Ooooouuuccchhh....

Head hurts.

School E (or was it D? Who cares) is kicking my butt. They want me to calculate my GPA four different ways! Bloody nitpicky. I think this is the worst of the bunch - this is the one that I have to write two essays for. PLUS, I can only send a 10-page max writing sample. At least they aren't that sado-masochistic, because they also mentioned that in lieu of a whole writing sample, I can provide a 10-page excerpt with a cover letter. Phew. The rest of the schools are around 20 pages, one is 25 pages minumum.

Guess who is going to be playing with formatting tools on Word!

Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oi, Oi, Oi!

So I start the hunt for plane tickets.

And I am going to thank a lot of people in very high places who were able to give me A$1000 for my travel, because my plane ticket + getting my arse to Canberra is about A$1200 total.

Hmm.

As a friend pointed out, "Australia for $200 is not bad."

It's not really, but still I will try to find something cheaper. Due to the following circumstances: check-in to the dorms is really 1/28, not 1/29 (mix-up) and that I do need to take Japanese finals and one will be on 2/8 I will be actually leaving most likely the evening of 1/27 and returning 2/7. Can't make it to the knitting group in Sydney, but I will visit the yarn shop (which is near the Opera House!).

Soooooo many things I want to do; I dug up an old article from the NY Times travel section (yeah for getting rid of "Times Select"! Silly thing, really). They have these features, "36 Hours in [Insert City Here]". Here is the description of Sydney:

"A boarding pass to Sydney should come with a warning label: Beware, this city will have you questioning the quality of life in your hometown. Sydney has managed to skim the best parts of other cities and swirl them into a perfect blend of urban bliss. At any given time, visitors can enjoy the sun-soaked laid-back vibe of Los Angeles, the cleanliness and efficiency of Geneva, the energizing hustle and bustle of New York City and the Old World charms of London. Pair all of that with a unique brand of casual Aussie warmth and you’ve got more than enough to justify the otherwise prohibitively long flight to get there."

Wow. And the things they list! I wasn't really planning on going to Bondi, but now it's a must (and maybe for 2 afternoons?). How can I NOT go to Australia in the summer and NOT come back with a tan (or as a tomato? Which is the modus operandi for my skin, but I'll ask for some Coppertone SPF 50 in my care package).

Many of you will probably get sick of me gushing about my trip, but things will die down once all plane/bus/train ticket and lodging issues are settled. Plus, it's NaBloPoMo, this is certainly something worth talking about! Grad school apps are dogging me so I haven't been out much.

I have been playing The Cat Empire non-stop on iTunes. Their new cd is quite different - more mellow but still snazzy. If anyone is piqued, they do have their second album on iTunes and a EP version of their first album as well. It will even be better if they have a show in Sydney like I mentioned before - according to their site, it's going to be an outdoor tour in February.

Security Check

Warning: I'm a bit snappy.

You know, they always say that Japan is safe. It sure is to be quite honest; I mean, there have been nights here where I ride my bike back up from downtown at 1, 2 in the morning by myself. No homeless people (they are all under the bridges at the Kamo River, but they don't bother you) no wierdos. I am too busy flying on my bike to garner any attention. Also, there are still people around; the Kamo River/Kawabata-Dori is one of the major North-South arteries of Kyoto.

But still. Except for the fancy manshons (apartment buildings), most apartment buildings in general don't have any security. The main door to my building is never locked; in fact, most buildings don't even have a front door. The only door that you have is the one to your apartment. Anyone can come in.

That has made me a bit uneasy, but I guess I considered myself lucky.

Until about 5 minutes ago.

I was doing my own thing, listening to The Cat Empire when I heard a knock on my door. I muted my music and checked first if my door was locked, then through the peephole. There was a Japanese woman, of middle age in a suit, sort of.

:::Knock knock:::

I KNEW that she knew that someone was inside because obviously I had my music on and I turned it off. But I didn't open the door. She just kept knocking and even looked at my peephole, as if she was willing to see who was on the other side of the door. I am not opening that door! She said not one word. Just knocked. Then she turned to my neighbor (who I think is a bit of a wierdo, he talks in this wailing voice which sorta creeps me out) and knocked.

That's when I knew I wasn't being targeted specifically, but just going around. Then I heard her knock on other doors but not even my neighbor opened his door. And this wasn't the first time this has happened either!

Call me paranoid, but I really don't like it how people can walk into my building without prior notification, or that the front door isn't locked. It just makes the stereotype of "Japan is safe" even worse. Sure, naysayers can say that it's true but better to be safe than sorry. Things still happen here. This place is not paradise.

I am not knocking Japan (pun not intended) - I like it here a lot. But there are just some things that tick me off, which I think is natural. And when it comes to strange people knocking on my door and not even saying a WORD, then we got issues here.

I'm off to the combini. Comfort chocolate is in order.

It's My (Chinese New) Year and I'll Party if I Want To

Here is something interesting.

I thought that Mardi Gras was going to be in Sydney during my trip there.

Well it's two weeks after but...Chinese New Year is going to be up and running! 2008 is the year of the Rat which is extra special because I was born in the year of the Rat (1984, if anyone was wondering). What better time to see Chinatown? I have been to Chinese New Year in London. Funny thing is, I have NEVER seen Chinese New Year in NYC, which by this point is quite pathetic.

Tickets to "As You Like It" at the Sydney Opera House are $35. Hmm...I would LOVE to see a show there, and I have never seen "As You Like It." My dream was to see "Madama Butterfly" (it's my favorite opera) but beggars can't be choosers. I might also want to do a tour of the place too.

Wake Up!

So, I think I found a place to stay.

Since I am traveling by myself, it gets a bit more expensive. Also, I am debating on how long to stay in Sydney. 5.5 days or 4.5 days? I don't want to run out of things to do, nor do I want to get bored. Tricky tricky. Mel's mom is emailing some relatives/family friends in Sydney, so that is one day about, then I am going to email the prof I know at Uni Sydney so that might be another afternoon, I TOTALLY want to go to Bondi Beach and attempt at a tan (even though I turn into a tomato with SPF 50)....

