Cute Socks!

Cute Socks!
Originally uploaded by nekocon.

From Bodyline‐Loli shoes and socks.

Culture Fest!

Culture Fest!
Originally uploaded by nekocon.

I in my Loli Dress and my students who did Alladin. Good times!

My ALT Resume

Just a post of what I've written for my resume about my JET activities:

Fujiidera Senior High School, Osaka Prefecture, Japan
Assistant Language Teacher (English) 8/03-Current
I plan lessons based on textbook information or from a personal assessment of students English needs and write midterm and final exam materials based on these lesson plans. Also set goals, both short and long term, in order to facilitate students language ability. Work closely with six Japanese teachers of English in classroom. In addition to classroom and planning, I give outside lessons and seminars in English and American culture, lead the English Speaking society, and have initiated a PTA English club.

Osaka-fu Board of Education
Peer Group Leader 8/05-8/06
Took charge of a 15 person group including first year ALTs. Duties include holding meetings for discussion of lessons and problems, arranging outside activities to facilitate cultural adjustment, and trouble shooting any problems encountered by group members.

Osaka-fu Board of Education
Steering Committee Member 8/05-8/06
Members were actively involved in planning the Mid-year Seminar for all Osaka Prefectural and Municipal Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs). Specific accomplishments include generating new topics for seminars that would be pertinent to ALTs work life and assisting the Chairperson in finding suitable presenters.

It's definitely rough, but I needed something to post on the web. I am getting serious about finding a life after JET so any comments are welcome. If you would like to offer me a job you are more than welcome!

Bar Crawl

Last Saturday a group of us went out to meet the self-named Naba Kings for a night on the town. It started fairly early, 730pm, and the meet up directions weren't so clear but we were out for some fun. I called about 13 people out including myself and we made up the bulk of the group for the early portion of the night. Actually, I was pretty proud of myself for having so many connections (and they weren't all JETs). It was a good time although at first we were suspcious as our guides had 100 yen cowboy boots and porn star glasses on. Hmmmm, we thought.

But it turned out to be a good night. Down in Sennichimae there is a second, and much larger, branch of the Hub. It was busy that night (wedding party?) so we went down a floor to a darts bar caleed Bee. It was nice, decorated, electronic darts with good people playing, and a friendly staff. However, what no one will tell you about is the 500 yen table charge and weak drinks. They had pretty good looking salads but that was the only thing that they served worth eating or drinking. I think Bee is for suckers, personally.

We headed over to the Pig and Whistle next and fared better there. We picked up a few more people and scoped out the crowd. It was fairly standard, older and more Eurocentric than the other bars. And the men their are all a little shady, in my humble opinion. I don't mind flirting with people but there are a lot of pushy guys there. I have to admit I didn't like the Pig the first few times for those reasons. But lately it's grown on me and I don't mind sitting down (or standing up) for a drink or three. At least the drinks are stronger there: even lightweights like me couldn't get a buzz from the Bee. (oh, ha ha ha ...)

The last one I was able to stay for was Balabushka in Ame Mura. I think this is a well kept secret. Although, I wish it weren't because if it had been full it would have been amazing. There are a total of three pool tables, two dart boards and assorted video games. The drinks are standard (although I got a plastic cup- what, do I look like a breaker??) and the food is pretty good too. If you are nice to Ryan he will give you a bite of his Katsu sandwich and some of his fries.

I really liked the last bar because of all its open space. There was a seating section complete with a second floor accessable by a wiry set of stairs and an assortment of couches near the pool tables. It had a comfortably used feel and I could see myself going back there to start out an all nighter. I think it will be my new favorite bar as American Beauty looks like it's in the can (for now, at least).
All in all it was a good night with great people. Ah, Japan, the memories you provide!

Date Night in Osaka

Just a short note today about my date last Sunday. We started off at the Outback Steakhouse. I know, I know it's not totally Japanese and fabulous, but I've been here two years. I've eaten Japanese food and I have eaten it on dates (suprisingly). I like outback for its atmosphere-slightly dim, friendly, and not too loud. It's a good place to get aquainted with someone. Although, if your date is shy like mine, the drinks may not be strong enough.

We went to a Mexican Fiesta after that. This fiesta is apparently a yearly event that is held on this paticular 3-day weekend. We went on the second night, and things were still lively. I guess people weren't yet tired of 400 yen Coronas. I know they're cheaper at the store, I know. But can you buy the fiesta atmosphere at Lawson? I think not. Plus we got to do a little dancing, although neither of us was very stellar.

To round it off we went over to Bar Isn't It, Umeda for some pretty good drinks. I always like a Vodka Soda from the Umeda location. Shinsaibashi: not so much. The atmosphere in Umeda is classy and not gritty. The lighting is low and the music is somewhere between pop and Lilith Fair. Sounds bad but I swear it works. Then again, I'm a girl so I like sappy romance. Even though it was technically a holiday the next day the bar was pretty dead so we set off to find a place for some Karaoke. Note to all you kids: Karaoke on a holiday weekend is booked almost solid. We had to book ahead and walk a ways to get to the annex building. The room was nice, though, and came with a drink included. All in all I enjoyed that Karaoke experience more than all the others before it.

So that was my date. 5pm until 11 pm is a pretty good spread in my opinion. Now I am waiting patiently for a phone call ...

Lolita Maid

Lolita Maid
Originally uploaded by nekocon.

One of my Loli self portraits. I am loving this fashion!

Long Time No See

I know it's been about a month and a half since I've posted anything of note. All I can say is forgive me! I have a lot of action-packed Tohoku/Tokyo stories to tell you. These are not limited to my first mixed onsen experience, bathing anked at the gates of hell, eating raw horse, buying my first adult things (laquerware, not anything dirty), and walking around Tokyo Disneyland dressed as a Lolita-style maid. It's a good time and you don't want to miss it. Plus I have a lot of cool pictures that I'll get up either here or on Flicker just as soon as I have a card reader for my SD card. I did a whole vacation with two disposable cameras and my cell digicam. Hope the pics turn out well because it was a blast! Take care out there and check back for more regular updates comming soon. As long as my computer doesn't crash ... again!

New Stuff

Hi guys, for anyone who actually reads my blog, I want to let you know that I will be updating very soon. I just got back from my summer trip to the northern part of Japan and Tokyo. Plus I have a few good Judo stories comming up. Stay tuned!