Sunday Sunday

Nothing much happened today. Just got some detergent and some soup at the Seiyu store went back to my room and did the wash. Watched Walking tall and Sky Captain and the World of tomorrow - and liked both, of course.

The detergent here smells amazing so I'm perfectly happy with my wash.

Tomorrow I go out once again in hopes of getting a phone - this time I've got new backup.

Cell fun pt. 205969753332

Once again I found myself in Shibuya with Shine and Keita at the softbank store where I sat for 2 hours going over the entire plan...again. I felt pretty good about this time because I had contacted my bank and the issue seemed to be resolved yet tragically that was far from the case. Once again the card was denied for some odd reason. And it seems to be random at best, I've talked to other people and some cards have been taken and others not. I did have a fun conversation with a man from North Carolina who took great pride in new and upcoming technology and he was certainly on his game - but other than that I'm clueless. I even tested my card at an office store before going to softbank and it worked beautifully so wakaranai.

My new plan is to open a Japanese bank account at Mizuho or somewhere nearby and work with that. This whole situation is absolutely ridiculous and I will get it resolved on Monday!

After that we went out to the Bape store which was alright, personally I like the style but I really really feel that they completely overprice for the quality of product given. The store itself was very impressive so I'll use that as a reparation for their insanely high prices ($70 for a tee shirt).

After that we got a crepe at a tiny little side store and like most things it was delicious. Later we went to an Udon place which had big bowls for 280 yen which for me is paradise because I love the stuff. Other than that we just went to a couple arcades and hung around Shibuya all day - we got an invite to a birthday party at Akasaka but we were all to tired and kindly rejected the offer.

I also switched all my classes to Tuesday Thursday which will be absolutely fantastic - its essentially equal to a normal day of highschool...except twice a week. I'm going job hunting very soon so hopefully I run into something good.

We also checked out the new station in Shibuya, there are these random doors that don't make sense at first but when you take a look up you see that they are for fires and the building gets sealed off from these walls the come down from the ceiling - its crazy.

Cell phone extravaganza or...and Karaoke

Today got up at a decent hour and hung around for a bit before heading out to meet Shine and Keita at 2. We met at Hachiko exit at Shibuya - from there we went to a less common softbank and tried to get Shine the Iphone - this went on for an hour before we were told to come back later. Keita gave his number and we headed off to a larger store near the citibank where we were put in the waiting room for a bit. At this point Vincent showed up because he was in the area looking for the citibank to withdraw some money. So eventually I got up and we sat there getting the papers filed out...and we sat some more and some more 3:30 turned to 4:40 that turned to 5:50 Shine went back to see if hers was ready - but her debit wouldn't go through so she came back 5:50 turned to 6:30 to 7:30 so we went off and got some food at wendy's were we then got a call saying that my card didn't go through and that they shredded the papers. So I figured my card was blocked so I called the emergency number my bank back in the states gave me and found that the card was still perfectly active. So we went back - being 8:30 this time - the same employee who was helping me actually got dressed back up and came to try again where we did 3 hours worth of work in 25 minutes. And once again the card would not go through so we gave out, said our thanks and left to meet John and his Temple 1 semester friends. At this point it was thundering like mad and the rain was coming down hard - I didn't have an umbrella today because the weather was gorgeous up to this point but it was ok because Keita let me get under his. We ran off to a Karaoke place and split ways with John's friends who wanted to go to a bar. So we then did our thing - it was all free refills which was great - I ended up singing Celine Dion My Heart will Go on with Vincent and some other more embarrassing songs but no one really cared.

Following that we left around 12 to catch some of the last trains.

Now this was pure insanity, I was jammed more close to 15 people than I have ever been in my life. Practically the entire car seemed drunk so it was like I was a part of a wave shifting with the train, so tight I couldn't move my arms more than an inch or two. Luckily I had a short ride so the experience was over quick. My friends were not so lucky - because of the thunderstorms many of the trains were stopped and people were left stranded for a good chunk of time. I really lucked out tonight with my stop so close.

