The Big H
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Yasue, Yuki and I headed to Hiroshima last weekend for a much needed night-away-from Tokuyama. While we were trying to navigate around the bar/club district, we accidentally bumped into Casey and Nicky on the street and followed them to club Roxis for the Hiroshima JET Leaver's party. It was great to see some folks I knew from the ken for possibly the last time, but the venue was shitty, hot, and crowded. The music also sucked hard-core and I spent more time trying to drain my armpits in front of the A/C than on the dancefloor. But I guess you can make do when drinks are 300Yen all night.
Damn. I just wanted to dance! Is there any place in Japan where I can find a sane looking club with decent hip-hop beats and without marines trying to grind you from all sides with their dicks?
Anyway, I'm going back to the Big H on Friday with Hiro (the owner of Ell's Ditch) to catch my first Japanese pro baseball game. Maybe I'll get more satisfaction from this weekend's city trip.
:(
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I just found out that a casual aquaintance of mine died yesterday after a one year battle fighting leukemia.
She used to sit in front of me in ethics class. We also had mutual friends so we would usually go to the same parties or small gatherings. The last time I saw her was at my graduation party a year ago. She was only 22.
R.I.P. Jennifer Roosenberg.
She used to sit in front of me in ethics class. We also had mutual friends so we would usually go to the same parties or small gatherings. The last time I saw her was at my graduation party a year ago. She was only 22.
R.I.P. Jennifer Roosenberg.
Morning wake up call.
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WHOA.
I woke up at 5 this morning with the windows rattling and my 2nd floor apartment violently shaking back and forth.
I think I was in a half-sleep state when it happened because I wasn't sure if I was dreaming or not. I just sat upright in bed, frozen. Hell, I'm from TEXAS. I know the 3-step emergency procedure to protect myself from a massive tornado, a mega hurricane, or a devastating flood. But what the hell am I supposed to do during an earthquake? Stop, drop, and roll? Shake, rattle, and roll? Stand in between a door frame? Run? My friend, Mary, on the other side of Tokuyama said she took cover underneath her kitchen table. At 5am in the morning, my reflexes aren't quite at its peak. I just sat there, like a fool who, instead of dashing to safety, stares straight at on-coming highway traffic right before getting plowed.
I need to go back to sleep.
I woke up at 5 this morning with the windows rattling and my 2nd floor apartment violently shaking back and forth.
I think I was in a half-sleep state when it happened because I wasn't sure if I was dreaming or not. I just sat upright in bed, frozen. Hell, I'm from TEXAS. I know the 3-step emergency procedure to protect myself from a massive tornado, a mega hurricane, or a devastating flood. But what the hell am I supposed to do during an earthquake? Stop, drop, and roll? Shake, rattle, and roll? Stand in between a door frame? Run? My friend, Mary, on the other side of Tokuyama said she took cover underneath her kitchen table. At 5am in the morning, my reflexes aren't quite at its peak. I just sat there, like a fool who, instead of dashing to safety, stares straight at on-coming highway traffic right before getting plowed.
I need to go back to sleep.
Tonight I have a hot date with Mr. Clean.
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One of the perks of my job is that every night could be a Friday night. My job involves little planning, and the generous work day schedule, which usually runs between 2pm-9pm, allows me to party until the wee hours of the morning. The downside to my job is the pathetic, shitty pay.
I'm notorious for my horrible impulsive spending habits. Just look at my closet for proof. Last week I went on a shopping rampage in Hiroshima. When I'm PMS'ing whilst in the midst of endless racks of clothes, I lose all my inhibitions. I buy things just for the sake of buying things. Bringing home several carrier bags with new products delivers a natural high that is more satisfying than chocolate or a man. (Okay, maybe not the latter.) And somehow, during the majority of my time here in Japan, my menstrual cycle has appropriately timed itself to appear whenever my monthly payday rolls around.