As for my possible choice of hotel, well it's actually a hostel, called Wake Up! Sydney. I took a look at the site: it has keycard security, no curfew, lockers for personal possessions, color coded and themed floors, ranked 18 out of 20 in LP and according to the most recent review from Trip Advisor (last week actually) it was amazing. Too bad there are no single rooms, but the smallest room they have is 4 people and there is the "Female Only Option." I contacted them and they do have it.

They also won the award for Best Large Hostel in the World and the Best Hostel in Oceania; no matter what it looks a heck of a lot better than the place I stayed in Tokyo. That was a hostel, and it did look dingy. I think if I can survive than place, then this looks like a piece of cake. One professional reviewer called the place a "fancy hotel in disguise."

It looks fun. It's right in the center of Sydney, so at least I won't have a helluva time getting from transportation to it. I started looking on Qantas for flights - its 87,000yen (not like I'm paying for it, however!) and it leaves the 28th of Janaury at 9:20pm and arrives the next day at 11:00am Sydney time. (Australia is two hours ahead of Japan).

PERFECT - considering that I found out how to get to Canberra from the airport; there is a bus that goes directly from the airport (but starts in the city) then goes express to Canberra. Might take the train back into Sydney, since Wake Up! is right across the street from the station.

I also posted a note on the Aussie group over at Ravelry asking for tips on yarn stores, and if there is a local knitting group that wouldn't mind a visitor. Figured since I am on my own, it would be cool to drop in. They have their meeting on Thursdays, which makes me think about leaving the 8th, a Friday as opposed to the 7th, a Thursday. Either way, I can only sign for my scholarship on the 12th because of the flight times and such - so, stay the extra day and have more fun?

Wake Up! is only A$36 so it's not that bad. Just have to think about what I want to see, so I am really going to have to get LP Sydney this Friday. Also have to let teachers know, since I am going to be leaving during finals period and have to reschedule exams if any, then check out the co-op and JTB for tickets because while I can get my ticket at Qantas.com, I don't want to use my credit card.

Do I Come From the Land Down Under?

Come on, everyone knows that song.

I for one am not from the Land Down Under...

...but I am surely going to the Land Down Under!!

I come home after a trip to the Shimadzu factory (seriously it was dull, and this trumps everything right now) a bit down. I checked my email earlier via my friend's cell and no reply.

The-minute-I-turn-on-my-computer-and-check-into-gmail, a new email pops up (this is after I initially check it, I have a pop-up notifier).

I got accepted! Oh. My. God.

What's more...

...I got the travel stipend, room and board!!!

On a sad note, I will be going to Australia for the first time without Mel. And it looks like his return will be without me as well - his high school is having their reunion in October 2008, but I have school at that time, and possibly midterms as well.

So now I am celebrating by eating pastry and blasting The Cat Empire, one of my favorite bands from Australia. My day just gets better - they came out with a new cd!

OH. MY. GOD.

OH MY GOD I JUST GOT AN EMAIL FROM AUSTRALIA SAYING 'HERE IS THE FORM IF YOU NEED TO APPLY FOR A VISA' BUT I STILL DIDN'T GET AN EMAIL SAYING THAT I GOT IN IN THE FIRST PLACE SO I HAD TO EMAIL THEM BACK HELTER-SKELTER AND I STILL DON'T HAVE A RESPONSE YET!!!

And most, importantly...

DID I GET THE BURSARY?

AAAAHHHHH!!!!!

You have NO idea of how much I am yelling at my computer right now, willing that gmail comes back with a response.

O-Yasumi, Yo.

It's late and I need to get to bed. Random stuff:

1) I want the Phildar patterns for the swing jacket, the sailor sweater and the Cabo Marine. And I want them now. (^_~).

2) Red sangria is good. Red sangria with grapefruit is even better. Red sangria, with grapefruit that emits a crapload of more sangria when you bite down on it and is indicative that the fruit was not put in for show, and has properly soaked up the sangria is the best.

3) Vanilla gelato with fresh espresso poured over it from a REAL espresso machine (not that Starbucks crap - not to knock Starbucks overall, but the stuff in Japan is so bad!) is beautiful.

4) I had the best cheeseburger and bite of french toast in my life.

5) Going out to dinner is fun. Going with a friend who loves to eat is even better. Going with a friend who loves to eat in great places that are mere steps away in our neighborhood (we both live in the same 'hood, but different parts of it) is bloody AWESOME.

6) My sister compares the possible neighborhood that she might get an apartment in Rome for next semester as "Flatiron, but close to Chelsea." The other option is in "Chelsea." I turn around and describe my neighborhood as "Park Slope, with a university attached," or "Morningside Heights, but the more residential area, west of Broadway."

O-yasumi, yo*.

(*"Good night!")

Too Close for Comfort

Oh, bah.

There was an earthquake in Nara prefecture a few minutes ago. A thump, and my windows actually rattled.

A bit too close for comfort, that one.

Fill In the Blank

I always forget that I have quizzes in my Monday 8:45am Reading/Grammar class. Who the heck wants a quiz at 8:45am on a MONDAY morning?

I panicked a bit when I got to school, but calmed down. Our teacher (who is also my composition teacher and really amazing) doesn't collect them. It's for our own kimochi. Well, my kimochi tends to go Type-A/Anal-Retentive/Mildly OCD when it come's to school. I am like Cristina on Grey's Anatomy, sans the bitchiness in that department.

But today, taking that quiz blind and going over it, I noticed something. ALL of my fill-in-the-blanks, which I am never good to begin with, were right. I only had one mistake on a kanji reading and one mistake on a hiragana fill-in, otherwise.

WOW.

I think my Japanese is actually a lot better than I thought. I was really happy after that quiz.

Fits and Starts

I seem to be working on my grad applications in fits and starts. A half hour here, an hour there. My draft is done, and now I am fixing it which makes me happy (thanks to a friend with amazing editing capabilities, London Adviser hasn't responded yet) so it will prob be done this week. Maybe. I try not to cry or be terrified of them too much - I have done that and now I am ready to bring it.

