Ok so today went fairly well. I woke up, went downstairs to visit with my relatives before they left, then took the medicine for my shoulder, and kinda fell back to sleep. I didn't mean to sleep until 2:30, but the muscle relaxer makes me pass out if I don't fight it enough. After getting up again I grabbed lunch, skipped my afternoon pills because I had to drive all the way to Henderson, big mistake! By the end of Korean I could feel my muscles bunching back up and dull pain. By the time I got home all I wanted was to ice my shoulder, watch a little TV, and then go to bed.

I grabbed the ice and a cookie, a single cookie. Then I sat down to watch Heros with my dad. We were kindly waiting for my mom to come down to start the show and I begin munching away on the cookie, taking small nibbles to make it last longer. As soon as my mom came around the corner and sees me she yells, "WHY ARE YOU EATING THAT!? DO YOU WANT TO GET FAT!" Come on, it is one little cookie! Its not like I was cuddling up with a pint of Ben and Jerrys. I responded to her that it was just one cookie and that I didn't appreciate being attacked about it. She yells back that I have to have gained 10 pounds since getting back from Japan, which I haven't, only 1.5 pounds. She went off about a bunch of medical stuff, mostly things that have nothing to do with me.

I tried to go upstairs to avoid further fighting, but then both of my parents started yelling at me about being a brat. They said I need to have an attitude adjustment. I was the one trying to avoid a fight, how is that needing an attitude adjustment? So amid them screaming threats I went up to my room. After 5 minutes I went back down to try and sooth things out, it didnt work. Within 30 seconds I was being screamed at again.

My mom brings up that on Saturday, when we were out with family, I ate a truffle, Mexican food for lunch, and a steak for dinner. I was stupid enough to shot back that I only had one enchilada for lunch with water to drink and that she had an enchilada, rice, beans and a soda and also had a truffle and a steak for dinner. And who was the one making the bad choices? She was not happy with me.

She wants to know why I cant be as healthy and actively losing weight like I did in Japan. I could only stare at her. The answer is so obvious. It is because I am not in Japan. I can't walk to the station to catch my train. It is a completely different lifestyle here, one that I dont like. It is easier to be healthy when you are happy, I am not happy in Las Vegas. I miss Tokyo. I miss wondering in Koenji. I miss dinner at Grazie Gardens. I miss the smell, the feel, the press of people. I miss finding other people who even know what TV show I am talking about. I miss walking down the street and seeing something new everyday. I miss the constant hum of activity. I miss rain and only seeing glimpses of the sky between the buildings. I miss being able to just be myself, knowing that I can get away with more because I don't have the confines of my social norms to stop me. I miss being happy.

Is it so wrong that I am scared to park my car at work. There has always been crime there but this week has been the icing on the cake. One car was broken into and the registration with their address and the clicker to get into their neighborhood was stolen. Soon after that a car was STOLEN from the parking lot. How crazy is that?! I am thinking that I will be leaving nothing in my car for the foreseeable future.

america sucks, can I go back to japan now?

