A few more days and I'm off on another adventure. It's about time. I really need this vacation. I really really need it. I've been through a whirlpool of emotions the past few months. It's time to relax.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Korea 8 of 9 - 경주시 (Gyeongju)
I can't believe that it took me over a month to put this video together. Usually, I can toss something of the same length and quality together in less than a week. There are other things more important than sitting behind a computer screen in my free time slaving away at videos I get pennies for. Example: my sanity.
Of course, I love making these videos and I'm grateful that other people enjoy them. Thanks for watching them if you do. Also, thanks for understanding that I have other obligations that I need to attend to.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Silly Japanese Signs
Here are a few for your viewing pleasure...
Be nice to the birds...
Anti-Smoking ad. (I'm a little sad it came out blurry) These are found all over train stations.
How to pass a bowel movement (for kids!)
No tattoos allowed (only attempt to keep the Mafia out of the hot springs)
Warning: Snakes (vipers)
Radiation...
Be careful of closing garage doors
DANGER! (just don't swim here)
I'm not even sure... DVD
People can own rifles here. It's rare though.
Another anti-smoking ad.
I'm curious about the accuracy of this...
On the train.
Something or other about 'bad guys'
Thursday, November 24, 2011
You know you're from Washington when...
Stolen from the internet...
1. You know how to pronounce Sequim, Puyallup, Enumclaw and Issaquah.
2. You consider swimming an indoor sport.
3. You keep snow chains in your trunk but they've never been used.
4. You see a person carrying an umbrella and know they must be a tourist.
5. Eating seafood isn't anything special.
6. Your lawn is mostly moss and you don't really care.
7. Your daily commute to work involves riding a ferry.
8. You know the difference between "showers followed by rain" and "rain followed by showers".
9. The sight of Mt. Rainier is still awe inspiring.
10. You're extremely picky about your coffee.
11. You yell at the TV if they pronounce the name of a city wrong or make an inaccurate Seattle reference on "Frasier" or "Grey's Anatomy."
