Jumper-parker-sweat suit

You can call it whatever you want (Jumper, parker, sweat suit), but I really do love a nice sweat suit!! I have four as of now. Two are black, one is white, and one is orange. On my day off I like to hang out in my house and walk around town in them. They are really comfortable! When I was younger, in high school, I thought that these things were so un-cool!! You would never have caught me wearing such an outfit! But now, they are my favorite!!! It`s amazing how time changes things and people. If you`ve never worn one, I recommend you go out and splurge and get yourself one! Just try it! trust me, once you put it on, you`ll never want to take it off.

Enjoy the cold and dreary and rainy days...

Do you believe? "Hands of God"

A few people have sent me this photo over the past few months. It was supposedly taken in Okinawa Japan. If you want to read the translated message which is attached to the photo, please check the "Comments."

Do you think this is a real photo, or a fake one? I think that IF you believe this photo is real, authentic, then you are an optimist (=positive thinker). But if you don`t believe this photo is real (like me), and think it is fake, a phony, then you are a pessimist(=negative thinker).

How about it? Which are you? And just some foood for thought for the weekend, when you see a glass with some water in it, do you think "The glass is half full (with water)" or "The glass is half empty"?

Take it easy this weekend!

Free Hugs

The other day when I got home and saw the opened the newspaper, the headlines said "Free Hugs getting Big! (becoming popular)." I thought, "Free Hugs?! What the hell does that mean?" I have never heard of such a thing, but after reading the article I understood a little more. In "American Town" in Osaka, and also some other places around Japan, young Japanese men and women, mainly students, are going around doing the "Free Hug" campaign. My understanding of the meaning of this is the following: in a world now connected my text messages, emails, physical contact, physical friendship, is lacking. So people want to promote hugging. In America and in Japan, the custom of hugging is completely different. Americans hug everyone and anyone, it is a type of greeting, like a handshake. Nobody really thinks anything of it. Also in America it is common for parents and children, brothers and sisters, to all hug. In Japan, nobody hugs! People barely shake hands. Physical contact is avoided. Bowing is the norm. It amazing!! I don`t know how couples get close enough to make a baby, because I never see anyone hugging!! Oh yeah, I have a little funny story to tell, but I`ll save it for next time. It`s only a little funny/stupid, so don`t get too excited for it! It`s raining now, but I feel stressed, so I think I am going to go out and get myself a FREE HUG! :)

Below is my buddy Shige, and his two twin kids in the mountains! I`ve never met the kids because they live in Tokyo, but Shige and I drink together about once a year. He is a weak drinker but he likes to talk. Actually he talks just like Ichiro, and reminds me a little of Ichiro too. I wonder when he is coming to Osaka again. I hope he treats me to sushi!

BLUE

Look at this blue water! Truly beautiful! And look at that fish...is it a fish? I think it is a manta ray? I have never been to the aquarium in Osaka, or for that matter, also Suma(Kobe.) I like fish, the ocean, and stuff like that so I want to go to one one of them soon. But I heard Osaka`s aquarium is really crowded on the weekends, so I am leaning towards Suma`s aquarium at the moment.

BLUE...Below is some "Blue" English. Check it out!

He has beautiful baby-blue eyes.

I go to a museum once in a blue moon. (once is a very long while, NOT very often)

My childhood friend called me from out of the blue. (with no warning, for the first time in a lonnnng time)

I have been feeling blue(sad, down, depressed) since I heard the depressing news.

After getting tackled so many times in the rugby game, the boy was black and blue.

"Coming of Age Day"

In Japan, last Monday, the 14th, was the national holiday "Coming of Age Day." This holiday is basically a celebration of becoming 20 years old. In Japan, 20 means that you are an adult!! No more video games, comic books, bickering...Actually all of these things also continue after 20, into adulthood, also.

