Oh there goes that accent!

So at my school, I kind of had the rep. of being that black girl speaking japanese. Well, I decided to study one language because I suck at languages! Even with my passion I suck at it, but yeah I would have people tell me well I can speak 4 languages. So I'm thinking ok that's cool but how's your accent? What do you do about that?! I mean it's cool to speak several langauges but the downside is is the accents. How do you differentiate those accents? One of the most important aspects of a languages is the ACCENT if you don't have a good accent no matter how hard you study no one won't be able to understand you or don't even want to talk to you because of your accent. I've heard some people speak english and some of them are STRONG. That fresh off the boat accent you can tell they're not native because that accent is soo strong. It's mostly tolerable but at the same time funny because well the accent is so strong. You know what I'm talking about you met a foreign student and had a woo that strong back ole' country accent. I admit it I'm a lover of that british accent I find it refined and very sexy. But some accents, I'm not so fond of. So yes, I'm just fine with 2 languages because speaking a lot of languages can in fact hinder you if you don't get that accent down! So that's just my thoughts well peace!

Oh and I am currently studying but I will post up pics. about Kobe Lumineria and the Xmas party so I know I have a lot of catching up to you!

My mom and the host family

I had a great conversation with my mom. I haven't spoken to her in months and it feels great. Before I came to Japan, my mom advised me to stay in the dorms and not stay with a host family. Of course, I didn't take that advice because I wanted to have a unique experience by staying with a host family and having them show me the things of Japan that normally tourists can't see! Well, of course I didn't realize that but not all host families are good. There are actually some mean host families out there! To be frank not everyone is meant to be a host family. I feel that if you're not open minded and expect someone by your "definition" to be perfect then you're not cut out to be a host family period! But yes, unfortunately I had a very bad host family. Due to the fact that I slept walk well more of a scream once due to culture shock in 2 weeks they wanted me out! Yes, in 2 weeks they wanted me out. How rude is that. You don't even know more but yet you think you do. But other than that, I felt that they didn't see my good qualities that I posess! I cooked them american food and I help cleaned. Yes, I helped clean! I was also very respectful and get this I actually spoke to them alot. The biggest complaint among host families is that their kids don't talk alot! Well, honey I gave them an earful and I spoke about my experience and everything I got into the groove. Some people believe that my host family wanted me to have a better experience. Ok well if that is the case then after I moved out why didn't they call me?! Why didn't they check up on me when I moved to my new place?! Why didn't they at least take me out to dinner to make sure I was well adjusted?! I didn't recieve any of that what so ever because that would of been the thing to do if they really cared! So other than that, I spoke to my mom about that and of course she gave me that "I told you so" talk but we reconnected in a way that it was amazing. I was soo happy to be able to talk to her. I feel my relationship has improved with her in many ways. Plus she's going to send me more goodies too. I can see why she wanted me to live in the dorms because she feels it's wierd to stay in a stranger's home and that by me living in the dorms I can stay on campus and do activities. Plus it is very convienent too! Yeah, I admit it I am more of a dorm person because I put myself out there and I love talking to others. I'm an open book and a great friend! But yes, after that hardship till' this day I still feel they have no business being a host family. Don't get me wrong there are host students that are very rude like bringing in their boyfriend or girlfriend! How dare you do that?! That is the most rudest thing I've ever heard but I have gossip so if you want to know please message me because ooo I will tell you in a heartbeat. But yea, it was nice speaking to my mom since I haven't spoken to her in months! I love my mom and I vow to talk to her more often for now on!

Meeting amazing people

Studying here is wow the people that I've met is just absolutely amazing the people that I've met are overachievers and put my accomplishments in life to shame. I met some many overachievers here it seems like the foreigners that I meet here are well accomplished! I met a man that was from a wealthy family like his uncle was the first manager of Euro Microsoft and his aunt is an art school owner that is exclusive. I met Lito who competed in the World Poker Series and is a professional singer that actually makes money and a comfortable living in Japan. It's amazing and mindblogging to meet so many people that are accomplished and on top of their game. I never thought that I would meet these people and they're soo down to earth and just cool about everything too. In Vegas, you rarely meet these people. I'm not saying Vegas has a bunch of idiots but still it's rare to meet someone high accomplished in my hometown Vegas. I'm very flattered to be even in the company of these people and to be even invited to their performance which of course they rocked the stage! Plus they love life and love what they do. At my school UNLV, everyone wants to get out but yet stays here and settles but here in my area everyone is all cozy and fine. I'm not saying they don't have problems but it's just nice to meet happy and well accomplished folks. Usually you wouldn't meet these types in the states unless you go to Stanford but here they're soo approachable and we have the same common goal on why we came to Japan because the exoticness of the culture and the rich traditional history. I enjoy being around those that want to make a difference like me and that takes part in activism like me. Yes, I am an activist too and I've participated in some charities, protests and the Obama campaign. But yeah, I'm really honored and impressed and I'm also in the blogging because I can't talk bleh! Well, later days and I'll probably blog some more!

Things I've realized about Japan

Myth #1 Japan is expensive
Only Osaka area and Tokyo area is expensive. The rest of the area is fairly cheap. For example, in Fukuoka the hawaii of Japan you can get a nice apartment near the beach keep in mind it's a 3 bedroom apartment for $250 a month!

Myth#2 Japanese people are nice
Not all japanese people are nice. There are some mean ones, but they do have the world's best customer service hands down

Myth #3 Japanese people love foriengers
I had to learn this the hard it's a mixed bag. Some japanese people hate foriengers and will make it known too. Some japanese people love foriegners and others don't really care so much. But there are a lot of friendly people here though!

Myth#4 Japanese people are fake
Fake people are everywhere get use to it. Not all japanese people are fake and it's easy to tell if their genuine. When you invite them to places do they make excuses and say no or do they say yes? Do they go the extra mile to talk to you? If you said yes to the extra mile then you can see that there are true. A fake person would not go the extra mile for your nor spend a lot of time to you they will just say hi and bye and maybe small talk but that's about as far as they will go!

Myth#5 Japan is hard to make good friends
Again that is everywhere in this world! It's hard to make good friends period!

I also believe that no one really knows everything about Japan. You may know certain stereotypes with each region like Osaka people are friendly!! (I really don't think they're as friendly as everyone makes them out to be esp. at night they can be downright rude!) Then again it's the city too. But yes, every part of japan is different and there are different rules and customs. Just like America where you have the south,east, midwest and other places! Well anyways that's all peace!

Me being sensei and other stuff

Today, was a pretty good day well no not really! I have the flu and oh jeeze it's awful so I have to wear this mask because it's japanese culture to wear it when you're sick so you won't spread any germs. Which is very conveninent I might add because when I cough I'm coughing into the mask and I'm not spreading any germs which is pretty nice. But when you wear the mask your breath gets sticky so of course I bought some gum! ;) But yea, the elementary school visit was fun there was this one gurl and her english was amazing! Like she didn't even have an accent like you would think that her native langauge was english. She went to an international kindergarden school. We taught at Kwansei Gakuin Elementary School and it was really nice esp. for an elementary school. The tuition for the school is $10,000 a year and if you go to the elementary, middle, and high school and pay every year you don't have to take the enterance exams basically you're in. So that's pretty nice esp. since you're set for life! Yeah, the school even had a church in it too. Yeah, my japanese has been improving but it's amazing to see the different levels of japanese my classmates are in and who's catching on quickly and who's not! Personally, I have the passion for japanese but I find myself struggling in it. I hate to admit it but academics has never been my strong points. I suck at academics. I always study but yet end up with some crappy grade compared to someone that never studies but yet gets a good grade! It sucks because I have the heart but not the talent compared to others. So yeah, I'm always speaking japanese and I try so hard but it sucks when the next person is like better and doesn't even have to try as much because it comes natural. Yeah, it sucks because I'm not the best like at my school you have people that have took japanese for 1 year and are taking regular courses at Kwansei Gakuin the same courses as the japanese students which is pretty good! But yeah, I just want to improve but I do plan on studying over winter break though like really really hard! Well, then again I always study hard bleh. Other than that, I need to rest up since I have the flu but later days!