Been back for one full weekend. The only good thing so far is the ability to go for days without spending any money. Finally had to buy a parking permit and notebooks today. Besides that I have been very good. Tokyo made me spend, Las Vegas turns me very cheap. Still I wish I was in Tokyo. To have been able to stay up for 24 hours with NEWS would have been tiring, but enjoyable.
It was turning to fall in Japan, even leaves were getting the first hints of red. Here it is hot. Way too hot. Smoke fills the sky from the California wild fires. Fall is at least a month away.
None of my clothes fit. I love that I lost weight, but I can't afford new clothes right now. I have to order at least one pair of jeans. Every pair of pants I have practically fall off if I don't have a belt on.
Something crawled into the attic space above my room and died recently. It smells horrible. Hopefully the pest guy can come out today to take care of it or else I will be sleeping on the couch tonight. My mom kept saying that she smelt something, but I was always to tired to notice. This morning I opened my clothes to find something to wear and about passed out from the smell. I slammed the door shut and decided to get dressed from the still damp clothes in the laundry room. I hate whatever creature it is that decided to die in there.
Classes have officially started. Anthropology this morning, Korean tonight. Japanese tomorrow.
I get freaked out by people here now. They are too eager to talk. Just had some strange lady ask me about the laptop that I am using. She wanted to tell me all about her brand new Sony laptop... do I care? Got a new phone yesterday. The guy at Verizon annoyed the hell out of me. What happened to the Japanese way of getting things done and only talking if you start the conversation. This guy kept making stupid jokes and wouldn't shut up. I kinda wanted to punch him. My mom thought I was annoyed with her, which I was, but I was mostly annoyed with the stupid sales guy.
Then my mom insisted that I get a manicure/ pedicure. I tried to tell her no, but I didn't try to hard. I wish I had. The lady was so rude. I know some of my annoyance should have been expected. Everyone there always speaks Vietnamese to each other, but the lady giving me my manicure went too far. In the middle of it her phone rang and she actually answered it, then proceeded to talk on it for 5 minutes. A little talking between co-workers I can understand, but talking on the phone and ignoring your paying customer is going too far! Plus I bring my own tools for health safety reasons. All of these tools were purchased at this nail salon and have been used there before. They lady said my cuticle cutters wouldn't work, and then said that my foot razor wasn't working either. I happen to know that both of those things work just fine. I told her so and she kept insisting that they didn't work. I think she was just having issues. I never plan to go back to that place again.
Sorry about that rant, she just really pissed me off.

Can't wait for Korean tonight. I just wish Shawna was still taking the class with us, with out her we just aren't the Super Tomodachi.

So a quick report for those that are interested, same as posted to NEWS_JPOP

Amazing concert. Sold out, but it didn't seem like there were really any bad seats. There was the main stage, a middle stage, two small side stages, and a back stage. So even if you were far away from the main stage, they still came close to you.

The concert opened with TEGOMASS comng out of a bright light singing Miso Soup. They did a few songs on the main stage. Massu continually waved his arms and tried to pump up the crowd. Tegoshi was on the far side of the stage from me so I didn't see much of what he was doing. In an adorable fashion they rode swings out to the middle stage, Massu kicking his legs like a little kid the entire time (he was so adorable).

On the center stage they sang くしゃみ and Massu's voice cracked on one of the 'loves'. It was adorable. After a few songs they rode carts to the side stages (one on each side). On these stages they had little platforms that raised up so they could sing to the fans in the top seats.

At one point they got on rocking horse type things and rode around the concert hall. They each had two balls to throw out to the fans. Massu was the first to pass me, got within 10 feet. Being 6'1 (186 cm) tall and blonde, I know he saw me. He actually looked right at me when he threw the ball, but he threw it too hard, it did manage to roll back down and land on the seat of the person I was there with so she got his ball. Massu watched this whole thing and waved to me several times. He saw that I knew the person the got the ball. When he was passing Tegoshi I saw Massu lean over and say something to him, they both kinda looked my direction. I saw Tegoshi still had one ball, for all that he had already passed half the stands. When he passed fans again he threw the ball. (In my fangirl heart I like to think that he had been saving it for me). Tegoshi did wave to me when he passed.

The MC was great. I don't understand enough Japanese to understand all of it, but some of it I did get. They talked about Tegoshi taping Koyama's shoes to the floor and messing with Yamapi's phone so that the number 3 would pop off. Then about him putting a beetle in Massu's shoe. From there they said that they had a guest there that kinda looked like bug. It was Nakamaru from KAT-TUN. He came out and kept trying to clarify that he does not look like a bug. They all talked about current projects. Turns out that Nakamaru had just come from the dentist and his mouth was still a little numb, plus he canceled his hair appointment to come to the concert. He said he doesn't know what to do with his hair now.