I have given myself two days - or rather an afternoon and a day - known as "Grad Apps Day." I will hunker down, and just work on grad apps. I plan to do these twice a week - Wednesday afternoons and all day Friday - till the deadline. Hopefully, I will get ALOT done, since I am planning to print out all related papers and forms on Tuesday and maybe even the paper version of the applications so that I don't have to go online. Thus, I am not tempted by internet demons and I can work on my apps in a cafe. Time to hunker down, and kick some application booty.

Fits and starts is also representative in my knitting. Mel's scarf is going by really slowly, simply because the yarn is so thin and it takes forever (I think it's fingering weight). Not so sure if I will finish it so it's mailed by Christmas, considering the other project I want to make for him. Then, I made one slipper which was meant for me, and I realized that I have too much yarn (I got enough for two pairs incidentally), so then I decided to give them to a friend and then make another pair for me.

Might I add that I LOVE Takumi needles? My new size 10 needles (JPN13) are by Takumi and they were a joy to knit with. I LOVE wooden needles. Can't wait to get to my Takumi circulars, though my DPN's are another brand since they were cheaper. I can totally tell the difference between my 100yen needles and the Takumi's. Dream is to replace 100yen needles with Lantern Moon needles - I think I am a wooden needles knitter.

My sister saw them over Skype and wanted a pair, so I will finish this pair, mail them to her in my little care package that has been sitting on my floor for a month, then make the other pair for my friend. The slippers are a really quick and affordable knit (and turns out I bought enough yarn for two pairs), so it's no matter if I don't get my own pair later rather than sooner. I have to admit, I think I did the overcast stitch quite nicely.

Maybe I will also make a pair of slippers for Mel for Christmas and birthday (he is December, like me). It's DIY this year, though I will be getting him a model Shinkansen train set (but I am waiting to see if they made a model of the newest version of the Shinkansen which came out in July and is f*&$-ing fast). I got him a 19th-century Japanese train engine last year. As you can tell, he collects train sets; I have actually gotten all of them for him too. Guys are hard to shop for, unless they have hobbies.

In other news, I went to Emi's school's November Festival. It involved a lot of eating, and Japanese kids speaking to me in English the minute they saw me. Nonetheless, it was fun. I got there a bit early, so I walked around the (hilly) campus which is in the NE part of Kyoto, carved into the mountains; I found a pond and sat down. I had my knitting with me and my camera; my new banner is a (edited) photo of the pond. It was such a gorgeous say, and so serene, I wanted a photo of myself there. So, I figured out the self-timer and took a photo of myself. The unfortunate thing is, the background noise was not serene silence, but Japanese college boys playing REALLY BAD rock music. Luckily, photos don't emit sound.

Trick or Treat!

Yesterday was Halloween, but I celebrated in on Saturday, the 27th. In the morning, I to Osaka since it was a good opportunity to hang out with Emi in her neck of the woods. We usually hang in Kyoto, but I want to go to Osaka more. Plan was lunch, then shop. Shopping will become VERY crucial as you will see.

First, I had an appointment in a section of Osaka known as "Universal City." Where Universal Studios Japan is located. Seriously, the minute I walked out of the JR Station (where I rode a train festooned with Spiderman) I felt like I just got off the monorail to the Magic Kingdom. And I KNOW the Magic Kingdom.

I felt so odd, so out of place. It was noisy and well...AMERICAN. It was Orlando, with Japanese subtitles. And instead of some tacky old-school Florida museum, we have the Takoyaki Musuem. The Grilled Octopus Museum. And since this IS Japan, there is a mascot whom I call Mr. Takoyaki and he is bloody cute. (P.S. takoyaki is delish. It's a Kansai thing, so you can't find it in Tokyo, as far as I know).

After leaving Orlando - erm, I mean Universal City, Osaka - I met up with Emi at the Shinsaibashi Apple store. I got there a bit early, so I fondled the new Nano's, which I haven't had the change to ogle properly yet. Lunch at a Mexican restuarant which was amazing, and then shopping at Uniqlo. While we were in the NOISY shopping arcade (I wanted to cover my ears), Emi and I passed by a Sanrio store. Scary, but cute. There was this HUGE Hello Kitty doll.

Apologizing to Emi for making her take this picture, I stood next to Kitty-chan and grinned.

Uniqlo is in NYC now and I actually didn't check it out when I was back home. However, if it's like how it is here - GO,GO,GO my fellow New Yorkers!!! Where else can you get quality pima cotton long sleeves to TEN DOLLARS? Their cashmere is quite nice too. And $20 merino sweaters in amazing jewel tones. I got 4 shirts and a straw Ralph Lauren/J.Crew-ish belt for just 500yen. That is less than 5 bucks.

I had to leave early to get ready for the Halloween party. I get back, realize I don't have much time to get dressed and proceeded to put on my Zara dress. Then I notice something: a small tear in the bust of the dress. I got SO mad and actually sad aloud, "*&$%#@ this!" Took the dress off (thank god the tag was still on, I never take tags off till I actually wear it), tossed it in the corner and looked in my cupboard. I needed to think of a costume. And FAST.

Lo and behold, thank god I dress preppy. And that I went shopping at Uniqlo. And got my vintage Chloe purse. And got a gold headband with a bow. And have (fake) pearls. And red lipstick.

I went as "French Riviera Chick from the 50's." Smoky eyeshadow and red lipstick, and ready to go! Uniqlo proved VERY important because all I had to do was look at the belt I got and the lightbulb turned on in my head. Below, is me strutting my stuff in our party's "Kyoto's Next Halloween Top Model Contest", looking my chic-y best:

Some of the girls complemented on my outfit, said I should dress more like this and that I embodied the whole French Riviera thing. Well, at least not too cartoonish, maybe. Secret: that "pin" is actually an earring that I stole from my mom - I saw it in her jewelry box poring over her 80s costume jewelry that is now "in," saw it and thought it would make a great pin.

I now have confidence to tuck in my shirt in that particular skirt - there is a bow that ties in the back and you sort of tuck your shirt in but I never do because I feel a bit self-conscious about the lower half of me.

