Thursday November 4, 11:06 a.m.
Looks like we've got nearly a full crew right. It was just Ms. Revlon and myself when Grandma Dynamite came in, but coming out, we've been joined by the bossman, Miss Efficiency and Babydoll. And Speedy is quietly but frantically getting his model lesson stuff together since his model lesson student ended up coming a full hour ahead of schedule.
As for Grandma Dynamite, she was having some problems with retention and didn't seem as genki as she usually is. I gather today's cooler weather may be a factor.
Speaking of not feeling well, I'm sure President Obama and the Democratic Party are feeling the pain of getting politically slapped in the face yesterday after losing big in the Midterms. It wasn't totally unexpected...the media had been reporting that The Democrats would be losing The House of Representatives for some time, but I'm sure they were also stunned by the extent of the loss of the seats. That famous moment of 2 years ago when Barack Obama had become the first semi-African-American to become The Most Powerful Man on Earth has become even more wistful. I can just imagine when he comes to Yokohama this weekend; the other Heads of State will be greeting him a bit embarrassingly: "Ah, hi, Barack...ah, um, I'm sorry for your loss..."
Well, I've got The Shareholder in about 2 hours.
Wednesday, November 03, 2010
Thursday November 4, 8:12 a.m.
One of those days has just begun....woke up a half-hour late so I reached a personal best by getting dressed and out of there in 10 minutes. As it turned out, I got to the school only 20 minutes later. My professional start doesn't begin until 9:45 but Ms. Revlon is supposed to come and pick up some stuff here for the kids' school at about 9. The Patent Attorney had to cancel his lesson today because of his annual checkup.
Yesterday was Culture Day, and I actually partook of some of it, albeit it was British in origin. I watched the first 2 episodes of BBC's great miniseries "Jekyll" and the last 20 minutes of the finale. Unfortunately, I did have plans in Jimbocho which I wouldn't change so it'll be up to searching for the DVD series, perhaps back in Toronto. It's quite the treasure trove for "Doctor Who" fans since it was written by Steven Moffat, the best writer and now-showrunner for everyone's favorite Time Lord. Not only that, but it has James Nesbitt and Paterson Joseph, two actors who had been at least rumored to become the 11th Doctor, Gina Bellman from "Leverage", and even Denis Lawson, Ewan McGregor's uncle and much more famously, Wedge Antilles from "Star Wars" (couldn't recognize him until I saw the end credits). I could see why Nesbitt was considered to become the good Doctor...as the modern-day Jekyll and Hyde, he was able to show his two sides magnificently and with typical snarky British wit. The episodes that I did catch definitely had me glued to the TV (although it wasn't enough to keep me from heading over to Jimbocho) and had me wishing that it hadn't been such a short series...but isn't that a hallmark of a fine show? Although it was pegged as a horror-suspense, it came across to me more as a science fiction-mystery with some dollops of humor. All I can say is that when Matt Smith decides to hang up his TARDIS, Moffat should really consider getting Nesbitt as Doctor No. 12.
As I said, I skitted over to Jimbocho for the afternoon to head over to Tacto, that shop specializing in old 70s and 80s CDs. I did pick up a couple of them. One is by legendary chanteuse Hiromi Iwasaki; I've been collecting some re-masters of her stuff over the past couple of years. I picked up "Disney Girl" which is her tribute to some American and European standards such as "Niagara" by Marvin Hamlisch and "Umbrellas of Cherbourg". I think the album was released back in 1984...it kinda presaged her career on the stage, singing in productions like the Japanese version of "Les Miserables".
The other disc is from Junko Ohashi, a pop singer who had a couple of huge hits back in the early 80s, and has been kinda just there over the past 35 years....never became a superstar but has released many albums and has her own loyal following. I picked up her 1980 release of "Hot Life" and listened to it last night....sounds like a typical New Music record of that time period...a lot of jangly guitar and some analog synths. I bought it solely on the appearance of one song, "Canadian Lullaby" which I'd first heard almost 30 years ago...read through the lyrics as I was listening to it. Didn't have a single mention of anything remotely Canadian or sleepiness...no Maple Leaf, no beavers, no Banff, and the synthesized fanfare that I figured was to evoke a foreign Canadian-ness actually sounded as if it should be from Great Britain.
Today isn't too bad schedule-wise. I've got Grandma Dynamite, The Shareholder and then it'll be a donut before Mrs. Thursday and The Music Man show up. Still, I think I'll be able to fill up some of that donut with preps for tomorrow's lessons with Mr. Swank and....maybe, just maybe..The Journo, if he doesn't cancel yet again.
One of those days has just begun....woke up a half-hour late so I reached a personal best by getting dressed and out of there in 10 minutes. As it turned out, I got to the school only 20 minutes later. My professional start doesn't begin until 9:45 but Ms. Revlon is supposed to come and pick up some stuff here for the kids' school at about 9. The Patent Attorney had to cancel his lesson today because of his annual checkup.
Yesterday was Culture Day, and I actually partook of some of it, albeit it was British in origin. I watched the first 2 episodes of BBC's great miniseries "Jekyll" and the last 20 minutes of the finale. Unfortunately, I did have plans in Jimbocho which I wouldn't change so it'll be up to searching for the DVD series, perhaps back in Toronto. It's quite the treasure trove for "Doctor Who" fans since it was written by Steven Moffat, the best writer and now-showrunner for everyone's favorite Time Lord. Not only that, but it has James Nesbitt and Paterson Joseph, two actors who had been at least rumored to become the 11th Doctor, Gina Bellman from "Leverage", and even Denis Lawson, Ewan McGregor's uncle and much more famously, Wedge Antilles from "Star Wars" (couldn't recognize him until I saw the end credits). I could see why Nesbitt was considered to become the good Doctor...as the modern-day Jekyll and Hyde, he was able to show his two sides magnificently and with typical snarky British wit. The episodes that I did catch definitely had me glued to the TV (although it wasn't enough to keep me from heading over to Jimbocho) and had me wishing that it hadn't been such a short series...but isn't that a hallmark of a fine show? Although it was pegged as a horror-suspense, it came across to me more as a science fiction-mystery with some dollops of humor. All I can say is that when Matt Smith decides to hang up his TARDIS, Moffat should really consider getting Nesbitt as Doctor No. 12.
As I said, I skitted over to Jimbocho for the afternoon to head over to Tacto, that shop specializing in old 70s and 80s CDs. I did pick up a couple of them. One is by legendary chanteuse Hiromi Iwasaki; I've been collecting some re-masters of her stuff over the past couple of years. I picked up "Disney Girl" which is her tribute to some American and European standards such as "Niagara" by Marvin Hamlisch and "Umbrellas of Cherbourg". I think the album was released back in 1984...it kinda presaged her career on the stage, singing in productions like the Japanese version of "Les Miserables".
The other disc is from Junko Ohashi, a pop singer who had a couple of huge hits back in the early 80s, and has been kinda just there over the past 35 years....never became a superstar but has released many albums and has her own loyal following. I picked up her 1980 release of "Hot Life" and listened to it last night....sounds like a typical New Music record of that time period...a lot of jangly guitar and some analog synths. I bought it solely on the appearance of one song, "Canadian Lullaby" which I'd first heard almost 30 years ago...read through the lyrics as I was listening to it. Didn't have a single mention of anything remotely Canadian or sleepiness...no Maple Leaf, no beavers, no Banff, and the synthesized fanfare that I figured was to evoke a foreign Canadian-ness actually sounded as if it should be from Great Britain.
Today isn't too bad schedule-wise. I've got Grandma Dynamite, The Shareholder and then it'll be a donut before Mrs. Thursday and The Music Man show up. Still, I think I'll be able to fill up some of that donut with preps for tomorrow's lessons with Mr. Swank and....maybe, just maybe..The Journo, if he doesn't cancel yet again.
Tuesday, November 02, 2010
Tuesday November 2, 6:25 p.m.
Looks like after observing several students suffering from the cold over the past few weeks, it is my turn to get the germ. In a bit of role reversal, Mr White (who did come back today for his juku lesson after skipping last week) was in fine spirits while I was sneezing and sniffling through the lesson. Luckily, the meds have finally kicked in.
And it looks like I have a bit of egg on my face. Last night, Miss London had given me a plastic bag of Trick Or Treat chocolates to munch on, but she neglected to tell me that the bag was for everyone, not just for big ol' me. I did take them home and they're now residing in my fridge. Speedy asked me innocently about them via e-mail and I fessed up. Luckily for everyone at Speedy's, I hadn't gone to town on them so I will be able to bring back enough for all; but just in case, I'll probably buy some an extra bag of chocolates in Tokyo tomorrow.
Speaking of which, I'm wondering about heading over to either Nakano or Jimbocho to take a look at some vintage old CD shops. If I am to buy that extra bag, I'll have to take a look at a Sony Plaza shop or head over to Kiddyland in Omotesando.
Strangely enough, The Bohemian has contacted me after several weeks' absence. As usual, he would like us to hook up for some dinner, so I suggested the last couple of Sundays. Apparently, he has made friends with an English teacher who also comes from the place where he had gone to high school, Grand Rapids in Michigan.
In any case, I have dinner to get from the conbini.
Looks like after observing several students suffering from the cold over the past few weeks, it is my turn to get the germ. In a bit of role reversal, Mr White (who did come back today for his juku lesson after skipping last week) was in fine spirits while I was sneezing and sniffling through the lesson. Luckily, the meds have finally kicked in.
And it looks like I have a bit of egg on my face. Last night, Miss London had given me a plastic bag of Trick Or Treat chocolates to munch on, but she neglected to tell me that the bag was for everyone, not just for big ol' me. I did take them home and they're now residing in my fridge. Speedy asked me innocently about them via e-mail and I fessed up. Luckily for everyone at Speedy's, I hadn't gone to town on them so I will be able to bring back enough for all; but just in case, I'll probably buy some an extra bag of chocolates in Tokyo tomorrow.
Speaking of which, I'm wondering about heading over to either Nakano or Jimbocho to take a look at some vintage old CD shops. If I am to buy that extra bag, I'll have to take a look at a Sony Plaza shop or head over to Kiddyland in Omotesando.
Strangely enough, The Bohemian has contacted me after several weeks' absence. As usual, he would like us to hook up for some dinner, so I suggested the last couple of Sundays. Apparently, he has made friends with an English teacher who also comes from the place where he had gone to high school, Grand Rapids in Michigan.
In any case, I have dinner to get from the conbini.
Monday, November 01, 2010
Monday November 1, 4:44 p.m.
Well, it started out as a prototypical Tokyo November day...overcast, not too cold, not too hot and slighty misty out there. Then, the weather had to ruin it by bringing out the sun. Mind you, it was the first time in several days that we've actually sunny weather. I was starting to getting used to the idea of drying my clothes inside the apartment.
Yep, that is indeed Maxwell Smart Agent 86 up there on the left. I'm in the middle of watching Season 3 in the DVD series. Definitely some changes noted when compared to the first two seasons. Agent 99 gets a bit more openly exasperated at Max's idiocies as compared to her mere eye-rolling previously, there are more examples of stunt casting: Johnny Carson, Buddy Hackett, Joey Bishop, Don Rickles and even Bob Hope, and there's even some threat of real drama getting into the proceedings...namely when 99 announces that she's leaving CONTROL thereby breaking Max's heart in "99 Loses Control". There is also the episode "The Groovy Guru" which was picked as one of the Top 100 Comedy Episodes in history....sorry, but I've gotta agree with the guy behind the fansite WouldYouBelieve.com when I say that I didn't find anything there that would put it in that august group alongside Mary Tyler Moore's "Chuckles Bites the Dust" or the pilot episode of "Mork and Mindy". It was only notable for three things: 1) it was Max versus the hippies, thereby giving future generations a glimpse at late 60's pop culture, 2) 99 actually gave Max a cute kiss on the lips...almost a half-season before the two finally confessed their love for each other, and 3) 99 dancing...I will never tire of Barbara Feldon shimmying.
So far, I've only had Cozy this morning since Swank is off again today. I actually got to meet the missus as I was making my way out of Cozy's office since she apparently also helps out. I've been hearing about her for over a year from the juku boss, and had the impression that she was this former beauty queen....hmmm, not really, just seemed like a normal middle-aged office lady.
Since the parents will be arriving here in less than a week, I've gotten started on the attempted beautification of my apartment (kinda like trying to make Woody Allen into James Bond...yep, I am indeed referring to his role in the first nutty "Casino Royale"). I bought some new pillows to replace the ones I've had for about a couple of years, and I've thrown out a lot of well-past-their-date seasonings that The Iconoclast had dumped on me back when George W. Bush was in his first term. I've been able to stuff a lot of junk in the small cupboard that had been lounging on the upper shelf like a bunch of squatters so the kitchen is looking a bit cleaner.
This week will be split into 2 mini-weeks since Culture Day will be on Wednesday. I kinda wondered why Culture Day wasn't made into part of a long weekend like some of the other holidays on the calendar, but then again if it had been done so, then probably everyone would treat it as an opportunity to hit the road for a domestic vacation. With it on a weekday, most likely everyone will stay put and therefore perhaps pay more attention to its significance....not that I particularly care myself. However, I am grateful that there are 2 mini-weeks.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Saturday October 30, 2:32 p.m.
Although it is a rather fitting weather pattern out there considering we're on the cusp of Halloween, Typhoon 14 hasn't exactly laid on the winds...just a steady rain. I gather that may mean good news for commuting home.
I'm in the middle of a 4.5-hour holding pattern until The Businesswoman comes in. Miss Prissy was here earlier, having started the new text. Still plenty slow in delivery since she tries hard to be as accurate as possible. It's just been Ray and myself since La Fille, who's the usual Saturday person has to be away. I've been made aware at how peaceful it once was in our office with Ray back in the saddle, if temporarily. Miss Efficiency has made her complaints about the bossman quite loud and clear. I had forgotten at how quiet Ray was at handling situations.
In any case, my Donut Day continues.
Although it is a rather fitting weather pattern out there considering we're on the cusp of Halloween, Typhoon 14 hasn't exactly laid on the winds...just a steady rain. I gather that may mean good news for commuting home.
I'm in the middle of a 4.5-hour holding pattern until The Businesswoman comes in. Miss Prissy was here earlier, having started the new text. Still plenty slow in delivery since she tries hard to be as accurate as possible. It's just been Ray and myself since La Fille, who's the usual Saturday person has to be away. I've been made aware at how peaceful it once was in our office with Ray back in the saddle, if temporarily. Miss Efficiency has made her complaints about the bossman quite loud and clear. I had forgotten at how quiet Ray was at handling situations.
In any case, my Donut Day continues.
Saturday October 30, 11:22 a.m.
One of those days that makes you want to stay in bed all day. Unfortunately, I'm here at Speedy's. Yup, Typhoon No. 14 is making its presence known in the Kanto. It's been raining up a storm (no pun intended) over the past several hours but it's yet to make landfall here...probably be another 5 hours before the winds start picking up. At about the same time, The Businesswoman will be having her lesson. Makes me wonder if she will indeed show up or perhaps cancel the lesson under the circumstances.