Sensei and the sweet pan I always order

Hey sup?! Well, anyways I've just been really busy. Like I had to run back and fourth to obtain my worker's permit so I can legally work here. After getting lost for a min. and literally a min. in Kobe I finally got my permit so I can start working here! Anyways, I just got back from my first day of school teaching and the kids really like and I also feel the same way. It gives me a new perspective on what it's like to be a teacher and there was this one kid that kept raising his hand and answering questions I was like "Omg he is the mini version of me with that know it all vibe attached to it!" But I wanted to give other students a chance to answer too. They really warmed up to me too. My co-worker is a bit sketchy of me because the turnover rate is pretty high for my position. Meaning teachers will come and then in the middle of the month quit. There was this one incident where this teacher lied about working here legally and decided to leave in 2 months because her visa was up so basically she just took the money and ran! The boss really likes me though which is good because she guessed it I am a nice person! *cheeses* I can see why he's sketchy and I don't blame him either. I teach at a wealthy school where the kid's parents are CEO execs, doctors, lawyers, athletes, basically any position that makes a lot of money. But yes we were playing this game where you call out a color like touch something blue and the kid has to find something blue and touch. Well, I said touch something brown and all the guys touched me! hahaha that was a cute kid moment! Well, next week I get to go to their christmas party so I'm very excited about that! But other than that, everyday I go to the convenient store and I order a melon pan. It's usually 105 yen and there's this guy that has a crush on me well it's gotten to the point where they know that I order the same thing the melon pan at 105 yen. I usually buy it when I'm down, happy or whatever but it feels soo good everytime I eat it! I also been pretty money savy too like I've been using my bank account a lot meaning depositing my money! So yes, your girl will be able to go out once again! Well, anyways I have to bounce but I'll catch yah later peace.

Inspiration

Well, lately I've been having this surge of inspiration. I've been studying better and everything is coming to me. Everyday I use skype to practice my japanese and after I'm done studying what I need to study for class. I end up studying something else. I'm on a mailing list where everyday they send me new kanji and new grammar to learn. I know I'm falling behind on my messages of mixi and the kanji,grammar, but yes my school keeps me constantly busy. Besides going out to a nice restuarant, sightseeing, or to a nightclub,on my free time I listen to japanese music, watch japanese dramas, or study japanese that pretty much sums up my life right there and I'm very happy. I have matured and I finally realize the cost of everything! SO yes, your girl grew up. I like studying though because I know that I'm that closer in becoming better in japanese. So everyday I'm learning something new and I use it. So whenever you are study abroad on your free time subscribe to a mailing list to learn new words use flash cards and study outside of what you're suppose to study for for tests. Well peace!

Osaka Nightlife

Hey Sup! Well, anyways last night I got back from Pure Nightclub in Osaka. It was the bomb and I luved it! I went with Leslie, Tsutome, and Yuki. Well, we were at the club and we had to wait for a while but yeah I was too scared to be by myself because well you know I didn't want anyone to really talk to me. But my fears were confirmed..eek! But I can tell he was a player though but it was all good the music was great, the club was banging and of course I was shaking my tale feather. My gurl Leslie was getting with her great dance moves! Her moves was on point so she was gettin' down. But my homeboy Tsutome and Yuki got drunk. Tsutome was trying to kiss Leslie on the dancefloor and then he decided to move on to a japanese woman. So he kept harassing her and so I decided to save him from her. But supposedly she liked the harassment by him and gave him her number. I was like "What?" But she was pretty cute though. But yeah, it was funny because we had to carry Tsutome everywhere because he was pretty drunk. Other than that, I had an interview today for a job and they really really liked me!! Yay, but now I need another visa booo. Well, that's about it but right now I'm just chillin' and I'm crazy some Pizza Patio in Sannomiya! Well peace!

The difference between Pride and Dignity in Japan and America

I was watching an american reality show from my computer today. I was of course laughing at all the dramas and the girls being soo catty and stupid. Then I realized that in Japan when they do a reality show it's mostly a reality show and all fun and games. Where as in America, drama and girls embarassing themselves sell. Then I started to see and realize something. I feel that when it comes to pride and diginity I feel Japan is a bit better than America as a whole. If a japanese person goes on to a reality show acting the way americans do on a reality show they would bring shame and dishonor to their family. They won't be popular. They would be mostly looked down upon. Japan is a very image conscious country and as a whole they really do care about their image and their pride. I feel that since it's a country of conflict they feel the need to do a reality show for the fame for the cost of their pride and dignity. Japanese people that are famous are famous for the talent or just acting a goofball on a variety show. Even though, I do like american reality shows I don't get why people would give up their pride and dignity for that 5 mins. of fame. Yeah, sure fame it's glamorous and blah blah but I don't think it's glamorous when you embarass your family, when people say nice things about you and then see you act a fool on TV, when your kids and grandkids will be able to have access to that, and when random strangers stop you on the street just to call you a bitch because that's how you were portrayed. What many people don't get is that there is a difference between a certain type of fame like there's the Will Smith fame and the New York fame. Will Smith is more respectful and has a better reputation. So you won't see crazy people approach him as much compared to a stripper! I know there are people like well so wat it's fame fame fame well you know what do you want to look back and be remembered for that gurl that got drunk and did something stupid on TV. Or do you want to be remembered as the person that has talent, and be respected. It's funny how when people act a fool on TV they demand respect hahah funny! You don't deserve it. SO I don't feel bad, but back to my philosophy I feel that when it comes to be on TV and be portrayed I think Japan has it down. Well anyways peace

Adjusting

I'm getting use to the japanese life. I'm starting to accept everything now, even though it is expensive I know where to find the cheap goods. I know when foods are on sell or clothes. I'm starting to accept how things are and I'm even starting to like japanese food. But I have to admit though even though sushi here is really cheap the sushi restuarants in America are more creative esp. in Las Vegas. Like you have all types of sushi while in Japan it's more fresh and just cheap. I have to admit Las Vegas food is pretty bomb though. I also met this 36 yr. old japanese woman and she's really nice she's living in the female dormitory too. She's starting to take on that motherly role for me like starting to really look out for me. I really appreciate it though. I also found someone I can cook for too. I still miss being able to cook american food for. I guess in a sense there's a part of me that likes to take care of people. Deep down I like to cook for people, nurture them just be real good to them in exchange for sincerity and loyality. Besides I haven't cooked a real american dish for someone in a loong time too bad there isn't an oven in the kitchen because I need to show these people how REAL cookies taste. The american way because american cookies are the bomb! Well, I gotta go peace

You want to live in Japan...

So yeah, I got some criticism from my homegirl about Max. Well, to be honest I really wanted to help him out and survive in Japan. When he told me that he wanted to say some things but he couldn't say it in japanese. That broke my heart because I know exactly how he feels so I wanted to reach out and help him. So I took him to the church to introduce him to some people and a cheap japanese course to take. I was thinking this can be his opportunity to practice and actually help with japanese, but it turns out that he wanted to only date me and talk to me. Then all of a sudden he started calling and became really really obsessive and very clingy. I would tell him I'm busy with schoolwork and plus I have someone back home too. Oh and that I was really really BUSY esp. with exams and stuff. Well, while I was studying for my exams he calls and tells me he misses me and all this stuff. Then he starts whining and asks me to see him for an hour on thursday. I was really peeved because well I have exams this week and I'm really busy. I decided to be polite and was like well I'll see but I have coffee hour and I'm really busy. Well, last night I was really pisst off because I was talking to my honey and then he calls me. My man asks me to pick up the phone so then he can instigate this issue. I told max that I can't see him tommorow because of coffee hour and stuff. Then he was like WHY I don't understand and started whining. Then I got really mad! So after that I sent him a message saying I was talking to my man back home and that I've been really stressed out and busy!! Then I also told him that he needs to take a damn japanese course too! Because how can you live here for 8 months and have the audacity to not look for a japanese course. I was pretty upset because here I am studying and trying my best everyday in japanese. Then I have someone that is being completely clingy and won't even attempt to take a course nor learn the language. I was pretty upset because how dare you want to live in another country but not learn the language. I asked him why he wanted to live here and basically because he thought it was all glamorous and how cool it was. Well, there's a difference between living and a vacation. A vacation is basically seeing the glitzy glamorous part that's all. But living here is a totally different story because you see everything including the bad parts. I mean yeah, I have people told me that my japanese wasn't as good but that's ok because I came here to learn the language and if they want to be stupid and close minded that's their loss! When I become bilingual I'll be more successful than them so it's all good. But yeah, I'm just fusterated because I did try to give out a helping hand but whatever it's cool well anyways I have to get back to my studies peace!