Nonetheless the party was a blast. We all said it was better than going to a club - lot cheaper, no one smokes and we invite who we wanted to so no skeevy people either. Plus, no cover charge. We were all sore for the next two days because we were dancing so much. And we all plan to do it again - NO ONE complained about the music, and we had it quite loud.

Alas, I didn't win the contest. Wolverine did. His claws were out.

Must...Get...Off

Omg. I just got onto Ravelry.

Username: venusfueri.

Sorry, can't do homework/grad apps/translation/blogging now! I am too busy pilfering through the cardigan patterns and deciding which ones are J.Crew-ish to knit for future reference when I return to the States. Oh, there will be ALOT of knitting next summer in anticipation for fall!

Kill Me. Now.

I hate writing my personal statement...

I hate writing my personal statement...

I hate writing my personal statement...

Whoa.

That is the one thing I can think of saying at the moment.

Perusing my site meter, I noticed that someone, or something has lead this blog, and not even my now defunct "in the middle of the academy" (that is on hiatus) to be on this one history network site, in particular the blog listing. I am listed under "Academic Lives."

I am not sure if I should be flattered, or concerned. What I would like to know is how the heck I ended up on that list; it's one thing if my other blog was listed because that blog is part of the Grad Carnival, but this one? It's hitting a bit too close to home. So far, there are no consequences - not like many people comment on the blog (those who do you rock!) and this link will self-destruct in say, April 2008.

But it's a bit unnerving, especially since there can be consequences that I am not aware of. Whoever did it, speak up please! It would be greatly appreciated, since I am just curious about it.

Then again, it's on the blogroll, which means someone trowled the internet and thought my blog was worthy of being on the list? Said website is a pretty decent history network, so maybe I shouldn't be so wary. I'll just be more aware.

Decisions, Decisions

So it has been confirmed, I am going to the party this Saturday - woot, woot!

In retrospect, this is actually my first real "grown-up Halloween party" which is cause for more excitement.

Another idea: I go as "Gossip Girl" herself, or some combination of all my ideas thrown in - the hipster part of the "damaged socialite" would be in what I wear, and my story is that I cam from a charity benefit yes, but in the Meatpacking District, or Brooklyn. The Gossip Girl part? Have no clue, but I should be texting my friends away during the evening with gossip, Gossip Girl style - possibly?

Halle-bloody-lujah

It did NOT rain.

Or rather, it rained again when I was at El Coyote, but it did not rain when I rode my bike there, or when I came home. Thank god.

PS. Bailey's with milk is an awesome drink. Slight kick but not too strong. I have discovered that I despise strong drinks.

Thinking of Him

You know, I just realized I have been blogging for almost two years, been together with the him for almost 8 (yep, since I was 15), been engaged and I have never posted a picture of Mel - just in case if anyone is wondering what he looks like.

In terms of looks, we are like night and day: I am fair-skinned, light-brown hair and blue eyes, Mel is more olive-skinned, thick, black-black hair and brown eyes. He insists that he is 6'1" but when we stand next to each other straight, he is only an inch or two taller than me.

You really can't call us "high school sweethearts" because when we started dating I was a sophomore in high school, and he a freshman in college. But we did meet in high school - in Science Club class.

Funny thing: when I was presenting at a NYC Science Fair when I was a junior, my mom, Leah and Mel came along. My mom was chatting with another woman, who remarked upon seeing Mel and Leah and finding out that I was in the science fair room, "Oh that is too sweet! You have kids all in junior high, high school and college!" She thought Mel was her son, which was cute.

I still have a photo of him in my wallet from the first letter that he ever wrote me - it was a digital photo, printed out on regular paper. We still look the same, sort of; a little older, the hair is different (he insists on cutting it almost military short - I blame my dad for that since he has his own military haircut, whereas I have gone through various lengths of short and shorter, and blonde and blonder). I don't have that many pictures of him on my computer (as all the photos from our trips are on his) so when he finally utilized the Flickr Pro account I got for the both of us, I downloaded my favorite photo.

Now, as I get ready to go out and brave the rain to go salsa dancing, the only one other thing that I am thinking, besides "Please don't let me get too wet" is, "How I wish Mel was with me."

Rain, Rain, Go Away...

...come again on a day when I am not supposed to be going out!

First, it was the night I went to Sam&Dave (a club) a few weeks ago when Chen came back. I took a taxi because I wanted to treat myself. And tonight, it's Salsa dancing at the usual place, El Coyote for my Russian friend Uly's birthday. I want to wear my Tory's but it's bloody nuts out there. Pfft.

How the heck is a girl supposed to look nice when it's raining cats and dogs! I am NOT going to risk my nice shoes in this mess; there is a big spot on my riding boots now that doesn't seem to go away when my wet shoes fell on it and I didn't notice till it was too late.

It has been raining ALL DAY LONG. Since exactly 9:18am according to my keitai. And not just a drizzle - a proper pissdown!

How do I know the exact time?

I had my koto lesson this morning (today, I learned a Japanese lullaby - now I need to get the words to it to file away into my brain for future reference). I woke up to the sound of rain and thought, "Dammit, have to spend 500yen on the one-day bus pass" (I need to take two buses to get all the way down to the Kujo/Tofukiji area, a little south of Kyoto station).

Then, as I got outside my apartment, I noticed that there wasn't any rain. So, I hopped on my bike, knowing somewhat that I am risking it. It was a "Damned if you do, damned if you don't" situation: if I take the bus, it won't rain. If I ride my bike, then it will rain.

It started to rain, just as I arrived at my teacher's house. Ok, I thought, it's just going to be for awhile and there will be a lull long enough for me to get to Ogawa on Sanjo for some coffee and to dry off.

Man, the Shinto god of rain must hate me, if there is one. Since I am not sure, I invoke Zeus as the person upstairs that hates me at the moment.

It has not stopped all day. Good thing I know how to ride my bike whilst holding my umbrella; I went slowly and meandered through the traffic without a hitch, save crashing on my ankle which I did to myself but it doesn't hurt now.

