That's right, it's officially summer time here I think!! Staying in the 70s-80s daily makes for great weather, and I'm trying to enjoy the last few days before tsuyu (Japanese rainy season) hits, since it lasts until mid July ><;; Good thing I bought myself some rainboots, as they're much more useful here than in the US for sporadic rainy days.
This past month I've been busy with work and studying, since I'm taking the accounting exam again on Sunday (eeeeek!!!), but I feel a lot more prepared this time. Just gotta stay focused for the next 4 days, then I'm free!! And of course, to help motivate myself I've been going to Starbucks on the weekends to study (byutiful caffeine always helps haha), and shall reward myself after the exam as well by buying some music :D I just realized, but my entire time back in Japan (9 months so far), I've only bought 2 albums (capsule & w-inds.). I guess mostly because albums cost an arm and a leg here - $30-$200 for one album (depending how many goodies come with it), which leaves you broke PRETTY fast ^^;; But there are a few I've been saving up for:
capsule -World of Fantasy
Takenaka Eri - garden
LIL - Synchronize
The Bawdies - Live the Life I Love
SUPER JUNIOR - Bonamana -Repackage (Korean version)
Definitely going to buy from HMV or Tsutaya though, so I can get points for the purchases. And speaking of music, I found a new group this week called SPYAIR, and they've officially become my OCD group of the month to listen to~~ Maybe it's the fact that it's rock or the fact that they try to take over Korea through music that makes them so entertaining to me ;)
Jun 8, 2011
Apr 19, 2011
Charity Song Info
YAAAAY, so the song KAZOE-UTA we did with Ayako Ikeda finally released on amazon.jp this past week~! It's a really cute song, so I'd definitely recommend taking a listen. And if you like what you hear, please be sure to download it from the official amazon.jp page. All proceeds will be donated to the Japan Red Cross. The official music video has been posted on youtube as well, so you can watch us all singing haha~
"Counting Numers" Amazon.jp Download Page CLICK HERE !!
To see all songs available for charity download CLICK HERE !!
The song is currently #4 on amazon.jp's best seller list, so I DEFINITELY recommend downloading it!!
To see all songs available for charity download CLICK HERE !!
The song is currently #4 on amazon.jp's best seller list, so I DEFINITELY recommend downloading it!!
Apr 13, 2011
Spring is HERE!!
As of this week, Tokyo has FINALLY realized that it's spring!! I'm so glad it's time for light jacket weather, aka 60s-70s ^^ Really enjoying the amazing sunshine and of course sakura that're in full bloom now. I was going to go to hanami last weekend, but it was overcast so the event got cancelled ><;; But hopefully shall be able reschedule something soon, since the hanami season only lasts for about a month. In the meantime, I've just been enjoying the sakura trees around my office, there are SO many!! It makes my walk to/from work every day that much more awesome. Here's a photo I took last week~
And besides the flowers, I'm also enjoying all the seasonal FOODS that are out now!! Everything is cherry or peach flavored, so in the past 2 weeks I've gotten cherry juice, sakura mochi, peach gum, and peach toothpaste. Must find more specialties before they're gone next month haha.
Besides that, life this past week has been exciting and crazy! On Thursday night, got to help record a charity song for Japan by Ayako Ikeda called 数え歌 (Kazoe uta) or "counting song." She's an amazing artist and a SUPER fun person to work with, and I'm looking forward to the release of the song (and music video) on amazon.jp's website this week!! We recorded an English version of the song, but here's the original Japanese version for reference while you wait heehee:
On Friday FINALLYYYYY got to go to a w-inds. concert again. Went with Aliyah and had a BLAST!! Getting to see them live again after 2 years just made me extra happy >w< Met up with Natsuki after the show and we spazzed for a bit, then went to dinner together in Kabukicho. Ironically we just went to Matsuya ROFL, but was a good night~
Since I last updated, we've still been having a lot of aftershocks...at least 1 every day that's noticable. Yesterday there was a big one right before I left for work, and I actually didn't feel it, but when I got to the station my line was stopped. But only for 4 minutes, so no big delay thankfully!! Tokyo (and Japan in general) are getting so used to these aftershocks, it's like they've always been a part of the daily routine. I don't even see people get phased anymore when one hits.
I think the only big update in relation to recent events is the change of the Daiichi plant radiation happenings from a level 5 to level 7 accident (same as Chernobyl) on the international scale of nuclear accidents overseen by the International Atomic Energy Agency. Though I'm still not quite sure WHY it's been changed. From all the research I've done, the amount of radiation released so far by iodine-131 is about 500,000 terabecquerels while the radiation released from Chernobyl was 5.2 million terabecquerels, so 10 times more than the Fukushima plant. I believe they've raised the rating though not only because of actual radiation released, but also based on plant damage and health risks for the workers there. But actually, most of the iodine released happened with the initial plant explosions, and the actual amount of radiation currently in the air is decreasing daily. And thankfully it's only rained 2 days since all of these events, so radiation is staying relatively low countrywide.
And just as a comparison for radiation levels, I thought I'd do some research on the average levels of radiation found in the US. I'm not sure if this will make people in America feel better or worse about the situation, but just goes to show you that just because the media says there are "high" levels of radiation doesn't mean it's higher than other places NORMALLY are.
CURRENT BACKGROUND RADIATION LEVELS (per year)
So after learning that little fact...I feel pretty safe haha. But yes have to be careful with what's going on here to keep the level from going any further up.
Besides that, life this past week has been exciting and crazy! On Thursday night, got to help record a charity song for Japan by Ayako Ikeda called 数え歌 (Kazoe uta) or "counting song." She's an amazing artist and a SUPER fun person to work with, and I'm looking forward to the release of the song (and music video) on amazon.jp's website this week!! We recorded an English version of the song, but here's the original Japanese version for reference while you wait heehee:
On Friday FINALLYYYYY got to go to a w-inds. concert again. Went with Aliyah and had a BLAST!! Getting to see them live again after 2 years just made me extra happy >w< Met up with Natsuki after the show and we spazzed for a bit, then went to dinner together in Kabukicho. Ironically we just went to Matsuya ROFL, but was a good night~
Since I last updated, we've still been having a lot of aftershocks...at least 1 every day that's noticable. Yesterday there was a big one right before I left for work, and I actually didn't feel it, but when I got to the station my line was stopped. But only for 4 minutes, so no big delay thankfully!! Tokyo (and Japan in general) are getting so used to these aftershocks, it's like they've always been a part of the daily routine. I don't even see people get phased anymore when one hits.
I think the only big update in relation to recent events is the change of the Daiichi plant radiation happenings from a level 5 to level 7 accident (same as Chernobyl) on the international scale of nuclear accidents overseen by the International Atomic Energy Agency. Though I'm still not quite sure WHY it's been changed. From all the research I've done, the amount of radiation released so far by iodine-131 is about 500,000 terabecquerels while the radiation released from Chernobyl was 5.2 million terabecquerels, so 10 times more than the Fukushima plant. I believe they've raised the rating though not only because of actual radiation released, but also based on plant damage and health risks for the workers there. But actually, most of the iodine released happened with the initial plant explosions, and the actual amount of radiation currently in the air is decreasing daily. And thankfully it's only rained 2 days since all of these events, so radiation is staying relatively low countrywide.
