Well That Was a Bad Idea

Looking at the date of my last post, it has nearly been a week since I updated this thing. Comparatively speaking to how it has been in the past, I really am in no position to complain so, I will stop there. My reason for not writing however is two fold- both of which I will now explain.

Reason One- Last week, Ayumi and I had such a fun time at the beach with her family that we decided last Friday to head out again. Just she and I. I took the day off of work and the two of us left by bike around eight thirty. We knew before-hand that it would take about forty-five minutes to get there so, ended up getting to the beach somewhere between nine-thirty and ten. We had stopped by at the convenience store which is about the half-way marker, filling up our bag with goodies. Well, it was a wonderful day at the beach. We were there until about maybe one-thirty. The time spent running between our giant umbrella and the water. Realizing that whatever amount of sunscreen I had put on was probably not enough, it seems like most of the afternoon was spent constantly applying it only to have it be washed off every time we went into the water.

Now the beach is a pretty cool place. Not cool as in spiffy but, cool as in temperature. Sure the sand is hot but, being a beach there is a constant, cool wind blowing in from the sea. As a result, you really don't get too hot. When we got bored, and started thinking about the bike trip back (and the unforgiving sun over our head) we packed up and spent the bike ride home scrambling from shady spot to shady spot. I could literally feel my skin burning. Well, as is normal any time you get a sunburn, you don't realize the severity until the next day. We both woke up Saturday morning reed at beets. (Although my face, legs and arms are a delightful dark-brown hue :P ) In addition to being red, it seemed like the skin underneath was swollen. We spent the day indoors, trying not to move applying ointment to each other while moaning at the same time. It is now Tuesday and in spite of my belly and back being really itchy, today is pretty bearable.

That was reason one.

Reason Two- I am attempting to do the impossible. I am going to try and take the Japanese Language Proficiency Test level 1 (1 as in being the hardest). I am not hesitant to state that I am in no way prepared for this test, in any way, shape or form but heck, if that overrated swimmer can win 8 gold medals, why can't I do this? Well, I am sure he actually practices swimming but, that's besides the point. I have spent the last two (count 'em 1..2..) days, studying, and boy is my brain sore. Problem is though, the more I study the more I realize just how crappy my Japanese really is. I can hold up a conversation pretty well but, my reading/writing is pretty far off so, that is my goal between now and mid-December. Wish me luck.

I know you are asking yourselves, "So AJ, with such a tight schedule, how on earth is he finding the time to write in your blog?" The answer to which is... I'm taking a break so leave me alone!

I really want to watch Seinfield.

Son of a Beach

So, yesterday afternoon after writing in my blog I thought I would sit down and read some comics in Japanese. Well, I didn't get very far due to the fact that a)the batteries on my kanji dictionary ran out and, b)I was falling asleep on the big comfy couch we have in the school library. Ayumi who had told me earlier in the day that she was coming with her family who decided to drive her the whole way so, throughout the aftrernoon I kept texting her to find out where they were. Come three o'clock, they were just outside of town so, I took off the rest of the afternoon and met them on the way home.

We stopped by the apartment so Ayumi could drop off her things, I could change my clothes, potty break, etc. and before too long we were all in the car headed for the beach (which is where we were last Saturday). After spending about a half hour there, wading in the water, trying not to get too soaked we all got back into the car and headed home.

One the way, Ayumi's little sister and I were both pretty munchy so, we were taken to the largest supermarket in the area to get something to eat. There I also bought a couple of band-aids to put on my finger. I still have stitches in my finger (and no idea when or how I am going to get them out) but, no longer (feel like I) need to wrap it in the gauze that the doctor originally gave me so, I have moved onto something a little bit more comfortable. I wrap it in a band-aid and then have a finger sock I am putting over that. Looks pretty cool, like I am starting a new fashion or something.


Anyways... that was yesterday.