My legs were soaked (the umbrella only works on keeping your upper half dry, since you are still pedaling). The stuff inside my Herve Bag (waterproof it is NOT) is soaked. I felt like a cold, drowned rat.

Missing Autumn

It's getting cooler now, but the weather in Kyoto is such that it is nice and crisp in the mornings and the evenings, but boiling during the day. According to my sister, Leah, it's the same in Rome.

I have to admit, I miss autumn in New York. Call me cliche, but there is nothing more satisfying then getting out of the 17th street exit at Union Square on the N/R/W/L line and ascending right into the Farmer's Market, for one thing. For another, just walking down the avenues with a hot drink in hand or just hanging out, enjoying the weather.

The air is crisp - which means the regular icky city smells (which I barely comprehend because I am either used to it, or my nose is dead) are gone and it's just replaced with a fresh nip - along with the smells of Starbucks Apple Cider or Pumpkin Latte from the Starbucks on the corner of 17th and B'way (it was featured in an episode of SATC, when Carrie has a sorta fight with Aidan and leaves the apartment). Everyone still runs about, but there is a bit of a slowdown, especially on a bright and crisp day. So sunny in fact, that you still need sunglasses along with your scarf.

Sure, the leaves are not that great. They barely get any color and by the time they do, they fall. But I don't mind.

I have never seen a New England autumn, only in photos. I have never gone apple picking, or pumpkin picking for that matter. Call me cliche city girl, but unfortunately none of the family cars would not make it out upstate or to LI because they were quite old (but now that has changed! Parents got a new car - me yia tous*). However, if we went late enough in September to our annual Woodbury Commons pilgrimage for back-to-school shopping, then the Catskills would be aglow.

Last year, I experienced autumn in Kyoto - but in reality it was a blink-and-miss. The weather is so odd here; I was still just wearing a tshirt with a cardigan come the end of November with just a light jacket for the evenings. There was one weekend when all the leaves were out in their flaming glory and poof! They fell. I just kept on asking, "Where did autumn go?" This year, I am going to try to pay a little more attention to the weather and make my second Kyoto autumn more fulfilling.

Now that I am applying to grad school, in a way I sort of dread it for a silly but somewhat significant (to me at least) reason: if I do not get into School A (which is in NYC and my first choice) then I won't experience a fulfilling New York Autumn for a very long time.

*Me yia tous/Me yia sas - something you say in Greek when you get something new or succeeded at something, sorta like "Congrats". The former is plural and when you talk about someone, and the latter is singular and directed to the person - so if I was blogging to my parents directly instead to the world at large, I would say that instead of the former.

To Do: Months of October 2007 to March 2008

I make weekly to-do lists. I like to know at least the things that should be accomplished during the week; it is somewhat obsessive-compulsive and Type-A anal-retentive, but it makes me feel better. It sorta harks back to the homework pads that I used to have in grade school.

A few posts ago, I made a list of things to do. To make sure that I actually do them, I decided I should give an update. So here is update 1:

1) Antiques Grand Fair - check, with two kimono and a vintage Christian Dior silk scarf for my sister
2) Interesting field trips for my class that I am the CA for - check in progress, semester ain't over yet (so far: two museums, one shrine festival and a visit to a Buddhist graveyard at a temple this week)
3) Maybe a trip to Okinawa/Hokkaido with some of my students/classmates? - no check, 90% chance going somewhere over Christmas so this is off the list
4) Japanese language classes start up next week at Kyodai - check, I get the placement test results tomorrow
5) Need to blog on the Kyoto Botanical Garden - check
6) Fall Light-Ups at the Temples (and a VERY delayed post on last March's Spring Light-Up for context, and another delayed post on Shirahama) - Shirahama, still working on that. The Fall-Light ups: those start in November. I plan ahead in advance.
7) I need to go to Osaka to get Kate Spade refills for my organizer (yeah yeah, I know I can get a cheaper refill but KS is so pretty! And I am a stationary whore). And I want to go to the Umeda Sky Building. - check on October 27, though I am thinking of getting a Japanese diary thing for this year to save some money since KS stuff is expensive. I saw a pretty KS-ish one at Loft for 1800yen and it is both monthly and weekly. Plus, I won't have to carry my big gold organizer anymore - I get these phases where I don't want to use it, and now is the time, methinks for something new. As for Umeda, maybe next time - might go to Suntory Museum instead with my friend Emi.
8) Random free festivals at Shinto Shrines - check, going to Nonomiya Jinja in Arashiyama's bamboo grove this Sunday
9) Momiji Madness Month (aka people go gaga for fall leaves in November)- it's just starting to get chillier now!
10) More flea markets- most likely in December, as I am broke, going to Osaka next week and I have the flea market that Emi is running at her school's festival on November 3.
11) TRY to see Kabuki in December-working on that, but I have the rest of my life to see kabuki, really
12) Check out a Sake Museum possibly- probably in November
13) Get my bum over to Kobe for the Illuminarie in December and eat Kobe beef!!!- this is in December
14) I get to play teacher November 22, when I give a lecture to my students/classmates on expositions in the Meiji period- starting to get a bit nervous about this...though I am probably overreacting
15) Oh yeah...grad apps.- London advisor (L.a.)knocked off 4 from my list, but I put one back for my own sanity since it's a safety and now I have 7 as opposed to 10. I apologized to (L.a.) saying that my personal statement wasn't done yet and yes, I am guilty of procrastinating and he just turns to me and says "Calm down, you will do fine, you have done well, its only October."

That doesn't mean that my somewhat frayed nerves are not un-frayed. No matter how many people tell me that I did good, I still feel like the black sheep (since I didn't do the traditional East Asia Studies major and study Japanese like everyone else) and inadequate, but that's the topic for another day.

Nonetheless, still many things to look forward too. At last count, I have 1,113 photos of Japan alone in my iPhoto. And more this Wednesday (Buddhist graveyard/temple) and Sunday (Nonomiya Jinja and the bamboo grove).

Damn Straight!

