An Apology and a Thank you

Tomorrow is Sunday, and it is my new day off. From May until I retire, I made a choice to take a day off on Sunday. The reason for my decision was the following: About 10 years ago, I hurt my back very seriously. I couldn't walk for about a week, and for about 3 months after that I could walk fine but I had pain in my legs. It took about 6 months for me to be able to go jogging again. Then, almost every year after that, I would always hurt my back a little once a year. Then again, two years ago, I hurt it again pretty bad. Then last November, then January, and then again in February, I hurt it. Three times in about 3 months! I was miserable and it was pathetic. So I decided to go to the doctor's. I saw two doctors, and they were both very kind and helpful. I was relieved. Basically, they gave me the same advice about rehabilitation and treatment. And also they both told me that if I want to work and live both mentally and physically healthy for many years in the future, then I have to take one day off a week. So I decided to take off on Sundays. However, many people who come to my school on Sundays so this was a big problem for me. But unfortunately, I had no other choice. So I would like to take this opportunity to officially apologize to all of those people who were inconvenienced by this decision. I sincerely apologize.
In addition, I would like to say truly Thank you to many many people who expressed their concern about me and sent me emails or asked me directly, about my condition. I was deeply moved by so many people's kindness. Thank you very much.

Hope everyone has a good week!

Stuck in the airport

Have you ever been stuck in an airport because your flight got cancelled or delayed? Unfortunately, I have. Many times. Too many times. It can be a miserable experience. So, I really feel for all of the folks stranded at Narita and Kansai Airport, who can't return to their homes in Europe. I am sure all of you know, but just in case, I will ask the question: Do you know why they are stranded? Because a volcano erupted in Iceland and ashes from volcanic eruptions enter the air and cause poor visibility for planes and can also cause engine failure. So the airlines cancelled all of the flights in and out of Europe. It is the biggest such shut down of flights since 9/11, the terrorism attach in America

If you were stuck in the airport what would you do? I would walk around a lot, pace, call/email my friends and family, sleep, probably drink some beer and try to eat some food. But the only good food which I saw at Narita airport the last time I was there was ramen (see pic below). But eating ramen, ramen, and more ramen for a few days in a row, isn't so healthy i think

Anyway, I hope they can go home soon...

The below article is pretty interesting. You should check it out.
"Ash-stranded Europeans low on cash, nerves"
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/mail/nn20100420a3.html

Exercise and losing weight

Since I gained about 5 kilograms since New Year's, recently I have been thinking about exercise and going on a diet. I can make many excuses for putting on the pounds. The easiest excuse to make is that I hurt my back. But excuses are for losers. So I will not make any. Instead, I will do something about it. Luckily for me, my brother is a personal trainer so I can get advice from him, for free. I like "for free!" :) The other day, he sent me the below article:
"Exercise less, but harder"
http://www.cbsnews.com/

stories/2010/02/25/earlyshow/health/main6241810.shtml

I think it is basically on the mark. Plus I think it is necessary to add that balance is important. In my case, I like to take long walks. The purpose of these walks is not to burn calories, but rather to simply be in nature and feel all of nature's wonders: the wind, the sun, the smell of the river, the beauty of the sky, etc.
And, one more think. Eat less! This is very crucial, and Mr. F is a great example of that. In about 6 months, only from watching and monitoring his calorie intake, he lost about 15 kg. And as of today, no rebound. The other day he lifted up his shirt and showed me his stomach. It wasn't the sexiest stomach I have ever seen, but it was thin. I could almost see his abdomen muscles. I was impressed with his effort and success. I have to learn from that.

Drugs in China, and Tea

I don't think anyone who reads this blog does drugs, but just in case, here is some advice.
Don't try to smuggle drugs into China!!
If you don't understand what I mean, then you must read the below article.
"A high price for drug smuggling"
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/mail/ed20100411a2.html

On to a more happy topic, below is a photo and also an email from Ms. R. She studies Japanese tea ceremony as well as English and many other things. For example, she sings in a Choir too. I am jealous of her, because I like Japanese tea and would like to learn how to make it. Also, I have a terrible voice-I am tone deaf, so I think it is really cool and beautiful when someone can sing well. When I sing, it is ugly!! ;(
And, while on the topic of tea, the other day Ms. M told me that her friend's father runs the oldest Japanese tea shop in Kyoto. The next time I am in Kyoto, I definitely want to check it out.

