bunny tales

MOVING TO BLOGSPOT

Blogs.Friendster has served as a medium of communication on my side since July 2005. I started blogging mainly to justify my discontent in the lack of response to my general emails sent to friends and family. I thought it was my obligation and responsibility to let people know what has been going on in my life, especially to those who worry easily since I am far away from home. I guess I was expecting people to reply me whenever I send an email of events and updates, but I hardly received any. Thinking that I might be a nuisance in sending out emails like such, I have decided to blog. It was also an opportunity to discipline myself in writing, share my thoughts in words, and served as an outlet of what has been bugging me. Soon, I started putting more of myself and experiences on this site through pictures and shared comments.

Like my general emails, I thought no one would ever read it. My blog just served as a reference point just in case if anyone wanted to know. I was wrong when friends actually talk about my blog entries when we meet, or discuss the lack of it when I do not write. Friends like these encourage me to write more. I am thankful for looking back over my 158 entries, I have indeed grown. Now I have revert back to writing sending general emails as I hope to bring back a more personal touch to my communication to close friends and family (even though the lack of response still remains).

I have reached the limit of free space on my blog here on friendster. Since I am organizing my public life for easier reference, I have decided to move to be a blogger and from henceforth be on Blogspot. I am still working on how my blog would look and adding links to picture archives; I ask that you kindly bear with me. This page will still be here if you would like to look at my albums or read entries of old.

Enjoy my new site. Do feel free to leave a comment and explore the page a little. Keep reading and I will keep blogging.

http://eameus.blogspot.com/

COPS!!! (Really? It would be the 2nd time in my whole life since any authorities asked me for an ID check)

Never miss a good chance to shut up.

The strangest thing happened during my lunch hour today.

Suyati and I went out for lunch today, so we had Korean food as it was a filling and economical choice. My new favorite lunch spot is at this underground Korean restaurant near Akasaka-Mitsuke Station. The lunch menu is only 500yen after 1pm. Not bad, eh?

Anyways, while we were walking back, we were stopped by 6 men in plain clothes. "Excuse me, do you have your ID?" I was shocked, and then the oldest looking of the group asked me in Japanese whether I was a Japanese national. I honestly answered no. He then continued in Japanese asking whether I had any documents with me. I answered "No. I am currently on training at my company and do not have or carry any of them since I am on my lunch break." He then asked me who do I work for. After telling them, the guy just briefly acknowlegded and move on to ask "How about her?" I answered that Suyati was also on training. However, Suyati had her passport with her and was very coorperative. After looking at her passport, the 6 men thanked us and sent us on our way. How strange!

Having friends who are not too happy with how the Japanese government carry out their checks on foreigners, I was once told that if anyone stops me asking for my documents, I have the right not to show them. Even if I had to, I do not have to pass the documents to them. Returning to the office, I was told that we should have been careful for there are cases where people just wanted to steal one's purse since he or she keeps the documents in it. Since they were in plain clothes, we should have told them that we would only do so if we were at a police box. But seriously, 6 men in plain clothes surrounding 2 helpless young women? You have got to be kidding me.

After relating it to a friend, he mentioned that such checks have been going on quite often of late. The Japanese government also plans to take finger prints and run retina scans for ALL foreigners at airports from November 19. Paranoia? Who knows? But it is sure going to piss off many.

Hmm, maybe having too much Korean food might not be a good thing. I had Korean food at the same restaurant yesterday. Or,  maybe I was bitching too loud about my visa status in English. The English would have been a dead give away. WT*? I guess I should really keep my thoughts to myself and not discuss personal matters in public THAT often. Just shut up, woman! I know I could have easily passed off as a Japanese anyday.

MONEY MATTERS

I need a hard slap on the wrist! "Chaos" can be used to describe my situation right now. Apart from the issue of my landing status, it seems like I have lost control in time and money management.

Good time management is often reflected in my daily routine and the results can be seen physically. With good sleep I look fresh and sharp for the job; with a disciplined routine my physical appearance and the condition of my apartment would be more attractive. Of recently I think there are times when I look like drag-queen or a man, and my apartment... Man! It needs cleaning, and I need to sort out my laundry and closet.

