Got up to clean the kitchen it was a mess... The dishes are being washed... Love my dishwasher... Saturdays is a day to clean! BF is just watching tv but my guess is he's hungry but he said he'll make himself something, that's great! nya!

Going to soju to watch some K-dramas... My last one was: 이 죽일놈의 사랑 [ A Love To Kill]. It made me cry so very much! Also been watching some K-movies which were totally funny: Beauty&Beast, 100 days w/ Mr. Arrogant, Almost Love, Did We Really Love?, 200lb Beauty, Millionaire's 1st Love, My BF is Type B, My Little Bride, S Dairy, Seducing Mr. Perfect, She's on Duty, He Was So Cool & way many more.... but that's only the Korean ones... I've also seen many many Japanese & Chinese... Some Thai, Spanish and Philippine ones.

k-dramas I seen in the past: 1% of Anything, My Girl [favorite], My Love Patzzi, Full House [favorite], Bad Couple [favorite], Dal Ja's Spring [funny], Delightful Girl Choon-Hyang, Goong S, Hello! Miss [funny], One Fine Day, Only You, Princess Lulu [funny], She Is Nineteen, 18 vs 29, The 1st Shop of Coffee Prince, Wedding and many many more.... Also many Japanese, Chinese and some Spanish, Italian and French....

Gonna go start a new k-drama to watch: Sweet 18 and still waiting on Golden Bride which has 70 episodes... I'm on ep 45....

So looking around for a turkey sandwich ended up on univision forums. It's in Spanish... had to use my g-translator as some of the words were not known to me. I need to practice my Spanish... I will read and see how the site is... Got my sis and mom's x-mas gifts... Sweet... Send bf to get bread and water crest.... My kitties Mitsuru and Carly are sleeping and probably dreaming of yesterdays turkey diner...

Watching OLTL not that great I prefer AMC n GH which are great! Talked to mom asked what 'escabeche' was she said it was crispy... Dang, tried to find it on g-translator and didn't work and then on other dictionary's and nothing came up except like places and other recipes with it...

Broke my left thumb nail yesterday cleaning the furniture... Damn, it will take like so long to grow back...

Wish that I could be in Japan again and go do my nails... I hate the way they do them here... It sucks! Still looking for someone to do them.... LOOKING!!!

Been wondering the net:

cute pictures of all sorts of animals - totally cute kitty - totally cute bunny - sleepy kitty and which reminds me of my old old kitty BeBe - dude has put up a anime doll - some assholes pretending to be black

blog which has a post with a picture of a grape shaped like a heart.

BF is back need to go make lunch....

Headed to Chapters and bought:
Singer Simple Sewing Guide (Spiral-bound)
Step-By-Step Sewing Course: Essential Techniques for Making Over 150 Creative Home Projects
and
So Easy...Home Sewing : 30 Fabulous Items to Make for your Home (Spiral-bound)

with other nick-nacks: CocoMira Espresso Crunch gift box, Glass tealights, Animal bath toys and Jordi Labanda Gel pen.

Got up bright and early... Nagged B-G to get himself ready. I found my pretty Brother CS-6000 sewing machine which was on sale for $399 at Centre de couture Gema. It has 100 stitch options! Will now be making my second cushion and more to come... Have also decided to make a few duvet covers.... Need to look for some fabrics that I have in mind... Headed to Fabricville and got me some fabric: Gingham 1/8 Inch Check - Pink [3yrds] and green/lime [3yrds] by cranston village, another 14" cushion, and some interfacing. Which was a bit hefty in price [$63] and the cust serv lady was a total biatch! She even over charged and had to go back to get the credit! She was upset that we came back for the credit! I couldn't believe that! AAAhhhh! Never going back there!

✿ Was a bit early so I went to the dollar store bought some lace which was really cute...

I made a cushion today! It was fun... It took me a lot of time to do it. I had never really sewed, so it was a really slow process for me.... I did however have so much fun! I like the people that were there and the teacher was a sweetheart... The 3 hrs went by so fast!

'Friperie La Gaillarde.' I asked her to contact me when the next class would be offered. She said maybe in Sept. she would do another class which will run for about 3 consecutive Sat. which I am totally hung-ho! Asked her if I could have extra fabric to make another just like the one I had just made. She agreed....

B-G picked me up and showed him my art work! I was very satisfied and energetic... Went to the Korean/Japanese store to buy stuff to make Bibimbap... Have had it and its amazing! Want to learn how to make it!

Will be buying a sewing machine as soon as possible...

spend 2 [15-16] days watching 'Wonderful Life'. A really good Korean drama....

NY border : jury 2007.
As we approached the agent, we declared our stuff and were told to park and bring our stuff in.... In the middle of bringing it all they said no need... asses.... So we paid like 15$ for the extras....

The New Year was spend kinda smoking my last cig of 2007.... Will be trying to quit!!!
Jan/08:
1st day of No Cig!!!
2nd day of No Cig!!!!
3rd day of No Cig!!!
4th Day of no Cig....