Marooned

So, I ran my burglar story through a couple of Japanese last night, just before I ran them through with my sword. Not really but, last night I taught my (now bi-) monthly English conversation class and after using my story as a listening activity the students there too thought the details of my experience were a bit odd and the vagrant most likely was not there just to be a "prospective" renter. I still feel a bit bad, but it is just the good AJ inside being a wimp. The evil AJ is still telling me I should have struck her down, kicked her a few times and then dragged her by her hair to the police station. Everyone I talk to seems to agrees with me.


I named the title of this post marooned. In fact, I just thought I would name it that as I started this paragraph. I have always like the idea of being marooned as long as it is a deserted island or a new planet, none of that leaving me in the parking lot of Walmart, forcing me to walk home crap. Just the idea of being alone, having to rely on yourself, building huts and finding your own food sounds fun. That is regarding the deserted island. For the foreign planet... don't know but, have read enough sci-fi to know what to do; being shoot first and ask questions later.

I once read a book by Ray Bradbury called the Martian Chronicles about man reaching and settling on Mars. Anyways, there are a few short stories in there about desolation on the planet which made the whole prospect sound pretty excitin'. Cool picture don't you think?

Can you tell I am bored?

So in December is the Japanese proficiency test which I would like to take again. Last year I took the level two test and this year I am going to aim for the level one. If I can pass the level one I can probably secure a good job here in this country if that so beith my wish- and start playing video games in English again.

Ayumi is on her way home today and as a little suprise decided to bring her whole family. I guess they want to see the beach (and I do too). No problem but, I can't honestly say that I left the house in "Lets bring over guests" condition. Both days I was alone, I was gone most of the day only to come home and park it in front of the computer. All I ate was two peaches and some toast so, I really don't think it is that bad. Not dirty but, messy. I guess you'll find out in tomorrows blog.

Nekkid Fireworks

Yesterday was an interesting day, but started out as normal as ever. Ayumi went to Gifu to spend some time with her little sister who is home for the week. I would have gone too but, was there two weeks ago. Not that I don't like going to Gifu or anything but, while there it was super-dooper hot, I was super-dooper bored and on top of that didn't want to put our cat through the trauma of going to and being there.

Ayumi's folks have a big dog. Neither the dog nor Hershey have any interest in becoming friend with each other so while they are in the same room it is just a staring contest between the two of them. During the cooler months Hershey is content staying upstairs and being by herself however, summer gets too hot so we need to put her in the air conditioned room with us- which happens to be the dogs favorite space. Well, when we do this, the dog cowers in the corner while Hershey stays in the other and hisses across the room. I am sure stressful to both.

Anyways, so Ayumi took off to Gifu yesterday morning and I went to school as usual. Around ten-ish I get a telephone call from a lady whose house we went to the other night for a party with our Vice Principal. She kind of cornered me into coming over and hanging out over there after school which kind of ruined my plans. When speaking Japanese I panic and can't say no. Anyways, originally I was planning on biking to the beach and seeing how long it would take on bike not dilly-dalling along the way.

With the afternoon now decided for me, four-fifteen came around and I found myself walking to the store to get cat food and then home. Being hot and humid I am usually soaked to the bone by the time I get inside any building after being outside. Well, after feeding the cat I decided to change my clothes before heading out and went into our room which faces the front of the apartment, which is where we keep our wardrobe. Out of the corner of my eye, I can see someone outside messing with our front window.

Now over the front windows on all the apartments is a metal railing which prevents anyone from getting in and out. Well, I don't know what this lady was trying to do but, she was pulling back the screen through the bars and reaching in. After watching for about ten seconds I call out to her asking if she needed help with anything. She immediately apologizes and makes a bee-line straight for the stairs. Very quickly I throw on a pair of shorts and a t-shirt and start to pursue her.