12. You rarely wash your car because it's just going to get muddy again tomorrow.
13. You wouldn't dream of putting an air conditioner in your house.
14. You go to Eastern Washington to get some sun.
15. You can drive from your home to a lake, a river or the Puget Sound in 20 minutes or less.
16. You've seen or know someone who has seen Bigfoot.
17. You remember where you were on May 18th, 1980.
18. You get a terrible sunburn on the first really nice day of summer.
19. You look forward to SeaFair and all its related activities.
20. You take a heavy coat and a hat with you for a day at the beach.
21. You have learned to assume Christmas will be rainy, not white.
22. You've owned the same bathing suit for years because you never have a chance to wear it out.
23. You still can't believe the new Seahawks stadium is open air.
24. Your phone book contains a tide table.
25. You only visit the Space Needle if you need someplace to take out of town guests.
26. You or someone you know works at Boeing or Microsoft.
27. You "Do The Puyallup" every year.
28. You feel guilty throwing something away that could be recycled.
29. You use the word "sunbreak" and know what it means.
30. You know more than 10 ways to order coffee.
31. You know more people who own boats than air conditioners.
32. You know the difference between Chinook, Coho and Sockeye salmon.
33. You never go camping without water proof matches and a poncho.
34. You have no concept of humidity without precipitation.
35. You can point to at least 2 volcanoes even if you can't actually see them through the cloud cover.
36. You wear shorts when the temperature gets above 50 but still wear your hiking boots and parka.
37. You switch to your sandals at about 60 degrees but keep your socks on.
38. You have actually used your mountain bike on a mountain.
39. You buy new sunglasses every year because you've lost last years pair after such a long time not needing them.
40. You measure distance in hours.
41. You often switch from heat to a/c in your car in the same day.
42. You use a down comforter in the summer.
43. You carry jumper cables in your car and your wife knows how to use them.
44. You design your kid's Halloween costume to fit under a raincoat.
45. You choose your vacation spot according to the best latte stands.
46. You purchase a new car and the 'Northwest Package' includes a built in umbrella holder.
47. Your children don't get chicken pox; they get 'rust spots' instead.
48. When you think 'big hair', you think of Kent.
49. You can't make it two blocks without seeing a Starbucks.
50. When you hear people from Eastern WA say they're going to the coast, you assume they mean Ocean Shores.
51. You make reference to the new neighborhood going up down the street and people have to ask, "Which one?"
52. You can't believe that people in Spokane actually have yellow grass in the winter and green grass in the summer.
53. You know how to pronounce geoduck and know that it doesn't quack or have feathers.
54. You expect snow for Valentine's Day, not Christmas.
55. You get upset when a store doesn't carry your favorite brand of bottled water.
56. You can tell the difference between Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Korean and Thai food.
57. You can taste the difference between Starbucks, Seattle's Best and Tully's.
58. It's not a real mountain unless it has snow and has erupted within the last 200 years.
59. You go to work in the dark and come home in the dark even though you only have an 8 hour workday.
60. You've ever stood alone on a deserted street corner in the rain.
61. You can tell its summer because the rain is warmer.
62. You know what a Frango is.
63. You think the "Middle East" is Ellensburg and the "Far East" is Spokane.
64. You realize no education is required to be a weatherman. Just predict, "Partly cloudy with a chance of rain."
65. You have an earthquake story, and so does everyone else you know.
66. You can identify seven different types of rain.
67. You can identify five different cities by smell alone.
68. You think espresso was invented in Seattle, along with Starbucks.
69. You know what 'Sodo Mojo' is.
70. You can turn in any direction and be within a stones throw of an Indian-run casino.
71. You think summer starts in July and winter in September.
72. It's not a real windstorm until your lawn ornaments blow away.
73. You know exactly where Tom Hank's boathouse was in "Sleepless In Seattle".
74. You know who J.P. Patches is.
75. At least one of your neighbors has a hot tub they haven't used in over a year.
76. You know who really 'let the dogs out'.
77. You become frightened by the bright yellow orb in the sky until the 9-1-1 operator tells you it's just the sun.
78. You've used every setting on your intermittent wipers.
79. You know you better enjoy the snow the first day it falls before the rain washes it away.
80. You marvel when the autumn leaves stay on the trees for more than three days before the rain knocks them to the ground.
81. You can't imagine living through a tornado or hurricane but you secretly think earthquakes are kind of fun.
82. You give directions using the Puget Sound and Cascade mountains as points of reference.
83. You lose your sense of direction if you go east of the Cascade mountains.
84. You know at least 5 different ways to kill slugs.
85. You know at least 10 different recipes that call for blackberries.
86. You are not sure of the color of your house because of all of the rhododendron bushes planted in front of it.
87. You know the difference between a rhododendron and an azalea.
88. You know what a Dick's Deluxe is.
89. You or your family member live "in the woods".
90. You can endure 100 days of rain and wind but an inch of snow means school cancellations.
91. You consider an antique anything mad before 1970.
92. You know someone whose house has been partially crushed by a tree.
93. You know the difference between an evergreen and a deciduous tree.
94. You don't know what a turnpike is and have never paid a toll to drive over a bridge.
95. You own a barbeque that has rusted.
96. You change your wiper blades more often than your oil.
97. Your idea of dancing is nodding your head vigorously.
98. You use your defogger and your AC at the same time.
99. You don't own anything made of wool.
100. When someone honks at you, you think they are trying to say "hi".
101. You get a least 5 e-mails a week from friends asking you to come see their band.
102. You know what a 9-inning lunch is.
103. You think you're working late if you stay past 3 pm.
104. You have more unemployed friends than friends who have jobs.
105. You prefer one mountain range to the other.
106. You know the state flower (Mildew).
2. You consider swimming an indoor sport.
3. You keep snow chains in your trunk but they've never been used.
4. You see a person carrying an umbrella and know they must be a tourist.
5. Eating seafood isn't anything special.
6. Your lawn is mostly moss and you don't really care.
7. Your daily commute to work involves riding a ferry.
8. You know the difference between "showers followed by rain" and "rain followed by showers".
9. The sight of Mt. Rainier is still awe inspiring.
10. You're extremely picky about your coffee.
11. You yell at the TV if they pronounce the name of a city wrong or make an inaccurate Seattle reference on "Frasier" or "Grey's Anatomy."
