One thing I've realized about myself from coming to Japan is that I won't do something unless I can view it as a game with some sort of visible gain. It doesn't have to be a big gain mind you, something as small as getting a piece of paper saying I've accomplished something equates to a win. For most things to be worth doing, there has to be a goal and an external sign to signify that the task is over.
To this end, I've been able to set almost everything up as a game with clear win-lose conditions. Whether its a job, college applications or travel arrangements, it's clear to see the line between winning and losing.
However, I've been having trouble setting up kanji as a win-lose situation. I can't just randomly choose a number of Kanji as a 'win' condition, so my studying method has been a bit scatter brained. But no more! I've challenged another ALT (heather) in my town to master 90% of Heisig's Remembering the Kanji. Winner gets bragging rights, an apparent 90% knowledge of the 2000 daily use Kanji, and a 2000 yen sushi dinner or asobi-hodai of their choice. Loser gets booed and hissed at until the winner's throat is sore and dry, and must continue to study Kanji a bit poorer than when they started.
Between smack talk, I've hit 350, but Heather has more time at school and more passion for Kanji atm. It's going to be a tight race, but I won't give up!
Friday, March 28, 2008
Beware the English Ninjas...
The other day was the 6th graders' graduation and as I'm getting ready to sit down, the 3rd grade teacher who sits across from me says...
"So, is this your first Japanese graduation experience?"
"Wha... Yes... I'm really looking forward to it."
"Hmm, I don't think it's very interesting." And she waltzes right out like nothing happaned.
What. The. Hell.
She's been sitting across from me for about 7 months and is the ONLY teacher who refuses to teach with me, and here she comes with a perfectly intelligible conversation with PERFECT pronunciation and taking no time to think about her responses at all. There's another teacher who pulled this shit on me earlier in the year, but I forgive it because he teaches the special ed class so I hardly see him. But 7 months! 7 MONTHS! FACE TO FACE! ARGH!
And of course, after I learn this valuable fact about her, I learn the next day that she's been transferred 3 towns over.
So future JETs, I strongly suggest you try and find the English Ninjas at your school before it's too late! I assure you they are at your school and hiding, waiting for a perfect moment to pounce.
"So, is this your first Japanese graduation experience?"
"Wha... Yes... I'm really looking forward to it."
"Hmm, I don't think it's very interesting." And she waltzes right out like nothing happaned.
What. The. Hell.
She's been sitting across from me for about 7 months and is the ONLY teacher who refuses to teach with me, and here she comes with a perfectly intelligible conversation with PERFECT pronunciation and taking no time to think about her responses at all. There's another teacher who pulled this shit on me earlier in the year, but I forgive it because he teaches the special ed class so I hardly see him. But 7 months! 7 MONTHS! FACE TO FACE! ARGH!
And of course, after I learn this valuable fact about her, I learn the next day that she's been transferred 3 towns over.
So future JETs, I strongly suggest you try and find the English Ninjas at your school before it's too late! I assure you they are at your school and hiding, waiting for a perfect moment to pounce.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Things that happened at school today:
I realized I am ruthless at Twister. "Hmm" I thought, "if I just nudge all of my 6th graders a little bit, they'll go down like dominoes." And then I did. And then I won.
--
I helped one of the 6th graders with Kanji. Then through the window, I thought I saw the faint outline of a pig flying away .
--
Teacher: You're looking a little stressed Grant-sensei. How about some soothing Jasmine tea?
Me: NO! I don't want any soothing tea! I want to not have to sing 8 songs in a row while stuffed up with a sore throat. What is it with Asia and thinking everything can be solved through tea?! RARGH! (flings hot tea everywhere) SEE?! You didn't go away!
Or at least, that's how it went down in my mind. I think I said...
Me: No... thank you.
I realized I am ruthless at Twister. "Hmm" I thought, "if I just nudge all of my 6th graders a little bit, they'll go down like dominoes." And then I did. And then I won.