I saw many girls and guys all dressed up in kimonos last Monday. They looked pretty cool! Also, when I went to a shrine last Monday, I also saw a girl dressed in a kimono with her family praying there. I like kimonos, and I think they are very beautiful. Actually, I have worn a kimono once. It was a good experience, but you can`t move in a kimono and going to the bathroom without taking off the entire kimono, which takes about 30 minutes to put on, is impossible!! So the whole time I was wearing the kimono sipping tea, I was thinking..."When is this going to end...I hope it ends soon. I don`t know how much longer I can hold it in...I HAVE TO GO TO THE RESTROOM NOW!!!"

In America, basically people are recognized as adults once they become 18 years old. The voting age, and age to enter the military, and legal smoking age(I am not sure about this one) is 18. In Pennsylvania, the legal driving age is 16, so I guess a child can drive a car. Also the legal drinking age is 21 in America, so at 18 even if you can vote for the President in the Election, or even if you can go fight in the military, you are not allwed to drink a beer. Funny...

What do you think about the "Coming of the Age Day?" Do you have any good memories about your celebration on this day? If so, tell me!

The aboce are some pictures of Ms. R`s beautiful kimono collection.

Really Amazing!! Thanks

Wall Clocks, Digital Clocks, and Ceramics

During the winter vacation, an old buddy of mine called me out of the blue, our of nowhere. I was really surprised to hear from him because I hadn`t heard from him in over a year. We talked for about an hour and really caught up on a lot of things...telling each other all about our lives now and what we are both up to. It was nice.

And you`ll never believe it, but he told me the funniest story. He went on a vacation with his wife for Christmas, and he stayed at his parents-in-law`s house. There were two clock in the room...a digital alarm clock, and a wall clock. The wall clock goes TICK, TICK, TICK every second!!! So he said that that sound, TICK, TICK, TICK, really got on his nerves and he couldn`t sleep...So he asked his wife to "You gotta do something about the clock. Get it out of this room NOW! " She is a very kind and considerate wife, so she said "Of course darling, no problem." Then she got up and obediantly took the clock out of the room. What a nice wife!!! So sweet! BUT, one problem...she took out the DIGITAL CLOCK from the room. A digital clock doesn`t make any noise!!! Unbelievable.

Well, on to the next topic. Recently a friend of mine Ms. N is really into ceramics. Look below! She gave me a Christmas gift, a cup, the end of last year. I use it every day. It is great!! It really is! But, sometimes it wobbles! haha

Hope you laughed twice!

Two Thousand and Eight begins...

How was your New year vacation. Mine was totally R & R. (=rest and relaxation) First I went to a beauiful hot springs in Beppu Kyushu. It was my first time to Beppu...the town was different than I expected...it wasn`t like and "old-fashioned hot spring town." It was more spread out. The hotel I stayed in was FABULOUS, right in front of the ocean!

After that, I ate and drank and slept and ate and drank and slept again and again and again. No exercise! Absolutely nothiing! So I gained 10 kilograms and now weight a towering 80 kilograms! One of my new year`s resolutions is to lose 5 kilograms ASAP! Yesterday I went for my frist run of 2008, just 4 kilometers though, so I am off to a good start. Another resolution I have is to eat more fish and less meat this year. One more is a BIG one, but it is a secret! ;)

The best food I ate over the vacation was "mentaiko nabe." The best tv show I wathed was Downtown`s special "You get hit if you laugh" on New Year`s eve. It was hilarious! The worst show I watched was K-1 Dynamite on New Year`s eve...it was dreadfully boring...And I have on efunny story to tell about the vacation, but I will save it for next time. Oh yeah, one more resolution of mine is to spend more time in 2008 in the place below....Utsubo Park, right around the corner.

Hope everyone has a Happy and Healthy New Year and a great vacation!

May LIGHT fill your 2008!

And after light fills your life in 2008, if you are of legal age to drink, and if you like beer, may many colors of beer fill your 2008 too! :) Thank you all for this year! Signing off....g

Christmas, a little late, Japanese (Nara) style! :)

Ms. H and her family celebrating Christmas is Nara! Looks like they are having a merry time!
Now that`s either one short kid, or two really big Japanese snow-men...Which is it?
Tomorrow will be the last blog of this year...don`t expect too much!!! See ya

NOT A WHITE CHRISTMAS...

