tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-172502922024-03-08T08:07:42.566+09:00Circus Freaks in TrainingBecause I want to prove to myself that English really is my native tongue.Nicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06993224660404783695noreply@blogger.comBlogger174125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17250292.post-63393589100822909512010-03-11T16:29:00.002+09:002010-03-11T16:51:13.310+09:00Treatment, First Time AroundSo chemo started. And we discovered my arteries are hard to find, which meant I had to have a peripherally inserted central catheter inserted into my arm, going to my heart. I had a small breakdown when this was told to me. Understandable, I think. All this crap going on in such a short time, and now you tell me you are going to insert a foreign body so you can hook me up quicker to the drugs. <br /><br />Excellent. <br /><br />Oh, and get ready for the radiation.<br /><br />But before we do that, we want to double check that you actually have what you have been diagnosed with. It is so rare and makes no sense whatsoever in someone my age. So another bronchoscopy. Because if it is something else, we won't have to radiate your brain, and we would really rather not do that. I reply that this better be necessary because I really didn't enjoy the bronchoscopy experience the first time around. Yep, it's necessary.<br /><br />A second bronchoscopy. How's your gag reflex? Pretty strong, I think. Well, do you gag at the dentist? No, but I still think.... No worries. Bronchoscopy away. Ooops, turns out you do have a pretty strong gag reflex. Which is what I said, but hey, what do I know? I'll just go throw up now.<br /><br />Results? Same as before. Radiation and chemo. By the by, radiation is kind of like getting a sunburn. And it potentially could cause cancer in you any number of years from now. You will have a higher risk of breast cancer, or potentially some other form of cancer. So the cure could cause the disease again. <br /><br />Chemo is starting to make my hair fall out by now. But fortunately the nausea and vomiting aren't bad yet. The radiation? Takes three weeks. Not fun, but not as bad as it is for others it seems. Doesn't hurt too badly, but it does make my cough worse for a while. <br /><br />Third round of chemo comes at the end of March. I get a week off between the end of radiation and before the return to chemo. This three day cycle doesn't go nearly as smoothly as the first two did. I am not able to keep anything down over the weekend, am dehydrating and getting weaker. The stairs are a challenge. Tuesday, off to the hospital again where I spend a couple hours getting IV drugs to stop the nausea, as well as saline to rehydrate. <br /><br />I feel like bloody Superman after. The IV drugs were steroids. I don't sleep for 2 days, I am so wired. Fabulous feeling, really!<br /><br />Elly comes right after Easter, and unfortunately, though I had tried to time it otherwise, it is during the last round of chemo. We spend a couple hours each of the three days playing cards and whatnot. We do some touring, but I am pretty weak and having fun with nausea -- but not nearly as bad as the time before. I just don't feel like eating.<br /><br />Oh, and it turns out the chemo did completely toast my white blood cells. Shots are sent home with me. Seven days worth to try and jumpstart my marrow into producing white blood cells again. I can't give myself the shots -- it is just too much, so my dad is pressed into service. Thanks to the supergees, my immunity returns. <br /><br />But hey! It was over! I did it. I made it through, and it was hard, but not as hard as I had thought it would be. I start recovering some of my strength. I walk every day. I volunteer at the BC Children's Hospital foundation once or twice a week. <br /><br />And the checkup comes in a month. The X-ray is clear. Good news. But the X-rays were always clear. I press my radiation oncologist into doing a CT scan before starting the next round of radiation. <br /><br />And there is a nubbin left where the tumor was. Not what one would hope for. It could be scar tissue, it could be viable tumor, it could be that the radiation is still working on the tumor and that will go away. The only way to find out is to wait. But what about the cranial radiation? We can go ahead with it, or we can wait. <br /><br />If we go ahead with it, and the tumor is still there and viable, then the treatment has no meaning because the cancer could still spread into my brain. If there is only scar tissue left, then there are no worries. <br /><br />Is there nothing else that can be done? No way to check? My doctor says she'll present my case to her colleagues and ask if anyone has any suggestions, or is willing to do something outside the ordinary for me. So now I