A couple of months ago, this fancy designer created these bags that said "I am Not a Plastic Bag" for Whole Foods (they were sold at Sainsbury's in the UK - don't ask how I know that). I saw them featured online in the blogs and sorta wished that I could get my hands on one of them - but I was still in Japan in July and not that crazy.

Instead, I got this from the UFO Catcher in the arcade, which I had learned about thanks to a girl I know who got the same one (but mine is in a different color, and I know copying is bad but I told her I really liked it a lot, so I warned her to begin with). What is cool about it is that it's in Japanese, so this makes it way better than the Whole Foods one. Plus, as I pointed out to my friend, we actually understand what it says.

The kanji read: "Watashi wa biniiru-bukuro ja nai!!!"

"I am NOT a plastic bag!!!"

Damn straight.

Strike a Pose

SO many titles to choose from for this blog. Mostly from Madonna songs.

Regardless...

On Friday I went to the Sagawa Art Museum with 3 of the s/c's from my class; it was in Otsu, over the eastern mountain range near Lake Biwa. We, along with 5 others (who came to the museum as we were leaving) volunteered to check out the Raku Bowls collection at the museum, and a teahouse that is built on the site. The class this Monday focuses on tea in Kyoto - and Japanese tea sure as hell played a big role in politics. Not so much now, however.

The museum was amazing. Give me that museum, turn it into a house and it would make some fancy architectural magazine.
The pictures don't do it justice. More on Flickr.

We saw the bowls and generally loved the museum - unfortunately we didn't get enough time to see the other art galleries. Why? We were too busy having fun with a blank cement wall.



Models we do not make. There was this cavernous room on the lower level of the Raku Kichizaemon building, where the entrance to the teahouse and the galleries where the bowls were located. It was actually underneath the moat surrounding museum, one of those 6-inch deep ones for decorative purposes, and the glass bottom was a part of the ceiling.

This let light come inside; I wanted to take a picture before we went into the gallery but a gallery person told us to wait till noon, where the light was best. It was sure worth it, and a lot of fun. I have to say that is one of my most favorite museums now.

Oh, Sunny Day

Yesterday was quite sunny so yeah for new sunglasses! I can't help it - aviators really make you feel bad-ass, lol. One girl said all I was missing was a bomber jacket. Now THAT would have looked awesome with my outfit yesterday: v-neck plum sweater, cream pashmina scarf tied around my neck, dark jeans tucked into riding boots. Pity it's still sort of hot and I would not buy a bomber jacket in Japan.

(On an interesting note, one girl pointed out that should I go to Australia, I should get a new pair of Uggs there - we were talking about chucking clothes when we leave japan and I told her I'm going to toss my 3-year old pair.)

Today I am taking my placement test for my Japanese classes after my CA-class. This week has been a bit messy, though I did get some work on my personal statement done yesterday.

I am about 90% done with the draft: just need to finish up the research section, random paragraph on my I want to go to school A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H,I,J (yep TEN schools, I just haven't figured out which school is which letter in the alphabet for the appropriate pseudonymous moniker and I deleted one from the list but added another) and a closer on "What the hell do I plan to do with a Ph.D in Japanese urban history." The latter part is sorta done because of the Master's application go-round (half of my personal statement is my master's recycled but polished anew and updated).

Going to a club thing tonight with some of my s/c's from my class; one of the girls is a musician and she is performing. I listened to some of her songs from MySpace and I love it! It's a mix of jazz and folk, think a youngier and edgier Madeliene Peyroux with some Feist mixed in maybe? Looking forward to it and if she is selling cd's I will definitely buy one.

Then this weekend is a matsuri at my local shrine - part of a project for the class I am a CA for. Oy vey and Japanese classes start up in full swing next week. I am going to be busy, busy, busy.

And then there is the gym. I WILL stick to the Self-Goal plan, I think I can I think I can, I want that J.Crew dress, I want that J.Crew dress...

And the Winner Is...

...the Ray-Ban Aviators, gold frame and pink lenses! If you want to see a very horrible pic of me in them, as the batteries to my camera are dead, drop a line in the comments section.

My reasons for ditching Kate this time were thus:
1) They looked quite snazzy
2) Mel told me pretty much I need to get metal frame sunglasses so I can stop whining every time a pair breaks (HIS Oakley's have lasted 7.5 years, so the man has a point)
3) Aviators, according to Wikipedia are so popular because they suit many faces (so that assuaged any uncertainties on it somewhat)
4) They weren't tight on my face to begin with, so that means they wouldn't stretch
5) My sister (my harshest critic) approved (thank god for cell phones with cameras and email capabilities!)
6) I wanted to start spicing things up in my wardrobe
7) I can literally say that I look at things with "rose-colored glasses." Not so much a reason but a funny little pun.

Besides, I am still loyal to dear Kate. I am going to Osaka the 27th and I am hightailing it to the store to get my refills (and to mentally drool over the bags, and to mentally scream over the prices). And I am still holding onto my old ones in hopes that I can fix them and use them as my "beach glasses."

I checked them out Sunday after the Antiques Fair because my friend wanted to check out the department stores. She saw my neck scarf and recognized that it was Celine. Now then, people would think that I spent like $300 on it, but nope! 1500yen. She was totally shocked, because she has worked in a Celine boutique before. I think I mentioned once before that some brands make these cheap-o handkerchiefs, which I use as "couture-on-the-cheap." So she wanted to check them out.

I also wanted to check out something as well. Rumor had it that Daimaru Dept. store was where J.Crew had their foothold in Japan. Well, yes they do, but no it's NOT affordable. A dress that I like (and I most definitely plan to get - on sale that is) is $220 in the states, $400 in Japan. HOWEVER...this means I can resort back to the old J.Crew modus operandi: try on in store, wait till sale, order ASAP when on sale.

Provided they have my size that is. However, I signed up for this one-month challenge from Self magazine, just to get my booty moving and some motivation. I start tomorrow and am quite looking forward to it - free workout plan!!! I am downloading all the A/V stuff and saving all the info into a doc file so that in case after the 4 weeks my account is deleted, I still have all the workout routines.

