It is on days like today, where I'm at work in the aftermath of a snowstorm that stuck us with six more inches, that I wish the hardest to be shopping in Akihabara, eating at a noodle stand in Shinjuku, or riding the shinkansen to Kyoto, taking in the beautiful temples and gardens and hoping to spot a maiko on her way to an occasion.
It makes me sick inside sometimes to think of how far away I am from that goal. Right now, I can't see an occasion that will ever allow me to have the money to get there. Even now, with the revelation of stock from my grandfather held over from decades ago, and an insurance policy my mother had that I didn't think had anything on it, I'm still left without the means. All that money has more important places to be.
I can already hear people now: "Oh, stop whining! Are you even trying to save money? Probably not! And besides, lots of people don't get their dreams fulfilled! There are people starving all over the world! There are people deprived of even basic human rights, and you're bellyaching about not being able to go to Japan! How selfish!!!" Well, to those people, I have two things to say: 1. I would save money if I didn't have the reality of bill payments to deal with. I'd be willing to put aside $50 a paycheck if I could spare it. Yes I know there are people struggling all over the world, but why is it selfish to pursue a dream? And, is it THAT extravagant and unreasonable a goal? The other thing I have to say to those people is: go fuck yourselves.
I'm going to find a station on Radio365 that plays J-pop or maybe traditional Japanese music and immerse myself in all things Nihongo. In my mind, I'm already there.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Friday, November 9, 2007
Long time, no B
It's been almost a month since I updated my blog, and that's probably going to be the usual thing for the first few months. More often than not, I'm not going to have a whole lot to say, or rather, I'm not going to have anything to say that I feel needs to be retained here. Never fear, however, for I have not forgotten whoever happens to be reading this (which I'm betting is no one, right now).
ANYWAY...
I finally found an indoor bonsai tree! My coworker, Abby, informed me that Stein's Garden and Gifts had some in stock, so I trekked over there on my lunch break Wednesday and found one. According to our research, it's a Baby Jade Bonsai. The poor thing hasn't gotten any kind of water in a long time, so as soon as I put some in a little bath tray for it, it drank it down like a desert nomad finding fresh water at an oasis. It's not exactly the style of bonsai I would've preferred, but it'll do just fine. I hope it lives a long and healthy life under my care, which will be next to a miracle, since plants usually don't do well around me.
I'm still completely invested in my Japan goal. I just wish I had the money to invest in it as well. *sigh*
More later.
ANYWAY...
I finally found an indoor bonsai tree! My coworker, Abby, informed me that Stein's Garden and Gifts had some in stock, so I trekked over there on my lunch break Wednesday and found one. According to our research, it's a Baby Jade Bonsai. The poor thing hasn't gotten any kind of water in a long time, so as soon as I put some in a little bath tray for it, it drank it down like a desert nomad finding fresh water at an oasis. It's not exactly the style of bonsai I would've preferred, but it'll do just fine. I hope it lives a long and healthy life under my care, which will be next to a miracle, since plants usually don't do well around me.
I'm still completely invested in my Japan goal. I just wish I had the money to invest in it as well. *sigh*
More later.
Friday, October 12, 2007
All's quiet....and boooooooring
I haven't posted in the past few days because, quite frankly, there's been nothing to write about. Things have been fairly stagnant for me. The only activity worthy of ranting and raving about is a check-up with my gastroenterologist that convinced me that at least one Nazi escaped prosecution in the aftermath of World War II and found his way to Milwaukee.
Of course, my dreams of going to Japan remain solid and focused, and I still fully intend to get there, no matter what.
I'm trying to figure out how I can give this blog more exposure. If no one's going to read this stuff, I see little need to post it other than as a way to off-load all the thoughts that are in my head at any given time.
More later.
Of course, my dreams of going to Japan remain solid and focused, and I still fully intend to get there, no matter what.
I'm trying to figure out how I can give this blog more exposure. If no one's going to read this stuff, I see little need to post it other than as a way to off-load all the thoughts that are in my head at any given time.