Headed to the US for the shopping! Went to the info desk and got us a map of the city and talk to the lady for a while to tell us what's good in town... Then just looked at the make for a while and drove around... Saw the lake and went shopping as we didn't have a lot of time....

Bought some Hungry Jack pancake mix and a lot of flavor coffee mate creamers powder form and a couple of liquid form! Body pillow and paper towels! Ate at Ponderosa! Was ok... Dang, so much food! couldn't eat all, they even have an all you can eat buffet for and extra few $ with the meal. That's just crazy! B-G took the buffet which he only went to get salad, macaroni and a dessert.

We were on our way! Listen to music and had fun!

How pathetic is this as I listen to this song [My Girl soundtrack - K-drama - track 5] I remember us and it hurts to the core... Why is it that I still feel... saranghe... I hate it,,, these feelings of a lost love... I want to forget and never think of it but its impossible. Why? Was or am I that bad of a person to suffer like this. I want to know when it will disappear from my heart. a wound has been left and I can't seem to close it. When will it become a scar, like the rest. Was it that special. The song vibrates through my body and my tears fall so easily. I cannot stand it any more. I want to scream so loud that I loose my voice. I wish to rid of it. I want it gone. Why so much memories. Can I get a memory transplant. I rather have the memories of someone else and never have mine. I sleep and I seem to walk in a dream through this this world. I have not thought of this before and its costing me my well being now. I want it gone.

I feel like I am drowning in a vast sea... I have to get my self out of this pit of darkness and live. Why cant I do that? What prevents me from being happy? I ruined such a good thing. I seem to ruin things when they are good and finally find happiness. I feel that I don't deserve it, so I guess that is why I'm in such a place now. I have done so many mistakes when am I going to stop and listen to my heart. Why do I do the things I do? Why?

comment I wanted to leave:
why not get info from peeps. if your clean you have nothing to hide, right. by obtaining info of predators who lurk behind the clean and deceptive image of being a good human being.... i give up my rights to take down all the evil that possess these awful peeps. never think that the person beside you is a good one because then you are being naive. everyone says we have rights but the only thing we have is the right to be selfish and deceitful. we may be at the top of the chain of the pyramid but we are the worst of the worst... we kill, exploit and devour our own young, we are not better then animals. if you think that by keeping all your private data out of the mainstream data bases is the thing to do then think if you or anyone you care about would be in danger and the only way to find you or your love one is getting the information from these places, wouldn't you want the people looking for you to have every piece of data that could lead them to find the person/s or yourself. what about when it comes down to a life what do you perceive privacy laws to do in that? remember that the law doesn't protect only the innocent but the guilty, too.

I agree that corporations are out there to make the money and exploit us anyway they can. this would be a great way of doing it as to what we like and dislike but also think of the big picture. how about the predators that are around the net getting to innocent children/people. what are we to do? Just sit and say privacy is worth more then a life. is that how society thinks. i am sorry but this really gets me angry. do i make sense maybe not to some or anyone at all but i really regret being born to a humanity that puts profit before a life....

what are you afraid of?
why not get info from peeps. if your clean you have nothing to hide, right.

I agree that corporations are out there to make the money and exploit us anyway they can. this would be a great way of knowing what we like and dislike but also think of the big picture. how about the predators that are out there on the net getting to innocent children/people. what are we to do?

So woke up by the sound of Katsu's phone call... I told him that I would be down in 5min but it didn't happened as I needed to take a shower... Yah!! My last shower in Japan which was sort of fast but still good... Got dressed and called him to come and help me pack all the boxes... In total it came to 4 boxes which cost like 89,900yen. Almost $950CAD. I took it to NEKO-transport! And did the paperwork for the last box there... After went to Jusco but the floor where all the toys were was under construct8ion. It was like a maze, totally funny! We asked and the lady said they were remodeling so no one could buy toys. She recommended the other store which was close to the shinkansen train station - tsudanuma-bashi!

Ended up buying some stuff and well it was raining and the bag the lady gave us was paper. Got wet and it sort of crumbled. Katsu when to get a plastic one... Also, he kind of cheesed me off as he went the wrong way. Not that he went the wrong way but just through the outside and it was raining and my takoyaki machine box got wet. Hope the machine works or else I will be really be angry but Katsu bought it for me so, I guess but still... Such a nice man!

So, I was sort of happy to have gone out of the hotel and I said bye to the receptionists... Went to the post office to take out money and headed to do the shopping thing!! Bought some stuff and was really happy with all my purchases. Didn't have enough money so Katsu kinda fronted me some and told him I would send him the money he lent me...

