Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My!

This morning, it was monkeys. Last year, it was bears. You would think Saihaku was situated in the middle of a zoo.

Last year, the bear sighting led to the distribution of bells to each little group of students who make their way to school together. Some were even lucky enough to receive personal alarms, made very obvious by the "accidental" triggering throughout the halls the day they were distributed.

A few months ago, I spotted a tanuki wandering around the vending machines in front of the local grocery store, perhaps hoping to come across some delicious canned hot coffee.

And now, this morning, a phone call from the town hall informed us that monkeys (perhaps fierce, maybe even rabid!?!) had been spotted by Miyamae bridge, and asked that all the teachers ask all the students whether they themselves had spotted any of the thieving violent creatures. I should think the kids wouldn't tell -- imagine being able to come to school and say, "The monkey stole my homework."

(One of the eikaiwa woman told a story about coming home one day and finding a monkey contentedly eating up all the food offerings that had been made to a somewhat recently departed grandfather, mowing down on rice and mikans as it were, so keep those doors locked folks!)

Party Party Party Party

... to quote a Bran Van 3000 song (which I sadly was unable to use Saturday as I ran out of time).

The Chavs were out in quality Saturday night, although I expect some were unintentional. Cian, Pete, Diane and Gray made quite the fashion oblivious quartet, looking more like a group of scally teenagers than the adults they really are. My first sighting of Diane, seated next to an equally style-challenged Cian led to uncontrolled howls of laughter on my part, as she had so well-personified the essence of the event, and seated next to Cian as she was, I couldn't help but get the sneaking suspicion something was bound to be up later... (For my part, I only went so far as to wear a plumber's jacket and gold hoop earrings, having plans with potential for later in the evening. Explaining the whole essence of Chav may have been a little difficult in a second language, and so I thought it best not to push my luck.)

The music was rocking, the beers were flowing (straight out of the can, naturally, as who'd want to unnecessarily class it up with a glass that could later be a weapon), Gray was dancing, Cian was singing, Pete was DJing, and Diane was just perfect. All in all, it was a good night made all the better by the quality friends I was surrounded with. As Diane later commented, it was as if it was our party, and everyone else was there just to make up the numbers.

The Hi! High? party was followed with good conversation in Missile as various people drifted in and out, followed by even more good conversation as plans came to fruition. And it shall be left at that for now.

Good Things

It was one of those days that where someone tells you something that could prove to be quite fabulous, but since nothing has been decided yet, things are still up in the air, it could fall to pieces instead of actually coming to fruition. But it was so good, you just want desperately to tell people, but you can't because then you will just look the fool if nothing comes of it. Yep, it was good news, preceded by loads of fabulous compliments -- the kind of news that leaves you confident and in a sparkly mood all day -- and I can't do a damn thing with the information.

And I am not really that biting and sarcastic, am I? I mean I know I have moments, but... Really? Oh well, it really is kind of fun -- certainly more so than being all sunshine, teddy bears and cotton candy fluff all the time.

Flotsam

Holy horrible meetings Batman! I forgot that once again we have approached that time of year when everything must start being discussed down to the minute detail so as to prepare for next year. Time will be spent poring over the most irrelevant information, delving into the depths of things like 秋芸実集会 or 参観日, the 6th grade 送り会 or the items students have in their pencil cases. And nothing new will be decided. Options will be bandied about, suggestions lobbed into the mix, and in the end, they will decide to do it the exact same way as last year, despite numerous complaints and requests. And all the while, I will be leaning back in the chair, banging my head against the wall, thinking, "WHY AM I HERE???" and, "If I knock myself out, I won't have to endure this anymore..." You can only imagine the pain I suffer.

Hostage negotiations appear to be over, as Pete yesterday sent a message saying he had decided to drop both the Gorillaz and Jamiroquai from his set. But you see, now I have been planning on doing without, and I am not sure I will be using them either... Such a waste, such a waste.

At dinner last night with a friend, I realized how much my head has shifted. She watched some Japanese girls walk by, and commented how much she would like to look like them, or at least be that thin. My automatic reaction was to say, "Never. I do not want to look like a Japanese girl. Thinner, sure, but that's it. And not that thin anyways." Where would all my good bits go if I looked like a J-girl? I like having hips, breasts, actual curves... Which is quite a leap from where my head was when I got here 5 years ago. Self-satisfaction is a beautiful thing, provided I don't venture over into the realm of the self-obsessed...

Cookies, cookies and more cookies. Last night I made my finally delivery of cookies to my cute waiter, who rapidly scarfed them down, followed by much gratitude and bowing, as well as apologies for having to work until 5am on weekends, and for having caught influenza last week, thus unable to be at work when I came by.


PS. Due to Ted's recent outing of my blog, which had remained pleasantly unknown until about a week ago, I feel the presence of lurkers out there. Stop in and say hi sometime...