Some people don't understand...

How I'm a BUSY and a POOR college student! I mean sure I always make it a mission to at least go out once a week on the weekend but I have to pay for the train rides and I'm on a budget! Everyday I'm always studying due to how intense and tough my courses are being an international student studying at one of the most expensive countries in the world studying the toughest language is not going to help! I mean yeah I keep telling that person that when I have time I will hit you up but I am busy though!! adgkjadflkjdak Note the words BUSY and note the words lack of money to go out more than once a week! Well peace

Soul Food Party..

I'm throwing a soul food party in Osaka. It's going to be at Louisiana Mama where there's going to be live music! I will inform you on the details but first I need to make reservations and see how many people are going because there seems to be a huge interest in soul food from my japanese friends! Plus it'll be good to see people that I haven't seen in a while. It's going to be a chill good party where I can bring people together and we can all have a good time!

My heavy american accent

So I know I have a heavy american accent, but suprisingly a lot of japanese people think it's really cute though and that I sound happy all the time. Ok wait, no they think it's kind of funny and I try not to be funny but I guess with my broken japanese sometimes it comes out that way. I also seem to shock them with my directness, but in a good way because I seem to say out loud on what they are really thinking. SO yes, I mess confess I can be a tad loud and my personality can be a bit strong but I guess it is hard for me to tone it down which is I scare japanese guys. Oh well, I don't need them to have a good time besides I'm near Osaka and there's plenty of activities to do other than that I might be throwing a soul food party

OBAMA

Words can not describe how proud I am of America and Obama for winning! Right now, I am proud to be an american! We all pulled together and voted for Obama to become our 44th president!! When Obama was elected for president the first thing I was thinking was Obama City, Japan! I was like I have to go there, but I decided that I'm going to go to Obama City on inaugration day which is Jan. 20! So next year I'll be in Obama City so cheers to that! Luckily Obama City is close to Osaka it is about 2 hours away and by bus I think 3 hours away or I'll take the train, but yes all I can say is that I am very happy and pleased that Obama is going to be our new president! So if you want to come with me to Obama City for this historical event please send me a message or a comment! I am soo happy and I know there's going to be parties and festivals during inaugration day in Obama City!! YAY! In this photo, I think of last spring Obama came to my school UNLV for a health forum. There were only about 15 supporters there to support him since he came to my school I had a chance to get to meet him it was waay easier back then, but now he has millions of supporters. I also volunteered for his campaign and went to his rallies too! I'm soo happy that I got to meet him before he actually became president. I also kept all my campaign materials, and yes I was precinct captain for his campaign! I can proudly say this and show this picture to my grandkids! In japanese to say grandkids is mago! So yes that is me in the picture meeting Obama our first black president! My have times changed! I'm soo happy to be a part of a history! Well, anyways I'm off to studying see yah later!

Skype

Since, I don't have a host family. I'm more determined to get in speaking time while I'm in Japan! I decided to join a skype group that is for people that want to learn english and japanese. I feel that this is the best group for me because they can practice the speaking part of english and I can practice the speaking part of japanese. I also feel it is very convenient because I tend to be very busy and not be able to meet up everyday. So I'm very happy that I thought of this idea! Other than that, the soccer player has a crush on me. He's cute and very nice, but I have someone back in America and plus I'll be here for year. I don't think it'll work out and he speaks english and very little japanese. But when I do see him I will definitely teach him some japanese! So when he's around me he'll have to bring a notebook because he will get a japanese language workout! hehe Well, anyways I will post more with pictures well peace!

Ramen Musuem

Hey sup, Well yesterday me and my bestie in Japan Allison went to this Ramen Museum! It was pretty nice and interesting. I really liked it and the creator of the instant ramen died at 96 :( but it was nice to see how it was all started in the city of Ikeda. Of course he was probably rich, but we were also curious to see his house since he is forever part of pop culture! I also learned that his inspiration for the lid was from the macademian nuts that he had on the plane... which of course we don't have these days I mean you're lucky to just get peanuts! But it was really neat. I've also been helping Max he's this black soccer player in Japan, but he really wants to improve his japanese so of course with his permission of using his cell phone e-mail I decided to take him to church and conversation class tommorow and then on Mixi I found this group called I love black men so I joined it and told everyone that I have a cute, nice black friend who is a soccer player that needs help with his japanese. So I'm pretty sure he should be getting some messages from the ladies right about now... hehe well anyways I'm off to studying peace

My goals and Kyoto

Hey, lately I've just been looking at the job postings to work in Japan. I feel that I'm getting closer to my dream of having an international career in Japan preferably in Tokyo or Osaka. I love working with people so I would like to work in these fields: consultation, hospitality, and the best of all JAL an airport. Yeah, sure I have to deal with whiny people but the traveling perks are priceless!! Other than that I went to Kyoto on a field trip! It was very nice and very very beautiful. We made some sweets which was a very sweet trip :D. I also saw my friend Megu who is my bestie in Japan as of now! I'm defintely keeping her as a friend because it's hard to find friends that give you an electronic japanese dictionary, help you meet you fave band, cook and all that type of stuff! So I'm very blessed! I've also realized that since I'm in the intensive japanese track I'm constantly busy and studying like mad, but it seems like those that are in the culture track are not busy and bored like crazy... So basically there is no in between.. which makes sense if you look at it. Other than that I've been dealing with some crazy people esp. the guys I don't get it one wanted to talk down about my japanese until I told him off telling him that he's an idiot for working at a convienent store so he has no right to look down on me since he's not doing anything with his life. And one is confusing the crap out of me with the whole idiot crap.. but yea I've been dealing with crazy folks but hey that's what I get for being nice but opinionated at the same time so I kind of ask for it since I'm outgoing but talk a lot! Other than that, I'm not in the mood to be like wooo asian guy and me and my asian fetish. I have someone back in America and plus I'm lazy and focused on other things! At least that person isn't crazy but sweet and cuddly ;)! Well, anyways time for me to get back to studying and here are my cute friend and Kyoto yay

Absentee votes, Trouble, and Rent

Well, I just came back from discussing my rent situation dorm in an all japanese girls dorm. I was confused because I was billed for this month. I was like why Am'I being billed for this month if I already paid for the september and october. So I brought out my invoice that I saved and I showed it to my dorm manager that I already paid for september and october rent. So then after communicating esp. with the language barrier they told me that it's japanese culture to pay ahead for next month's rent instead of at the same time of the same month.... I was like hmm that makes sense but I was all calm even though I was very confused.. I was pretty upset earlier this week because this japanese guy who is a huge fan of hip hop liked me! He liked me to the point where he called 4 times on the first day we met... Oh jeeze and I thought I was going to get a japanese conversation partner.. bleh well turns out he doesn't go to school and he works at a convenient store. What a loser! Well anyways, I missed his call so I decided to call him back well this was all in japanese and I started to tease him about him liking Namie Amuro and how it was girl's music! Well, he hung up on me! I was pretty pisst because he called me. I returned his call and he hangs up! So I send him a text message saying that he's mean and stuff but I was just joking around though! Then he sends me a message that says "Why don't you speak japanese properly?!" Well, I went off on him! I started telling him why can't you speak english correctly and that he's a dumb ass because he doesn't go to school and works at a convience store! He's a loser and then I told him to never speak to me again! I also told him how offended I was to because I study japanese everyday! But yes what an idiot though! Of course someone that is learning japanese is not going to speak properly because it takes time! You don't tell someone that when they are attempting to learn your language! How RUDE! SO yes, I went off on him and no I don't feel bad because you don't say that to someone that is studying EVERYDAY to learn this language! Other than that, my classes are pretty tough to the point where we have a new lesson everyday and a new quiz it's japanese intensive. It's broken down to 3 different sections listening, kanji, and grammer and we have a a quiz everyday in those classes so yes I'm constantly busy and it's just a lot of work. So yes, the course is fast paced and intensive. Today, I was soo happy because I recieved my overseas ballot. The same day that I recieved it that was the day I turned it in express style honey! I definatly voted for OBAMA/BIDEN woo. I want them to win soo bad that I'm going to brag about it too because we need change! Plus if we don't get it it's going to effect how much I spend in Japan and of course the welfare of our american citizens and of course the global economy! Besides Palin is an IDIOT! But yes, I was happy I voted for change and I'm glad I did something about it to help the cause. Well, that's it for today soo byeezz