I can`t remember the last time there was a white christmas...Do you? Today is the 25th, which means Christmas day, which means absolutely nothing in Japan. In America I bet many people are opening presents, eating a big but earlist, about 4pm, dinner, and recovering from drinking too much egg-nog on Christmas eve... There is only one more week left in 2007...I wonder what it will bring...Have a good week everyone!

The beach and Christmas...

The beach...exactly where I want to spend Christmas. People often talk about how wonderful a "White Christmas" is, but I just don`t get it. A great Christmas for me would be on the white sand of a beautiful beach somewhere. For me, Christmas is really nothing special. BECAUSE, I am NOT Christian. Many people just assume that I am Christian, but actually I am NOT. I have never had a Christmas tree, and never celebrated Christmas in my parent`s house in Philadelphia. When I was a child, I celebrated Hannukah, which is a Jewish holiday. Basically it is like a "Jewish Christmas"...well, not really, but that is the easiest way to explain it on this forum. But just like many Japanese people, I enjoy a little celebration on Christmas eve, the 24th. For example, a dinner or date, or strwberry short cake, or a present. And Christmas is "the season of giving," so I enjoy GIVING presents more than receiving. I am not joking, it`s true! Here is one thing that I think is strange...in Japan, Christmas Day, the 25th, means nothing!!! One Christmas eve is important in Japan. The "Japanese way" is sometimes difficult to understand...when people are born, the do a Shinto ceremony, when they die, they do a Buddhist ceremony, when they marry they do a Christian ceremony or Shinto ceremony...What a variety! The "Japanese way" is a very Open way I think...or it may be just strange...I don`t know. What do you think?

Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, really hope you all have a good 3-day weekend!

a beautiful beach on the Phillipines

a great shot of a lonnnnnnnnnnggg pier

Thanks for the great photos Ms. A

Some CAT English

Ms. R sent me some photos of these stray cats. She sees them every day outside of her apartment complex when she goes to work and comes home. She says that she always say hi to hem and pets them and sometimes feeds them milk or something. I think that Ms. R is really gentle and kind!

Here is some "cat english"! Do you know the meaning?

1. It`s raining cats and dogs.

2. They are playing cat and mouse.

3. A cat has nine lives.

4. The cat has got his tongue.

5. I took a cat nap.

6. I saw a black cat...

7. They are fighting like cats and dogs.

8. He let the cat out of the bag.

And my personal favorite...

9. Look what the cat dragged in!

GO-GO Hashimoto~~~!!

Mr. Hashimoto announced yesterday that he will run for Governor of Osaka. For those of you who don`t know, let me tell you a little about this man. He is 38 years old. He has 7 children and one wife. I think, but am not sure that he was born in Tokyo. But now I heard that he lives (or has a house) in Osaka. I am a little fuzzy on that information. Anyway, I think he is a witty, fast-thinking, intelligent, bright, calculating, and at times amusing guy. He was a rugby star in high school and played in the National Rugby tournament. After that he went and graduated from Waseda University, one of the top Universities in Japan. Then he became a laywer. Then a few years ago, he also became a television personality and became popular for his trademark "brown" hair, jeans and sunglasses.

At first he said that he would "20,000% NOT run for Governor"...That was last week. Then after reconsidering and thinking about it for a while, and after he called his friend/colleague Mr. Takajin, who said to him "Now is the time...Do it!" He decided to enter the race for Governor. There are two other candidates as of now, that I know. I think that Hashimoto will win by a landslide...Maybe he will bring some needed change to Osaka, maybe not. Who knows. But I think he is MORE INTERESTING than the other two candidates, so IF I had a right to vote, which I don`t because I am NOT a Japanese citizen, AND IF I wasn`t busy on the election day on Sunday January 27th, I would cote for him...maybe ;)

Oh yeah, he wrote something interesting in his book which was published some time last year I think. He said, "If you can`t lie, you can`t become a lawyer or a politician." Well, now he is both.

Beautiful fall leaves shots! Thanks Ms. M!