And just as a comparison for radiation levels, I thought I'd do some research on the average levels of radiation found in the US. I'm not sure if this will make people in America feel better or worse about the situation, but just goes to show you that just because the media says there are "high" levels of radiation doesn't mean it's higher than other places NORMALLY are.
CURRENT BACKGROUND RADIATION LEVELS (per year)
- Tokyo: 1,753 microsieverts
- USA: 3,000 microsieverts
So after learning that little fact...I feel pretty safe haha. But yes have to be careful with what's going on here to keep the level from going any further up.
Mar 30, 2011
No Quick Fix
I feel like the more I learn about what's going on, the more I realize how LONG it's going to take to fully recover. There are so many loose ends and endless options on how to go about fixing each it's kind of mind boggling. But I know how strong this country is, and I know how much God loves Japan and wants to work through this situation, so for now just have to take everything day by day, one step at a time. Everything seems to be moving along is a good way, but that doesn't make what's happened any easier to deal with. But I DO KNOW that everyone here now is here for a purpose, and I'm going to stand on that truth as I try to figure out what my role is.
Esther 4:14 (AMP)
"For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance shall arise for the Jews from elsewhere, but...who knows but that you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this and for this very occasion?"
That verse really makes me think...and I want to replace the words Jews with JAPANESE, because they're just as important to God, and I can tell something is moving here, but it requires Christians being attentive to what's being put on their hearts.
But moving on, here are the things that've brightened my day along with a few updates that I'm assuming haven't reached (or just aren't being shared) overseas:
RADIATION LEVELS GOING DOWN IN SEA WATER
I know a big concern has been about the amount of radioactive material being released into the ocean around the plant, and as of yesterday reports say the levels are going down. Actually, the materials aren't being DUMPED into the sea, as the drainage pipes coming out from the plant actually end 50-70 yards away from the ocean. But the concerns have been coming based on rainfall washing the elements into the sea, as well as from spill out of contaminated water from the plant. The reservoirs within the plant are filling because a couple of the water coolant machines still aren't working (radiation levels are still too high in reactor No. 1 for staff to reconnect it), so the government has been pouring water over the top via helicopter, but of course there's only SO much water the place can hold before it becomes full.
A big problem right after the earthquake/tsunami hit the plant was that power went out, and has still been limited to the Fukushima area, so for example the lights in the control rooms at the plant weren't working. So it's not that staff wasn't working on the situation, but issues like that work making work go a LOT slower. Also, there were over 800 workers at the plant managing reactor No. 2, but all but 50 left for several days because of the high radiation levels (aka the remaining staff could only take 2 hour shifts, otherwise they'd have too much radiation overdose). But I'm happy about the figures being released for the current situation in the surrounding ocean, since they're going down...not that investigators can even prove the radioactive leaks are coming FROM the plant, as opposed to rain water and whatnot.
Level of Iodine-131 as of:
Saturday 3/26: 1850x normal
Sunday 3/27: 250x normal
Tuesday 3/29: 28x normal
The Wallstreet Journal published a good article on the current situation this morning, so I'd recommend taking a look.
GOVERNMENT TAKING OVER TEPCO
The company that's been in charge of handling the plant situation as well as the electricity redistribution thus far has been TEPCO (Tokyo Electric Power Co), but because of some disputes the government is thinking of taking it over. I think the main reasons are because of TEPCO releasing either really VAGUE information during its updates on the situation or retracting announcements it's made at random, which are both making the public and government very annoyed. The major problem I see is that Japan's government has never been in charge of the nuclear plants nor electricity, so them taking over might not really help, but anyway it's just something being dicussed, not implemented yet. You can read more about it from The Daily Yomiuri's report.
HOW IT'S AFFECTING ME
I guess I haven't really mentioned any personal effects all this has had on me huh. It's altered my daily routine a bit, but not too much. My train schedule is the biggest thing that's messed up I guess. TEPCO has decreased most trains in the Kanto region to working at 60-80% their normal amount, and for my line that means taking out 4 (of 6) of the services. By services I mean 6 types of trains come through my station (express, commuter, local, etc) and the 4 FASTEST have been taken out of service (as they use the most energy), so I have to take the local train (normally 30 minutes) or Commuter Express (normally 24 minutes). Not so big a problem except the amount of those trains hasn't increased, which equals MORE people trying to cram on at once and thus 20-60 minute overall delays because of taking longer to load the trains and stopping from injuries of people being squished, run over by others, etc. And I don't think most people overseas realize, but we have train staff here SPECIFICALLY for the purpose of cramming more people onto trains. Example:
Anyway, that's my day...twice a day lol. Other than that small problem, I'm peachy keen :D
Esther 4:14 (AMP)
"For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance shall arise for the Jews from elsewhere, but...who knows but that you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this and for this very occasion?"
That verse really makes me think...and I want to replace the words Jews with JAPANESE, because they're just as important to God, and I can tell something is moving here, but it requires Christians being attentive to what's being put on their hearts.
But moving on, here are the things that've brightened my day along with a few updates that I'm assuming haven't reached (or just aren't being shared) overseas:
RADIATION LEVELS GOING DOWN IN SEA WATER
I know a big concern has been about the amount of radioactive material being released into the ocean around the plant, and as of yesterday reports say the levels are going down. Actually, the materials aren't being DUMPED into the sea, as the drainage pipes coming out from the plant actually end 50-70 yards away from the ocean. But the concerns have been coming based on rainfall washing the elements into the sea, as well as from spill out of contaminated water from the plant. The reservoirs within the plant are filling because a couple of the water coolant machines still aren't working (radiation levels are still too high in reactor No. 1 for staff to reconnect it), so the government has been pouring water over the top via helicopter, but of course there's only SO much water the place can hold before it becomes full.
A big problem right after the earthquake/tsunami hit the plant was that power went out, and has still been limited to the Fukushima area, so for example the lights in the control rooms at the plant weren't working. So it's not that staff wasn't working on the situation, but issues like that work making work go a LOT slower. Also, there were over 800 workers at the plant managing reactor No. 2, but all but 50 left for several days because of the high radiation levels (aka the remaining staff could only take 2 hour shifts, otherwise they'd have too much radiation overdose). But I'm happy about the figures being released for the current situation in the surrounding ocean, since they're going down...not that investigators can even prove the radioactive leaks are coming FROM the plant, as opposed to rain water and whatnot.
Level of Iodine-131 as of:
Saturday 3/26: 1850x normal
Sunday 3/27: 250x normal
Tuesday 3/29: 28x normal
The Wallstreet Journal published a good article on the current situation this morning, so I'd recommend taking a look.