(more pics)

More good times with Aisha, Megan, and Yoshi! Train passes & Health Insurance

First off, train passes and health insurance - the first train pass was simple enough - showed the stations handed out 10,000 yen and it was a done deal...but it was only too Ebisu because I guess he couldn't mix the JR with the subway. Off to Shinjuku where I actually knew where I was going this time! Made it up to the 4th floor where I struggled a bit getting my message across, but the man was very smart and helpful and did everything right, getting me the discount and it worked out better than I could ever have hoped. Off to Ebisu where things got a little more confusing. The man at the desk saw my old ticket and didn't see why I needed another until I told him that I had two transfers - to Roppongi and to Azabu-Juban in which he finally understood and made out my passmo for......14,000!! For three stops, very expensive! Off to school after getting lost in Azabu for a bit - have got to watch for those exits.

No fun at school today... :/

And that's a lie, I had to go in to talk about the phone and my being 19 issue and hand in my transcript. The phone situation is really weird as some people already got it, it really depends on which station you go to. With the transcript I ended up going to the wrong building because I didn't get very good instructions - so I had this very cute secretary take me back to TUJ where I asked people who did know where to go.

It finally worked out but I was really late to meet Aisha and her buds for Shibuya and Harajuku. I eventually got there found them while accidentally scaring Aisha - we went off to Harajuku walked down Takeshita Street - the gals looked at clothes, Yoshi and I played the guy role well. The worst was this store of thousands of famous Japanese men photos in which I swear those two were in for an hour - Yoshi and I opted out. After that, more fun shopping! Eventually we worked our way down, past this awesome white cafe place with touch screens and cool picture apps. We wound up at Denny's (I think) where I got an excellent dish of snowcrab spaghetti had more fun before heading down to Shibuya doing that awesome picture machine thingy and then attempting to get me a cell trial #3 in which we got super close until they said it'd cost 10'000 a mount..... So obviously something went wrong so we butted out and worked our ways home.

I also got my mic working and was able to call my mom which was nice. (thanks to the innovations of Skype and extremely cheap prices)

Registration fun, a trip of course, and Yakiniku!

Fun time today. Came in with a smaller crowd today - Casey, Keith and some others - all the transfer kids. So I get there and get in the line to get my folder but for some reason it isn't there. So the first thing I think is UVM didn't send it - and my assumption was correct; no transcript. Right before that my friend Aisha was told that she was not a graduating student and was only there for a semester, her eyes got all big because she definitely was - so this seriously went on for 3 minutes before they asked "oh wait are you Sarah" when getting the next folder - basically they were talking to the wrong girl. Poor Aisha being scared half to death, but it worked out even though they are making her come back on friday even though she already had credits.

So with my situation, I was forced to go up stairs and get my transcript by hand (because I didn't have an ID and I didn't want to pay for the printer. So I gave it to Sarah (the business adviser) and she okay'd me to go ahead and try to catch up with the presentation. From there it was individual advising sessions/group which basically was me picking out my courses and the big adviser saying it was to hard and I couldn't do it. But I did it anyways - and finally moved to register, but the computer system was down - 30 minutes later I finally got in to find out that half of the "open" courses were closed or wouldn't let me in - brilliant! I eventually got it done with a completely new schedule - go figure. Following that there were more issues but I eventually got my ID and train pass confirmation. I also talked to OSS about not being 20 in regards to cells, which will be figured out tomorrow.