Actually, the slap on the wrist and adding 10 whips with a wet noodle applies to my money management of late. I am receiving a healthy allowance which allows me to save for my future (if I plan and spend wisely). I was on a strict budget until my last trip back at the end of September. Although it is only wise to be well prepared, however, I took a little too much out of my savings for the short time I was back. When I returned to Japan, the full swing of autumn came and I really wanted to go shopping. Then, events lined up over the past few weeks and thus, I have been spending a little over my budget.

I am not complaining. I guess I have to be a little more strict on my spending habits. I am given the opportunity to live in Setgaya-ku, the wealthy district of Tokyo. Everything here is more expensive than everywhere else. Seriously, after being a student here for 4 years, I still live like a student. The prices at the local supermarket are more expensive than what I was used to in Chiba. Having lunch at work is equally expensive as we are located right at the hub of the office district. It is time to exercise smart spending.

If I plan to save JPY X by the end of the year, it will definitely not work. I have to readjust the budget to what I have spent of late. Since I have no idea how long will I be in my current condition, I guess it is only wise if I save as much as I can for my future. I had better limit my food intake to what is necessary and shopping to the vitals. Even by saying that, I need to get some toiletries and groceries....

Man! I am broke... So, the next time you see me spending money frivolously, do shake that finger and show that frown.

HOW RUDE!!!

He may look like an idiot, and talk like an idiot, but don't let that fool you. He really is an idiot.

Something bizarre happened on Sunday. It was really strange and I was dumbfounded. I have been in Japan for more than 4 years now, and I hardly ever seen people asking for money on the streets. There are those who pass flyers and advertisements, those who will ask for corporation in taking surveys or blood drives, and those who just want you to visit their store. On Sunday, Sunil and I were crossing the Olympic Memorial Bridge in front of MeiJi Shrine. (It is the place where the manga community or "Funny Retro Extravagant Amusing Kids" congregate at Harajuku.) A Canadian guy walked up to us and started talking to Sunil, asking him for a donation to help his organization and their cause. It was an organization that focuses on reaching out to the young people of Japan: those in correction centers, out on the street, etc. Sunil, being the kind person he is (Well, he is kind enough to keep accepting flyers from JWs almost every Sunday for like the past 3 months now), listened and did make a donation.

Here is where it gets pretty bizarre.

From my observation, the people from this group approached mainly foreigners. Sunil was in his weekend casual wear, but he was approached by them. The Canadian guy only spoke to Sunil even though I was standing right next to Sunil, two feet away from the guy, and facing him. He talked to Sunil for maybe 3-5 minutes, but did not say a word to me; not even a "hello." So, the following weird conclusions popped into my head. (1) This people aim for the rich. (2) Since Sunil is not dressed looking like a rich guy, a Japanese girlfriend/date/company next to him shows that he is rich to some extent. (3) They don't want to talk to me because I am Japanese. (4) Maybe, I have that look on me that read "Don't ask me for money. I am a mean b*#@h who doesn't care." Who knows?

I am pretty bothered by it for I wonder does the whole incident have anything to do with the first impression I give others... The only time when I remembered a similar awkward moment as such happened was 4 years ago when I broke up with K. We were just right in front of each other but he spoke to a common friend who was standing right next to me but did not say even a word to me. I am shocked, a little appalled, and I thought it was simply rude then, and now. What killed social etiquette? I thought that he was just an idiot. I apologize if it sounds harsh, but really, he was an idiot!

Zion Festival 2007

My love and joy comes from the gifts from above.

I am forever grateful for the gift of my life at TCU. Over the weekend, I have been out at TCU helping out with Zion Festival and meeting some good old friends from my school days. It was great and I had a fun time. I always look forward to spending time at TCU and participating in every possible event.

Last Saturday was a blast. I went over immediately after work with my gear for the weekend. It was my first time to step into the Faith and Culture Center (FCC) building and my heat skipped a beat in appreciation of the beautiful tea room there. The current Japanese tea ceremony club was running final practices on Friday night and it was an honor to meet the current members.