GOVERNMENT TAKING OVER TEPCO
The company that's been in charge of handling the plant situation as well as the electricity redistribution thus far has been TEPCO (Tokyo Electric Power Co), but because of some disputes the government is thinking of taking it over. I think the main reasons are because of TEPCO releasing either really VAGUE information during its updates on the situation or retracting announcements it's made at random, which are both making the public and government very annoyed. The major problem I see is that Japan's government has never been in charge of the nuclear plants nor electricity, so them taking over might not really help, but anyway it's just something being dicussed, not implemented yet. You can read more about it from The Daily Yomiuri's report.
HOW IT'S AFFECTING ME
I guess I haven't really mentioned any personal effects all this has had on me huh. It's altered my daily routine a bit, but not too much. My train schedule is the biggest thing that's messed up I guess. TEPCO has decreased most trains in the Kanto region to working at 60-80% their normal amount, and for my line that means taking out 4 (of 6) of the services. By services I mean 6 types of trains come through my station (express, commuter, local, etc) and the 4 FASTEST have been taken out of service (as they use the most energy), so I have to take the local train (normally 30 minutes) or Commuter Express (normally 24 minutes). Not so big a problem except the amount of those trains hasn't increased, which equals MORE people trying to cram on at once and thus 20-60 minute overall delays because of taking longer to load the trains and stopping from injuries of people being squished, run over by others, etc. And I don't think most people overseas realize, but we have train staff here SPECIFICALLY for the purpose of cramming more people onto trains. Example:
Mar 28, 2011
Daily life now
So as spring approaches, days are finally getting warmer...and by warmer I mean finally hitting the 60s. The tsunamis made the temperature take a BIG drop, so much that hanami forecasts have been delayed by 2 weeks. I am very happy though that they're finally blooming in Kyushu and lower Honshu at least. Here's the forecast as of last week (3/23) for when cherry blossoms will begin to bloom:
For the first week, all television channels had 24/7 coverage of the earthquakes and tsunamis then shifting towards radiation. But this week, a lot have begun to show specials with time slots for making donations to help victims, and yesterday I was watching a music program that had a song I really liked. It's a Japanese duo called Yuzu and they have a new release entitled "Hey和" (pronounced Hey wa). The title has a double meaning as the word heiwa means "peace" in Japanese, but the kanji 和 means Japan, so it's like they're also saying "Hey, Japan!" The lyrics really got to me, so figured I should post the song here too - very inspirational, as the group based the song on their travels throughout 3rd world countries.
I haven't found any translations to the song yet, so figured I'd make one, enjoy ;)
Hey 和 by Yuzu (ゆず) (Translated by me)
God lives in all of our hearts
In every single life
If you atune your ears, you'll hear it
Voices of lives you never noticed before
When I look up at the night sky, I think of you
And I feel a sense of warmth
Wherever you are, you're not alone
Even if the tears fall and you're feeling lonely
Wow...
I'm going to sing again today as if it's a prayer
Hey wa born into this world
Hey wa we were able to meet
What's something I could do for you?
Hey wa a never fading smile
Hey wa a song of joy
This brightness will continue burning and never fade
Because you're all here
God tests us with questions
History looks back on past sins and errors
With unhealed wounds that remain
We cannot forget them as we live on
Why do people hang onto this sadness
These wars that steal away so much have still not ceased
Children's laughter, and eyes that reflect the future
With hands linked during these precious days
And love...
How long do we have to walk to reach an end?
Looking for endings and beginnings
Closing our eyes, we try to ask that question
And then there's a light that shines through between the clouds
Hey wa born into this world
Hey wa we were able to meet
What's something I could do for you?
Hey wa like a flower in bloom
Hey wa the world comes alive
I'm going to continue protecting these hopes I won't throw away
And our thoughts filled with wishes are what connect us now
Because you're all here
Also, as far as radiation goes in Tokyo, here are the updates I've found this morning. Overall radiation in Tokyo is going DOWN - water is now safe again (readings last Wednesday were at 210 becquerel/kilogram, while yesterday they were back at 30). As reference, the legal limit for adults is 300 becquerel/kilogram for adults and 100 for infants. Also, the main radioactive elements being recorded in the air have gone down from 0.120 microsieverts/hour on Saturday to 0.115 microsieverts/hour on Sunday. As a reference, the typical amount people receive in Tokyo from bg radiation is 0.035-.044 microsievert/hour & a typical chest X-ray equals about 100 microsieverts. So at the current rate of radiation, it'd take 36 days to equal 1 chest X-ray if you're here in Tokyo (as opposed to 94-119 days normally). Of course these figures don't include all the other types of radiation we get daily (from eachother, microwaves, electronics, etc). At any rate, I'm glad to be getting so educated about radiation through all of this, and I hope the information is helpful to those reading as well ^^
The only other problem with radiation has been vegetables. I think the "increase" in radiation being reported isn't based on vegetables becoming MORE radioactive (because remember radiation in a particular item can only decrease as the elements divide and become safe again) but the fact that more places are actually testing the food. All vegetables from the prefectures around Fukushima have been banned from entering Tokyo, and I'm trying to eat safe by only buying produce grown south of here. And I think the major thing affected anyway is actually milk (which I don't drink anyway), so just waiting for things to pass. I do worry about dairy and vegetables farmers north of here, since they're losing at least $1000/day from not being able to sell things :/
And a LOT of people have been asking me about good news sources in English, so thought I'd share a few more. They're updated daily and provide more accurate reports than the media:
World Health Organization - provides 20+ page daily summaries about EVERYTHING going on in Japan
http://www.wpro.who.int/sites/eha/disasters/2011/jpn_earthquake/list.htm (downloadable pdfs)
International Atomic Energy Agency - provides daily updates in blog format
http://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/tsunamiupdate01.html
If anyone has questions I haven't answered yet, feel free to post and I'll try to include some explanation in my next post :D
For the first week, all television channels had 24/7 coverage of the earthquakes and tsunamis then shifting towards radiation. But this week, a lot have begun to show specials with time slots for making donations to help victims, and yesterday I was watching a music program that had a song I really liked. It's a Japanese duo called Yuzu and they have a new release entitled "Hey和" (pronounced Hey wa). The title has a double meaning as the word heiwa means "peace" in Japanese, but the kanji 和 means Japan, so it's like they're also saying "Hey, Japan!" The lyrics really got to me, so figured I should post the song here too - very inspirational, as the group based the song on their travels throughout 3rd world countries.
God lives in all of our hearts
In every single life
If you atune your ears, you'll hear it
Voices of lives you never noticed before
When I look up at the night sky, I think of you
And I feel a sense of warmth
Wherever you are, you're not alone
Even if the tears fall and you're feeling lonely
Wow...
I'm going to sing again today as if it's a prayer
Hey wa born into this world
Hey wa we were able to meet
What's something I could do for you?
Hey wa a never fading smile
Hey wa a song of joy
This brightness will continue burning and never fade
Because you're all here
God tests us with questions
History looks back on past sins and errors
With unhealed wounds that remain
We cannot forget them as we live on
Why do people hang onto this sadness
These wars that steal away so much have still not ceased
Children's laughter, and eyes that reflect the future
With hands linked during these precious days
And love...
How long do we have to walk to reach an end?