So finally with that all out of the way I then met in the lobby with what was supposed to be a good deal of students going to the Yakiniku. There was 5: Me, Shine, Chandler, John, and *Jarad*. And those stars will indicate the blame for the next 1.5 hours. We basically agreed to walk because someone claimed they knew how to get to Roppongi haha. We got to Roppongi just fine but we were far from were we needed to be. So we wandered and asked, got closer then further and finally made it.. an hour late - so we found Keita who had been out of work for some time, he had a friend with him so we then headed to the Yakiniku place which was right nearby the train exit across from the Softbank store. From there it was excellent - tons and tons of great juicy meat - good times - good stories (Student peepee out of window and couch full of..the purpled hair date..and politics, go figure!) Got some ice cream, small but very good - and then some left and we thought about going to karaoke but it was too expensive so we bagged it (and a girls bar - friend of Keita....) so we eventually worked our way back home. Saw my first Ferrari!

Try not to mind my horrible posses :p.

Placement Exams, Alien Cards, and Aisha!

Always fun to get up early, just gotta love it. Headed to school with the big group again (not the best option) but from there got into the exam......and good times followed. English was easy. Math was alright. Lunch was my favorite part - got some noddles and premium calpis at the sunkus store and ate with Shine. After that I waited for like 20 minutes for John before giving up and heading to the subway and luckily enough we ran into each other before I got down which was very fortunate. We then went to Shinjuku station which is so friggen big its absurd - somehow found our way to the city office building, I registered but John couldn't because he didn't live nearby which was really pointless and I don't see why it matters. But anyways British woman from London there - love the accent.

So at the office I call Aisha on the pay phone which gives you seriously 10 secounds for 10 yen and then beeps at you and disconnects if you don't keep paying. So we decided to meet up at Shibuya near the dog statue or Hitchika exit - but before doing that John and I spent 4o minutes trying to figure out where in hell to go in Shinjuku station - it was insane we went the wrong way 20 times ended up in another station before finally getting to the right spot. When we got up to Shibuya John got stuck because I accidentally told him the wrong amount - so I found Aisha and her friend, we went back and got John and then went to TGI fridays and got some food - apparently Aisha really needed her munchies. I got some chicken and fries although didn't really care for them. We ate up and then went to the soft bank store where I mosshied around for a long time looking at the phone - then decided to get the iphone after Aisha degraded every one I picked out - ALTHOUGH she said that the slick one was lazy when she has this button on hers that opened it automatically so psst ok, w/e Aisha. So sadly there was a wait for the iphone - so opted out and then found out that I need to be 20 or have parent signature so now I have to come back tomorrow and do it all over agian with TUJ permission or something of that sort.

After that we went into an entire place with those funky picture machines and got our pictures taken with the girls. They used their magic pens to draw all over it and then printed them out where we dibbied them out . But I admit it was really great fun.

So headed home after that and once again its late and I need to sleep bad because I have to get up early.

Tokyo is such a great city.

Orientation pt 1. Marc and Shibuya

TUJ orientation - not too too bad but nothing all that existing - just 6 hours of joyous fun in a room with a bunch of other excited jet-lagged students. Some of the presentations were excellent, some were a little less interesting - but overall very helpful stuff. The train ride there was a good amount of fun too, came at rush hour and everyone who's been here knows exactly what that's like.

After orientation I hung at with Shine and we wandered around trying to call a bunch of people with really no luck so we went up to the computer lounge and emailed Keita on his Keitai which worked perfectly as he showed up seriously 3 minutes later. From there we headed to Tsukiji where went went to Saint David's hospital and visited Marc who had tuberculosis thanks to a horrible diagnosis of his previous doctors who gave him an inhaler which only made it worse - Vincent was there, a friend of Marcs so we all sat down and talked for a good hour about the crazy past times that went on at TUJ - good to hear all the interesting stuff that goes on behind closed doors. From there we left Marc to his lovely 30,000 an night room and headed off to Shibuya where we met up with John and an old friend of Vincents who John knew randomly - we then headed up some street to a restaurant up a case of stairs - the restaurant was excellent like everything else here - got some noodle and beef curry which was amazing! We hung out for a good while before we headed back to the station and peaced out.

So now its late and I have placements exams tomorrow, can't say I'm worried because I doubt they'll be all that challenging.

Cheers to another great day in Tokyo with 3 new friends!