It gets worse. I'm the complete antithesis of a homebody. I LOVElovelove to go out. My students and those who know me around here have dubbed me "Genki Karen" because I jump at every opportunity presented to get out of the house. I can enjoy grocery shopping as much as I do going to the local art gallery. During the weeknights I make an effort to go out at least three times. Every Wednesday night is unofficial UNO cards night at Mary's apartment. Thursday nights, after teaching six one-hour classes, are always spent either at the bar, yakitoriya, or the izakaya, rain/shine/tsunami/or typhoon. I've become such a regular at the local Irish pub (Ell's Ditch) that I get the occassional drink or snack free, courtesy of the bartenders. I also go out so much that people, even the locals, refer to me for restaurant/bar/cafe suggestions. But this gallivanting habit is just as financially fatal as my shopping addiction.
So here I am for the first time on a Saturday night at HOME. The lovely Shimenoseki ladies were kind enough to invite me along for a crazy night in Hiroshima tonight. Crystal also gave me a heads up on the rugby game/party/BBQ extravaganza at Miyajima this weekend. But I'm spending this weekend here in sad, lowly Tokuyama. Because there are bills to be paid (damn you fucking keitai bill), and a trip to China to plan for, I'm left with no choice but to make the responsible decision and take it easy. My mother (a CPA) would be so proud.
Monday night I'm going to make up for my shitty weekend. AUSTRALIA vs. JAPAN WORLD CUP PARTY AT BANANA LEAF. Ahhhh, I'll be surrounded by my hottttt European male friends (and one hot New Zealand guy) so hopefully I'll get over it.
Oh well. The bathroom needed a good scrubbing anyway.
Ladies and gentlemen, introducing my hot date for the evening:
And for tonight he's allllllll minnnnnnnnnnnnnne, bitches.
I'm notorious for my horrible impulsive spending habits. Just look at my closet for proof. Last week I went on a shopping rampage in Hiroshima. When I'm PMS'ing whilst in the midst of endless racks of clothes, I lose all my inhibitions. I buy things just for the sake of buying things. Bringing home several carrier bags with new products delivers a natural high that is more satisfying than chocolate or a man. (Okay, maybe not the latter.) And somehow, during the majority of my time here in Japan, my menstrual cycle has appropriately timed itself to appear whenever my monthly payday rolls around.
It gets worse. I'm the complete antithesis of a homebody. I LOVElovelove to go out. My students and those who know me around here have dubbed me "Genki Karen" because I jump at every opportunity presented to get out of the house. I can enjoy grocery shopping as much as I do going to the local art gallery. During the weeknights I make an effort to go out at least three times. Every Wednesday night is unofficial UNO cards night at Mary's apartment. Thursday nights, after teaching six one-hour classes, are always spent either at the bar, yakitoriya, or the izakaya, rain/shine/tsunami/or typhoon. I've become such a regular at the local Irish pub (Ell's Ditch) that I get the occassional drink or snack free, courtesy of the bartenders. I also go out so much that people, even the locals, refer to me for restaurant/bar/cafe suggestions. But this gallivanting habit is just as financially fatal as my shopping addiction.
So here I am for the first time on a Saturday night at HOME. The lovely Shimenoseki ladies were kind enough to invite me along for a crazy night in Hiroshima tonight. Crystal also gave me a heads up on the rugby game/party/BBQ extravaganza at Miyajima this weekend. But I'm spending this weekend here in sad, lowly Tokuyama. Because there are bills to be paid (damn you fucking keitai bill), and a trip to China to plan for, I'm left with no choice but to make the responsible decision and take it easy. My mother (a CPA) would be so proud.
Monday night I'm going to make up for my shitty weekend. AUSTRALIA vs. JAPAN WORLD CUP PARTY AT BANANA LEAF. Ahhhh, I'll be surrounded by my hottttt European male friends (and one hot New Zealand guy) so hopefully I'll get over it.
Oh well. The bathroom needed a good scrubbing anyway.
