone the way of the dinosaur. Now, the only coupons they have are those for free slices of cheese or bacon. The former used to be de rigueur for sandwiches. Man, this inflation does stink.
However, just down the hall in the station mall, the newest eatery opened up a couple of days ago. It looks like another one of those all-you-can-eat tonkatsu places. The picture of the pig in a chef's hat and apron gives it all away. It's usually my policy not to visit a restaurant in the first few months of its opening, since the service and the food are gonna go through some growing pains, but after the slight disappointment at Subway, I may be tempted. Certainly, after paying my income tax this Friday, I may be ready for some comfort food.
Looks like this Saturday may be chock-filled with classes. Not only do I have Tully & The Coffeemaker but I've got The Bostonian, an EIC student and The Businesswoman. Heck, I can't even teach The Dentist since the schedule will be so tight. And now, maybe The Manhattanite may be trying to inch herself in as well.
Before coming out all the way here, I stopped off at the local Subway's sandwich shop near my station for a small bite. I did...and got one back in return. It used to be the custom for me to use a lot of the coupons for slightly discounted sandwiches such as tuna or BLT or the club. Well, it looks like those familiar green sheets have now gone the way of the dinosaur. Now, the only coupons they have are those for free slices of cheese or bacon. The former used to be de rigueur for sandwiches. Man, this inflation does stink.
However, just down the hall in the station mall, the newest eatery opened up a couple of days ago. It looks like another one of those all-you-can-eat tonkatsu places. The picture of the pig in a chef's hat and apron gives it all away. It's usually my policy not to visit a restaurant in the first few months of its opening, since the service and the food are gonna go through some growing pains, but after the slight disappointment at Subway, I may be tempted. Certainly, after paying my income tax this Friday, I may be ready for some comfort food.
Looks like this Saturday may be chock-filled with classes. Not only do I have Tully & The Coffeemaker but I've got The Bostonian, an EIC student and The Businesswoman. Heck, I can't even teach The Dentist since the schedule will be so tight. And now, maybe The Manhattanite may be trying to inch herself in as well.
Wednesday March 12, 4:05 p.m.
Hump Day again....although not as big a hump this week. Jolly cancelled his lesson again last night, paired with the fact that The Siberian is away for this month (and maybe forever), meant that I could go home early. And The Nurse wasn't scheduled for her typical 10 a.m. lesson today. I could actually wake up a bit more leisurely without having to drag my sorry butt over to McDonalds for breakfast in the wee hours. And I could actually see a US Primary...mind you, it was far less than a Super Tuesday since it was just the one state of Mississippi up for grabs. Barack Obama got it handily.
This week is White Day Week. I've got my list of ladies who were kind enough to hand me chocolates last month on Valentine's Day, so I'm returning the favour. I already got 002 and Mrs. Mild their boxes, and 001 is on the list tonight. Then, there are the Sisters of State tomorrow night before they take off for Bali on Friday.
Speaking of the Milds, it was just Mr. Mild last night since his wife was stricken with a cold. Looks like he's been enjoying the retiree life quite nicely. He's been thinking of trying a new job to keep himself occupied. Must be nice.
Got word from Mrs. Tulip, ex of The Beehive, who's now living in T.O. Apparently, my parents visited her place to witness her Ohinasama ningyo display. Since the parentals were in the relatively same neighbourhood for their weekly tournament of bowling, they could come by. My brother and his family were also supposed to visit but the snowy weather kept them at bay. Not too sure if my brother would actually appreciate the annual Japanese ritual of displaying a three-tier showpiece of dolls, but my sister-in-law would be a bit more open.
After its explosive debut on Monday, my hay fever has been keeping a low profile since I've been taking the meds and wearing the masks. I've been very grateful.
Speaking of 001, she's back from her Alaskan adventure. Ostensibly, she and her friend were there to witness the Northern Lights...quite the travel magnet for Japanese folks nowadays, despite the sub-frigid temps up there (here in Tokyo, people bundle up like Eskimos at 10 C!). However, I'm sure The First Student found quite a few new ales to try out during her stay in The Klondike.