Headed to Shin Tsudanuma... Waited a little bit and got into the train... Rode for about 25-30 minutes... Once we got to the airport headed to eat sushi, my last meal in Japan and some sake which made me a little bit tipsy but all good... Went to the nearest souvenir shop and got some stuff for B-G's nieces and nephew. Got 2 cute umbrellas that Katsu bought as a gift of farewell... Got inline for baggage check. they passed it and asked me to take out the lighter gave it to Katsu... Then headed to the ticket booth and remember that I needed to take out the pillow so the ticket girl went with me again to pass the bag over the x-ray machine after I took out the pillow. Then we headed back to the booth where my stuff was checked in and was happy to walk around with out it... We headed to the mall but didn't have much time so just kinda looked a bit and then headed to the gate. Last minute I forgot to give Katsu his phone but he remember and was able to give it to him. The 15hr ride was not so comfy but not that bad... Slept, watched some movies and then slept some more. The food was ok. A Japanese business man sat next to me. We shared our food and it was a good trip. He headed to his business meeting once he got to Seattle... I headed to take my flight to Alberta... Waited a while... I was kind of surprise of all the people that were taking that flight.... It was a small plane but it was full!

The ride was easy and not too bad... A very large man sat next to me which he kinda took some of my space but it was ok.... The stewardess grabbed my hand, which I found a bit surprising, and loved my nails. He even said to the other to take a look and asked me all sorts of questions... Where, when, how, why? I explained and they were really interested on what I was saying. I kind of felt in the spotlight and made me nervous as some of the other passengers were staring at us... I just said thank you.

Once I got to customs, I felt the jet lag.... As I stared which of the agents was going to be questioning me. I decided I wanted the Asian guy. But to my bad luck he turned out to be an ass... He was really mean.... He treated me like a child... I went to pay my taxes for the bulk of my stuff and asked the other agent there, a blond lady, what was wrong with the agent. She asked me which one was the one that gave me a hard time and I explain what I was thinking and my situation. I was jet lagged, he treated me like a child and over explained himself with a very rude/authority manner that I had never experienced before. I thanked her and went to wait for my luggage to come around the bend. Once there.... I saw the stewardess and they stopped me and asked me more questions and I answered them. As I was saying goodbye to them another agent popped himself in front of me. I got a bit nervous thinking they thought I was carrying something illegal or that I looked suspicious which scared me. But in turn the agent asked if I could talk to him about the situation that I had just experienced. I said sure. He put an agent to guard my stuff, while I went into his office and explain the situation. So, he asked me that he was the supervisor and that he wants all Canadian Citizens to feel protected not scared of his agents. I went onto explain and then he asked me to write it. He gave me his card and went with me to get cleared... I thanked him and said my goodbye's... I passed through the doors and B-G was waiting for me.... He was happy and sad looking... We walked and talked.... It was sunny and hot....

We stayed at his sisters house.... With the girls.... It was fun...

Woke up at 7:35am (I could not sleep as I swear I heard a voice say either 'back' or 'pack', I turned the TV and slept that way)... took a shower and watched TV... I packed and then headed downstairs. While going to the elevator an older couple from England went down with me.. I asked them if they were from England and they said yes...

I checked out and made my way to Shin-Kobe... I sat a little at the park before leaving and then headed to the station. Waited about 1hr30min for the train.


Received a Skype message from Seiki yesterday that he still hadn't picked up his gift... What an ass... Whatever, I ignored him! I was kind of upset and didn't want to talk to him or I would say something bad to him...

I am now in the train... It's 11:17am... I arrive at Tokyo at 1:43pm where Katsu will meet me. Hopefully without my baggage... Heee...

Went to bed quite late and got up around 11am... I watched tv all day... Didn't eat anything... I stayed in the hotel all day... I received email from Miho and Etsu... Excused myself for leaving so suddenly..

Just watched TV all day, took a shower and smoked a lot... Couldn't get in contact with B-G... Send email to see what was going on.

Nothing much...

Woke up at 10am... Took a shower and then headed to meet Etsu and Jeff... I got there a bit early... Waited... Then Etsu called telling me they would be 1/2 hr late...

I tried going to the bathroom but didn't go as it was a floor one and in no way was I going to do my biz in that position... Headed out and waited outside. Had a cig.

The finally arrived in the green bus... I got on... I made my way to where they were sitting... The bus was full...

We got off at Chinatown and ate in a Chinese restaurant. The food was chosen by Etsu... We had ground beef with lettuce wraps, Cantonese noodles and I chose tempura... We all shared our food!

We headed out and walked to the pier... We went up the red tower and took some pictures... Then headed a bit down to the cafe. Etsu and I had a cold latte and Jeff had melon soda...

While walking I saw a pastry shop and decided that it would be nice to buy dessert to bring to the house.

We headed to Etsu's home... Jeff took pictures of where Etsu works and then in front of his home...

We went in Miho was preparing Okinomiyaki.... Etsu showed us his home and the 3rd floor where he had renovated and had only taken 1 month for the renovations to be made. It was really narrow and the stairs really scared me, very steep...

Then we went down and had some juice... We made our way to the living/dining room. I stared to watch tv and they all started to talk. I wanted to watch the showroom so I ignored all that was around me. Then the food was ready and Sayaka came in... I didn't really see her... They all ate at the table and I ate on the couch. Started to feel uncomfortable and then noticed that it was getting dark outside so decided to head back to the hotel. I said my goodbyes and headed out...