I made maximum use of my rare Friday night off by making dinner. I got those Hokkaido potatoes from Mrs. Tee last week. There was that attempt at making gratin several days ago; last night was mashed potatoes. Everything worked out for the most part but I didn't nuke the taters quite long enough, so there were some rather large not-so-mushy chunks despite all the mashing and the whipping that I'd inflicted via generous helpings of butter, milk and eggs. Still, I was happy to dive into the stuff along with some fried chicken for dinner. I still have half of the mashed potatoes remaining so I've decided to get some corned beef on the way home from work and perhaps I can create some hash.
Apparently, there has been some unwanted excitement on the War on Terrorism. I woke up this morning to turn on CNN, and I saw Wolf Blitzer and "The Situation Room" with the now-familiar black-and-yellow banner denoting "Breaking News" announcing about the discovery of some bomb packages from Yemen headed for a couple of Chicago synagogues. Strangely enough, President Obama was planning on going to his old stomping grounds at around the same time, although the authorities made it clear that Al Qaeda couldn't have known about his arrival.
As for Barack, he's got those midterm elections next Tuesday night. Most likely, he's gonna lose seats (the only variable is by how much). It just seems like far longer than 2 years ago when he was first elected to the Oval Office. By even the most optimistic of accounts, he hasn't come across as an amazing President, but then again the expectations on him were way overblown anyways. My main worry is that he ends up being an ineffectual Chief Executive and perhaps a better ex-President, like Jimmy Carter. Luckily, Wednesday will be a national holiday, Culture Day, so I will be seeing the results live on CNN.
As for right now, I've got a little over 4 hours to kill before The Businesswoman comes in.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Friday October 29, 3:03 p.m.
I've done my lessons for the day so I'm just basically decompressing until I go home in about half an hour. Miss London is currently manning the main desk while Miss Efficiency is off on an appointment. Miss Efficiency was aiming guns at the bossman once again for his various faults, at one point basically calling him as someone who may not be Presidential material. Not sure how this is gonna end.
I finally got my first sample of the iCon campaign at McDonalds by buying their German Sausage Chicken Burger. Well, kinda reminded me of that German Burger I got over at The Restauranteur's a few weeks ago; the only thing that was German was the layer of mustard lining the bottom bun. Otherwise, it was a slice of chicken on top of a Spam-like slice of meat. Hmm...not all that impressive.
I've done my lessons for the day so I'm just basically decompressing until I go home in about half an hour. Miss London is currently manning the main desk while Miss Efficiency is off on an appointment. Miss Efficiency was aiming guns at the bossman once again for his various faults, at one point basically calling him as someone who may not be Presidential material. Not sure how this is gonna end.
I finally got my first sample of the iCon campaign at McDonalds by buying their German Sausage Chicken Burger. Well, kinda reminded me of that German Burger I got over at The Restauranteur's a few weeks ago; the only thing that was German was the layer of mustard lining the bottom bun. Otherwise, it was a slice of chicken on top of a Spam-like slice of meat. Hmm...not all that impressive.
Friday October 29, 9:42 a.m.
Fate indeed moves in strange ways. I came into Speedy's early this morning since I have The Photog at 10 a.m. The nearby vending machine ended up eating my coins since it wouldn't send down my drink so I entered the school in a fairly annoyed mood having to drink hot green tea with my bento breakfast. Then several minutes later, there was a chime at the security gate, and it turned out to be The Patent Attorney. I only see him on Thursdays but for some reason, he showed up despite that on the schedule, it lists him as cancelled since Speedy, who is the usual teacher for him on Fridays, has to take care of the new school which starts today.
Apparently, within a few minutes of entering, The Patent Attorney realized that he had forgotten that he had indeed cancelled his lesson, but since he came all this way, I just told him that if he'd like he could have a chat session with me for the hour. He, in turn, graciously told me that he would consider this to be a bona fide lesson and asked me to tell Speedy and Miss Efficiency to count it when payroll comes through again.
So, I lost 100 yen but I made another 3,500 yen.
Fate indeed moves in strange ways. I came into Speedy's early this morning since I have The Photog at 10 a.m. The nearby vending machine ended up eating my coins since it wouldn't send down my drink so I entered the school in a fairly annoyed mood having to drink hot green tea with my bento breakfast. Then several minutes later, there was a chime at the security gate, and it turned out to be The Patent Attorney. I only see him on Thursdays but for some reason, he showed up despite that on the schedule, it lists him as cancelled since Speedy, who is the usual teacher for him on Fridays, has to take care of the new school which starts today.
Apparently, within a few minutes of entering, The Patent Attorney realized that he had forgotten that he had indeed cancelled his lesson, but since he came all this way, I just told him that if he'd like he could have a chat session with me for the hour. He, in turn, graciously told me that he would consider this to be a bona fide lesson and asked me to tell Speedy and Miss Efficiency to count it when payroll comes through again.
So, I lost 100 yen but I made another 3,500 yen.
Thursday October 28, 10:38 p.m.
Well, finished up with The Music Man. It's always good when I have a hook with a student. For The Music Man, it's naturally music...spoke somewhat on Chopin. And the same goes with Mrs. Thursday; in her case it's "NCIS".
I'm going home but I'm coming straight back tomorrow morning since I have The Photog for the first time in about a month. However, it'll just be him and The Shareholder before I go home for a rare Friday night off. Hopefully, things will be more peaceful after the catfight I witnessed today. Apparently, one of the combatants informed La Fille.
Well, finished up with The Music Man. It's always good when I have a hook with a student. For The Music Man, it's naturally music...spoke somewhat on Chopin. And the same goes with Mrs. Thursday; in her case it's "NCIS".
I'm going home but I'm coming straight back tomorrow morning since I have The Photog for the first time in about a month. However, it'll just be him and The Shareholder before I go home for a rare Friday night off. Hopefully, things will be more peaceful after the catfight I witnessed today. Apparently, one of the combatants informed La Fille.
Thursday October 28, 7:44 p.m.
The Carolinan has just left. Currently, we have La Fille and Miss Schmooze left here while the bossman and the kids' school staffers are getting things underway for the official launch tomorrow. Apparently, Speedy won't be here for the next two days.
I've only got Mrs. Thursday and The Music Man left before I finish things off tonight. It's been a freezer of a day. I wouldn't even be surprised if I saw a few flakes before I reach home.
The Carolinan has just left. Currently, we have La Fille and Miss Schmooze left here while the bossman and the kids' school staffers are getting things underway for the official launch tomorrow. Apparently, Speedy won't be here for the next two days.
I've only got Mrs. Thursday and The Music Man left before I finish things off tonight. It's been a freezer of a day. I wouldn't even be surprised if I saw a few flakes before I reach home.
Thursday October 28, 4:45 p.m.
Looks like the Cold War has been resolved between Miss Efficiency and Miss Schmooze. Basically, it was indeed a clash of personalities and culture between the more Americanized, shoot-from-the-hip former and the more traditional more roundabout latter. I rather pointedly asked them if the fight has been concluded and they laughed it off as just something that needed to be vented. And to both ladies' credit, they got back to working together as easily as if the fight had never even existed. Hey, as long as they got it resolved without needing to get the bossman involved.
Looks like the Cold War has been resolved between Miss Efficiency and Miss Schmooze. Basically, it was indeed a clash of personalities and culture between the more Americanized, shoot-from-the-hip former and the more traditional more roundabout latter. I rather pointedly asked them if the fight has been concluded and they laughed it off as just something that needed to be vented. And to both ladies' credit, they got back to working together as easily as if the fight had never even existed. Hey, as long as they got it resolved without needing to get the bossman involved.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Thursday October 28, 2:59 p.m.
I'm not sure if I'm listening in on a philosophical debate or just a very calm fight, but Ms. Schmooze and Ms. Efficiency seem to be having an intense discussion while I'm typing this. Though I'm glad that they haven't started throwing stuff at each other, it is obvious that there has been a major miscommunication or misunderstanding between the two. I'd gotten some faint signs of discord between the two some weeks ago but I hadn't been sure if it were merely a figment of my imagination. In any case, it's painfully obvious despite yakking at each other for the past half hour, they just don't seem to be making any progress of hitting middle ground...and at this moment, it seems like their argument is starting to intensify. I can't really understand completely about what they're fighting about, but it seems to be based on the ladies' areas of responsibility.
I'm kinda wondering if I should talk to the bossman about this later tonight...it depends; if Efficiency and Schmooze can reach some understanding over the next several minutes, then I'll keep my mouth shut and just chalk it up to the inevitable clash of strong personalities. The problem is that I'm not particularly confident about the bossman's abilities to moderate any sort of conflict between staffers since he has that tendency to run off at the mouth far longer than he should.
In other news....
it has really started to cool down out there. Nakano-Sakaue has always been notorious for its wind tunnel effect but with the lower-than-average temps currently, the wind chill factor has made things pretty darn wintry. I met The New Yorker over in Shinjuku Starbucks. It looks like the lass will be heading over to Asahikawa, Hokkaido in a couple of weeks at the invitation of her new friend to observe the farm that she's working on. It'll be the New Yorker's first trip up to the northern prefecture so she's not looking forward to the cold temperatures. She's not too thrilled about how cold it's gotten here down in Tokyo so I hope she'll be OK.
I'm not sure if I'm listening in on a philosophical debate or just a very calm fight, but Ms. Schmooze and Ms. Efficiency seem to be having an intense discussion while I'm typing this. Though I'm glad that they haven't started throwing stuff at each other, it is obvious that there has been a major miscommunication or misunderstanding between the two. I'd gotten some faint signs of discord between the two some weeks ago but I hadn't been sure if it were merely a figment of my imagination. In any case, it's painfully obvious despite yakking at each other for the past half hour, they just don't seem to be making any progress of hitting middle ground...and at this moment, it seems like their argument is starting to intensify. I can't really understand completely about what they're fighting about, but it seems to be based on the ladies' areas of responsibility.
I'm kinda wondering if I should talk to the bossman about this later tonight...it depends; if Efficiency and Schmooze can reach some understanding over the next several minutes, then I'll keep my mouth shut and just chalk it up to the inevitable clash of strong personalities. The problem is that I'm not particularly confident about the bossman's abilities to moderate any sort of conflict between staffers since he has that tendency to run off at the mouth far longer than he should.
In other news....
it has really started to cool down out there. Nakano-Sakaue has always been notorious for its wind tunnel effect but with the lower-than-average temps currently, the wind chill factor has made things pretty darn wintry. I met The New Yorker over in Shinjuku Starbucks. It looks like the lass will be heading over to Asahikawa, Hokkaido in a couple of weeks at the invitation of her new friend to observe the farm that she's working on. It'll be the New Yorker's first trip up to the northern prefecture so she's not looking forward to the cold temperatures. She's not too thrilled about how cold it's gotten here down in Tokyo so I hope she'll be OK.
Thursday October 28, 11:54 p.m.
I've gone through just three lessons, and already I'm feeling dead. Mind you, when you have Grandma Dynamite for 2 hours, the "Batteries Depleted" warning light does tend to click on. I'll really need that vitamin drink now. And I now have to head on out into the cold rainy weather to teach The New Yorker off in Shinjuku. And I'm not sure if I can secure a table, especially during lunch hour.
I've gone through just three lessons, and already I'm feeling dead. Mind you, when you have Grandma Dynamite for 2 hours, the "Batteries Depleted" warning light does tend to click on. I'll really need that vitamin drink now. And I now have to head on out into the cold rainy weather to teach The New Yorker off in Shinjuku. And I'm not sure if I can secure a table, especially during lunch hour.
Thursday October 28, 8:22 a.m.
Yup, it's Halloween which means my annual viewing of the DVD on the left. I'm such a sucker for "Peanuts". The humor and pacing may be rather slow for the current generation of ADD-ridden kids but I still appreciate the work of Charles Schulz. And Vince Guaraldi is pretty much the 10th player on this baseball team...his music really sets the tone for the proceedings, which is why I tend to focus on the Big 3 of the "Peanuts" TV specials. I never could really get into the later specials, and I definitely will never see "Flashbeagle" ever again.
I've got a rash of early morning calls onto Tuesday. I like my work and my students, and believe me, you couldn't ask for a nicer bunch than The Patent Attorney, The Photog, Miss Prissy, Yajima and Cozy. But I would also appreciate a good long night's sleep. Mind you, my Friday work schedule ends at 2:30 p.m. so I can slip into bed early tomorrow night.
However, I have to focus on today since I've got another 7 hours' worth of lessons. The Patent Attorney is first up, followed by a double with Grandma Dynamite since she couldn't make it last Thursday, then it's out to Shinjuku to teach The New Yorker. Then, a few hours later, I've got her sister, The Carolinan, followed by Mrs. Thursday and The Music Man to wrap up. I never got the usual acknowledgements from The Sisters of State to my confirmation e-mail about their lessons...I wonder.
Wednesday October 27, 10:36 p.m.
It's getting late but La Fille and Miss Sussex are still burning the midnight oil here along with me and the bossman. They're going down to the wire in launching the kids' school on Friday. Earlier in the evening, La Fille consulted with me about creating tests for Japanese-language students. Apparently, she is majoring in education and will be joining the ranks of teachers. I gave her the best I got from 23 years of experience, but I still hope that she will become a good teacher anyways.
My lesson with Miss Sony went very well. It looks like when 001 does decide to leave the nest permanently, Sony will be the new Wednesday regular.
Anyways, time to go home.
It's getting late but La Fille and Miss Sussex are still burning the midnight oil here along with me and the bossman. They're going down to the wire in launching the kids' school on Friday. Earlier in the evening, La Fille consulted with me about creating tests for Japanese-language students. Apparently, she is majoring in education and will be joining the ranks of teachers. I gave her the best I got from 23 years of experience, but I still hope that she will become a good teacher anyways.
My lesson with Miss Sony went very well. It looks like when 001 does decide to leave the nest permanently, Sony will be the new Wednesday regular.
Anyways, time to go home.
Wednesday October 27, 6:53 p.m.
It is definitely feeling not just cooler out there, but actually colder. For the first time since the hell that was Summer 2010 ended, it felt chilly last night going home from the juku last night. I may have to consider bringing out the heater in the next few days if these temps keep up (or down). I'll definitely be swapping in the Winter clothes from the plastic hamper for the Summer stuff this weekend.
Up until 10 minutes ago, the outer office at Speedy's was abuzz with the 5 women staffers convening in pairs and other groupings on business...most likely on the new kids' school which should be launching tomorrow or Friday...provided the bossman has found a teacher. Being the lone wolf, I quietly had my dinner in the kitchen and then started up on the computer in the main lounge. I just have Miss Sony for my lone student today. Basically, I had the day off today so mid-morning, I went over to Akihabara and picked up Season 3 of "Get Smart" at Sale. Not cheap at 4,700 yen but it looks like I'll be collecting the entire set. Being able to see the first 3 seasons at a quick pace has enabled me to see how the series had evolved. The first 2 seasons showed Max and 99 as I had known them for decades but from Season 3, it looks like the producers and Don Adams were actually inserting some measure of drama, including Max's slow reciprocation of 99's feelings for him.