Massu talked him into doing a Miso Soup beatbox. They all got two lines into it and broke apart laughing, but it was super cute! I am hoping someone got a recording of it to post or if there is a concert dvd it will be included. Then Tegoshi decided to try to beatbox and failed completely. Massu wasn't going to try, but all of the fans asked him to so he tried as well. He went longer and was maybe a little better then Tegoshi, but it was still a fail. We found out Koki's younger brother was in the stands somewhere. When Nakamaru was leaving they walked down these air-filled platforms to the mainstage. Massu said it was fun to hop on them and that Nakamaru should try. Massu was the only one hopping. Then the concert continued.

For AiAiGasa they went to the back stage and went onto raised platforms. Tegoshi's was kind of shaky, so I was a little worried, but nothing happened. It seemed like he looked directly at me while he sang an entire verse of the song, again, it was probably my fangirl mind on overload.

At one point they talked about the Swedish release of the single and that there were two songs on it that were only released there. Then they sang La La Sakura. During the song Sakura blossoms fell from the ceiling. On came down and stuck to Massu's face. He started grabbing more as they fell and stuck a few more to his cheeks.

After one song Massu was really thirsty, but the staff only threw one bottle of water onto the stage and Tegoshi grabbed it. Massu kept complaining about how hot is was and got all of the fans to fan him with their uchiwas. There still wasn't a bottle of water for him so Tegoshi threw him his. There were a bunch of squeals over the anticipated indirect kiss, but Massu avoided it. He opened his mouth and poured the water in without making contact with the bottle.

I am trying to think of anything else that happened, but I am not sure. I will add anything I think of... Going again tomorrow so I may be making another post about that concert soon XD

magic trip of wonderment continues.

First Yamapi

Second Kato Kazuki

Now Koyama Keichiro



J and I went to karaoke today and just as we were leaving Koyama and a group of three were signing up to go in. As soon as we turned the corner to approach the desk both of our eyes focused on Kei-chan. He has an amazing presence about him. It didn't even process in either of our minds that it was Koyama until after we left the karaoke building. We were just like, 'wow, that guy is so cool. He looks like Koyama.' Once we were out of the building and around the corner it actually processed, "OMG that was Koyama!!" It wasn't until we were served our curry that we realized he would be in that building for a while longer. We ate in a hurry and rushed back to see if we could catch him on the way out. Kristi joined us. But sadly we did not get to see him again.

Japan is just full of amazing. Today we went to Shibuya and actually managed to find phones with e-mail so e-mail me anytime at tzsiga@softbank.ne.jp With my computer down I will most definitely be able to reply faster there. After our phones we went to karaoke. It was a lot more fun then I thought it would be. I just have to work on memorizing some more songs. This evening we went to see a live perforce by Jenny's bassist and guitarist. It was really good, We ended up getting rained on, but did manage to buy a couple of little plants. Super cute. Came home, had dinner, and was ready for a relaxing night when Popstar called us over to his place to play with hair and make-up. After he and Harmony prettified everyone we decided not to waste their hard work and got really dressed up to go with it and walked down to Mr. Donuts. Unfortunately they closed just as we got there, so we went to the AMPM instead. Made quite a few heads turn in our dresses.

Amazing first week continues. Kristi managed to snag herself a ticket to go watch the filming of a tv program featuring Koyama and TegoMassu. Lucky girl, more then a little sad that there was only one ticket. Since it is Massu I decided to give her the heads-up about it while Chris was styling her hair. So exciting, less then one week and being able to see more then half of NEWS.