--
I helped one of the 6th graders with Kanji. Then through the window, I thought I saw the faint outline of a pig flying away .
--
Teacher: You're looking a little stressed Grant-sensei. How about some soothing Jasmine tea?
Me: NO! I don't want any soothing tea! I want to not have to sing 8 songs in a row while stuffed up with a sore throat. What is it with Asia and thinking everything can be solved through tea?! RARGH! (flings hot tea everywhere) SEE?! You didn't go away!
Or at least, that's how it went down in my mind. I think I said...
Me: No... thank you.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Got my 360 back last week, sent it out on Thursday, got it back on Wednesday with a free month of Live. They put in a new disk tray, new motherboard and new cooling fan. It's still an American model 360. Overall, an excellent customer service experience.
Of course, I could do all these things without a Wii, plastic board and a TV, but the charm of Wii Fit is that it keeps things fresh, supports you as you go along, and grades you as you go along. Everyday my balance board asks me if I brush my teeth, slept well or wish to hear health tidbits. Then, it weighs me and, like any good parental figure or personal trainer, makes me account for any weight gain. There is a handy graph that shows how far you've come, and how far you have to go be 'BMI Healthy'.
Considering that I see most of life in terms of win-lose, this idea of exercise as a game is extremely appealing. Everyday, I want to get a higher score for yoga poses, or I want to get more hula revolutions, or perhaps 10 more punches, it keeps motivation very high. I look at food and think, "Man, I'd better not eat this. The balance board is going to be angry at me again..." It's ridiculous, but it works for me.
So, my rec. is that you buy it if you know you'll boot it up everyday. There's stuff on it for any level of workout.
--
Wii Fit has hula-hooped my heart.
Of course, I could do all these things without a Wii, plastic board and a TV, but the charm of Wii Fit is that it keeps things fresh, supports you as you go along, and grades you as you go along. Everyday my balance board asks me if I brush my teeth, slept well or wish to hear health tidbits. Then, it weighs me and, like any good parental figure or personal trainer, makes me account for any weight gain. There is a handy graph that shows how far you've come, and how far you have to go be 'BMI Healthy'.
Considering that I see most of life in terms of win-lose, this idea of exercise as a game is extremely appealing. Everyday, I want to get a higher score for yoga poses, or I want to get more hula revolutions, or perhaps 10 more punches, it keeps motivation very high. I look at food and think, "Man, I'd better not eat this. The balance board is going to be angry at me again..." It's ridiculous, but it works for me.
So, my rec. is that you buy it if you know you'll boot it up everyday. There's stuff on it for any level of workout.
Monday, March 03, 2008
After a Intestine and Organ Yakiniku tabehodai yakiniku on Friday (think all you can eat Korean BBQ) followed by Liz's nomi-tabe hodai (All you can eat and drink) on Saturday, I felt fat(ter). Did I run it off? No. Am I cutting back? Hell no. What did I do?
I bought Wii Fit.
I don't exactly remember why I didn't buy it when it first came out 'cause I can't help but throw my money at crazy shit, but I fixed that on Sunday. Now, I don't have any delusions of Wii Fit making me into a buff guy, but I thought it'd be interesting and I've always wanted to try out yoga. But the scary thing is...
I really like Wii Fit.
At least I'm liking it while the games are still fresh. First thing the game has you do is plug in your stats like age and height, then it weighs you and tells you your BMI. It also tests your balance and suggests you get into a better standing position to even out your weight better. After it changes your Mii into a more weight appropriate version of you (the game took my lean Geoff mii and made him a pudgy shorter eerily familiar version of me). After, you tell the game how much you want to weigh and in how much time and the game starts to chart your progress.
I was surprised that the game is actually looking at all these things for me (everyday), where I was expecting a bit more of a bare-bones production. Anyways, There are 5 categories of activities with pretty good variety among them. After playing for an hour, I have to say it was a pretty good workout. I wasn't sweating profusely, but I had had a full body workout that was fun. I already want to by Wii Fit for my mum because I think it'd be the perfect compliment to her fitness program.
