Mi Birthday Fiestai Weekend!!!

I just want to thank everyone who came and partied with me! It was really fun. Thank you sooooo much. A lot of fun things happened throughout this weekend. Let’s start with the beginning of the weekend…→

Namaskar Event:



Habitat for Humanity held an event at the Namaskar restaurant in the Bivi building in Sendai next to the station. All-you-can-EAT yummy Indian curry from 6-8 p.m. for ¥2000, in which ¥500 was going to Habitat for Humanity. When we got there it seemed really crowded. The place (if you know it..isn’t big at all!!!) had about almost 45-ish people??? Well, I think they could fit like 30, but maximum about 50 people. Since, we are in Japan the measurements might be calculated to Japanese sized people???? They made room for us (5 peeps), so we could sit together. I didn’t really know anyone there because 1. I think they were mostly Sendai Jets and 2. I don’t party that much and especially in Sendai. Overall, it was fun.

The 8:39 train to Kogota from Sendai on Friday:
I think this was the best part of the trip the going home on the train after our adventure in Sendai. It was just really funny. We (Jiin様 and I) decided to take the 8:39 train to Kogota on a FRIDAY! We got there early enough to be at the beginning of the line to get on to the train. Once the train was there we were able to get seats. HRS. As it was approaching the time to depart, the train became really crowded. There was this guy who apparently liked alcohol so much that he either 1. wore it as cologne or 2. was really drunk. Everyone was carrying an umbrella because it had been rainy all day. He was carrying an umbrella and a little man bag. He walked on to the train and stood in front of the foreigners. He got really close, keep on getting closer, in which made Jiin様 have to uncross her legs because of it. @ first, his umbrella was in between Jiin様 and my legs. The when the train started moving the umbrella was moved to be in between just Jiin様’s legs with the little man bag resting on Jiin様’s right knee. Jiin様 wasn’t in the mood for this soooo she was expressing her pissed off-ness by using her Cali-charm, which included some lovely word usage. I think the drunkard man understood the pissed off-ness…definitely not the English. @ this one stop there were two ladies who were sitting next to me that were getting off. The woman standing in front of them moved back a little to make room, so they could get out before she would take the sit, but the stupid drunkard man decided that HE was going to sit. He slid over me and took the seat before the woman was able to take a step forward. Yes, he was 100% @$$h0l3!!! Then once the train was moving he started to doze-off. I told Jiin様 that if he touched me I would kill him, after that he stayed awake and once the train was clearing out he would slowly move away from me. THANK GOD. I really didn’t like him. Grrrr!!!
Here is a picture of him, so if you see him on a train in Sendai..
>Beware of getting really angry!!!<


Can you pass me the peanuts? There were these businessmen coming home from Sendai on the train too. They were sitting in the four person seats on the train. All drinking their Asahi beers and their peanuts! It was funny. They were all red in the face and just very jolly…probably because it was Friday. They seemed to be uniformed with their suits and their bags above the seats. It looked very Japanesey!


Another guy on the train that I wasn’t able to get a picture of was in front of us before we got to Kashimadai. He had a stitched cobra and sun logo on his jean pockets. I was asking Jiin様 what she thought it could mean. We had noooo idea, but we realized that he had no @$$. That Jiin様 had more meat on hers than he had. It was really funny. Who says you need to have alcohol to have fun…just go on the 8:39 train to Kogota on Fridays from Sendai.

Mi Birthday Fiestai

Ochaya:



We had reservations at this little place in Yamoto called Ochaya, in which people either ate Omuraisu or Tacoraisu. We were suppose to be there @ 630, but were running late because of late-ness! We got there around 7-ish! Everyone was there! Harrison came up from Sendai and was waiting the longest there at the restaurant. Sorry!!! T_T !!! @ this place, Scotty found his new passion of giving himself a high-5! Yes, he said it was the new fad in England and that we weren’t cool! ~Self High-5~ We got the honor of getting Alex’s little miss piggy laugh caught on video. HRS! After Ochaya we went to Yamaya to get some beverages! ~yums~



Karaoke:



Once we got to the karaoke place we had to wait about 40 minutes, since it was a Saturday and we didn’t have a reservation for a room. We scared a lot of natives, while waiting…we took up most of the hallway. Scared some Junior High School students and various Japanese people. We were blowing up balloons, throwing them around, and just being generally GAIJIN LOUD!!! ^_^ Once, we got into our room we had a wonderful time singing random songs, jumping around, dancing, throwing balloons up in the air to see how many could stay up at a time and just being ourselves → KRASY!!! We did that for about 3 hours!!!! Everyone sang 上手＊上手！！！ Took lots of videos ^_^!!!