Got the first two packages of games over to The Anime King yesterday. In our latest correspondence, he let loose a bit of a diatribe on the evils of Facebook. Well, I had only asked him whether he did have an account since I came across his name there. Perhaps, he may be pulling off the same stunt that New York State's biggest loser, (soon-to-be-ex) Governor Eliot Spitzer tried. Man, and here I thought I was having a bad year. His story is reading off like a corporate Jekyll-and-Hyde book. I have come across his name in the past. He had a reputation of a namesake...that of Eliot Ness; and despite his family name of Spitzer, friends and foes alike probably likened him to a Rottweiler during his years as New York Attorney General. Not anymore...he probably has as much cachet now as an emaciated Chihuahua.
Came across some old TV chestnuts on Super Drama TV over the weekend. Saw the ancient cartoon of "The Jackson 5"...yep, that's right...Michael portrayed a cartoon character years before he actually became one. It was made back in the early, early 70s with all of the horribly clunky animation and groan-worthy one-liners that made up Saturday morning TV. However, it wasn't everyday that a cartoon had Stevie Wonder's "Ma Cherie Amour" as background music.
I also did catch the final episode of "Heroes" from Season 1 on the same satellite channel last night. So far, I've only seen the pilot...parts of it anyways...and then I came in about 20 minutes into this finale where the junior Petrelli did save the cheerleader and therefore the world. I would like to see what had happened in between but the nature of my job rather precludes that possibility and since I'm not into rentals and I'm definitely not gonna be buying the DVD set during my financial precariousness, I guess I'll just have to wait until Super Drama TV comes up with a "Heroes" marathon that I can be present for.
"Heroes" hasn't really caught on like wildfire here in Tokyo...despite the presence of Mr. "Yatta", Masi Oka. It's probably being absorbed by the niche folks...aka otaku. I guess one has to look like one of those Johnny's Entertainment mannikins to get noticed. Plus, Western superheroes don't really seem to be this population's cup of tea...on TV, anyways. "Smallville" never really made it big, and "Doctor Who" is just doing its rounds on NHK-3. But "Heroes" shouldn't feel too bad...no US show has really hit the Japanese zeitgeist since the days of "24" and "Sex And The City". "Lost","The O.C.", and the new "Battlestar Galactica" aren't exactly household words, either.
Hump Day again....although not as big a hump this week. Jolly cancelled his lesson again last night, paired with the fact that The Siberian is away for this month (and maybe forever), meant that I could go home early. And The Nurse wasn't scheduled for her typical 10 a.m. lesson today. I could actually wake up a bit more leisurely without having to drag my sorry butt over to McDonalds for breakfast in the wee hours. And I could actually see a US Primary...mind you, it was far less than a Super Tuesday since it was just the one state of Mississippi up for grabs. Barack Obama got it handily.
This week is White Day Week. I've got my list of ladies who were kind enough to hand me chocolates last month on Valentine's Day, so I'm returning the favour. I already got 002 and Mrs. Mild their boxes, and 001 is on the list tonight. Then, there are the Sisters of State tomorrow night before they take off for Bali on Friday.
Speaking of the Milds, it was just Mr. Mild last night since his wife was stricken with a cold. Looks like he's been enjoying the retiree life quite nicely. He's been thinking of trying a new job to keep himself occupied. Must be nice.
Got word from Mrs. Tulip, ex of The Beehive, who's now living in T.O. Apparently, my parents visited her place to witness her Ohinasama ningyo display. Since the parentals were in the relatively same neighbourhood for their weekly tournament of bowling, they could come by. My brother and his family were also supposed to visit but the snowy weather kept them at bay. Not too sure if my brother would actually appreciate the annual Japanese ritual of displaying a three-tier showpiece of dolls, but my sister-in-law would be a bit more open.
After its explosive debut on Monday, my hay fever has been keeping a low profile since I've been taking the meds and wearing the masks. I've been very grateful.
