Arghhh!!

Why? I hear you ask yourself...Well, let me tell you... I HATE packing. I HATE traveling with lots of luggage. I HATE that Air NZ domestic flights are anal about only having a 20kg limit. I repeat, ARGHHH!! It doesn't help that I tend to stress about having too heavy luggage anyway. Though I have decided that I am just going to send a box of stuff to keep weight down, and stuff how much it costs! It also doesn't help that I am slightly stressed about my flight to Auckland being delayed and I will miss my Japan flight. Paranoia kicking in I'm sure, cos I have just under 3 hours to get my luggage from domestic, and get checked into international...It will be fine...right!?

Ah well, enough bitching...So much to be happy about as a NZer...We just doub;ed our medal count at the Olympics before! From 2 golds to our new total of 3 golds and 1 silver (bless the triathlon boys!). You know what that means...I think NZ tops the 'gold medals per capita of people' count...we have 1 gold for every 1.333... million people!!! Exciting eh!!

So 3 more sleeps in NZ before going back to Asa...And thankfully I am quite looking forward to it! Not to say I want to leave home, cos I could easily vege here for much longer! But it's good that I am not dreading going back, and am looking forward to seeing Japan people again, and this time I know what I'm going to. Though I do have the passing thoughts of how I have another whole year in Japan, another winter on the way, another year of cooking for myself, another year of riding my crappy bike, another rainy season...!! But it's going to be good.

So, tomorrow Jo (my home Jo, not Japan Jo!!), and Tans have got the day off work to spend with yours truly! Nice ne! So we are going to go to Lake Tekapo, one of my favourite places. Don't know how the weather will be up there, maybe snowing or raining, or just damn cold! But it should be just lovely, and might even go ice skating... The possiblities are endless!

Then on Saturday I'm going to Christchurch for the night with Mum, Jo, Paul, and Tans, and we'll meet up with my bro, Casey and my friend from uni, Amandha. Perhaps we will eat and drink a little... But I will not be getting even the slightest bit drunk...not even tipsy...not even buzzing! I shall never fly drunk/hungover again! Then my friends, I will begin my 25 hour trek back to the adopted homeland at 10am (NZT) on Sunday! So my next blog will be from Japan again!

I shall take this opportunity to say how disappointing the blogging has been of late! In order of hopelessness, from least to most:
NOTE: Abra is exempt cos her blog has gone AWOL.
1. Jocelyn (good effort, despite having to study and sit exam)
2. Mary (hopeless but posted a good length Singapore entry)
3. Jo (ONE post from the homeland, and of pathetic length!)
4. Meag (no posts since Japan...and I know you read this blog...and
have internet access!)
5. Shelli (no blogs since the school office...are you still alive
over there in Ohio!?)

So either people's internet access is not the best at this time, or I am just sad, and even though I am home I still have too much time on my hands..!? But come on!!

Ok, gotta go to bed it's 12.30am...(see I stay up late for you people!) Oyasumi!

Week 2 of holiday...

I can't believe I only have one more week at home. Actually I can believe it cos, when a year can go by as fast as it did, really how slow can I think 3 weeks could pass!?

So this week I went to Dunedin, Edinburgh of the South! It's my uni town, so even though most have left, there are still a few people lingering! It had just been snowing the two days before, and staying in a uni flat is so cold...So the whole experience was really cold! It was great catching up with friends who are still down there. On Wednesday night I went to Filadelfios for pizza. It has the best pizza, so so yummy! Then we went to a pub called the Ori. It was so studenty, and made me feel old! On Thursday night I went out with Ryan san, Sarah san, Matt san and Ann san!! You may be able to guess, that these are friends from Japanese class! It was so fun, we went to Tokyo Garden Japanese restaurant for old times sake! It is our restaurant of choice because it is BYO wine, so we can get rolling drunk for cheap, before carrying on to other bars!! It was such a fun night, rather hilarious actually!!

I came home on Friday having seen most of the people I wanted to see. On Saturday the plan was to go to a 50th briefly, before going to Jem's to drink then town. That's what I did! Two friends from Dunedin came up for the 50th that I've known since I was probably 8 years old, and they were about 18 and 21...the only difference is now I've grown up, and they haven't!! Needless to say, we all got drunk, and carved up the dance floor all night!!