Had mi birthday cake there…~yummy strawberries~


Afterwards, we drove to Ishinomaki to drop off Annie before we headed to Alex’s house to continue the party. Alex drove, Kent was in the passenger seat, Annie, Matty, Harrison and I were squished in the back seat. Good thingie it only took us about 15 minutes to get there! HRS! Yea, for NO traffic after midnight!
Alex’s:
We got to Alex’s and she was finally allowed to drink!!! We stopped at Family Mart before we went to her house to get mi some ICE and some munchies! @ her house, we all got comfortable and we played the wii until 3:20. Kent went to bed early because he had work the next day and wanted @ least 3 hours of sleep…Greedy!!! Matty automatically passed out on Alex’s bed, while we were playing Mario Kart. ~Sleepy Matty!~

Hanami and Getting Lost:




On Sunday, we woke up around 9-ish and it was a gorgeous day, in which we decided to find this park, so we can look at wonderful pretty sakura (cherry blossoms). We ate at this cute little restaurant at the near by town and I had the best fried shrimp (えび焼き) I have had in a looooong time. Then we went to get some Kaiten-Yaki, but it ended up being Oban-yaki T_T!! After that we had to find this park. We got lost and thought we should ask these cute little old ladies just sitting in their front yard. They didn’t really understand me and it was really hard to understand the lady who had no teeth. NOTE: when asking old people in Japan or in general anything (ex. directions) make sure they have teeth! ←hee hee!! Finally, we did what they said??? We ended up being where we wanted to be. It was really pretty. We ate our Oban-yaki and walked around the park. This park had a lake and was really nice being outside. We ran into Sara Tamo, she was BBQ-ing and we joined her little group before we had to leave and meet up with Jiin様! We ended up being an hour late because we got lost…Very LOST!!! We found our way and all was good. We decided to make dinner at Alex’s house, which consisted of onion cakes and spaghetti! I made the onion cakes, Matty made the spaghetti, and Alex did the dishes! For dessert, we had strawberries and condensed milk…~yummy~!!! We played Mario Kart. Harrison and Jiin様 unlocked all the levels, they were on a mission to open Rainbow Road, in which is a CRAZY ROAD!!! It is pretty, but CRAZY!! We also watched some Power Ranger Episodes! I had a wonderful time this weekend and I hope everyone else did too…I think everyone had fun!!!






Thanks!!! ありがとうございます！謝謝!!!

Mi Family Trip

I totally forgot to write this in mi update…Like mi sister and I would say Ooooopppies!!!! I am going to leave the little details out like getting JR pass, finding the station, walking to places, knee problems, etc.

Mommy, Alyssa, and Chris arrived in Narita on March 15th @ around 5, but I didn’t meet them until around 7-ish at Tokyo station. Then we went to our hotel in Kamata to check-in for the night. We decided to have dinner at a place close by that was Japanese food. I asked the front desk and they said it was around the corner and they served excellent Japanese food with an Akita prefecture touch! It was nice, except the whole menu was in KANJI!!! I tried mi best!

Kyoto, Nara, Osaka:





We went to Kyoto the next day, March 16th, by shinkansen (bullet train). We were able to see Mt. Fuji and mi family was able to experience the whole bullet train experience. It takes about 2.5-ish hours to get from Tokyo to Kyoto by Hikari train. Once we arrived in Kyoto, we found our hotel and waited to check in. After checking in we walked around the area to look at little temples and the best temple in the area…Starbucks! We ate dinner at a Korean BBQ place, in which I helped a group of Norwegians order their food. It was funny how it always seems like the Japanese throw foreigners in the corner. I guess we are either 1. loud, 2. they just don’t want to deal with us!, or 3. they don’t want to scare the other customers because if they knew there were foreigners in the building they might leave!!! OH NO!!! ~scary foreigners~ I also helped the poor little waitress from these scary foreigners. I felt really good about myself even though it doesn’t seem like a lot, but I was happy I was able to help. Then we spent 2 hours in a karaoke room, in which mi hermana and I had a fun time being STARS!!





The next day we headed to Nara to see the Big Buddha and of course the DEER! The deer were really friendly like always and Chris seemed to really like the deer. I think if he could he would’ve taken one home. Buddha was happy to see us. I love Buddha. After saying goodbye to Buddha we ate some Japanese food at a near by restaurant. Then we headed to see some Japanese traditional gardens. It was nice, but since it was in late March everything wasn’t blooming yet. The cherry blossoms were thinking about blooming at this time, but not fully bloomed. Went back to Kyoto. I am not quite sure what we did after this????