Had an exciting day today. Woke up just after 6 and ate pancakes, really wish I had syrup. Hung around the apartment for a while and did a load of laundry. At 9 went to the other apartment to see if anyone was moving. Kristi and I gathered Jenny into our group and traveled back to the Shinjuku City Office because she forgot her passport yesterday for the foreign registration card. After that we walked around a little bit then hurried to Yoyogi Park's small gym. One of the members of our favorite group was filming a television drama about basketball there and they needed extras to be fans. It was a long shot, but we got in. Were seated at the back at first, but soon moved to a different section and grabbed front row seats. We were above the gym floor, but since we were in front we could go up to the rail and cheer. We caught the attention of a team mascot and from a distance we all started joking around. At one point I made eye contact with Yamapi (the guy we were there to see) and my heart did a summersault. Since we love to goof-off Kristi and I began mimicing certain moves of members of the singing group that Yamapi is a member of. He caught us doing one little move and then kept glancing back. Then he caught us doing the deguchi man (the sign representing an exit, that the group likes to imitate) and he smiled and laughed a little, bobbing his head! He is known for not showing any real expression and we made him laugh!! After that for the rest of the night he kept glancing at us. It was really amazing. When it came time for the actors to leave everyone used the exit that we were sitting above. Yamapi was the last one through and since we know he is trying to learn english we called out to him "Come out to dinner with us!" He, who is not know for speaking to anyone, stopped, looked directly at us and thanked us, into his micr ophone. Everyone in the gym saw and heard him speak only to us!! It was so amazing *_* An old lady came up to us and asked what we said to make him speak to us. We were too excited/shocked to respond properly. Only three and a half days into my trip and the unimaginable has happened! I spoke with one of the top idols in Japan!!!!

Made it to Japan safe and sound. Have walked tons... feet are doing ok though. Apartment is really nice. Plenty of room for two. Was planning super long post with pictures earlier, plugged my camera into my computer. Computer froze and now refuses to load. Borrowing Kristi's laptop for now. Will post much more once, if I get my computer up and running.

Went to see the stage production of The Lion King tonight at the Mandalay Bay. It was amazing. There are no words able to fully describe the spectacular display of talent, creativity, and color on that stage. From the moment the curtain went up I could feel my eyes twinkling like a five year old on Christmas morning. I was enchanted by the display of costumes. How anyone ever had the imagination to create those masterpieces I will never know. I strongly recommend anyone who has the chance to see this wonderful production to go without a second thought. It brings out the kid inside. It sent me spiraling into my past when I was in the third grade and saw the Lion King for the first time, only know I could truly appreciate all of the hard work put into an amazing performance.

I can't believe that in less then a week I will be in Tokyo. It is so soon and I am hardly prepared. I still have packing and cleaning and all sorts of things left to do. Tomorrow I am meeting up with friends to review before Saturday's Kanji Kentai. Thursday my brother is coming to visit. Friday will be family day. Saturday is the test, dinner, and The Lion King. Then Sunday comes and everything needs to be finished by then. Monday morning I will be boarding a plane. I had so many more things that I wanted to get done this week that I fear are not going to happen.
Today I did get the yen that I ordered yesterday. It helps me feel more prepared for arriving in Tokyo that I have cash just in case. It was shocking that it came so fast. True it does say 1 to 3 business days, but I always expect 3 or 4. That less then 24 hours later it was ready for pick up was a pleasant surprise.
Have to go work on getting things together now.

I have decided that this is love! Never mind that I was never really a Backstreet Boys fan, but they are icons from my middle school years. Now fandoms unite:

I tried to post this last night and LJ crapped out on me, which did not make me any happier.

I will start by apologizing for this rant. Today was just one of those days when the universe seems to throw up all over you. I woke up and quickly checked my f-list and it was then that I saw the clip of Shingo's apology/statement concerning Tsuyoshi. Seeing Shingo that emotional should have been a warning to crawl back into bed. Alas I couldn't do that since I had work.

I got there and finally got the chance to talk to my store manager about leaving for Japan. Her response was that she would see if I could take a leave or 'I guess we will have to fire you, it doesn't really matter to me.' I think she was joking about that, but with her it is hard to tell. Plus she won't be the store manager when I return, so I have no idea what will happen. After that conversation I found out that in addition to being the only person in adult (meaning covering the registers, fitting rooms, and assisting the customers on the floor), someone had not shown up for their markdown shift that morning so I had to do the markdowns as well. Bridget had gotten most of them done already, but there was still the woman's sale wall which is the most time consuming section. I was eagerly awaiting my second persons arrival, but it turned out he misread his schedule and thought that he was in at 12 instead of 11. Not having back up for two hours on a Saturday is the worst. At several points all 14 fitting rooms were in use and I had a line at the registers. I felt like the proverbial chicken with its head cut off. Sometimes I really wish I could clone myself.

