i'll just pull out this plug

Since my digital camera died lately, I went to the electronic store and was testing them all. Luckily, most are also made for export so English is an option (not the one I love, of course). As always, as I was fiddling around, trying to switch one battery cord into another, and I set off the screeching alarm that sent 3 employees running over to go through the cameras one by one. Needless to say, I backed into the passing onlookers. In stressful situations, my Japanese abilities disappear, so I soon scurried away. Won’t they be thrilled when they realize the stupid America turned the cameras all into English mode!

breaking fast

In most Japanese households, breakfast is a production, so mine too. As the rising sun (I wrote that without even thinking what this is the land of!) often bursts over me through the glass doors as my alarm goes off, I always get up early to prepare, relax, and enjoy my breakfast. Every morning is basically this:

1) Hot rice, egg, soy sauce

2) Miso soup (instant)

3) Fruit or Veggie

4) Coffee or Tea

When the rice is super hot, you can crack an egg into it and it turns into a semi-cooked mess. Oh, but Emi*, you'll get salmonella! The Japanese have it right because a) raw is how eggs should be and b) 1 in 30,000 eggs has salmonella (Dept of Agriculture study). Delicious!

and the winner is...

Most senior students quit their sport/club 8 months before graduation so that they can study for the college entrance exams. However in rugby, five amazing guys stuck around. Since they spoke the most English I could joke around with them. I love these kids. We sweat together everyday for months prepping for the five-round knock out tournament.

Round One. We dominate the entire game, but in the last play the other team scores. The kick is good. Tie game.

Both teams separate and the two captains walk into the middle of the field. The ref says a few words and reveals two identical envelopes. The other captain picks one, looks at the small slip of paper inside, and tries to contain himself. My captain draws the other, already knowing his fate, and fumbles the paper which flutters slowly into the dirt. Yep, just like his rugby career. Into the dirt.

Heartbreak. Tears. How does that saying go? May the best team not get screwed by the “you lose” envelope. Only in Japan.


Thank you for brightening my everyday.

Here's to my favorite five, and the happier times...

wazzup??

When not in class, some of the students are really outgoing and will jump in front of me, yell something like “Heyyyy” as a Japanese Fonz might, and run away giggling. Pretty entertaining.

As I was walking across the sports ground to the rugby section, the baseball team was uniformed and running around in 6 perfect rows of 3. When they saw me, they all stopped, took off their caps, did a little bow, and yelled “What’s up” at me! Through my laughter I yelled back “What’s up?!” to them. I was so happy to hear that “slang”, because students always answer "fine thank you and you?" when I try it in the halls.

They came by again where I was putting my boots on and did the same thing to the two nearby teachers, who respectfully returned their bow. Nope, they didn’t say “what's up” at all, but yet another of the Japanese formalities for students respecting their teachers. Right then. Making a mental note not to laugh in their faces next time…

yea, i play chess

Early morning convo between one of the Japanese teachers of English (J) and me (E).

J: “Im giving a presentation on chess today for one of my classes, but I don’t know much about it. They did a reading on chess.”
E: “Oh really? I play chess! If I have no class, I can come in and explain it.”
J: “Yea, first period.”
E: “Sure, I can explain a little history, how to play chess, and some facts.”
J: “Great. I didn’t know anything about chess! I’ll stop by right before class”

Quite a surprise when she showed up asking about the African American origins. What? Oh. You have been saying “jazz.” Well this is awkward, because I certainly don’t play jazz, or know a darned thing about it!

me want french fries

My friends and I were at a roadstop fast food place which was like many high volume places in Tokyo (but few where I live). You put in money, push the button of your choice like a vending machine, and get a ticket to bring to the front when your order is ready. I picked French fries, which I hadn’t had in forever. When my number was called, I went up and only small salad in the window. I sat back down, and they called me again. Still, just a salad. So I handed my ticket to the guy anyways. He pushed the salad closer. Confusing.

I briefly considered my options. (A) Be the American who points at the salad she ordered (mistakenly, so it seems) and scream “FRENCH FRIES PLEASE” in terrible Japanese. (B) Take the salad.

The salad was splendid.

genius

today i realized as i was eating my grapefruit mentos (they have all these cool flavors here) that mentos are just oversized skittles!

oh and i wrapped my ipod in cellophane to protect it from the rain when i went running. what a cheap cover! i am so smart today!