More later.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Halloween Idea
Halloween is fast approaching, and I would like to find a decent samurai costume. However, the ones available through most costuming websites are just GOD-AWFUL. Folks, trust me, if at all possible, construct your own costumes. The crap these companies sell are a complete and utter rip-off, and they are the most sinfully ugly outfits I've ever seen.
The problem for me is that I'm plus-size, and if you think the costumes for regular sizes are bad, you should see the crap they sell for plusses. They're hideous, and they're maybe one size above regular, which doesn't make them really plus-sized at all.
A samurai costume is more than just throwing on a robe, slipping some swords under the sash, and walking around in socks and sandals. For me, it has to look like at least SOME thought was put into it. And, while I don't want to spend a fortune on something I won't wear more than once a year, for maybe one year, I'm willing to spend a little extra to obtain some degree of authenticity.
Oh, well...I'll see what I can dig up. I'll keep you informed.
The problem for me is that I'm plus-size, and if you think the costumes for regular sizes are bad, you should see the crap they sell for plusses. They're hideous, and they're maybe one size above regular, which doesn't make them really plus-sized at all.
A samurai costume is more than just throwing on a robe, slipping some swords under the sash, and walking around in socks and sandals. For me, it has to look like at least SOME thought was put into it. And, while I don't want to spend a fortune on something I won't wear more than once a year, for maybe one year, I'm willing to spend a little extra to obtain some degree of authenticity.
Oh, well...I'll see what I can dig up. I'll keep you informed.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Shine bakayaro!
In case you're wondering what that means, it translates from Japanese to "Shut up, you idiot", which is exactly what I've felt like saying to many people in the past few days.
Can someone explain to me what it is about people where they just become completely helpless and would rather let someone else do something than do it themselves? No one wants to do their jobs anymore, or at least, do them RIGHT. Yet, they'll be among the first to raise hell should something be wrong in their eyes. That kind of double standard infuriates me.
Today has been particularly frustrating. The calls at work have been out of control. There haven't been many days we weren't short at least one rep, and some days we're short 2 or more. It stands to reason, of course, that on those days, we're more swamped than usual because we don't have the coverage we need. These days, like today, raise my stressed-out-o-meter to the danger zone.
Folks, there are two things that you all need to re-learn, and those things are: PATIENCE and COMMON SENSE. Let's have a holiday from freaking out when you're forced to wait a whole 2 minutes for help, okay? When someone (like me) is here to diagnose your technical problem, make sure to be at the computer you need help with and have at least minimal recollection of the problem, or else I can't help you. Savvy? None of this is ballbusting, rocket-scientist stuff here. These are things we should just KNOW.
I have to master the art of patience while trying to raise funds for my Japan journey. If I don't, I'll give up or just get so frustrated I won't want to go anymore, and that's the last thing I want to have happen. And, it's not easy. I'm not the most patient man on the planet, and I've had my share of missed connections with common sense. But, I keep trying, and because of that, I will continue to improve.
Well, back to work, I guess. I still have a few clumps of hair I haven't pulled out of my scalp yet.
Can someone explain to me what it is about people where they just become completely helpless and would rather let someone else do something than do it themselves? No one wants to do their jobs anymore, or at least, do them RIGHT. Yet, they'll be among the first to raise hell should something be wrong in their eyes. That kind of double standard infuriates me.
Today has been particularly frustrating. The calls at work have been out of control. There haven't been many days we weren't short at least one rep, and some days we're short 2 or more. It stands to reason, of course, that on those days, we're more swamped than usual because we don't have the coverage we need. These days, like today, raise my stressed-out-o-meter to the danger zone.
Folks, there are two things that you all need to re-learn, and those things are: PATIENCE and COMMON SENSE. Let's have a holiday from freaking out when you're forced to wait a whole 2 minutes for help, okay? When someone (like me) is here to diagnose your technical problem, make sure to be at the computer you need help with and have at least minimal recollection of the problem, or else I can't help you. Savvy? None of this is ballbusting, rocket-scientist stuff here. These are things we should just KNOW.