I've also been continuing with "The Accidental Billionaires"; yep, it's indeed a pageturner although I'm a bit uncomfortable with Mezrich's pseudo-documentary approach. Mark Zuckerberg may be slightly sociopathic but to have him arbitrarily fictionized in this manner makes me wonder if the author himself has also gone down to Zuckerberg's level in his ambition to get another bestseller on the market. It's all about the Benjamins, I guess.
I saw the last third of "The Score", the heist movie from about a decade ago starring three generations of Method thespians: Marlon Brando, Robert DeNiro and Ed Norton. I always seem to just catch fragments of interesting movies. In any case, from what I did catch, I felt that the buildup seemed better than the final execution. DeNiro was DeNiro in Lone Wolf mode, Brando actually looked borderline sympathetic and pathetic, and Norton was the most Method-y with his bizarre Rain Man rendition. Frank Oz directed this noble failure, and it was notable for Brando's active disdain for the director referring to him as "Miss Piggy". Oz actually did play the famed Muppet, but it was obvious that Brando was not being affectionate.
It is definitely feeling not just cooler out there, but actually colder. For the first time since the hell that was Summer 2010 ended, it felt chilly last night going home from the juku last night. I may have to consider bringing out the heater in the next few days if these temps keep up (or down). I'll definitely be swapping in the Winter clothes from the plastic hamper for the Summer stuff this weekend.
Up until 10 minutes ago, the outer office at Speedy's was abuzz with the 5 women staffers convening in pairs and other groupings on business...most likely on the new kids' school which should be launching tomorrow or Friday...provided the bossman has found a teacher. Being the lone wolf, I quietly had my dinner in the kitchen and then started up on the computer in the main lounge. I just have Miss Sony for my lone student today. Basically, I had the day off today so mid-morning, I went over to Akihabara and picked up Season 3 of "Get Smart" at Sale. Not cheap at 4,700 yen but it looks like I'll be collecting the entire set. Being able to see the first 3 seasons at a quick pace has enabled me to see how the series had evolved. The first 2 seasons showed Max and 99 as I had known them for decades but from Season 3, it looks like the producers and Don Adams were actually inserting some measure of drama, including Max's slow reciprocation of 99's feelings for him.
I've also been continuing with "The Accidental Billionaires"; yep, it's indeed a pageturner although I'm a bit uncomfortable with Mezrich's pseudo-documentary approach. Mark Zuckerberg may be slightly sociopathic but to have him arbitrarily fictionized in this manner makes me wonder if the author himself has also gone down to Zuckerberg's level in his ambition to get another bestseller on the market. It's all about the Benjamins, I guess.
I saw the last third of "The Score", the heist movie from about a decade ago starring three generations of Method thespians: Marlon Brando, Robert DeNiro and Ed Norton. I always seem to just catch fragments of interesting movies. In any case, from what I did catch, I felt that the buildup seemed better than the final execution. DeNiro was DeNiro in Lone Wolf mode, Brando actually looked borderline sympathetic and pathetic, and Norton was the most Method-y with his bizarre Rain Man rendition. Frank Oz directed this noble failure, and it was notable for Brando's active disdain for the director referring to him as "Miss Piggy". Oz actually did play the famed Muppet, but it was obvious that Brando was not being affectionate.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Tuesday October 26, 7:10 p.m.
Last night, Speedy asked me about whether I still had any time during the day to spare for possibly a couple of more students, although I explained to him a few weeks ago that I wouldn't be able to give any more time during those daylight hours. I don't scorn him for asking...he has to follow up any lead. But I still had to turn him down...to be honest, I kinda considered what he was asking but in the end I had to say no since I was still pretty adamant that I had to keep my space and time for my own business.
Speedy and I also talked on the fate of 001 whose contract will be finishing in two classes. He asked me what I thought about her chances of renewing yet again. I told him straight that I wasn't too optimistic even though the lass had mumbled "I'll renew" when I asked her in the last class earlier this month. She frankly didn't look too sincere or firm in her answer, and she has been stringing out her remaining lessons over months....something that she never did in her heyday. Frankly, she was never all that enthused with her current text and I don't think anyone should have to pay tons of cash for having chats about Arashi. Speedy seemed rather resigned to the fact that it may be time to say bye-bye to my very first student at the school.
Last night, Speedy asked me about whether I still had any time during the day to spare for possibly a couple of more students, although I explained to him a few weeks ago that I wouldn't be able to give any more time during those daylight hours. I don't scorn him for asking...he has to follow up any lead. But I still had to turn him down...to be honest, I kinda considered what he was asking but in the end I had to say no since I was still pretty adamant that I had to keep my space and time for my own business.
Speedy and I also talked on the fate of 001 whose contract will be finishing in two classes. He asked me what I thought about her chances of renewing yet again. I told him straight that I wasn't too optimistic even though the lass had mumbled "I'll renew" when I asked her in the last class earlier this month. She frankly didn't look too sincere or firm in her answer, and she has been stringing out her remaining lessons over months....something that she never did in her heyday. Frankly, she was never all that enthused with her current text and I don't think anyone should have to pay tons of cash for having chats about Arashi. Speedy seemed rather resigned to the fact that it may be time to say bye-bye to my very first student at the school.
Tuesday October 26, 6:48 p.m.
In the middle of the lull before The Milds come in for their lesson at 8. Just went over to the conbini to get the roast chicken pepperoncino spaghetti. Yup, with the Japanese love of pasta, convenience stores here have come up with so many different kinds of pasta that one can nuke, they really should have their own section. I went for the garlicky stuff today, so I'm hoping that the boss' coffee will nullify most of the smell and aftertaste...for The Milds' sake.
In the last few weeks, I've read a few books which all have a connection with one another in terms of theme. They all deal with success and the fascinating thing is that each book has its own different angle on the concept. The first book I read was "Making the Impossible Possible" by Bill Strickland which has this positive spin on achieving success...almost on a fantastical level. As I was reading about this man who came up from a poor neighbourhood in Pittsburgh to become a pottery master and then a miracle social activist with no business background to speak of, I just suddenly thought of Forrest Gump. Being a cynic, some of his advice just struck me as something that would only be applicable to himself and perhaps a few others like him. The majority of readers simply do not have the titanic reserves of gumption that he has. But power to him...at the very least, readers may be inspired to improve themselves on some level.
"Making the Impossible Possible" came from the shelves of Speedy's classroom. The next book was borrowed from MB over at The Satyr's BBQ a week ago last Sunday. It was "Outliers", the latest pageturner by Malcolm Gladwell. I have read his other books such as "Blink", and I've always enjoyed how he has been able to turn concepts like advertising in such a way that we not only get new insight in how his target topic really works, but we also feel like geniuses for doing so. Gladwell's spin on success is analytical...a neutral charge when compared to the positive spin of Bill Strickland's magnum opus. Gladwell posits that timing and taking advantage of opportunities are the real arbiters of success behind folks like Bill Gates more than good ol' fashioned guts and luck. His theory rather depressed and educated me at the same time.
Then, comes the dark negative spin of Ben Mezrich's "The Accidental Billionaires -- The Founding of Facebook: A Tale of Sex, Money, Genius and Betrayal." I'm only halfway through the book, but I quickly found out why Mark Zuckerberg has refused to talk with Mezrich as well as shun the movie adaptation despite the good reviews. Frankly, the geek-turned-moneybags is, intentionally or not, as either a scheming social misfit or a sociopath. It didn't take long for Mezrich to start showing Zuckerberg in any but a positive light. Very interesting, as are the other two books.
In the middle of the lull before The Milds come in for their lesson at 8. Just went over to the conbini to get the roast chicken pepperoncino spaghetti. Yup, with the Japanese love of pasta, convenience stores here have come up with so many different kinds of pasta that one can nuke, they really should have their own section. I went for the garlicky stuff today, so I'm hoping that the boss' coffee will nullify most of the smell and aftertaste...for The Milds' sake.
In the last few weeks, I've read a few books which all have a connection with one another in terms of theme. They all deal with success and the fascinating thing is that each book has its own different angle on the concept. The first book I read was "Making the Impossible Possible" by Bill Strickland which has this positive spin on achieving success...almost on a fantastical level. As I was reading about this man who came up from a poor neighbourhood in Pittsburgh to become a pottery master and then a miracle social activist with no business background to speak of, I just suddenly thought of Forrest Gump. Being a cynic, some of his advice just struck me as something that would only be applicable to himself and perhaps a few others like him. The majority of readers simply do not have the titanic reserves of gumption that he has. But power to him...at the very least, readers may be inspired to improve themselves on some level.
"Making the Impossible Possible" came from the shelves of Speedy's classroom. The next book was borrowed from MB over at The Satyr's BBQ a week ago last Sunday. It was "Outliers", the latest pageturner by Malcolm Gladwell. I have read his other books such as "Blink", and I've always enjoyed how he has been able to turn concepts like advertising in such a way that we not only get new insight in how his target topic really works, but we also feel like geniuses for doing so. Gladwell's spin on success is analytical...a neutral charge when compared to the positive spin of Bill Strickland's magnum opus. Gladwell posits that timing and taking advantage of opportunities are the real arbiters of success behind folks like Bill Gates more than good ol' fashioned guts and luck. His theory rather depressed and educated me at the same time.
Then, comes the dark negative spin of Ben Mezrich's "The Accidental Billionaires -- The Founding of Facebook: A Tale of Sex, Money, Genius and Betrayal." I'm only halfway through the book, but I quickly found out why Mark Zuckerberg has refused to talk with Mezrich as well as shun the movie adaptation despite the good reviews. Frankly, the geek-turned-moneybags is, intentionally or not, as either a scheming social misfit or a sociopath. It didn't take long for Mezrich to start showing Zuckerberg in any but a positive light. Very interesting, as are the other two books.
Tuesday October 26, 5:32 p.m.
Well, I kinda figured...it was more of a Force-induced thing or a Terran hunch. Mr. White has dotakyan'ed for the 2nd week in a row. He called the juku boss just 20 minutes before his appearance was due here. Considering the gloomy weather out there, I couldn't be all that surprised by his absence. But the boss was quite contrite about the situation since I have basically arrived 4 hours before the remaining class with The Milds. I reassured her it's a sho ga nai sort of thing but suggested that she call him up next time to see if he can give a bit more notice.
However, I did use the time to get caught up on Mixi. Viva sent over another message...this time, on the open diary to see if some more potential foodies may be interested in a get-together next month. The two of us were thinking about Bubba Gump in the Tokyo Dome area. And I've also started a conversation with a fellow via the Christmas Songs community (yup, it exists and I'm on it....just so sentimental about the Holidays); apparently, according to his homepage, he's currently residing over Stateside. I wonder if he's out in Colorado or upstate New York.
Well, I kinda figured...it was more of a Force-induced thing or a Terran hunch. Mr. White has dotakyan'ed for the 2nd week in a row. He called the juku boss just 20 minutes before his appearance was due here. Considering the gloomy weather out there, I couldn't be all that surprised by his absence. But the boss was quite contrite about the situation since I have basically arrived 4 hours before the remaining class with The Milds. I reassured her it's a sho ga nai sort of thing but suggested that she call him up next time to see if he can give a bit more notice.
However, I did use the time to get caught up on Mixi. Viva sent over another message...this time, on the open diary to see if some more potential foodies may be interested in a get-together next month. The two of us were thinking about Bubba Gump in the Tokyo Dome area. And I've also started a conversation with a fellow via the Christmas Songs community (yup, it exists and I'm on it....just so sentimental about the Holidays); apparently, according to his homepage, he's currently residing over Stateside. I wonder if he's out in Colorado or upstate New York.
Tuesday October 26, 4:18 p.m.
It's another gloomy day out there. With the cold and the rain, it almost makes me forget that a few short months ago, all of us were virtually begging for today's weather.
The Beehive took on a more serious tone as we came across the topic of capital punishment. The catalyst was when Mrs. Travel spoke on the lay judge system getting its first case in which the death penalty is on the table for a murderer who had gone berserk and killed a daughter and mother several months ago. The Hive was all for the ultimate penalty, citing that current justice seems to favor the defendant's rights over those of the victim's family. There was no real resolution but I did glean some interesting insight. The ladies mentioned about that fat toad, Shoko Asahara, the former guru of apocalyptic cult Aum Shinrikyo, who has been sentenced to death but has yet to be executed. There have been rumors that Asahara is being kept alive since the authorities are worried that his death could spark revenge attacks by what remains of the cult. I'm not so sure about that, but it is interesting to note that three of the instigators of the sarin gas attacks have been at large for 15 years. Perhaps the government is worried that they're in hiding and plotting.
Anyways, it's another Tuesday night at the juku. The boss' friend has done up the classroom into Halloween mode for the kids as usual. There won't be any pumpkin carving this year by me since I have noone to do it for. Sugar N' Spice were the only potential students but they cleared out of my realm long ago.
It's another gloomy day out there. With the cold and the rain, it almost makes me forget that a few short months ago, all of us were virtually begging for today's weather.
The Beehive took on a more serious tone as we came across the topic of capital punishment. The catalyst was when Mrs. Travel spoke on the lay judge system getting its first case in which the death penalty is on the table for a murderer who had gone berserk and killed a daughter and mother several months ago. The Hive was all for the ultimate penalty, citing that current justice seems to favor the defendant's rights over those of the victim's family. There was no real resolution but I did glean some interesting insight. The ladies mentioned about that fat toad, Shoko Asahara, the former guru of apocalyptic cult Aum Shinrikyo, who has been sentenced to death but has yet to be executed. There have been rumors that Asahara is being kept alive since the authorities are worried that his death could spark revenge attacks by what remains of the cult. I'm not so sure about that, but it is interesting to note that three of the instigators of the sarin gas attacks have been at large for 15 years. Perhaps the government is worried that they're in hiding and plotting.
Anyways, it's another Tuesday night at the juku. The boss' friend has done up the classroom into Halloween mode for the kids as usual. There won't be any pumpkin carving this year by me since I have noone to do it for. Sugar N' Spice were the only potential students but they cleared out of my realm long ago.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Monday October 25, 9:10 p.m.
Well, it looks like The Medicine Man did me yet another one of his favors and dotakyan'ed with 90 minutes to spare. So, I'm the only one in the school right now although there's a chance that the bossman may return. Miss Genki was her usual chatty self. There was quite a buzz of activity in the school up to a few hours ago since we had Miss London, Miss Efficiency, Miss Schmooze, The Babydoll and the bossman talking and typing away at stuff. But now it's quiet as the proverbial church mouse.
For some reason, I got two requests for friendship, some two days after meeting Viva for the first time in person. One is a Korean-Japanese who wanted to make friends since I'm from Toronto and yet another simply interested in talking about film. Not sure how she found out about that interest, although she may have seen me in that defunct Old Films category in Mixi.
I've been enjoying "Collected", one of the best compilations for Steely Dan. I've been slowly going through the various tunes from the 70s. I especially like the stuff from "Aja" such as "Peg".