Word of mouth

The other day during class Ms. S told me that after class she was going to Nara to see an art exhibition, Chagall, with her friend. I said, "Ah, I used to live in Nara and I know quite a few good restaurants for lunch or dinner if you are interested." She said, "Sure. Please tell me." So I drew a little map of the Nara area and told her about my favorite restaurant in Nara, a TUNA shop. ALL TUNA, ONLY TUNA. If you don`t like or eat tuna, DON`T GO! I told here that this shop`s food is great, but the place is a little small, and not really the kind of atmoshpere for two girls to have lunch and talk a long time...And she said thanks and went on here way.

Later that day I got an email from her with the below photo. She said she went and liked it and had a good time. I was happy to hear that!

Word of mouth is really important I think. If you know any good restaurants , or hot springs, or hangouts, please let me know! I am always interested in finding new and good places.

Lights and masks

Now is the Christmas season. One the radio and at Department stores, Christmas music is continuously playing. The lights in these photos are from Kobe. They are not Christmas lights, but they reminded me of Christmas lights, so I posted them on the blog. Many Japanese people go to Kobe to see the BIG illumination. I have never been there, but I heard it is really beautiful. BUT packed! jammed!! unbelievably crowded with people!!! So prepare yourself for shoulder-to-shoulder walking if you go! I might have said this before in a previous blog, but I recommend the smaller more "at-home" atmosphere of the Nakanoshima Christmas lights near the Osaka City Hall, which is about a 10 minute walk from here.
While on the topic going out to see the winter lights, I`d also like to say BE CAREFUL of the cold and bundle up when you go outside!! Now the flu is going around. I read in the newspaper that it is about 1 month earlier than usual. Already, some Elementary Schools have been shut down temporarily because too many of the children have the flu. (So many children getting sick could be prevented though IF they didn`t have to wear SHORTS to school in the winter!! It`s true!!! Many Japanese schools have a school uniform which the students must wear. And in the winter, some Elementary schools require shorts!!! Stupid!!! Whoever thought of that brilliant idea must have been a real brain scientist!) Anyway, if you get the flu, one way to prevent the flu from spreading to other people is to wear a mask! The mask looks kind of strange, and isn`t exactly the coolest look I have ever seen, but if you want to be considerate and think of the well-fare of other people, and don`t want to give your bad germs to other people, I think that wearing a mask is a good idea! I gotta go to the pharmacy now to buy me a pack of masks! See ya and have a good weekend!

Olympia Part Two

This building looks like a miniature White House. Maybe it is the City Office, or a Courthouse, or some other government building...
Ms. H waiting at the bus stop. It looks a little chilly...
This is the ranch house Ms. H stayed in. A ranch house is a one story house. It is very flat and long. They are poplular in some areas on America. Some people like the design, and some people don`t. Personally, I think they are OK. If someone offered me one for free, I`d probably take it. But if I was using my own money, I would probably pass, and buy a regular two story house.

Also, look at the big yard and many trees around the house. That`s pretty typical in suburbian America. In Japan, most people don`t have such a nice yard or trees or bushes around their houses. The main reason is that it is too expensive. In Japan, land prices are extraordinary!! Crazy expensive! And for the money, the size of the house or condominium is too small. It`s something to think about...

A Tower...Not the Tokyo Tower, not the Kyoto Tower,

it`s the ________________ Tower! You fill in the blank if you know the answer.

This is the official seal of the state of Washington. Of course, the face of George Washington, the first President of the United States is on the seal. Who was the first Prime Minister of Japan...do you know?

Have a good one.

December and International Exchange...