just have to wait and see what she might come up with. More waiting. I am getting very skilled at this waiting.Nicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06993224660404783695noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17250292.post-35258732250723588132010-03-07T05:20:00.003+09:002010-03-07T05:44:51.333+09:00Annus HorribilisTo quote a friend. The past year really wasn't the year I intended to have when I started out. And I chose not to write about it, not to journal it, not to blog it, not to do anything about it at the time. It was a little too much, too real, too close. But now I have had time and am thinking I shall -- in dribs and drabs -- write about the year that was. It seems wrong to completely ignore a time that has completely overthrown my world. Some will be reflection, some will be merely a retelling of all the crap that made up that year.<br /><br />So, here goes a little bit. <br /><br />Wednesday, January 21st, I went to the hospital with my father. When we went in to see the doctor, there were two nurses in the room with him, which was my first hint something wasn't right. Up until then, there had only ever been one nurse. <br /><br />The doctor told me I had a small cell carcinoma in my lung. Cancer. My first thought was that I have never smoked, that couldn't be right. The only person in my family who never smoked. And I am the one with lung cancer. He explained the course of treatment, and explained that it is pretty much the same anywhere in the world, and that no, it wasn't operable. That particular piece of information was disturbing, as I had talked to a lung doctor who explained what usually happens with lung cancer, which includes surgery. I didn't really find out why they don't do surgery until after I was back home.<br /><br />So I had a choice to make -- stay in Japan and go through treatment while hospitalized, or go back to Canada and do it there. If I stayed in Japan, my family would have come to help and support me, but the idea of having to take care of them while also having to take care of me was too much. After a couple of days of thinking and getting things sorted for a return and treatment back in Canada, I decided to go home.<br /><br />Everything was just so surreal. It took me a while to really grasp what was happening. That I could even have lung cancer. And I don't think it helps that no one can tell me why or what caused it. But it seems that the place I chose to make my home was essentially trying to kill me. Happy days. <br /><br />I got back to Canada and started to learn about small cell carcinomas. I never looked it up on the internet, which a friend did, who then had a breakdown in front of her computer. I imagine it is a good thing I never looked it up as I suspect the descriptions tend towards the dire. I know the information I got leant towards the dire.<br /><br />Small cell carcinoma is not the "good" kind of cancer to get. It is aggressive and spreads rapidly to other parts of the body. It is usually found (85% of cases) too late to do anything other than pain management. It starts in the lungs and usually grows rapidly there, and quickly spreads to other parts of your body, even getting into the brain. The reason it is inoperable is related to its aggression. Apparently it is known to even spread to the surgeons hands. Fun stuff. Generally, it is found in very heavy smokers in their 50s, or older. <br /><br />I have been informed many times that my case is unique in so many ways, and I really wish it weren't. I would so give anything to have been ordinary and normal. But if I am going to be special, hey, may as well go full throttle! <br /><br />I was lucky in that my tumor grew in the bronchus, rather than the lung proper. This caused me pain, and eventually a cough which had me going to and from various doctors for months to try and locate the cause. If it had been in the lung proper, I would never have known until it was too late. So mine was able to be found early. My oncologist here said he had never seen it found so early, and so small. Small mercies I guess.<br /><br />It's hard to be grateful for these little blessings though. Very hard. How do you get happy about cancer in any way, shape, or form?Nicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06993224660404783695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17250292.post-16640186472434915172010-03-04T20:16:00.002+09:002010-03-04T20:21:23.675+09:003amAnd I don't mean the song by Matchbox 20 either. 