Since I had quite the donut hole in my schedule between Cozy and Miss Genki, I ended up going home and by chance, I was able to catch the Sunday night NFL game between The Packers and The Vikings. For some reason, I seem to have the ability to catch exciting football games even though I'm not really a fan of the sport. Today's game was indeed one of those.
Anyways, I'll be heading home almost 90 minutes ahead of schedule. This week will actually be not too heavy...my usual Tuesday followed by a Wednesday that only has me teaching Miss Sony at 8:3o in the evening. Thursday will be fairly hellish, though. But Friday only has me teaching just a couple of Speedy lessons earlier in the day and no juku classes.
Well, it looks like The Medicine Man did me yet another one of his favors and dotakyan'ed with 90 minutes to spare. So, I'm the only one in the school right now although there's a chance that the bossman may return. Miss Genki was her usual chatty self. There was quite a buzz of activity in the school up to a few hours ago since we had Miss London, Miss Efficiency, Miss Schmooze, The Babydoll and the bossman talking and typing away at stuff. But now it's quiet as the proverbial church mouse.
For some reason, I got two requests for friendship, some two days after meeting Viva for the first time in person. One is a Korean-Japanese who wanted to make friends since I'm from Toronto and yet another simply interested in talking about film. Not sure how she found out about that interest, although she may have seen me in that defunct Old Films category in Mixi.
I've been enjoying "Collected", one of the best compilations for Steely Dan. I've been slowly going through the various tunes from the 70s. I especially like the stuff from "Aja" such as "Peg".
Since I had quite the donut hole in my schedule between Cozy and Miss Genki, I ended up going home and by chance, I was able to catch the Sunday night NFL game between The Packers and The Vikings. For some reason, I seem to have the ability to catch exciting football games even though I'm not really a fan of the sport. Today's game was indeed one of those.
Anyways, I'll be heading home almost 90 minutes ahead of schedule. This week will actually be not too heavy...my usual Tuesday followed by a Wednesday that only has me teaching Miss Sony at 8:3o in the evening. Thursday will be fairly hellish, though. But Friday only has me teaching just a couple of Speedy lessons earlier in the day and no juku classes.
Monday October 25, 5:05 p.m.
On Saturday, after finishing up my two lessons with Miss Prissy and The Intellectual over at Speedy's, I finally got to meet Ms. Vivacious at JR Shinjuku for dinner. It was kinda odd meeting someone in the flesh that one has been friends with via the Internet for several months, but there we were...me in green (jacket) and she in pink (raincoat).
We had dinner at Foo Foo as promised. I'm very happy to say that she did enjoy the pai ko tan tan men with beer. Our live conversation went surprisingly well...almost as if had been meeting face-to-face during those months. The two of us spent a couple of hours over at my favorite ramen restaurant, a first for me since even with group outings with MB, The Satyr and Skippy, 90 minutes was pretty much the max. I was a gentleman...paid for dinner.
Then, after a bit of walk around hotel-laden West Shinjuku, we settled for dessert at the ground floor restaurant in the Hyatt Regency called Caffe. It wasn't exactly cheap...my pear compote cost 1200 yen but Viva covered that cost. It was over there that there was a bit of dark talk about her. She's been divorced about 5 years from someone who kinda fills my definition of a monster but somehow her two adult daughters seemed to have survived to become well-adjusted members of society.
Still, it was a good first meeting between us. And I told her that it would be good if we could conduct further dinner outings in the future...perhaps with a few more Mixi buddies. I just gained one friend recently who found me via the 80s Canadian Pop community (yes, such a community does indeed exist...anyone who loves The Parachute Club, Luba and Rough Trade are more than welcome to join us...provided they type fluent Japanese) and lives in my Ichikawa....he can be one candidate to join our nascent Mixi foodie club.
Ms. Vivacious has come across as a good buddy...I don't think she would fit in as a romantic partner since I've pretty much decided on living a solitary life but I think her somewhat atypical personality (reminds me a bit of a mix between Skippy and the juku boss) would fit in as a good drinking (and eating) friend.
On Saturday, after finishing up my two lessons with Miss Prissy and The Intellectual over at Speedy's, I finally got to meet Ms. Vivacious at JR Shinjuku for dinner. It was kinda odd meeting someone in the flesh that one has been friends with via the Internet for several months, but there we were...me in green (jacket) and she in pink (raincoat).
We had dinner at Foo Foo as promised. I'm very happy to say that she did enjoy the pai ko tan tan men with beer. Our live conversation went surprisingly well...almost as if had been meeting face-to-face during those months. The two of us spent a couple of hours over at my favorite ramen restaurant, a first for me since even with group outings with MB, The Satyr and Skippy, 90 minutes was pretty much the max. I was a gentleman...paid for dinner.
Then, after a bit of walk around hotel-laden West Shinjuku, we settled for dessert at the ground floor restaurant in the Hyatt Regency called Caffe. It wasn't exactly cheap...my pear compote cost 1200 yen but Viva covered that cost. It was over there that there was a bit of dark talk about her. She's been divorced about 5 years from someone who kinda fills my definition of a monster but somehow her two adult daughters seemed to have survived to become well-adjusted members of society.
Still, it was a good first meeting between us. And I told her that it would be good if we could conduct further dinner outings in the future...perhaps with a few more Mixi buddies. I just gained one friend recently who found me via the 80s Canadian Pop community (yes, such a community does indeed exist...anyone who loves The Parachute Club, Luba and Rough Trade are more than welcome to join us...provided they type fluent Japanese) and lives in my Ichikawa....he can be one candidate to join our nascent Mixi foodie club.
Ms. Vivacious has come across as a good buddy...I don't think she would fit in as a romantic partner since I've pretty much decided on living a solitary life but I think her somewhat atypical personality (reminds me a bit of a mix between Skippy and the juku boss) would fit in as a good drinking (and eating) friend.
Monday October 25, 4:56 p.m.
Yep, saw this testerone-filled version of "Ocean's 11" yesterday with Movie Buddy over at Shinjuku Picadilly. It had gotten middling to downright terrible reviews (Don Morton of METROPOLIS even said without the A-list cast, it wouldn't even have rated "straight-to-DVD").
Yup, I gotta say that neither of us went in with particularly high expectations for this Sly Stallone flick. And sure enough, it didn't really deliver an overall great impression but there was plenty of action. Some 80s stars, some extreme sports stars, a lot of CG gore, a lot of terse cardboard acting and plot holes that one can drive The A-Team van through. Still, considering that both of us managed to survive "Sweeney Todd" and "Clash of the Titans", it wasn't too, too bad. And at least, we did get to see Stallone, Willis and Schwarzenegger chewing scenery together.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Saturday October 23, 10:26 a.m.
The first truly sunny morning I've seen in about a week. Nice to view.
Gonna be a busy weekend both professionally and socially. Today, I've got my usual Saturday folks...Miss Prissy and The Intellectual. Both are up for renewal which presents a bit of a quandary...should I tell them that I will no longer be teaching them in a few months? Or should I just keep my trap shut?
Later on, I have my first face-to-face with Ms. Vivacious, the Mixi buddy I've known for the past several months. I hope she's quite the foodie...I've always been looking for a fellow foodie buddy. Skippy is probably the closest one but she's got her own life on weekends. Vivacious has been long divorced and a nurse, so she should be a very patient person.
On Sunday, I've got The Jyuppies for one of their last lessons for this year since Mrs. Jyuppie will be delivering her second child in about a month. Then, I meet up with MB and The Satyr for "The Expendables" either in Shibuya or Shinjuku. I kinda wonder if MB will want to go to Foo Foo for ramen...that's where Viva and I are going this afternoon.
The first truly sunny morning I've seen in about a week. Nice to view.
Gonna be a busy weekend both professionally and socially. Today, I've got my usual Saturday folks...Miss Prissy and The Intellectual. Both are up for renewal which presents a bit of a quandary...should I tell them that I will no longer be teaching them in a few months? Or should I just keep my trap shut?
Later on, I have my first face-to-face with Ms. Vivacious, the Mixi buddy I've known for the past several months. I hope she's quite the foodie...I've always been looking for a fellow foodie buddy. Skippy is probably the closest one but she's got her own life on weekends. Vivacious has been long divorced and a nurse, so she should be a very patient person.
On Sunday, I've got The Jyuppies for one of their last lessons for this year since Mrs. Jyuppie will be delivering her second child in about a month. Then, I meet up with MB and The Satyr for "The Expendables" either in Shibuya or Shinjuku. I kinda wonder if MB will want to go to Foo Foo for ramen...that's where Viva and I are going this afternoon.
Friday October 22, 8:13 p.m.
Well, some developments in the last 6 hours. First off, it looks like Swank will be away from me for at least a couple of weeks for some reason. I got the word from Miss London, so I'll have a big hole in the schedule for at least next Monday between Cozy and the Speedy night classes. I also gave some advance good wishes to Miss London since she won't be leaving til mid-November.
Also, I'm gonna be meeting my first Mixi friend that I hadn't known previously from other things. Folks like Cozy, Mr. TOEFL and Bay are on Mixi but I had met them in person some time before their entry into the Japanese equivalent of Facebook. But Miss Vivacious (not her Mixi moniker) is one that I've only known via the SNS...and for some time, so I think she should be OK. We're gonna be meeting for an early dinner at my fave ramen place in Shinjuku, Foo Foo.
I did make that potato gratin because I have that bag of spuds from Mrs. Tee. Well, it was OK but there is absolutely room for improvement...too much salt, too many onions and too little cheese. But an hour ago, the juku boss was kind enough to give me her recipe for white sauce, a necessary ingredient for gratin of any sort.
Well, some developments in the last 6 hours. First off, it looks like Swank will be away from me for at least a couple of weeks for some reason. I got the word from Miss London, so I'll have a big hole in the schedule for at least next Monday between Cozy and the Speedy night classes. I also gave some advance good wishes to Miss London since she won't be leaving til mid-November.
Also, I'm gonna be meeting my first Mixi friend that I hadn't known previously from other things. Folks like Cozy, Mr. TOEFL and Bay are on Mixi but I had met them in person some time before their entry into the Japanese equivalent of Facebook. But Miss Vivacious (not her Mixi moniker) is one that I've only known via the SNS...and for some time, so I think she should be OK. We're gonna be meeting for an early dinner at my fave ramen place in Shinjuku, Foo Foo.
I did make that potato gratin because I have that bag of spuds from Mrs. Tee. Well, it was OK but there is absolutely room for improvement...too much salt, too many onions and too little cheese. But an hour ago, the juku boss was kind enough to give me her recipe for white sauce, a necessary ingredient for gratin of any sort.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Friday October 22, 11:32 a.m.
Over here at the I-Cafe today since I've got virtually no lessons except for that 1-hour split of the juku boss and The Restauranteur at 9 p.m. tonight. Can't complain about that. I listened to one of 3 discs from a set of Steely Dan's best stuff. There were a few songs that were instantly recognizable to me as tunes that I'd heard on AM radio back in Toronto as a lad such as "Peg" and "Reelin' In The Years". I also found out from the liner notes about the derivation of the band's name....er...let's say that William Burroughs had quite an imagination. In any case, nice music to listen to on a day off.
Back on Tuesday, I received an omiyage of sorts from Mrs. Tee of The Beehive. It was a big bag of Hokkaido potatoes. Sapporo spuds. I must admit at first that I was a little surprised since souvenirs from the ladies usually consist of chocolates or Japanese sweets. But taters? However, I gratefully received what the Incas used to call "the perfect food". And I intend to make use of some of the tubers today by whipping a cheap and easy gratin from tuna, cheese and onions.
Things at Speedy's are slightly tense at the moment. It all happened a few days ago when the bossman stood up his wife for a few hours since he just had to take care of some advertising stuff concerning the new kids' school. Miss Efficiency and Mrs Schmooze implored him to get going and assured him that they would take care of it...but Mr. Hands-On wouldn't have any of that. Of course, I didn't see Mrs. Speedy but I could only imagine that she had a nice doghouse ready for her hubby. But I do know that Miss Efficiency wasn't too happy...she thought that the bossman showed blatant disrespect to his wife. And yesterday, while the bossman was out, Speedy's major domo kinda vented about the boss to me.
We both agreed that the bossman has a certain personality that can and has irked current and previous staff. He's a bit KY...the slangy abbreviation for kuki yomenai that got into The Catchphrases of the Year a few years back...basically, in English, it can translate as "can't see the forest for the trees" or "can't read the tea leaves" or to be blunt, he's a bit dense. During Miss Efficiency's mild tirade, she also touched on why her predecessor, Ray, really left the place; apparently, she couldn't really take the stress of him and his stubbornness, although he wasn't the only source of the stress. However, I have figured out that previous staffers who were the point men such as AK and The Admin also left in part due to him. And I've found out that Miss London, who will be leaving us in mid-November, has not been too fond of him.
Now, truth be told, I have found Speedy to be one of the better bosses I've had in my long years in the working sector. He has never lost his temper (knock on wood) in my time at the school, and he has been very accomodating when it has come to holiday requests. I've had some pretty lousy bosses in my time in Japan, and in comparison, the bossman has been pretty aces to me. But then again, my relationship with the man is quite different from the staff's relationship with him. Still, I was rather taken aback when I heard that he stood up his wife for a few hours.
When I left the school last night, I did, in passing, broached the subject with the bossman. He got somewhat resigned and sheepish, and remarked that Miss Efficiency blabbed it out. I just answered that it is a small school and there are many sources. But I just had to question him about the wisdom of basically leaving a wife to cool her heels for hours when it's difficult enough as it is for him and her to meet normally. The bossman became somewhat taciturn and just mentioned that it was just some really bad timing....that he really needed to be on base to ensure that the printing company got the pamphlets right. He didn't really apologize...not that he needed to apologize to me...but he didn't seem contrite enough about the situation. I wasn't particularly swayed by his excuse but I preferred not to end my long day with an argument on how to balance a marriage and work life, especially since I'm not any authority on the former matter. So I just left it at that. We'll have to see what happens over the next few days. I kinda think that if things are worsening in his personal life, I'll be able to pick up hints.
Over here at the I-Cafe today since I've got virtually no lessons except for that 1-hour split of the juku boss and The Restauranteur at 9 p.m. tonight. Can't complain about that. I listened to one of 3 discs from a set of Steely Dan's best stuff. There were a few songs that were instantly recognizable to me as tunes that I'd heard on AM radio back in Toronto as a lad such as "Peg" and "Reelin' In The Years". I also found out from the liner notes about the derivation of the band's name....er...let's say that William Burroughs had quite an imagination. In any case, nice music to listen to on a day off.
Back on Tuesday, I received an omiyage of sorts from Mrs. Tee of The Beehive. It was a big bag of Hokkaido potatoes. Sapporo spuds. I must admit at first that I was a little surprised since souvenirs from the ladies usually consist of chocolates or Japanese sweets. But taters? However, I gratefully received what the Incas used to call "the perfect food". And I intend to make use of some of the tubers today by whipping a cheap and easy gratin from tuna, cheese and onions.