Looking for endings and beginnings
Closing our eyes, we try to ask that question
And then there's a light that shines through between the clouds
Hey wa born into this world
Hey wa we were able to meet
What's something I could do for you?
Hey wa like a flower in bloom
Hey wa the world comes alive
I'm going to continue protecting these hopes I won't throw away
And our thoughts filled with wishes are what connect us now
Because you're all here
Also, as far as radiation goes in Tokyo, here are the updates I've found this morning. Overall radiation in Tokyo is going DOWN - water is now safe again (readings last Wednesday were at 210 becquerel/kilogram, while yesterday they were back at 30). As reference, the legal limit for adults is 300 becquerel/kilogram for adults and 100 for infants. Also, the main radioactive elements being recorded in the air have gone down from 0.120 microsieverts/hour on Saturday to 0.115 microsieverts/hour on Sunday. As a reference, the typical amount people receive in Tokyo from bg radiation is 0.035-.044 microsievert/hour & a typical chest X-ray equals about 100 microsieverts. So at the current rate of radiation, it'd take 36 days to equal 1 chest X-ray if you're here in Tokyo (as opposed to 94-119 days normally). Of course these figures don't include all the other types of radiation we get daily (from eachother, microwaves, electronics, etc). At any rate, I'm glad to be getting so educated about radiation through all of this, and I hope the information is helpful to those reading as well ^^
The only other problem with radiation has been vegetables. I think the "increase" in radiation being reported isn't based on vegetables becoming MORE radioactive (because remember radiation in a particular item can only decrease as the elements divide and become safe again) but the fact that more places are actually testing the food. All vegetables from the prefectures around Fukushima have been banned from entering Tokyo, and I'm trying to eat safe by only buying produce grown south of here. And I think the major thing affected anyway is actually milk (which I don't drink anyway), so just waiting for things to pass. I do worry about dairy and vegetables farmers north of here, since they're losing at least $1000/day from not being able to sell things :/
And a LOT of people have been asking me about good news sources in English, so thought I'd share a few more. They're updated daily and provide more accurate reports than the media:
World Health Organization - provides 20+ page daily summaries about EVERYTHING going on in Japan
http://www.wpro.who.int/sites/eha/disasters/2011/jpn_earthquake/list.htm (downloadable pdfs)
International Atomic Energy Agency - provides daily updates in blog format
http://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/tsunamiupdate01.html
If anyone has questions I haven't answered yet, feel free to post and I'll try to include some explanation in my next post :D
Mar 17, 2011
6 months and counting
It's true. I've been living in Tokyo for 6 months now, crazy but loving EVERY second of it!! God is doing amazing things in my life and in this nation, and it's such a cool blessing to be a part of it. Spring is slowly creeping in, and I still feel jealous when I hear people in the US tell me it's 60-70 degree weather >__>; But no worries, since it's SAKURA (cherry blossom) season here!! I noticed the first buds when I went to Tokyo Disney Sea 2 weeks ago, here's a photo I took :D
The official sakura viewing season starts at the end of this month - lots of picnics for viewing at larger parks, so I'm super excited!!
And then last Friday was when the huge earthquake hit the Sendai area ><;; I don't think people realize, but Japan has minor earthquakes everday. Of course level 3-4 is nothing compared to the 8.9 that hit, but they're common in general. I've had SO many people writing/emailing/texting me if I'm ok, and the answer is 100% FINE!! Tokyo doesn't have any major damage (actually any that I've seen...), and all the precautions being taken here are to help those further north, NOT because something is wrong here. For now, the government is trying to reduce the usage of electricity because of the explosions at the plant in Fukushima, so the influence here is that everyone's electricty is getting cut for 3 hours a day for a week. That and the trains are running less. Local businesses are helping too by using only half the lights, closing earlier, etc. I've also seen reports from overseas that Tokyo is having food shortages. WE ARE NOT HAVING SHORTAGES. The only reason stores don't have enough in stock is because locals are freaking out and buying too much at a time. The Tokyo government actually released a warning earlier this week asking people to STOP buying so much, because there was no need.
If you'd like to keep up with the current situation of the earthquakes/tsunami/factory, please do NOT go to major media sources. Half of what they say is just to get more views. I'd recommend reading up at MIT's blog about what's happening: http://mitnse.com/
And if you'd like to see the current levels of radiation in Tokyo, you can see a chart that's updated every 10 minutes here: http://park18.wakwak.com/~weather/geiger_index.html
The top graph is today's levels, and the second graph is the level in December 2010. The comparison is very interesting, at least in my opinion, since there's virtually no change. But don't get me wrong, there IS major radiation north of here in Fukushima because of the plant explosion. However the molecules being released there have a half-life of 10 seconds or less, so by the time you finish this sentence...they're already gone. But the major precaution being taken in that area is to evacuate everyone lviing within 18 miles of the plant.
Anyway, yes just felt I needed to give a basic rundown. It just seems that more people overseas are freaking out than those in Japan, which I think is largely due to the misinformed media sources, and just a different purpose for reporting (Japan = to inform/calm, overseas = to make the situation seem worse, freak people out). But I've seen the Japanese people come together in an AMAZING way to deal with this tragedy, and I've come to respect them in a new way. You'd never even know there was a problem if you didn't watch the news. I suppose this post has become long enough for now, but shall be posting more here to keep you all updated ;)
And then last Friday was when the huge earthquake hit the Sendai area ><;; I don't think people realize, but Japan has minor earthquakes everday. Of course level 3-4 is nothing compared to the 8.9 that hit, but they're common in general. I've had SO many people writing/emailing/texting me if I'm ok, and the answer is 100% FINE!! Tokyo doesn't have any major damage (actually any that I've seen...), and all the precautions being taken here are to help those further north, NOT because something is wrong here. For now, the government is trying to reduce the usage of electricity because of the explosions at the plant in Fukushima, so the influence here is that everyone's electricty is getting cut for 3 hours a day for a week. That and the trains are running less. Local businesses are helping too by using only half the lights, closing earlier, etc. I've also seen reports from overseas that Tokyo is having food shortages. WE ARE NOT HAVING SHORTAGES. The only reason stores don't have enough in stock is because locals are freaking out and buying too much at a time. The Tokyo government actually released a warning earlier this week asking people to STOP buying so much, because there was no need.
If you'd like to keep up with the current situation of the earthquakes/tsunami/factory, please do NOT go to major media sources. Half of what they say is just to get more views. I'd recommend reading up at MIT's blog about what's happening: http://mitnse.com/
And if you'd like to see the current levels of radiation in Tokyo, you can see a chart that's updated every 10 minutes here: http://park18.wakwak.com/~weather/geiger_index.html
The top graph is today's levels, and the second graph is the level in December 2010. The comparison is very interesting, at least in my opinion, since there's virtually no change. But don't get me wrong, there IS major radiation north of here in Fukushima because of the plant explosion. However the molecules being released there have a half-life of 10 seconds or less, so by the time you finish this sentence...they're already gone. But the major precaution being taken in that area is to evacuate everyone lviing within 18 miles of the plant.
