Yeah? Well the JERK STORE CALLED!

If none of you object, it would make me feel better if people would stop telling my mom and dad that they like the way I write. It's incredibly flattering but it's dangerous because it makes Melissa almost think she could *possibly* one day have a future outside of teaching/a low paying job (i.e: write a book that ONE PERSON OTHER THAN HER MOTHER on this planet would buy) --- not to mention it puts an enormous amount of pressure on her to come up with witty one-liners and what have you. So let's agree not to expect much award-winning writing on this site, yes? Although there's this lovely link that reminds me every time I visit that I can turn this into a book for a mere fifteen dollars.......
Did you know if you have a iPhone (Coates family - I'm looking at you!!) you can download a program called Yure Kuru which alerts you to earthquakes in Japan? Good thing is it gives you up to a 30 second warning before the quake strikes and you can set it up to fit your location. Which wouldn't really pertain to any of you because everyone I know who reads this is outside of Japan. Well anyway, I use it - and so do millions of others in Japan. Bad thing is it's only in Japanese. (There is an English program that I also use, but that's .99 cents and I'm not gonna tell anyone to download such a useless app when they're not in Japan). I dunno, it just makes me feel like I illiterately belong.
A lovely card came in the mail for me today from my Angie. Thanks Angie I love the picture AND the little prayer card. I MISS YOU!!!!! And if I could figure out how to mail a letter without dragging my Japanese friends with me to the post office - you'd be getting one :) But until then, here's your shout-out!!
PS- to my family, I talked about Seinfeld in DETAIL today with my advance class. Please send some DVD's ASAP. BYOB. OMG LOL. TTYL. (please... stop me.)

ROYALTY?!?!?!

In 5 days, the biggest holiday of the year hits northern Japan. 3 cities in Aomori hold special festivals - but the longest and grandest of them all is in Aomori City and it's called Nebuta. It's really a smack in the face that I have to work at night during nearly ALL NIGHTS of Nebuta (except Saturday - I took that day OFF) so I kind of asked my last class tonight if they would mind holding class outside next week and we could watch the parade. They LOVED that idea. I mean, the one woman's hand shot straight up and she was hollering "yes yes I vote YESSS!"
As long as we speak English for the most part, it won't be any different than any lesson in class. Tonight we discussed slang words. I told them about a dictionary online that helps with slang... and we discussed Family Guy and Desperate Housewives (Is there any show that isn't a cartoon that's popular in America? My students asked me that tonight. Ha haa.)

In honor of such a huge festival gearing up to start - Japanese royalty came for a visit. Yep, one of Japan's princes (he's like 45 or 50 Mom, so don't freak out like it's Prince William or whoever) came to Aomori City today and I could totally lie and say HE IS SOMEWHERE IN THIS PICTURE:

But that would be lying and as far as I know, he isn't in this picture. Although the car with the flag? HIS CAR!!! SCORE!!!! This is actually right behind my work building. The building on the right... you can only see a hint of brown, is the Nebuta Museum which he visited today. In the background of this picture is the great ship - Hakkoda Maru. And the gray building on the left is a staircase leading to the massive bay bridge. While we're at it - enjoy a picture out my office window:

All the taxi's in the city like to park and wait over to the right. Behind them is the tourist building - where students SWEAR there is an English map - but I've never seen it. Behind THAT is the bus station and on the left is a hotel and some stores as you go further and further away. I should take a picture of Family Mart next!! :)
PS - We had an earthquake tonight and I felt so sea-sick until I got home. I don't like that feeling of swaying... it makes you really dizzy.

Meet my favorite kids.

Wednesdays are usually not such a great day for me and in the evening, I really look forward to these little guys. Today Ko showed up at 5:50 ... and class starts at 6:15. All these kids live far from the school, so their parents drive them. I wonder how Ko gets his mom to take him to class so early. He dreams of being a soccer player and we talk about soccer a lot. He told me he wants to play for FC Barcelona.... I hope the kid makes it. He's playing Donkey Kong on my DS and it's cute how he tries to get me involved. He loves to joke around with me and he's actually sitting in the teachers chair... which is now his permanent spot. I've been shafted to the students section of the table :P

YUUU!!!!! This is Murasaki's mom and she is just.... gah, there are no words. She is SO SWEET and I think if I ever had to teach the class without her, it would be awful. Silly bandz went over really well with her - she wears the four I let her pick out every class. You can't see her other toys but they're there. Alice in Wonderland, a bunny, a yellow duck... a donut, an ice cream sundae. They're out every class and I am okay with that because I  was that kid   STILL AM that kid. It also helps that she's incredibly smart, and I can teach a lesson in 5 minutes and I can count on her to understand.