3am and once again I am going without sleep. It seems to be more common than not lately. So many things to think about that even were I to write them down I would have still more to add to the list. All the niggling little details involved in packing up a life and trying to divest yourself of 8 years worth of belongings. Who will take what off my hands? Can I sell it or do I have to write it off and give it away -- which hurts when considering that these are often things I am going to need to repurchase on this left coast. I need to go back to bed. I need to let it go -- it will sort itself out eventually. But that doesn't make it easier to make my mind move on and let go.Nicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06993224660404783695noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17250292.post-11669347222995070112010-02-26T14:46:00.002+09:002010-02-26T14:49:39.743+09:00Last OneSo tomorrow is the last PCI. The last treatment necessary in this whole long "annus horribilis," to quote a friend. And I await with fingers et al crossed in hopes that it holds true. In the meantime, I have but my twitch and some nausea to deal with. If that's the worst it works out to be, I shall consider myself lucky. <br /><br />It's strange how my definition of lucky has changed in the past 15 months or so. Stuff is included that never would have been before.Nicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06993224660404783695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17250292.post-87350169053559072972010-02-25T17:09:00.002+09:002010-02-25T17:13:46.736+09:00ReturnA return to Japan, a return to real life, a return to health. This year will hopefully be all about returning to the good side of life, and heading off in new, challenging, and potentially exciting directions. And as such, it seems appropriate to resurrect my blog. And so here it is. My beginning anew.<br /><br />It seems only appropriate that as of late the weather in Vancouver has been spring-like. Flowers are blooming left, right and centre. It has been (mostly) sunny and reasonably warm. It is practically hanami time out here. And it is getting to be my time for getting out and doing things again.<br /><br />I'll take it slow. Let's wait and see how it goes.Nicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06993224660404783695noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17250292.post-48519913638790309342008-11-29T08:56:00.002+09:002008-11-29T08:58:57.695+09:00The Body KnowsAt least, I think it seems to before I do. Generally, I don't think of someone who gets stressed about things, but lately, I think my body has decided to take me to task over the matter and inform me in no uncertain terms that I am so very wrong. Various health issues that all seemed to hit me at the same time suggest that perhaps I am stressing myself more than I know, and maybe I need to do something about it. But really, who wants to quit doing things?Nicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06993224660404783695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17250292.post-86448921348236692222008-11-23T14:19:00.002+09:002008-11-23T14:22:05.059+09:00Japanese MysteriesOn my way home from a kotatsu delivery yesterday, traffice slowed to an inexplicable pace nearing the high school. Slowly, we inched up the hill, all the while wondering what was going on? Must be a car accident with looky-loos unable to control themselves. Inching further forward, and no sign of flashing lights. Still wondering, still inching... And then, there it is. Hakusai!! (for those not aware, a kind of Chinese lettuce) Scattered all over the road. Smashed and smushed and half run over. And on the side of the road, a grandma with a basket darting in and out of traffic to try and rescue what she could. <br /><br />***<br />At a school festival today, I watched small children perform bizarre little skits, forget lines, sing, dance and perform in the dark of the elementary school gym. Then, I caught a glimps of the toque the elderly fellow in front of me was wearing. "No, that can't be what it says. It's dark, he was moving -- I misread it." More singing, dancing, and still watching out of the corner of my eye to try and catch another glimpse of the patch on the front of his hat. "No!!! Seriously? That can't be right... No, it really does..." <br />What did it say? "Bitch Skateboards." Yeah baby, bring it. <br /><br />***<br /><br />Finally, at the same school festival was a young girl with these classic words emblazoned on her shirt, "Catch up with the man."<br /><br />I wonder what she thinks you should do with the man after you catch up with him...Nicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06993224660404783695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17250292.post-69111806120125146762008-11-19T23:47:00.002+09:002008-11-19T23:51:20.508+09:00Moonless MoonlightLooking across the river tonight, the treetops up the side of the hill are all coated in a sugaring of snow. Enough snow that I had to glance around to see where the glow was coming from. But, as it is a clear moonless night and the stars are thousands of miles away, it was only the glow of the snow against the dark blue sky that had my mind's eye playing tricks on me.Nicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06993224660404783695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17250292.post-3152537682332062842008-11-09T21:36:00.006+09:002008-11-09T22:08:24.730+09:00Art and Music<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkiCt2Iok8q2si0o0RSSKp2e5rBqnV1hH_3nnbMxHhjNWIhAMWo5c3agAypNz4Dxy0cH6KO5gfHlihjQktUVZTW9tRxPRb7TzGTP7lSmgfdbVTLBxXLj2P1oMmdG65osCTNbiZ/s1600-h/img613.