Speaking of 001, she's back from her Alaskan adventure. Ostensibly, she and her friend were there to witness the Northern Lights...quite the travel magnet for Japanese folks nowadays, despite the sub-frigid temps up there (here in Tokyo, people bundle up like Eskimos at 10 C!). However, I'm sure The First Student found quite a few new ales to try out during her stay in The Klondike.
Got the first two packages of games over to The Anime King yesterday. In our latest correspondence, he let loose a bit of a diatribe on the evils of Facebook. Well, I had only asked him whether he did have an account since I came across his name there. Perhaps, he may be pulling off the same stunt that New York State's biggest loser, (soon-to-be-ex) Governor Eliot Spitzer tried. Man, and here I thought I was having a bad year. His story is reading off like a corporate Jekyll-and-Hyde book. I have come across his name in the past. He had a reputation of a namesake...that of Eliot Ness; and despite his family name of Spitzer, friends and foes alike probably likened him to a Rottweiler during his years as New York Attorney General. Not anymore...he probably has as much cachet now as an emaciated Chihuahua.
Came across some old TV chestnuts on Super Drama TV over the weekend. Saw the ancient cartoon of "The Jackson 5"...yep, that's right...Michael portrayed a cartoon character years before he actually became one. It was made back in the early, early 70s with all of the horribly clunky animation and groan-worthy one-liners that made up Saturday morning TV. However, it wasn't everyday that a cartoon had Stevie Wonder's "Ma Cherie Amour" as background music.
I also did catch the final episode of "Heroes" from Season 1 on the same satellite channel last night. So far, I've only seen the pilot...parts of it anyways...and then I came in about 20 minutes into this finale where the junior Petrelli did save the cheerleader and therefore the world. I would like to see what had happened in between but the nature of my job rather precludes that possibility and since I'm not into rentals and I'm definitely not gonna be buying the DVD set during my financial precariousness, I guess I'll just have to wait until Super Drama TV comes up with a "Heroes" marathon that I can be present for.
"Heroes" hasn't really caught on like wildfire here in Tokyo...despite the presence of Mr. "Yatta", Masi Oka. It's probably being absorbed by the niche folks...aka otaku. I guess one has to look like one of those Johnny's Entertainment mannikins to get noticed. Plus, Western superheroes don't really seem to be this population's cup of tea...on TV, anyways. "Smallville" never really made it big, and "Doctor Who" is just doing its rounds on NHK-3. But "Heroes" shouldn't feel too bad...no US show has really hit the Japanese zeitgeist since the days of "24" and "Sex And The City". "Lost","The O.C.", and the new "Battlestar Galactica" aren't exactly household words, either.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Monday March 10, 7:39 p.m.
As it turned out, the M+M meeting on Saturday was cancelled at the last minute since the senior M called me up to say that she'd caught one of her occasional migraines. So it was a full day at home. Sunday was just the little trip over to Nihombashi to teach The OL.
Today was the day that I finally got whacked by the scourge known as hay fever. It was a miserable morning to commute since it was cold and rainy, and I had to wear my mask as the nose drippings flowed down my filtrum. The sneezing started soon after. By the time I started with The Class Act, I was a mess. So The Lady was kind enough to give me a box of this medicine which one swabs inside one's nose; supposedly having a 1-cm thick coating of the stuff on the nasal passages should be enough to keep the pollen grains at bay....but only if one doesn't sneeze it out. Unfortunately, that is what happened. So it was time to buy the Benza Block pills which kicked in about a third of the way into SIL's lesson. Part of the talk was on enka, that Japanese version of Country & Western. Apparently, there is now an African-American guy who looks like a miniature of Will Smith (including hip-hop stylings) but croons those Japanese hurtin' songs like a middle-aged Japanese guy in a kimono. Celo is his name. I'll be keeping an eye and ear out for this lad.
I just taught one of Speedy's students while the bossman was absent on some business before meeting up with The Full-Timer. Now, it'll be about a couple of hours before my last student in the form of Medicine Man. Strangely enough, next Monday will be pretty sparse...atypical for the beginning of my week. I've had to cancel a Class Act session so that I can take care of The Nurse, but both SIL and The Full-Timer have asked to have their sessions cancelled as well. If Medicine Man decides to can (doubtful), I may actually be able to hit home very early. Otherwise, I'll probably end up playing I-go on the computer for several hours. I can only hope that Cozy sends me another one of his translation assignments.