Things at Speedy's are slightly tense at the moment. It all happened a few days ago when the bossman stood up his wife for a few hours since he just had to take care of some advertising stuff concerning the new kids' school. Miss Efficiency and Mrs Schmooze implored him to get going and assured him that they would take care of it...but Mr. Hands-On wouldn't have any of that. Of course, I didn't see Mrs. Speedy but I could only imagine that she had a nice doghouse ready for her hubby. But I do know that Miss Efficiency wasn't too happy...she thought that the bossman showed blatant disrespect to his wife. And yesterday, while the bossman was out, Speedy's major domo kinda vented about the boss to me.
We both agreed that the bossman has a certain personality that can and has irked current and previous staff. He's a bit KY...the slangy abbreviation for kuki yomenai that got into The Catchphrases of the Year a few years back...basically, in English, it can translate as "can't see the forest for the trees" or "can't read the tea leaves" or to be blunt, he's a bit dense. During Miss Efficiency's mild tirade, she also touched on why her predecessor, Ray, really left the place; apparently, she couldn't really take the stress of him and his stubbornness, although he wasn't the only source of the stress. However, I have figured out that previous staffers who were the point men such as AK and The Admin also left in part due to him. And I've found out that Miss London, who will be leaving us in mid-November, has not been too fond of him.
Now, truth be told, I have found Speedy to be one of the better bosses I've had in my long years in the working sector. He has never lost his temper (knock on wood) in my time at the school, and he has been very accomodating when it has come to holiday requests. I've had some pretty lousy bosses in my time in Japan, and in comparison, the bossman has been pretty aces to me. But then again, my relationship with the man is quite different from the staff's relationship with him. Still, I was rather taken aback when I heard that he stood up his wife for a few hours.
When I left the school last night, I did, in passing, broached the subject with the bossman. He got somewhat resigned and sheepish, and remarked that Miss Efficiency blabbed it out. I just answered that it is a small school and there are many sources. But I just had to question him about the wisdom of basically leaving a wife to cool her heels for hours when it's difficult enough as it is for him and her to meet normally. The bossman became somewhat taciturn and just mentioned that it was just some really bad timing....that he really needed to be on base to ensure that the printing company got the pamphlets right. He didn't really apologize...not that he needed to apologize to me...but he didn't seem contrite enough about the situation. I wasn't particularly swayed by his excuse but I preferred not to end my long day with an argument on how to balance a marriage and work life, especially since I'm not any authority on the former matter. So I just left it at that. We'll have to see what happens over the next few days. I kinda think that if things are worsening in his personal life, I'll be able to pick up hints.
Thursday October 21, 6:22 p.m.
Well, it wasn't just Tom Bosley who has passed away. Another even earlier TV parent icon left this mortal coil a few days before Bosley. Barbara Billingsley, aka June Cleaver, mother of the Beaver (no snickering...this is solemn), died on Saturday. I was never a huge fan of "Leave It To Beaver", although I remember seeing the program in the late afternoon. She was pretty much the prototype for TV Moms such as Samantha Stevens and Carol Brady, and cemented the idealized wardrobe of high heels and pearl necklaces while vacuuming the carpet. But Billingsley also achieved another type of fame in the late 70s with a mere 30-second appearance in the hilarious "Airplane" as a jive-talking senior citizen.
Then, I found out on Wiki that Stephen J. Cannell, the uber-producer of 80s TV action series such as "Magnum P.I." and the original "A-Team" had died last month. Pretty much any TV show that had some sort of cool hero on it had his stamp on it. I guess at the funeral, instead of a 21-gun salute, soldiers must've flipped several jeeps in tribute.
Thursday October 21, 5:16 p.m.
Well, another TV icon has left this mortal coil. Tom Bosley was always the father figure on Tuesday nights on ABC back in the 70s as Howard Cunningham on "Happy Days". I was well under 10 years of age when that legendary show hit the airwaves but even then I'd known about Tom Bosley on shows such as "Get Smart" since he was a prolific character actor with a distinctive voice. But he would always be known as Mr. C to me, even when he became Father Dowling and the sheriff on "Murder, She Wrote." It was with some shock that I read that he'd died the other day.
The first half of my classes went pretty well. The Shareholder was actually a bit more communicative which helped things out a lot. And of course, The German was as ebullient as ever. We managed to get through one exercise before the inevitable permanent sidetracking occurred. This time, we talked on air travel and the obvious differences between flight attendants on Air Canada and JAL. I certainly hope that I can get an aisle seat on my trip home.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Thursday October 21, 12:26 p.m.
It's pretty nice not having to haul my sorry ass out of bed at 6 a.m. on a Thursday. Not that I have anything against The Patent Attorney or Grandma Dynamite...believe me, I'm grateful for their patronage. Having said that, I do cherish those rare opportunities to have a bit more sleep and have a leisurely breakfast.
I've got The Shareholder in about an hour for the first time in a couple of weeks. Our PR agent, Mrs Schmooze, was asking whether it would be good to interview him for the monthly newsletter. Both Miss Efficiency and I quickly shook our heads, knowing that The Shareholder has about as much humor as a coffin. We both suggested 001 but she won't be back here at Speedy's for about 3 weeks.
After The Shareholder, it's The German, Mrs. Thursday and The Music Man to wrap up...not a bad lineup at all.
It's another rainy day out there....I think October may go down as one of the cloudiest in recent memory.
It's pretty nice not having to haul my sorry ass out of bed at 6 a.m. on a Thursday. Not that I have anything against The Patent Attorney or Grandma Dynamite...believe me, I'm grateful for their patronage. Having said that, I do cherish those rare opportunities to have a bit more sleep and have a leisurely breakfast.
I've got The Shareholder in about an hour for the first time in a couple of weeks. Our PR agent, Mrs Schmooze, was asking whether it would be good to interview him for the monthly newsletter. Both Miss Efficiency and I quickly shook our heads, knowing that The Shareholder has about as much humor as a coffin. We both suggested 001 but she won't be back here at Speedy's for about 3 weeks.
After The Shareholder, it's The German, Mrs. Thursday and The Music Man to wrap up...not a bad lineup at all.
It's another rainy day out there....I think October may go down as one of the cloudiest in recent memory.
Wednesday October 20, 10:38 p.m.
Just about finished with my day here. Miss Sony had an amiable lesson as we usually do. We got into the discussion of abbreviations, English and Japanese. I threw her "IBM" while she threw me her company name of "SONY". She told me it stood for "Some One Needs You". Well, I know that she's an honest lass but I still looked it up on Wiki, and apparently according to them, the name was a combination of the Latin word sonus and the old-fashioned appellation of "sonny". Well, whatever the true answer is, it was still a good lesson.
In any case, I'll be on my way out and I will be looking forward to a later wake-up call tomorrow. Still, I've got the humorless Shareholder as my first student so I'll have to be on my toes.
Just about finished with my day here. Miss Sony had an amiable lesson as we usually do. We got into the discussion of abbreviations, English and Japanese. I threw her "IBM" while she threw me her company name of "SONY". She told me it stood for "Some One Needs You". Well, I know that she's an honest lass but I still looked it up on Wiki, and apparently according to them, the name was a combination of the Latin word sonus and the old-fashioned appellation of "sonny". Well, whatever the true answer is, it was still a good lesson.
In any case, I'll be on my way out and I will be looking forward to a later wake-up call tomorrow. Still, I've got the humorless Shareholder as my first student so I'll have to be on my toes.
Wednesday October 20, 7:44 p.m.
Just some pictures from Sunday's BBQ over at The Satyr's place on his palatial balcony. Yes, even in the wilds of Japan, freshly grilled steak can be had without too much of a problem, and perhaps with only a slight lightening of the wallet. I think The Satyr's Coleman grill gives a nice tinge of nostalgia.
Well, The Overachiever and I had a nice 1-hour talk on the future of dentistry in Japan. You might say he told the tooth, the whole tooth, and nothing but the tooth (bwahahahahah....ah, well..). Basically, it was about his plan to inform everyone about the benefits of fluoridating the water over here...yup, you heard me, Japanese tap water is not fluouridated. Could explain the great need and supply of implanted teeth. Decades ago, it was gold and silver teeth.
The cancellations continue. Now, it's not just The Patent Attorney but also Grandma Dynamite who has confirmed her cancellation for tomorrow. Just kinda wonder how good a teacher I really am. But then I got some reassurance via a Mixi message from Mr. TOEFL who will be off for Toronto tomorrow. He was downright effusive in his praise of my help over the months which helped stroke the ego a bit. And he let me in on a bit of a bombshell in that he admitted his crush on the recently departed Ray. Unfortunately, the lass is already spoken for. And I also got news of another departure...it seems as if Miss London will also be flying the coop fairly soon. In any case, I will be able to sleep in tomorrow.
I've just completed viewing the DVD of Season 2 of the original "Get Smart". I must admit that although I'd thought a lot of the humor would age like stale bread, I found myself chuckling away at a number of the jokes....especially The Chief's reaction shots at the latest idiotic doings of Agent 86. His great performance in the series makes it all the more poignant that actor Ed Platt had left this mortal coil via suicide. I remember what was probably his final appearance on TV...actually on one of the final episodes of "Bewitched", a few years after "Get Smart" had wrapped up. He frankly looked like death warmed over...he just looked so extremely pale and haggard that I was surprised that the producers had allowed the footage to air. At today's session with Mr. Swank, I lent him the DVD for Season 1 since he seems to be a fellow fan of old American TV shows. In any case, Don Adams, Barbara Feldon, Ed Platt and Bernie Kopell are to be commended for a wealth of fun and catchphrases, but I also have to tip my hat (if I had one) to the musical director Irving Szathmary since he came up with a score that has become so identified with the show. It may be an homage to the James Bond scores, but whenever I hear that distinctive combo of electric guitar and horn section, I know it's time for "Get Smart".
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Wednesday October 20, 3:20 p.m.
It's been a thankfully cool week...perhaps Fall has finally come to stay. These days one can't be too sure in Tokyo. We may have a spate of cool dry weather and then suddenly comes a mini-heat wave in ambush.
Started a little later today with my first lesson being with Mr. Swank. Hmm...I may have hit a rut with him...nothing has clicked for the past couple of lessons. Oh, Mr. Swank and I have been getting along easily enough but I'm not quite satisfied with his progress. His structure in his speeches has been pretty abysmal and there's no one thing I can really focus on.
I've gotten a couple of cancellations...neither of them are big surprises. The Patent Attorney cancelled his lesson tomorrow morning; he sometimes has to pull out due to work. And the same reason goes for The Journo, so it looks like my Friday will be a virtual day off except for that one hour with the juku boss and The Restauranteur for 1 hour. Not complaining, mind you. Not sure, but I think Miss Efficiency told me that Grandma Dynamite has also decided not to come.
I have The Overachiever and Miss Sony later on today. Not bad at all...both are some of my best students.
Had my lunch over at Foo Foo in JR Shinjuku. One of my dependable good restaurants with their pai ko tan tan men. Never a bad meal there....at least in terms of taste. Calorically, I'm not gonna comment.
It's been a thankfully cool week...perhaps Fall has finally come to stay. These days one can't be too sure in Tokyo. We may have a spate of cool dry weather and then suddenly comes a mini-heat wave in ambush.
Started a little later today with my first lesson being with Mr. Swank. Hmm...I may have hit a rut with him...nothing has clicked for the past couple of lessons. Oh, Mr. Swank and I have been getting along easily enough but I'm not quite satisfied with his progress. His structure in his speeches has been pretty abysmal and there's no one thing I can really focus on.
I've gotten a couple of cancellations...neither of them are big surprises. The Patent Attorney cancelled his lesson tomorrow morning; he sometimes has to pull out due to work. And the same reason goes for The Journo, so it looks like my Friday will be a virtual day off except for that one hour with the juku boss and The Restauranteur for 1 hour. Not complaining, mind you. Not sure, but I think Miss Efficiency told me that Grandma Dynamite has also decided not to come.
I have The Overachiever and Miss Sony later on today. Not bad at all...both are some of my best students.
Had my lunch over at Foo Foo in JR Shinjuku. One of my dependable good restaurants with their pai ko tan tan men. Never a bad meal there....at least in terms of taste. Calorically, I'm not gonna comment.
Tuesday October 19, 6:55 p.m.
It's been a while.
The weekend was a foodie's delight. Once again, I went over to MB's neighbourhood of Jiyugaoka that paean to good dining in the Kanto area. He, The Sylph and I headed over to that tiny ramen joint about half a kilo away from his apartment. I always end up forgetting the name but the lone operator of the place can really whip up his dishes. We had Japanese-style chicken wings, fried rice and my personal fave, maitake mushroom tempura. Of course, I proved again that I still had the glutton in me, despite my 45 years, and finished off with the restaurant's cha siu ramen. And when we got back to the apartment, the three of us dug into some cups of Haagen-Daas. Strangely enough, I still have feeling in both sides of my body.
Since being at MB's automatically means DVD Night, the three of us viewed a couple of blockbusters from last year. The first one was the one MB and I had been itching to see..."The Hangover". We'd been hearing all about how much folks were heaving up their internal organs in laughter from this one. But frankly speaking, The Sylph ironically was doing most of the laughing. I had been expecting a lot more in the humour department but it just seemed as if the movie was one big setup that really never paid off. There were some smirkworthy scenes and one "Holy Cow!" scene with that naked Chinese gangster but I can't really say that I got my money's worth on it.
The other flick was "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time". This one we really had no hope for and as it turned out, our non-hopes were non-realized. It just struck me as one of any number of sword-and-sorcery flicks that have passed around the world for the decade since "Lord of the Rings". Ben Kingsley got his paycheck by playing the usual villain.
The next day, it was basically a continuation of the foodie weekend with MB and The Sylph with just a 2-hour interruption for Yajima's lesson over at the next station. Once again, the three of us went out to try a new Italian place near Jiyugaoka Station called Mocco. Good pasta bolognese.
Then it was the highlight of that Sunday by heading over a few stations to Todoroki Station. Several years ago, it had been my regular late-night Monday duty to head over there to teach a student and her boyfriend. Thankfully, that was a rather brief tour since I always had to run to catch the last train back to Chiba. Well, now, Todoroki is the home of The Satyr and Miss Ivory. Since The Satyr's birthday is close to mine, it was decided that we would have a birthday BBQ of sorts over at his apartment. And indeed, it was a true Canadian barbeque on his huge balcony with marinated steak and veggie kebabs. We even had Feist playing on the stereo for some true Canuck content. The Satyr, as the host grillmaster, got down on himself for allegedly overcooking the meat but MB and I ressured him that everything was fine. Skippy's contribution to the party was Waffle Cake from the Ikebukuro Seibu department store. She brought over 24 of these small waffles filled with a variety of creams such as strawberry or mocha. They were all good to me.
Monday had some interesting turns. Swank did a true dotakyan by leaving a message on the machine early in the morning...after I had left for Cozy's lesson since she was ailing with the flu. And when I got to Speedy's, the staff had left me a cake and cookies for my birthday. Since I was already munching away at the chinsuko that The New Yorker had given me from her trip to Okinawa, as well as some Reese's peanut butter cups from The Satyr, after his trip to Toronto, I felt rather obligated to share my good culinary fortune so I split the cream-filled Tea Chiffon Cake with the staffers.