Ladies and gentlemen, introducing my hot date for the evening:
And for tonight he's allllllll minnnnnnnnnnnnnne, bitches.
Random
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1) I need to stop cussing like a sailor.
2) SHOPPING IN JAPAN IS HOPELESS. Back in America, women barrage me with "Oh, you're so petite!" comments. I'm a comfortable size 4 at home. Here, I can barely squeeze my ass into a pair of jeans without hearing the seams rip.
3) I hate my "massive" breasts. I've never felt so self-conscious about them until I came to Japan. Not only do I see random Japanese men gawking at them, but they contribute to my horrible shopping experiences. Tops, t-shirt's, dresses never fit. Never.
4) I have a bad habit of not locking bathroom doors.
5) I enjoy walking around my house in my underwear.
6) A guy I currently have a crush on keeps telling me that he hopes that I will stay in Japan for another year. I'm not sure how to interpret that.
7) I need to come up with a game plan for my life post-Japan. Or at least after my contract ends in August.
8) I was supposed to travel to China with a friend from the U.S. in August, but I don't know if that's going to happen at all. So if anybody is keen on going to China during o-bon, let me know.
9) My roommate annoys me more and more each day. I hate living with a roommate.
10) I want to go dancing.
11) I need to buy a fucking digital camera to replace the one I lost in the Philippines. I've missed out on so many perfect photo ops (like at Hiroshima's Yukata festival yesterday) because I don't have a camera. Gar.
12) My cousin just got engaged the other week. Being single has its perks, but damn, sometimes I just want a man all for myself.
13) I flirted with a marine I met at a bar last week and the effort paid off last Wednesday: I got access to the base, but the most significant part was lunch at TACO BELL! HELL YEAH. Desperate times call for desperate measures.
14) Why is that most Japanese men can guess that I'm Filipino but the Filipino women/men in Japan (even in the Philippines) can't figure out my ethnicity? Hmmmmm?
15) I wonder if they have an annonymous support group for people addicted to carbohydrates.
16) I love random text messages. Send me some luvin' > karen.diaz@ezweb.ne.jp
2) SHOPPING IN JAPAN IS HOPELESS. Back in America, women barrage me with "Oh, you're so petite!" comments. I'm a comfortable size 4 at home. Here, I can barely squeeze my ass into a pair of jeans without hearing the seams rip.
3) I hate my "massive" breasts. I've never felt so self-conscious about them until I came to Japan. Not only do I see random Japanese men gawking at them, but they contribute to my horrible shopping experiences. Tops, t-shirt's, dresses never fit. Never.
4) I have a bad habit of not locking bathroom doors.
5) I enjoy walking around my house in my underwear.
6) A guy I currently have a crush on keeps telling me that he hopes that I will stay in Japan for another year. I'm not sure how to interpret that.
7) I need to come up with a game plan for my life post-Japan. Or at least after my contract ends in August.
8) I was supposed to travel to China with a friend from the U.S. in August, but I don't know if that's going to happen at all. So if anybody is keen on going to China during o-bon, let me know.
9) My roommate annoys me more and more each day. I hate living with a roommate.
10) I want to go dancing.
11) I need to buy a fucking digital camera to replace the one I lost in the Philippines. I've missed out on so many perfect photo ops (like at Hiroshima's Yukata festival yesterday) because I don't have a camera. Gar.
12) My cousin just got engaged the other week. Being single has its perks, but damn, sometimes I just want a man all for myself.
13) I flirted with a marine I met at a bar last week and the effort paid off last Wednesday: I got access to the base, but the most significant part was lunch at TACO BELL! HELL YEAH. Desperate times call for desperate measures.
14) Why is that most Japanese men can guess that I'm Filipino but the Filipino women/men in Japan (even in the Philippines) can't figure out my ethnicity? Hmmmmm?
15) I wonder if they have an annonymous support group for people addicted to carbohydrates.
16) I love random text messages. Send me some luvin' > karen.diaz@ezweb.ne.jp
I hate PMS
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I feel fat, gross, insignificant, unwanted, lonely, and confused.
