I am the last day of November...

Time is goin by fast, isn't it???

I finally ran this morning...at 6:15AM...and it was COOOOOOOLD! I think it was around 40 degrees or something...and the wind chill made it worse. But I was sweatin like a mofo when I got back to my shoebox room. I ran for a little under 1/2 an hour, and how far, I have no idea. So on my marathon log, I only put the time. I could really use a GPS watch like Jovan's out there, cuz then I'd know how many miles I'm logging in. I wanted to do 2-a-day runs, but I think that might not be possible out here considering that the work hours seem to be a minimum of 10 hours. Man, I'm so glad we haven't adopted this work-style back home. I would hate it. We left work today at 7:30PM, and got there at 8AM...longest day yet...yikes. At least tomorrow we're leavin a little later, so maybe I can run a little longer.

Good dinner tonight, Korean BBQ;Japanese-style - aka YAKINIKU. I never knew that.


In my un-ending fascination w/ how small my room is...here is my closet


And yes, it is only a little wider than my slipper...size 9. Insane in the membrane, this I know...

I am a foreign runny nose...

Another night here, and another night of sushi. Tonight, we hit up a place called Tamara. It was better than last night...esp with a couple of beers, he he he. Mmmm, sushi rocks. Esp fatty tuna...and unagi...and sea urchin...no fugu for me yet...we'll see if I try it out. I wanna be able to get back home :) Anyway...
Excuse the size of the pics...they were too hard to see if they were smaller...

Just wanna give a litlte perpective to where I'm at in Japan. For those who are horrible at geography like me, this is Japan. It kinda of looks like California in a mirror....kind of. Tokyo is right there at the bend of the elbow.


Here, this shows where Iwaki is relative to Tokyo. When we arrived at the airport, we actually had to take a train into Ueno, which is in Tokyo, and then we went to Iwaki. 2 Trains for a total of 3 1/2 hours travel time, after getting off the plane.


I wanted to hit up Osaka and Kyoto, where the more cultural parts of Japan lie, but as you can see, it's a little far....

Anyway, I'm watching MNF right now, but it's 9PM on tuesday, he he he. So I guess it's TNF. You guys probably already know the final score...and I could check on the internet, but I won't. I think Lou's team is gonna stay undefeated. Nice.

Ahhh, technology is great isn't it? One thing in particular, the beauty of the internet. I get to talk to cic and my other friends even though I'm ten thousand miles away. It makes being so far away a little less hard. So cool man, so cool. It's just unfortunate I can't chat w/ all of you while I'm in the office.

Fun factoid of the day
Oh, for all you cingular people, or if you want to text someone that IS cingular, and you can't use your cell for some reason (for example, if you're in another country), you can use e-mail send texts. Most of you guys probably already know this, but just send the e-mail to AREA CODE + NUMBER @cingularme.com. For example, 3232211313@cingularme.com for someone who's number was 323 - 221 - 1313. Thought it might prove useful to some people.

I've been fighting with a little cold since I've arrived...nothin big, my nose just keeps running and I didn't have a hanky or tissues w/ me. I had to keep running to the bathroom to get toilet paper. Dood thing I brought some cold medicine with me. Hopefully I'll be feeling tip-top come the morning. Gonna go to bed early so I can wake up early and run tomorrow.

I am a soundproofed room...

Ahhh, my first day of work out here in Japan. Wasn't too bad, I have to say. The translator guy I'm working with though, said to enjoy the short days while they last. Short days, hmmm, we started at 8:30 this morning and didn't leave until 6:45PM, I shudder to think what the long days are gonna be like. Oh well, I'm here for work, not vacation. Like I said though, today wasn't a bad day at all. Met a bunch of people, got to take a tour of the entire facility, which was pretty cool, ate lunch in the cafeteria(it's like the commons. People eat in shifts and I have a card I use to get my meals and then at the end of lunch you put your tray on the conveyor belt that goes to the kitchens.), and just worked. It's pretty much the same work as back home, except I'm overseeing the final testing phase of my project while I'm here. I actually have to do work here, they block all non-work related internet stuff, so I can't even surf during business hours!!! Good thing I have videos and stuff saved on my hard drive, he he he.