One more story...my friend Shanna came over for breakfast/brunch on Sunday to look at my photos. I never realised until looking at the photos in order, how many peace signs we make in Japan! I knew we had taken to the photo feature like ducks to water, but not to the extent in which I saw in photo after photo!!! It was so funny! Shanna decided we could play that black/red drinking game with the photos, by guessing if there would be a peace sign or not in the photo! They just don't understand...!

Saturday fun...!

So on Saturday, I slept in as I have been doing every day! Then I went to town with my Mum, and we shopped. At around 2pm, I was meant to be going to out to a friends farm to see the new lambs and play for a while, but Jem ended up having to go to netball... So I hung out at home, with my Dad and my brothers, while there were working away outside (All this does have a point...bare with me!). Then Shaun and I went around to our friend, Kenny's place to visit, and he said they's meet us in town later that night after going to another friend's flat.

Later when I got home, Mum said my Jo, Kylie, Jem and Tans had called and would be around at about 6pm. It had been decided that we would have a few drinks and some food at my place before going into town. So after going to the Town and Country Club with Dad and Casey, and getting back etc, the girls arrived, and Mum was making shit loads of sandwiches, savouries (little pie things!), and other nibbles. I said there is only going to be aout 6 people here Mum...

Anyway, the next thing you know my friend Rachel arrives! Rachel is still at Uni, and although from Timaru, we only met at uni. It was such a surprise to see her, and then Mum says we should go out to the garage. And I start kickin' up a stink cos I'm like, it's too cold, I'm not drinking in the garage...! At this point I get dubious, and think there are going to be people to surprise me in the garage! There wasn't!! But it was kitted out for a party!!! The big gas patio heater, was going. My brother told me earlier in the day he'd just bought it for $400 as a surprise present for his girlfriend, Ann. The stereo from my room was out there. Mum had been in hysterics when I started getting shit about it not being in my room when I wanted to listen to it during the day! The point being, all day when everyone was trying to get stuff ready I was there, and they were dropping hints, or saying weird stuff, and clueless me didn't pick up on it! Hence all the food too, oh and Mum had wanted to buy ham on Thursday night for the sandwiches, but I wouldn't let her, cos the kids at home only had one day left at school before the weekend!!! Really, I was totally clueless, and oh so dumb!!!

So, soon after Kenny turned up (drinking at the other flat, my arse!), and other friends, and friends of my parents too! I ended up being a right ol' time! I got out my Bling star earrings Mary, but couldn't wear them out! Sorry, but Jo's BF Paul, and Shaun enjoyed wearing them for a while!

We went into town at about 11.30pm...it was strange! I barely knew anyone. Not that I expected to really, but just the fact that the strangers weren't Japanese was weird! Everyone danced weirdly, and a lot of people were almost a danger to others with there arms flying (is it like that in Japan!?). The songs were way old school, and I remember thinking that I was going to be looking forward to it...turns out I didn't! The songs I really got into and enjoyed were the songs I know from Japan!! Oh my God, I've been converted to liking American Hip Hop, and songs of the like! The whole experience made me really miss everyone, and going out in Japan!! Who would've thought...! It was cool to be out with my Timaru friends, and so pleased my brothers, Ann, and a few other friends got absolutely pissed on account of my homecoming! Oh the other concern of the evening was I couldn't decide what to drink! The choices...too many!!! I ended up drinking bourbon and Coke, but it was so sweet and I wasn't totally happy with! Oh to have been having a chuhi, or Moscow Mule!!! I shall have to rethink my choice of drink before next time...!!

On Wednesday, I'm going down to Dunedin to catch up with Uni friends, and other Dunedin friends. It is going to be so fun, really very excited... But there has been heaps of snow around the place this week and more expected (not in Timaru really, but all around)...so I know my friend's flat is going to be SO SO cold. Will have to wear my winter woollies!!

Last night I went to the pub, The Sail, with Jem cos Greg wanted us to go have a drink with him. So since I was driving, I settled for a R & C...Raspberry and Coke for those not in the know! A friend of my brother, Rangi, was playing. Man, how I miss going to the pub and just chillin' and listening to live music. So sad...!