I want to cry.
If your initials are P.M.S., I'm sorry.
I want to cry.
If your initials are P.M.S., I'm sorry.
Let's get naked together.
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Yasue and I are currently looking for an onsen where there is a konyoku (mixed hot spring) available, preferably a private one you can reserve. If you know of any around the Yamaguchi area, please let me know.
We're also looking to recruit some (hot) men and women to join us. If you're hottttttt AND you practice proper hygeine (i.e. you trim, scrub every nook and cranny, and you use good quality soap -- none of that musty grandpa shit), let me know as well. ORRRRRR if you happen to know Brad Pitt's mobile number, that would be superFANTASTIC.
I've never been in a "tub" with both sexes at the same time. Pre-Japan, I would've squirmed at the idea of exposing my private bits to anybody besides my partner or my gynecologist. I remember my first bare-it-all experience was at a sento ("public" bath) during a teacher's retreat last November. I used to be the kid in the junior high locker room who would go great lengths to be as discreet as possible when time came to change to and from my gym clothes. My perfected maneuver of switching clothes was so swift and quick, it could'ved rivaled that of a magician's. But the sento experience last November was a turning point for me, the once shy junior high gym student. Before I removed even a sock, I had to shed any remaining ounce of insecurities I had of my body. Once that was established, off came the clothes. Then, with a brief moment of hesitation, my underwear. I. Was. Finally. Naked.
Since November, I've been to a few onsens. I love how liberating it is to just non-chalantly walk around in my birthday suit. It's taught me to appreciate my body more, despite its flaws (although you will never ever catch me in a mini skirt). And not to hate on the cute and petite Japanese women, but each time I go, I'm reminded of how lucky I am to have my womanly curves and my vulumptious breasts. Rawr.
So now I'm ready to take on the next level of my nudist conquest. I'm mentally prepared (er, not quite physically) to go to a mixed onsen and offer my naked body as a visual-buffet for a man's straying eyes. Ha, just kidding! Really. But I am comfortable with the idea of going to a konyoku. Hell, why not. As long as we practice self-control (more so for others, ifyouknowwhatImean), it could turn out to be a fun and relaxing time.
Are you in?
Sayonara
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I love Japan, but after almost 10 months, everything's starting to get a bit old.
I'm ready to take on my next international adventure.
I'm ready to take on my next international adventure.
Signs spring has finally arrived in Japan
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1. Sakura/Cherry Blossom
2. Cheap strawberries (OMG, ichigo daifuku is to die for)
3. I no longer have to wear 10 layers of clothes just to go to bed.
4. I no longer see my condensation breaths in the kitchen.
5. I no longer curse when I have to ride my bike (although that might change once summer humidty rolls in.)
6. I no longer have to make love to my kerosene heater.
7. I no longer have to worry about defrosting my laundry after I hang it on the balcony to dry.
8. I no longer have to make a half-naked 300kmph dash from my freezer box-like bathroom to my heated room after I take a shower.
9. My shampoo, conditioner, and body wash have all returned to its orignal liquid/gel form.
10. There are more people on the streets.
11. Spring showers.
12. The feeling of sweat.
13. I can finally feel my toes again.
14. Goodbye ass-riding pantyhose and tights.
15. Goodbye bulky, unflattering wool peacoat.
16. New spring menus at the resturants.
17. And, finally, I know it's spring because the ants in my kitchen have returned. One is crawling up my leg as I type. Little motherfuckers.
2. Cheap strawberries (OMG, ichigo daifuku is to die for)
3. I no longer have to wear 10 layers of clothes just to go to bed.
4. I no longer see my condensation breaths in the kitchen.
5. I no longer curse when I have to ride my bike (although that might change once summer humidty rolls in.)
6. I no longer have to make love to my kerosene heater.
7. I no longer have to worry about defrosting my laundry after I hang it on the balcony to dry.
8. I no longer have to make a half-naked 300kmph dash from my freezer box-like bathroom to my heated room after I take a shower.