Anyway, I'm kinda glad I get to do my surfing at the end of the day...because there really isn't much to do here in Iwaki. Everything closes at about 10 or 11 except for some select bars. We were walking home from dinner tonight and it was about 9 or so, and seriously it was like dead quiet outside. And I can't or really wouldn't go drinking anyway because 1) This is a local town and the two dudes I know go to sleep early(they're much older than I am) and I don't feel like rollin solo 2) I don't really feel like drinking lately esp when I'm by myself, and did I mention it's a local town? Who the heck am I gonna talk to? and 3) I'd rather surf the net and catch up on sports, he he he. But there's only so surfing one can do at the end of the day, and I've read all of my regular blogs, minus Joemama's blog because for some reason I can't get it from here. Well, actually I take that back...I COULD surf the entire time, but dude, I don't wanna. Man, I can't wait til the end of this week when I can go explore in Tokyo. At least there will be things to see, I can be a tourist, and things are open much later. The only thing I can really do is run, and I haven't even done that. I gotta run in the mornings before I get ready for work because of the possibility of getting home really late. My foot is more sore than in pain nowadays, so I'll try a short run tomorrow...

Anyway, I said I'd post some pics... so here they are...


Check out this old dude, he fell asleep playing video games on the flight! Awesome.


This is the famous hovercraft I heard about through Drew's blog.


This is the way you're supposed to face in this bad boy. No, I'm not actually using it here, I just wanted to illustrate how you position yourself. If I was really using it, you'd see my knees cuz I'd be squatting. The water comes from the back when you flush. Pretty neat-o.


This is my hotel room. I told Cic that It was like the size of her walk-in closet. Believe it or not, the length from the one wall to the other is under 7 feet! Yeah man, it's tiny in here. Not like your regular western-style hotel. If this city wasn't so damn boring, I wouldn't care cuz I wouldn't be in here much. However, this is my cell for the next couple of weeks, except for weekends, he he he. I'd post a picture of the bathroom, but I'm a little tired.

I am a days' worth of travel...

KONICHIWA! WATASHI WA Jay DESU. HAJIME MASHITE?

So 1 ride to the airport, 1 flight, 2 trains, and almost 24 hours since I left LA, I'm finally here in my hotel room.

Didn't sleep much at all on the flight...needless to say, I'm tired. I really wanna write more about the stuff I've seen already, but like I said, I'm tired.

The cingular text message site does not work here for some reason. And I have no idea to call the states right now, AND it's only like 6AM over there. I already e-mailed beeb, but if any of you that read this happen to talk to her or my fam, please send them word that I am okay :) I really got to get them(my fam, not Cicely) up to speed on the internet...

Anyway, got a big day tomorrow...good night and sleep tight!

I am an extra serving of stuffing...

Happy Turkey Day everyone...I hope this entry has found you all nice and full of turkey and stuffing and all the fixins that come with whatever traditional meals you all have. For me, it was a small celebration, at mom and pop's, with jos and her fam, and me. Unfortunately, beeb couldn't be there cuz she went w/ her folks to Vegas for their own celebration. The original plan was for us to go to my family's lunch and then head out to hers afterward. But because of my business trip to Iwaki, we had to change those plans and bid each other adieu earlier today. I'm always gone around this holiday...so weird. Anyway, we had a good little lunch at the 'rents place, watched some foozball, took a nap, then ate dinner w/ pop and then watched the laker game. And now, here I am, back in Long Beach, waiting for tommorow, when I have to pack and get ready for the trip...