It was a bit difficult but once I figured out how to get to get to Shin-Kobe I made my way... I stopped at Yoshinoya's for food and headed to the hotel where I took a shower and watched TV... Emailed... Put the 'No Disturb' sign for tomorrow morning.

Got up around 9am took a shower. Miho and Ayaka were waiting for me at 10:45am, they waited for me about 15 min. When I got to the lobby I saw the bag which I recognized and asked where Miho was (toilet). We waited for her and then headed upstairs to leave my things that Etsu had been storing for me. Then we headed to sightsee for about 3hrs or so. IT was fun. I spoke to Miho not much to Ayaka as she didn't speak too much English.

Went to eat at a restaurant, the food was ok... Ayaka played basketball which she was really good... Then headed to the mall and ate a crepe ice cream... and headed to see the Takoyaki makers... I am probably gonna get one.

Then they had to go and I said my goodbye's. Miho told me that Etsu will meet me at Shin-Kobe around 11:45am, March 31st with Jeff a 20yr old guy who was studying at the University in Osaka, for 1 semester (4 months).

I made my way to the hotel and stopped at Yoshinoya to get some food. Ate in my room and watched TV. Read emails. B-G's in Alberta visiting his dad, who's going through Chemotherapy... Sad and hoping they are all doing fine... I hope he's dad passes through this with flying colors... Crossing my fingers and praying!

I took a shower and headed to bed...

Got up around 8am... Took a shower and went out with Yohie and the kids. We went to the delivery service which took about 1hr and found out the information. Yoshie will mail the package on April 3oth, for me. I left her money for it. Then we went to eat Okinomiyaki... It was really good. I took the special which had everything and had an ice cream which Hanoka and Hayato had too...

We went back to her house and picked up my stuff. Hanoka was staying behind as she was meeting her friends. I said good bye to her and then Yoshie, Hayato and I headed to the museum. Where I took pictures and then ran out of room which as always too many picture taking. It was fun. Hayato kept stamping my paper when we headed to each section of the museum.

We went to the playroom and play a really fun game... Hayato kept giving me the balls. It was a man made pin ball machine. We played all four.

After that we headed to the train station. Where I almost missed my train. Yoshie apologized for our lateness. Hayato had gone somewhere else so I missed to say goodbye to him. Too bad. The trip was fun. I took pictures and at around 3:15pm we passed an accident between 2 cars. The driver was being pulled out as he was trapped.

That was my only excited thing that happened. I hope everyone was ok and not really injured.

I arrived at Shin-Kobe at around 7:06pm. I was really lost so decided to take a taxi (which cost 660yen but gave tip which amounted to 1,000yen) to the hotel. Checked in and then wanted to use the internet so I went down to get the necessary things to connect to the internet but it wasn't working... I got the password which made my PC get the blue screen of death. I went down to the reception and stayed in the lobby eating my o-bento that I got from the train station in Okoyama. I connected and read and send email...

Then headed up to my room, where I watched tv and fell asleep....

I woke up at around 11:30 am... Hayato woke me up a little harsh... He is a totally cute child. He was playing with the toy I got him yesterday at the cow center (a tourist site that apparently is an attraction) early in the morning. I woke up a few times during the morning due too so much noise but it was ok. The futon was so lovely, I really want one!

I did not have anything to eat... I went and took my shower, my second interaction with a typical Japanese bathroom. I got a bit scared as there was no curtain or anything like that but its quite private though. the toilet is not even there its in a separate room. The laundry room and were you come out of the bathroom is next to each other. I had fun taking the shower but I did not take a bath... I just don't really like it that much...

Yoshie drove around Ehime showing me the city where she lives. We went to where there was a cow which is an attraction in her town. As they are the major production of milk in this prefecture. I took some pictures and we say a few butterflies. Too bad I did not take any pictures of them they were too fast for me. We heard a bird singing the music of spring. Totally nice. Then we headed to a souvenir shop where I bought some stuff almost 10,000 yen worth. I got Hanoka a daisy duck baby in her baby pink pajamas and Hayato I got him a remote control car. Which I would regret the next morning as he was using it like crazy around the house when I was still sleeping...

We were going to eat at the restaurant that was there but it had been booked for a cake class. Also, were were going to eat ice cream but instead we went to another location. Where we bought Takoyaki and took pictures & a little video of how to make it. The lady making them knew Yoshie's younger brother. So, due to that she got some free food, but no the takoyaki.

We went to sit and eat it. I got the drinks for all. We ate and then had Gelato which they call gelatte or something like that. I guess That they try to make it as Japanese as possible. Which is cute. I got taro, Hanoka got chocolate chip. yoshie and Hayato did not get any ice cream but I went to get a spoon to share my ice cream with them. Mine was a cone and Hanoka was in a cup.
We went to sit at the same place that we ate the Takoyaki. After we headed to the store inside of the place. We went looking around and got some melon buns (one for me and the other for Hanoka) with a egg sandwich. We looked around and Yoshie explain some food to me. I saw Hanoka pouring some thing into her hand I stretched mine so she could pour me some. It was sesame seeds with a hint of sourness (I guess plum??).