My day started to get a little better once I got home. I pretty much went straight to my room and fell asleep for three hours. Only woke up because I was called down to dinner. At that point my day slipped further into a dark hole. To start with I want to say that I am home maybe once every two weeks for dinner. Most of the time I am either in class, at work, or out with friends so I miss home cooked meals. For once I was home today and my father knew it. Typically he is nice and asks what I want to eat. Today he didn't, but I saw spaghetti sauce thawing on the counter so I assumed that was what we were having, I was really looking forward to it. I got an unpleasant surprise when I went downstairs and discovered chicken in a mushroom sauce. I hate, absolutely HATE mushrooms, and my father knows this. When I asked about the spaghetti sauce he said that they had eaten it for lunch and there

dancingskeleton this is for ( you )

Just watched the PV for Koi no ABO, WAHHH!!!! HAHAHAHAHA!!! Funny. Yamapi's spiral perm at the end, LMAO!!

snagged this from colorfulkizuna it looked interesting ( *shrugs* )

SO I was driving home from class today, trying not to fall asleep and wondering why I was so tired when I realized that I worked yesterday. I was literally so tired that I forgot that monday actually existed. Once I did remember, I got angry all over again. Stupid people at stupid Gap, making me super angry!!!!! AFHJDAHGARHGURAHGJGHFHTEAUDKGHRUFJA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! First I get there and Angela is searching for something, announces that she doesn't know where Shane put it, and then leaves. Not so much as a 'hi, today sucks, bye' Donna told me to ring on register 8 and suddenly I realized that I was the only person working in adult for the rest of the day! It is a piece of shit when I have to close adult and fold down the entire store by myself. I HATE IT!!!! WHY?!?!?!?!?!?!!?!?!?!!?!?!?! Looking around the floor I noticed that all of the men's mannequins had been changed. Didn't really matter much. Then I went back to the fitting rooms to find this mess of clothes waiting to be processed and put out. Pissed me off even more. So I started going through them and realized that they were almost all men's clothes, which is incredibly rare. It didn't take long for me to figure out that the visual team had dumped all the clothes they had taken off the mannequins in my fitting rooms. THIS IS NOT ALLOWED!!!!! Visual people are supposed to clean up and put away all the clothes for the mannequins. They do that and the sales people take care of the customers. It is a 'I don't bother you, you don't bother me' relationship. So I told my manager about it and she got pissed too. She was like 'Don't even tell me that, I don't think so!' in a very sarcastic angry way. Apparently the visual people have been sending these really long e-mails that the sales associates are upkeeping the floor properly and doing all sorts of things wrong. You try cleaning the entire floor in an hour and tell me how we are supposed to board fold everything as well!! So apparently they like to bitch and then leave half of their work for those of us working the floor. It would be one thing if this was the only time this happened, but they always leave the clothes for someone else to take care of. It is soooooo annoying. I would have had the floor done before we even closed if it hadn't been for all of those clothes!!!!! At one point I was literally having a Lydia~esque tantrum in the middle of the store. There were no customers at the time and I started hitting the wall and almost tearing apart clothing. I wonder if anyone outside the store saw me and decided not to go shopping......that would be bad. Anyway, because I am Superhuman Gap Girl (official title btw) I managed to get everything done with twenty minutes to spare (with the help of Mary and Sheila, they ROCK!!!!). Got out early, but being that angry apparently makes me tired for two days. Rant over.

I don't want to go to work. I don't want to deal with the stupid new policies that are now in place. They took away our boxes, hid them in the back room somewhere. They are gone until holiday. With luck I will no longer be working there after this summer. They now also want us to ask if the customer wants a bag for their purchase of if they want to carry it out. Personally I think it is insane. The few customers I asked looked at me like I had grown a couple extra heads, of course they want a bag!
Today I broke on of my mom's new dishes. We have had them for less then a week and CRASH broken into twenty pieces. Oops! Now I have to pay for the replacement and they are not cheap plates. If she can get the same discount she used when buying them it will be $33, but if she can't its like $50 something. :( Why did I have to kill the plate?