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266643233489752258" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 144px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkiCt2Iok8q2si0o0RSSKp2e5rBqnV1hH_3nnbMxHhjNWIhAMWo5c3agAypNz4Dxy0cH6KO5gfHlihjQktUVZTW9tRxPRb7TzGTP7lSmgfdbVTLBxXLj2P1oMmdG65osCTNbiZ/s200/img613.jpg" border="0" /></a> I have been thinking about both recently. Art because I recently have encountered a couple of people who are talented artists but I had no idea. Like me, they have some ability (possibly, if not quite likely more than me) but they haven't put pencil to paper in ages. Their lives have taken up too much of their time, a situation I well understand. I recall taking a drive last year (last year!!) and finding some sights that inspired me to sketch for a while, but I haven't taken that trip again since that day.<br /><div><div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho3VN3MlhkxNXxnUs8euCYnAgNLoXLUPkURGhQlaNwcb0tP4zSy0fFHtUrGpMEYQT1CRUtsknCwQWIgF1KbqhLp0mz8JHs68d9sFzIRY5MRuDkjvTyv4OJmW7jHmp56Jvy-46y/s1600-h/img611.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266642660794602578" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 158px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho3VN3MlhkxNXxnUs8euCYnAgNLoXLUPkURGhQlaNwcb0tP4zSy0fFHtUrGpMEYQT1CRUtsknCwQWIgF1KbqhLp0mz8JHs68d9sFzIRY5MRuDkjvTyv4OJmW7jHmp56Jvy-46y/s200/img611.jpg" border="0" /></a>"art" versus "Art" is another of those topics that I have been musing over recently. Having spent a little bit of time vacationing in the museums of the renaissance and onwards, I have an appreciation -- although not always a real understanding -- for Art. I admire the skill and the talent it takes to put something together. I enjoy the impact of a well-crafted piece. But, even though I have taken a few fine arts classes, I tend not to overthink the meaning and symbolism said to be inherent in the thing. </div><br /><div>Maybe it's because my own personal version of art tends towards the simple. I wish I had the imagination of others that are able to design something from the mind's twistings, but I tend to be more inspired and more interested in the real that surrounds me. And so, I go in for "art." </div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266642238773037746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 142px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZHIWpz9h9JYUgu-Z5u2MHfUBGZF27xph-fHtZD5HSBZfNwxFdX6f5lFT-vpW_8dSGLq18R-h7d-a2buNgekgDGewdmsN9z_vZtPqyjgcySvJTApcdDS-KpEBgCs8KWCw54Fji/s200/img612.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div></div><div>***</div><br /><div></div><div>Music is my sanity. </div><br /><div>I was once asked by a friend (not always the most tactful or well-thought friend) why I like music so much. It's not as if I play an instrument, he remarked. I hadn't realized he was such a musical snob. </div><br /><div>I love it because of it's ability to fade into the background as my own soundtrack, or it's ability to bring me directly into the emotion of a moment. The desire it can create in me for spontaneous eruption of song or dance. The energizing, or the equally calming, effect it can have. </div><br /><div>And I love the accessibility of it to so many. And that it takes no membership card to do so. Apparently my point of view and my friends don't quite sync up. </div><div> </div><div>It is this love of music that drives me to share it with people. For a friends birthday, I gave him music. But I had such a hard time choosing, I ended up giving him 11 CDs worth. When I get asked to DJ, always I end up trying to narrow down fifty or sixty songs to a mere twenty or twenty-five. My passion runs a little too deep maybe. </div></div></div></div>Nicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06993224660404783695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17250292.post-8738526668789655412008-11-05T21:54:00.002+09:002008-11-05T21:57:07.664+09:00Fabulousness and All it Entails!I am in one of those mental places where I have once again decided I am fabulous. Despite the various injuries I seem to be enduring, I am fabulous. I have work I need to do instead of this, but I always figure a little self-confidence doesn't hurt. And I also think a