KGU Football and nightclub

Last night, I went to a hip hop night nightclub the place was Sam and Dave's. I personally wasn't very fond of it because the place was small and the music was too loud. Meaning the music bounced off the walls and my ears were hurting pretty bad too! Other than, that I met some interesting cats and 2 ghanian brothers! I didn't get back home until 7:00 AM. So yes, it was a very long night! I do plan on going to Club Pure though. I went to my school's football game to root for my school KGU with Win, but yea I was suprised to see the size of the team, field and everything.. I felt like I was in high school and then I was like are they really national champions.. well I guess so! I have pictures so you can judge for yourself. Other than that, I'm excited to go to the nightclubs, but one should NEVER go by themselves. I was never ever stupid enough to do this. Ok, nevermind when I was 15 I wanted to do it.. but now I'm not stupid enough to do it you should always have a wingman by your side so they can watch what's going on. Other than that, the nightlife in Osaka can be pretty dangerous at night due to the amount of drug dealing that happens it's disecret but it happens though. But I should be fine as long as I'm in a group and have someone by my side with a big guy or guy by my side. But yeah, last night a fight was about to jump off, a drunk guy passed out in the middle of the train station with people there and then woke up and threw up everywhere! It was sick! Then he drunk called his friend yuck! Then someone passed out at the nightclub. Other than that, I have a paper and speech to do but I will fulfill with details.. oh and I went to the Jpop festival it sucked! It cost $30 for a round trip to my place to the airport and there was nothing! Well there was something but it sucked so I was mad about that because I wasted my money grr well here are the pics. but woo I'm tired must go to bed peace!

Marshmellows

Yesterday, was my friend's birthday and I decided to make some pork chops and rice crispy treats! I was pretty fusterated because I couldn't find the marshmellows at a lot of convenience stores here! It made me homesick for America because this would never happen in America! America has a variety of foods and at a very cheap price too! But I finally found the marshmellows at the dollar but then again I was walking by these japanese fellas were talking about me jeeze... hahha but yea so I went back to my place to make my friend some american dishes we pulled out the stuff and my friend gasped. She told me that I bought wheat for tempura instead of rice.. Jeeze well to me they look like rice to use for the rice crispy treats! So I ran back to the store to get some and I came back. I made a pit stop because I wanted to rent a fridge I must admit to rent a fridge here it costs around $200 to do it for 9 months! So I got a great deal on it!! So then we finally get to the dessert making as I was about to make the pork chops she was like stop you bought starch instead of flour. I was like damn this stuff looks like flour hahah so we had to postpone that! but the desserts aka chocolate rice crispy treats were delicous I loved it and I will show pic. well luv yah next blog will hav lots more pics. or I'll go back and edit it!! yee

Maturity

Before I came here, I admit it I was soo fascinated by Japan. I was like I LOVE JAPAN! Japan is my country and blah blah blah yaddah I had this obsession, but now since I'm here I just like it.. because there's pros and cons to it. Like Japan, has really healthy food but american food is cheaper, has more of a variety and I feel is better. The downside is is that american foods are too unhealthy and will make you gain weight like crazy.. yuck! I hate the fact that alot of places here don't take debit/credit cards you always have to use cash!! I simply find that to be extremely annoying! I use to my debit card for everything.. but now I can't.. but other than that sometimes I wake up and think wow I can't believe I'm really here in Japan... but I've grown out of the I love it stage and have fully accepted it for what it is..but I admit it the are that I'm living in in Japan which is near Osaka. I like it better than Vegas. :D

Banana Diet

Supposedly, there is the trend in Japan called the banana diet! This is self explained but it's a new diet and basically japanese women are going to grocery stores to be on the banana diet... I really don't understand why japanese women need to be on a diet since they're already skinny anyways... I really don't get it but besides that I've been mad busy and I was in an article Asahi newspaper in a halloween costume.. oii well anyways I'm have to study and do a paper well peace!

Busy...

Well, I'm taking a break right now but I've been really busy lately.... but other than that I've been meeting some new people and getting invited to social events.. but I feel bad because I want to spend time with everybody but I've been booked... and I have to include school time in there too..but other than that on mixi I wrote a topic which is titled Have you ever dated a black girl/boy?! and then I wrote something like if so.. what was you experience good or bad! Well, I recieved some interesting responses and some messages..if I felt the love it was nice because I guess they thought it was towards me and was like well we're japanese and we love dating black people from men and women which is pretty cool! But I also wrote how it seems like in America asian men don't like black women. (This is from my experience). From my experience, I would be nice and try to talk to an asian guy but 10 out of 10 they didn't really reciprocate my feelings. Yet, they would complain about how hard it is to find a nice, smart and pretty woman! Jeeze, talk about being harsh when I'm right there listening! So yes, in America I've never really met an asian guy that liked a black woman. (Don't take it personally this is from my experience). Yes I explained it on my mixi and I recieved some love! It was pretty nice and I definatly want to spend time and have fun with everybody. I guess I am becoming a social butterfly. Well, anyways I'll keep you posted peace!

Didn't realize how emotional I am

Today, I finally realized I am indeed an open book! I can't nor do I hide my emotions at all. I went to Tsutaya today to check out some dvds and cds. The people esp. Kobayashi were very helpful, but at the same time they must of been fusterated helping a poor ryugakusei like me. I saw him with the cds and I asked if I can help him but due to langauge barrier he took it like I needed more help! Oii and so this guy helped me out and called some places to see where they have the cds at. My japanese can only go so far... oii but yeah all I wanted to do was get some cds and dvds and it took an hour. I felt so bad because of the language barrier and of course their emotions didn't show but mine did! This is when I realized how different the culture can be I feel that I still have my american ways because I'm direct and you can easily read me! Where as in they're not that easy to read at times. But yes, my emotions were showing big time through my face I was pretty embarassed and you can see that through my face.. oii so then of course with my japanese language. I told them that you don't have to help me. I'll do it myself besides I have to be miss independent and do it myself! But yes I told them that they were very kind and to tell that to Kobayashi too. Other than that, that was an interesting incident and oh I keep meeting random people off the streets too hahha me and my charismatic and outgoing ways but I have to be careful though... esp. at night .... other than that tommorow I'm going to explore Osaka but I need to stay low and study for now well peace muchachos!!

Brittany

Japanese culture and the embarassing event

Well, I had lunch with my sweet but very quiet nihongo partner and then after that I was off to go to Itami to help volunteer for this event and meet the mayor. Well, it turned off to be totally embarassing event. I have never been so embarassed esp. at this age. Ok so me and 2 other people went to the city hall to and I thought we were going to volunteer in our regular clothes! WRONG!! We had to wear these stupid costumes so basically we were going to meet the mayor in halloween costumes uggh how embarassing so we did and we met the mayor. Ok now here comes the most embarassing part they took pics. of us and of course being the only black gurl I stuck out and maan it was totally embarassing!!! ugh and then the newspapers interviewed us and took pics. so now we're going to be in the Asahi newspapers in our halloween costumes.. I admit it the interview was kinda boring so yes... I nodded off I tried to but yeah... I know I'm weird but this guy kept saying I looked like Whitney Houston. At least he didn't say oh your name is brittany like Britney Spears... oh jeeze!!! But yeah, they wanted us to come to pass out flyers in our halloween costumes. I said yes but I'm not going ... I'm 20 and I refuse to wear a costume unless I'm at a sweet halloween party!!! But yea and then I went to Sannomiya and hung out at this restuarant with my kewl new friend Yoshi it was pretty awesome! I even had my first drink that I liked it was Umeshu which is basically plum wine! I really liked it it was soo good. I met some really cool pplz too. Then I decided to get on the train because the last trains are always around midnight so I went on there and you know I attracted the wierdos again. There were these 2 drunk workers a man and a woman. The drunk woman points at me and whispers loudly kowaii niteiru. Which means I either look scary or cute.. but yea being black hmm u either get good attention or really really bad attention! So, I always take the taxi at night because well anything can happen esp. since I'm a black woman. But yeah, it was interesting because I was talking the japanese culture and the differences. Some people think that it's fake but I don't I see it this way when you meet them they're always polite because it's culture. I think that's a great ettiquette to have be polite when you first meet them! But honestly though, I'm polite but at the same time I just be myself! Not only that, but some pplz say it's hard to find true friends. Honey, I think it's hard to find true friends in any country you're in!! I think anybody can be fake and the only way you know who's your true friend is by time and action. Where the friend proves that they're true to you with time and action. But yeah, I'm adjusting pretty quickly to Japan. Oh the one thing that impresses me is that in Japan pplz don't hook up like crazy compared to america. In America, if someone thinks you're cute you hook up right then and there and just leave. In Japan, it's like I want to know who you are and I won't do anything until I know you. That might not be true in other parts of Japan yes I'm saying there's hoes out there too but it's usually like that though you don't hook up nor hug unless you're officially their boyfriend or girlfriend. So in Japan, if you go out with someone you ususally don't kiss or hug the person unless you're their boyfriend or girlfriend! Well, anyways woo that's all see yall' later!