As it turned out, the M+M meeting on Saturday was cancelled at the last minute since the senior M called me up to say that she'd caught one of her occasional migraines. So it was a full day at home. Sunday was just the little trip over to Nihombashi to teach The OL.
Today was the day that I finally got whacked by the scourge known as hay fever. It was a miserable morning to commute since it was cold and rainy, and I had to wear my mask as the nose drippings flowed down my filtrum. The sneezing started soon after. By the time I started with The Class Act, I was a mess. So The Lady was kind enough to give me a box of this medicine which one swabs inside one's nose; supposedly having a 1-cm thick coating of the stuff on the nasal passages should be enough to keep the pollen grains at bay....but only if one doesn't sneeze it out. Unfortunately, that is what happened. So it was time to buy the Benza Block pills which kicked in about a third of the way into SIL's lesson. Part of the talk was on enka, that Japanese version of Country & Western. Apparently, there is now an African-American guy who looks like a miniature of Will Smith (including hip-hop stylings) but croons those Japanese hurtin' songs like a middle-aged Japanese guy in a kimono. Celo is his name. I'll be keeping an eye and ear out for this lad.
I just taught one of Speedy's students while the bossman was absent on some business before meeting up with The Full-Timer. Now, it'll be about a couple of hours before my last student in the form of Medicine Man. Strangely enough, next Monday will be pretty sparse...atypical for the beginning of my week. I've had to cancel a Class Act session so that I can take care of The Nurse, but both SIL and The Full-Timer have asked to have their sessions cancelled as well. If Medicine Man decides to can (doubtful), I may actually be able to hit home very early. Otherwise, I'll probably end up playing I-go on the computer for several hours. I can only hope that Cozy sends me another one of his translation assignments.
Friday, March 07, 2008
Friday March 7, 6:29 p.m.
No mask necessary today, thankfully. Some cold rain and perhaps some ionization from a few bolts of lightning have probably zapped those nasty pollen grains back to earth and down a sewer somewhere.
Just enjoyed a pretty calm day today at home. Did some laundry which I was able to dry for some hours before taking them in as the clouds came overhead. I even did another dry run with my tax return. Looks like the bill is pretty much set at 30,000 yen which I'll be paying Uncle Osamu next week. Glad that I got some decent shuteye.
I also took care of another one of Cozy's rush translations. He didn't even attach anything...just wrote the text straight into my e-mail. It wasn't too difficult. In about 90 minutes, I've got Miss Disney for her second lesson, followed by The Ace. Then, it's back home.
I'm meeting M+M for the first time in several months tomorrow...certainly, it'll be the first time this year for one of our kaffeeklatschs. I'm gonna see if the three of us can have it in that traditional coffeehouse near Shinjuku Station...the one which The Madame and I had used to go to before we went our separate ways. It's a Saturday, so I'm a little unsure whether we'll be able to make it in with the usual crowds there.
Anyways, it's time to go over Miss Disney's lesson plan.
No mask necessary today, thankfully. Some cold rain and perhaps some ionization from a few bolts of lightning have probably zapped those nasty pollen grains back to earth and down a sewer somewhere.
Just enjoyed a pretty calm day today at home. Did some laundry which I was able to dry for some hours before taking them in as the clouds came overhead. I even did another dry run with my tax return. Looks like the bill is pretty much set at 30,000 yen which I'll be paying Uncle Osamu next week. Glad that I got some decent shuteye.
I also took care of another one of Cozy's rush translations. He didn't even attach anything...just wrote the text straight into my e-mail. It wasn't too difficult. In about 90 minutes, I've got Miss Disney for her second lesson, followed by The Ace. Then, it's back home.