And Tuesday was no less interesting. I had my usual kaffeeklatsch with The Beehive. Mrs. Travel once again relayed the latest fight she'd had with her husband. But the big news was finding out that our home of 2 years, the Tsudanuma Beckers in JR Tsudanuma, will be closing down in a couple of weeks since the station will be undergoing several months of renovation. So it's been rather timely that we've found a new home at the Tobu Community Centre nearby.
Mr. White has cancelled his lesson once again due to his stresses from his education regiment so I've only got The Milds. I hope that Mrs. Mild is in a better frame of mind.
It's been a while.
The weekend was a foodie's delight. Once again, I went over to MB's neighbourhood of Jiyugaoka that paean to good dining in the Kanto area. He, The Sylph and I headed over to that tiny ramen joint about half a kilo away from his apartment. I always end up forgetting the name but the lone operator of the place can really whip up his dishes. We had Japanese-style chicken wings, fried rice and my personal fave, maitake mushroom tempura. Of course, I proved again that I still had the glutton in me, despite my 45 years, and finished off with the restaurant's cha siu ramen. And when we got back to the apartment, the three of us dug into some cups of Haagen-Daas. Strangely enough, I still have feeling in both sides of my body.
Since being at MB's automatically means DVD Night, the three of us viewed a couple of blockbusters from last year. The first one was the one MB and I had been itching to see..."The Hangover". We'd been hearing all about how much folks were heaving up their internal organs in laughter from this one. But frankly speaking, The Sylph ironically was doing most of the laughing. I had been expecting a lot more in the humour department but it just seemed as if the movie was one big setup that really never paid off. There were some smirkworthy scenes and one "Holy Cow!" scene with that naked Chinese gangster but I can't really say that I got my money's worth on it.
The other flick was "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time". This one we really had no hope for and as it turned out, our non-hopes were non-realized. It just struck me as one of any number of sword-and-sorcery flicks that have passed around the world for the decade since "Lord of the Rings". Ben Kingsley got his paycheck by playing the usual villain.
The next day, it was basically a continuation of the foodie weekend with MB and The Sylph with just a 2-hour interruption for Yajima's lesson over at the next station. Once again, the three of us went out to try a new Italian place near Jiyugaoka Station called Mocco. Good pasta bolognese.
Then it was the highlight of that Sunday by heading over a few stations to Todoroki Station. Several years ago, it had been my regular late-night Monday duty to head over there to teach a student and her boyfriend. Thankfully, that was a rather brief tour since I always had to run to catch the last train back to Chiba. Well, now, Todoroki is the home of The Satyr and Miss Ivory. Since The Satyr's birthday is close to mine, it was decided that we would have a birthday BBQ of sorts over at his apartment. And indeed, it was a true Canadian barbeque on his huge balcony with marinated steak and veggie kebabs. We even had Feist playing on the stereo for some true Canuck content. The Satyr, as the host grillmaster, got down on himself for allegedly overcooking the meat but MB and I ressured him that everything was fine. Skippy's contribution to the party was Waffle Cake from the Ikebukuro Seibu department store. She brought over 24 of these small waffles filled with a variety of creams such as strawberry or mocha. They were all good to me.
Monday had some interesting turns. Swank did a true dotakyan by leaving a message on the machine early in the morning...after I had left for Cozy's lesson since she was ailing with the flu. And when I got to Speedy's, the staff had left me a cake and cookies for my birthday. Since I was already munching away at the chinsuko that The New Yorker had given me from her trip to Okinawa, as well as some Reese's peanut butter cups from The Satyr, after his trip to Toronto, I felt rather obligated to share my good culinary fortune so I split the cream-filled Tea Chiffon Cake with the staffers.
And Tuesday was no less interesting. I had my usual kaffeeklatsch with The Beehive. Mrs. Travel once again relayed the latest fight she'd had with her husband. But the big news was finding out that our home of 2 years, the Tsudanuma Beckers in JR Tsudanuma, will be closing down in a couple of weeks since the station will be undergoing several months of renovation. So it's been rather timely that we've found a new home at the Tobu Community Centre nearby.
Mr. White has cancelled his lesson once again due to his stresses from his education regiment so I've only got The Milds. I hope that Mrs. Mild is in a better frame of mind.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Friday October 15, 8:08 p.m.
Yep, at 3:32 p.m. this afternoon, I turned the big 45! It happened just two minutes into my 90-minute lesson with Mr. Swank. I somehow made the announcement some 48 minutes later. No big plans although I got some nice wishes from Speedy and the staff, and a few Mixi friends. Plus, I had my fave Chicken Saute over at The Restauranteur's place although neither she nor the juku boss have been informed about my birthday.
The only other student I had was The Bass this morning. For some reason, he seemed slightly edgy...at least for him (he's probably the most laidback student I have)...and his Listening was somewhat out to lunch.
Actually, it's also my niece's birthday as well so good wishes to her. I hope she did get that Miffy book on time.
As usual, I've got the boss and The Restauranteur in less than an hour.
Yep, at 3:32 p.m. this afternoon, I turned the big 45! It happened just two minutes into my 90-minute lesson with Mr. Swank. I somehow made the announcement some 48 minutes later. No big plans although I got some nice wishes from Speedy and the staff, and a few Mixi friends. Plus, I had my fave Chicken Saute over at The Restauranteur's place although neither she nor the juku boss have been informed about my birthday.
The only other student I had was The Bass this morning. For some reason, he seemed slightly edgy...at least for him (he's probably the most laidback student I have)...and his Listening was somewhat out to lunch.
Actually, it's also my niece's birthday as well so good wishes to her. I hope she did get that Miffy book on time.
As usual, I've got the boss and The Restauranteur in less than an hour.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Thursday October 14, 5:33 p.m.
Well, I'm over halfway through another Hump Day. I've finished with The Patent Attorney, Grandma Dynamite, The New Yorker and Mr. TOEFL. The New Yorker got me some Okinawan chinsuko and a small package of Corned Beef Hash after her trip to Okinawa last week. And it was Mr. TOEFL's final lesson with us here at Speedy's. He just had a couple of lessons left on his contract which explains his presence yesterday and today. After this, he's off to Toronto for the next 3 months. I gave him a bit of information on my hometown such as weather...weather is always a biggie for folks heading over there.
I also got a Halloween Dozen from Krispy Kreme for the enlarged gang at Speedy's. Yep, the cameras were all out to take a picture of the Jack O' Lantern donuts. I'll have to supply my own in a future entry.
Anyways, I should grab something from the conbini before The Carolinan gets in since it'll be straight on through her, Miss Thursday and The Music Man before I finish up tonight.
Well, I'm over halfway through another Hump Day. I've finished with The Patent Attorney, Grandma Dynamite, The New Yorker and Mr. TOEFL. The New Yorker got me some Okinawan chinsuko and a small package of Corned Beef Hash after her trip to Okinawa last week. And it was Mr. TOEFL's final lesson with us here at Speedy's. He just had a couple of lessons left on his contract which explains his presence yesterday and today. After this, he's off to Toronto for the next 3 months. I gave him a bit of information on my hometown such as weather...weather is always a biggie for folks heading over there.
I also got a Halloween Dozen from Krispy Kreme for the enlarged gang at Speedy's. Yep, the cameras were all out to take a picture of the Jack O' Lantern donuts. I'll have to supply my own in a future entry.
Anyways, I should grab something from the conbini before The Carolinan gets in since it'll be straight on through her, Miss Thursday and The Music Man before I finish up tonight.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Thursday October 14, 8:29 a.m.
Yep, after all the wonderful news about the miners being brought up from the Chilean depths, there just had to be some sort of lunatic idiocy to balance things out. Apparently, once the very first guy got brought out, the media scrum truly turned into a rugby scrum, tearing down the tent that held the relatives.
Yup, the world is Taoist...
Yep, after all the wonderful news about the miners being brought up from the Chilean depths, there just had to be some sort of lunatic idiocy to balance things out. Apparently, once the very first guy got brought out, the media scrum truly turned into a rugby scrum, tearing down the tent that held the relatives.
Yup, the world is Taoist...
Wednesday October 13, 10:30 p.m.
Got through my gauntlet of lessons today. It was good to see Mr. TOEFL again after 4 months. Ironically after a stint Stateside, he lost about 10 kg! And he had some really good hamburgers to boot.
Basically, The Overachiever, Mr. TOEFL, 001 and Miss Sony were a good bunch to get through a gauntlet. All of them are willing to talk on anything which saves my voice a lot of wear and tear.
I would like to go home now since I not only have to come in early to see The Patent Attorney but I also have a rather massive lineup on Thursday. Looks like Grandma Dynamite is not gonna cancel.
Got through my gauntlet of lessons today. It was good to see Mr. TOEFL again after 4 months. Ironically after a stint Stateside, he lost about 10 kg! And he had some really good hamburgers to boot.
Basically, The Overachiever, Mr. TOEFL, 001 and Miss Sony were a good bunch to get through a gauntlet. All of them are willing to talk on anything which saves my voice a lot of wear and tear.
I would like to go home now since I not only have to come in early to see The Patent Attorney but I also have a rather massive lineup on Thursday. Looks like Grandma Dynamite is not gonna cancel.
Wednesday October 13, 8:15 p.m.
After about a month, 001 finally came back in from the cold...or Turkey, at least. I did ask her about whether she would be renewing to which she did answer in the affirmative. However, she has booked her next lesson a month later. She is really dragging her contract out. In any case, unsurprisingly, we managed to avoid the boring textbook very easily by talking about her trip and then about Aiba-kun.
Looks like they've gotten 9 miners out from the Chilean depths so far. So far, so good.
I've only got Miss Sony before calling it a night. That loaded lunch has helped me gotten through the 5 hours.
After about a month, 001 finally came back in from the cold...or Turkey, at least. I did ask her about whether she would be renewing to which she did answer in the affirmative. However, she has booked her next lesson a month later. She is really dragging her contract out. In any case, unsurprisingly, we managed to avoid the boring textbook very easily by talking about her trip and then about Aiba-kun.
Looks like they've gotten 9 miners out from the Chilean depths so far. So far, so good.
I've only got Miss Sony before calling it a night. That loaded lunch has helped me gotten through the 5 hours.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Wednesday October 13, 3:28 p.m.
Well, the epic Chile Mine Rescue drama is now coming to a successful close...I was lucky enough to have been at home to see the Phoenix Capsule go down the shaft and then come up with the first trapped miner. Not a dry eye in the house, including mine. This will probably go down in history as a rescue on the order of Apollo 13. I'm sure a lot of Hollywood producers are thinking of the possibilities.
Mrs. Mild wasn't too mild last night. It wasn't exactly a crash-n'-burn class but Mrs. Mild wasn't in a good mood since she's been suffering from some sort of fatigue due to the up-and-down nature of our weather. She has never been the quickest student in my flock but she always tried hard and had a smile on her face. Not last night. She looked exhausted and even got a bit cranky at her husband. Well, I figure that once in 6 years for her is warranted.
Loaded up on the calories today since from 4 p.m., I'll be going pretty much nonstop until 9:15. I've got The Overachiever, Mr. TOEFL, 001 and Miss Sony tonight. 001 should be interesting for a couple of reasons...she's coming back after a month away due to work and a vacation in Turkey, and this will be her 3rd-last lesson on her current contract. I'll probably ask her about her intentions tonight but I won't be surprised if she decides to finish things with us.
Well, the epic Chile Mine Rescue drama is now coming to a successful close...I was lucky enough to have been at home to see the Phoenix Capsule go down the shaft and then come up with the first trapped miner. Not a dry eye in the house, including mine. This will probably go down in history as a rescue on the order of Apollo 13. I'm sure a lot of Hollywood producers are thinking of the possibilities.
Mrs. Mild wasn't too mild last night. It wasn't exactly a crash-n'-burn class but Mrs. Mild wasn't in a good mood since she's been suffering from some sort of fatigue due to the up-and-down nature of our weather. She has never been the quickest student in my flock but she always tried hard and had a smile on her face. Not last night. She looked exhausted and even got a bit cranky at her husband. Well, I figure that once in 6 years for her is warranted.
Loaded up on the calories today since from 4 p.m., I'll be going pretty much nonstop until 9:15. I've got The Overachiever, Mr. TOEFL, 001 and Miss Sony tonight. 001 should be interesting for a couple of reasons...she's coming back after a month away due to work and a vacation in Turkey, and this will be her 3rd-last lesson on her current contract. I'll probably ask her about her intentions tonight but I won't be surprised if she decides to finish things with us.
Tuesday October 12, 4:26 p.m.
Well, it's been another long weekend. Ended up buying "Get Smart: Season 2" from Sale, that DVD shop in Akiba specializing in foreign discs. Paid 4,700 yen...yup, a tad expensive but again I really did want to get my hands on it. I've learned the hard way that once an opportunity goes away, that may be it. "Get Smart" is no longer all that funny but I guess my nostalgia bone has been rather tickled by the antics of Max and 99. In any case, it makes a bit easier for me when I head home and grab DVD sets back in Toronto.
Summer just won't let go of us here in the Kanto, and perhaps in the entire country. It came back yesterday with highs of 28 C in Tokyo. It's about 5 degrees cooler today but the humidity has still made it rather sticky. Again, there will be another gradual cooldown over the next few days. Perhaps Fall may come here for good by then.
I had Cozy earlier this morning since yesterday was a national holiday. I tried cooking one of his recommended dishes over the long weekend, oshidofu. It's basically a stew of beef, tofu, bamboo shoots and green onions. It came out rather well but unfortunately I chose the supermarket that charges premium prices for beef as my supplier for ingredients.
Since The Beehive was off today, I had several hours to rest up and have lunch before my usual juku Tuesday crowd of Mr. White and The Milds. Not too bad today but the next couple of days could be rather hellish, especially Thursday since I've got 7 hours' worth of classes. The Sisters of State will make up part of that. The New Yorker cancelled last Friday...maybe the only time in her 5 years with me that she's ever canned a lesson due to a cold. She's now inserted herself into the early afternoon slot. All I know is that I'm either going to be exhausted or grumpy by the time I finish with The Music Man.
However, I'm somewhat happy to say that The Shareholder has cancelled his lesson this Friday once again due to work. Not that he's a bad guy but he's not the most outgoing fellow. As he has himself admitted, he has no sense of humor. His father probably beat it out of him. And I do have Saturday off this weekend.
Well, it's been another long weekend. Ended up buying "Get Smart: Season 2" from Sale, that DVD shop in Akiba specializing in foreign discs. Paid 4,700 yen...yup, a tad expensive but again I really did want to get my hands on it. I've learned the hard way that once an opportunity goes away, that may be it. "Get Smart" is no longer all that funny but I guess my nostalgia bone has been rather tickled by the antics of Max and 99. In any case, it makes a bit easier for me when I head home and grab DVD sets back in Toronto.