heey

SO much has happened to me in this past week! First of all, I met this crazy dumb lady on the train. I was riding the train minding my own business and studying my japanese like always. Then she asked me where was I from? This was all in japanese of course so I told her I'm from America. Then she followed me outside and was like "Why are you in the military why do you kill people!" I told her that I'm not in the military and that I'm a international student!! So she told me I was lying and accused me of being in the military. I argued with her and told her that I was in international student. SO I finally walked away, but I should gone back and maybe gave her a peace of my mind! I e-mailed dad about this situation immediately, and then he responded telling me I did the right thing and that she's just a crazy lady. He also advised me to also keep my guard up! He also told me that usually the stereotype for african americans being in Japan is because they're usually in the military. That makes a lot of sense so in a way I think I experienced a form of racism but I'm offended because that just shows that there are people out there that don't believe that blacks can be smart enough to study in Japan without being in the military. Well, I hate to break your heart but I am living proof and I'm studying at a great university and I did it through hardwork. But yea that lady was such an idiot because military people would not say ryugakusei nor would they be here because they live in OKINAWA shows how much that japanese old lady knows about her own damn country! Other than that, I feel like everything is going great and I'm soo happy and blessed! My japanese is improving and I'm starting to understand more and read the street signs! Over the past weekend I went to a couple of great events! I went to the cooking communication event where we basically cook and meet other people. The event was full of japanese students which was great. I also met this one sweet japaense guy at first I thought he was really really cocky but it turns out he's nice because he gave me his e-mail and told me if I needed anything just e-mail him aww and same with the other guy but I also saw another black person like me. Of course, seeing a black person here there's this instant connection like yeah we're here yay!! So that's always good! We made an italian dessert and chocolate rice crispy treats it was soo delicious! I was like in heaven with the treats, but the one thing I don't really understand is that Japan has soo many bakeries where they make great pasteries but yet they microwave cookies ewww I admit it I miss american cookies because they're soo soft and straight from the oven! Dang I want some american cookies right now! Then on sunday I went shopping with the fellas!<--- Ladies never go shopping with a buncha guys because yeah they don't understand haahha! IT was very fun but I can tell they were like man I'm tired! But I did buy some very cheap fashionable outfits! On friday I went to Joyce's bday party it was the bomb we went to the Gyu Kaku place the all you can eat beef and woo I ate a bowl of rice but then I get full and I was the first to throw in the towel. My gift to Joyce was helping her pay her dinner bill! So of course she didn't have to pay anything and it was $26. I was very very satisfied. Lately, I've just been studying alot due to my courses they weren't joking in they said the japanese intensive courses are that intense and fast so I feel that everything is going by soo fast. I just want to slow down and enjoy it all. I went to the global lounge yesterday and to my suprise there's a lot of japanese students there even though it's geared towards international students hence the name global lounge! But yeah, I met some really sweet people do so basically my method is sit next to a random person that is ALONE and then basically you'll find something to talk about. So it was pretty good and I've also been getting some admirers... oh snap hahah but it's all good because I'm just focused on school and of course having fun in ther process well I decided that I'm going to make more time to update my blog like at least everyday or every other day because memories can be forgotten and plus I want to write everything down while it happened! Well, love yall peace Brittany

Racism

The one thing that I like about Japan is that race isn't spoken out as much. What I mean about that is that in America you would often hear people say "Well, I'm black or I'm latino" I'm this race and then they would give an excuse on why they act like that based on their racial stereotypes. I can see if one wants to poke fun at it but if it's all the time then it's not very good. I like how it's not as clicky either like the blacks hang out with the blacks and other races hang out with other races. I like how Japan is open to everyone regardless of race. Race is not much of a question it's basically what country are you from! Like what's your nationality per se. Like are you from Germany, France, Nigeria which country are you from?! I also like how they make it easier for us immigrants to get the basic nescessities like you wouldn't see the clerks be impaitent with us if you can only speak a little to no japanese. Compared to America if you're an immigrant you're taken advantage of and the employees get really rude with you! Well, my finger hurts but I will get more into depth about this!

Absentee Vote

Hey everyone sup!! Well, anyways my japanese has been improving. I can feel it! Not only that but I'm starting to remember my old grammar structure and stuff it is all coming back to me! I feel soo good about but today I had to take care of some business yah dig. I had to send in 2 very important document 1 was my scholarship application. Yes, I'm on partial scholarship and every little thing counts and helps thanks UNLV! The other document was the absentee ballot! You know I definatly voted for Obama/Biden! Besides I had to do it and when I mailed it it felt soo right because I know I'm contributing to America and helping them get a better president! Besides my country is in deep trouble and it needs help!! I'll also be translating this in japanese on www.lang-8.com for those studying japanese this site really helps alot!! I also went to this movie club I wasn't interested but the fellas seem to like me and my charismatic ways ;)!! hhehe yah dig I kept eating all the cookies so I promised them I'll buy them a new batch but hey yah gurl was pretty hungry! but luckily my japanese friend Tai came to the rescue and texted me saying he was finished early so of course I rushed out of the room politely of course to get some grub ;)! But other than that I realize that staying in the dorms is not for the shy folks at all. If you're shy don't do the dorms because I feel that you're not forced enough to speak esp. when it's necessary and you're overseas. Luckily, for me I'm pretty outgoing so the dorms wasn't that big of an issue and I've been getting more practice at japanese and plus I'm just determined to learn this language and become fluent. I also went to Osaka over the weekend to improve my fashion. So yes, my fashion is on point now it is officially high class fashion. Besides at my school it looks like a catwalk all these ladies looking good so of course I want to represent and bam bought new clothes. I'll buy new clothes this weekend but I want to buy some more skirts though. Other than, that I'm thinking about cooking some american food for my friend saeko in exchange for using her refridgerator. Hey I was raised not to be a moocher so I have to give back. Other than that, my classes are pretty interesting esp. kabuki and history. For the first time, I'm going to have fun studying these subjects.... well anyways woo I'm exhausted I will write more well peace!

back on track!

Hey yall' I've been soo busy lately, but now I can finally talk to you guys! My life has been great real talk. At first, I was real scared to move into the dorms but now I'm really happy about the situation. I haven't made a lot of japanese friends due to obvious language barriers. But the quality of the friendship with a few japanese friends is good enough for me! I have a great friend name Megu. I met her on the streets but over the weekend she actually drove me to Ikea to buy some decorations for my room. She was such a sweetheart. I can tell she geniunely likes me so there's a real connection between us. We had a lot of fun and it was nice practicing my japanese with her and same for her with her english! She told me that her parents saw me before heheh that's funny since I'm the only black person in Ashiya. hahha other than that she helped me get my stuff into my room she was a very sweet person. Her father is a famous artictect in Kobe. I saw pics. of her house and wow she's really wealthy. So yes, nice choice on the friends :D. The next day I met up with Mayumi and her cute 5 yr. old son Curtis. Curtis is the half black/half japanese. I usually don't like little kids but me and Curtis have this connection and plus it's soo cute that he has a crush on me too :D hehe! Curtis is soo adorable and he asked me if I can come to the zoo with them. Mayumi was like she was too old, and I was like heey I would love to go to the zoo with him. It'd be great practice and plus I can spend time with Curtis. I usually hate kids but this little kid I really like though! On monday, I went on a school field trip to Himeji Castle. Sadly this will be the last year the castle will be on exhibit because it will be closed 5 years later for restoration :( aww poopies but yea it was soo nice speaking english to everybody. I felt soo comfortable and of course I got to use my slang too woo it was soo nice everybody had a great time!! So yes, that trip was definatly something I needed and I told Sean that I want to stay in the dorms and he was very happy for me that I was finally happy. My dorms is in Ashiya but it is very very close to 3 MAJOR train stations which is hankyu, hanshin, and JR now that is very nice and useful!! So I like it I like I like it alot!! But yeah, I can get use to not having at car and going by the train woo it's fun, energy effienect, and again fun! Oh and plus I can get my exercise on yah dig ;)! Oh yea, I went to Tsutaya to rent some cd's, the guy was soo helpful to me he even closed the register to help me out. I felt soo happy he was soo nice :D. I will definatly be coming back! There's also a $1.00 store in my town so you know I will be hitting that up alot!! But yeah today I went to a festival, and I met up with someone that I met up on mixi and wow let's just say it turned out to be a guy that was trying to get with me.. and well let's say he wasn't cute *I'm just being nice since I can talk a lot of smack but the upside was was that he had a lot of money like 2 houses in Ashiya and Ashiya is the Beverly Hills of Japan but he was very respectful but don't worry yah gurl is not a gold digger! So I have my own money! So I advised him to keep that on the low low but yea moral of that story is well online people are creepy hahhaha but other than that I've been taking notes of every word I know and studying like crazy woo I've never studied so hard and this much in my life but it feels good cuz I'm determinded! other than that I will show u the pics. and enough of me speaking english haha well here's the pics. of my peeps and stuff