Anyway, yes just felt I needed to give a basic rundown. It just seems that more people overseas are freaking out than those in Japan, which I think is largely due to the misinformed media sources, and just a different purpose for reporting (Japan = to inform/calm, overseas = to make the situation seem worse, freak people out). But I've seen the Japanese people come together in an AMAZING way to deal with this tragedy, and I've come to respect them in a new way. You'd never even know there was a problem if you didn't watch the news. I suppose this post has become long enough for now, but shall be posting more here to keep you all updated ;)
Oct 21, 2010
Happy Anniversary...again
Yes, I know I'm a bit late, but happy one month anniversary for being back in Tokyo!! It doesn't feel like I ever left really, but it is wonderful to be back ^^ I guess 3 weeks would make for a long update today heh, but shall try to summarize without doubling the page length.
On the 6th I finally got to see the Kubotas!! Haru has gotten so big, and I can't believe she's in 1st grade already (since she wasn't even in school yet when I last saw her). But of course still just as cute haha. Unfortunately she forgot most of the English we taught her, but just have to start again~! Yuko made nabe for dinner, and that was pure joy ;__; My first nabe ever, and must I say I am officially addicted. Thankfully I get to see them every Wednesday for English lesson + dinner from now on, so I'm sure I'll be posting more about our adventures~
That Friday was English Club dinner, which was of course A BLAST! So many new people now, it's a new environment but still just as awesome as I remember it. Meeting in Shibuya also makes for more stuff to do after we eat. Unfortunately we only meet once a month now, so shall have to really focus on meeting new people~ On Monday had a shopping day with Seiko in Harajuku/Shibuya and KYA so fun X3 Started to get some fall clothes since the weather is finally changing (aka in the 60s). Need to do more shopping though since most of my stuff is lighter. That night came home to ANOTHER nabe party, which just about made my life complete - 2 nabes within one week. I need to remember to take pictures of all the food I'm eating, I just get so overwhelmed in the moment I forgot haha.
Started my accounting classes on the 13th, and oh my gosh BRAIN HURTAGE. Night classes for 2&1/2 hours straight in Japanese in a subject area I know nothing about = I must study much. Our instructor goes really fast, but it's great listening practice. He's also really nice - wrote the kanji extra big for me when I was sitting at the back of the room ^^ I suppose I can always rewatch the lectures as well, since the school has a video room students can use for free. Luckily I'm taking the class with Natsuko, so can ask her (or anyone at my office really) if I need any help, yay~~~
On the 6th I finally got to see the Kubotas!! Haru has gotten so big, and I can't believe she's in 1st grade already (since she wasn't even in school yet when I last saw her). But of course still just as cute haha. Unfortunately she forgot most of the English we taught her, but just have to start again~! Yuko made nabe for dinner, and that was pure joy ;__; My first nabe ever, and must I say I am officially addicted. Thankfully I get to see them every Wednesday for English lesson + dinner from now on, so I'm sure I'll be posting more about our adventures~
That Friday was English Club dinner, which was of course A BLAST! So many new people now, it's a new environment but still just as awesome as I remember it. Meeting in Shibuya also makes for more stuff to do after we eat. Unfortunately we only meet once a month now, so shall have to really focus on meeting new people~ On Monday had a shopping day with Seiko in Harajuku/Shibuya and KYA so fun X3 Started to get some fall clothes since the weather is finally changing (aka in the 60s). Need to do more shopping though since most of my stuff is lighter. That night came home to ANOTHER nabe party, which just about made my life complete - 2 nabes within one week. I need to remember to take pictures of all the food I'm eating, I just get so overwhelmed in the moment I forgot haha.
Started my accounting classes on the 13th, and oh my gosh BRAIN HURTAGE. Night classes for 2&1/2 hours straight in Japanese in a subject area I know nothing about = I must study much. Our instructor goes really fast, but it's great listening practice. He's also really nice - wrote the kanji extra big for me when I was sitting at the back of the room ^^ I suppose I can always rewatch the lectures as well, since the school has a video room students can use for free. Luckily I'm taking the class with Natsuko, so can ask her (or anyone at my office really) if I need any help, yay~~~
Oct 4, 2010
Fall is heeeere
Well, it was for about a week. Then it got hot again...so not exactly sure when fall will officially start. It's in the 70s this week, so perfect t-shirt weather :D
The past two weeks have kind of been a blur since I've been so busy, but shall try to give a basic rundown.
On the 24th had a dinner date with Kei & Ellie at their apartment - made karaage + peanut butter cookies X3 SO YUMMY! Also enjoyed the kpop spazzing we did for at least 2 hours...must do again soon~ That Saturday I met up with Taketo and we just hung out in Shinjuku~ Was very fun window shopping, and now I've realized about so many new stores, it's dangerous...especially since my work is so close by rofl.
Last Monday FINALLY got my gaijin card, so went directly to Immigration afterwards and started my visa application process :D It usually takes about 6 weeks to finalize, so hoping everything goes smoothly! On Thursday had dinner and shopping with Sam in Ikebukuro. OH MY GOSH, so much fun!! She's just as much a cute stuff shopaholic as me, so weren't very good influences on eachother, I'll just say that rofl...We went to Milky Way, which is a dessert cafe in the area, and I HAVE to post a photo of what we got, pure amazingness. I believe I must take every.single.friend to this place of joy.
On Friday night went to Shibuya and met Kyoko for dinner ^^ She took me to an izakaya, and I was actually quite surprised how nice it was~ Reminded me of lounges in the US, so must go back again, great for relaxing. We went to karaoke after, and since she's a huge DBSK fan we did a lot of their Japanese songs...was a first for me ~ But the place we went was SO cheap, need to ask where we went and become a regular lol. After that I met up with Kozue and we just hung out until midnight window shopping~ Then we went to FLASH!!! and kyaha so good~ I'd originally RSVPed for a group going there together, but got caught up being with Kozue that I just saw everyone at the event. Left earlier than last time, so went to Saizeriya at 4am for fooooood. And oh my gosh, can't wait to see these people again. None of them really spoke English, so great chance to practice Japanese, and oh so fun :D
The past two weeks have kind of been a blur since I've been so busy, but shall try to give a basic rundown.
On the 24th had a dinner date with Kei & Ellie at their apartment - made karaage + peanut butter cookies X3 SO YUMMY! Also enjoyed the kpop spazzing we did for at least 2 hours...must do again soon~ That Saturday I met up with Taketo and we just hung out in Shinjuku~ Was very fun window shopping, and now I've realized about so many new stores, it's dangerous...especially since my work is so close by rofl.
Last Monday FINALLY got my gaijin card, so went directly to Immigration afterwards and started my visa application process :D It usually takes about 6 weeks to finalize, so hoping everything goes smoothly! On Thursday had dinner and shopping with Sam in Ikebukuro. OH MY GOSH, so much fun!! She's just as much a cute stuff shopaholic as me, so weren't very good influences on eachother, I'll just say that rofl...We went to Milky Way, which is a dessert cafe in the area, and I HAVE to post a photo of what we got, pure amazingness. I believe I must take every.single.friend to this place of joy.