I stayed over at Motoko's room in the Women's Dorm and memories of dormitory life were brought back to life with the night-long preparation for Zion Festival the next day. Although I knew that some of my graduated buddies were back, I needed the rest and did not hang out with them. However, I did spent the whole night chatting with Motoko instead as we could not sleep after drinking matcha during the practice earlier. Girls slumber party... (*^_^*)

The very next morning, we prepared ourselves for the big day. I must give myself a pat on the back as I still remember and was able to put on my kimono! It has been close to a year and a half since I put the entire gear on. I helped Motoko with hers too. Not bad at all, I dare say. We went to set up the tea room on time right after we were done. Mori-san was adorned in her kimono and even Tadashi was there with his hakama. Everyone who were in the traditional wear looked their best.

I would give a salute and a round of applause to Tadashi, for I am surprise with who has become today. Although we were in different courses, we shared the same academic year back during the TCU days. I still remember vividly the shinny pair of skater jeans he used to wear with his bright red sweatshirt. He was always smiling and extremely energetic in comparison to his twin brother, Makoto. (Oh yes, there are pictures somewhere...) After his graduation in March 2006, he was admitted to TCTS, the seminary at TCI. I wasn't able to attend his wedding since I went back after my graduation. He is now husband to Shiho and will be a dad in February. Now, he is more composed and very much mature from the days of sparkly pants and bright colored tops. It is amazing when we seen each other grow through the passage of time. I am so happy for him.

The same feeling was shared with the other friends I met on Saturday. Zion Festival seems to be the best place for the alumni to catch up and meet people from TCI and church members during out internships. There were many who I was surprised to see and them me.

After we are done with the Japanese Tea Ceremony which lasted for two and half hours, I went to grab some food since I had only a banana since 7am. Thinking that I was able to freeload from Matthew's and Sunil's Burrito stand, I soon find myself helping out too! (Laughs) It was lots of fun. There were so many things going on that I hardly had time to go around and see every stall or meet everyone I wanted to. I made a quick change out of my kimono and had only limited time to spare before meeting Dr. Franklin and Jewel for our appointment.

After everything was over, we had an unexpected dinner party of thirteen at Capriccioza. I was really tired then and the spoilt baby in me turned on the anti-social mood. I was really tired at the end of the day, but I was happy. I rushed home after spending some time with Matthew and Sunil, and spent the night at Baileyna's.

Go ahead and call me sappy and sentimental, but I love my alma mater. I am glad to be back in Japan and do hope that I will be staying here longer. I would deeply appreciate your prayers as I would know the result in this week or next. Have a great week ahead!

Geared Up for Zion Festival Weekend

I self-claim to be the "Ghost of the ACTS-es Program. I am always here and it would take a lot to truly get rid of me."

TCU has truly become my 2nd home. After a crazy week at work and living alone, I get to return to the familiar surroundings and hang out with people I have grown so fond of. I don't have to sleep alone, I get to have long chats with people, hanging out at the usual spots, and freeloading at the dining hall (well, the food is not really the greatest, but I do enjoy the convenience and the conversations at the table).

I find myself heading out to Chiba almost every weekend mainly because I am preparing myself for further studies. My schedule is still rather inclined to TCI events and I sure look forward to attend as many as I can during my time here. he bonus is that I get to hang out with the guys and have the convenience of shopping at familiar spots. Two commented that I am living the life most people dreamed of... Although I whine a lot, I am still thankful.

This week it is ZION FESTIVAL!!! I am so excited about it. I am able to hold on to my word as I did mention before that if I am in Japan, I will definitely be there to help out with the tea ceremony. Thus, I have been lugging this bag of mine to work this morning. I guess I need to spend time tonight to prepare and refresh my memory on how to put on my kimono. I had my gear brought during my short trip back a month ago. Su-Anne was kind enough to send me my "zori" as I forgot them. Oh, it is going to be fun.

I heard that Matthew and Sunil are setting up a burrito stall. Mitsuko is the president of the Zion Festival committee, Motoko will be the chairperson of the afternoon event after the tea ceremony, and I bet there are a lot of events too. Well, after going through 4 years of Zion Festival myself, I know that it would be a long day of activities. Nonetheless, I do look forward to sitting down to my weekly commitments of grammar practice too.

Thus, I will leave this blog entry on a happy note. It is a nice wrap up to another hectic week at work. I have lunch with the boss today but just bought mini sandwiches from Kiwi Kitchen the caterer who has been visiting us daily this week. They are a little costly but scrumptious and goes well when washed down with milk. Yummy. Counting the hours until I am done for the day... over and out!