great many more of us could use the confidence!Nicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06993224660404783695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17250292.post-9795524992242090222008-11-02T00:23:00.002+09:002008-11-02T00:27:02.169+09:00Impulse Without MeaningI have an urge. An urge to blog. I even had an idea -- a good idea -- for something to blog about. But, alas, alack, and och, that was on Thursday when I was driving to a conversation class. And *poof* it was gone. I haven't been able to dredge it out from the mush that was my mind. And yet, I have an impulse to blog. But nothing to say. I need to get out more, I think. <br /><br />I really wish I could remember what I wanted to blog about on Thursday... I had the distinct impression it would be interesting and fun to type about.<br /><br />Damn. Blame it on old age?Nicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06993224660404783695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17250292.post-79794304281490613732008-10-31T22:52:00.005+09:002008-11-29T09:00:22.037+09:00Mish Mash Splish SplashOn my way home from work today, I passed by one of my grade two students. She was 'skipping' along, but skipping feels like a word that is lacking in it's descriptive qualities. She was leaping from foot to foot, with her arms swinging out far and wide to the sides and over her head. Inhibitionless, that's the way to be.Nicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06993224660404783695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17250292.post-11703047248962845552008-10-27T17:58:00.003+09:002008-10-27T18:09:11.392+09:00Voyeurs AnonymousWhat with only having just gotten internet installed (in my Japanese life, anyways), it has become even more disturbing to me the voyeuristic tendencies I am subject to. Now, I was never one to watch the reality shows -- the first ever season of Survivor, and some of the second were about the extent of it -- but I am definitely exhibiting inclinations. Not only that, I am inviting people in as well. Facebook and blogs, and whatever else... I wonder if that is why facebook has such success? Not the social networking thing, but our ill-concealed desire to find out what other people we know are doing. I mean, I have "friends" on Facebook that I am not sure I would consider friends in real life. Although, I am getting better about ignoring requests. I will admit to enjoying looking and reading to a certain extent to see what's going on. Primarily, I use it becuase so many people I know are so far away, and it is an easy way to keep in touch. And on occasion, it can even be inspiring, seeing where people have been or what they are trying. But half the time, it is just curiosity about someone I don't really know, with perhaps a smidge of occasional jealousy... Today, I ramble.Nicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06993224660404783695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17250292.post-8569231577377786942008-10-26T05:12:00.006+09:002008-10-26T05:26:51.945+09:00Hooley Success!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQKwdHfrQbbkVvulsmw6L7U3ZDY2ryTPw7mFYbrVoZrOfavfeGJ2Boj_41YM40_tBGzry5YxaxbAGVrRglSS2MyxE2vEkbMT6pusfHDj0O53mXS68p0tbz3-7cn15D_nYmrI1c/s1600-h/DSC02325.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261190375039917058" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQKwdHfrQbbkVvulsmw6L7U3ZDY2ryTPw7mFYbrVoZrOfavfeGJ2Boj_41YM40_tBGzry5YxaxbAGVrRglSS2MyxE2vEkbMT6pusfHDj0O53mXS68p0tbz3-7cn15D_nYmrI1c/s320/DSC02325.JPG" border="0" /></a> Hi! High? Pecadoss's 2008 Hallowe'en Fancy Dress Hooley was a smashing success, if off schedule from the first minute on. Loads of people, some inspired - and some less so - costumes. Some dirty and some disturbing costumes. But then, what is Halloween if not an opportunity to be the skanky self you might not usually be? Plenty of music -- fabulous music. And again, Eshico burned the place down, showing why they are well worth the hype of having a TV crew on hand. Even live art, performed before our very eyes, accompanied by classical piano. All in all, an excellent chance to see and chat and dance with people who I haven't seen much of recently. Even Kaori, in from the capital, was on hand.<br /><br />As for my costume? Well, my definition changed depending on my mood when you asked me. Diane's lesbian lover, porn star, madam of a bordello, mafioso, superstar DJ, Bonnie (as in "& Clyde"), queen of the universe, queen of her own mind, evangelist, foreigner... Much like my own life really, the change you see reflected in my own mind's state.<br /><div></div><br /><div>God, it is so time for bed now...