12. You rarely wash your car because it's just going to get muddy again tomorrow.
13. You wouldn't dream of putting an air conditioner in your house.
14. You go to Eastern Washington to get some sun.
15. You can drive from your home to a lake, a river or the Puget Sound in 20 minutes or less.
16. You've seen or know someone who has seen Bigfoot.
17. You remember where you were on May 18th, 1980.
18. You get a terrible sunburn on the first really nice day of summer.
19. You look forward to SeaFair and all its related activities.
20. You take a heavy coat and a hat with you for a day at the beach.
21. You have learned to assume Christmas will be rainy, not white.
22. You've owned the same bathing suit for years because you never have a chance to wear it out.
23. You still can't believe the new Seahawks stadium is open air.
24. Your phone book contains a tide table.
25. You only visit the Space Needle if you need someplace to take out of town guests.
26. You or someone you know works at Boeing or Microsoft.
27. You "Do The Puyallup" every year.
28. You feel guilty throwing something away that could be recycled.
29. You use the word "sunbreak" and know what it means.
30. You know more than 10 ways to order coffee.
31. You know more people who own boats than air conditioners.
32. You know the difference between Chinook, Coho and Sockeye salmon.
33. You never go camping without water proof matches and a poncho.
34. You have no concept of humidity without precipitation.
35. You can point to at least 2 volcanoes even if you can't actually see them through the cloud cover.
36. You wear shorts when the temperature gets above 50 but still wear your hiking boots and parka.
37. You switch to your sandals at about 60 degrees but keep your socks on.
38. You have actually used your mountain bike on a mountain.
39. You buy new sunglasses every year because you've lost last years pair after such a long time not needing them.
40. You measure distance in hours.
41. You often switch from heat to a/c in your car in the same day.
42. You use a down comforter in the summer.
43. You carry jumper cables in your car and your wife knows how to use them.
44. You design your kid's Halloween costume to fit under a raincoat.
45. You choose your vacation spot according to the best latte stands.
46. You purchase a new car and the 'Northwest Package' includes a built in umbrella holder.
47. Your children don't get chicken pox; they get 'rust spots' instead.
48. When you think 'big hair', you think of Kent.
49. You can't make it two blocks without seeing a Starbucks.
50. When you hear people from Eastern WA say they're going to the coast, you assume they mean Ocean Shores.
51. You make reference to the new neighborhood going up down the street and people have to ask, "Which one?"
52. You can't believe that people in Spokane actually have yellow grass in the winter and green grass in the summer.
53. You know how to pronounce geoduck and know that it doesn't quack or have feathers.
54. You expect snow for Valentine's Day, not Christmas.
55. You get upset when a store doesn't carry your favorite brand of bottled water.
56. You can tell the difference between Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Korean and Thai food.
57. You can taste the difference between Starbucks, Seattle's Best and Tully's.
58. It's not a real mountain unless it has snow and has erupted within the last 200 years.
59. You go to work in the dark and come home in the dark even though you only have an 8 hour workday.
60. You've ever stood alone on a deserted street corner in the rain.
61. You can tell its summer because the rain is warmer.
62. You know what a Frango is.
63. You think the "Middle East" is Ellensburg and the "Far East" is Spokane.
64. You realize no education is required to be a weatherman. Just predict, "Partly cloudy with a chance of rain."
65. You have an earthquake story, and so does everyone else you know.
66. You can identify seven different types of rain.
67. You can identify five different cities by smell alone.
68. You think espresso was invented in Seattle, along with Starbucks.
69. You know what 'Sodo Mojo' is.
70. You can turn in any direction and be within a stones throw of an Indian-run casino.
71. You think summer starts in July and winter in September.
72. It's not a real windstorm until your lawn ornaments blow away.
73. You know exactly where Tom Hank's boathouse was in "Sleepless In Seattle".
74. You know who J.P. Patches is.
75. At least one of your neighbors has a hot tub they haven't used in over a year.
76. You know who really 'let the dogs out'.