Tonight I'm going out for tea with some of my friends, and Kylie a friend from Dunedin is coming up too, so shall be fun. Tomorrow night is my first night out in NZ since I came back, first night out in Timaru!! Better be a goodie!

Oh funny thing...saw a bit of the Simpsons the other night, and it was so funny. Bart and Lisa ended up in the same grade, and they were going on a field trip so Marge says "Bart, Lisa, I got you matching fanny packs!", "Look, you have the same fanny packs!", then they were fighting, and Marge says "Stop fighting, you'll spill the juice in your fanny packs!"...now I don't now if it's just me (and I'm sure Mary will find it amusing), but it was freckin' funny, and so seemed like Marge was being crass!!

Well, I have to go visiting...later :)

Tima-vegas!!!

Yay! I'm here! It is both comforting and slightly weird/strange that it generally doesn't seem to have changed at all! I got picked upat the airport in Christchurch yesterday by my pa and my bro (Casey - Abra's F.H = future husband!), I got a bit emotional seeing them and being in the midst of family! Then we drove down to Timaru to the awaiting Roast Lamb!! Well, it wasn't quite waiting, but the smell of it cooking away was just amazing! Shaun and Ann came for dinner too and brought Max the new dog. It smelt...maybe I'm not used to dog smells, maybe it was in fact a smelly dog..?

So after tea, Jo, Jem, Tans and Greg came to visit! Way exciting! It was weird how it didn't seem like I had even been away... I was gutted cos they are all styled and looking good, and I was in my nice traveling scrub pants! I knew I should have started the Selene Revitilisation Project 6 months ago!! I then inflicted most of my photos on them..! Shelli, I filled Greg in on the plan..!! They enjoyed the photos I think...better have anyway!

So in other news, it's official my accent is different. Not only is it my nearest and dearest who tease me/mock me, and can generally tell the difference, but the dentist who I see but once a year, and the office lady at Dad's work also can tell! I have been told I sould posh..?? Now I know that couldn't come from you Americans..!! So as the dentist said, it seems half way between American and British accent! So don't worry Mary and Jo, you've rubbed off on me too! Too think this happens when I spemd a year away from my people...imagine how I'll be after next year!!

So I'm home, and I don't feel like I have anything to do! I went into town with Greg this morning, since he's down from Auckland on holiday. Oh how the people of Timaru are so special!! Saw a few teenage mothers, and the gereatrics, and the other general working folk of Timaru! I bought some books that were 5 for $20!!! Such bargins to be found in NZ!!

So, glad everyone has made it safely home (well, Meag, Jo, and Jocelyn). Enjoy settling back in to Beaver Creek life Meag and enjoy the pampering you have planned...what is it today, pedicure? facial?...! Gotta go, going to go have lunch in town with Jo...Pita bread and falafel I think!!! YUM!!

I'm in New Zealand!!

Well, after about 16 hours travel I am in Auckland! So exciting! I arrived yesterday at 7.30am (4.30am Japan time), after no sleep...so tired my eyes were stinging! Then I was picked up by Uncle Phil, to be told visitors were coming for brunch, so no sleep yet! Then I did sleep for a few hours. At 5pm I went to my friend Mark's apartment and we went out for dinner. It was so cool catching up. Then I got home and slept til 12 today! I was tired yo!

So it's kinda weird being in NZ...I'm not totally home yet, cos I'm just in Auckland, and I think I know Japan cities as much or better than I do this one! But before I arrived, I started to get a bit worried that all my expectations of NZ and NZers would be wrong, and things wouldn't be like I thought they should be... But now, I really just don't know what I'm meant to be thinking about it... We were driving down the main street last night, and there weren't many people around, so when I saw a white guy, I thought 'oh, a gaijin!' then remembered that of course cos I'm in NZ! I get asked what I want to eat, but I can't think of anything at the time...I guess I am spoilt for choice, but honestly at the time, I just don't know..! Oh and it's so freakin' cold!!! I am so cold, and it's going to be worse down home! Arghhh! And my skin and lips are really dry already cos it's cold and not humid! Strange things I notice...!!

Last really funny thing is...everyone (all 3 people I have talked to), think my voice has changed! So weird! My cousin, Nikki said I sound all ponsy or something, and my uncle said my voice sounds a little American!! Funny eh, damn you Americans!!