At this point I would like to note that we live on the fourth of six floors. By the time I got to her, she was just rounding the last flight and headed to the exit of the building. "Excuse me!" I yelled, she turned around and I asked "Why were you looking into my apartment?" She looked a little panicked and told me that she wanted to move into this complex and was wondering what the inside of the rooms looked like. I then told her where the managers apartment was and together we went over there and knocked on the door. While waiting, I asked her why she was up on the fourth floor and she told me that she had started on the top floor and was seeing if any rooms were open to look at. I wanted to believe her but, her clothes were really dirty and she looked more like a homeless person than someone searching for an apartment. I then asked her if she lived around here to which she replied she was living with a friend. I then asked her if her friend lived around here and she told me her friend was living near the mountains... which there aren't too many of around here.

I was pretty surprised and as you can guess had a little bit of adrenaline running through my blood- I kept my cool though and used the politest Japanese I could. I then told her in my country if a stranger starts opening your windows and reaching into your house that, that is pretty scary and normally you call the police. She told me not to call the police. I then asked her if she didn't think this situation wasn't a little funny which she shook her head yes. The whole time thought I thought she was acting funny and really felt like she was fibbing to me. After nobody came to the managers door she was like well, I am going to leave. I asked her for her name which she wouldn't give then asked me for mine. I refused as well (don't know if that was rude or not). Walking away she said something along the lines of "Well, I will see you if I can move here in September." To which I replied, "Please come and visit me..." where then if this is legit, I will apologize and give her a cookie.

Immediately after this happened I called Ayumi and told her what had happened. In fear that I had handled the situation wrong. Not only did she agree with me, after my phone call she called up the apartment managing company, relayed the story and they also thought it sounded a little weird. This week is a national holiday in Japan with a lot of people leaving home so, maybe if this lady was indeed a thief, she was checking out the place to see who was home.

So, the question I ask myself, "Should I have called the police?" the answer I have for myself is, this: If I wasn't a foreigner, probably. The whole story still stinks and maybe she was sincere in wanting to move in but, the situation was a bit weird.

That part ends there but, my day just kept going on!

Well, this whole epilogue took about ten minutes and looking at the clock I realized that I needed to go. I went back inside and (only after consulting Ayumi did I think to) closed and locked the windows. I hopped on my bike and suprisingly riding through the streets, I passed my burglar. She gave me the eye from under her black umbrella but, I just kept-on-a-riding. I arrived at my host's house and was welcomed into the living room where I met her kids. After sitting for a few minutes I was invited to stay for dinner which having nothing better to do- nor any way to decline accepted and was served a feast of fish, deer jerky and vegetables.

After we had eaten and talked for about an hour I was invited to go to the public bath with the older brother who had eaten with us. I tried to decline but, again they wouldn't take no for an answer. I tried to use the fact that "I have stitches in my finger and can't get it wet" as my excuse, only to have the old grandma pull out from a drawer a new surgical glove. It was only six-thirty so I couldn't use time as an excuse. Well, long story short me and this guy went to the public bath, which was actually quite nice. If the fact that I was white didn't make me stand out, it was the white surgical glove I wore on my left hand clinched shut with a rubber band around my wrist.

During the summer, each night at five to eight the amusement park does a short firework show. The outside bath apparently has a spectacular view being that this public bath is at a hotel ajacent to the park. Well, the fireworks start, and before you know it, I am standing naked in a mid-thigh deep bath tub silently watching these fireworks with about five other naked men. Kind of creepy, but the fireworks were nice.

This Tops Wearing my Heart on my Sleeve

One thing I hate is how quickly time passes. I can't believe how far into the month (and my summer vacation) it already is. I honestly feel like I just turned 27 the other day yet, that was nearly a month and a half ago. Before you know it I'll need to figure out what I am going to do with the rest of my life. I guess the good thing though is with this kind of attitude retirement really doesn't seem like its that far away.

Saturday Ayumi and I found ourselves at the beach... didn't take any pictures though. Having had a new group of English language teachers hit the area there was a big party on a local beach. By the time we had gone to the store, bought a giant umbrella to sit under and walked along the beach to find the party it was already 2:30, and the party had already started to wind down- which we were both fine with. Ayumi and I waded out to the water and spoke to people as they would mosey on out to us. People started to head out of there around five, and Ayumi and I caught the bus and then train getting us home around six-thirty.