Anyway, so as another Thanksgiving draws to its close, it's time to do a little reflecting:
I have so much to be thankful for in my life...I'm thankful for my small family, that has helped each other through all of the times in our lives when we couldn't get through on our own. For the time I get to spend w/ pop, even though we don't get to talk like we used to...sitting together cheering for the Lakers while he's telling me they're gonna lose is time good enough for me. For his never-ending love and dedication to making sure we were always all okay. So now, it's our turn to return the favor. For my mom, who's amazing strength and love never ceases to amaze me. I sometimes lose patience when dealing w/ her, but I think everyone has tensions with their folks, it's just old school vs new school most of the time. For my sister, who seems to have the same strength as mom, and also never ceases to amaze me. I am thankful for one of the most wonderful people I have in my life...Cicely. For all the times she's shown me how much she loves me. For her unending support of me, and constant communication and helping me to be a better man. For her smiles and her laugh, and for everything that comes with her. I am thankful for the 27 months we've been together, and for the many more months to come. I am thankful for all of the other people in my life that I love and care about, there are too many to mention, and if you're one of them, and you're reading this, then you know who you are. I am also thankful for the experiences, good and bad, I have had that have brought me here today, that have made me the man I am today. And most of all, I am thankful for the life God has given me, and everything else he's given me. After all, I wouldn't have any of the things I just gave thanks for if it was for God.

There is always something to complain about, "I don't make enough money," "I wanna buy a house," "I should've done this," "I should've done that," always something. It's sad that it takes a holiday like this for me to take a step back and realize that things could always be worse. And I'm thankful they're not.

Okay, well, happy turkey day again...

I am a shortage of time...

Only 4 more days 'til I head off to Japan. I'm kinda excited, but I think I'm more nervous right now. I've traveled on my own on occasion, and I think, for the most part, I have come out unscaythed. But that's because I was traveling where I spoke the same language as everyone else. It'll be quite different in Japan, I'll have pretty much 0% knowledge of the language..just like the dude, in Lost in Translation. It'll be a challenge, but I think I'll be able to handle it. I went to Borders to pick up some books for my trip and stopped by the travel section, so I bought a copy of Let's Go Japan. I remember my Let's Go Europe was like the bible when me and the boys were backpacking, so it couldn't hurt to have it with me. I'll only be in Tokyo the weekends, but maybe it'll have some stuff for Iwaki. I have yet to go through it, as I just got it during lunch. I got my laptop scanned for viruses and have my documentation(you can't use their network unless you have your laptop certified by IT first, security reasons...), passport, books, I just have to pack now I think. I hope I'm not forgetting anything. I gotta remember to get beeb's camera so I can take some pics while I'm out there.

Snag in the plan
So there is a little hiccup in my marathon training schedule. Not only did broomballing this weekend tire the living crap out of us that we didn't do our 6 miler for the week, but I seem to have hurt my foot from our softball game. I'm a little gimpy, but it's healing well, I should only lose 1 week, or 2 at the worst, of training. I guess I might just have to do some 2-a-day runs to catch up on the mileage. I hope Iwaki's not too cold for running.

Room's aaaalmost done. I've felt like a carpenter lately, always putting together stuff I get from Ikea or target or something. Jovan called me JC, ha ha ha! Anyway, I think all the assembling I'll need to do is done, now I just gotta organize my clothes into my closet, which could definitely take a while. At least I've finally been sleeping in there.

Oh, a quick recap of the weekend...nothing but good times. Harry Potter on Friday, video games, chillin, Medieval Times and Broomball on Saturday, and then Thanksgiving w/ the crew on Sunday...nothing but good times. We all gotta do broomball again, it was TOO much fun.

'Tis quittin time! Yahoo!

I am a ticket for a runaway train...