I'm meeting M+M for the first time in several months tomorrow...certainly, it'll be the first time this year for one of our kaffeeklatschs. I'm gonna see if the three of us can have it in that traditional coffeehouse near Shinjuku Station...the one which The Madame and I had used to go to before we went our separate ways. It's a Saturday, so I'm a little unsure whether we'll be able to make it in with the usual crowds there.
Anyways, it's time to go over Miss Disney's lesson plan.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Thursday March 6, 3:56 p.m.
Well, digesting that massive McDonalds indoor picnic that Speedy had instigated. It was the bossman, me, BC and Pooh taking care of a lot of french fries, burgers and Mcnuggets. It would've made for a new scene in "Supersize Me". So, I think dinner will not be really be an option for me...unless it consists of salad.
The Admin has quietly left the coop so that she can focus more time on helping out her husband's work. So, it's basically BC and Pooh putting in some extra time. The Nurse yesterday expressed some regret about The Admin's departure since she was a very calming influence on the office. I would have to agree.
Today's lesson I learned from Wikipedia: old 80's band Level 42 (actually, I shouldn't say "old" since they have regrouped recently) used to be part of M, that one-hit wonder behind "Pop Muzik" back in 1979. Always loved that first big international hit of theirs, "Something About You".
Well, digesting that massive McDonalds indoor picnic that Speedy had instigated. It was the bossman, me, BC and Pooh taking care of a lot of french fries, burgers and Mcnuggets. It would've made for a new scene in "Supersize Me". So, I think dinner will not be really be an option for me...unless it consists of salad.
The Admin has quietly left the coop so that she can focus more time on helping out her husband's work. So, it's basically BC and Pooh putting in some extra time. The Nurse yesterday expressed some regret about The Admin's departure since she was a very calming influence on the office. I would have to agree.
Today's lesson I learned from Wikipedia: old 80's band Level 42 (actually, I shouldn't say "old" since they have regrouped recently) used to be part of M, that one-hit wonder behind "Pop Muzik" back in 1979. Always loved that first big international hit of theirs, "Something About You".
Thursday March 6, 11:47 a.m.
So far, so good on the start of hay fever season. The masks are out there but I haven't become a fluid-spouting mess quite yet although the season unofficially started last weekend. I haven't even had to run out to get the medicine although I'm sure that'll change over the coming weeks. One factor is that the weather has gotten cold again, so those pollen grains have been staying in their buds for the most part.
Just have The Yogist for one today after three straight days of nearly wall-to-wall classes. I've had to catch up on my sleep on the subways. Rather relaxing, though. Speedy's decided to go for the Golden Arches' blitz after my lesson; good thing, too, since not only will be hungrier but the lunch chaos should be gone by then.
I got word from The Entrepreneur that his "Doctor Who" tape for me got caught in the postal red tape and has been returned to him. I was wondering what had happened to it, but the same thing happened to me some months ago when I sent my niece a doll for her birthday. Should be OK now.
So far, so good on the start of hay fever season. The masks are out there but I haven't become a fluid-spouting mess quite yet although the season unofficially started last weekend. I haven't even had to run out to get the medicine although I'm sure that'll change over the coming weeks. One factor is that the weather has gotten cold again, so those pollen grains have been staying in their buds for the most part.
Just have The Yogist for one today after three straight days of nearly wall-to-wall classes. I've had to catch up on my sleep on the subways. Rather relaxing, though. Speedy's decided to go for the Golden Arches' blitz after my lesson; good thing, too, since not only will be hungrier but the lunch chaos should be gone by then.
I got word from The Entrepreneur that his "Doctor Who" tape for me got caught in the postal red tape and has been returned to him. I was wondering what had happened to it, but the same thing happened to me some months ago when I sent my niece a doll for her birthday. Should be OK now.
Wednesday March 5, 10:19 p.m.
Got the last two lessons out of the way. The Diver was a bit more unsure of herself this time around but was still much better than her very first Nervous Nellie class. And then The Bostonian had a good inaugural class. However, but we now have two ladies vying for the same time slot on the same night since 001 will be coming back next week to claim her slot in the early evening. The bossman and I were commiserating about that one for a few minutes. I'm hoping that The Bostonian is truly the kind-hearted young lady that she's coming across as, and will not mind the next Saturday afternoon slot.