77. You become frightened by the bright yellow orb in the sky until the 9-1-1 operator tells you it's just the sun.
78. You've used every setting on your intermittent wipers.
79. You know you better enjoy the snow the first day it falls before the rain washes it away.
80. You marvel when the autumn leaves stay on the trees for more than three days before the rain knocks them to the ground.
81. You can't imagine living through a tornado or hurricane but you secretly think earthquakes are kind of fun.
82. You give directions using the Puget Sound and Cascade mountains as points of reference.
83. You lose your sense of direction if you go east of the Cascade mountains.
84. You know at least 5 different ways to kill slugs.
85. You know at least 10 different recipes that call for blackberries.
86. You are not sure of the color of your house because of all of the rhododendron bushes planted in front of it.
87. You know the difference between a rhododendron and an azalea.
88. You know what a Dick's Deluxe is.
89. You or your family member live "in the woods".
90. You can endure 100 days of rain and wind but an inch of snow means school cancellations.
91. You consider an antique anything mad before 1970.
92. You know someone whose house has been partially crushed by a tree.
93. You know the difference between an evergreen and a deciduous tree.
94. You don't know what a turnpike is and have never paid a toll to drive over a bridge.
95. You own a barbeque that has rusted.
96. You change your wiper blades more often than your oil.
97. Your idea of dancing is nodding your head vigorously.
98. You use your defogger and your AC at the same time.
99. You don't own anything made of wool.
100. When someone honks at you, you think they are trying to say "hi".
101. You get a least 5 e-mails a week from friends asking you to come see their band.
102. You know what a 9-inning lunch is.
103. You think you're working late if you stay past 3 pm.
104. You have more unemployed friends than friends who have jobs.
105. You prefer one mountain range to the other.
106. You know the state flower (Mildew).
Every once and a while I get homesick. Reading over this list makes me miss home just a little bit more.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Teaching English in Japan - Just an observation
Today I taught some classes in elementary school, with the help from some of my second year students, from one of my JHS. You should have seen the looks on their faces when I spoke to my fifth graders. I wanted to say to them, ''don't worry guys, I would challenge you. I'd drag you through the coals like I do my elementary students. The thing is, that's considered 'too difficult'. I would really like you to grow as an English speaker but a lot of that is out of my hands.''
The sad thing is, it's generally true. I have confidence in my students and their ability. It's ok to fail, as long as you can grow from your mistake. We can have fun, have a challenge, and learn. Isn't that the whole point to education? Well, in Japan its not so much the case.
I could go on but for now I will stop. I need to sleep and I don't want everyone to read this. Maybe when I'm done with the whole ALT business, I will let it all out; every feeling and complaint.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Next Stop Gyeongju
Every time I complete an episode, I feel a small sense of accomplishment. It might be big or small but it's always there. After that feeling of pride wipes away, I am left with the next challenge. Which is the next video?
Mentally, I keep a checklist of what I want to work on next. Sometimes, starting a new video is a huge chore. There might be little visuals to work with and creating a narrative might feel impossible. I'm in luck this time.
For the Gyeongju episode, I found that I have nearly twenty five minutes of footage to use. This is not normally how much I have for a single video. I'm lucky if I have ten minutes.
Right now, I'm sifting through what is useable and what isn't. I'll be aiming to get this episode down to around five minutes. That's the goal for now. If I can keep it around seven minutes, I'll be happy. There might be more I'm willing to hold onto.
Gyeongju was one of my favorite places I visited in Korea last year. It's a quite historic city that's off the east coast of Korea. Generally, it doesn't snow much there. On this occasion it did. This was something most Koreans living in the area never see. Not only did I get to see a historically rich city but I was able to see it caked in snow.