Na and Yu playing with Yu's toys. Na brings a pink bunny, and that white bunny is Yu's. Na is really quiet and shy. Ko and Yu tend to volunteer information to me - and want to communicate with me, but Na will just sit back and watch. She likes to play Angry Birds on my iPhone and since Na is usually second to arrive, she gets to play her game (because Ko hijacks the DS). I like to play tricks on her because she laughs really easy. She's SUCH a cute little girl... just look at her headband!! WAHH!!!

They make me thankful I came to Japan.

Melissa finally tries sushi!

So today I was teaching a private lesson to Miwa, when we randomly started talking about what my parents should try when they come to visit in October (Mom and Dad - Miwa is very excited). I admitted that I still, after 3 months, haven't tried sushi and she apparently was so distraught over this sad fact that she ended our lesson 5 minutes early and took me to a sushi restaurant in the fancy A-Factory. Let's just say I had a poor idea of how it would taste...
From left to right we have prawn, tuna and sea urchin sushi. Prawn and tuna were alright... sea urchin was disgusting and I immediately spit it out of my mouth. 

Tuna sushi ice cream cone. Pretty good... I mean, I won't be buying this again, but it didn't taste bad. It's NOT ice cream - just the seaweed is wrapped like a waffle cone.

More tuna sushi (Miwa ordered it because I told her I KNOW I like tuna) and on the right is... scallop sushi. Ew.

Cucumber sushi! Mom even you can handle this. It's just cucumbers and rice and sesame seeds.

So the meal went better than expected. I was truly a spectacle to watch because people kept staring hard core. Whatever, those ice cream cone sushi's are REALLY hard to eat.... I mean, you have to bring your sharp, vampire teeth with you when you wanna chow down on those bad boys. And this meal cost around 70 dollars. Unreal and totally not worth it -- give me 70 Whopper Jr's. instead!! :D

Busy bee.

It has been a very busy weekend.
Saturday night I went to the Yasukata festival - which I had went to last week. It was American Blues band night and it was nice to see they still came to Japan... proving it's still safe!! I hung out with my English friend and his wife, then some of my American friends.
Sunday! So when I was a younger kid I always wanted to see a Pokemon movie IN JAPAN. And I did. My friend took me and her oldest son to see the White movie. Money-hungry Pokemon Japan made 2 movies Black or White. Anyway, I didn't understand any of it and I really can't even explain what it was about. I mean, I know, but it's hard to put in words. And that night was the last night of the Yasukata festival, so I went with Miwa and her boys... Ryuya really wanted to see the Nebuta floats - now being worked on 24 hours a day. Only a few are viewable to the public... most are hidden. It was a nice night. Also saw a shooting star that night!!
Today (Monday) was all about making my house a little more home-y. I bought little bath rugs for my bathroom, toilet room and kitchen. Actually I made 2 trips to 'Happy Drug' because one little rug in the kitchen looked silly and I remembered back home Mom just lays 2 next to each other. The same woman checked me out twice and she said "second visit?" when I came back. I laughed.
Also bought de-humidifiers (little containers you just set out and they suck up water. Nothing high tech). Then I cleaned and cleaned and did laundry and cleaned. I'm really tired.
Pretty sunset Friday night.

Murasaki's eating Alphabet pasta my mom sent me :)

DAD. THEY HAD SARATOGA CHIPS AT THE FESTIVAL!!! And they tasted JUST LIKE Buffalo Wings and Rings!! 

Obviously I'm not allowed to buy this soap -- Playing the race card here:

Mom. This is for you :D

Click on the picture and you can read when you need a portable toilet!

A preview of Nebuta

So the elementary school next to my apartment is practicing for Nebuta week and they decided to do a mock-run involving the street around the school. I didn't even notice until the screaming was literally outside my window - so I only caught a few seconds on video but come on! How cute are the little kids beating on the drums and trying to drag that huge float?!

Awesome!!

Not so depressed about being Emmy-less today (Thanks Aunt Jenni!!! I think you are my #1 fan)   :-)
It's COLD. I know back home you people are all dying left and right but currently, it's a chilly 55 degrees outside. Granted, it is 11 at night but still... I might have to drag out the big fleece blankie tonight!!
Enjoy some random shots of Japan that I realized I haven't shown you -- unless you're on facebook -- and maybe not even there.
DRIED SQUID IN A JAR? YES PLEASE!

Spongebob waffle maker... such a thing of beauty.