Ok gotta go and courier some stuff down home. Oh had coffee with Mary in Singapore, very cool to see you Mary! And advice to all...fly Singapore Air, it's so so nice and you get to watch any movies you want and play Nintendo games!!

tired...

am really tired, and it is 12.20am, so must sleep, but just quickly blog to keep my fans attentive! So in about 10 hours I will go on my wee trip HOME! Yay, the much anticipated, dreamed about, longed for return to the homeland, the island, the land of the long, white cloud...has come! Amazing really when you think how I started the countdown at 17 weeks!

So I have been frantically cleaning, and packing, and stressing about the weight of my luggage. I hate packing, and my stuff is so heavy. I have so much omiyage, so the receipients better be grateful! I'm over it now, I am just going to take it, and if it's over weight...do one or all of the following...1. plead ignorance 2. beg 3. tell them it's because I have so much omiyage for my loved-ones 4. cry. Hopefully they won't be too mean cos my hand luggage that now holds all the breakables is also way heavy!

So I am also tired cos we had two days at prefectural office (kencho) having an orientation with the newbies. It was really fun. Seems like lots of the new people are really nice, and shall be keen to go out drinking! It was also nice to be on the 'in' side of all the inside jokes! I remember last year when all the returners joked about stuff we didn't have a clue about, and we were like "whatever, eh!"!! SO yeah, fun times!

Then we got back, and took Louise to Nitanda to meet Yuka and Mrs Kimura, lovely friends of AETs in Asa. Really lovely, and then Ya-kun (Yuka's husband) and his mate turned up...hilarious as the mate started asking us if we knew every hip hop, rap, thug-like group or band he knew..! We knew a few, but times like that, I missed Abra, she would've been so down with everything he was saying! And he even rapped for us, she so could've showed him how it's done! Then he started propositioning Meagan...in a Sugi-eque type way..!!!

Okay must go to bed! Next time I write I will be in NZ! Watch out for exciting tales of the Island Folks return to the Mother land soon!! And also, I have a few quotes from ZEN ZEN Yamaguchi AJET Magazine too! Night!

Today I didn't have to go to work. Tomorrow I don't have to go to work. Why, you ask? Well I have a lovely boss who said I can have these days off to clean and pack since I won't be home Thursday and Friday. Nice eh!

So yesterday was a little busier... I went to Shimonoseki and help Jo at an elementary school English-teaching presentation/seminar thing. It ended up being really well recieved and rather fun, after they got over the fact that I wasn't Mr Mann Kenton that is..! Then we met Abra, Meag, Tomoko and Shelli for sushi. The occasion sadly was Abra and Shelli's last dinner. Abra out did herself this time with the salmon and cheeses...a whopping 6 plates!! The whole table actually out did all previous records...19 or 21 plates of salmon and cheese!! Impressive ne! Rather embarrassing mind when you hear orders for "saamon chiizu o hitotsu" (one salmon and cheese), and here we are ordering 10 at a time!

Then after gorging on sushi it was the sad farewells... of course unless Abra did become a freelance Pole-dancer in Fukuoka, the goodbye time was inevitable...but goodbyes do suck, especially after we have all had an awesome time together this past year. Realistically of course it isn't goodbye, just see ya later, cos when she marries my brother, I'll be seeing heaps of her...and Shelli and Meag I will be seeing in US!!

Oh that reminds me it almost was totally final-I never want to see you again- goodbyes to Abra, after I got home and found all the shit I had specifically told I didn't want in my apartment... 12 soaps, a sewing kit, writing paper, and scabby free postcards, and a tin of SPAM!!! To name a few things...I tell you I wasn't happy!

So, only 3 days until I go to NZ!! I talked to my friend Tans tonight as it was her birthday yesterday... I think they are going crazy at home...she has just adopted a kid...a Cabbage Patch Kid!!!??? I find it so weird myself, I mean she just turned 23, but due to being deprived as a child, and never being a blessed mother of a Cabbage Patch Kid, she has finally filled that gap in her heart..! Her new kids name is Esther, and has a funny middle name...

Well, Meag is staying at the moment, so it's rather fun having a flatmate type situation going on for a change...Not that it feels any different from the weekends actually...! Ok gotta go and do a quiz to see if I'm a karaoke queen...