I took a good look in the mirror tonight...and I didn't like what I saw. The reflection that stared back at me with brows furrowed was not the man I expected, or wanted to see. In fact, it was quite the opposite of what I expected to see. The man I saw standing there facing me was a man I had never wanted to be. It's sad because you think to yourself, "Man, I never wanna be like that," or, "I'm gonna make sure I'm like this, not this." And before you know it, you become the something you always intended on NOT being. So what now? I don't know. I guess this trip to Japan will be good for me. A lot of my coworkers said that it's a pretty lonely time out there, mostly because of the huge language barrier. Maybe this is what I need, a few weeks of solitude, do a little soul searching....or soul tune-up rather. Anyway, enough of this rambling...I'm sick.

I am another wonderful year...

Just wanna wish the most beautiful woman in the world a very very
HAPPY 26th B-DAY!!!!
Beeb, I hope you have the most wonderful awesome 26th b-day in the world! You deserve it!

I am a late start....

Happy b-day to the twins...I don't see you guys anymore and you probably don't read this, but HAPPY B-DAY!

Measure huh?
Today is voting day...and no, I will not be partaking in the festivities of voting. I wanted to, but I deemed myself unworthy to vote. Mainly because I did not take it upon myself to learn more about the measures to actually take a stand on them. I really feel guilty about it now because so many of my friends are teachers and I have friends in the fire dept and these measures are directly affecting them. And then, the knowledge that about 40% of registered voters actually come out even makes me feel guiltier. But hey, I don't wanna go vote just to say I did and vote for the wrong stuff...that's just plain dumb. So I hope all the measures work out however they should work out to benefit the people that really need it...ummm, yeah.

I've been in sort of a rut at work lately. The project I'm working on is slowly coming to its end and that means, not much work to do, and a lot of just sittin around, twiddling my thumbs. Granted, I think what i need right now is to not be as busy; I'd still like my work day to go by at a reasonable pace. Right now it's 2:29 and I can only count the minutes til I have to go. At least the Laker game is at 4PM(Delay for you TV folks though...1 1/2 hrs).

Got my game tonight and I will be making a stop at home for what should be my last, as far as moving is concerned. Then, I can work on settling in.

"I'm not a complete idiot -- Some parts are missing.

I am the season's first loss...

Dangit, they lost last night. 2nd night of a back-to-back with a running team like Phoenix spelled trouble, esp since the game w/ Denver already went to overtime the other night and they didn't get back to LA til 3AM. But they still played pretty good...I think it'll take a bit of time to get consistent. I have high hopes for the squad though...not too high of course, I AM a realist. Unlike that flip-floppin myopic Vic the Brick(That guy really irritates me), or others. The way I see it, it really comes down to the big guys. We're pretty okay in the backcourt. Kwame has got to get more involved and Mihm has got to stop hackin all the time. No game til Sunday, so we'll see if we're over .500 or under, he he he.

Background music...
I don't exactly know how this got into my head, I might have read about music or background on someone's blog or something, but how cool would it be cool if there was background music for your whole life? That would be awesome! Like if you were in a hurry, that one song from Super Mario Bros 1 would play...the one when time is under 100. Or like when you're just chilin somewhere, this soft background music would play, probably some sort of piano composition, easy and light. And when you're either fighting or arguing w/ someone, cue the fighting music. And it wouldn't bother anyone else, because everyone would be hearing their own music, whatever suited them. Cuz relaxing music to me wouldn't be the same as relaxing music to another person.

I not jealous
You are 11.11% jealous!
For this test, the average jealousy percentage is 35.54%.
443467 people have taken this test to date.

This percentage means that :
You are not at all jealous.
In fact, you are possibly too trusting.
You seem too non-chalant about social situations.
This will possibly present a problem, as people are prone to take advantage of you.