Anyone up for tomato Jello? 

 .... SO IT'S FULL OF VOLCANICITY! <-- Not a word!!

This is what happens when you get together with American friends at a restaurant in Japan.

My family, my #1 fan - Aunt Jenni's family, and the other Coates's.

Moon rising over the mountains. Can you see it? Can you see the telephone wires too?

TONY ROMA'S IS IN AOMORI AND THE PEOPLE SPEAK ENGLISH AND THEY HAVE HONEY MUSTARD SAUCE!!!!!!!!!

Le sigh.

I take it that the majority of my readers are older, yes?
Well, did you ever discover that one of your old school class mates like, works for a famous sports company? And you feel just completely inadequate and ashamed that you haven't won an Emmy? Wallowing in my grief here, people.
I do good work, I just don't win awards for it. You know what I win? A kid's smile. Case in point:
The conclusion to The Journey of Murasaki.

Yep made these bad boy sunglasses myself:

 It was worth hearing the kids squeal with laughter. And apparently it was such a hit that Yu told me "one more week" with Murasaki, so I can make more pictures. I take it that they loved this. Yu's final words to me today were translated by Google Translate (she typed them into my phone)
And purple, I live happily with.
Purple is Murasaki and I think she wrote it as Murasaki saying he lives happily with me. At least, that's my best educated guess. It's just charming, the way she wrote it. So, YEAH. SUCK ON THAT, EMMY WINNER!!!!!!!

My answer to taco bell

Let the fanfare begin... Melissa has made tacos!!!!!!
It was shaky and she was terrified of salmonella so she waited until the night was over to tell you if it was a success or not (because you know, the sickness would have happened by morning) AND IT WAS A WILD SUCCESS!!

Murasaki enjoying an American home cooked meal.

I mean, I went out. I bought the ingredients. I washed the lettuce. I cooked the meat.... I felt like a real adult. But man, dishes are a PAIN, especially after all that work. You just can't relax. This was the first time since coming to Japan (and really, EVER in my life) that I cooked/made dinner that didn't involve -- wait, I did use a microwave -- but that wasn't already pre-made. WINNING!!!!

HANABI!!!!

Sorry I have been slacking on posting. But I have news! Japan won the World Cup!!!-- But you knew that. Unless you live under a rock.-- I am very happy for my new country. And they're all beyond thrilled here.
Anyway, last night was a big Yasukata festival along the ASPAM building (that triangle thing). One of my friends, Miwa, invited me. It was her son, Ryuya's 4th birthday. It was a bit awkward because I was the only English speaker, so I did what I usually do in uncomfortable situations... found the kids. Ryuya and Gembi are brothers and I took them to play on some climbing thing. I don't know much Japanese, but I knew enough to tell Gembi to GO FOR IT! (Gambare!) and he did. Then Ryuya wanted to see the Nebuta floats (which is in 2 weeks and it's going to be great) and he wanted to see the sea (umi). That part of the night was great but I was getting tired trying to watch them, Ryuya especially. Fireworks were due to start and I took them back.
This is Gembi and some nice girl.... Gembi loved playing Angry Birds!

Apparently the best in Japan. I MET HER!!! But Miwa didn't tell me until after. I felt bad, because I should have been more impressed while talking to her.

Firework time!! They're the same as back home, only in Japan they talk through the firework show. I heard a lot of Gambare Nippon's so it was probably a feel good show since the earthquake.

Hahaha Gembi enjoying the show!! (He's wearing Ralph Lauren... funny that he's wearing a USA shirt)

Tomorrow's entry will be about Melissa's first try at cooking!! It's a cliffhanger.... only she knows how it turned out.... stay tuned.

Taco Bell Dreams

I had a dream last night that I flew home just for one day and had to go back to Japan. Strangely, my parents weren't really in the dream at all, it became a dream about my quest for Taco Bell. Back home, I ate it often... so often that the guy who ran the drive-thru knew me as Japan Girl. Anyway, HE WAS IN MY DREAM!!! He told me they made a new recipe and it's better now. So I'm thinking in my head, while dreaming:
'What?! I've been gone 3 months and they changed the recipe NOW?!'
It tasted horrific. I remember eating it and and spitting it back out into a paper napkin and I just wanted the old soft taco recipe and they said they didn't have it anymore. So they were looking for a make-your-own-taco kit but I was going to miss my plane... but my dad didn't book the flight because he was being too lazy and I forgot to remind him enough times to FORCE HIM TO REMEMBER SOMETHING (it's normal at my house, believe me. Hi Dad, you don't remember anything... ever but I still love you)!
Ugh. Nightmares. But yeah, I miss my mom and dad and dog too. They just hadn't changed.... I guess?
The end.