From Ms. R:
Tea Ceremony

I viesited Mr.S house last weekend. He is parson of rumors by my tea ceremony class. The person is tea ceremony maniac. Do you understand attachment photo. This is a [TSURI GAMA] hanging pot. It's a hang pot on a chain from the ceiling This is a tool to use only in March. Tea ceremony has many things only of the season. Please check my blog.

Korean Movie and Tsukiji

First, last weekend I watched a Korean movie. I think the title is "The Chaser." I may be mistaken, but I think it was the first Korean Movie I have ever watched. It is a suspense thriller type of movie. I am not crazy about Korean TV or movies music, but to be honest I liked it a lot and recommend it IF you like suspense, thriller type movies. (And a special caution to Ms. M: Please do not watch this movie. I now you don't like sad, scary movies, so this movie is not for you!!)Because there was no English subtitles or voice over, I had to watch the movie with Japanese subtitles and also Japanese voice-over. To be honest, I really don't like Japanese voice over. But this time, it was very easy to understand. I was pleasantly surprised.


The next topic of the day is about the following article:
"Tsukiji to shut out sightseers for one month"
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/mail/nn20100407a8.html

I have never been to Tsukiji market, but if I have the opportunity one day, I want to go. But even if I had the chance to go sometime during the next month, I couldn't. Because all foreigners are prohibitted from entering the market for the next month. The reason is: the foreigners have bad manners and don't follow the rules and the locals who work there and go there to buy fish for their restaurants are simply fed up with all of it. All of the hoopla about whale hunting and tuna fishing probably didn't go over to well either. I am American, but to be honest, I can understand the Tsukiji people's way of thinking. But it is a shame because Tsukiji is one of the Top Three most popular sightseeing spots for foreigners in Tokyo. When my parents visited Tokyo a few years ago, the went to the market at 5:00am and I remember they told me "Tsukiji Market is awesome. It is a must see!!" I hope the foreigners can learn to control themselves and have better manners and follow the rules, and I hope fish market re-opens to the general public and foreigners soon.

The below photos are from the restaurant, Bistro Grits, which I recommended a few weeks ago.

Roll cake and Mangos

Did you know that one of my favorite desserts is Roll Cake? Well, if you didn't, now you do. I don't eat dessert so often, and I hardly ever eat sweets or junk food, but roll cake really hits the spot. It is not too sweet, and there is something about the texture which I really like. When I am walking from the station to here, I always pass the "Doujima Roll" shop. There is almost always a very long line outside of the shop. On the weekends, maybe people wait in line over an hour at least to get one. That is unbelievable, and I am impatient, so I could never do it.

And, while on the topic of "unbelievable," did you hear this news:
Season's first sweet mangoes fetch ¥200,000
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/mail/nn20100407f3.html

If the exchange rate is 100yen to 1$, then that means $2000 for mangos. Wow!! But unfortunately, I can not afford it.

Wakayama Cherry Blossoms, Baseball, and I-pad

I have never been to Wakayama to see cherry blossoms, but one day I wanna go.
Read here for Ms. N's diary of her trip and look below for her pictures:
"Hi !I and my husband went to WAKAYAMA.There is Marina city and Kimiidera.It was a bad weather.But, it was not rain,blowing wind and yellow sand.Kimiidera is good place.I have really taken to Kimiidera.Cherry-blossom come out a little. I enjoyed in Wakayama."

The baseball season began and for me that is a good thing. Because I love baseball.
As I do every year, I will make a couple of predictions.
First, the Giants will win the Japan Series.
Second, the Rakuten Eagles will finish in last place.
Third, the manager of the Tigers, Mayumi, will resign by July.
Ah, and about the Major Leagues, the World Series will be the Philadelphia Phillies versus the Seattle Mariners. Of course I predict that the Phillies will win!

