明けましておめでとうございます～！ Happy New Year!

Aloha all of you out there. Its been well over 2 weeks since I last updated this and I, myself, was getting frustrated with myself for being so lazy! I mean, how hard is it to be out doing stuff until 7/8/9 at night and still trying to keep up to date with my blog! My gosh, I feel lazy sometimes. ^-^

Anyway, after seeing Harry Potter 7 about 2 weeks ago, there really hasn't been much to talk about. I went to 北谷 (American Village) again and bought absolutely nothing since I really didn't need anything. I did get to see this really cool but sad looking dog over at Sunset Beach (No, I'm not back in the islands...there's actually a beach called Sunset Beach over here).

Last week, I was once again busy with all sorts of various things and, even though it was Christmas and all, had to be out in the field on the 23rd (a national holiday here) collecting samples and then the 24th was spent in a training session so that we could collect samples in a private area.

Then there was Christmas! Oh what a glorious holiday it is right? Unless you're stuck inside working on the presentation and reports that you have the following week. -_- Yes, you read that right, still school the week after Christmas with things that still needed to be turned in.

I'd say that one of the few good things that did come out of Christmas this year was getting to see that picture to the right. :p My brother pausing his webcam with a STUPID face! HAHAHA! On that note, it was awesome to be able to talk with my parents and brother again. Also got to see the dogs and especially liked watching Blackie getting confused when he heard my voice. He really is a smart dog...regardless of the crap I give him!! ♥ The dogs opened their presents in front of the webcam (I believe) but I didn't get to see it all since Mom's and Andrew's computers were being dumb.

Let see, this past Wednesday, I biked into 国際通り again and finally got to finish my Christmas present shopping. (YES...I know, almost a week late...but oh well, that's what happens when you're busy and didn't plan it well...) That night we had our 忘年会 which if you look at the Kanji, it says "Forget the year meeting" which is a very interesting name. I guess, the concept is to drink a lot to forget the past year? NAH, just kidding. There was a lot of drinking going on though. Its basically just an end of year party/event like thing. One of my office mates treated us to a few songs on the Sanshin. (He's really good)

The following day, at the international dorms, we had a nice get together where a few people shared their talents and sang/played music for us. But, before all of that, I went to the post office and sent out those *ahem* Christmas gifts. LOL, at least I got them out...eventually! ☆彡

Well, today is New Year's Eve and we're going to have a little...(4 people)...party where we'll try and watch the Red & White music festival and eat lots of food...and of course drink some. ;-)

Hope that you're all having a wonderful and safe holiday season. Have a good New Year and stay warm where ever you are in the world.

You know..I heard rumors that Okinawa is supposed to be a warm place...why is it currently 10C with strong winds bringing the windchill down to almost 5C...

Aloha all and until next time, PEACE OUT!~ ♡✬☃

面白くない Not interesting

Once again, Its been a REALLY long time since I was last on here telling you of whats been going on. Now, previously, I actually had something of interest to talk about. HAHAHAHA, not so today. For the past week and a half, there's really been nothing too incredibly awesome that's happened.

So, we (Roy and I) finally got Minoru to go out and buy some warmer clothes. So, yup, you guessed it, we went for another bike ride. This time it was to the area next to 北谷 where there's a store called Uniqlo. Not much to say other than, we went there. We did get to meet two new friends along the way. These two kittens we found right outside of the 北口(north gate) of 流大. They were really friendly but we, sadly, didn't have anything to feed them so we had to leave them T_T

Let's see, on the 12th, I finally found my way out to a movie theater and you know what that means! I finally got to watch the new Harry Potter! So happy that I got to watch it and, as you all have already told me, it was good. Can't wait for the next one, next June or something like that? Also, did anyone else feel a really strong Tim Burton feel to the movie (music, some of the animation, etc.)? Maybe it was just Yuko and me but we really felt that.

Hm. After the movie we walked from the movie (おもろまち) down to 国際通り where we went karaoke (yeah, we both like karaoke that much) for two hours. You can't get much better on the price too. We stayed and sang for 2 hours and it cost us 420円. That is also with free drinks (unlimited refills). I'm not sure, but I'll take that any day o(^-^)o

Prior to going to Karaoke, we went to the bookstore called Junkudo. Its a large book store (3 stories here but I've heard of and been to larger ones). I went there initially looking for many different books. I then proceeded to look in my wallet as we walked in the door and saw 3000円 which could buy me a grand total of TWO books if they were cheap. Was not very smart about this one was I...heh. So, I ended up only buying one book. Its a book to prepare for the JLPT N2 test. We'll see if I can pass it ^^

Hope that you all are having a wonderful Christmas season.

Sometimes I wish for a white Christmas.......and then I remember, its not really worth it. The Hawai`i Christmas is just fine for me ^-^

Until next time, Alohaz~~!☆彡

遅いかな。。。 Maybe late...