Jealousy Test
People always tell me it's weird that I don't get jealous really. But what is there to BE jealous about? I mean, I understand that when people come out of a relationship where their sig other was cheating on them, they would be very guarded and very insecure...but I have never had that happen to me. I don't know, call it naive or idealistic, but if I can't trust my girlfriend completely then she isn't the girl for me. I hear things like couples that have made each other give up all their friends and some people that have completely jealous significant others. I would not be able to handle a relationship like that. One of my old old gf's told me that she didn't think I cared cuz I never got jealous. Wtf? I'm sorry, but I don't think that's how someone shows they really care about someone else...by being jealous. Again, that's just my personal take on it...

My gosh I've done barely anything today...

"God must love stupid people, He made so many."

I am the perfect season...so far...

1 - 0 Baby! Lakers rule!!! He he he, even though they could've ended the game in OT and even though they scored on a botched play that I still don't understand why Phil called it, they WON Watched the game at Jevon's place and had some Pizza from the Coop. It was okay, I think people over-hyped it for me. But I think I had like 5 or 6 slices...yikes. Anyway, it was a good game. I thought we were gonna get busted by the roomie for screaming so loud. Now we'll have to see about the Manchild-less Suns tonight.

Work has been a bit busy today. Not too crazy, but busy enough that I don't feel like I'm done w/ my "To Do" list. However, I was still able to make up a "runner's log" for my marathon training schedule :) woohoo! AND, I am still leaving early to go have dinner in Pasadena.

Not much substance today...

I am the first commute from my new place...

So last night, I spent my first night in the new place in Long Beach and hung out w/ the new roomie. Didn't have too much to unpack and unload and organize, so we mostly just chit-chatted, went to McD's to pick me up a salad, and watched some Nip Tuck. Pretty good show...I'm hoping I don't get totally addicted to it. I can't wait to bring in the rest of my stuff and be settled settled in. I don't have a bed quite yet; he told me I could take one of the queen beds in the garage, or I can bring my dinky lil twin bed..I'm still undecided. I just don't know how old the bed might be. I'm not being ungrateful to the roomie or anything, but I already have a semi-bad back, and I would like to at least try to keep it from getting worse. So I slept on the couch. The morning commute was not bad at all...18 minutes from door to door coming in to work, and that was even w/ a bit 'o traffic. Awesome! Now I just gotta go grocery so I can food there, he he he. So tonight, I shall go back to my folks' place and pack some more stuff. Hopefully I can be fully situated by weekend's end.

I really love this song
I am thinking it's a sign
That the freckles in our eyes
Are mirror images and
When we kiss they're perfectly aligned

And I have to speculate
That God himself did make us into
Corresponding shapes like puzzles pieces
From the clay

True, it may seem like a stretch
But it's thoughts like this
That catch my troubled head
When you're away, when I am missing you to death

When you were out there on the road
For several weeks of shows
And when you scan the radio
I hope this song will guide you home

They will see us waving from such great heights
"Come down now," they'll say
But everything looks perfect from far away
"Come down now," but we'll stay

I've tried my best to leave
This all on your machine
But the persistent beat
Sounded thin upon listening

That frankly will not fly
You will hear the shrillest highs
And lowest lows with the windows down
When this is guiding you home

They will see us waving from such great heights
"Come down now," they'll say
But everything looks perfect from far away
"Come down now," but we'll say...

Such Great Heights
-Iron and Wine

I am one hour earlier...

Dang, is it November already? Man, if things were busy before this month...I don't know how to describe what's comin. These are the days of the major celebratory holidays, vacations, b-days, and shopping shopping shopping...though I don't know how much shopping I'll be able to do this year, esp now that I have additional expenses with the new living situation and all. But man oh man, it's gonna be busy fo sho. Krikey!

It's 5:30 and it is already completely dark outside. It's...awesome. Only thing is that it makes me want to go home earlier, and it takes away my motivation to run...he he he. oh well, gotta push through. I'ma register either this week or next week...just so I can commit myself and not back out for stupid reasons. Long distance runs are supposed to start next week...YIKES!

NBA season tipped off today, WOOHOO! Go LAKERS! WOOHOO!