Around seven, I received a text message on my phone from our good friends (the Sukeda family) telling us that a local store was having a killer sale and open until midnight. There I found this cool shirt that for about $2.65 I couldn't pass us.


and thus, the title of my blog. Note the bandage on my left hand... can't wait to take it off.



Ayumi took off for Gifu today to spend some time with her little sister in town for the week from college. Lets hope I am alive by the time she gets back!

Friday

So, I am zoning out here at school. It has been nearly three weeks since school ended and we have about three weeks still before it begins again. I am not anticipating it starting again by any means but, am a little tired of the ennui of being at school with nothing to do. Earlier this week I was really gung-ho to study a lot of Japanese but, injuring my finger has kind of put me off to wanting to do anything other than stare at the computer screen while absorbing the cool air from the conditioner.

Its funny how when its like 70 degrees outside you think about how hot and hellish 85 degrees is however, once the weather hits mid 90s setting the temp to 85 is quite heavenly. Just thinking out loud... not really but, how can I apply that saying to writing about it on a blog. Just thinking with my fingers? Just thinking with my eyes? Well, when I get it down I'll be sure to let everyone know it was me who coined the phrase.

I have no idea what to do the next six hours of today... Maybe I'll give studying another chance.

Mr. Picker in his Birthday Suit

This morning washing my face I forgot that I had an additional 1 inch of cotton appendage hooked onto the end of my finger and accidentally dragged it through the stream of flowing water. Yesterday the doctor forbade me from getting this finger wet so, I debated for a few minutes and tried to take the bandages off. They were not soaked but, wet enough that if kept on would probably add un-needed moisture to the suture.

I started taking off the layers of bandages (with the intent to have the school nurse re wrap them as soon as I got to school). First glance at the stitched finger tip made me queasy to the extent that I thought I was going to either pass out or puke... possibly both. I layed down for a minute until it passed. However, in my fading grasp of consciousness did manage to count six knots interweaving themselves in and out of my poor finger.

What caused the most trauma is trying to remove the last bit of gauze I found that it was stuck to one of the stitches (either by dried blood or just a snag) and not wanting to mess it up any more just decided to stick my finger under a hair dryer. Well, I wrapped my finger in a face towel and headed off to school. Getting here I met the school nurse in the hall who took me to the nurse station and re-dressed my finger. She asked me if the stitches were of the dissolving type. Looking back at yesterday, I can't remember anyone saying anything about stitch removal. Other than telling me not to get my finger wet the only other thing I can recall is that from today the entire office is on a two week vacation. Great timing to think of this eh?

Well, I know I need these stitches in my finger for at least a week or so, so feeling no rush to remove them am fine waiting. On Tuesday Ayumi and I were invited by the vice principal to go and have a barbecue with some of his friends tonight. I think his main goal was to get us there to sing Beatles songs and relax with his band. After cutting my finger (rendering myself unable to play) I was afraid to tell the v.p., afraid I would suddenly find myself uninvited. He saw me and first thing he said was, "I hear you cut your finger. I guess you can't play the guitar now."
"Yea, I'm really sorry and don't think I can play guitar at your party".
"It's OK, there are going to be like six of us there with guitars so, as long as you can sing Beatles songs, you should be OK." What a relief, tonight Ayumi and I are going to be treated to a feast (meat and sea-food BBQ) all in exchange of me singing a few Beatles tunes with experienced musicians. That is the life.

A few weeks ago, when my wife and I visited him in his home (click here for link) he was really excited that not only could I sing harmonies but could pronounce the lyrics too. He has told me a few times how much he liked singing with me. Well, I think he told his friends and I saw that he prepared a folder full of Beatles songs to sing tonight. Problem is, I know most of the Beatles songs (thanks to my upbringing) however, they want to sing a lot of ones I am not too familiar with, stuff like Dear Prudence, Mother Nature's Son, etc. Beatles' songs are short so, maybe I can cram some albums tonight when I get home before taking off. I'd hate for them to think they've wasted thier food on me.