Shine Mao and an adventure

Got up to a slow day but that turned around real quick.

After watching tomb raider 2 which was not bad much thanks to the main actor I headed of to Taka station to meet up with Shine, from there we headed down the street and back again before going into Wendy's to grab some burgers (which were fantastic). We then headed back to the station were we met up with Mao (an old friend of mine from JDC) and we got McDonald's right near the station that overlooked the big box. We then headed to the station and hoped on the train to Shinjuku where Mao pointed out where her school was - there was also a hot dog eating competition going on which was pretty cool (although they didn't seem to be eating all that much). From there it was off to Harajuku/Shibuya where we hit up the main street which was terribly crowded but still brought back good memories.

After that we continued down and ran into some sort of parade/street thing in which there were tons of performers going off to these big trucks playing music, all sorts of dancing - it was pretty sweet.



We then continued down and back before eventually going into a mall thing while looking for a drink (for me) We asked some cops and firemen who seemed to get all excited but seemingly had no idea where a vending machine was after 5 minutes of randomly pointing in what seemed every direction. So we continued down 20 feet or so and there just happened to be a machine right there so problem solved. We all grabbed some drinks and headed back up to Harajuku street. We then looked for a seat just to chill out and worked our ways into a McDonald's where we chatted it up for a bit before going our separate ways.

After arriving back at the hotel I ran into Kris in front of my room and he said that he was going to get some people to eat out at 7. So after doing a Japanese lessons on my computer I hopped down with my umbrella met up with Kris, David, and Keith and we headed back to Harajuku to a Sushi conveyor belt place which was absolutely delicious. Although I fail at understanding most advanced Japanese I'm adequate enough to get my point across which is a good thing. Talked about Temple Football and the Olympics before heading back to the hotel.

It was a great day - met a new friend and my buddy Mao and had a good evening.

Takadanobaba - Trains - and Roppongi

Orientation around Taka today, met all the roomies - they all seem pretty cool (some a little more odd than others). Went around Taka down to the "Big Box" and the 100 yen shop, moved forward to the pretty little park with a fitness place in the middle - took a side road back around and came back to Waseda Dori where the group split up. I went and got some Curry with Kris (dorm manager) Keith, and James - it was good except for the yellow rice. The drink was like a light yogurt and was delicious.

From there I went to the 100 yen shop, got some noodles, bowls, and hangers - then went back to my room. Spent a couple hours just laying around before heading off to Roppongi at 5. I was amazed how much easier the trains were than I previously thought, it's all really clear and straightforward. I took the JR Yamato line to Ebisu Station and then took the Hibiya line to Roppongi - took only around 30 minutes. From there a quick walk in the wrong direction before I figured myself out and headed in the other direction to the hard rock store to meet up with Keita. Once he got out of work we walked down to a Japanese Restaurant on the third floor down Gaien Higasai Dori some way - got Fried Chicken with rice udon and vegetable stuff, it was really good. We then went to softbank and Keita attempted to get me a cell phone but unfortunately you really do need that alien registration card to get it done - so after a bit we left and went to Roppongi hills where there was a big Matsuri going on.

We stayed to watch it for a bit before heading out to get an umbrella because of the rain. From there we went to a little store right across from the station - there was a lot of younger people there (my age) and we sipped down a Pepsi and relaxed for a good bit before heading out.

From there it was back to my hotel.

Overall a great way to kick of my experience with a good new friend.

25 Hours later

That was an intense trip.

Up at 5:30

Airport at 6:30

Plane at 8:30

Chicago 10:30 - 1 hour

Chicago 2 more hours

Plane 13 hours

In tokyo

Getting on the Rail

Getting lost in Shinjuku station - getting help from a nice kid who showed me to one of those rail cops or w/e

Getting lost in Takanobaba station - which is really sad because there was only two ways

Going the wrong direction to my dorm, asking this random guy with cool hair who ended up leading me all the way here (my hero!)