Anyway, final cut awaits! I hope to see you next week!
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Korea 6 of 9 - Korean War Museum
It took me about seven tries of exporting and uploading to youtube, to finally get it right. All of the stress has finally been lifted. I was getting pretty frustrated with the whole process.
I've already begun working on the Busan episode and should have it done sometime around next Wednesday (Nov. 3rd).
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Attempting to Finish My Korean Videos
It's been almost two months since I last posted a video on Korea. Two months! Can you believe that? Well, a lot has happened to me since I last posted a video. I moved into a new apartment, got hit by a car while riding a bicycle, started up school, and had to practice for the speech contest. I'm hoping that if I have the time, I will talk about each of these incidents. For now, I'm just trying to finish up the last few videos I have about Korea.
I don't know if you remember or not but all of these videos are from when I was in Korea last year. It's taken me the longest time to get around editing these pieces. I really enjoy putting them together but it's hard to balance a hobby with my free time. 
I really wish that putting these kind of videos was my full time job. Alas, it's not. There is a little revenue that I get from it but it's not much. Better than nothing right? It all really depends on how many people are watch or reading my content. At the moment, not so much. That's ok though! :)
At the moment, I am attempting to upload part six of nine, of my Korean series. It's a video about the National War Museum of Korea. Youtube is kind of being a pain and not processing the videos. I've tried about six times so far and am getting really frustrated in the process. It would be nice to get it up now but if not, I'll try and get it up by this Wednesday. Remember, the video is finished, it's just youtube that isn't co-operating.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Bizarre Dream
Last night I had a dream in which I was forced to leave Japan and go back to America. I've had this dream a few times before. There have never been a reason to 'why' I had to move back. The problem I've had in each of these dreams is that, I've never been able to find work. I love Cascadia but I have a very stable life in Japan. Let's hope it doesn't come true.
(Japanese forest nearby my house)
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Japanese Customer Service
I was at my school the other day, just sitting down at my desk. There wasn't much work for me to do, so I was scribbling some kanji on blank pieces of paper. Class didn't start for an hour anyway and I had some time to kill. While in the midst of practicing a mechanic showed up at school. He was there to pick up one of the teachers cars. I glanced out the window and saw his car in the parking lot. He grabbed the keys to the teachers car and drove off, leaving his car in the parking lot. A few hours later, the mechanic returned with the teachers keys and a bill for the work done to his car. This isn't the first time I've seen customer service taking to that level.
Since many employees in Japan work long hours, it can be difficult for them to get normal errands done. I've once seen travel agents come to the school, sit down, and talk with the teachers planning to get away during summer break. This level of customer service is super rare in America.
I think there are a few reasons for this, not all of which I want to get into. The main point I want to get to is most Japanese take their job seriously or take extreme pride in their work. Rarely is anything done sloppy here in Japan. Let me give you an example.
If you walked into a 7/11 in Japan, you'll see at least three people working. They'll great you immediately. You head over to the chips section and pull a bag off the shelf, leaving an 'empty' space. Then you grab a coke and head to the front to pay. While at the front of the store, you decide you want a corn dog. You tell the clerk and before you can finish your sentence, another employee or the clerk themselves quickly head over to the corn dogs and pulls one off the shelf for you. Puts it nicely in a bag and hands it too you. When you're walking out of the store, all of the workers yell 'thank you' (in Japanese of course) and you're on you're way. What you won't see is that one of the employees will go back to where you bought your bag of chips and 're-face' the brand, making sure that the shelves don't look empty.
The level of detail and pride the Japanese take in their work is insane. Sometimes I think it's a little to much but I have grown accustomed to it. I have a feeling that when I go back to visit in America, I might be a little discouraged.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Spotted.