</div>Nicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06993224660404783695noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17250292.post-45477798334581193942008-10-24T14:42:00.002+09:002008-10-24T14:49:14.696+09:00Drunk Mailing...I had an impulse as I went to bed last night to perform some irreverant drunken emailing... The bizarreness stemmed from my sobriety. The urge was strong though - very strong - but the force was mine to be wielded and instead, I fell into a fitful sleep wherein I was haunted by numerous songs that refuse to flee the confines of my mind. Normally, only one song is trapped, spinning round and round and round, but my mind seems to have gone supernova on me and kept expanding to include more tunes. Last week it was "Ballroom Blitz." Last night, the blitz returned with company -- "Cry Baby," "Bananza (Belly Dancer)," "I'm not going to teach your boyfriend how to dance with you," "U Can't Touch This," and last, but certainly no the least -- in fact, perhaps the most pervasive of them all -- "Heaven for the Weather." And yes, I realize my capitalization is erratic...Nicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06993224660404783695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17250292.post-17023957332226677582008-10-22T23:02:00.003+09:002008-10-24T14:49:52.681+09:00Literary LanguishingDuring my fabulous summer holidays, I managed to acquire several intriguing books and a list of others I wish to hunt down somewhere or other. And now, the only time I really spend reading is the 10 to 20 minutes before I fall asleep... Or instead of this, I suppose.<br /><br />Although, I am supposed to be also preparing my Saturday night set... So far, U Can't Touch This is my number one pick.Nicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06993224660404783695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17250292.post-59960458684407099762008-10-21T22:57:00.003+09:002008-10-24T14:50:46.802+09:00Procrastination and the Mastery Thereof...It's not that hard, really, when you think about it (as is evidenced by this first line, meandering around and away and avast of any point I may actually have). Almost a science, really, but more of a magical science I think. You have to be willing to allow yourself to be captured by the big, the tiny, the infinitesimal, the underestimated, the overlooked, the vast, the beyond comprehension. In small doses or large, whatever catches the mind's eye and is able to carry it off into the nether reaches of your dusty mind. And of course, the most important part... It must be in lieu of the perceived necessary or important. But what's that they say about beholders and so forth? Maybe it is all part of the plan to enjoy being human... But none of this will help me get a Masters, will it?Nicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06993224660404783695noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17250292.post-40266275591754087492008-10-20T18:17:00.003+09:002008-10-24T14:51:09.270+09:00Rebirth and Resurrection...Finally, I have internet at home. Seven plus years in Japan and I have never bothered, but now... Now I am attempting to take a Masters via mail / email / internet, and what with necessity and all...<br /><br />Because of this here Masters, it is entirely possible internet access will not improve the frequency (or infrequency) of my postings, but it will mean I no longer have to suffer from paranoia about inappropriate usage of shared computers at work. So fingers crossed!Nicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06993224660404783695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17250292.post-9646707969261581812007-03-14T11:42:00.002+09:002008-10-24T14:55:30.921+09:00Fukuoka AvastWell, an interesting and eventful weekend to say the least. Back in Niimi and looking forward to Friday night and a late sleep-in Saturday morning in order to recover from the weeekend past. Saturday alcohol consumption started at 7:45 (I had originally intended to wait until 8, but what the hell, I already had it in my hand) and lead to numerous bathroom breaks on our behalf. We had by far the most enthusiastic car load of passengers, even before popping tops on the bevvies. We had ET experiences, high tension (by the J語 definition of the phrase) and lots of laughs to go along with.<br /><br />The afternoon plans were a visit to an aquarium, and then a very large mall, followed by dinner with all 17 of us. After dinner, I bolted off to hunt down Katherine and Miho, neither of whom I have seen in ages, for a brief rendezvous before they had to head back to Yanagawa on the last train. The following morning was surprisingly hangover free, but full of much indecision at Dazaifutenmangu shrine when I tried to get a firm time from Kuma on departure so that I could once again meet up with K-chan and Miho. We strolled around the grounds about, but I don't think I feel any smarter than I did before.