Hostage Negotiations

Over the weekend, I started once again aurally poring through my music in an attempt to cull a decent party set for next Saturday night. Out of concern that Pete and I may repeat some stuff, leaving me a little short as he is before me, I contacted him to find out what he has been thinking about. The conversation was going well, no conflicts, until... "Do you know JET?" "You mean, 'Are you gonna be my girl?' " "Yeah, that's it." "Nooooo, I'm playing that!" "Really? Oh, well, I was just re-listening to my music and came across it, thought it would be good." "Noooo..." "Oh, alright then, you can have it." "I'll see if I can't come up with something else so I can give it back to you."

And I started looking for something else. Until I got the email that said, "I think I might also throw in the Gorillaz." to which I hurriedly sent back, "Not 'Feel Good, Inc.'?" This prompts Pete to phone, "Of course!! It's the best song off the album!!" "I was really hoping you might have meant some of their older stuff." "And Jamiroquai, I thought I might throw in some Jamiroquai as well." "Which album?" "'Dynamite.'" "Really? Crap. Then I am definitely keeping JET." Who knows how many others will fall...

At least Pete has only got a short set -- I have a chance to keep some of my other stuff at least, partly because he doesn't have it, and partly because he won't have the time.

The Good Influence That is Me..

...managed to get Ted out and about last night. Well, sort of. For Local Legend Tim's birthday (he behaves like he could still be in his twenties, so really, the number doesn't matter), Ted called and invited me to help celebrate Tim's birthday party with delightful dishes in Kashmir. Sneaking up on the restaurant, with all the lights out, I was a little concerned that I had somehow gotten information wrong and was delighted to see Tim's fluffy hair in a back corner. Hiroko had opened up the joint just for Tim and Zack, and I was lucky enough (thanks to Ted) to be able to join in. It was very much a night for the boys, and I just happened to be in the mix, loving and laughing at every lewd and luscious minute of it. Joined by Jen, who brought cakes, the party atmosphere of good friends and conversation carried on until we finally gave in to let Hiroko relax in peace. Heading off to Jazz Inn for quality jazz, mellow moods and smoky atmosphere, we lost Jen, but made up numbers with Diane who waited patiently and Cian who showed up later. All in all, one of those nights that make you laugh and smile when you think about it later, which leads to the blog entry for today, and also leads to my good influence on Ted, who might otherwise be inclined to spend far too many hours on the inside rather than out with the rest of us fools.

So, does this make you wanna do it again Ted? I'm up for it...

It's All About the Cookies, Baby.

Another rousing Valentine's day (if you don't mind hyperbole) over and done with. Technically it was over yesterday, but I was waiting for the good, good loving from the homefront overseas before I got on with it all; as well as the extra deliveries that had to wait for the Wednesday night. Making un-secret but surprise Valentine's deliveries of quasi-homemade cookies (I had to mix the eggs and butter with the mix, and then not burn them) to good friends who were around, I got a chance to visit and share the love with the good people. Also got a little bit of choco-goodness of my own, in the form of a brownie and a little box of Godivas. And so, a final holler in true J-land style of Happy V.D. to all who want it!

Love ya!
Nico

Frustration

Over the weekend, I dug out an application for the education department I had printed so as to look over it and start filling it out. Sadly, since I started university (and finished, as there was a 8 year time span with a couple of years of vacation in the middle) and now, the requirements have changed and I have discovered I am lacking in several areas. Nothing better than discovering that what was a sure thing has all gone to hell. It may have to be the foreign service...

Tiredness

When you are bone weary and can barely keep your eyes open, but can't sleep until late at night, regardless of how difficult it is to keep your eyes open. When you sit at your desk in the staffroom and are watching the clock, hoping for the hour arm to sit at 4 o'clock, but all the while knowing it doesn't matter as someone has scheduled a meeting at 4:30 that you are expected to attend. When you are busy but unable to do anything to help it along, because your classroom is being used for a conference, forcing you to sit and wait, well aware you are going to have to bring it all home with you and do it on the weekend. When you know that you are being ripped off -- a weekend that should be a three day being stuffed into a normal two, all because Saturdays count as part of the work week, and knowing you won't get another chance at one for nearly 2 months.

Yet, when the time comes and the weekend officially hits, when you have escaped work into the freedom of your own home or the great outdoors, when you have dropped your bag inside the doorway and pulled on some well-worn jeans, it all just falls away. The spring is back, the music is on and thumping, and you can't help howling along with it while sliding down the hallways and across the kitchen in your woolly socks.

Just over two more hours, that's all I have to make it through...

And What Did You Do Yesterday?

I went to work and cut out loads of paper hearts, planned a few classes, cleaned up the classroom and bolted at 4 o'clock on the dot. Then, I went to my Japanese lesson, which is really mostly a person who attempts to explain things I don't understand in Japanese. I drove in snow, walked in snow and followed it up with a dinner at my preferred cafe, flirting with my preferred waiter and chatting with a lovely friend. Hot chocolates truly hit the spot with yesterday's snow. And then I gave my phone number to my preferred waiter after a conversation about a Harley Davidson heritage soft-tail that is currently in storage due to the slightly less than ideal motorcycle weather and green gage (which is apparently a fruit that gets made into jams? Seems to be a British thing as I have never heard of them before). All in all, a good day. Now, just have to wait a little and see if I was perhaps too subtle...