I wore a white dress shirt today. I never wear it because it's easy to see through. As I was walking past some students the sunlight hit me perfectly. ''ジェリ先生、イレズミ持っていますか?’’ Then the pestering began. I put my finger over my lips like ''it's a secret''. The kids laughed and said ''it's cool''. It still makes me nervous. This isn't America, where it's not a big deal.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Hit by a car in Japan AND other things
This past monday I had the joyous experience of getting into a cycling accident over here in Japan. There are so many details that I want to get into but for now, that must wait. It came at the worst time too.
If you have been following my work for the past six weeks or so, I have been posting constantly once every Wednesday. I got up to begin work on the WAR MUSEUM episode and then, well, I just got lazy. I decided to not work on it that week and instead save it for next week.
The problem is, a lot happened rather quickly. I had to move out of my apartment (which I will get to later) and I got hit by a car. I'm going to have some time off this weekend and will aim to get that war museum episode done. There is a lot that I want to say. I want it to be a meaningful episode and cut corners.
Sorry, there are just a collection of thoughts right now. It's about one-forty in the morning. I should be asleep but I felt like I just need to update a little.
Once I am settled in my new place, I will get to work. I don't have much money so it looks like I will be once again stuck where I am at for a while. At least I have friends.
Once I am settled in my new place, I will get to work. I don't have much money so it looks like I will be once again stuck where I am at for a while. At least I have friends.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Friday, August 19, 2011
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Korea 3 of 9 - Tapgol Park
-----
Editor's notes:
One of my friends likes to give me a hard time about my videos.
''Jerry, you talk so slow!''
She always pokes fun at it. Maybe sometimes I sound too much like an English teach, speaking to my students. In all honesty, it probably wouldn't hurt for me to talk a bit quicker. Maybe the next video I will go at full force.
This video was really slow. I always try to keep in mind all of my viewers. If you remember a few days ago I broke up where all my videos are being viewed from. Close to half of the countries where someone is watching, is not a native English speaking country. So for me to speak slow and sound silly to Americans is one thing but it also let's others follow along. I could do subtitles but that is a huge painstaking task.
This video was really slow. I always try to keep in mind all of my viewers. If you remember a few days ago I broke up where all my videos are being viewed from. Close to half of the countries where someone is watching, is not a native English speaking country. So for me to speak slow and sound silly to Americans is one thing but it also let's others follow along. I could do subtitles but that is a huge painstaking task.
Sorry deaf people.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Korea 2 of 9 - First impressions
Here is my first day exploring Korea. There was so much that was new to me. Korea is very different from Japan, extremely different. I had a great time! More videos on the way! SIX MORE!
-Jerry
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Top Ten Countries
After about two years of continuous posting on youtube, I have gained a subscriber base of just a little over 1,100. I'm always curious where my views come from and who is watching. Here are the Top Ten Counties watching my channel.
1. USA
2. Japan
3. U.K.
4. Canada
5. Germany
6. Australia
7. Netherlands
8. Mexico
9. Poland
10. Ireland
A pretty interesting block for the top ten!
1. USA
2. Japan
3. U.K.
4. Canada
5. Germany
6. Australia
7. Netherlands
8. Mexico
9. Poland
10. Ireland
A pretty interesting block for the top ten!
As for male to female: 68% male and 32% female. I'm not completely surprised by this.
What age group do most of my videos do best in? 45-54 year olds! That is something that really surprises me.
As far as the rest of the world, I have around fifteen subscribers in the middle east. Most of which are in Saudia Arabia (they can watch my videos there?). Only five viewers from Africa (two in Morocco, two in South Africa, and one in Mauritius).
The second strongest group of subscribers in Asia is not S. Korea. I thought this would be the case since most of my videos thus far have been about Japan or Korea. The second strongest group is Malaysia. South Korea is number three! I'm sure this number will change over the next few weeks as most of my videos will be specifically about S. Korea. I have EIGHT more to post!
What is nice to know about all this information is that there are plenty of people who are interested in other cultures. I try to present a fairly neutral view about Japan but I generally sit on the more positive side. There is a lot that I could complain about living here but I try to stay away from that.