It`s almost December! Can you believe it! Only one more month to go until 2008...I`ll talk about Christmas and the Winter Holidays and New Year`s parties, and New Year`s resolutions and all that jazz later! Right now I want to talk about International Exchange. There are so many different types of international exchange, culture exchange. Today I want to tell you as story of a woman, Ms. H, who really spread her wings, took a risk, challenged herself, and took a flight over to the U.S. for a one month home-stay study. I know, I know, you are thinking "What`s so unusual about that?! Many Japanese people study abroad..." Well, ya see, she isn`t just any Japanese person. She is a shy woman, in her fifties, who lives with and takes care of her husband. She also has two daughters and a son, all of whom are already grown up. And she also has one cute grand-son, tokumaru. She wanted to test herself and her English, she wanted to go to a foreign country all by herself and just see what happens, experience something new. Do you know how difficult that is!? It takes courage and bravery! I really admire her!
This is her class. There are so many different types of people in the picture, just like America, "a melting pot." She went to Olympia, Washington. Olympia is the capital of Washington. Did you know that?! I didn`t. I thought that Seattle was the capital of Washington. Boy was I wrong.
I have no idea what the hell this bus is...But it must have been interesting to ride. Ms. H said the food was just ok, and that every breakfast she ate standing in the kitchen. It`s kind of like my parent`s house in Philadelphia. Standing and eating is a very common thing in America! Some houses and restaurants don`t even have chairs!!! ;) Just joking! Hope you all have a good weekend!



p.s. Ms. H came back to Japan a more cultured, confident woman. It was amazing to see. And it is not needed to be said, but her English also improved a ton. Good Job Ms H!! You should be proud OF YOURSELF!!!

Swimming in Yellow leaves

Midosuji Street is swimming in yellow leaves. Midosuji subway line is marked RED in the subway map, but above ground in the winter it is without a doubt YELLOW! Every day when I walk on MIdosuji street recently I see the YELLOW leaves and for some reason I just feel thankful, grateful. In the past few years there has been a movement to build-up and improve Midosuji Street. As a result, many of the banks located on the first floor moved to the second or third floor or closed, making room for a flurry of cafes, car shops, wedding halls, restaurants, and more. There are a plentiful amount of shops on both sides of the street all the way form Umeda to Namba. In addition, TREES line the street on both sides. In the spring and summer GREEN leaves, in the Fall, brilliant YELLOW leaves. Every day, I feel like I am swimming in yellow leaves when I walk down Midosuji street.

Speaking of swimming, I hope to get back into the swinn, my daily swimming routine, tomorrow or sometime next week. After the marathon, my legs were really shot. But the past few days, my legs seem to be getting their strength back. Hopefully within the next few days I will be able to put on my RED speedo, then bright GREEN swimming cap, the BLACK goggles, and flop right into the pool. I can`t wait! ;)

about 4 hours and 41 minutes

On Friday I ran the Fukuchiyama full marathon. It was a hell of an experience! Basically, as I wanted to, I ran with a smile!!! :) However I forgot about one thing since the last time I ran...AFTER running the race, it is more difficult for me to smile because I can`t move my legs, especially knees and groin and ankles, which equals just about the whole leg...and oh yeah, usually the body goes into shock, so in addition to the drop in temperature upon sunset in Kyoto (Kyoto is COLD in the mountains!) and the natural drop in body temperature after running such a marathon, basically my whole body gets hot(partly due to the inflammation=fire=burning of all the above mentioned leg parts) and gets a fever. Fortunately, after much sleep and some good food and body care, I am back to about 100%. So let me tell you about the race...

My friend and boss, Mr. H, picked me up at the station at 6:30am and drove me to Fukuchiyama. That was such a big help!! Compared to riding on a crowded train for three hours, to sit in a heated and comfortable car while chatting and reading the newspaper is a dream. That time was a much needed rest time for my body. The race began at 10:30am...

While standing at the start line, waiting for the fireworks which begin the race, an old Japanese guy said to me..."Where are you from." I was in meditation mode, so to be honest I didn`t really want to talk, but I said "America." He said "How old are you?" I said "33". He said, "I am 65...You are American runner!" I said, "Yes, and you are Japanese runner..." We both laughed. Then about 20 kilometers later, as he coasted by me, he said with a BIG smile, "I am Japanese runner!" It was a funny moment.

I saw one runner with a shirt that said "I have ran 160 marathons." That guy was short and about 60 years old maybe. Unbelievable!!