<br /><br />Afterwards, venturing into Kurume for some delicious ramen at a very smelly shop (and not in a good way) and then a flirtation with bird flu as we wandered through a 鳥公園 to kill time. Sleeping in the car was lovely if not too brief, and the return trip took far too long as people dawdled about after bathroom breaks. Returning to Niimi at 9, but not getting home till later was a little rough as I had yet to sort out my supplies for Monday's classes. Blame it on the birds, an unscheduled diversion from the itinerary intended merely to kill time. Hmmm, all in all it was alright, but mostly it was just good to hang out with some interesting people.Nicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06993224660404783695noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17250292.post-9868442462162207392007-03-07T14:03:00.002+09:002008-10-24T14:55:55.444+09:00Fukuoka Ahoy?Off for the weekend to Fukuoka with a scattering of random Niimi folk, a lot of whom I know already. Apparently I am to bring fair loads of cash to prepare myself for the copious quantities of alcohol we are expecting to drink. I love how this trip is qualifying as study / research and will probably recieve some funding from the city.<br /><br />I also love how the city owns a building that anyone under 35 is allowed to use for free at nearly any time -- it has reasonably supplied music studio where I have been going to thump on the drums lately. It is also equipped with a pool table that I am looking forward to making use of some time soon.<br /><br />As for other things, well, there is a St. Patrick's Day party coming up on the 17th; last weekend was drums, driving, drinking and drawing (and volleyball, but the 'v' doesn't really fit with the whole alliteration thing I have going on); the week before was absurdly skillful bowling (on my part anyway), driving and munching on strawberries. And what will follow? Who knows, but I am looking forward to it.<br /><br />Live it up baby, live it up.Nicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06993224660404783695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17250292.post-1170912219416871762007-02-08T14:18:00.001+09:002008-10-24T14:54:00.207+09:00Too BusyBut not in a bad way. It seems I have been too busy living and enjoying my life lately to spend time writing about it -- a process made all the more difficult when you consider that I exist without internet at home. So what's been up lately? My days have been filled with curry parties, mexican food, tequila, skiing, badminton, volleyball, leisurely breakfasts with friends, The Wyrd sisters, dinner with Hiro, quality time with Cian and Pete, Pete's birthday/sayonara party, 英会話, school, sunshine, car washing, speeding tickets, good books, a little bit of study, jogging, phone calls, flirtations and useless conversations, pick-ups in front of local grocery stores, magic card tricks, dice tricks, and lots of laughter. Sorry to keep anyone in suspense over that, but should I ever hook up, I'll try and do better to keep up.Nicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06993224660404783695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17250292.post-1169020237021712802007-01-17T16:48:00.001+09:002008-10-24T14:56:27.441+09:00Happy New Year!Much belated new year's wishes to all. Unfortunately, I haven't really anything on my mind right now, so I am merely adding to the internet trash that is already out and about, running rampant through the ether (ether, now that is a word I have been wanting to use for a long time, and never seem to find appropriate opportunity).Nicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06993224660404783695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17250292.post-1166506958331235732006-12-19T14:37:00.002+09:002008-10-24T14:57:40.135+09:00First DaysBack at work and already wishing for a holiday. Not that I have long to wait, merely that patience is not my strong suit. And it isn't as if I am run off my feet this week, as both today and yesterday are at my smallest school -- an easy two classes a day. Tomorrow through Friday are all planned, and I only have to wonder and worry about January, however being out of it last week means I can push some lessons back into January and give myself some leeway. Maybe it is just because I am bored. <span style="color:#993399;">I'd rather be skiing, cycling, walking, reading, listening to music, hanging out with friends, writing Christmas cards, packing, cooking, playing volleyball, playing badminton, enjoying some quality flirting, dancing, singing, playing drums, studying J-go, sleeping...</span> Nearly anything, as vacation is so close I can nearly taste it, and there is no way work can compete right now.Nicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06993224660404783695noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17250292.post-1166423088758222052006-12-18T15:14:00.001+09:002008-10-24T14:59:02.944+09:00MumpaliciousMumps-a-lot. Mumparooney. Mumps away. Mumples.