I am sitting in the school library, typing with all 9 of my working fingers watching the school girls volley-ball team write thier yearlong goals on a giant flag. I have been here for about fourty-five minutes and more than anything have just seen a lot of goofing off. Its fun, as long as there is air conditioning.

Mr. Picker and the Future Gnarly Scar

Sounds like the title of an awesome book. Well, you'll soon find out that it is anything but that. Today I thought I would be crafty and using a box cutter, slice about twenty pages out of an old notebook I had lying in my drawer. Well, I set the everything up, laid the ruler down on the page to get a straight line to follow and then applied a little force. Before I knew it, the blade had missed the ruler and was now cutting a nice strip of my left index finger. I started screaming and just kept cutting, just like they do in the movies. Not really but, carved a nice strip about an inch long.


I am surprised how well I held myself together after this happened due to the fact that I don't like blood, let alone my own blood. I tucked the finger into my palm and calmly stood up telling my coworker I just sliced my finger and was going to the nurse. I don't think I freaked out or anything and, actually remember checking my hair in the mirror on the way down so, must not have been too shocked. By the time I reached the nurses office, I had a nice pool of blood in my palm which spilt out onto the floor as soon as I entered. I stuck my head in and probably pale-faced said, "Its been a while!" After telling them what I had done, I washed the wound and was told while applying pressure with the right hand to keep my hand held above my head.


After about thirty seconds, the phone in the nurses' office rang and in spite of her trying to end the conversation numerous times whoever she was talking to (concerned parent) wouldn't let her go for ten minutes. When she finally got off the phone and back to me, my arm was sorer than any puncture wound could have ever made it. In spite of having it had been raised it was still bleeding. She told me because of the depth of the wound and that it was still bleeding, I ought to head to the clinic.


Nobody was in the office that could drive me and this is a pretty small town, so I just decided to keep my finger above my heart and walk. I ran to the bank to get some cash and after a few minutes was on my way and in the clinic. As a side note it is 86 degrees (weather channel tells me it feels like 96 degrees and believe me it knows) with 74% humidity. I get to the clinic around eleven this morning, about an hour since I had cut it.

I had the doctor look at it, and in English he asked me what I had done, if it was hurting and your typical doctor-patient questions. He told me it was pretty deep and would need stitches. I kind of figured this due to the fact that after an hour it was still gushing blood. He gave me a few shots (most painful thing I had felt all day) and sutured me with what I am guessing was about 4-5 stitches. On top of that he hooked me up with some antibiotics and some pain killers and sent me on my merry way.

Well, here I am now three hours since the incision and my finger is really starting to throb. On the plus side, had this not had happened I wouldn't be able to say suture in Japanese nor that my finger hurts with the beating of my heart... sounds more like a love lyric than an actual symptom but, fun none-the-less.

Other than this blunder today, we have been busy in the past few weeks. For one my previous coworker from New Zealand has gone home and in her stead comes Nikki from Chicago. Last Saturday, we had a town festival where my band(?) which had been named "AJ and his Nutty Friends" played a 45 minute set. As the encore, we played Hotel California and my vice principal who had come along to watch us play came and played a guest guitar solo. Really turned out well and the 75 kids under ten along with their parents we were playing for had a fun time too. I knew we were a hit when I could see the wheelchair bound grandpa on the front row shaking his booty!

We have gone to Osaka, which I think Ayumi has maybe blogged on her site. We've been to Gifu which the entire trip can be summed up in one word; sweaty. I don't think we took any pictures but, if so and if OK magazine doesn't give me the $4,000,000 I asked for, you'll see them here first. My finger is throbbing so I am going to sign off but, maybe I'll update this blog with a picture of my finger.