I have to master the art of patience while trying to raise funds for my Japan journey. If I don't, I'll give up or just get so frustrated I won't want to go anymore, and that's the last thing I want to have happen. And, it's not easy. I'm not the most patient man on the planet, and I've had my share of missed connections with common sense. But, I keep trying, and because of that, I will continue to improve.
Well, back to work, I guess. I still have a few clumps of hair I haven't pulled out of my scalp yet.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
It doesn't hurt to have hope...most of the time.
Today, my lovely wife Heather is coming in to the office I work in for a second interview. A webmaster position opened up, and she was considered first after applying for another job with our company a few months ago. She was in the running until the very end, when they went with someone else. Now, it seems my company's giving her a second chance.
I firmly believe my wife is more than qualified for any job within this company. She's smart, she's talented, she's got a good eye for aesthetic quality as well as functionality, and she works well with customers. I think this position she's interviewing for would be a perfect fit for her skills.
The problem is, my company has this problem with making the right choices. I know I'm terribly biased in this situation, but I maintain that Heather deserved to get the job she interviewed for previously. And she was close...REALLY close...to getting it. Yet, at the last minute, they pulled the rug out from under her. It devastated her. For days she was deeply depressed, doubting her skills and her abilities. Her friends and I were very concerned. I can't blame her for feeling as badly as she did; I would too. They lifted her hopes, only to let them fall and shatter on the cold, hard ground below. For those reasons, I've told her not to get too excited about this current opportunity. I don't trust my company to make the right decision in hiring her, and I don't want her to feel let down again.
It's a shame, too. I want to be excited for her and for this opportunity. She'd be perfect for it. But, I feel like I can't, because I don't want to jinx it. To her credit, she's looking at it much the same way I am, but I believe that deep down, she still really wants this job and will still be hurt if she doesn't get it.
I hope very much that my gut feelings are wrong, and that soon, I'll be able to happily and proudly announce that my wife has a new job. Nothing would give me greater joy.
Like the title says, it doesn't hurt to have hope...right?
I firmly believe my wife is more than qualified for any job within this company. She's smart, she's talented, she's got a good eye for aesthetic quality as well as functionality, and she works well with customers. I think this position she's interviewing for would be a perfect fit for her skills.
The problem is, my company has this problem with making the right choices. I know I'm terribly biased in this situation, but I maintain that Heather deserved to get the job she interviewed for previously. And she was close...REALLY close...to getting it. Yet, at the last minute, they pulled the rug out from under her. It devastated her. For days she was deeply depressed, doubting her skills and her abilities. Her friends and I were very concerned. I can't blame her for feeling as badly as she did; I would too. They lifted her hopes, only to let them fall and shatter on the cold, hard ground below. For those reasons, I've told her not to get too excited about this current opportunity. I don't trust my company to make the right decision in hiring her, and I don't want her to feel let down again.
It's a shame, too. I want to be excited for her and for this opportunity. She'd be perfect for it. But, I feel like I can't, because I don't want to jinx it. To her credit, she's looking at it much the same way I am, but I believe that deep down, she still really wants this job and will still be hurt if she doesn't get it.
I hope very much that my gut feelings are wrong, and that soon, I'll be able to happily and proudly announce that my wife has a new job. Nothing would give me greater joy.
Like the title says, it doesn't hurt to have hope...right?
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
The man with the plan...and the reasons why
Normally I wouldn't feel the need to create a blog. After all, my life is pretty insignificant in the grand scheme of things. Does the internet need yet another blogger who thinks his insights will open people's eyes and minds? Of course not. But, I felt compelled to create one anyway because I feel my endeavor has merit, and it gives me a little extra nudge to see it through. If it's something I keep to myself, it's easy to just let it fade into nothingness. If others are aware of it, at least someone might say, "Hey, whatever happened to your plans to go to Japan?"