Then after buying the stuff we kind of lost Hayato and started to look for him. We found him in the section of toys... heee... He has a radar for the toys. I guess children are like that...

So when we started to headed to the car, Yoshie went to the bathroom and the children and I went to the car to wait for her. Hanoka and I ate the egg sandwich.

Yoshie came and we headed back her home. Hanoka had at 4pm an English lesson which she has once a week.

We went to meet George Yoshie's English teacher. The story: So, Yoshie's been taking English for the past 5yrs when George started his school with his wife. Apparently, he traveled Japan for the last 10 yrs. He married a Japanese woman... And then decided to start a English school. He asked a professor at his University if there was anyone else interested in coming to Unomachi (Ehime). And now there are 2 Westerners there... George from California and the other who's name I forgot but he's 24-25 and from Utah.

OK, so we had gone to the post office but I did not think I can get money from the ATM there and then tried to see if we could at Yoshie's bank but to no avail they told us to go to the post office. We headed that way and then asked them there. Some guy came and tried using my cards which they couldn't be used. I was a bit disappointed. After that we headed to the English school for Hanoka and a bit early as Yoshie had to meet one of her students who wanted to give her a gift (yellow roses in a large shot glass with a nice letter). I met George's wife. His manners change towards me and then I just watched a bit and then went in to see how it was. A few minutes later we decided to go. The wife asked me my age and she was like ah still younger then me... Like who cares... Whatever!!!

My impression was that she was the jealous type and the husband instead of getting into an argument with her, it was better for him to ignore me.

After that I decided that I wanted to try a Big Mac and to my surprise there was a Mc D's at the bottom of the school... I did eat it but then deciding that it was too much! Hayato had a Happy Meal (grape juice, fries and a hamburger with of course a toy)!

We waited a bit for Hanoka then headed to the Dollar store. Where I went mental and almost spent 10,000yen... got Hanoka glass jelly stickers... all the rest was for gifts. There was so much stuff I liked... I wish I could have taken the whole store with me...

then after that we headed to the grocery store where I got some stuff I wanted to try, but was a bit full which I could not try most of the stuff I bought or Yoshie got. We had cone sushi... with shrimp, tuna w/ mayo, fake crab, some leaves that tasted like radish, cucumber, lettuce and the nori. Also I got some fried chicken on a stick, fried shrimp and 2 patties one beef and the other mix potato and meat...

We ate had a coffee and the waffle ice cream but just a section which was shared between Yoshie, Hayato, Hanoka and me...

We went to the living room and started to watch the TV. some story about a guy who hitched hiked and shot the guy who picked him up but did not kill him. they promise to each other that they would not speak of it to anyone. So, later on the years the one who picked up the hitch hiker wrote a book... It was all in Japanese but got the gist of it.

Also, I saw a bit of the news were a Japanese guy killed a western woman because she refused him. the way it happen was that he invited her to his home with the pretense to learn English and he told her that he lived with his family when actually lived on his own. His parents are both doctors, he had failed to enter medical school and did not have a job. So her followed her and gave her gifts and all but she made it clear that she was not interested in him and that she had a fiancée... He seem to not care and just pretended to be a friend to her. Well, once he got her to his apt he tried advances and she refused and then he killed her. The details are still not known on my part as Yoshie was the one who translated most of it but I'll try to get the story of the Internet once I get to the hotel, tomorrow.

Checked my email and found out that B-G's dad has some sort of Leukemia which is bad and seems that he won't be able to make the trip to Japan. I need to contact him as soon as I get to the city. I feel terrible that he's in this dilemma and I'm not there for support. I have to get back to the people who have left me messages and the one person that I got a gift for has yet to send me a thank you. Shhhh.... Unbelievable! I guess I expect too much!!!

At around 9:30pm went to take a shower.

Woke up a few times but it was ok... I got up around quarter to 12 and took a shower. Did my grooming and then headed out. I went to check out and was struck by the fact that the people at reception did not speak English. surprise but to be expected, right? So, they credit me for the 27th day and I was checking out. They were really nice...

Headed to take the train to Shin-Osaka... Once there I got some food: cheesecake for Yoshie and the family, some Osaka souvenirs, then a o-bento to eat in the train and drank a blueberry & yogurt drink which was pretty good... Went to platform 20 to catch the train headed to Okayama for 2:59pm... some idiot lady got in front of me. I really get annoyed when they do that. they just stand infront of you and don't make a line... I had seat #2D which was good and no one sat next to me which was great. Had my o-bento and the only thing i did not eat was the little fish and the pepper but I did try both. I just didn't like the flavor. I had 2 cigs and then as soon as that the train ride was over and I was arriving at my first change...