Got an idea for me?

Thank you, to my seriously dedicated follower - Aunt Jenni - who not only reads this every day, but comments pretty much every day too. I pointed this fact out to my mom, who hasn't read my blog in quite some time and she simply said "well your aunt doesn't have a JOB." so... I'm not out there to start WW3 or anything, but Aunt Jenni is winning on the 'favorite' scale.
Okay so a few years ago this thing called 'Flat Stanley' was big in schools. Friends would take Stanley on a trip, and take photos of him experiencing new things so other kids could see and somehow feel a part of that experience. Little Murasaki has taken the place of Flat Stan here in Aomori and so far, I've staged 3 photo ops that we shared together :)
USA USA USA USA!

NIPPON NIPPON NIPPON NIPPON!! (japan)

Eating popcorn.

- Yes, I drew those flags. Now is the time for YOUR help. Do you have an 'American' idea that I could use with Murasaki? It could be anything from food to... doing the laundry. If you have any cool/funny ideas that two 9 year olds would think is hilarious, COMMENT NOW!!! You will win points on the favorite scale!!

MURASAKI!!!!!

My little students tend to forget the world around them when something extremely exciting comes their way.
Today, it was American Pokemon. I brought my DS and one of my little buddies, Ko, got to class 20 minutes ahead of time to play with whatever I happened to have with me. So today he was dead set on defeating the 6th gym leader and it was amazing to watch him play. He can't read English, but he could recognize words like 'metal claw' and 'bubble'. (Clearly, CRITICAL English words to know right there - I mean, I say 'metal claw' about 60 times a day, don't you?!)
Eventually the secretary in our office came in to ask what they were doing... Yu and Ko were playing frantically 15 minutes after class was over. I didn't have the heart to kick them out, though I did ask about their 'okaasan' who was undoubtedly waiting in the car, highly irritated at her child's English teacher.
They flew out the SECOND they won the battle and welp, they forgot all kinds of things. Ko left his 4 color pen and his pencil case (it's a Puma case... the kid has serious fashion knowledge... and he loves soccer) and Yu left my favorite toy of all time .....
MURASAKI!! (purple!!!)

I'm thinking of taking loads of pictures with Murasaki doing funny 'American' things and showing them to Yu next week. Like, he could be eating a dorito. Or he could be cheering on the USA Women's Soccer Team (whoa! Totally going to take pictures of that TONIGHT!!) Ah, kids are so lucky to have a big kid for a teacher :)

IT'S SO DARN HOT -- MILK WAS A BAD CHOICE!

-sarcasm-
Oh, I'm SORRY. Is it hot back home?! I didn't notice that you were hot - since you live in an air conditioned building!   -/sarcasm-
Whoa, sorry you had to see that side of me - although you've probably have... especially if you're in my family. Truly, I know it's unbearably hot back home, and normally I'd be sitting right there complaining with you. But now that I've matured -- IT'S WAY HOTTER HERE BECAUSE I DON'T HAVE AIR CONDITIONING.
Yeah, that was an adult thing to say. Today it was 90 (it was only supposed to be 80... the weather channel does a pretty crappy job on any city outside the US) and at one point my bedroom was a chilly 87. EIGHTY SEVEN!!
Currently, it's 83 in my bedroom and I shouldn't complain. But I just can't help it. I'm sooooo hot. It gets really humid at night, so the air is cooler, but then everything is sticky. It's a no win situation. I want air conditioning. The cheapest costs like, 50,000 yen (628 dollars according to currency converter). At least I haven't seen any of the terrifying flying cockroaches that you just LIVE WITH in southern Japan. I will gladly melt instead of living with air and those things.
This is a Japanese 'Marissa' in the eyes of her students. You know it says "teacher smells" or "ugly teacher" or something like that.

Monday, Monday.

Today was a busy day. It was another scorcher, and I had to buy groceries. Blah blah, around 2 pm, it was 85 in my apartment and I had just about enough of that. Let's start 'splorin'!!
This is the boardwalk, very close to the ASPAM building (that triangle thing)

So now let's bike to ASPAM...

There's my bike! So quit asking me to get a picture of it (MOM!) Okay, then I decided to trek to Gappo Park... this place is far away. Very far.

Clearly Gappo Park was worth it. I found the beach and Gatorade - which tastes nothing like ours back home!! They also have a small public zoo but it's sad. Really sad. I hate the monkey cage. Maybe I will post pictures of that some other time :(