Summer just won't let go of us here in the Kanto, and perhaps in the entire country. It came back yesterday with highs of 28 C in Tokyo. It's about 5 degrees cooler today but the humidity has still made it rather sticky. Again, there will be another gradual cooldown over the next few days. Perhaps Fall may come here for good by then.
I had Cozy earlier this morning since yesterday was a national holiday. I tried cooking one of his recommended dishes over the long weekend, oshidofu. It's basically a stew of beef, tofu, bamboo shoots and green onions. It came out rather well but unfortunately I chose the supermarket that charges premium prices for beef as my supplier for ingredients.
Since The Beehive was off today, I had several hours to rest up and have lunch before my usual juku Tuesday crowd of Mr. White and The Milds. Not too bad today but the next couple of days could be rather hellish, especially Thursday since I've got 7 hours' worth of classes. The Sisters of State will make up part of that. The New Yorker cancelled last Friday...maybe the only time in her 5 years with me that she's ever canned a lesson due to a cold. She's now inserted herself into the early afternoon slot. All I know is that I'm either going to be exhausted or grumpy by the time I finish with The Music Man.
However, I'm somewhat happy to say that The Shareholder has cancelled his lesson this Friday once again due to work. Not that he's a bad guy but he's not the most outgoing fellow. As he has himself admitted, he has no sense of humor. His father probably beat it out of him. And I do have Saturday off this weekend.
Saturday, October 09, 2010
Saturday October 9, 6:14 p.m.
I've been here much longer than I wanted to but I had to get some things out of the way such as print out my e-ticket for Canada and stuff for The Jyuppies' lesson on the holiday Monday. Yep, I will be working on that day but then again, I've got all of Sunday to sleep in and explore Tokyo.
Yep, I'm still on that "Funny Face" kick after watching it for the first time yesterday on cable. It's not quite on the same level as "Singin' In The Rain" or "West Side Story" but it was still notable to see Fred Astaire in one of his last hoofin'-and-singin' roles while ironically seeing Audrey Hepburn herself whoop and hoof in one of her early roles. Never thought I would actually see the lass dance and sing all by herself, especially since I'd heard about her voice being dubbed over in "My Fair Lady", but that was indeed her trilling her plummy tones and indeed her kicking it about 50s-choreographic style. I would've loved to have seen her do more of those types of roles but I guess she will always be remembered as the gamine ingenue. Although I found out that Audrey would only do the role of Jo only if Fred was in the movie, it was still fantastical to see a lass fall for a guy in his late 50s. But it is a musical, after all.
I finally got rid of the old chassis TV from my living room. I lugged it down 2 flights of stairs when the guys from the recycling center came to the rescue. One of them just flew up the stairs and swept the TV from my grasp as if it were a feather. I think I may know the fellow from that Urayasu Mikoshi Festival from a couple of years ago. He was one of those guys who just loves to carry the portable shrines and has the humpback to show for it. If he was indeed the guy then he could probably lift two television sets without sweating a drop.
I just had the one lesson with The Businesswoman this afternoon. But the school was totally filled with staffers so I basically had lunch and spent my reading time in the kitchen. Didn't like that arrangement too much although I kept my mouth shut, but unfortunately Miss Prim seems to have sensed something and now she's got a bit of a guilt trip since she was using my usual station for her work. I tried to be good about it and told her that it was OK but with these fragile types, it's never all that easy to convince them. Well, it doesn't matter since I'll be away next week and I'll be away permanently from Saturdays next year.
Friday, October 08, 2010
Friday October 8, 8:49 p.m.
Well, I finally got the first Journo lesson out of the way after several aborted attempts in the past several weeks. He's a talker all right and I think a good third of the lesson (2 hours in total) was spent on him talking about his brief words with Al Pacino at The Emmys. For a movie nut like me, this was conversational gold. As a student, he does need help with Listening and overall structure, though.
Sigh of relief.
I also caught an Audrey Hepburn movie that I hadn't seen before. That isn't saying much since I've only seen two movies by the gamine, "Roman Holiday" and "Sabrina". But I have to say that "Funny Face" was pretty interesting in the look of New York back in the late 50s...much of what current hit TV drama "Mad Men" is evincing now.
But more later....the juku boss will be here soon for her lesson.
Well, I finally got the first Journo lesson out of the way after several aborted attempts in the past several weeks. He's a talker all right and I think a good third of the lesson (2 hours in total) was spent on him talking about his brief words with Al Pacino at The Emmys. For a movie nut like me, this was conversational gold. As a student, he does need help with Listening and overall structure, though.
Sigh of relief.
I also caught an Audrey Hepburn movie that I hadn't seen before. That isn't saying much since I've only seen two movies by the gamine, "Roman Holiday" and "Sabrina". But I have to say that "Funny Face" was pretty interesting in the look of New York back in the late 50s...much of what current hit TV drama "Mad Men" is evincing now.
But more later....the juku boss will be here soon for her lesson.
Thursday, October 07, 2010
Friday October 8, 11:44 a.m.
Well, as it turns out, my schedule just got halved. I'd actually been informed a couple of days ago that both The Shareholder and Mr. Swank cancelled due to work and The New Yorker let me know she was feeling a bit like the cold yesterday via e-mail. I asked her to call me before 9 this morning. I guess she took that message a bit too literally since I was just about to go out the door at 9 when I got the call from her to cancel. I was caught a bit off guard since her voice didn't sound anything like she usually does in person and I thought I heard a different name so I may have sounded a bit cold to her. I sent an apology letter to her when I came to the I-cafe a few hours ago, so this is where I've been.
At least, I could rest up and have a bit of R&R since I felt like sleeping for a few years after yesterday's all-day stint at Speedy's. And I can approach The Journo's first lesson in somewhat of a relaxed state.
Well, as it turns out, my schedule just got halved. I'd actually been informed a couple of days ago that both The Shareholder and Mr. Swank cancelled due to work and The New Yorker let me know she was feeling a bit like the cold yesterday via e-mail. I asked her to call me before 9 this morning. I guess she took that message a bit too literally since I was just about to go out the door at 9 when I got the call from her to cancel. I was caught a bit off guard since her voice didn't sound anything like she usually does in person and I thought I heard a different name so I may have sounded a bit cold to her. I sent an apology letter to her when I came to the I-cafe a few hours ago, so this is where I've been.
At least, I could rest up and have a bit of R&R since I felt like sleeping for a few years after yesterday's all-day stint at Speedy's. And I can approach The Journo's first lesson in somewhat of a relaxed state.
Thursday October 7, 10:37 p.m.
Long day here...came in at 7:30 this morning, will probably be checking out at 10:45 p.m. La Fille noticed that my eyes were looking pretty bloodshot. Hopefully, this wasn't too apparent to The Music Man. In any case, I'm feeling ready for bed.
The New Yorker confirmed that she would be there for tomorrow but she's also told me that she's coming down with a cold. I gave her a potential out by saying that if she feels sick tomorrow that she can give me a call to re-schedule.
Still haven't heard from the juku boss about any more cancellations from The Journo. So it looks like I may finally get to teach the guy.
Long day here...came in at 7:30 this morning, will probably be checking out at 10:45 p.m. La Fille noticed that my eyes were looking pretty bloodshot. Hopefully, this wasn't too apparent to The Music Man. In any case, I'm feeling ready for bed.
The New Yorker confirmed that she would be there for tomorrow but she's also told me that she's coming down with a cold. I gave her a potential out by saying that if she feels sick tomorrow that she can give me a call to re-schedule.
Still haven't heard from the juku boss about any more cancellations from The Journo. So it looks like I may finally get to teach the guy.
Thursday October 7, 4:15 p.m.
Never left the school today. I'm just fiddling about on the computer. I've already gotten prepped for The Journo's lesson tomorow; that was the big worry of the week but I figure that I'm about as ready as I'll ever be. I've been monitoring the phone messages. Nothing that would concern him cancelling...yet.
Miss Revlon has left but Miss Efficiency and Miss Schmooze are talking strategy in one room while the bossman is talking with a prospective customer in the other. Still have about an hour and 45 minutes before The German comes in for her lesson.
Never left the school today. I'm just fiddling about on the computer. I've already gotten prepped for The Journo's lesson tomorow; that was the big worry of the week but I figure that I'm about as ready as I'll ever be. I've been monitoring the phone messages. Nothing that would concern him cancelling...yet.
Miss Revlon has left but Miss Efficiency and Miss Schmooze are talking strategy in one room while the bossman is talking with a prospective customer in the other. Still have about an hour and 45 minutes before The German comes in for her lesson.
Wednesday, October 06, 2010
Thursday October 7, 11:57 a.m.
Yep still here. After an animated conversation about an hour ago amongst Miss Efficiency, new addition Miss Revlon and myself on movies, things have settled into an easy calm. Speedy has yet to show up. I'll probably have to leave within the next few hours since we may have the arrival of Miss Schmooze and The Babydoll coming to fill up the desks here. Maybe at that time, I'll head out for lunch. I don't feel particularly hungry at the moment but then again when one is just sitting down and teaching/surfing, calories don't disappear too quickly.
Now that "Heroes" is slowly fading away from Japanese shores now that the final season is here, "Fringe" is getting ready to take its place. It'll be starting up on SuperDrama TV from the 23rd. Looks interesting and the station has been hitting the campaign trail for it for the past few months. Most likely, one or two of the stars will probably head over here.
Yep still here. After an animated conversation about an hour ago amongst Miss Efficiency, new addition Miss Revlon and myself on movies, things have settled into an easy calm. Speedy has yet to show up. I'll probably have to leave within the next few hours since we may have the arrival of Miss Schmooze and The Babydoll coming to fill up the desks here. Maybe at that time, I'll head out for lunch. I don't feel particularly hungry at the moment but then again when one is just sitting down and teaching/surfing, calories don't disappear too quickly.
Now that "Heroes" is slowly fading away from Japanese shores now that the final season is here, "Fringe" is getting ready to take its place. It'll be starting up on SuperDrama TV from the 23rd. Looks interesting and the station has been hitting the campaign trail for it for the past few months. Most likely, one or two of the stars will probably head over here.
Thursday October 7, 9:38 a.m.
Just finished with The Patent Attorney. Our conversations are great but slogging through those patent document proofreadings can be murder...especially for a teacher who only got 5 hours of sleep.
Part of our discussion was on the one piece of good news for Japan this week. Another two Japanese scientists got the Nobel Prize for Chemistry yesterday. Whenever any Japanese national gets some sort of international award, it's almost Pavlovian at how the media starts to salivate. A few weeks ago, it was gamine actress Eri Fukatsu who got Best Actress at the Montreal Film Festival. Now it's these two fellows, Professors Akira Suzuki and Eiichi Negishi. I heard Professor Negishi's English acceptance; he basically sounded like a Nisei or Sansei Japanese-American, and his Japanese had a bit of an odd delivery...I gather that was because of his decades-long residence in America. It was a bit unfortunate to watch on NHK News this morning to see his Japanese reply to his win mostly consist of his insistence that he was still Japanese to the bone.
Well, now that my first student has come and gone, my second student won't be showing up until 6 p.m. tonight. I've gotta prepare for the long-awaited inaugural lesson for The Journo...that is, if he doesn't yet again dotakyan. But I figure that I'll be going out at some point in the early afternoon just to refresh myself.
I received a rather interesting job offer from an acquaintance of mine through Facebook last night. Apparently for the past 6 months, he had been working under a former Minister in Prime Minister Abe's short-lived regime at some sort of science council but was planning to leave. He thought I would be ideal for the position. Frankly, it took me all but a minute to make my decision of NO. He did mention that it could be difficult working under a politician....I sensed some political spinning in that statement. My current job has plenty of ups and downs to keep me going here without having to work under some sort of nebulous personality.
Just finished with The Patent Attorney. Our conversations are great but slogging through those patent document proofreadings can be murder...especially for a teacher who only got 5 hours of sleep.
Part of our discussion was on the one piece of good news for Japan this week. Another two Japanese scientists got the Nobel Prize for Chemistry yesterday. Whenever any Japanese national gets some sort of international award, it's almost Pavlovian at how the media starts to salivate. A few weeks ago, it was gamine actress Eri Fukatsu who got Best Actress at the Montreal Film Festival. Now it's these two fellows, Professors Akira Suzuki and Eiichi Negishi. I heard Professor Negishi's English acceptance; he basically sounded like a Nisei or Sansei Japanese-American, and his Japanese had a bit of an odd delivery...I gather that was because of his decades-long residence in America. It was a bit unfortunate to watch on NHK News this morning to see his Japanese reply to his win mostly consist of his insistence that he was still Japanese to the bone.
Well, now that my first student has come and gone, my second student won't be showing up until 6 p.m. tonight. I've gotta prepare for the long-awaited inaugural lesson for The Journo...that is, if he doesn't yet again dotakyan. But I figure that I'll be going out at some point in the early afternoon just to refresh myself.
I received a rather interesting job offer from an acquaintance of mine through Facebook last night. Apparently for the past 6 months, he had been working under a former Minister in Prime Minister Abe's short-lived regime at some sort of science council but was planning to leave. He thought I would be ideal for the position. Frankly, it took me all but a minute to make my decision of NO. He did mention that it could be difficult working under a politician....I sensed some political spinning in that statement. My current job has plenty of ups and downs to keep me going here without having to work under some sort of nebulous personality.
Wednesday October 6, 7:21 p.m.
The big lug here is ex-yokozuna Asashoryu...and I would like to emphasize "ex". This is a fellow who had become notorious in his short tenure at the very top of the sumo ranks by being seen on film playing soccer in Mongolia while he was supposed to have been out sick, inciting a major brawl at a pub, slagging off Japan right after his ouster, etc. In any case, he resigned before he was ousted by the Japan Sumo Association. Basically, he was persona non grata.
And yet a few days ago, he got the grand retirement ceremony that every rikishi gets when it's time to hang up the mawashi. It was obvious that his most ardent supporters (apparently around 300...not all that many) filled up...or tried to...the Kokugikan in Ryogoku on Sunday. And a lot of the current wrestlers came up one by one to snip a lock of his hair as is custom. Even his unofficial rival, yokozuna Hakuho arrived to snip a lock of hair although he only gave a very terse greeting. But it was also interesting that there was one old woman in front row who refused to applaud and just gave Hakuho a murderous glare while he was coming up to the dohyo. No love from her at least.
My beef is that if Asashoryu is a disgraced rikishi, then why did he get this extravaganza? I can only wonder what the other ranked sumo wrestlers must have thought. But then again, a lot of those folks are no longer as pure as the driven snow, at least not since this summer when the gambling scandals happened. Perhaps this was the "in" that Asashoryu needed to get his official goodbye party. If there had been no scandal, then he wouldn't have gotten it. It was something that The Milds and I were scratching our heads about last night in class. And it just makes the JSA look that much more ineffectual.
Wednesday October 6, 5:52 p.m.
My stint with The Overachiever went well although I think I'll have to set up something with him about boosting his vocabulary.
In the meantime, it looks like I've had a bumper crop in cancellations. First, Mr. Swank has to head off on a business trip this Friday. Now, The Shareholder cancelled this Friday which means that I'll have nothing to do with Speedy students. I just have The New Yorker at Starbucks in Shinjuku and then it'll be the juku...whether or not The Journo actually can make it. Not quite sure yet and the boss is also rather skeptical. And there has been an incident in which some young teenage boy got stabbed to death in Kobe...The Journo may have to head on out there.