Instead of traveling to Osaka, we decided to stay in Kyoto and see the sights. We went to the Kyoto station and we decided to go to Kiyomizudera first. We got off the bus and I went the wrong way, but fixed it later. ← Oooopppies!!! Anyways, we went the back way to the temple. We went through a cemetery, which is different then Western Style cemeteries. It was an interesting scenery and very hilly! We got to the temple and did the normal thing, take tons of pictures etc. After temple viewing we had to walk down the wonderful street of goodies. We all got some yummy ice cream. I got green tea, Alyssa got vanilla, and Mommy and Chris got sakura (kind of a cherry flavor) ice cream. Bought some souvenirs then decided to head towards the next temple, Kinkakuji (the golden pavilion). We took the bus, in which took about 45 minutes to get there because it was on the opposite side of town. We got to sit down at least! We got to the pavilion and took pictures and had a nice time. By the time we were done it was time to think about dinner, so we took a taxi to the Korean BBQ place again. This time we were placed in the opposite corner plus there was no one there! Then we had a nice relaxing time at the hotel.




March 19th, was a very rainy day and we decided to head towards Osaka. We got there we went to Osaka castle, made mi fam try some tako-yaki, in which we gave the rest to a homeless guy. Afterwards, headed towards Dontonburi for some lunch. We ate at Bikuri Donkey and ate some hamburger steak because mi fam loves meat. Then we headed towards to the Umeda skybuilding to see the city. It was a pretty view, but since it was windy the outdoor roof garden was closed. Then we headed back to Kyoto. We hung around the station and ate dinner at a pasta place there.




March 20th, checked out of the hotel and went to the station. We went to the Fukushimi Inari shrine, known for all the millions of gates. Seen in Memoirs of a Geisha. We took some pictures, but didn’t have that much time to stay there because we needed to take a shinkansen back to Tokyo and check-in our hotel at 4. So, Mommy and Chris went a little bit and took their pics. Then Alyssa and I stole the camera and ran through the gates taking pictures. It was really fun!!! We got check-in at the hotel in Kamata and decided to call it a day! Oh…~Mommy had a wonderful hair day~

Tokyo:







In the morning, we went to Asakusa, bought some souvenirs, ate some snacks, and took lots of pictures. Then we went to the Imperial palace and ate dinner in Tokyo station at a Tenpura place. Mommy finally ate tuna sashimi (raw fish thinly sliced). She really didn’t like it, but it just melted in your mouth…SUPER GOOD. Once it got dark we took the train to Akihabara, took pictures, and hung out in Yodobashi Camera. I LOVE YODOBASHI CAMERA!!!







The day before the last day, Alyssa, Mommy, and I went to Kamakura to see another one of mi Buddha friends. After hanging out with him, we went to Tokyo station area to get a yummy Hawaiian hamburger, which is where we met up with Jiin様! Yummy Hamburger!!!! We got one to go, so Chris could have some lunch. We rested at the hotel until the evening where we went to Tokyo Tower. By the time, we got back everything was closed and people were tired. The only option for dinner was McDonalds that is what we have been eating this whole trip because someone was unwilling to try ramen, sushi, etc. Not going to tell you who it is!!! :P !!!



@ the end of everyday we all went through our pictures. We called it Picture night. It was fun looking at what we did during the day like we accomplished something.

Last day, We checked out of our hotel and headed towards Tokyo Station. I got them their Narita express tickets and we say our goodbyes. I was really happy they came, but I am glad I am going home soon. Less than 4 months!!! That whole vacation I was the translator…lots of pressure, but it wasn’t sooooo bad, but I am use to having another speaker or at least knows a little to help or just have support! But overall, it was a fun family trip and we need to do it more often. International Family Trips are FUN!!!

^_^

Up-date!

Herrow,

I haven’t written on this since December and figured that I should write something, since mi boyfriend seems to enjoy mi writing about stuff :P! Yesterday was mi birthday. I am now officially OLD. Even though everyone here says I am young, but what does a 13 year-old know? ?_? They’re young and I am 11 years older than them, a decade + 1! Actually, I don’t care that I am 24. I just wish I knew what I plan to do for the next 24 years! I leave Japan in about 105 days. I am really excited to go back home and I can’t wait to spend time in the wonderful U.S.A and mi 3 weeks in England!!!