Man, I'm getting really bad keeping up with this. Haven't updated in more than a week. Hopefully this won't happen too much.

Lets see, the last time I said I was going to go to 沖国学際 to see BENI. But, before that, I DID do other things that are important to note.

First off, Friday (11-26) one of my friends invited me to go to the 農学部 (agriculture) party. It had a cover of 1000円 but it was an all you can eat affair which is pretty awesome I'd say ^-^ ♬
So, I'm still not sure what the particular reason was, but in any case, one of the main things to eat was supposed to be '山羊刺身' (Goat Sashimi). To the right is my first taste of it and it was actually really good. The meat is a little tough, kind of like beef jerky. The taste is unique so if you have a chance, you should try it for yourself ^^

The following Roy, Minoru, and I went on a LONG journey over to 国際通り and we met up with 祐子ちゃん～！♥ We went there mostly looking for things that we can send back home to people. ☃ Not sure that there's really too much to say other than you can definitely feel that Christmas is coming soon ^^
Lets see, to the right is YUI's new single, Rain which I've already heard in some stores and on some TV's. Above is a picture in the 'ありよし' area I think? (I'm not really certain at all...) Its supposed to be well known for their pottery or something like that. Below is 祐子ちゃん's Highschool. It just happens to be next to 国際通り.

Finally, Sunday came around, the day to meet with 祐子ちゃん and go to 沖国学際!♬♥ It was an awesome day out so I walked to 沖国 which is only a 20 minute walk or so. If you can see the picture to the left clearly, it says that the BENI performance starts from 1820 (6:20 pm) but we met at about 1330 so you can do the math. Hahaha. But there were a LOT of different booths and such set up around the school. Even though 沖国 is smaller than 流大, their 学際 is defiantly much bigger. I thought that Snoopy balloon thing was pretty awesome ^^

Anyway, we were able to kill time until the BENI performance and the crowd there was incredible! I think my pictures can't even begin to show how many people were in attendance. We were pretty close to the front and I was all ready to take pictures/videos when they tell us that...of course...we can't T_T I had charged my camera special too. Oh well, I should have expected it. The most annoying thing of all was that (if you've ever been to a live and are not all that tall...I think you can relate) a dang tall person just happened to be right in front of us so we had a hard time seeing the stage!! But, we did get to see BENI and it was an AWESOME performance! Too bad that it started at about 7 instead of 6:20. HAHAHA. ♬♩♪

Well, now on to school. -_- Starting from this past Tuesday, our research room hosted a researcher from United Nations University (UNU) who came to Okinawa to research about a recent oil spill. So, on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday we were out in the field collecting water and soil samples. It wouldn't have been so bad but Tuesday and Wednesday we weren't finished til after 8 and Tuesday was pouring rain. T_T But, I did find out that we are getting money for it, so I guess that's a good thing ^^

That's all for this edition!~ Hopefully soon I'll be updating (if I remember...HAHAHA)
Aloha and Mele Kalikimaka ☃

北谷 みはま American Village!~

So, I've been slacking again. :( Its been about one full week since I've posted anything. Problem is, I just haven't had the time to update lately. Research, circles, and homework is starting to finally catch up with me. So, don't have nearly the amount of time that I used to have a few weeks ago.
That being said, my weekdays are pretty much spent only doing research reading and heading to my circles. Only at night can I finally relax (and at that point, don't really want to type anything up LOL).

Anyway, this past Saturday, I went (by bike) over to 北谷 which is also known as 'American Village' (for a good reason...I think its the first time I've seen that many Americans in a LONG time). Its basically a big shopping area selling many 'American' things. (So, you guessed it, not very much for me...since Hawai`i isn't really America...HAHAHA).
We went there by bike which was quite a journey in and of itself but allowed for some awesome picture taking opportunities!

Check out that picture up above! I thought it looked really cool! And here, to the right, is a Ferris Wheel. Supposedly, if you ride it and have a significant other, you'll break up. (not very romantic at all...)
Anyway, Chatan (American Village) wasn't all that interesting other than it being a pretty decent place to go shopping. Much rather go to こくさいどおり but oh well, have to go everywhere at least once right? ^-^



Well, its now Turkey day in America, so Happy Turkey Day (all right...Thanksgiving). Which means that tomorrow officially begins the Christmas Season in America!
LUCKILY, we've already been having Christmas over here for about the past month (since after Halloween). Even in 北谷 they have their decorations up! Hope you're all in the Christmas spirit! I'm already starting to play the Christmas movies and music! Oh how I love the holidays ^^

Oh yea, I came back from class one day, and this sign was posted on our front door. I'll make sure not to keep that door...LOL gotta love engrish. I think its cause people keep leaving the door open so what it actually says is for us not to keep the door unlocked/open.