And I did forget to mention that once again Grandma Dynamite has cancelled since apparently her husband has also ended up in hospital along with her brother-in-law. I heard that The Publicity Assistant will not be showing on Speedy's doorsteps for about a month due to work. She may in for a shock when I tell her that I will no longer be working on Saturdays from January.
My stint with The Overachiever went well although I think I'll have to set up something with him about boosting his vocabulary.
In the meantime, it looks like I've had a bumper crop in cancellations. First, Mr. Swank has to head off on a business trip this Friday. Now, The Shareholder cancelled this Friday which means that I'll have nothing to do with Speedy students. I just have The New Yorker at Starbucks in Shinjuku and then it'll be the juku...whether or not The Journo actually can make it. Not quite sure yet and the boss is also rather skeptical. And there has been an incident in which some young teenage boy got stabbed to death in Kobe...The Journo may have to head on out there.
And I did forget to mention that once again Grandma Dynamite has cancelled since apparently her husband has also ended up in hospital along with her brother-in-law. I heard that The Publicity Assistant will not be showing on Speedy's doorsteps for about a month due to work. She may in for a shock when I tell her that I will no longer be working on Saturdays from January.
Tuesday, October 05, 2010
Wednesday October 6, 2:57 p.m.
Not much of a Hump Day today. Just have The Overachiever in about an hour and then Miss Sony later tonight.
Ended up going to Ginza in the morning to check out Yamano Music. As it turned out, there was nothing that I really wanted to buy there so I just went over to Hong Kong Dim Sum, that Chinese buffet restaurant in Yurakucho that I frequent perhaps twice a year for lunch. I guess I really am slowing down in my gluttonous ways. In past years, I would've been going back and forth between the buffet tables and my table. But nowadays, I'm just taking it easy, chewing each bite the requisite 42 times, going up just three times and even getting lots of salad for bulk and vitamins. Not like the old days.
Before heading over to Speedy's, I dropped by Marronier Gate, the new Yurakucho complex which seems to be designed for the sophisticated (read: rich) ladies. Not surprisingly, the upper floors had tons of restaurants. There was a buffet at some place called Jim Thomson's which looks interesting.
I got the word straight from Mr. Swank that he will have to cancel his lesson this Friday due to a business trip. It'll be too bad to miss that one but at least I can breathe some sigh of relief since I was worried about the commute time from Shinjuku that day to the juku since I'm supposed to have The Journo for his very belated first lesson. Then again, The Journo may also cancel, too.
My bank account is now somewhat lighter as I transferred the money for my air ticket over to the travel agency. But the deed is done...I'll be heading over to Narita in December for the trip home.
Not much of a Hump Day today. Just have The Overachiever in about an hour and then Miss Sony later tonight.
Ended up going to Ginza in the morning to check out Yamano Music. As it turned out, there was nothing that I really wanted to buy there so I just went over to Hong Kong Dim Sum, that Chinese buffet restaurant in Yurakucho that I frequent perhaps twice a year for lunch. I guess I really am slowing down in my gluttonous ways. In past years, I would've been going back and forth between the buffet tables and my table. But nowadays, I'm just taking it easy, chewing each bite the requisite 42 times, going up just three times and even getting lots of salad for bulk and vitamins. Not like the old days.
Before heading over to Speedy's, I dropped by Marronier Gate, the new Yurakucho complex which seems to be designed for the sophisticated (read: rich) ladies. Not surprisingly, the upper floors had tons of restaurants. There was a buffet at some place called Jim Thomson's which looks interesting.
I got the word straight from Mr. Swank that he will have to cancel his lesson this Friday due to a business trip. It'll be too bad to miss that one but at least I can breathe some sigh of relief since I was worried about the commute time from Shinjuku that day to the juku since I'm supposed to have The Journo for his very belated first lesson. Then again, The Journo may also cancel, too.
My bank account is now somewhat lighter as I transferred the money for my air ticket over to the travel agency. But the deed is done...I'll be heading over to Narita in December for the trip home.
Tuesday October 5, 6:47 p.m.
Peaceful interlude right now although it's gone back to humid. Went up to about 25 or 26 today. Not exactly the blistering temps we were getting a month ago but there's still a bit of Summer that's kicking about.
Sent off my niece's birthday card and present this morning. Apparently, she's into little white mice so my brother belatedly advised me to get something of that sort for her present but I'd already gotten her a Miffy book...not quite mice but still little and white.
We had the 2nd Beehive class in our new home of the nearby community centre to Tsudanuma Station. Instead of the small tatami room, we got the bigger room with table, chairs and blackboard. It reminded me of our old home at the Ace Lanes Bowling Alley that we had had to vacate a few years ago. Mrs. Travel, as is her nature, did a bit of downright civic traveling via the English-language Hato Bus tour in Tokyo. She had been so impressed with it that she suggested going on a similar metropolitan jaunt for one of our final lessons of the year as a field trip. Sounds nice to them but since the only tours available are either all-day or evening, I'm pretty much out of the loop. Mrs. Jade had a gripe...a very rare one and not too violent, although it was obvious she was consternated...about her other English teacher, a middle-aged British woman who also has a side business as a gaijin tarento in commercials. According to Jade, her teacher of 4 years is very self-possessed but tends to look down upon (at least to her) her students, and especially Japanese women apparently, since they seemingly come off as being shallow and too obedient (obviously, this British woman hasn't been to Shibuya although some of the young folk there are probably as shallow as they come). In any case, Jade and a few of her classmates felt that their teacher crossed the line when she assigned them the homework assignment of show n' tell; Jade felt insulted in getting a children's activity. I suggested to her that she and her classmates should make it clear to her about their feelings but Jade said that they will demur and endure for the remaining lessons in the year since their teacher will be leaving for home permanently after Xmas. After hearing that, I kinda wondered if the teacher had a point.
Then I was off to Urayasu City Hall to help out my old friend who wants to get a divorce. That website wasn't too helpful in telling me exactly where the Foreign Assistance Desk was. I first ended up at Shin-Urayasu Station, in the heart of Chiba's trendiest neighbourhood, where the nearest government building only had an International Friendship Association but nothing to help me about my friend. However, it was evident that Shopper's Plaza or MONA had gotten some major upgrading to match the surrounding area's rise to Aoyama-dom.
Nope, in actual fact, I had to take the bus for a couple of kilometres to reach my intended destination of City Hall where a kind lady from Poland took me down to the relevant desk and the staffer there hashed things out amongst the three of us. Basically, it ended up that my friend and I will be doing some correspondence tag with various documents unless the Canadian Embassy in Malaysia gets its act together.
My main gripe with Urayasu City Hall is that it's a devil to get to...although maybe that was the intent. Buses heading back to Urayasu Station come only once every 30 minutes and it's probably a 40-minute trek on foot. Most likely, I'll be making another trip there next week to follow up on my friend's request.
At the juku, I've had Mr. White. He's got a rather fragile constitution but was all smiles for today at least. The Milds will be here in less than an hour.
For tomorrow, I found out that Grandma Enka won't be making it for her monthly chat session with me. Speedy informed me that her husband had collapsed and was rushed to hospital. That doesn't sound good at all. So, she'll be away for the rest of the month. I kinda wonder how that might affect her sister, Grandma Dynamite, although unless things get really bad, I think she will still come for her lessons. Therefore, my first lesson tomorrow will be with The Overachiever at 4 followed by Miss Sony at 8:30. Yup, 001 will be away for one more week. My most senior student at Speedy's is coming perilously close to the end of her contract, and methinks that she's dragging it out. I think she may have two more left but I'm frankly doubtful that she would want to continue after 5 years.
On the nice front, Speedy also told me that Mr. TOEFL will be coming back for just two more lessons after his 3-month stint in North Carolina. He's actually supposed to be heading to Toronto in 2 weeks for another multi-month session so it's very likely that he and I could meet for lunch or dinner. Would love to introduce him to some of the folks back at home.
And after an absence of several weeks, The Satyr and MB have called in. The Satyr is planning a little BBQ at their apartment sometime in mid-October. And MB has asked me to do the usual DVD Night beforehand although I do have Yajima on that Sunday morning. In any case, it'll be great to see them again.
Anyways, I got a lot off my chest today.
Peaceful interlude right now although it's gone back to humid. Went up to about 25 or 26 today. Not exactly the blistering temps we were getting a month ago but there's still a bit of Summer that's kicking about.
Sent off my niece's birthday card and present this morning. Apparently, she's into little white mice so my brother belatedly advised me to get something of that sort for her present but I'd already gotten her a Miffy book...not quite mice but still little and white.
We had the 2nd Beehive class in our new home of the nearby community centre to Tsudanuma Station. Instead of the small tatami room, we got the bigger room with table, chairs and blackboard. It reminded me of our old home at the Ace Lanes Bowling Alley that we had had to vacate a few years ago. Mrs. Travel, as is her nature, did a bit of downright civic traveling via the English-language Hato Bus tour in Tokyo. She had been so impressed with it that she suggested going on a similar metropolitan jaunt for one of our final lessons of the year as a field trip. Sounds nice to them but since the only tours available are either all-day or evening, I'm pretty much out of the loop. Mrs. Jade had a gripe...a very rare one and not too violent, although it was obvious she was consternated...about her other English teacher, a middle-aged British woman who also has a side business as a gaijin tarento in commercials. According to Jade, her teacher of 4 years is very self-possessed but tends to look down upon (at least to her) her students, and especially Japanese women apparently, since they seemingly come off as being shallow and too obedient (obviously, this British woman hasn't been to Shibuya although some of the young folk there are probably as shallow as they come). In any case, Jade and a few of her classmates felt that their teacher crossed the line when she assigned them the homework assignment of show n' tell; Jade felt insulted in getting a children's activity. I suggested to her that she and her classmates should make it clear to her about their feelings but Jade said that they will demur and endure for the remaining lessons in the year since their teacher will be leaving for home permanently after Xmas. After hearing that, I kinda wondered if the teacher had a point.
Then I was off to Urayasu City Hall to help out my old friend who wants to get a divorce. That website wasn't too helpful in telling me exactly where the Foreign Assistance Desk was. I first ended up at Shin-Urayasu Station, in the heart of Chiba's trendiest neighbourhood, where the nearest government building only had an International Friendship Association but nothing to help me about my friend. However, it was evident that Shopper's Plaza or MONA had gotten some major upgrading to match the surrounding area's rise to Aoyama-dom.
Nope, in actual fact, I had to take the bus for a couple of kilometres to reach my intended destination of City Hall where a kind lady from Poland took me down to the relevant desk and the staffer there hashed things out amongst the three of us. Basically, it ended up that my friend and I will be doing some correspondence tag with various documents unless the Canadian Embassy in Malaysia gets its act together.
My main gripe with Urayasu City Hall is that it's a devil to get to...although maybe that was the intent. Buses heading back to Urayasu Station come only once every 30 minutes and it's probably a 40-minute trek on foot. Most likely, I'll be making another trip there next week to follow up on my friend's request.
At the juku, I've had Mr. White. He's got a rather fragile constitution but was all smiles for today at least. The Milds will be here in less than an hour.
For tomorrow, I found out that Grandma Enka won't be making it for her monthly chat session with me. Speedy informed me that her husband had collapsed and was rushed to hospital. That doesn't sound good at all. So, she'll be away for the rest of the month. I kinda wonder how that might affect her sister, Grandma Dynamite, although unless things get really bad, I think she will still come for her lessons. Therefore, my first lesson tomorrow will be with The Overachiever at 4 followed by Miss Sony at 8:30. Yup, 001 will be away for one more week. My most senior student at Speedy's is coming perilously close to the end of her contract, and methinks that she's dragging it out. I think she may have two more left but I'm frankly doubtful that she would want to continue after 5 years.
On the nice front, Speedy also told me that Mr. TOEFL will be coming back for just two more lessons after his 3-month stint in North Carolina. He's actually supposed to be heading to Toronto in 2 weeks for another multi-month session so it's very likely that he and I could meet for lunch or dinner. Would love to introduce him to some of the folks back at home.
And after an absence of several weeks, The Satyr and MB have called in. The Satyr is planning a little BBQ at their apartment sometime in mid-October. And MB has asked me to do the usual DVD Night beforehand although I do have Yajima on that Sunday morning. In any case, it'll be great to see them again.
Anyways, I got a lot off my chest today.
Monday, October 04, 2010
Monday October 4, 8:46 p.m.
A fairly busy day. I had my usual tandem of Cozy and then Swank before I headed off to Ginza, but unfortunately Yamano Music was closed that day. Then I crossed the street over to the new Jenga-ized Mitsukoshi...I say, Jenga-ized since three new floors got built upon the original in the past several months. All of them are restaurant floors. As expected with something that is new in Tokyo, there were tons of lineups. Never meant to have any hope of entering any of them.
Then I ended up going to Shinjuku where I directly went to No. 1 Travel's office on the edge of Kabukicho to purchase my ticket for Toronto. Yep, for the third consecutive year, I'll be heading back to The Great White North for Xmas. When I checked their website, I'd thought that I didn't have a snowball's chance in Hell of getting an Air Canada ticket since I couldn't find anything there. However, as I made my request to the young lady at the counter, I could snap up one with no problem. As usual, all of the taxes and surcharges pretty much threw out the discount out of the ticket.
However, I'll be seeing my parents even more than average since I got the heads-up from Mom that she and Dad will be hopping over next month. And they'll be spending a few nights at least at my place...which means the next few weeks will be busy with cleaning, defumigating and exorcising. Nothing like the parents coming over to visit to spark a son into action.
Strangely, I've got The Medicine Man on the slate, and he hasn't called to cancel yet.
A fairly busy day. I had my usual tandem of Cozy and then Swank before I headed off to Ginza, but unfortunately Yamano Music was closed that day. Then I crossed the street over to the new Jenga-ized Mitsukoshi...I say, Jenga-ized since three new floors got built upon the original in the past several months. All of them are restaurant floors. As expected with something that is new in Tokyo, there were tons of lineups. Never meant to have any hope of entering any of them.
Then I ended up going to Shinjuku where I directly went to No. 1 Travel's office on the edge of Kabukicho to purchase my ticket for Toronto. Yep, for the third consecutive year, I'll be heading back to The Great White North for Xmas. When I checked their website, I'd thought that I didn't have a snowball's chance in Hell of getting an Air Canada ticket since I couldn't find anything there. However, as I made my request to the young lady at the counter, I could snap up one with no problem. As usual, all of the taxes and surcharges pretty much threw out the discount out of the ticket.
However, I'll be seeing my parents even more than average since I got the heads-up from Mom that she and Dad will be hopping over next month. And they'll be spending a few nights at least at my place...which means the next few weeks will be busy with cleaning, defumigating and exorcising. Nothing like the parents coming over to visit to spark a son into action.
Strangely, I've got The Medicine Man on the slate, and he hasn't called to cancel yet.