When I Was Young

When I was in grade 7, I remember having to write something for our "yearbook" about where I thought I would be in twenty years. If my memory isn't failing me, and I am pretty sure I am good on this front, I wrote that I would be "32 and crazy." Well, only one and a half years left until I hit the 32 part, but as it stands, I think I was probably off the mark on the other.

As a kid, I thought it was great to be crazy, and I still do (not locked up in a padded room crazy, just nuts enough to do the things that frighten you a little). Some of the most interesting people I know fall into that category, and keep me well and truly entertained.

I have been getting comments from various sources over the past few years that have been leading me to doubt my own level of crazy -- in fact, to doubt whether I have not escaped from it entirely. I have been told several times that I am normal, and even by one person on a multitude of occasions that I am the most normal person they know. Which could be good, but doesn't thrill me. Although, if you live in a world of crazy people, wouldn't being normal make you a freak in your own right?

Anyways, neither here nor there. I am just sitting here thinking about what I should do and what I want to do when I return home, and I got thrown off on the tangent of what I wanted to be when I was a kid, and what I used to tell people I would be. I wanted to be a teacher (something I do now, after a fashion), Prime Minister of Canada, and an astronaut. Canada's lack of a space programme makes the whole astronaut thing a little bit of a reach, but hey, you never know how the whole PM thing might work out... I think I might be a little too... practical? to be the PM though, occasionally too direct, which could potentially lead to serious rifts in international relations. It could be better for the country in general if I don't aspire to the upper echelons of bureaucratic chicanery. Could be better for me too, especially considering how much I like sleep.

I still don't have a firm idea what to do when I re-enter the atmosphere and join the rest of the world, so please, stop asking.

Weather Obsession

I am not entirely sure why, but ever since coming to Japan, I seem to be fostering a mild obsession about the weather. It was never a big deal with me at home; at least, not to the extent that an entire conversation, or a blog posting, or an email could be solely about the weather, but I seem to have reached that unfortunate point.

I would like to point out that talking about the weather, or more specifically the temperature, is one of the easiest conversations to have with someone in Japan. In fact, some of the earliest words I can remember learning were the words for hot, cold, warm and cool. People that are nervous about talking to you often find the weather an easy way to start, or even in just in passing they will throw out a "寒いですね！" to which you can easily respond in kind, maybe adding a comment about what the weather forecast is calling for in the next few days.

I used to think it was just because I was a foreigner, but as I have come to understand more Japanese I realize that is not the case. I often overhear conversations not directed at me, between Japanese who are conversing at length about the weather.

And I blame it on the weather itself. And the houses, the lack of central heating, the folly that is considered insulation, the single glazed windows, the lack of weather stripping around the doors... It's not that the weather is all that horrible (well, it does get pretty damn hot and humid in the summer so it just depends on your taste), it is just the Japanese mentality that you must ガマン through it. However, I fail to understand how forcing people to endure the weather -- ostensibly to make them stronger -- is effective when all they do is complain about it. Incessantly. Complaining. My mind boggles as I lose all feeling in my fingers and toes.

In fact, I think the weather is to blame for my going out more often in the winter. Shops, restaurants and the like always have heating on, and it works just as well for me to let someone else pay the bill while I mellow out with a hot chocolate and a good friend.

Groundhog Day

While eating breakfast this morning, I was watching snowflakes fall into my garden. They weren't coming in any great number, in fact, the first one I spotted barely caught my eye -- I thought it was surely dust or something. Thirty seconds or so later, I spotted another. It was a full minute or so before I caught a glimpse of a third. All the while the sun was shining down and the air was warming up. I didn't even wear my coat to work this morning ( I carried it -- not that much of a fool).

Later, before checking my email, I read about our Canadian groundhogs and the cross country agreement that winter is nearly over. Then, the snow started to come down a little more earnestly. About an hour ago, it started to stick with dedication, rather than melting into oblivion.

So much for going jogging, or wearing my party shoes out on the town later.

Rain

It's one of those grey, rainy days, where not even the rain has enough energy to come down with any sense of ambition. One of those days where you belong in bed with a book and some music and roaring, crackling fire to keep you entertained. One of those days where you just feel idle and aimless, and are probably better off not being at work, as it will be blatant to everyone you are doing nought but avoiding work. One of those days where you hit the snooze button over and over again until the last possible moment, all the while glancing over at your phone and pondering how easy it would be just to call in sick, or even to take the morning off...

But instead, I dragged my bleary self out of my too brief hibernation and made it to work (only 2 minutes late, as I was muddling about trying to protect my basket of school supplies from getting wet in the drear), where I have, despite all my better instincts, managed to actually get some work done. In fact, I suspect I may be caught up until next Monday, if not Tuesday. And now, the life enegy sucked out of me by the grey and a very active recess break, I am going to kick back with a mikan and some chocolate and space case the weather.