Anyway, a new video this Wednesday! It's going to be about my first reaction to everything I saw in Korea. A whole lot of ''Whoa, this is crazy!'' Things from fire hydrants, exercise equipment, subways, all of that stuff. Just a nice video of my being surprised with everything Korea had to offer!
-Jerry
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
The last two Wednesday posts
I am sorry I neglected to post the past two weeks worth of videos. Sorry for being forgetful. Here they are.
Many more on the way.
Many more on the way.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Summer Plans in Japan
Then in late May I had quite a big medical scare. My entire right side went numb and I had symptoms similar to a stroke. I spent some time in the ER, between doctors, and a ton of tests. It turns out that I am ok but need to pay more attention to my posture. Again, I lost a few days of work, which meant I wasn't paid. Plus there were medical bills (Thank God I wasn't in America or else I would have been screwed for years to come. My total for all my bills was less than $500 and that includes FOUR MRIs which in the USA are $2,000 a pop).
All of this happens before a glorious time, summer break. I'm not a huge fan of summer in Japan, mainly because of the humidity but I am a big fan from having time off work. Originally I planned to head back to the USA and visit everyone. Well, plane tickets are out of my price range. Then I hatched another plan, travel all throughout Japan. I contemplated heading to Osaka and Kyoto, then taking a ferry to Hokkaido and enjoy the rest of summer of there.
Then I was a grown up about it. Although I realize that I could go to Hokkaido, see Kyoto or visit some distant part of Japan, it just isn't smart for me to do something like that. This summer were be spent here in Tochigi. I have some plans to get out of the area. I will still buy a train pass and get out a few times but only day trips to Tokyo. Mt. Fuji is on the list once again this year. I just don't want to be financially broke anymore.
As bad as it sounds, I can make it somewhat positive. I spent all my life living in WA state. One of the most beautiful states in all of America. But I have spent very little time on the Olympic Peninsula and next to no time in central WA. There is so much I haven't seen. I see my opportunity this summer to explore my little region of Japan.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Shampoo in Japan シャンプ
I am trying to get back into the swing of things.
At the moment, I have some computer problems but I think I can still work on many of the next few videos. It has been forever since I have wrote a blog.
I am planning on creating a back log of video episodes and then releasing them over the coming weeks. It might take a few weeks for me to put together but if the videos are complete and released weekly; it could be months of content.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Saturday, April 23, 2011
I just don't type on here enough
Somewhere around the fall of 2010, I began to post less and less here on blogger. It's not that I don't have anything to say, it's just that it can be quite a hassle. Luckily, 'Golden Week' is quickly approaching (first week of May) and I will have time. I'll see if I can nail down a few good posts to last me though summer break in July.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Well, I'm back
If you have any questions about my journey or the current state of Japan, please leave a comment here or on the video. The more questions I get, the more I can satisfy you inquisitive nature!!!
Friday, April 1, 2011
My fourth Language. (Not an April Fool's Joke)
Since being in Korea, I have thought towards my fourth language. Yes my friends, my fourth language. First being English, Second Spanish, Third Japanese, and the FOURTH. Although my second is getting progressively weak, I could brush up on it within three-four weeks and be back at conversation level once again. Which is where I'm at with my third. My Japanese has been getting progressively better.
My fourth though... I always thought my fourth would be German. I wanted it to be German. It would help connect with nearly all my ancestral roots in Europe. But maybe my fourth might be Korean.
Many of the nouns in Korean sound similar to Japanese. Very easy to remember. Anyhow, we will see. When I get back to Japan, I will be purchasing a few Spanish books, a handful of Japanese books, and maybe just maybe one Korean book.
On a side note, I think Korean would be much easier to learn than Japanese. The pronunciation is much more difficult but they DON'T HAVE KANJI TO DEAL WITH!!!
That's all for now.
-J
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
Not on here enough!
There has been a lot that has happened the past two weeks, since the massive earthquake in Japan. I have failed to keep most people posted on my current situation. I have, however made a handful of video dairies talking about what I have been through. Sometimes ten minutes of talking is easier than an hour or so typing. I'll see if I can get a good entry in sometime later this week.
