24 Hr. MCDONALDS

Just got back from a late night McDonalds run. Actually, it was a ride along for me (I stopped eating McDonalds years ago). Kyotaka (snare player) made a trip out in the crummy rainy weather to buy everyone some late night treats, so I asked if I could come with. He ordered for what seemed like a really long time, but I figured, hey it's in another language - I don't really know what is going on, it may just be that way... who knows. Well, when we came around the corner there was an electronic sign that said ¥5210. YIKES! That is about $60.00! We sat in the drive through so long that he shut the car off. Ha. Then they gave us two HUGE bags of food. I said, "Kyo, I thought you were getting a snack for three people?" Nope. Turns out they were gifts for a Japanese "Hallmark Holiday" called White Day where the boys give girls presents. He just happened to buy them for the whole church. Awesome. I love learning about things like this. I think it made my day - which is coming to an end - which means yours is just beginning. I hope that you have a great start to your week.

UP

Dad told me to remember to look up. Here is what I have seen...

RAIN

Well it's raining again - probably will for about a week. Just dreary and miserable out. It is amazing how much the weather affects our mood and sense of motivation. Like the motivation to type...

POWER UP

In the few hours that I do turn my computer on every few days I am discouraged by the fact that my internet connection is very slow. It has made it impossible for me to post pictures that I want people to see. I also cannot load YouTube videos, download files, or research interesting topics that I come across in my interaction with the world. Oh well. Two more Americans have arrived in the last month and since we all have computers, we are all furthering the problem. Fast internet is one thing I miss from the good 'ole USA.

Slept in today - last night was a stressful rehearsal. Today I went for a run and took many pictures along the way. Spent about an hour out and about. It was nice. Many things remind me of Michigan. I am really looking forward to getting back there.

I think that's it.

Hope you are well.

MATTS

I was able to Skype with the Matts today (roomates from college and all around awesome guys). I miss them, so it was good to catch up, tell stories, and laugh. See ya soon.

By the way, I'm using your image.

HASHI

Today I was given a very nice compliment. I was late to lunch so I sat with the cook staff (moms and grandmas) while I ate. I was working on my bowl of rice, specifically those last little grains at the bottom (it has been a personal goal to very quickly dart at one grain of rice with my chopsticks and grab it instantly - easier said than done) when one of the women said,
"Josh san, what is hashi in English?"
To which I replied, "chopsticks."
"Ohhhh" She said, "you have very good chopstick technique."
"Domo arigato goziamsu!" (Thank you very much)

Silly I know, but a small victory nonetheless. Now it's time to work it off the left.

TALKING ORANGES

Beautiful day today. About 14º C (55º F). I cleaned my room and did some laundry. I also went out for a jog. It feels nice to wear shorts outside again. The church has a large garden about one kilometer away so I went over there, then cam back and reviewed some of the musical changes from the weekend's rehearsal. The day is progressively becoming darker and more windy. I came back to find all my clothes had blown over: LAME... Now I am sitting upstairs having Mica explain to me how to say I'm leaving, I've returned, and Welcome home in japanese. She is using a tray to represent home and two oranges to represent her and I talking to each other. Her english is about as good as my Japanese - but it sure is funny.