9. My shampoo, conditioner, and body wash have all returned to its orignal liquid/gel form.
10. There are more people on the streets.
11. Spring showers.
12. The feeling of sweat.
13. I can finally feel my toes again.
14. Goodbye ass-riding pantyhose and tights.
15. Goodbye bulky, unflattering wool peacoat.
16. New spring menus at the resturants.
17. And, finally, I know it's spring because the ants in my kitchen have returned. One is crawling up my leg as I type. Little motherfuckers.
Mexican dinner night with two Americans, a Brazillan, an Italian, and an Australian in Japan.
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I enjoy going to clubs, tearing up the dance floor (pretending to at least), and getting obnoxiously drunk with friends, but that scene gets old veryverrrrrrrrrry quickly. Maybe it's a sign that I'm getting older, but I much prefer total chill and laid-back dinner parties over rowdy bars and clubs. I think having a conservative 41 year-old roommate for the past 7 months is starting to rub off on me. Next week I'm going to discover I have an affinity for making doilies and crepe flower arrangements.
Last Saturday night Mary had Mexican dinner night at her apartment. Roberto, Ronnie, Justin, Mary, and I enjoyed Taco Bell seasoned tacos (I made homemade tortillas!), cheese cake, and two bottles of wine. It was a fabulous, fun-filled night of chatting, picture-snapping, and stuffing our faces with tacos. We already booked a date for our next dinner party. I hope to have these more often, but I'm always up for dancing any night of the week...
Last Saturday night Mary had Mexican dinner night at her apartment. Roberto, Ronnie, Justin, Mary, and I enjoyed Taco Bell seasoned tacos (I made homemade tortillas!), cheese cake, and two bottles of wine. It was a fabulous, fun-filled night of chatting, picture-snapping, and stuffing our faces with tacos. We already booked a date for our next dinner party. I hope to have these more often, but I'm always up for dancing any night of the week...
St. Patty's Day at Ell's Ditch
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Belinda, Mary and I went to Tokuyama's popular Irish pub, Ell's Ditch, tonight for their St. Patrick's Day party. Cheap beer and entertainment was provided by a live Japanese bagpipe player! Cheers to that mate!
Top 10
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There's a blog-tag going on in the Xanga blog world (where I keep my other blog) that tells us to list 10 attributes of our ideal man/woman. Here is my take:
The ten attributes to my ideal man are:
1. Funny as hell. Dry wit is the preferred choice of humor, but he's a definite keeper if he can keep me rollin'. He has to make me laugh on my good days, my fat days, my bad hair days, my shitty work days, and on days when my world feels upside down.
2. Is a balance between book smart and street smart.
3. Has goals, ambitions, and plans. Even if some of his goals are a bit far-fetched, at least he knows what he wants out of life. I don't want to waste time with a guy who just dilly-dally's with his life. Or else, where would I fit in the picture?
4. Outgoing and extremely social. Gets along with my friends, my family, his family, his friends, the neighborhood grocery store clerk, and his work colleagues. A guy who is well-rounded, wholesome, and down-to-earth is mm-mmmm sexxxxxxxxy.
5. He has to find me attractive even on the days when I'm too lazy to shave my pits or my legs. Or when I let one rip, because, damnit, everybody farts. Basically, I just want somebody who knows how to make me feel wanted regardless of what I'm wearing, how I'm feeling, or how much weight I've gained.
6. Has substance, character, opinions, and a functioning brain. I've met some guys who....don't.....really....have....much....to...say about anything. I don't like awkward silences.
7. Makes me feel protected. I hate fucking pansies or guys who can't walk the talk.
8. Takes care of his body. Any guy who flosses is always a plus on my book because that means he actually pays attention to the minor details of his health. He has to eat healthy, exercise regularly, drink in moderation, and practice good hygeine. But I'll pass on the metrosexuals, thankyouverymuch.