I want to make a shirt for me that says "I ran 2 marathons and that`s it! Done! Finished! Retired for life!!! ;)"

Also, Mr. H, who is in his mid-fifties, began running when he was in his early forties. Now he runs about 3 marathons a year. He is in great shape! He finished this marathon in 3 hours and 51 minutes. I can only bow my head to him...that is a great time. I respect him a lot!! And he really helped me during the race, because after about 23 kilometers I was hurting and tired. Just at that time, he ran by me and said with a BIG SMILE "Glenn!!!" His words really encouraged me and lifted me up. It was a big help!!

After about 30 kilometers I began to talk to myself and sing to myself...of course with a smile. But my legs were literally dragging. Then, one woman runner , about 45, said to me "This looks easy for you, but are your legs OK?" I said "My legs are Okay...BUT it feels like someone is hammering a nail into my knee caps..." She said, "But your mouth is healthy! ;)" I said, "Yep, it is..."

There was also one other foreigner who I saw running the race. He was from England, a tall and lean guy. He was also friendly and said to me in the beginning "Looks like we are the only two foreigners (stupid enough) to run this race." I smiled at him. Then later, towards the end, I was furiously pumpimg my arms to move forward because my legs couldn`t move. At that time, I passed him...But I didn`t realize that until he ran up to me slowly and said "You gave me inspiration! I had just quit this sport..." Then he continued to slowly run. It was a happy moment.

The service and fan support at the Fukuchiyama is fantastic!! Really applaudable! There is ample food and drinks at every rest stop, and many people say "Keep it up", "Don`t give up!", "Only 5 more kilometers...", "FIGHT!!"...All of those words really go straight to the heart! A great motivation! And the fabulous scenery in Fukuchiyama, the country views combined with the beautiful red and orange and yellow fall leaves, really lifted me up! Without all the people`s support in addition to nature`s support, I could never have done it. Thanks a lot Fukuchiyama!!

Winter`s here! Break out the heavy blankets, scarfs, hats, and gloves! Burrrrrrrrr......

In America, soon it will be Thanksgiving! Do you know about Thanksgiving in America? Do you know the meaning of this holiday? Do you know what Americans typically do to celebrate this holiday? If the your answer to one or more of the questions above is "NO", click on the link "November 2006" and "November 2005", and read about Thanksgiving on my blog from the past.

From tomorrow is a 3-day weekend, for most people. On Friday and Sunday I am off. On Friday, I will head up to the mountains, Fukuchiyama, and participate in the Fukuchiyama marathon. I ran and finished this marathon about 11 years ago. My time was an impressive 3 hours and 35 minutes...I ran as hard as I could...when I crossed the finish line I cried like a baby, and I didn`t even know why. Sometimes running a marathon can be very emotional. 11 years ago I was in very good shape, i didn`t drink alcohol, didn`t smoke(presently I don`t smoke either though) , was a vegetarian and didn`t eat meat or eggs or any dairy products, ran every day for about 45 minutes, rode my bicycle 90 minutes to and from work 5 days a week, did Aikido about 4 times a week, and weighed about 65-67 kilograms. I was a machine!

Now, I drink (only sometimes ;), eat meat, eggs, dairy products, and any food that is put in front of me, for that matter. Some people call me "The Vacuum", or people say "If you can`t finish it, just give it to Glenn...he`ll finish it". I have trained for this marathon since about 6 months ago, jogging 3 or 4 times a week for about 35-45 minutes...But on October 8th, when I did a long run of about 17 kilometers, I injured my Achilles tendon and heal. I thought it would get better in a week or so, but I was wrong. It still hurts, aches, is tender a little. But after the 8th, I began swimming at the gym I go to, DO SPORTS, about 3 or 4 times a week. Now I really like swimming...I am like a dolphin gliding through the water!! Haha, actually, I am like a flailing fish, flapping wildly...My goal is to just run with a smile tomorrow, and when my leg begins to hurt, stop with a smile too. Maybe I can run about 22 kilometers I think, but if my leg hurts after only 10 kilometers, then I will just stop. No worries! It should be fun...and I am looking forward to seeing the beautiful red and orange and yellow fall leaves as I run...

Hope you have a good weekend!