On to another topic, Apple's I-pad went on sale the other day in America. I read that it is really good for downloading books and magazines and things like that. If it goes on sale in Japan, I think I will get it.

The Maiko Experience

When I opened my email on April 1st, I got an email from a friend, Ms. M. I was suprised a little because she only emails me about once or twice a year. She started the email like this:
"While you were away, I changed. and i also changed my job!! Look at my pics!" (Look Below)
Ms. M works for an airline company, and it is a good job, so I was stunned to hear she changed job. But next when I looked at the photos, I was even more surprised...WOW! A Geisha! So I emailed her back something like this: "really? what happened?! you really became a geisha?!"]
and then she replied:
"its a joke!!
working as MAIKO , it has regulation. my age is out of that regulation.
maybe real MAIKO are under 20-year-old girls.
its long long ago....
SO I and my friend just experienced as MAIKO style."

She got me! I actually believed her april fool's prank email for a minute. I am sometimes gullible too....

The past couple of days have been really nice. And the cherry blossoms are in full bloom! It is fantastic! Spring has finally officially arrived! Let's enjoy it!

I know it is a little early for fireworks, but that is Okay.
"What's your favorite hanami memory?"
Read here for the answers of a few friendly people:
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fl20100330vf.html

Great Pics Ms. M!!!

I'm back

Hi. Yesterday was April 1st, April Fool's Day. Did you play a prank(=an April Fool's joke) on anyone?

Just before arriving at Narita Airport at 4pm on Tuesday, the pilot said "There are clear skies and temperature in Tokyo is 9 degrees Celcius." I was surprised...9!? I was expecting around 15 or so degrees. It was much cooler than I expected. And then on Wednesday...it was dreary and rainy all day. But I am lucky because the cherry blossoms around here aren't in full bloom yet. In about a day or two, with some sun and warmer temperatures, I think they will fully bloom. I am looking forward to sitting under the blue sky and pink leaves and sipping some wine or having a lunch box or something like that...I do it every year, and every year it is special.

Cherry Blossoms...

I really hope that I don't miss them. From tomorrow I will take a little vacation and go back to America. According to the weather reports, the cherry blossoms are blooming about 5 to 10 days earlier this year than usual. Luckily for me, today it rained, and tomorrow it is supposed to rain and also stay cold. So maybe, I will be able to see the cherry blossoms when they are in full bloom when I get back. I hope...

Some random notes:
Did you see the "yellow sand" the other weekend? The sky was really yellow in Honmachi. I can't believe that comes all the way from China.

And, Ice Sledge Hockey is really a great sport! I really got into watching it last weekend. The Japanese lost to America in the finals, but that doesn't matter. Both teams played great!

And, if Baruto is going to become an Ozeki, then Sumo is in really bad shape!!!

I gotta go home and pack...

Adios.

St. Patrick's Day!!

Today, March 17th, is St Patrick's Day. It is the biggest Irish holiday of the year! Usually I go out and drink and celebrate, but this year I can't because I don't have time. It is a shame, but it is not a big deal. I will live. And I will save my celebration for another day! So for all of you crazy Irish folks celebrating today, please have a beer for me! Cheers!!!

For more on St. Patrick's Day, read here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Patrick's_Day

Mexico

Good morning.

In a few minutes I will meet Ms. N. I am excited because I can hear all about her honeymoon to Mexico. She went to Cancun. I have never been to Cancun, but I know it is a popular vacation spot for Americans. I went to Cabos, Mexico a few years ago. It was my first time to Mexico and I really had a good time. The only thing that I didn't like about Mexico was the food. I don't like Mexican food so much. Once in a while Mexican food is OK, but every day for lunch and dinner...Pass!!

Have you ever been to Mexico?
If yes, how was it?
If not, do you wanna go someday?

Anyway, hearing about Mexico should be a great start to the week. Hope everyone has a good Monday too!