To summarize, Wii Fit won't topple DDR as the king of workout games, but it's amazing as a workout supplement. It'll track your progress, vary up your workouts and provide feedback. Also, I see it being PERFECT for the older folks
I bought Wii Fit.
I don't exactly remember why I didn't buy it when it first came out 'cause I can't help but throw my money at crazy shit, but I fixed that on Sunday. Now, I don't have any delusions of Wii Fit making me into a buff guy, but I thought it'd be interesting and I've always wanted to try out yoga. But the scary thing is...
I really like Wii Fit.
At least I'm liking it while the games are still fresh. First thing the game has you do is plug in your stats like age and height, then it weighs you and tells you your BMI. It also tests your balance and suggests you get into a better standing position to even out your weight better. After it changes your Mii into a more weight appropriate version of you (the game took my lean Geoff mii and made him a pudgy shorter eerily familiar version of me). After, you tell the game how much you want to weigh and in how much time and the game starts to chart your progress.
I was surprised that the game is actually looking at all these things for me (everyday), where I was expecting a bit more of a bare-bones production. Anyways, There are 5 categories of activities with pretty good variety among them. After playing for an hour, I have to say it was a pretty good workout. I wasn't sweating profusely, but I had had a full body workout that was fun. I already want to by Wii Fit for my mum because I think it'd be the perfect compliment to her fitness program.
To summarize, Wii Fit won't topple DDR as the king of workout games, but it's amazing as a workout supplement. It'll track your progress, vary up your workouts and provide feedback. Also, I see it being PERFECT for the older folks
Ikimonogakari's Hana wa Sakura, Kimi wa Utsukushi
^^ Music Video
Heard this on the radio on the way home today and was really moved. After a brutal winter, Spring has finally started here. The sun was shining, my window was down, I was driving fast, and I just connected with the song. The lyrics and my translation are below, enjoy! (or critique)
花は桜 君は美し 春の木漏れ日 君の微笑み
冬が終わり 雪が溶けて 君の心に 春が舞い込む
The flowers are cherry blossoms, and you are beautiful. Spring's rays through the trees, your gentle smile...
Winter is over, the snow has melted, and in your heart, Spring has arrived.
窓をたたく強い雨はまだ続くと ラジオから流れる声が伝えています
電話から聞こえた声は泣いていました 忘れたはずの懐かしい声でした
The voice from the radio is telling me that the strong rain hitting my window will continue.
The voice I heard on the phone was crying. It was a familiar voice that I should have forgotten.
君はまた もう一度 あの頃に戻りたいのでしょうか
春を待つ つぼみのように 僕は今 迷っています
Would you like to go back to that time once again?
Waiting for Spring like the flower buds, I am now lost.
花は桜 君は美し 春の木漏れ日 君の微笑み
冬が終わり 雪が溶けて 君の心に 春が舞い込む
The flowers are cherry blossoms, and you are beautiful. Spring's rays through the trees, your gentle smile...
Winter is over, the snow has melted, and in your heart, Spring has arrived.
変わらぬ街の景色が教えるのは ひとつだけここに足りないものでした
「いつもの場所」と決めていた駅の前 揺れ動く心が僕を急がせます
The unchanging scenary here taught me that it was the only thing lacking. We decided that the front of the station was our 'usual place', my trembling heart is urging me on.
僕はまた もうー度 君の手は握りたいのでしょうか
春を抱く かすみのように 僕は今 揺らいでいます
Do I still want to grasp your hand tightly once again?
Embracing Spring like the mist, I am now shaking.
花は香り 君はうるわし 水面に浮かぶ 光が踊る
風が騒ぎ 街は色めく 僕の心は 春に戸惑う
The flowers are fragrant, you are beautiful. The light reflecting on the water's surface is dancing. The wind is roaring, the streets are alive, my heart is overwhelmed by Spring.