now i'm lost...

ok i admit i attempted to make too many friends but at the same time i dont want to see all this money go to waste and time not learning the language, my dad says to give it some time and dont worry but i am worried though... last night i was homesick for my family and friends because i can talk to them. I really do miss them esp. my honey.. well explain more later

moved into my new dorm

And man I was scared nah seriously scared everyone just seemed soo busy to talk to a foriegn student like me! :( My host mom seemed happy and relieved that I was leaving, but she did ask to come back for some cooking and I was thinking to myself NO. Yeah, I know I've been getting mean and... other than that. My room is soo huge but I have yet to furnish it and decorate it! I definatly want to do that this weekend! I'm soo excited to decorate it cuz right now it doesnt feel right esp. with no TV. Oii Yeah, the TV thing hahah I'm soo addicted to my TV man and I need radio so I will call up dad about that! Other than that I fear that the other females will be too busy to talk to me. But other than that I will provide more details soo peace!

making lemons out of lemonade or watever the saying is!

hey yall' sup I just met with one of my new japanese friends Megu and so far she is soo good to me! She gave me an electronic dictionary and she's even buying tickets to go see my fave band ORANGE PEKOE!! I'm soo excited to go shopping, clubbing, and seeing orange pekoe my fave band with her! I went out to Ashiya train station to meet up with her and I went out to this sweet indian restuarant called Shandi! It was pretty nice and the food esp. the cheesy bread was off the chain! I'm becoming more excited to move into the dorms start my new life and become more independent! Just because I'm in the dorm doesn't mean I won't study japanese! Trust me I've been making a few good japanese friends here and I'm planning on going out! But yeah, I'm going to get a radio and TV so I can watch japanese tv and hear japanese. I've just been playing japanese music too. So yes, I'm that strict on myself! Other than that, I made some bomb ass pork chops and the host family liked it haha it was my first too. So the moral is yah gurl can cook! and she likes it too! Oh about the concert tickets don't worry I'm paying her back! I've been calling dad lately and he's been so proud of me because I've been figuring things out and starting to make a few good friends here. So even though there's gonna be some drama in the future yah know yah girl can handle it but in japanese style baby well peace love yall'!!

It gets more complicated...

Hey yall' don't worry about my last post in person I'm usually a happy person that is very bubbly and sweet. But I don't take back what I said in the last post one bit, but other than that since I move to an all female dorm in the 18th it gets more complicated and the expenses keep on rising. I have to pay an extra $700 for the move. Luckily, my dad is protesting because why should we have to pay the extra money if I didn't want to move into the dorms in the first place. I have to buy my sheets, toilet trees, towels, and other things for my dorms. Overall, we're paying more money esp. for the expenses. I don't know if I should get a refridgerator or not... but I spoke to dad this morning through good ole' skype which was free!! Oh fyi downloading skype is for free!! Skype is the best make sure to get it!!! Oh but also but a mic with a video cam too a very very cheap one!! So I was speaking to dad, and he was like "That's ok that's not a big deal we'll get you all settled in!" *He didn't say it with any sarcasm either. It always reassures me to have someone that's soo positive and that knows how to make the best of everything I'm glad and grateful to have such a great real family! But I also want to buy some decorations and posters too for my new place of course everything in japanese. But yeah, today I packed up some of my stuff which is not a lot thankfully and I'm going to look for a place to buy sheets and other stuff. So if you know a good place where I can buy sheets hit me up peace!

Starting to like me

Well, unexpectedly my host family is starting to like me more and more esp. since I've been doing the dishes, cleaning, and cooking like before but more. But what am'I going to say if they change their mind and want me to stay instead well I'm going to say HELL NO. After all the stress they put me through, I'm not coming back when I step out of that door I step out for good! I will not have someone like that walk over me and think they can get away with it. As a matter of fact, they might help me move in but I'm going to say no to that too because I'd rather do it by my god damn self instead of fake ass bitches helping me do it! I'm a strong woman and I'd rather live by myself then people that didn't like me before! As much as I want to improve japanese with a host family, host family or not I'll improve all by myself! Besides I don't ever want to see them or come across them and if I do I'm going to keep it moving and pretend I don't know them! So for you that's saying I'm being mean oh please shut up because they put me through hell with their backstabbing and kicking me out within' 2 weeks of getting here! For the first time in my life, I actually don't feel bad for wanting to leave somone and not come back. I feel strong and it's going to be kept that way! Anyways I'm out peace!

My Solution

My situation has well I guess my situation made me work harder in japanese because I know for sure that pretty soon I won't be able to have it easy. What I mean by this is that I won't be able to come home to a family and practice my japanese. This means I really have to depend on myself and work really hard to achieve. So far, I have been doing this. I've been changing everything on computer to japanese, looking at clubs to participate at my school, offering students help with english in exchange for japanese, taking advantage of cheap japanese lessons, watching japanese shows, and and listening to the music. Overall, this move made me realize that it really is up to me to make this happen so I've been studying much more harder now and really paying attention to everything. I also realize that I don't want to waste a good opportunity that not everyone is fortunate to have in life. Even though, there are some people out there that aren't paitent with international students ( I haven't come across them, but witnessed it in America), I'm pretty sure that there's always someone well a lot of students out there that are paitent and want to build a friendship with them. Thanks again for your support and this bad situation will indeed pass. Other than that, I was very unfortunate esp. being the nice person that I am to have a not so caring host family. I have faith that this will pass too and I will definitely achieve my goal in Japan which is to become fluent in Japanese. I have spoken to my dad on the phone and through e-mails. This has helped a lot though! I'm glad to have family support back home but the stress hasn't been effecting my work in class though so that's exciting!! that's definatly the good part. I'll officially be moving to an all female dorms because well the new family is scared well anyways i gotta bounce so peace

More bad news and I'm soo depressed.. :(

Well, I got the bad news today well the new host family can't have me due to the fact that the father apparently is scared to have me. Well, I tend to sleepwalk but this RARELY happens it doesnt happen a lot it happens once in a blue moon. So that scared my new host dad so basically I'll have to live in an all female dorm. I'm so depressed right now. I'm living in a home where my family is counting down the days until I move out. I'm living with fake people and apparently I'm not wanted. Wow, I feel so mad and depressed right now... when the coordinator told me this he had the audicity to ask "When does your host family want you to move?!" and I replied "As soon as possible" and he was shocked but hey it's the truth he's trying to be positive but I don't feel the need to be positive. I wish the family would of told me directly instead of behind my back. I'm so lost and depressed right now that I'm reveling at the idea of going out, and trying a few drinks to make this pain go away. Sophie told me it'll make me stronger but right now I feel weak. Well, anyways I'm glad I'm moving away besides eating dinner at around 11:00 pm is not healthy anyways. Now, I miss being around those that actually geniunely like me and not faking it. I need a hug and a drink well a smoothie hahha.. off to going out peace

Moving and changing host family...