Arrived a few minutes early at Okoyama and asked the nice people who work at the station and they told me the train was leaving at gate 12... I got asked by a lady for directions which I apologized because I didn't speak Japanese and asked her to asked the information people. Saw some westerners but apparently if you see one you should like run from them... As they kept running from me... They saw me and headed the opposite way. I wonder what that is all about? I was kind of sad and well I wanted people that looked like me... It was kind of annoying they do that.

bought some tea which apparently coca-cola makes here for Japan... About the tea here in a bottle none have sugar all are without... I tried to buy cigs from a store but the lady was such a bitch and she totally ignored me so I walked away. I then saw that my train was leaving in 5 minutes and decided to ask the conductor. apparently it was my train... Imagine if I had not asked cuz I wasn't going to and was willing to waited out... shit would have missed my train... So, in the cart that I'm in its a non-smoking, which ok i guess but I'm wishing for one just about now. I asked a businessman just to double check if this was the right train... which it was... he was nice enough.

No one sat beside me either which was great. Read a bit, listen to music and then decided to pull out my laptop to get the info of the day before and today down.

Soon will be arriving at Matsuyama where I make my final change to Unomachi where I meet Yoshie and her kids... I do have to contact her to once I get to Matsuyama... To tell her that I am almost there... Well, in an hour...

So got to Matsuyama asked the people who work there where was the place to take the next train to Unomachi. And was surprised that is was just the next train in front of the one that I had just debarked... I got in and started to make my way to car #1 seat #____. I send Yoshie 2 emails to tell her I had gotten there and that I was boarding the train and I would be on my way to Unomachi platform finally meet her and her kids... It was an ok ride and the train was about 2 min late but that is just fine... I just listen to music and drank my tea... As I got off I saw Yoshie and her 2 really cute children... I was amazed that Hanoka was wearing the sweater I had bought her and later found out that Hayato was wearing also the t-shirt I send them. They are so totally cute!

The car was really cute... And the ride from the station was only 5min which was not long... The kids are so well behaved and adorable... Yoshie speaks really good English I was totally surprised...

She is a really nice lady... I know we will get along these few days that will be together. I spoke to her about the guy and well she was really sad but I told her that it doesn't matter. I showed pictures of him and she said he was a bad boy in the eyes of Japanese... So, I told her of JR, PZY, BYC and B-G... Told her that B-G's dad is really sick and might have leukemia which is really bad... I am really worried for that. I told him that it would be ok if he didn't come. I hope he can change the flight to go to see him...

So, Yoshie gave me the x-mas gifts which are so adorable... I love the gifts they are so nice... I will put the kimono dangly thing on my cell and carry the change purse with me... I love the incense too... Its ume (plum) scent... very nice... Wow! Those are things that I like very much! She has great taste.

so, we talked some more... Asked her about her husband and it seems its ok with him as he works really late at night. he will get home around 1:30-2:00am... Wow!!

We also talked about Japanese education for children in Japan. I explain what Etsu twins did and she said it was normal for them to not have time to be with their friends and that studying and doing curriculum activities after school is the Japanese way. Hanoka does piano since 5yrs old and dances since 7yrs old. She is such a cute child and both Hanoka and Hayato go to English school once a month... That's so great. Yoshie's been learning English for about 5yrs and speaks really good and understands amazingly!!!!

Her home is really nice... She took a shower and I went for a cig.... When she came back we spoke about guys, life and the things I been doing in Japan... Also, she is very surprised that I have come to Japan. I explain to her how I work for awhile then go on vacation with the money I make. Hopefully, I can do this trip once again next or in 2 years. That would be great I would know a bit more and not be so scared...

Went to Yoshie's room Hayato was sleeping in her bed and she showed me the piano recital and dancing Hanoka performed a few months ago... She is totally talented!

Asked Yoshie where her husband slept and was it in the chair. She told me its a massage chair and that her husband and her haven't slept together in 10yrs. WoW!!!!!!!

I went to take a shower and then I tried to go see if she was awake but I could not see if the lights were on or off so I decided to make my way back downstairs. It was my first experience in a true Japanese home and took a real Japanese shower. I just did not take the bath.

It's 12:20am and I need to go to bed. The kids apparently will wake up at 7-8am and We're off to the mall or to eat around 11am....

Oyasumi!

So I was suppose to wake up at 6:30 am but in the end I woke up at 5:15am, why well... I guess it was because I was too nervous. I had taken a shower yesterday night so I just had to wash my face and brush my teeth. I guess the Osaka trip is freaken' crazy but it's fun. I got ready and checked out. Left the gift for Seiki at reception of the Hotel... Took some last minutes pictures out of the window.

Bought the ticket 190yen towards Shinagawa at 7:10am... Got to Shinagawa... The bag so freaken' heavy...

I went to Starbucks and ordered a large Latte... Sat there for about 1hr & 15 min... The longest time I have ever spend let me tell you. I read while listening to music and drinking the large Latte. I say all sorts of people, mostly Asians but a few Westerners but all with a freaken angry expression which made me feel sort of sad. I guess many Westerners now come to Japan to live and to work... Many of them were office workers a few tourists like me but all pretty old... I did see a few young guys but guys no girls!!!!!!!!!! What the FUCK!