春はまた もう一度 この花を咲かせたいのでしょうか
僕を待つ 君の傘が あの駅に 開いています
Will Spring let this flower bloom once again?
At the station, as you wait for me, your umbrella is still open.
花は桜 君は美し 春の木漏れ日 君の微笑み
時に燃える 春の吐息 二人の息が 春に重なる
The flowers are cherry blossoms, and you are beautiful. Burnt out, Spring sighs deeply. The sighs of you and I pile upon the season.
花は桜 君は美し 春の木漏れ日 君の微笑み
冬が終わり 雪が溶けて 僕の心に 春が舞い込む
The flowers are cherry blossoms, and you are beautiful. Spring's rays through the trees, your gentle smile...
Winter is over, the snow has melted, and in your heart, Spring has arrived.
^^ Music Video
Heard this on the radio on the way home today and was really moved. After a brutal winter, Spring has finally started here. The sun was shining, my window was down, I was driving fast, and I just connected with the song. The lyrics and my translation are below, enjoy! (or critique)
花は桜 君は美し 春の木漏れ日 君の微笑み
冬が終わり 雪が溶けて 君の心に 春が舞い込む
The flowers are cherry blossoms, and you are beautiful. Spring's rays through the trees, your gentle smile...
Winter is over, the snow has melted, and in your heart, Spring has arrived.
窓をたたく強い雨はまだ続くと ラジオから流れる声が伝えています
電話から聞こえた声は泣いていました 忘れたはずの懐かしい声でした
The voice from the radio is telling me that the strong rain hitting my window will continue.
The voice I heard on the phone was crying. It was a familiar voice that I should have forgotten.
君はまた もう一度 あの頃に戻りたいのでしょうか
春を待つ つぼみのように 僕は今 迷っています
Would you like to go back to that time once again?
Waiting for Spring like the flower buds, I am now lost.
花は桜 君は美し 春の木漏れ日 君の微笑み
冬が終わり 雪が溶けて 君の心に 春が舞い込む
The flowers are cherry blossoms, and you are beautiful. Spring's rays through the trees, your gentle smile...
Winter is over, the snow has melted, and in your heart, Spring has arrived.
変わらぬ街の景色が教えるのは ひとつだけここに足りないものでした
「いつもの場所」と決めていた駅の前 揺れ動く心が僕を急がせます
The unchanging scenary here taught me that it was the only thing lacking. We decided that the front of the station was our 'usual place', my trembling heart is urging me on.
僕はまた もうー度 君の手は握りたいのでしょうか
春を抱く かすみのように 僕は今 揺らいでいます
Do I still want to grasp your hand tightly once again?
Embracing Spring like the mist, I am now shaking.
花は香り 君はうるわし 水面に浮かぶ 光が踊る
風が騒ぎ 街は色めく 僕の心は 春に戸惑う
The flowers are fragrant, you are beautiful. The light reflecting on the water's surface is dancing. The wind is roaring, the streets are alive, my heart is overwhelmed by Spring.
春はまた もう一度 この花を咲かせたいのでしょうか
僕を待つ 君の傘が あの駅に 開いています
Will Spring let this flower bloom once again?
At the station, as you wait for me, your umbrella is still open.
花は桜 君は美し 春の木漏れ日 君の微笑み
時に燃える 春の吐息 二人の息が 春に重なる
The flowers are cherry blossoms, and you are beautiful. Burnt out, Spring sighs deeply. The sighs of you and I pile upon the season.
花は桜 君は美し 春の木漏れ日 君の微笑み
冬が終わり 雪が溶けて 僕の心に 春が舞い込む
The flowers are cherry blossoms, and you are beautiful. Spring's rays through the trees, your gentle smile...
Winter is over, the snow has melted, and in your heart, Spring has arrived.
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