Today, I officially found out that I am changing host family due to the fact that my host family no longer wants me. I feel very sad and betrayed right now. The reason being is that my host mom is a house cleaner and she comes home late like really really late at night like at 11:00 pm or something midnight and she's stressed because she won't be able to cook me dinner early or at the proper time. I really don't mind but I guess that her schedule doesn't mix with mine or something and plus the sleepwalking kind of scared her too. But I will be moving to Shukugawa on the 16th of Sept. I will be living in a house with a 20 something sister and a host mom that can actually bake. I'm pretty sad knowing that I have to come to a home that doesn't want me... oii and I even made them spaghetti. I thought I was pretty nice, but oh well... this sucks. I guess they feel that I would be better off enough with a family that can cook me dinner early but it does suck because I knew my route to and from school to home and I thought I was getting close. Oh well, right now I prefer to move right now because I don't want to be in a house that I'm not wanted in... :( Other than that, I'm pretty sad and stressed out due to adjusting to japanese culture and moving again... oh well I won't live in a apartment with a small room. The move might be better for me but I wish it was sooner... well anyways I'm out peace!

heey

Hey sup, yall' well anyways tommorow I have school tommorow booo!! I mean come on who has school on a saturday yuck!! But for better news I'll be cooking for my host family tommorow and the meal will be spaghetti. I will definatly be taking pics. of that! Other than that I got my some mcdonalds and wooo weee they have this snack called shaka shaka and basically you have 3 types of spices you want hot chili, black pepper, and melon.... then u put it in the bag with the chicken and u shake it all up!! Cool huh well that ish was soo good it's 120 yen and it's soo good yum yum!! I'm soo addicted to it that's gonna be my daily snack on the real though! But other than that I hope in my blogs that I don't come across as glorifying Japan which I'm NOT <-- notice the word not I'm just pointing out the goods and the bads about Japan that's all so yes I'm honest and what... but yea I'm slowly but surely making a little more japanese friends esp. meeting the off the street!! They're soo friendly esp. the guys the guys are very very friendly yah dig!! But other than that, I'm planning on using lang-8 alot! I still miss taco bell like crazy but oh well hahha well anyways peace!

not lost anymore

Heey sup yall' I'm back still black and with more more pics!! Other than that, I haven't been getting lost for the past day. That's right I've been pretty good with the mean streets of Japan. Well, my hood which is is in Ashiya. But other than that I've been able to walk to and from school from the Hankyu bus station without getting lost!! I am soo good and bad ass and I'm damn proud of myself! Other than that, I've been in school taking the P-course with a quiz everyday no seriously and it's like annoying... but I'm getting to know my area of Japan a little bit and the language. I'm still anxious to be fluent more than ever but I didn't realize how hard it would be. I'm also having a hard time making friends due to the fact that I'm not fluent at all like talking like a native! In other words, it's getting hard for me to make good japanese friends that are paitent with a foreign student learning their language! Other than that the thing that I'm really impressed about Japan is that single mother's are really really rare. Like I see a 2 parent family and not a single home which is a great thing because I believe that a child can't deal with one without the other without wondering where's my dad or mom. In other words, the dad's really step it and take care of their kids not just financially but also mentally too so I give you props! In America, it's soo sad to see so many single mothers esp. without the care they need! Other than that, the mom's look good like they're 40's but looking like they're in their 20's which is a great thing! I feel like we go backwards with culture a lot of americans in their 20's look like they're in their 40's and the japanese look like their 20's in their 40's. But yeah, another thing I like is that people don't waste their food here when they get a meal they eat up everything! Like nothing is wasted which I think is a great thing!! We can definatly learn a lot from the japanese culture! Another thing I like is the fact that if you're bored or something you can hope off the train to Kyoto or Kobe within' an hour or to Osaka depending on where you live though but that's still a great thing though! I feel that's better than Vegas where you can't really go anywhere except by car and then you have to pay for gas and all this mess. Not only that but the cities are really different too that's the great thing you can always experience something differend for that weekend. I'm thinking of hitting up Kobe up myself pretty soon and maybe Kyoto! Other than that I've been taking lots and lots of pics. and still trying to master this language, but even though it's tough I do plan on moving here though! But besides that the one thing I do miss that they don't have in japan is TACO BELL and their MEXICAN PIZZA omg I would die for that right now. Oh one more thing the thing about the japanese culture is the amount of good cafes and bakeries omg! I love going to the bakeries and the cafes it is awesome I admit it it's addictive. Not only that but the pastries are usually freshly baked too yum yum! They're pretty cheap like $1-3 cheap not bad! Well anyways I will take more pics. So I gotcha well love, soul, and peace!

losing weight

Yeah, with the fact that I've been losing weight like crazy due to being lost... I feel well how can I say kinda hopeless because I really want to be fluent in japanese. I know I'm being anxious and stuff but I really want to start speaking like a native! Other than that, I can't wait till' school starts I'm in the summer session and I'm anxious to meet more japanese students! I didn't realize how tough studying abroad can be. The fact that you want to say a lot but you can't really say a lot and the fact that even though you did take japanese in school it's not the same! Because at the end of the day you're still speaking your native language. Other than that, I'm getting sleepy sorry for the short entry well peace

Getting Lost!!

Hey yall, I just came back I met up with my japanese partner to buy a cell phone!! I met her up at Nishinomiya Kitaguchi and on the way of meeting up with her I saw this very very cute guy he was half black and half japanese! He was soo adorable and he was 5 years old. He thought I was very pretty I told his mom that she better watch it he's going to be a Ladie's Man and he was soo charming. He's swimming and doing karate. I hope he sticks with it! But yea that made me smile his name was Curtis and I was like ooooo but yeah I ended up getting his mom's e-mail they were very very nice! Then I met up my partner but first I had to take care of some business so I paid 1000 yen $10 to make an international call to tell my credit card company that I was in Japan!! Then me and my homegirl went to the Docomo aka the phone company and omg I was soo confused all I know was that I want a cheap ass old phone that works!! That's all I want but I was soo happy to finally get a phone though esp. in Japan so I'll definatly be having that with me at all times!! After that I got on the train by myself I was very happy but then after I got off the station I was LOST omg I was soo lost....yee it was horrible and I had to pay a lot of to take the bus it sucked.. the view was pretty except I had BUG BITES all over my leg it was soo nasty uww but yea yesterday was not cool I was made fun of by these dumb ass japanese boys from HS omg.. I wanted to cuss them out but my japanese words are well limited but other than that I'm very tired from the walk I went to the shop to get water but the lady thought I was drunk! oii well anyways I will show pics. and ahh japanese is getting harder ahh well peace

I scared my host family!!

I scared my host family because I slept walk it was crazy because last night I remember me screaming uncontrollably and I thought I was trapped because my room was pitched black. I felt really bad and then I confessed and told that the I am a sleepwalker eek! Other than that, today was my first day of the P course (primary) course that I had to take for japanese class. We watched this movie Tokoro and it was annoyingly stupid and the teacher thought it was cute too! Uww I hated it but I did get to meet my japanese partner though! She was mad cool a bit shy but mad cool. I'm really trying with japanese esp. using it everyday. Oh I had to walk,take the bus, and subway to school and we were guided by these wonderful japanese women who told us they were lost oh jeeze lost?!! eeh I mean you lived in Japan well Osaka all your life and you're lost great.. my commute is long and expensive. I need a bus and a train pass oii.. the costs of school books, supplies is really adding up! I'm very fortunate to be going to school in japan esp. since it's soo expensive.. oii well anyways so since I am the only black woman on my campus so far what type of attention have I been getting?! Well, I've noticed the japanese fellas are checking me out but that's about it. But this is still the summer session and school hasn't begun yet so we'll see oh and hte pic. is me and my cute japanese partner yeee ;) Oh and one more thing did I tell you I almost lost my housekey.. I was soo scared but I came to realize it was in my purse all along yay! Woo that's little of the money that I can save which is slowly diminishing due to school expenses grrr