9. Knows how to please a woman in more ways than one [wink].
10. Has the uncanny ability to make me swoon, giggle, blush all at the same time with the right choice of words, actions, or touch.
Uh, tag, you're (whoever is reading this) it!
The ten attributes to my ideal man are:
1. Funny as hell. Dry wit is the preferred choice of humor, but he's a definite keeper if he can keep me rollin'. He has to make me laugh on my good days, my fat days, my bad hair days, my shitty work days, and on days when my world feels upside down.
2. Is a balance between book smart and street smart.
3. Has goals, ambitions, and plans. Even if some of his goals are a bit far-fetched, at least he knows what he wants out of life. I don't want to waste time with a guy who just dilly-dally's with his life. Or else, where would I fit in the picture?
4. Outgoing and extremely social. Gets along with my friends, my family, his family, his friends, the neighborhood grocery store clerk, and his work colleagues. A guy who is well-rounded, wholesome, and down-to-earth is mm-mmmm sexxxxxxxxy.
5. He has to find me attractive even on the days when I'm too lazy to shave my pits or my legs. Or when I let one rip, because, damnit, everybody farts. Basically, I just want somebody who knows how to make me feel wanted regardless of what I'm wearing, how I'm feeling, or how much weight I've gained.
6. Has substance, character, opinions, and a functioning brain. I've met some guys who....don't.....really....have....much....to...say about anything. I don't like awkward silences.
7. Makes me feel protected. I hate fucking pansies or guys who can't walk the talk.
8. Takes care of his body. Any guy who flosses is always a plus on my book because that means he actually pays attention to the minor details of his health. He has to eat healthy, exercise regularly, drink in moderation, and practice good hygeine. But I'll pass on the metrosexuals, thankyouverymuch.
9. Knows how to please a woman in more ways than one [wink].
10. Has the uncanny ability to make me swoon, giggle, blush all at the same time with the right choice of words, actions, or touch.
Uh, tag, you're (whoever is reading this) it!
bitter cold = bitter mood
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While all of my university friends back at home are enjoying the warmth of the sun during their spring break, I'm all the way here in Japan trying to defrost in front of my kerosene heater.
It's March for crissakes and it's still snowwwwing! Spring, where art thou?
It's March for crissakes and it's still snowwwwing! Spring, where art thou?
!!FASHION FAUX PAS ALERT!!
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Hot pink polka-dot Hello Kitty boxers for men. WRONG WRONG WRONG WRONG. BurrrRRRRrrnnn every last pair.
Hi. My name is Karen Grace, but you can call me FATSO.
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I think the last time I ate something relatively healthy was about three weeks ago. Lately I've been gorging on anything that's fast, convenient, and just enough to hold me down for a few hours. Basically that's anything small enough to be shrink-wrapped and sold at 7-11. Before Christmas, I was on track with my diet. I actually ate a balanced meal that included all the necessary daily intakes of protein, greens, vitamins, fruits, and carbs. But after two weeks of feasting on massive portions of food from my favorite restaurants at home, I've had much difficulty shaking off my holiday appetite. I am living proof that it is possible to gain weight in Japan.
So far today I've eaten a granola bar, two fruit smoothies, an apple danish, fries from McDonald's, 4 gyoza/potstickers, and naan from the supermarket. And it's only 4:30 in the afternoon. I am the queen of carbs, bioooooooooootch.
Tomorrow I'm signing up for the gym.
(And I have less than two months before I have to wear that horrid bikini. Golden Week. Philippines. Two months. Fuck.)
So far today I've eaten a granola bar, two fruit smoothies, an apple danish, fries from McDonald's, 4 gyoza/potstickers, and naan from the supermarket. And it's only 4:30 in the afternoon. I am the queen of carbs, bioooooooooootch.
Tomorrow I'm signing up for the gym.
(And I have less than two months before I have to wear that horrid bikini. Golden Week. Philippines. Two months. Fuck.)
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