So here is what has been happening with me →

January

Jet Conference (Jan. 24-25):
I wasn’t really looking forward to going to this thing. I really didn’t want to return to Japan because I knew that I had to do a presentation at this stupid conference, but overall it wasn’t soooo bad. I guess it helps me with public speaking. Mi topic was “Group Work.” I had to present with mi JTE, so it was just like I was teaching junior high, but with people who actually understood everything I said. Everyone in mi group had a good time. Other than pretty much everyone had to present something because we are “senpai”…blah :P!!! On the 24th, it snowed really badly and slowed down the trains. We thought that we might have been stuck in Sendai, but trains were only delayed for an hour or so thanks to the wind. We found a Mexican restaurant in Sendai, which charged us ¥600 just to sit there. Sooooooo, mi burrito was about ¥1400!!!! It wasn’t a typical Mexican place. No free chips and salsa…just good old tap water. ~yums~





February

Taiwan (Feb. 2-10):
I went to Taiwan to see mi family!!! Spending needed quality time with mi Asian and celebrating Chinese New Year with her. Since it was the year of the rat it was only fitting that I should go and celebrate because it was mi year. Plus, I needed to go to a temple and pray for mi fellow rats’ happiness throughout the year. I had a wonderful time and I wish I were able to stay there longer. I love hanging out with mi Asian, going to different places, and Taiwan itself. I think the pics speak for themselves.





Jay Weekend (Feb. 16-17):
Jiin様 and I went to Tokyo for the weekend to see Jay. If you don’t know who Jay is…I think you need to find out. He is a hot, talented, Taiwanese singer!!! Jiin様 and I stayed in Asakusa on the Saturday night and then saw the concert on the Sunday. Lucky for us Jay added another date to his Japan schedule, since Saturday was SOLD OUT. It was really fun. We were pretty close to the front, I think about 11 rows back and to the right side of the stage. Being there really made me love Chinese even more. That weekend will always be a memorable one.




Akira’s Party (Feb. 23):
Akira’s party was held in Sendai. It was a nomihodai and tabehodai for ¥3000. This place was really awesome and FATTENING!!! This was an all-you-can eat fry your own stuff on a stick place. I really enjoyed frying mini taiyaki. The wind was really bad that day, so Jiin様 and I decided to drive down to Sendai. Jiin様 was nice enough to drive mi car back, so I could drink at the place. It was really fun and I would love to go there again maybe in a smaller group.



March

Onion Cakes:
Since I was wanting to eat real food for a change, I decided to make onion cakes. Yusan and I used to make this for TSA events at KU. ~Oh the memories~ Just thought I would share mi lovely creation.



J.H.S. Graduation (March 8):
Finally!!! The 3年生 graduated! Especially the troublesome boys that caused so much suffering in mi school because of their extreme stupidity. I will miss them especially the ones I really really liked. It is sad that they left, but this year is betta without them here. Stress-wise! Arigatou ne!



Outing in Yamoto (March 8):
After graduation, I met up with the gang in Yamoto. We were wanting to go for lamb, but unfortunately they were crowded and we weren’t able to get a table, so we went to Karubi in Loc Town in Yamoto. Afterwards, we went to the arcade and hung out there for a little bit. It was a fun little outing.




April

Lamb Restaurant (April 3):
Since we weren’t able to go the Lamb restaurant on March 8th. We finally were able to dine at the lamb restaurant on April 3rd. It was nice to see everyone especially Annie because she is ALWAYS sick!






Sendai (April 12):
Jiin様 and I went down to Sendai because I needed to get mi car’s tires changed, so we went down and went to Yodobashi Camera. I wanted to get some games for mi birthday party on Saturday. The coolest thing that made mi day was the 3 lane roads and the huge intersection in Sendai. It made me sooo happy that I took a pic. HRS for driving lanes that are wide than just one! Anways, we hung out for about 2 hours and then returned back home. I went to Wakuya and played Mario Kart with Jiin様！I finally had ramen that night. I wasn’t able to get mi negi ramen, so I got another kind instead T_T. I was happy to get ramen because when mommy came she wanted nothing to do with those noodles. T_T



Mi Birthday (April 16):
I didn’t tell anyone it was mi birthday here in Japan, but mi English teachers remembered which was nice. Also, mi little 1年生 remembered or knew. They were so cute. Happi Batsudey. It was super cute. I also got some flowers from mi Kyoto-sensei right before I left. He picked them from the garden outside. The sakura trees around mi school are really pretty too. They were probably blooming for mi!!!! After freedom was given, I went to get some food for mi dinner etc. Then came home, ate, and had plans to talk to Davey at 8. To mi surprise, there was a conference call prepared for me to say, “Happy Birthday!” It was really nice. Hypertwin woke up early, Hashi was late for work, Davey’s internet sucked, Matty had to make t-shirts, and Annie had a lovely time typing. It was really nice talking to the family. I just wish we were all together again. That would be really nice, so we must have a fam vacation whenever we all have the time and most of all the money. I called mi mommy and it was really nice talking to her. I LOVE MI FAMILIES SOOOO MUCH!!! Thanks for all the warm birthday messages. Tanks!!!