moving on into year 2

Throughout all the introspection I've been doing lately, I've been trying to reinvent my time in Japan a little more...I know I'll be here at least another year, and losing hope for having new exciting experiences just can't happen. I've realized I'm not applying myself enough to actually get what I want out of the experience, and seeing the attitudes of the new guys has really helped to get me going back on track.

I left school an hour early today because it was simply pointless to be there...on the way home I mustered up some courage and stopped in to visit Kazuo, the old guy who owns the local liquor shop and who is obsessed with American bluegrass music. I forgot how well I get along with him, and immediately I was invited to sit for tea and chill. Soon a ukalele (sp?) was brought out with his guitar and there was random music being made. I've now made a date for Thursday night, for a 'beer drink guitar time' party. He has a full tap of draft beer, not for customers, but just for himself and his visitors, sticking out the side of his desk. It's the most random little store, selling very few of very many things...from envelopes to soba noodles to cartoon porn and beer.

I've been trying to employ my RA duties...of which there are few...by getting in touch with all the new kids and checking on everyone. Too bad I can't reach any of them...

On Tuesday night I loaded the car with Martin, Keiko, Debs and new guy Russel, and we went to Nagaoka for one of the finest fireworks displays around. It was completely insane. It was nonstop for 2 hours of just really big, loud, colorful fireworks. Said goodbye to my Canadian buddy Rowan which was sad because I never saw enough of him, and got along with him well...he was a snowboarder and we had the same attitude about a lot of things. Plus I had to get my belt back from him...long story. Loser kept it for 7 months.