And lugging 100 pounds of crap up and down stair cases and up and down streets.

But Im here and thank god for that! Meet like 2 people so far..good stuff

And of course I couldn't sleep on the plane like usual.

Went grocery shopping too! Got some pocari sweat huge bottle, some bread...huge slices...and some ramen, yum!

Oh and my better laptops plug is not compatible so that kinda blows.

The Day Before!

Lots of anxiety, and those feelings of doubt. But it's here and now - and I leave in 10 hours for my 23 hour trip.

Today was a great day, went down and got a money belt with my Dad. Went to get a haircut then shot down to the U-mall to grab a track jacket curiosity of the father also! After that heading to Mike K's and hit up some halo 3 with Colby, Steve and Alex. Played some ping pong and pool. Had a trip to Ralph La so Colby could finish in his forms. Went back to Mike's played some more games drank cream soda's and had a great time. Then we all said our goodbye's and headed out in different directions.

From there I rushed back home, went off and played an excellent round of tennis with my dad. Played to dark with a bunch of enthusiastic kids who came and watched (and helped get the tennis balls). I usually get more motivated with their watch, want to give them a good show. From there finished of with the final winners - my cross court forehand to the inside corner service line, a lob which was really just a quick reaction and then my dad's rocket forehand down the line to finish off the day (completely outdoing a terrible tooth ache, so props to his will). Got some pizza after, although not too horrible hungry attempted to finish packing - I seriously have no room and no room for additional weight, its absurd.

Now I'm watching the Olympics once again in great fashion - Usain Bolt running an amazing 200 in record time 19.30! Watched the gymnastics ends with Nadia and Shawn ending in style.

The next time I log in I'll be across the world. So to all my friends - I love you guys and I'll see you in 8 months and to my dad - keep playing because I'll be back before you know it!

Work and Olympics

Huge thunderstorm today, good fun.

Second to last day of work, very slow but got through it. A warm one too, lots of mundane work. Devin and I always have the most interesting chats. And Keith Olberman for my 42 minutes of entertainment; love that podcast!

Props to Misty May and Carrie Walsh on their semi-final win (and Kobe and LaBron for their support!) And the Chinese are stealing all our female gymnastic golds!!! Nastia really should have won that gold. But either way both contenders were excellent as always.

Off to Japan in 3 days, really closing in now.

Olypmics and packing

More great Olympic stories being played out in excellent fashion. And pretty much all I did today beside packing. Jumped on the trampoline for a bit in spirits, mowed and whatnot. I'm bloody good at mowing by the way, all symmetrical and whatnot - all that practice, ha. Slow day but not a bad one.

Had a delicious ham and beans supper, something I haven't had in months.

OLYMPIC PHELPS HISTORY #8

It's official, Phelps has now won number 8 thanks to a brilliant performance by the US team.

This is a historic day, and this is amazing! History has been made today, 8 golds to Phelps - you are incredible Michael and you are a true champion!

Fed, Tyson, Wade Olympies

Congrats Federer on finally claiming that gold...even if it is in doubles! As for Nadal, who's watching?

US dream team is looking unbeatable, almost there! Phelps possibly about to get 8th, which I'll watch in very little time. Make history Phelps!

Female Gymnastics! Nastia LIUKIN and Shawn JOHNSON WOW, you two are incredible. Gold and silver in individual, amazing!

And as for the 100 meter - Bolts of Jamaica wow, wow. wow. That man is bloody fast, it's insane!

2 days of work left. Played tennis today, and I honestly played quite well. Everything worked, angles - speed - everything, felt so great getting out today. A triple sprinter that dampened my opponents will.

Getting packed for Japan, I guess I need socks or that sort. Can't wait, of course having those second thoughts but its all good.

As for my man Jeffrey Schmidt. Great stuff is all I can stay, lots of fun. And quite funny as well, just love what results of those times. cough Claudia. And good for you Rachel. Kevin and Mike T, you guys are crazy - little spacey! Luke R and his taza, brilliant. Colby and Tri, great show!