So...why Japan? Well, to put it simply, I owe it all to Richard Chamberlain and Toshiro Mifune.
Curious yet? Let me explain.
In the early 80's, a television miniseries of James Clavell's novel SHOGUN was aired on NBC. It starred Richard Chamberlain as John Blackthorne, the pilot of a dutch ship that runs aground off the coast of Japan in the 1600's. He becomes an important figure in a power play for the rule of all Japan, spearheaded by Yoshi Toranaga, played by the legendary Toshiro Mifune. Also, Blackthorne befriends and falls in love with Toranaga's translator, a beautiful young woman named Mariko, who must defend her growing love for Blackthorne against the traditions that fight to keep her away. If you want to know more, rent or buy the DVD set. It's worth checking out.
Anyway, when I watched it with my mother, I was spellbound. The language, the clothes, the traditions, the landscapes...it was all breathtaking, and once it was all over, I had to know more. I started reading books on Japan and listening to music from the country. Later on, I tried to tackle the language, and didn't have much luck with it at first, but now I'm finding myself much more adept at it, though I still have much to learn.
No other country on Earth has appealed to me as greatly as Japan. If you were to approach my workspace at my office, you'd think it had been surgically removed from a Japanese travel agency. Pictures, postcards, and even a collectible plate of a Japanese courtesan, or Oiran, decorate my desk. Wallpapers of Japanese castles and other scenery regularly circulate on my PC's desktop.
But, I need to make it clear that this not about an obsessed Japanophile or otaku wanting to visit the absolutely best place to get the latest anime and manga. It's much more than that.
Japan is a country that has gone through so much change in the last 500 years. As it has evolved, it has retained a strong hold on its traditions while changing with time's demands. It is still a technological superpower, and a powerful force in the international business world. Walk the streets of Tokyo and you'll be in the middle of a city constantly on the go, controlled by the conveniences of the modern world. In contrast, one can walk through a garden in Kyoto, and be transported to a time where samurai defended the land and courtesans wooed patrons in the pleasure quarters. It's so much more than the country of teenage swimsuit models, maid cafes, and J-pop.
I am sure many countries can bring you similar experiences, but Japan is the place I choose to experience them.
My plan is to begin saving at least $20 out of every paycheck. I'd like to start at $50, but I want to be modest about it since my financial obligations take precedence. Over time, this money will be stored in such a manner that I cannot access until all of the money needed for the trip has been amassed. I don't want the temptation of pulling from there to fund some minor expense. Once I am able to put more in the fund, I will begin doing so. Every paycheck, for as long as is necessary, I will store a sum of money, until there is enough for my wife and I to fly to and from Japan, stay there at least a week in a reasonably nice hotel or ryokan, eat, see the sights and do a little shopping.
Right now, it's looking like that sum of money will be pretty high. According to Orbitz, the travel site I just picked from memory, the price for a flight and a week's hotel stay in Japan, STARTS at $1530 per person. Mind you, that doesn't even account for incidental costs during the trip, such as bus/train travel, food, shopping, or sightseeing. I think I found a deal on Priceline.com for about $100 less, but still, you get the idea...it's a pretty damn pricy journey.
That's why I'm fully expecting that I will not reach Japan until mid-to-late 2009, unless we experience a cash windfall, which I SERIOUSLY doubt.
I am hoping that somewhere along the way, people will be able to point me to deals that could get my wife and I there and back with much less financial drainage and minimal discomfort. In other words, while I'm willing to fly and sleep on the cheap, I'd rather not be flying in on a prop plane and sleeping in a capsule hotel with the other salarymen. I want this to be an enjoyable and memorable experience for both of us.
Well, that's enough for now. I'll have plenty of time to talk about this more as the weeks and months roll on.
Ikimasu!!!
So...why Japan? Well, to put it simply, I owe it all to Richard Chamberlain and Toshiro Mifune.
Curious yet? Let me explain.