Feeling somewhat tired and hungry now but not exactly filled with options at the moment. And besides, I do have to head back here for The Yogist's lesson at 1 tomorrow. But since those McD's coupons will be expiring on the 6th, the bossman has resolved to use them up in one big gulp. So, no lunch will be needed.
Speaking of 001, I wonder how she's handling the subarctic climate of Alaska right now. She'll probably have quite the stories to tell next week.
Got the last two lessons out of the way. The Diver was a bit more unsure of herself this time around but was still much better than her very first Nervous Nellie class. And then The Bostonian had a good inaugural class. However, but we now have two ladies vying for the same time slot on the same night since 001 will be coming back next week to claim her slot in the early evening. The bossman and I were commiserating about that one for a few minutes. I'm hoping that The Bostonian is truly the kind-hearted young lady that she's coming across as, and will not mind the next Saturday afternoon slot.
Feeling somewhat tired and hungry now but not exactly filled with options at the moment. And besides, I do have to head back here for The Yogist's lesson at 1 tomorrow. But since those McD's coupons will be expiring on the 6th, the bossman has resolved to use them up in one big gulp. So, no lunch will be needed.
Speaking of 001, I wonder how she's handling the subarctic climate of Alaska right now. She'll probably have quite the stories to tell next week.
Wednesday March 5, 5:17 p.m.
Looks like pantsuits are still in. Apparently, Hillary has won both Texas and Ohio in what's turning out to be the most epic battle in US Primary history. Not sure if it was the SNL appearance that put her ahead this time around. Meanwhile, John McCain can finally relax a bit and see his enemies duke it out from the comfort of his own den for the next few months.
Just came back from teaching The New Yorker. It'll be the last one before she takes off with her sister next week to Bali. So I'll have to get those White Day chocolates over to the Sisters of State by next Thursday when I teach The Carolinan.
Speaking of chocolates, we here at Speedy's have got quite the mission trying to devour all of the chocolates that the older students keep plying us with. There's a tradition of paying tribute to teachers amongst the senior generation. I would have ended the last sentence with "...that's sadly lacking with the young'uns..." but the tradition is working just a bit too well, if you know what I mean. We even got chocolate marshmallow pies from Korea for some reason. Yup, that's right...when I think Korea, I think chocolate marshmallow pies.
Well, it's just The Diver and then The Bostonian. Maybe I will get some sleep tonight.
Looks like pantsuits are still in. Apparently, Hillary has won both Texas and Ohio in what's turning out to be the most epic battle in US Primary history. Not sure if it was the SNL appearance that put her ahead this time around. Meanwhile, John McCain can finally relax a bit and see his enemies duke it out from the comfort of his own den for the next few months.
Just came back from teaching The New Yorker. It'll be the last one before she takes off with her sister next week to Bali. So I'll have to get those White Day chocolates over to the Sisters of State by next Thursday when I teach The Carolinan.
Speaking of chocolates, we here at Speedy's have got quite the mission trying to devour all of the chocolates that the older students keep plying us with. There's a tradition of paying tribute to teachers amongst the senior generation. I would have ended the last sentence with "...that's sadly lacking with the young'uns..." but the tradition is working just a bit too well, if you know what I mean. We even got chocolate marshmallow pies from Korea for some reason. Yup, that's right...when I think Korea, I think chocolate marshmallow pies.
Well, it's just The Diver and then The Bostonian. Maybe I will get some sleep tonight.
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Wednesday March 5, 12:36 p.m.
One of those long patches of nothing to do between lessons. I've got The New Yorker at 3...maybe...probably....I've got her down at 3, and I usually put down her time right at the end of the lesson since she pulls out her schedule immediately after she's paid me. Being a bit paranoid, I tried sending word to her cellphone but for some reason, I can't get through. I've now sent word to her sister, The Carolinan, to find out if The New Yorker has changed it.