Olympic Phelps!

Phelpsy is AMAZING. Gold after gold, and only 27 minutes between races. And congrats to the three other America swimming wins - gold gold bronze!

Decent time working today, payday which is always good. Only 3 days left on the work books.

Tennis today, excellent clear warm weather and good play, felt really strong today. Paps played excellent as always, quick solid start.

Couple days before I leave, and I really have got to start packing.

Work and Olympics

Another fun day of work, really starting to get mundane but I'm practically done for the year. Only 4 more days and that'll be it for the summer. Hearing about some crazy (stupid) plans from my friends that will never happen, really seems to happen all the time.

Mad props to Kitajima for being the world best breaststroke swimmer and taking in 2 golds for Japan, that guy is fast!

And sucks that America's gal gymnastic team didn't take gold, but even still they looked amazing as always...amidst skepticism of the real age of the Chinese team, there's no way those girls are 16 but still and excellent performance on their end.

one week until I leave!

More Olympics

Phelps now taking in golds 9 and 10...and looking slightly annoyed all the while for missing by 3/10 a second but still breaking the record. That's the face of a man looking for perfection!

Men's gymnastics taking in the bronze - japan silver - china gold. Nothing less than amazing. Those guys are jacked!

Women's now competing, best of luck to all the teams!

Good time at work, with another lawnmower broken and insanity there after. But it went by pretty quick so it worked out well.

America 23
China 21 (with a dominant lead in the golds)

And a quick note to the russia and georgia conflict. Hopeing for a cease before this spirals out of hand.

Olympics on and on!

You have got to love it. The gymnastics are insane, absolutely stunning - the American team preformed amazing as did the Chinese. The 34 year old contender. Female and male, it's mind-blowing what they can do.

And the dream team with the 31 lead over China with their 101 to 70 finish, good stuff. Just makes me wish I were there.

Olympics!

The opening ceremony was incredible! Wish I could have been there, so impressive on every level. The Chinese really outdid anything I have ever seen before - major props.

Americas already got 7 with Michael P owning the swimming in the mens. And were just getting started.

On a side note, internet in vt sucks and so does itunes.

I like how Mccain has done nothing but negative campaign against Obama, when he claimed he would run a "clean campaign". So much for those virtues.

Good day of tennis today, and beautiful sunny warm weather which seems rare in vt these days.

And of course, looking forward to the Thursday after next!

15 15 15

Another day of work. And lovely rainy VT weather.

Played Tennis with the father today, and regrettably I have to say he won the day. By far the one thing I'll miss in Japan - although I am in the progress of starting TUJ's first tennis club so hopefully that will go through soon.

I'd like to note Professor Garrison Nelson - by far one of the greatest teachers I've ever had. Brilliant class, enriching to every extent. He's a great man with a great history, and his class was absolutely enjoyable. So a tribute to his fine career and an excellent class. I was actually annoyed when he ended class early, which he did often. Many respects to you Mr. Nelson.

I'd also like to note Yukari-Sensei for always believing in me and supporting my every decision I have made no matter which direction I turned. And not to mention 4 years of excellent classes, which were by far some of the very best I've ever had!

And over the Wednesday hump.

GO OBAMA!

A look forward and back

16 days left. It's quite odd how this has all happened. A first choice turns into a second, the last becomes the first and a year of college runs by and I am left in awe. I can't even describe what drove me here, perhaps its this undesired will. Either way it'll be an amazing time and that's how I will treat it.

From a dream to TUJ and a start at UVM, back around to Pace NYU and TUJ, it's finally time something got done.

For now its banks and cell phones, that's my priority. The visa arrived today in timely fashion and everything seems to be working out fine.

This is the preface to the next three years of my life and I couldn't be more ready. Until then, its another 2 weeks of work, banking issues, and appointments.

And for the records this is the first year I actually can't wait to go back to school.