-Jerry
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
地震
This past week has been of the most trying times in my life. I have been doing daily updates (on youtube) since the first big hit of the 8.9. I feel like I am slowly breaking down mentally. Had I been closer to the epicenter, I think I would be a mess. Some of my teachers have family up in Sendai. It's hard to imagine what they're going through. The other day when I was going to the super market, to get what ever amount of food I could find. I saw a lady broken down on the side of the side walk. She was crying. I've found myself in this situation countless times the past few days.
With the nuclear situation uncertain, I've become a little more distraught. I'm no where near the plant but I'm close. I don't like the thought of leaving Japan. For now, I've decided to head to S. Korea. Right now I'm trying to figure out the logistics and will keep you posted.
Thanks to anyone for your concern and help! I appreciate it.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Friday, February 4, 2011
Nuke the Sun
This is the first winter in my life, I feel extreme hate. The Sun... Nuke it honestly. I hate that devil in the sky. It blows out my eyes, it hurts me eyes, and causes decoloration in my eyes. Don't believe me? Read about blue eyes. Suicide rates are actually higher in the summer for blue eyed folk. But it's winter Jerry.... THIS FEELS LIKE SUMMER. I'm seriously at the end of my rope.
Where are my ten months of clouds? Cold, I don't mind... The sun can shove itself in the nearest hole and die. I hate it. Always have. F YOU SUNSHINE!
=Jerry
Low Birth Rate
Japan's low birth rate is something that's intriguing to me. I've read numerous articles about it, I've seen the graphs, and heard all the predictions. It's causation is due to numerous factors, too many to list really. It's crazy to contemplate an entire nation on the verge of a collapse in a mere fifty years due to something that could be easily solved. Sometime later, I will write more on this subject.
Friday, January 28, 2011
AKB48 is the Devil
During lunch a male student asked me 'Do you like ABK48?' I said 'no' and shook my head. They thought their English was wrong so they asked about six more times, in as many different ways possible. Each time I said 'no'. They were shocked. They then asked 'What artist do you like?' I replied with 'Iron Maiden'. Confused looks plagued their faces. Then one student asked 'who is that?' I smiled but didn't bother giving them a music history lesson they won't understand. Instead, I said 'you will learn about them later.'
Saturday, January 22, 2011
couch
Remember that old entry I did about a month ago about davenport? Well, I did an animation to it. Please Enjoy.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Sunday, January 16, 2011
It's winter
Which means the weather can get rough. Last night I was out on a walk and saw a car partly stuck in a ditch (it began snowing the other day). As I slowly walked past the car, the driver's side door opened up. Inside were a young couple, I asked in Japanese ''are you ok?'' They replied with ''Yes, we are, thank you''. Of course, in my mind, I knew they weren't. They're Japanese and burdening another person with ones own personal matters maybe be considered rude or めんづくさい. A large part of me felt sick walking home that evening. I felt like the rich man stepping over the poor in a parable Jesus once told. Me and the other fellow in the car could have easily pushed it free. It was a Kei-Car and needed only a few inches to be back on the road. I hope the tow truck didn't take long. Twenty-four hour service is standard in American, not so much in Japan. I have to continually remind myself that, I'm human and they are to, they need help them. And helping out with such a task shouldn't be a problem. I helped changing a young couples tire a few months back, what's it to me pushing out another couples car free from a ditch?
Friday, January 14, 2011
Nerdy Japan
A boy at school asked me if I played a 'TRPG' which means 'Table Role Playing Game'. I said ''You mean like Dungeons and Dragons?'' He didn't understand me so I drew dice on the chalkboard. Upon seeing the twenty sided die, he face lit up and excitedly said ''Yes! Yes!'' I told him I do but it's been a long time since I have played. Found out he likes to play as a Dwarf. He is probably going to practice English a lot more now so he can talk DnD with me. I don't think many other kids in Japan play those kinds of games.
Monday, January 10, 2011
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