The Nurse was her usual self...although at one point, she started sniffling. Not sure if it was hay fever...or something else. I don't believe I've offended her. I've had to bump The Class Act off the 17th for her since her schedule has been royally tight. So, that'll be a big drop in income for that day, but The Nurse has been a very loyal student for the past year.
John McCain can now drop that "presumptive" label from his title of Republican Presidential Candidate. He's just reached the magic number and Mike Huckabee has dropped out. Now, he can rub his hands in glee as the Democratic rivals still continue to slug it out. The folks at CNN must be either skipping in ecstacy over that race....or reaching for their TUMS.
One of those long patches of nothing to do between lessons. I've got The New Yorker at 3...maybe...probably....I've got her down at 3, and I usually put down her time right at the end of the lesson since she pulls out her schedule immediately after she's paid me. Being a bit paranoid, I tried sending word to her cellphone but for some reason, I can't get through. I've now sent word to her sister, The Carolinan, to find out if The New Yorker has changed it.
The Nurse was her usual self...although at one point, she started sniffling. Not sure if it was hay fever...or something else. I don't believe I've offended her. I've had to bump The Class Act off the 17th for her since her schedule has been royally tight. So, that'll be a big drop in income for that day, but The Nurse has been a very loyal student for the past year.
John McCain can now drop that "presumptive" label from his title of Republican Presidential Candidate. He's just reached the magic number and Mike Huckabee has dropped out. Now, he can rub his hands in glee as the Democratic rivals still continue to slug it out. The folks at CNN must be either skipping in ecstacy over that race....or reaching for their TUMS.
Wednesday March 5, 9:45 a.m.
After a warm spell, it's back to (relative) cold again. Another Hump Day...although it won't be the top-heavy schedule of Monday and Tuesday. Had a lot of commuters sniffling away on the subway coming to work this morning. A lot of corresponding masks as well, including on my fat mug.
The Milds regaled me with their "interesting" adventure through India. They said they went through a bit of culture shock traveling last week in terms of a number of things such as clean towels and washrooms. I don't mean to offend anyone living in the country, but my two retired students said that they were quite happy to be back home here, although it was truly an eye-opening experience for them. Got the tons of photos and a souvenir of a package of darjeeling tea.
Both Mild Jr and Jolly were undergoing some rather lousy bouts of hay fever themselves during the lesson. However, Jolly did enjoy his trip to Hokkaido last weekend after his Client From Hell had raked him over the coals.
I see that the Canadians have gotten their little taste of the nastiness of US Presidential Politics after that leaked memo concerning one of Obama's assistants supposedly reassuring the Canadian Consul-General in Chicago that his anti-NAFTA brimstone was really just smoke and mirrors. Hmmm....hasn't seemed to hurt Obama any...he just won Vermont. Still, I'm sure the Canadian government will be announcing "Act Nonchalantly" Day shortly.
The Nurse should be coming in any moment...
After a warm spell, it's back to (relative) cold again. Another Hump Day...although it won't be the top-heavy schedule of Monday and Tuesday. Had a lot of commuters sniffling away on the subway coming to work this morning. A lot of corresponding masks as well, including on my fat mug.
The Milds regaled me with their "interesting" adventure through India. They said they went through a bit of culture shock traveling last week in terms of a number of things such as clean towels and washrooms. I don't mean to offend anyone living in the country, but my two retired students said that they were quite happy to be back home here, although it was truly an eye-opening experience for them. Got the tons of photos and a souvenir of a package of darjeeling tea.
Both Mild Jr and Jolly were undergoing some rather lousy bouts of hay fever themselves during the lesson. However, Jolly did enjoy his trip to Hokkaido last weekend after his Client From Hell had raked him over the coals.
I see that the Canadians have gotten their little taste of the nastiness of US Presidential Politics after that leaked memo concerning one of Obama's assistants supposedly reassuring the Canadian Consul-General in Chicago that his anti-NAFTA brimstone was really just smoke and mirrors. Hmmm....hasn't seemed to hurt Obama any...he just won Vermont. Still, I'm sure the Canadian government will be announcing "Act Nonchalantly" Day shortly.
The Nurse should be coming in any moment...
