Scenes From the Tambo

Scenes From the Tambo
Originally uploaded by nekocon.

Scenes From the Tambo

Scenes From the Tambo
Originally uploaded by nekocon.

Scenes From the Tambo

Scenes From the Tambo
Originally uploaded by nekocon.

Japanese Cooking

So that I can become a real person instead of just a pseudo-person I am learning to cook. Since I am in Japan I am learning to cook some Japanese foods. My absolute favorite dish is boiled Japanese pumpkin (kabocha). There is a fairly complicated recipie in my cook book but my friend Ayumi taught me how to cook it the real Japanese way.

You take half a pumpkin and cut off the rind. Slice into long slices and then small chunks. Put them in the pot. Pour in a few cups of water, a splash and a half of soy sauce and a handful of sugar. DOn't forget a healthy amount of Mirin. Boil until done.

And you are finished. I have made this four or five times, and each time it is succulen and warm and filling. Next will be some kind of tofu dish. Today the kitchen, tomorrow the world- I could see it, can't you?

Judo is Never Easy

Someone told me that I would hate Judo in the winter because of how cold the floor got. I said, you're kidding right? Summer is killing me with the heat. How could winter possibly be bad after all this? Today I learned once again that asking questions like this (in the vein of How Could It Be Worse?) is a bad, bad idea. After only an hour of practice my feet are still numb. I think I got frost bite. It was not so bad for the rest of my body, even my hands got warm from gripping. But the feet, well, it was a learning experience. Despite the meteorological hardships I am still on my way to becomming a die hard Judo fan. There is nothing better than this sport.

Neko News

The Neko News of the week is that I am comming home soon. I land at IAD on December 20th and return to Japan on January 4th. I hope I get to see you all when I'm around!

Kobe Luminarie!

Kobe Luminarie!
Originally uploaded by nekocon.

I checked the Kobe light up with Ayu on Monday night. The light frames were ordered from Italy after the Hanshin Earthquake. The purpose was for cheering up the public‐and I do think we felt peaceful afterwards. It was really nice this year!

Kobe Luminarie

Kobe Luminarie
Originally uploaded by nekocon.

Ending sight at the light up.

My Judo Sponsers and Mariko

My Judo Sponsers and Mariko
Originally uploaded by nekocon.

But the tall one in the middle is someone else from gashuku.

My Judo Boys

My Judo Boys
Originally uploaded by nekocon.

Three of five. We were getting ready to take the ferry to Shodo island for gashuku. Gashuku means {hell on earth} in English.

Elephants

Elephants
Originally uploaded by nekocon.

These were designed by a blind guy after hearing a third hand account (or so). Thats talent!

Famous Sleeping Cat

Famous Sleeping Cat
Originally uploaded by nekocon.

This is supposed to be the most realistic wooden cat inJapan. I paid way too much to see it in the Tokugawa mausoleum in Nikko. Nikko is great‐if you come to Japan you should see it!

Anti Smoking sign in Osaka

Anti Smoking sign in Osaka
Originally uploaded by nekocon.

These always make me laugh. My favorite said{Whenyou break wind you check behind you first but when you blow smoke you do not.} I thought it was a real wake up call for smokers myself! =＾・・＾=;;

View from Hakkoda Mt.

View from Hakkoda Mt.
Originally uploaded by nekocon.

I hiked across 2 peaks and a volcanic ridge this summer. I finally found the pictures!

New Lolita Outfit!

New Lolita Outfit!
Originally uploaded by nekocon.

The skirt is Bodyline's new cutie skirt (H says its real lace!). The sweater is my own but am looking for a cutie one. I bought a Katsuo (shirt made of Tshirt material) and it is very comfortable!

Nagata Sensei

Nagata Sensei
Originally uploaded by nekocon.

Backs up Kimura Sensei‐these guys just kill me.

More of my people

More of my people
Originally uploaded by nekocon.

They are so fabulous!

My Coworkers Get Down

My Coworkers Get Down
Originally uploaded by nekocon.

This is the first time ever I have seen such a party mentality in my people. It was really cool.

My Flickr Photos

I just got a pro membership at www.flickr.com so go check out my photos. They are very cool, I promise.

There is no good season for Judo

Judo in Japan is a very singular experience. They toughen people up here by exposing them to the elements. There is no heating and no airconditioning in most of the public spaces. That includes the Dojo. In the summer is is like an oven and in the winter it's like a freezer. Either I am dying slowly of heat stroke or I am getting frost bite feet first. It's enough to make you wonder why you do things. But I felt better today when my students were complaining. The master was busy so we were all in relaxed Judo mode. Good times! I still wish I could study in English though. I bet it would clear some things up.

Me and Judo

Me and Judo
Originally uploaded by nekocon.

As promised this is me after Judo today. Please excuse the messy hair!

December 2005

Things are winding down here at Fujiidera Senior High School. Or at least they are for me. My teachers are busy preparing for their exams and helping students with all their various studies and forms. It must be nice to have so much import in the world! Although, it is also nice to goof off a lot too. Tonight is our annual "Forgetting the Year" party at the fabulous Tennoji Miyako Hotel. I believe there will be a lot of speeches and a lot of drinking. I am looking forward to seeing everyone let their hair down.

In a little less than two weeks I will be comming home. I still have an exam to proctor and grade as well as four more English lessons and a Shamisen lesson to get through. At any other time of year I would be greatful, but man it's the holiday season and I can't wait to be home! Roll on December 20th