At first, I was freaked out by how the aviators looked, but then I got quite used to them. I am very cautious when making purchases say over $100 - in this case, I took the photos, asked people's opinions (I also emailed Elisa, my mom and I think Deena) and I converted the Japanese price into American dollars to make sure I wasn't getting ripped off (I didn't - $137 after conversion and that is WITH the tax, and its $129.99 at SunglassHut.com). Then I went back to Daimaru yesterday, walked right in and got them.

Now I wish it was SUNNY so I can wear them! It's been cloudy this week so far and it doesn't look any better for the rest of the week. I still have hope.

Water, Water Everywhere, and Actually a Few Drops to Drink

Yesterday, I went to the Grand Antiques fair in the Fushimi area of Kyoto, several minutes south of Kyoto station by train. I went there with another girl and in hopes of picking up a few interesting things.

Well, there were a lot of interesting things - but WAY out of my league in terms of price. Suits of samurai armor, old estate jewelry, vintage scrolls, laquerware, furniture, pottery, etc. etc. In short almost anything under the sun. Some prices were utterly ridiculous.

I did, however find some things within my budget. Note to anyone going to Kyoto for a holiday - the best sort of souvenier you can get is a kimono, so long as your in town for any antiques fairs or the monthly fair at Toji Temple which is on the 21st of each month. Kimono are cheap, gorgeous and make great wall hangings. And they can be found almost anywhere - there were more kimono at that fair than I can shake a stick at. How do I know? I got TWO.


The black one is a formal, five-crested (the little circles) kimono usually worn by older women for occassions such as weddings. Younger women wear kimonos with brighter colors and longer sleeves, so that is my next goal. When I was at the fair I even saw a gorgeous wedding kimono - not that I would get it to wear to my own wedding, but if I had the money (it was only 8000yen but I only had 7000yen total to spend) I would have gotten it, it was gorgeous. I got the black one for 2000yen.

The second one was the first one that I got. The good thing about going to the last day of the antiques fair (or at the end of any flea market) is that prices get marked down. Case in point: my Chloe bag was marked down to 400yen from 800yen and then to 300yen when I apparently showed some hesitation. The white kimono was marked down from 2000yen to 1000yen - and as you can see in the detail picture, it was actually the design that got me since it was folded.

Unfortunately, there are some stains but they are more on the front of the kimono; I plan to hang it showing the back of it off a curtain rod when I get back home. I am actually thinking of going to the Toji fair this month - the 21st is a Sunday and I figured I can finish up my kimono shopping there before it gets too cold. Apparently to get the best selection I need to be there very early - normally I would go at the end but for this fair, I would want to go early.

I also picked up some old pictures for my mom at 100yen each, but also got another bargain, this time for my sister - a vintage Christian Dior silk neck scarf for 300yen.

Zannen*

*What a pity.

Seriously.

My sunglasses broke today. And so the conversation about fancy designer sunglasses begins and my dilemma.

My nice, retro-ish, big frame blue/brown tortoise-print Kate Spade sunglasses, that I got for $43 at Century 21 (discount store) in Brooklyn. That's me wearing them, with my feet in the Pacific Ocean at Shirahama. I kinda figured I had this coming - I wear them almost everyday (don't want crows feet and my eyes are sensitive b/c they are light colored, it's an actual medical fact!) and plus, when you get stuff at the discount store, it's obviously not going to be in perfect condition. They were in the glass counter and when I tried them on, obviously the lady doesn't go get a new pair when you decide to buy them - you buy the ones that are on the floor. I have gone through 2 pairs of them and now that my sunglasses are totally shot - the screw fell off so the stick thing over the left ear fell off - time for a new pair.

I actually do need a pair - I ride my bike and it's really hard to ride your bike when your squinting or when the sun is in your eyes. I know winter is coming but the sun is still strong and now that I care about the skin around my eyes and my eyes are just darn sensitive I wear them if my eyes bother me in the winter as well. Case in point: when I go to Brooklyn with Mel by car on the BQE, I end up wearing my glasses because the combo of the sun glaring off the cars and the sun just bothers me.

However, should I get a pair here? I need to go to the Kate Spade store regardless for refills on my organizer. I could actually trek out to the outlet (yes they have American style outlets in Osaka and they have a Kate Spade one). I mean, I have not paid full price for either of my KS sunglasses and the total counts for $86. A basic pair runs at about $160 so its like by two, get one free: $160 x 3 = um...$480, say $530 with the taxes, and had spent about $95 with tax on just two pairs of glasses, so $530-160 (hypothetical price of new glasses)-95= I saved in theory say $255-$275.

Oh my. My love for Century 21 grows ever larger (until last year, I bought all my Seven jeans for under $50, but I needed a new pair of jeans and they didn't have nay new ones so I got a full price pair of Citizens and I was justified in that as well, given the money I saved on the 5 or 6 pairs of Sevens over the previous 4 years).

However, I have come to this realization as well: not get Kate Spade. Get another brand. The chance is here!

:::GASP:::

Call me silly, but Kate Spade is my thing. When people know me, they know that I am the Kate Spade/J.Crew wh*re. Ever since senior year of high school (^_~). Obviously I can't afford it most of the time but still, that's my thing.

I mean I could go try on other ones but my rationale is that everyone and their mother has the Gucci, the Chanel, the Ray Bans...hmm I wouldn't mind Ray Bans actually, depending on the style - not those ones that are popular now, they are too trendy and they don't fit my face, regardless. Those are classic. Point being, no one actually does Kate Spade when it comes to the fancy stuff. On any given day in NYC I will count at least 5 of Coach, Prada, Gucci and LV. Kate Spade? 1 more besides me - if I'm lucky. And I don't count the nylon bags (though the Jack Spade messengers are quite popular).

Also, I could just go get a pair of cheap-o ones till I get the money for nice ones, but the thing is, I can't tell if they have the UVA/UVB protection. I mean, come on, my Japanese friend didn't know what sunblock was and their sunblock here is horrible. Everything here is mostly for the fashion, so I would rather plunk down the money and get myself a quality pair.