I really miss being in Montreal... I cried a few times missing home and all but now I guess I have to shape up and get the remaining part of this trip out of my hairs... I try to think why is it that I wanted to come to Japan so badly when in actuality is not what I expected. I thought it would be friendly but no all the people have an upset face and no expression its sort of sucks!! I know a few people but still they cannot be with me 24hrs a day. I don't even want to listen to Japanese music or anything like that. I want to listen to English and try to be on my own as much as possible. The language barrier is really hard. I cannot speak well... besides 'arigatou' 'gomenasai' 'sumimasen' those are the 3 words that make up my Japanese vocabulary... I want to learn but.......................


I seem to be in stuck until B-G gets here on April 11th... Then we stay together and we can do things together. It's great that the BOYFRIEND is coming!!! Will atl east have someone to be with... I see things that maybe he will see in a better light as he is Chinese after all. He does want to go to Hong Kong, how will do that I don't know at all... But we'll manage I guess...

So getting back to the Japan trip... I am going to Osaka for 7 days. Stay at a hotel the 26 & 27. I will meet Etsu at the train station. He will help me to get around. I seem to be calm not nervous at all.

Shin-Osaka on a Hikari train #407, cart 15 (smoking), seat #7C. Apparently, the last stop which is great.

It's Sunday in Montreal right now!

Second stop Shisuoka. I missed stop 1...

Hamamatsu 3rd stop!

The scenery from Tokyo to Shin-Osaka reminds me of Vancouver/Seattle not to strange... Kinda Western... I guess I was expecting temples and all the stuff that anime has... Ha! NOT?! Though I wonder, how steady are those buildings that are passing by... And the houses, there was an earthquake yesterday which collapsed many homes and it was sort of sad. How I know Katsu was kind enough to be with me and translate the news before he went home.

My only thing is I wish to meet gay Japanese that would be great! I wonder?!?

4th stop - Nagoya!!

So, I got to Shin-Osaka and Etsu met me there. We went to eat ramen which I paid for. He was so nice that he got me a day pass for the Osaka rail system. He then took me to my hotel Toyoko inn (Osaka Taniyon Kousaten) at station c18... Shin-Osaka (M-13)... After I checked in we went walking as my hotel is near Osaka castle... He seem to apologize a lot due to his direction status. he reminds me a bit like B-G... funny!

So, we walked to Osaka Castle and it was quite a surprise. Very nice, many people love dogs. I guess is the in thing... We walked I took some pictures, there was not many cherry blossoms in bloom yet. It will take a few more weeks until they are in full bloom.

We went for a ride in a small cruise around Osaka bay/ castle... It took a little while but I had fun. Etsu was a really nice man. We talked... I did most of the talking but I told him that I love to bla bla bla... a lot.

Then we walked about 10 min to got to take the train to go to a famous Osaka place. Where there is a large crab and a man dressed like clown but with otaku face and a drum. We ate at the restaurant. I had something like curry and he had sushi but the not the maki style the other. I took one the squid which is similar to Tako and its good... then we had dessert, we had 2 (Takoyaki like but filled with ice cream and topped with chocolate sauce & powder green tea and the other was sakura mochi like but in ice cream form... It was really good...

We headed out and walked around a bit took some pictures. He showed me a bridge where apparently girls and boys meet. It's like a meeting bridge for lovers...

Through out bridges that you walk by there are glass or wire fences as for people not too jump either for the fun of it or to commit suicide...

Then we headed back to my hotel (room 907) and asked him if he could hold some of my stuff. I didn't want to carry to much to Ehime...

He left and I thanked him very much for the day and for the food and for just being such a wonderful host...

I got on the net (looked for a hotel, check mail and send mail, talked a bit to Seiki and reminded him to get his gift at Otorii), made 2 calls to Toyoko Inn Shin-Kobe #2 which was full and then to holiday Inn Express which is 5 min. away fron Shin-kobe the station i will arrive on the 29th. Made the reservation until the 2nd of April. And turned on the tv, watched 'Sweet Home Alabama,' which I like a lot. I was sort of happy that it was a recent movie usually in Tokyo all the movies I had been watching were pretty old...

So, headed to bed around quarter to one...

a blurr... all i know i went walking around and was feeling kind tired... Met Seiki... Nothing much happened... I think?!?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY OCM!!

So, my b-day was spend totally fucked up still from the trip... I slept through out the day and was a bit screwed up. I watched some TV... Took a shower and bumped my knee once again and got another beautiful bruise to be added to the many others that were to come... HA!

I should have written earlier... But so much was going on and the hotel was always trying to kick me out so writing was not a priority...

Got to the airport around 6 something. B-G took my cell which at Detroit I missed it very much. Had to buy a 10$ dollar calling card and he had to go to a meeting which sucks. Called Micheal and Louise. Went through customs, I said passing through going to Japan... They let me pass pretty fast but still asked what I did and bla, bla the info thing...