<br /><br />Laid down by the mumps for the last week and a half, I spent a lot of quality time being bored off my rocker. Other than the first day or two when I had a fever, it wasn't a particular bad experience. Sure, it hurt and I couldn't eat solid food for quite a while, and I have to admit the mumps definitely didn't suit my haircut, what with becoming quite the Heian beauty (the bottom half of your face is wider than the top), and I was constantly sucking back the ibuprofen for the pain, as well as trying to spend as much time as possible sleeping in the hopes that time would pass faster, but hey, other than that, I was in fine fettle. Hell, I even went to a couple of parties the day after my fever broke (and despite the schools' paranoia that kept me out of the classrooms all last week) nobody I was in contact with caught them from me.<br /><br />Where did I get them? Ah, lucky me picked them up at work. One of my local schools has had the mumps running through it for a couple of weeks now, and lucky me got to take part. I think I am the only adult in the bunch to come down with it too. I've always been a very lucky girl, what can I say...<br /><br />They are gone now, and I am back to solid foods, however my appetite is still missing -- crying shame when you consider the luscious feast that was laid out at Diane's yesterday. Curry, turkey, stuffed gyoza that wasn't gyoza, some fabulous melt in your mouth pork roast, gravy, potato salad, pasta salad, veggie and fruit salad, and even more all laid out for the taking, followed up by some chocolate cakes, brownies, doughnuts, and creme-filled pastries. Well, I have a week now to work myself up to a home cooked Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, so here's hoping I find my appetite in the midst of all those culinary delights.Nicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06993224660404783695noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17250292.post-1165396551723594802006-12-06T18:02:00.002+09:002008-10-24T15:00:41.545+09:00Murmurs, Mumbles, and MeanderingsWelcome to my 151st post! And just to warn you, I have nothing to say! Ha-hah! I do however have a curious predilection that involves overusing my exclamation mark!!<br /><br />My set for the Christmas party is polished off, and it looks like I have decided to make this one a venture into funk and motown. Get a little nostalgic, shall we? Although I can't even really claim it as my own nostalgia, being a bit too young. But I suppose listening to it on my parents' radio station throughout my childhood could claim some of this retro-reminiscing as my own?<br /><br />I have to say I am actually nervous about this one, and not entirely because I am unsure how my set will go down, but also because of one of the boys I am bringing. The same day I get to check him out on the drums, he gets to check me out on the decks. Here's hoping it goes so well as I should like it to...<br /><br />I am currently sporting a new coiffure, short and sporty looking, with just the right amount of sass to keep me happy. Not nearly as pleased with this cut though as I was with the last one, as the hairdresser persisted in using those horrible thinning scissors that my hair desperately doesn't need. Next time, I will definitely ward her off, paying due heed to the words of wisdom Diane uttered.<br /><br />Diane and Hiro's house is coming along very well. To repeat a statement I made many times wandering through the framing, it's absolutely huge! Looking forward to seeing this when it's done, and can completely appreciate the enthusiasm with which Hiro is filiming every step of the way.<br /><br />Christmas shopping is nearly done -- the only person left to shop for is my father, and I am once again stymied. Books? Tools? Music? Clothes? Who knows? And I will only have 1 day after I arrive in Canada to take care of it, flying in as I do on the 23rd. Lord loves shopping that close to Christmas...<br /><br />Adventures in badminton last week have shown me that I may be better at badminton than I am at volleyball, or they could have shown me that the people I was playing with are worse at badminton than I am. I am not sure yet which way I should lean on this, although my spike (volleyball) is getting better, but my serve remains weak.<br /><br />The Christmas party is 3 days off and I am looking forward to it, however slightly less than normal as one of my favourite Yonago boys will be missing as he visits a very ill grandmother. Here's wishing him a safe flight home and hoping things go as well as they can.Nicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06993224660404783695noreply@blogger.com3