But I would like to see any other styles as well - so while I will have fun with the Gucci, Chanel etc. I obviously can't afford it. My budget is about $175-$200 with tax maximum. Which is why I like Kate Spade as well - in some cases, it is quite affordable compared to the other brands. For now, I am eyeing the colette in navy or brown, greta in another color besides black if they have it, and bethany in either navy or brown.

What do you guys think? Any other options for sunglasses?

The Wheels on the Bus Go 'Round and 'Round...

As a part of the course that I am a CA (course assistant, I don't teach, so I am not a TA, teacher's assistant) for, there are a lot of field trips - of a sort. They are meant for the students (and myself, because I do the homework too) to get out and about in Kyoto because the course is about Kyoto.

One assignment called us to go to explore nature in the city; I being a city girl myself and pretty much can't tell the difference between a maple and an oak tree (though I do know what a Japanese maple looks like) I figured the best bet was to go to the Kyoto Botanical Garden. One part of the assignment was to identify what the bug or the plant was and to see what kigo is assigned to it. I have my new nifty denshi jisho and could easily figure that out. The plus side of going to a botanical garden?

SIGNS. There are signs in front of the trees. And plus, it was an interesting take to see how nature was under a controlled environment.

So I went with one of my students/classmates (henceforth known as s/c) and my camera died shortly after we arrived. My s/c took take photos with her camera while I did denshi-jisho duty, and she let me keep my own copies of the photos. My favorite part of the garden was the greenhouse: the combination of the greenhouse, flowers and the small pond in front reminded me of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, with the Palm House and the lily ponds in the front.

Today, I went with 3 other s/c's to the Tale of Genji Museum since on Monday the class tackles the question of where is the Tale of Genji is in Kyoto today. Simply put: nothing from circa 1000C.E. (the period where the story takes place and where it was written) survives in the city, save for one Buddhist temple called Byodo-in and some other few small sites here and there. Everything was made of wood and paper. Nothing survives.

So, people down in Uji (city south of Kyoto and the place where the last 10 chapters of the book take place) decided to make a museum dedicated to the story and make it also a center for research. The issue was to see how museums tell history and how it fulfills its purpose. Even though it's not so much as a Tale of Genji Museum as a Tale of Genji - Last 10 Chapters of the Book Museum it was very nicely done, fancy yet subtle at the same time (it's designed to look like a Heian mansion but more modern of course).

Boring, geeky academic stuff aside, it was nice to go see the museum. I have three versions of the story (2 translations, an abridged version of the translation) and added another - an abridged, children's version in Japanese. One of my favorite parts of the museum was this techo-modern take on the traditional Japanese arched bridge. I'm thinking it was put there because the final chapter of the book is called "The Floating Bridge of Dreams." I tried to jump in the air when this photo was taken, but the effect of it is still pretty cool.

A~Zed

A different take on the 100 THings. Got this off a new read called Pretty in Pink and Green .

A-Available or single? Very much taken and very happy.
B-Best friend? Have a few very close and very good friends.
C-Cake or pie? Hmm...tricky! Right now I will go for Lipton's (yes, the tea company has a chain of cafes in Japan) "Rare Cheese with Berry" cake.
D-Drink of choice? 1) Greek Frappe in the summer 2) Ogawa Strong Blend Coffee in the winter 3) Peach Tea 4) Water with lemon slices
E-Essential item I use everyday? My gold Kate Spade organizer
F-Favorite colors? Plum purple right now.
G-Gummy bears or gummy worms? Bears
H-Hometown? Greek-town, Queens, NYC
I-Indulgence? Almost anything in a green Kate Spade box, mani/pedi and a facial.
J-January or February? February. Anniversary with fiance.
K-Kids and names? I want three, and for now if it's a girl it will be Natasha.
L-Life is not complete without...family and friends.
M-Marriage date? Tentatively September 12, 2009. We will finalize it most likely in April 2008, shortly after I return to the States.
N-Number of siblings? 1 younger sister, 2 younger future-BIL and one younger future-SIL.
O-Oranges or apples? Apples
P-Phobias or fears? STAIRS. Yeah I know it's weird. But I have fallen down alot and that's why as much as I would love to wear heels, I really don't. And I am terrified of snakes.
Q-Favorite quote? "What is history, but a fable agreed upon?" - by Napoleon; sorta keeps me in check when I wax on a particular topic in my research.
R-Reason to smile? I am *almost* ready to finalize plans for the holidays.
S-Season? Autumn. Riding boots and tweed here I come!
T-Tag? You're it.
U- Unknown fact about me? I can whistle at a really high pitch, because I played the flute for about 4 years.
V-Vegetable you don't like? Weird Japanese things that I can't recognize.
W-Worst habit? I bite my nails way too much.
Y-Your favorite food? Butakatsu-don: totally fattening, but the best comfort food ever.
Z-Zodiac ? Sagittarius.

Can Ya Pay Mah Telephone Bills, Can Ya Pay Mah Automo-bills

Oh sweet relief.

September was quite unbearably hot, which meant I used my air conditioner. I thought it would be quite a lot since there were some occasions in which I would leave it on all night. However, I did my green part - which, I do admit, was partially motivated by the fact that I do NOT want to pay an extortionate amount of money for my electric bill. I thought it would be around ichi-man, (10,000yen, or about $80-$100).


The electric meter dude just came by.

I opened my little envelope with much trepidation.

3,614yen.

That is how much I pay on average during the wintertime - thank god. I may have mentioned this before, but they are cutting my stipend by ichi-man next month: boo. Eh, now that Japanese language classes are starting next week, I won't be in my apartment so much, regardless.

In Japan, you can pay your utility bills at the combini (and you can do everything at the combini, I love my local combini and I think one of the people that works there even recognizes me at this point) - you take the big white piece of paper with the amount to the register and they stamp it, scan the barcode and there ya go. No need to go mail a bill and go through all that hassle of trying to remember to buy stamps, as you can also pay the bills at the Post Office ATM machine. That I have not figure out how to do, which in a way, is all the better, since the Post Office is now privatized.