On Friday night went to Shibuya and met Kyoko for dinner ^^ She took me to an izakaya, and I was actually quite surprised how nice it was~ Reminded me of lounges in the US, so must go back again, great for relaxing. We went to karaoke after, and since she's a huge DBSK fan we did a lot of their Japanese songs...was a first for me ~ But the place we went was SO cheap, need to ask where we went and become a regular lol. After that I met up with Kozue and we just hung out until midnight window shopping~ Then we went to FLASH!!! and kyaha so good~ I'd originally RSVPed for a group going there together, but got caught up being with Kozue that I just saw everyone at the event. Left earlier than last time, so went to Saizeriya at 4am for fooooood. And oh my gosh, can't wait to see these people again. None of them really spoke English, so great chance to practice Japanese, and oh so fun :D
Sep 21, 2010
Run around
So my first week at work finished with flying colors :D I'm the baby at the company, so everyone is really helpful. I'm really enjoying work so far, it's stretching me in so many new ways. Like using muscles I never even knew I had before. Having to research so much is making SO much more aware of the world around me, and not just in relation to Japan but globally. I also can't complain about having to keep up with updates on the iPhone and getting paid for it haha.
On Wednesday went out for dinner with Asano to a Vietnamese restaurant in Ikebukuro. They have an AMAZING dessert that's a ginger shirodama (mochi ball filled with sugared ginger + covered in warm ginger sauce) that made me all warm and cozy heehee. Need to be going back a lot during the winter I think~ After that we went to karaoke and sang (of course) Sweet Vacation songs :D Very good night and can't wait to hang out with her again~
On Thursday we had our company party celebrating the 17th anniversary of it, which was a BLAST. Getting to talk with everyone was a nice change, since our offices are divided by department. Ate too much (and yes mom I got FLAN), laughed too much, and can't wait to hang out with the IT staff again, since I somehow got seated between all of them. Good good times~
On Friday I FINALLY opened a bank account, yay!! They even let me choose the cover of my cheque register, so I got DISNEY heh!! Then got my teiki (unlimited commuter pass), so I have been GREATLY using that for shopping purposes along my line...*cough* Even bought a dresser! Which I am currently putting together, shall post a photo later.
On Saturday ran errands and went to Saturday night service for the first time, which was AWESOME! It's much smaller than the Sunday services, so easier to connect with people. I somehow ended up on welcome team for that too rofl, don't know how this keeps happening. Anyway met some more amazing people there, so excited to be serving. On Sunday had church again and met cool peeps, so enjoying that as well~
Monday was a national holiday (Respect the elderly/aged Day), though I saw nothing promoting it...maybe just me ^^; Anyway did more home/decor shopping then met up with the Yoshida family, who I tutored last year. OH MY GOSH, the kids are getting so big (as big as 2,4 and 5 year olds can be heh)!! Daichi, the youngest, can somewhat talk now so it was SO CUTE when he was like "HELLOOOO" and "NEEECHAN" (big sister) to me. Also loved his accent when he tried to say otoshichatta (oops, i dropped it) while eating ice, but it came out "otattaaaa" XD Shouma (oldest) was like "Let's go home now~" but when his mom explained that meant he needed to say goodbye to me, he was like "Iyadaaa, neechan tomatte ii jan!" (I don't wanna, can't sis just sleep over) haha~ Can't wait to see them again <3
On Wednesday went out for dinner with Asano to a Vietnamese restaurant in Ikebukuro. They have an AMAZING dessert that's a ginger shirodama (mochi ball filled with sugared ginger + covered in warm ginger sauce) that made me all warm and cozy heehee. Need to be going back a lot during the winter I think~ After that we went to karaoke and sang (of course) Sweet Vacation songs :D Very good night and can't wait to hang out with her again~
On Thursday we had our company party celebrating the 17th anniversary of it, which was a BLAST. Getting to talk with everyone was a nice change, since our offices are divided by department. Ate too much (and yes mom I got FLAN), laughed too much, and can't wait to hang out with the IT staff again, since I somehow got seated between all of them. Good good times~
On Friday I FINALLY opened a bank account, yay!! They even let me choose the cover of my cheque register, so I got DISNEY heh!! Then got my teiki (unlimited commuter pass), so I have been GREATLY using that for shopping purposes along my line...*cough* Even bought a dresser! Which I am currently putting together, shall post a photo later.
On Saturday ran errands and went to Saturday night service for the first time, which was AWESOME! It's much smaller than the Sunday services, so easier to connect with people. I somehow ended up on welcome team for that too rofl, don't know how this keeps happening. Anyway met some more amazing people there, so excited to be serving. On Sunday had church again and met cool peeps, so enjoying that as well~
Monday was a national holiday (Respect the elderly/aged Day), though I saw nothing promoting it...maybe just me ^^; Anyway did more home/decor shopping then met up with the Yoshida family, who I tutored last year. OH MY GOSH, the kids are getting so big (as big as 2,4 and 5 year olds can be heh)!! Daichi, the youngest, can somewhat talk now so it was SO CUTE when he was like "HELLOOOO" and "NEEECHAN" (big sister) to me. Also loved his accent when he tried to say otoshichatta (oops, i dropped it) while eating ice, but it came out "otattaaaa" XD Shouma (oldest) was like "Let's go home now~" but when his mom explained that meant he needed to say goodbye to me, he was like "Iyadaaa, neechan tomatte ii jan!" (I don't wanna, can't sis just sleep over) haha~ Can't wait to see them again <3
Sep 14, 2010
Happy Anniversary
YAY, happy 1 week anniversary for me & Japan, rofl. I can't believe a week has already passed by, but I'm glad I'm getting into the groove of things. This past week was AMAZING, as I got to see many friends and made some new ones <3 On Tuesday I ran errands then met up with Taka from the Sweet Vacation community for lunch. We then window shopped around Ikebukuro + Shibuya for about 6 hours until the ING anniversary party at club asia. The club was really fun, though being all standing until 11pm did kind of wear me out after all the shopping ^^; HOWEVER, got to see Daichi & finally meet A-bee after working with him for over a year now. Really nice and can't wait to see him again at another event :D After this went home and crashed.
On Wednesday ran more errands, but it was raining from when I woke up (8am) until I went to pick up Aachan from the airport (7pm), so kind of a dreary day...but getting to see her made it SO much better! We went to Shibuya for dinner at an izakaya then strolled around for a bit~ On Thursday morning we went to Ikebukuro and took purikura heh~ Then she had to leave, so sad ><;; But was very glad to have a sleepover, first one in 2 years!! I then went by my office to drop off some paperwork, but got lost on the way, so took like 45 minutes walking around in 95 degree weather not knowing where I was *sigh* But finally found it, and administration there is amazing, gotta love em~! I then met up with Kei in Ikebukuro and we window shopped + had dinch (since it was 3pm lol). Again, went home and crashed lol.