Anyway, I'll stop at that. I'm still super jealous of all you that are getting to watch HP7! I will soon...I hope.
This weekend will be a fun one! Saturday going back to こくさいどおり for some Christmas shopping and Sunday I'm going to 沖国大学 for their school fair. Beni is supposed to be making an appearance so I'm definitely getting some videos up! I'll put up a video of us biking over to 北谷 also.

Until next time, likely after the weekend...
ALOHA!~♪☆❤

アルティメット！～♪ Ultimate Frisbee

OK, I've been slacking way off from doing this. Its been nearly 2 weeks and I'm sorry. I don't know why, just haven't felt like getting around to doing it. LOL.
And for once, its actually not because I didn't have something to tell, I actually have things going on, I was just too lazy to get off my ass (figuratively) and type up a few short paragraphs on this. But, enough of that. Lets get back to where we left off last time.

So, if I recall correctly, the place that we last left off was my assumption that I wouldn't be updating until after the Ultimate Frisbee tournament. And, like I thought, I was correct. LOL, The top 3 pictures are our uniform for Ryudai. I especially like the little design on the back of the uniform (the top picture ^^). I want to eventually buy myself one of these uniforms! We'll see though.

I was actually smart on this day, I forgot to bring my real camera!! :( So here are just a few pictures that I was able to take with my cell phone camera (no zoom, and battery dying so i couldn't take all that many pictures).
Enough of that, lets talk about the actual day.

The day started with us meeting at the 北口 (north gate) Lawson's at 7:30 in the morning (on a Sunday!). Needless to say, many people weren't on time. Luckily, the first games weren't until about 9:30 so we had plenty of time to spare (odd...sounds like something we would do in Hawai`i...). We had to drive out to Okinawa (thats right, just like theres the state 'Hawai`i' and the island 'Hawai`i', there is an island 'Okinawa' and a city 'Okinawa') which is about a 30 minute drive.
Once arriving, we got to check the schedule and we (りゅあるA) were in the first game. Our first match was a fairly simple affair with us winning 18-5. I must say, however, that our team had to work really hard! There were only 9 of us on the team total compared to about 12/13 for the other three teams. You do the math, 7 people on the field at a time, game takes 50 minutes with no official 'breaks' except for after scoring. It was quite a workout.

After completing our first match, we were free until the afternoon matches. So, some of us went to go pick up food from a nearby restaurant. Along the path, there were 2 cats that were just chilling. They didn't like us getting too close, but they weren't really all that afraid of us either. LOL.
After lunch, we had our second game of the day. In my opinion it was probably the 'premier'  match because we played against (arguably) the strongest team in the tournament. We really poured everything into the match. Unfortunately, we lost in the end 8-7. (Just one point! So close!) Needless to say, pretty much everyone was devastated by the loss.
Now, why do I say it was the 'premier' match? Basically its because we were the two top teams of the competition and it was the ONLY game that didn't have a large (more than 10 point) differential. That being said, our final match of the day was against りゅあるB, the first years at Ryudai. It was kind of funny that EVERYONE was cheering for the first years. Every score against us was greeted with loud cheers. (It was all in good fun because everyone kind of knew who was going to win in the end.) We won that game 20-2.
After it all, we were a close second to the 社会人 (people that have jobs) team.
On the way back home, some of us stopped off at a used store that had an amazing amount of goods. I most likely will head there again if I can convince people with a car to take me. :p
The Ryudai club 'celebrated' the night by going out to dinner (which is actually a normal occurrence for us) and we headed home for the day by about 9 (which is very unusual for us since we normally return at around 11:30/12:00). This was due to the fact that we were ALL EXHAUSTED from the day, especially my team (having to play up to 80/90 % of the time).
That's that, and now we're looking ahead to the next competition so that we can, as the club members put it, have our 'revenge match' against the 社会人. We're hoping to beat them since we were so close this time around.

Well, that took much longer than I thought. LOL.
Just so you guys know, I'm finally getting around to uploading the videos that I've been taking to youtube. Check it out if you like: My Channel

Until later, live aloha!~

忙しい... busy...

I guess it really has been over a week since I've been able to write over here. Part my fault, part the fact that I have really been that busy the past week. Here's me being RESPONSIBLE for once (geez...don't give me that, it happens every once in a while). So, I decided to let my friend use my computer at nights to play Starcraft II (yes, hes playing games one it). But think about it this way, if he wasn't, I'd probably be wasting time on the internet instead of doing that homework that I actually accomplished. ^-^

Anyway, back to where I was last time, I think I left off with me getting my scholarship money. Following that, I have spent so much on all these little things and such, but still no plane ticket to speak of. Oh well, its probably going to be this week (if all works out). However, I am happy to report that I was able to waste (spend?) some playing golf with Tanaka-san and his friend (who is a pretty good golfer, uses half blades).