Osaka day 2

Hey sup, well my parents and took the bus to Umeda station and we all decided to take a tour of our campus! But on the way, well... we got lost! I felt that my years of japanese were well.. well when I finally came to Japan my japanese felt soo limited I was shocked and I didn't get extreme culture shock either considering that I've been here which kind of suprised me because the first step of culture shock is the honeymoon and let's just say that I passed the honeymoon stage. Remember when I said something regarding to japanese fashion in the past well I take that back!! Well, their fashion is pretty fierce I love the way they dress I must of been in a bad corner or something! Other than, that even though we were lost a little bit I was able to communicate out of the situation heheh me and my skillz. Oh earlier, we were at the bus stop and of course we got on the bus, but there is this one stare we got in Japan. It's not a "I'm staring right at you" stare it's more a stare at you behind you back type of thing. For example, the min. May got off the bus and spoke to one of the bus attendants I swear it was like the whole bus was looking at her. It was the funniest thing I've ever seen. Makes me wonder esp. when I'm going places! Other than that, we got to our destination Kwansei Gakuin after taking the bus and getting lost I must say the campus is interesting and kind of interesting. While we were walking on campus we saw this japanese guy in dreadlocks my dad was really suprised where as me not so much due to the fact that I've seen japanese men in doo rags and stuff oh and cornrows lol! But other than that, dad got the feel of the campus and my school KGU has a football team which is pretty nice so I'll definatly hit that up. Yes, a japanese university has a football team. I can't wait to see that! After that, we took the bus and the train got lost a little bit of course but we were safe and sound! One thing that made me happy was the fact that dad was pretty comfortable with the environment. He actually likes Osaka and thought the city was pretty friendly. Overall, we checked out the store. I got this nice yellow jacket for 490 yen which is $5 it was nice! I definatly want to start doing as the romans do and dress a more fashionable. Well, after that the next day we packed and boarded the train. May was concerned that I might get lost she was like "What if they can't find you?!" I was like are you serious!! Oh wow, they're going to miss 2 black people and 1 philipina in a sea full of japanese people! I just had to laugh at that. We also got a gift for my host family. I just bought them american candies that's about it you can never go wrong with food and they liked it which was pretty neat! My host mom can speak a little bit of english, but just a little bit that's it! It was wierd because I thought I was going to be shy but I ended up talking a lot and became really outgoing. I was like yes I'm not shy! wooo But other than that I've noticed that Usher seems kinda popular hear because in the shops they were listening to his songs esp. in the subway. It's crazy and wierd to see how our stars american stars are celebrities overseas. Wow, that's pretty neat. Other than that, after my parents left I was speaking to my host mom and I told her that I was in a relationship but instead of saying relationship I said nikutai kankei= sexual relationship.. so when I said that she gave me this wierd look like "eey" and I was like oops oh snap I meant relationship. But yea, I didn't mean to say that..Then I was talking to my little host sister Midori and I asked her Do you like middle school?! Because I didn't kids in middle school are mean! but instead it came out to be Do you like china?! I don't because chinese people are mean and she gave me the strangest look but yea i said chuugoku instead of chuugako yea I know wierd huh how it can mean something so different. Other than that, tommorow I have school I met this one student who was taking the Primary japanese course too and her japanese was really good. I mean really good so I didn't feel to bad but at the same time I'm thinking did she do that on purpose to get here earlier because if so wow... hmm smart but she was pretty nice though! Well, anyways I'm chilling at the apartment and I will take pics. oh and the host family's dog mom peed on the bed.... ewww hahha and I saw that when I first got to my room eww but other than that tommorow is my first day of school so wish me luck peace! and i will keep u informed

In Osaka

Well, before I got to Osaka I had to take this loong and I mean 11 hours to get there. The food was actually pretty good considering it was on the plane like we had chicken and pasta with a HOT roll, and a salad with a fruit cup. Yeah, I know we rode with EVA airlines they're doing it big, but the downside to it was that I got really sick. Like, really sick I felt my stomach was doing flip flops constantly it was not a good feeling at all. But when we got off the plane it was a relief. I was like we landed I was excited but still sick to my stomach. Dad was really happy to finally be going to Japan for the first time. I was soo proud of him. Even though, he didn't show it he was still happy. Well, anyways we got off the plane and we had to go through the check in. There were 2 lines Japanese immigration and foreigners immigration. You know what line we went to, but then I saw a lot of other asians. I was like whoa because I thought they were japanese, but supposedly there were a lot of koreans and chinese people. There was this one korean lady that try to cut in line but she got caught. Her response was classic she was like "Well, I didnt think we would get caught we all look alike!" I had to laugh at that because that was funny. In the line, I saw a bunch of white guys too, but I also say a couple of black people too. But when I saw them it was like this strange instant connection like we looked at each other gave each other the nod it was this "Hey I see you cool and you see me cool" vibe. It made me realize wow I can see why asians hang out with each other a lot in America. Due to that comfort due to the whole "Hey you're asian I'm asian let's hang". Because seeing another black person in Japan is like "Heey you're black I'm black let's hang." Where as in America, if you see another black person it's like "hey let's hang" it's more like What the hell are you wearing?! What are you looking at?! Or a fight is about to pop off! hahahha But yeah, I did see a few blacks here in Osaka and yes again there are black people in japan!! But yeah, while I was on the plane my family was like "Can you understand them?!" I was like "No, they're speaking chinese!" and they were like "Well, you're just making excuses because you don't understand" hahahha I had to laugh at that one! But yeah, my parents were like Brittany there's english how are you going to learn japanese. I was like "We're at the airport wait until we get outside the airport!" Sure enough, we got outside all japanese! But yeah, I was observing the fashion sense and it's wierd so far I find there's about 2 extremes in Osaka it's either loud colors and got daamn she got good taste or mostly just greyish beigish tones that are drabby and that hides a woman's silhoutte. In Tokyo, of course it's different where fashion and looking good is key! But anyways, I can tell dad was intrigued and taking this all in but I was soo happy for him because this was his first time in Japan and he was taking it all in! But at the same time, I was soo sick that I felt my stomach was doing cartwheels like a thousand times. But yeah, I did assist on the interpretation between japanese and english and they were impressed! When we got to the hotel this french guy helped us and this japanese guy helped us. Dad was like "Can I tip I feel bad for not tipping!" and I was like "NO don't tip because they'll be offended!" In Japan, you don't tip because good service is expected! If you tip in Japan it's a serious offense because basically you're implying that service sucks and I feel bad!! <--- I wish we had that attitude in America! The service was great and friendly, but I just went straight to sleep because I was soo sick and my stomach was giving my problems. So I didn't eat anything either. Well anyways, I'm out got serious jet lag and it's 4 am. I will take pics. peace!

Pre departure

Well, this is my last official night in Las Vegas. I'm pretty nervous, anxious, and well I can't get any sleep... :/ Other than that, this will mostly be the last time I'll be able to see or maybe talk to my friends in a year. Anyways, since I'll be gone for a year and due to popular demand yes yah girl Brittany made a blog. I will definatly give you the details and the in's and out's of Japan. Yes, there is a downside to this country so don't get it twisted that it's all picture perfect because it's not! :p But yeah, I'm going to miss my funny goofy family. I'm going to miss my daddy's sense of humor, may's tough love, Jackie's whitty sense of humor and Steph's competitiveness and her great debating skills hahah! Well, I'm going to be living with family for a year and I'll have a little sister name Midori which means green.. I hope that name is common because you know how kids are and kids love to find an opportunity to tease and prey on the weak! Oh well, it's better than Cupcake, or Escalade hahahhaa. <---- Those names need to stop though seriously! Other than that, I'm a bit scared since I'm going to be starting fresh and have to make new friends and meet new people. I hope it is true what they say about Osaka known to be the most friendliest city all of Japan. Oh well, I'll take my friend Keoni's word for it :D. All I know is that this is going to be funny too because dad and May are going to escort me there this is dad's first time going to Japan hahah this is going to be funny. I will post pictures. As a matter of fact, I have a picture of my cute little host sister Midori well she's 13 but nonetheless adorable.. I wonder if she's thinking about dating if so I will protect best believe that! I'm also going to miss my honey of 1 and 7 months my first boyfriend a lot. I'm also going to miss other stuff if you know what I mean.. hahaha but I'm also going to miss talking to him and hearing his voice! I'm also going to miss his presence too and his skinny frail body. For some reason I seem to have a fetish for skinny kinda short blasians (blacks mixed with asians) or blacks. Like men that are skinnier than me I find it very attractive! Yeah, I know wierd...like my honey weighs 130 and I weigh 150 it's true I can pick him up but I bet some you ladies are like "Uww he can't protect me!" Well, back to the subject well I hope this year I get good grades like always, have fun of course, but with this blogs I'll definatly type about the culture and stuff. Well, peace and much love - Brittany