On Friday I ran more errands and submitted my forms for a gaijin card, which I'll be able to pick up in a couple of weeks. Very looking forward to that, since I need it for buying a regular cellphone plan, opening a bank account, etc. That night I met up with Minami, which was FUNNNNN. We had dinner then went to a cafe for girl talk~ I am very much enjoying being able to speak in Japanenglish to EVERYONE I know, gosh so much easier on my brain.
On Saturday met up with Yohei for lunch and then Asano for SHOPPING DAY in Harajuku :D Spent 8 hours straight doing such, such a girls day haha~ We then met up with Nonogyu-san for a cafe break, and he gave me a Sweet Vacation plate badge, so now I must find something to put it on!! Taka also gave me a badge set, such great gifts kya <3
Sunday I FINALLY got to go back to JLH, and of course it was AMAZING as usual :D I went for the 1pm + 4pm service and had life group in between~ So many new people now, it's exciting but also great to see familiar faces. I have also already somehow been dragged into 4pm welcome team...don't know how that happened, but feels GREAT to be back!!
Yesterday was my first day of work, which went well besides me arriving late...gotta love Tokyo trains ^^; But everyone is really helpful, and I have so much to learn about the company, it's exciting~!! I just hope I can get into the groove of things quickly~ Oh and did I mention I get to take Accounting classes in Japanese starting next month? Gonna get the entry level qualifications for Japan...if I can pass the exam in December that is, heh...hope that goes well.
On Wednesday ran more errands, but it was raining from when I woke up (8am) until I went to pick up Aachan from the airport (7pm), so kind of a dreary day...but getting to see her made it SO much better! We went to Shibuya for dinner at an izakaya then strolled around for a bit~ On Thursday morning we went to Ikebukuro and took purikura heh~ Then she had to leave, so sad ><;; But was very glad to have a sleepover, first one in 2 years!! I then went by my office to drop off some paperwork, but got lost on the way, so took like 45 minutes walking around in 95 degree weather not knowing where I was *sigh* But finally found it, and administration there is amazing, gotta love em~! I then met up with Kei in Ikebukuro and we window shopped + had dinch (since it was 3pm lol). Again, went home and crashed lol.
On Friday I ran more errands and submitted my forms for a gaijin card, which I'll be able to pick up in a couple of weeks. Very looking forward to that, since I need it for buying a regular cellphone plan, opening a bank account, etc. That night I met up with Minami, which was FUNNNNN. We had dinner then went to a cafe for girl talk~ I am very much enjoying being able to speak in Japanenglish to EVERYONE I know, gosh so much easier on my brain.
On Saturday met up with Yohei for lunch and then Asano for SHOPPING DAY in Harajuku :D Spent 8 hours straight doing such, such a girls day haha~ We then met up with Nonogyu-san for a cafe break, and he gave me a Sweet Vacation plate badge, so now I must find something to put it on!! Taka also gave me a badge set, such great gifts kya <3
Sunday I FINALLY got to go back to JLH, and of course it was AMAZING as usual :D I went for the 1pm + 4pm service and had life group in between~ So many new people now, it's exciting but also great to see familiar faces. I have also already somehow been dragged into 4pm welcome team...don't know how that happened, but feels GREAT to be back!!
Yesterday was my first day of work, which went well besides me arriving late...gotta love Tokyo trains ^^; But everyone is really helpful, and I have so much to learn about the company, it's exciting~!! I just hope I can get into the groove of things quickly~ Oh and did I mention I get to take Accounting classes in Japanese starting next month? Gonna get the entry level qualifications for Japan...if I can pass the exam in December that is, heh...hope that goes well.
Sep 6, 2010
I'M HERE
YAY, after a 24 hour day, I'm finally in Tokyoooo :D I didn't even sleep the night before, since I had to leave by 4 to get to my 6:10 flight, so technically I have now been awake for 45 hours straight minus short naps on the plane.
Everything on the flights went well, and I must say I am SOLD on JAL airlines for good - best service EVAR. I got a gluten free meal option, 50+ movie choices and 20+ games on my personal tv >D Was I entertained? Oh yessss!!! And Tamsyn was there to pick me up, so awesome X3 We got my cellphone, which is in fact a white 821SC, which looks MUCH better in person if I do say so myself~ The top has a metallic plaid design, and now it just needs my personalizations (aka phone straps & stickers) heh~ Got my luggage shipped off as well, so should be getting that tomorrow morning between 9 & 12, which means I need to get to sleep soon.
But yes, spent the evening with Mami + Tamsyn, and I am SO excited and blessed to know both of them <3 I have my own key to the apartment, so I feel so special keke~ And if anyone would like my phone email address (or number), just let me know :D
I plan on taking a self-led adventure around the area tomorrow, even though it is DISGUSTINGLY hot ;___; Was 35/95 today and super humid, but the warm front it supposed to move out by the end of this week, so I'm very much looking forward to a Tokyo autumn. Anyway, shall post more coherently after I get some sleep, just wanted to say I'm here safe and sound!!
Everything on the flights went well, and I must say I am SOLD on JAL airlines for good - best service EVAR. I got a gluten free meal option, 50+ movie choices and 20+ games on my personal tv >D Was I entertained? Oh yessss!!! And Tamsyn was there to pick me up, so awesome X3 We got my cellphone, which is in fact a white 821SC, which looks MUCH better in person if I do say so myself~ The top has a metallic plaid design, and now it just needs my personalizations (aka phone straps & stickers) heh~ Got my luggage shipped off as well, so should be getting that tomorrow morning between 9 & 12, which means I need to get to sleep soon.
But yes, spent the evening with Mami + Tamsyn, and I am SO excited and blessed to know both of them <3 I have my own key to the apartment, so I feel so special keke~ And if anyone would like my phone email address (or number), just let me know :D
I plan on taking a self-led adventure around the area tomorrow, even though it is DISGUSTINGLY hot ;___; Was 35/95 today and super humid, but the warm front it supposed to move out by the end of this week, so I'm very much looking forward to a Tokyo autumn. Anyway, shall post more coherently after I get some sleep, just wanted to say I'm here safe and sound!!
Aug 23, 2010
1 more...
OH.MY.GOSH.
I just realized I only have one more full weekend left in the US before my trip @__@;
Gosh how to spend it...
This will take some thinking yup!
But based on my last post, I do have some updates. I got antsy and went ahead & looked up all that info XD
luggage delivery: I finally took the time to measure my largest suitcase, and it is in fact the exact limit for the airlines I'll use + the delivery services in Japan, good thing! Since it'll be the largest size, it costs 1790 yen ($21) to ship~ Tamsyn said I can just drop off my carry-on at her place after she picks me up, then we can go hang out until I meet up with Mami :D
sending boxes: unlike Japan, which lets you ship SAL (2 weeks) or Sea (1 month), all USPS has is Priority (3-6 days) or 2-day, so basically they cost an arm & a leg >__>; Their largest box ships 20lb for $50 Priority, so I guess I'll be going with that. Luckily, I ordered a free set of boxes from their site + this means I have another week to figure out what to send (instead of needing to get it out in the mail tomorrow) :D
prepaid phone: After checking Softbank's website, I was able to figure out the charges for all their prepaid phones, and based on that I will be getting the 821SC model in white. Why? Because it's the cheapest ($50), and I'll only be using it for 2 months (until I get my visa/foreigner status ID) after which I can get a regular plan, yay!! And luckily I still have my phone I used last year, which is a black 922SH. Funny thing is you click on that link, the first color choice for the phone is labeled as "Blonds gold," though the correct spelling would be "Bronze gold" - that just made me laugh~ Maybe I should work for Softbank instead...haha. Anyway, just have to make sure I can find the Softbank kiosk after I ship off my luggage~
I just realized I only have one more full weekend left in the US before my trip @__@;
Gosh how to spend it...