Oh yeah, check out the two games topping the DS list right now ^^ I'm definitely buying them, eventually.

Also, on this Sunday shopping/golf expedition, I picked up new running shoes and some running clothes to try and get in shape and lose some weight! 私は頑張ります！

Lets see, after that Sunday, nothing too much actually happened. Seems like the boring life that I thought I was done with. Pretty much going to my research room and reading, reading, and (yeah, u get the picture). Wednesday had no school. Culture day if I remember correctly. We went bowling, not much to say there. All in all, nothing too much exciting happened.

I did get invited to play with the Ultimate club in their upcoming tournament. So, I'll be with the 'upper' level team (which actually is a lot stronger than the lower team). They said that they were looking for another person to help them since they are so few in number (8). This coming Sunday is the tournament! Wish us luck ^-^

Hm, lets see, this past Saturday I went to 'tropical beach' but not really to the beach section of it. I went with the '実験クラス' and they were collecting water sample while I was basically scoping the area to see if it was suitable to conduct my experiment. Luckly, it seems like it'll work out, only problem that its so far away. But, unfortunately, so is every other beach nearby -_-

The next day I got to go to a カラオケ大会 to go and support some of the international students (Chinese) as they competed (at least, I believe they were competing for something, still not completely sure what for, should have payed more attention...). The girl in the yellow (Tei-chan) is the one I went to go and support! Can't wait to go with her again to karaoke ^^ We always have so much fun!♪

I think that will just about cover things for the past week. If anything comes up, I'll post, if not I'm sure they'll be something up after the Frisbee tournament!! ^-^ Until next time...

台風。。。と後 Typhoon and after

 So, what were you all doing Thursday (or I guess it would be Wednesday back in the islands)? My guess is that you Hawaii people were relaxing at work or home or...doing something otherwise mundane and boring :p For those in Okinawa, we had a much more fun time. But, not quite for a fun reason. We were informed on Thursday that we were in a 暴風 warning (gale warning). That was at about 10:30 or so. I left to go to my office/classroom/research room at 10:00. In the winds that were already at that strength -_- That sure was fun. HAHAHA. The top picture is all the open space that was next to me since only 3 of us actually were there and for the most part, we didn't want to be there but since we had arrived before the warning, we just stayed to finish our work. On the plus side, we did get some awesome colors outside. These pictures don't do it justice. We got some purple and we even got to glimpse some blue sky! Went outside to take the pictures, and soon after realized that wasn't exactly the smartest thing to do as the winds and rain made it so cold outside!
It is starting to feel like autumn now (compared to how hot it was last week -_-)

I believe that I've been putting off my promise of introducing my office/research mates. So far I can only show 3 of us, but hopefully I'll be able to get the fourth person soon (Ricky is his name and he recently had a baby so we'll celebrate soon...maybe get a group picture then? We'll see).

(Sorry all the pictures are kind of dark. We'll go into why later...)
The person on the far left is Tanaka Kentaro, Tanaka-san, my senpai. He's currently a third year PHD student finishing up his degree and graduating this coming March. He's super nice and has been so much help to me. His English is quite amazing! I was happily impressed so while I'm trying to use Japanese, if I ever can't express what I want, usually I can say it in English and he'll understand.

 Lets see, to my right is Kinjo Haruka-chan. She is a fourth-year (senior) and will be graduating this coming March. She's actually from Okinawa originally so hopefully I'll be able to learn some Okinawan from her. (^^)v She's recently been showing me some of the ropes on how to perform some of the various different experiments and stuff that I'll eventually have to do once I start getting my experiment going.

The third person in my office/research room is the one with the cap on (the middle guy). His name is Kawasaki Yukito-kun and hes been the one (for the most part) that has been taking me all around getting my various things that I need (you know, things to cook with, sleep with, and general things that are just needed). Oh yeah, also went to get my cell phone and all those important things together. He'll also be graduating this coming March but will be returning as a graduate student the following spring semester.

Now, onto the reason for the dark pictures.

We went to an 居酒屋 (drinking place) as a sort of welcome party for me. 2 hour all you can drink! It was fantastic but I definitely need to not drink that much next time. Haha, Wasn't quite to the drunk point, but was definitely having fun! Actually, I think we were all having a great time (at least, I hope that is the truth). We stayed there for more than 4 hours. Since it was Halloween weekend, all the waiters/waitresses dressed in costumes and there was even Halloween specials.

After finishing the 飲み会 (drinking outing), a few of us went to the 留学生会館 (international students meeting hall) and joined some of the festivities that were going on (the Halloween party mainly...).

All in all, Friday ended up being an awesome day.
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Oh yeah, forgot to mention the best part, my scholarship money finally came in on Friday so I'm finally able to book my trip over to Fukuoka. 1/4~1/11;12. So, should be lots of fun ^^