Okinawa

Ms. C went to Okinawa for the first time in her life. It had always been a dream of hers to go to Okinawa. When she told me she was going, I was very excited!! I have been to Okinawa twice, and I just knew that she would fall inlove with the Islands. But, on the day that she departed, there was an earthquake in Okinawa. And after that, the tsunami came to Japan as a result of the huge earthquake in Haiti. So I thought that her trip was ruined. I felt terrible for her. But god was smiling on her and her friend that weekend because fortunately for them, the sun was shining and the skies were blue and the ferries weren't cancelled because of the tsunami. According to Ms. C, the Okinawans said "Don't worry! relax!! A one or two meter wave is Normal!! Read below about her trip and look at the beautiful photos!

"Hi !!
It has been raining for several days…
So I organized my trip’s photos and I was remembering wonderful trip.
I attached several photos of my trip to Ishigaki.(difficult to select)

●first photo…≪Kabira gulf≫
The color of sea is famous for changing seven colors.
So it was very beautiful color!!

●second photo…≪Kabira gulf≫
I rode the ship that I could see in the sea.(the bottom of the boat is made of clear glass)
I could see many kinds of beautiful fish, shell, starfish and coral.


●third photo…≪Okinawa’s traditional style houses in Taketomi island≫
The contrast of blue sky, red roof, green leaf, tropical color flower was very beautiful!!
I can see the black smoke of ship accident!!!!!

●fourth photo…≪Nishinohama beach in Kuroshima island≫
When I entered this beach I was impressed very much.
The color of sea was very beautiful and clear.
Additionally, there was no people without us, so it was our private beach!!
We ate box lunch there while we were watching beautiful sea.
It was very luxurious time for us.

Oscar Fashion

The Oscars are always fun for fashion. If you are interested in fashion, then you should check out the winners and losers of the fashion at this year's Oscars.
Click below:
http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1970406,00.html?xid=rss-topstories

Below are some photos from New Year's at Mr. I's house. He live in Nara, which used to be the capital of Japan. Nara has a lot of history, and actually I lived there for 3 years.
I forgot to put these photos up on the blog, but better late than never. So, here they are. Thanks Mr. I!

Dolphins

"The Cove" won the best Documentary Oscar.
I am sure all of you have heard about this movie. It features the killing of dolphins in the small town of Taiji. This town has a long history, over 300 years, of whale and dolphin hunting. A lot of the culture and industry in Taiji are related to the dolphins and whales.
Some people think "What's the big deal?! Cows, pigs, chicken, rabbits, duck, dolphins, whales...It all the same. People eat animals. Plain and simple." But others care about how the animals are slaughtered and think it is absolutely horrible and unforgivable to murder dolphins like that. It is a controversial, as well as international, topic. What do you think? And, will you see the movie when it comes to Japan?
If you are interested in my opinion, please ask me in class. I will be happy to share my thoughts.

While on the topic of whale, which are an endangered species, have you ever eaten whale? I have. I have tried raw whale a few times at a sushi restaurant which I frequent often. I liked it, it was OK. I thought it tasted like roast beef. But if I have a choice, I prefer to eat yellow tail or tuna or sea bream or basically anything else instead of whale. In other words, it was good to experience once or twice, but I don't need any more of it.
Btw, did you know that whale used to be served in the school lunches at schools all around Japan? Below is an interesting article about this topic. Check it out.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/as_japan_oscars_dolphin_hunting

After all of this serious talk so early in the morning, I think I need to go out and have a few drinks, eat some good bar food, and just chill out tonight.

8:30pm

That's what time I went to sleep last night. On Sundays, I am usually in dream land by 10pm, but 8:30pm is a first! I think it is a world record for the earliest time to go to sleep on a Sunday for a 35 year old guy. It is not so exciting, but thanks to that, I feel chipper this morning!

On Saturday night, I went to a great restaurant. Ms. T recommended it to me. It was perfect!! I owe her!
If you are interested, check it out. It is in Kyomachi-bori, a small place, good food, nice atmosphere, and nice staff. The name if the place is "Bistro Grits"
http://www.grits.jp/bistro/

Below is a photo I got from my brother. He drove to Toronto the other day in the snow.
Do you understand the sign "Yield to Pedestrians"?

I hope this week is sunny...