This will take some thinking yup!
But based on my last post, I do have some updates. I got antsy and went ahead & looked up all that info XD
luggage delivery: I finally took the time to measure my largest suitcase, and it is in fact the exact limit for the airlines I'll use + the delivery services in Japan, good thing! Since it'll be the largest size, it costs 1790 yen ($21) to ship~ Tamsyn said I can just drop off my carry-on at her place after she picks me up, then we can go hang out until I meet up with Mami :D
sending boxes: unlike Japan, which lets you ship SAL (2 weeks) or Sea (1 month), all USPS has is Priority (3-6 days) or 2-day, so basically they cost an arm & a leg >__>; Their largest box ships 20lb for $50 Priority, so I guess I'll be going with that. Luckily, I ordered a free set of boxes from their site + this means I have another week to figure out what to send (instead of needing to get it out in the mail tomorrow) :D
prepaid phone: After checking Softbank's website, I was able to figure out the charges for all their prepaid phones, and based on that I will be getting the 821SC model in white. Why? Because it's the cheapest ($50), and I'll only be using it for 2 months (until I get my visa/foreigner status ID) after which I can get a regular plan, yay!! And luckily I still have my phone I used last year, which is a black 922SH. Funny thing is you click on that link, the first color choice for the phone is labeled as "Blonds gold," though the correct spelling would be "Bronze gold" - that just made me laugh~ Maybe I should work for Softbank instead...haha. Anyway, just have to make sure I can find the Softbank kiosk after I ship off my luggage~
| 821SC | 922SH |
 |  |
Aug 21, 2010
Ticket Finalizations
WHEEEEEEE, I'm on a high right now :D Why you ask? Because:
1) I'm running on a very awkward sleep schedule (slept from 5am-12pm today)
2) I just had chocolate (sugarrrr)
3) I BOUGHT MY TICKETS TO JAPAN ♥
I know I know I'm waiting too long to buy such important things, BUT I did get a great deal, so yay for Japanese travel agents!! I used HIS TRAVEL to book my flight, and since they're Japan-based, it's much cheaper :3
I'll be getting in on Monday the 6th and shall have a week to get adjusted before my work starts on the 13th. I've been doing a LOT of checking on things to make (especially) my first day back an easy transition. For example:
luggage delivery: it's a VERY large pain trying to take huge suitcases on 2 hour long train rides across the city (especially making 2-4 transfers), so I'll be sending me luggage by next day delivery from the airport :D Which means I'll just have to figure out what to do with my carry-on~ And prices are pretty reasonable - about $18-$20 to have it delivered.
prepaid phone: Softbank has 2 kiosks in Narita airport in my arrival terminal, and they both sell prepaid phones, so I will have access to technology as soon as I land, BAM!! I would just use my iPod touch (with skype), but wi-fi isn't as highly used in Tokyo as the US :/ If you'd like me to send you a text message when I land (which'd be around midnight in the US), let me know!!
sending things ahead of time: I'm planning on sending 1-2 boxes ahead of time (aka within the next week) to my address in Japan, so that they'll arrive the same time I do, aka making things easier :D I don't want to send too much though, since buying the daily items I'll need in Tokyo will be an overall cheaper route than shipping (which costs $60-$100 per box, ouch ><;).
And I'm actually very excited about my plane schedule this year. My flight out of Nashville is at 6am = being at the airport before 5 = leaving around 4am = I won't be sleeping the night before, yay :D I plan on just zonking out on my flight to Chicago and then again on the byutiful 13 hour flight to Tokyoooo~
1) I'm running on a very awkward sleep schedule (slept from 5am-12pm today)
2) I just had chocolate (sugarrrr)
3) I BOUGHT MY TICKETS TO JAPAN ♥
I know I know I'm waiting too long to buy such important things, BUT I did get a great deal, so yay for Japanese travel agents!! I used HIS TRAVEL to book my flight, and since they're Japan-based, it's much cheaper :3
I'll be getting in on Monday the 6th and shall have a week to get adjusted before my work starts on the 13th. I've been doing a LOT of checking on things to make (especially) my first day back an easy transition. For example:
luggage delivery: it's a VERY large pain trying to take huge suitcases on 2 hour long train rides across the city (especially making 2-4 transfers), so I'll be sending me luggage by next day delivery from the airport :D Which means I'll just have to figure out what to do with my carry-on~ And prices are pretty reasonable - about $18-$20 to have it delivered.
prepaid phone: Softbank has 2 kiosks in Narita airport in my arrival terminal, and they both sell prepaid phones, so I will have access to technology as soon as I land, BAM!! I would just use my iPod touch (with skype), but wi-fi isn't as highly used in Tokyo as the US :/ If you'd like me to send you a text message when I land (which'd be around midnight in the US), let me know!!
sending things ahead of time: I'm planning on sending 1-2 boxes ahead of time (aka within the next week) to my address in Japan, so that they'll arrive the same time I do, aka making things easier :D I don't want to send too much though, since buying the daily items I'll need in Tokyo will be an overall cheaper route than shipping (which costs $60-$100 per box, ouch ><;).
And I'm actually very excited about my plane schedule this year. My flight out of Nashville is at 6am = being at the airport before 5 = leaving around 4am = I won't be sleeping the night before, yay :D I plan on just zonking out on my flight to Chicago and then again on the byutiful 13 hour flight to Tokyoooo~
Aug 15, 2010
来週 ~ Next week
ららら来週チケット買いま～す♪
I'm buying my ticket next week♪
けど東京に到着って何曜日がいかしら? ✈
But what day would be best to arrive in Tokyo? ✈
月曜か火曜かどっち？
Which between Monday or Tuesday?
意見プリーズ☺
Opinions please☺
I'm buying my ticket next week♪
けど東京に到着って何曜日がいかしら? ✈
But what day would be best to arrive in Tokyo? ✈
月曜か火曜かどっち？
Which between Monday or Tuesday?
意見プリーズ☺
Opinions please☺
Aug 13, 2010
Coding Post
So it's time to test what different kinds of text will look like on here~~
Why am I making this??
And who are my fav artists??
when i blockquote it gets crazy
Why am I making this??
- To have a great new blog for my Tokyo adventures :D
- I dont feel like remotely hosting rofl
- Widgets XDDDD
And who are my fav artists??
- w-inds.
- B'z
- Sweet Vacation
here is my h3 scream
and a photo to keep you happy, yeah? :D
Jan 12, 2009
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