Tuesday March 4, 6:33 p.m.
Ah, such an O. Henryesque ending. I finally had the one big hit class with Chip N' Dale...and then the boss tells me that they'll finishing up later this month. But I kinda figured that they wouldn't be staying too much longer. However, the boss told me that she'll try and fill up the 6-7 time slot.
The Carolinan sent me word to get that new venue opened up at the Ichigaya Starbucks for her next lesson. BC's good to go with it as well. And we'll see about finally getting that reservation done for the Greek restaurant in Roppongi at the end of the month. Spyro's, I believe it's called.
It'll be another early start for tomorrow. I've got The Nurse for the first time in about 2 weeks. And then it'll be The New Yorker in Ichigaya (I'll still keep her at Tully's since there's almost no way that I can get a table during the day at the Starbucks...plus, she is a smoker) before The Diver and perhaps The Bostonian.
Hay fever has started in earnest. All that pollen from all those cedar trees has started clogging up my nasal passages. However, it hasn't been too bad so far...my nose has been running a bit but no major sneezing fits. But I've got the mask on now....as have so many other commuters.
Ah, such an O. Henryesque ending. I finally had the one big hit class with Chip N' Dale...and then the boss tells me that they'll finishing up later this month. But I kinda figured that they wouldn't be staying too much longer. However, the boss told me that she'll try and fill up the 6-7 time slot.
The Carolinan sent me word to get that new venue opened up at the Ichigaya Starbucks for her next lesson. BC's good to go with it as well. And we'll see about finally getting that reservation done for the Greek restaurant in Roppongi at the end of the month. Spyro's, I believe it's called.
It'll be another early start for tomorrow. I've got The Nurse for the first time in about 2 weeks. And then it'll be The New Yorker in Ichigaya (I'll still keep her at Tully's since there's almost no way that I can get a table during the day at the Starbucks...plus, she is a smoker) before The Diver and perhaps The Bostonian.
Hay fever has started in earnest. All that pollen from all those cedar trees has started clogging up my nasal passages. However, it hasn't been too bad so far...my nose has been running a bit but no major sneezing fits. But I've got the mask on now....as have so many other commuters.
Monday, March 03, 2008
Tuesday March 4, 4:52 p.m.
It's been a conventional start to the week. The usual busy Monday with The Class Act, SIL, The Full-Timer and then Medicine Man. However, I did have a model lesson student in between the last two folks. Pretty fluent young lady but can still use our help. Keeping our fingers crossed on that one.
Also tried to do some more tweaking with Cozy's translations. Luckily, I haven't heard anything from him in the last 24 hours so maybe that's a good sign.
Tuesday has also been rather usual as well. Despite the somewhat awkward situation last week with The Beehive over my financial situation, the ladies were in back into their old mode. They were happily discussing about their upcoming trip to Croatia in May. They also seemed to like that one page from my new Business Vocab book that I've been using with students like The Coffeemaker, Jolly and The Carolinan. 002 was her usual happy self. And I've got the juku crowd in about an hour. The Milds should be back from their India trip today; it ought to be interesting how they fared. Hopefully, neither of them ended up with Delhi Belly.
It's been a conventional start to the week. The usual busy Monday with The Class Act, SIL, The Full-Timer and then Medicine Man. However, I did have a model lesson student in between the last two folks. Pretty fluent young lady but can still use our help. Keeping our fingers crossed on that one.
Also tried to do some more tweaking with Cozy's translations. Luckily, I haven't heard anything from him in the last 24 hours so maybe that's a good sign.
Tuesday has also been rather usual as well. Despite the somewhat awkward situation last week with The Beehive over my financial situation, the ladies were in back into their old mode. They were happily discussing about their upcoming trip to Croatia in May. They also seemed to like that one page from my new Business Vocab book that I've been using with students like The Coffeemaker, Jolly and The Carolinan. 002 was her usual happy self. And I've got the juku crowd in about an hour. The Milds should be back from their India trip today; it ought to be interesting how they fared. Hopefully, neither of them ended up with Delhi Belly.