Tsunamis, Vancouver, and Egypt

First of all, can anyone tell me, what was that last Sunday?! When I woke up and turned on the tv, there was nothing but news about the Tsunami(a tidal wave)...coming to Japan...coming to almost all of the coasts of Japan from Okinawa to Hokkaido (I think the coasts connected to The Japan Sea and the Inland Sea were safe.) According to the news, this Tsunami was a result of the huge earthquake in Chili. So, there were constant warnings scrolling on the top of my tv screen, and also there was a big map of Japan on the bottom right corner of the screen. It was really annoying. Now, don't get me wrong, I understand that a Tsunami is very dangerous and can cause a lot of damage as well as even causalities, but come on...That news was overblown! Exaggerated! Haven't you ever heard of the famous tale, "The boy who cried wolf"?! I hope that the government and broadcasting companies use more common sense the next time! It's not good to induce panic!

Also, the Vancouver Olympics wound up on Sunday too.
The following are some interesting quotes about The Games.
"What will you remember about the Vancouver Olympics?"
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/mail/fl20100302vf.html

I have a lot of memories.
First and foremost, I loved watching Takahashi. His skating and demeanor was impressive!
Next, I will remember the women's mogul's. Aiko was great!!! But the American Gold medalist winner was the best!!!
And I will also remember watching a Korean speed skater get disqualified for basically doing nothing. A similar thing also happened to another Korean speed skater in the Olympics before, when Ohno (an American) over-reacted and complained to the judges. I think the Koreans got robbed!!
I could go on and on, but I have to wrap it up and get ready for class.

Below are Mr. I's nice photos from his recent trip to Egypt. Check them out!

Taxes...and Kyushu and Plum Blossoms

Good morning. Welcome to March.
I liek March, and in March there are cherry blossoms and it gets warmer and spring comes. But there is one thing I don't like about March. It is Taxes!
Recently I have been busy preparing for my income taxes. I am almost finished. Just a few small minor corrections to make...Taxes are annoying, but like everyone else, it is my duty, so I have no choice. The deadline for filing taxes is March 15th, but I have already prepared everything, and I don't want to procrastinate and wait til the last minute, so I will go to the tax office and file my taxes and pay sometime this week. I am looking forward to putting this behind me, and moving on.

Last week I received a "happy email" from Ms. e about her trip to Kyushu. I was happy to hear she had a good time and I was also impressed with her photos this time. They were very clear and beautiful. I especially like the one of plum blossoms. Recently, at Osaka park there are many plum blossoms in bloom. Compared to cherry blossoms, not so many people go to see them, so the parks are not so crowded. And plums blossoms are lower than cherry blossoms, so you can smell them. Have you ever tried? If not, you should. They have a pleasant smell.

The following is Ms. e's "happy email" about her trip:
I went to Fukuoka and Kumamoto from last Friday.My main purpose was to see Kabuki at "Hakata-za"theater.On Friday,I flew to Fukuoka from Itami early morning.First,I visited to Dazai-fu Tenmangu Shrine.It was really famous shrine as A God of learning and plum trees.So many students visit there and pray their success of passing examination
or progress of study.
I was really surprised because most of the visitors were Korean!!There were no American and European tourists.I was back to the center of Hakata ciy and I ate Ramen for lunch.It was nice.I enjoyed Kabuki and after that I met my ex-division manager and ex-coworker.They took me to a nice sea food restaurant.The food was really nice especially row fish.And we went to two bars so I drunk too much.On Saturday,I watched Kabuki and I went to Kumamoto by JR express.Recently,I don't have a chance to take JR train in local area.The express train was stylish.On Sunday,I visited to The Kumamoto castle.I like to seeing castles so I was really excited.The castle is one of the best 3 excellent castle in Japan.It was amazing.I really liked it.I enjoyed hanging around the castle and watching inside buildings.
And I visited some places in Kumamoto city.Kumamoto city was a historical city ,so there were many famous places.At the Kumamoto airport,I ate Ramen for dinner! (and beer)Usual I don't eat Ramen but I ate twice during my trip!I have been to Kyushu many years ago,but I didn't go to Hakata and the castle.
so this trip was wonderful for me.