An 1hr & 1/2 plane ride to Detroit was ok. Not much fun. Can't seem to remember if I spoke to anyone. I don't think so...

Got to Detroit... walked to Gate 51 and waited my 3hr lay over. Got some h2o & pretzels... Also an Ethernet cable and a calling card ($10). Saw some white guys with Japanese girlfriends. Why is it that they like them? I guess is a choice they have made but usually the girls are either nice or totally snobby! Well, this one thought she was like the bomb. I shouldn't even talk as I have a taste for Asians myself... Ha!

It came to board the plane and it was sort of good. Had my pillow and sheet which was good for the 15hr plane ride. I rarely got sick. Took some meds.... It was a 3 seater and the one in the middle was empty which was great. The guy at the end was really nice and on top of it his name was Gary... Ha! funny.

Watched movies, some documentary about films & watched some sort of weird program that I had never seen. A plane sitcom, maybe?

Well, I slept but felt that maybe that I snore so I kept waking up. Had some food which was kind of gross. A lot of drinks as you get dehydrated from being so up high... And well 15hrs is sort of bad for you body to stay immobile right?

I shared some of my pretzels with Gary and he was a nice man. He was going to Thailand, his wife had gone there with his kids about 2 weeks... He was going to go join them. He had more hrs on a plane poor guy!

So, I get off at Narita airport, it was March 13, a day ahead... Lost!!! The first thing I bought was a lighter 200yen (with a little Ultraman dangling from it. which I took off!). Then headed to the phone and called the hotel to tell them I would be late maybe 7pm and that bags would be delivered.

Headed to the delivery service for bags... The guy didn't speak too much English but he was helpful. I think it cost 3680yen for them to deliver my bags to the hotel the next day. Headed outside to have a cig.... Saw my first Western guy and he just smiled at me which was nice. I didn't feel so alone...

Sat there and got stared by Japanese men and women... I felt I was in a display case. We do not do that or do we?

Went back in and asked the information lady what was the best think to get to go to my hotel which by the way it was about 1-2hrs away from Narita... Just great!

I took a bus limo thing... It only costed 1360yen, pretty cheap which left me at Haneda Airport and then from there I took the Keikyu line to Otorii station which the hotel I booked. Thanks to Issei... Very convenient as the station was like a few feet away from the hotel. A very good move but apparently very far away from Katsu & Seiki... As they live in Shiba...

Well, got to know Shinagawa very well... Now I know that its cost like only 190yen to go from the hotel to there...
Pretty cheap!

So, I got to the hotel and the girls are totally nice! I met the girl that helped me with my reservation which was great. So, I got my room key 1356! Crap, the number 13!! What bad luck, but it was ok. And then I turn and Katsu is there. I think that the girls were looking at me like what the fuck?!?

It was kinda weird but hey what the hell you expect when you go to a strange country. RIGHT?


Went to leave my stuff at the hotel and then headed to eat with Katsu... It was sort of eerie as I was exhausted from the 15hrs + trip. I think next time I will take first class...


I was totally exhausted but sleeping was totally difficult... The bed was hard as a freaken' rock! The bathroom totally funny. Freaken' banged my knees and got so many bruises from it! The toilet makes noises and has like a bidet French style crap!

Took some sleeping pills cause it was freaken' hard to sleep.... The time, the exhaustion, the strange/weird country all rolled up into one. Crazy!

I finally headed to bed but not before turning on the TV... Which was all in JAPANESE!!!! Crap at least there was 1 channel which was in English, they call it 'the cinema channel.' I watched pretty good English, French, Italian and Spanish movies which thank god I speak or else I would have gone loony!

So, I did watch some stuff which I have seen in YOUTUBE, like the funny shows from OSAKA! Which as always I wish I had a translator to tell me but some of the gestures were kinda noticeable and could tell. Hamada, Yamamoto, at this point I don't remember.... but still... some anime and some guy dress as a woman... A trans which was great!

I fell asleep........................................

Off to Japan!

Finished working on Thursday. Went to say my farewells to the wonderful people I worked with. Will keep in touch with some. When I come back hopefully we get together!

I am so scared to go to Japan but it will be fun!

Monday I head out and I will be planting my feet in Japan Tuesday at 4:20pm...

I will miss the kitties!

Need a laptop and well I got girlie taste so I went with..... Sony Vaio C-series SkyBlue order it from Ontario as Quebec has a law that if it's not in French then it cannot be sold here! It only comes in English...

I am happy to say its being delivered to a Sony Store for me on Saturday!!!

Totally happy and it looks cute. Reminds me of the mac book. I have decided that I will wait until the new Mac Book Pros [decided on a 17"] come out from apple [which will set me off about 4-5 thou...] maybe they'll come out with something for the iphone which will be great to get when it comes out here in Canada. As my provider is the only one that will carry it... I am very happy on that part!

This computer will be used to travel and the Mac that will be purchase next year will be for the home but for now. This baby will do!

Happy Valentine's!!!