In the early 80's, a television miniseries of James Clavell's novel SHOGUN was aired on NBC. It starred Richard Chamberlain as John Blackthorne, the pilot of a dutch ship that runs aground off the coast of Japan in the 1600's. He becomes an important figure in a power play for the rule of all Japan, spearheaded by Yoshi Toranaga, played by the legendary Toshiro Mifune. Also, Blackthorne befriends and falls in love with Toranaga's translator, a beautiful young woman named Mariko, who must defend her growing love for Blackthorne against the traditions that fight to keep her away. If you want to know more, rent or buy the DVD set. It's worth checking out.
Anyway, when I watched it with my mother, I was spellbound. The language, the clothes, the traditions, the landscapes...it was all breathtaking, and once it was all over, I had to know more. I started reading books on Japan and listening to music from the country. Later on, I tried to tackle the language, and didn't have much luck with it at first, but now I'm finding myself much more adept at it, though I still have much to learn.
No other country on Earth has appealed to me as greatly as Japan. If you were to approach my workspace at my office, you'd think it had been surgically removed from a Japanese travel agency. Pictures, postcards, and even a collectible plate of a Japanese courtesan, or Oiran, decorate my desk. Wallpapers of Japanese castles and other scenery regularly circulate on my PC's desktop.
But, I need to make it clear that this not about an obsessed Japanophile or otaku wanting to visit the absolutely best place to get the latest anime and manga. It's much more than that.
Japan is a country that has gone through so much change in the last 500 years. As it has evolved, it has retained a strong hold on its traditions while changing with time's demands. It is still a technological superpower, and a powerful force in the international business world. Walk the streets of Tokyo and you'll be in the middle of a city constantly on the go, controlled by the conveniences of the modern world. In contrast, one can walk through a garden in Kyoto, and be transported to a time where samurai defended the land and courtesans wooed patrons in the pleasure quarters. It's so much more than the country of teenage swimsuit models, maid cafes, and J-pop.
I am sure many countries can bring you similar experiences, but Japan is the place I choose to experience them.
My plan is to begin saving at least $20 out of every paycheck. I'd like to start at $50, but I want to be modest about it since my financial obligations take precedence. Over time, this money will be stored in such a manner that I cannot access until all of the money needed for the trip has been amassed. I don't want the temptation of pulling from there to fund some minor expense. Once I am able to put more in the fund, I will begin doing so. Every paycheck, for as long as is necessary, I will store a sum of money, until there is enough for my wife and I to fly to and from Japan, stay there at least a week in a reasonably nice hotel or ryokan, eat, see the sights and do a little shopping.
Right now, it's looking like that sum of money will be pretty high. According to Orbitz, the travel site I just picked from memory, the price for a flight and a week's hotel stay in Japan, STARTS at $1530 per person. Mind you, that doesn't even account for incidental costs during the trip, such as bus/train travel, food, shopping, or sightseeing. I think I found a deal on Priceline.com for about $100 less, but still, you get the idea...it's a pretty damn pricy journey.
That's why I'm fully expecting that I will not reach Japan until mid-to-late 2009, unless we experience a cash windfall, which I SERIOUSLY doubt.
I am hoping that somewhere along the way, people will be able to point me to deals that could get my wife and I there and back with much less financial drainage and minimal discomfort. In other words, while I'm willing to fly and sleep on the cheap, I'd rather not be flying in on a prop plane and sleeping in a capsule hotel with the other salarymen. I want this to be an enjoyable and memorable experience for both of us.
Well, that's enough for now. I'll have plenty of time to talk about this more as the weeks and months roll on.
Ikimasu!!!
And So We Begin...
Yokoso! (that means "Welcome" in Japanese)
This blog will have many purposes, chiefly among those being my plans for a journey to the beautiful country of Japan. It has been a dream of mine since I was a child, and I've made a decision that before I leave this earth, I WILL get there. This blog will document the steps I've taken to get to that goal, and once I get there, I will detail the events of my journey.
Also, this blog will serve as a general rant-and-rave forum on my everyday life, from the incidental to the consequential. My inner geek will have plenty of opportunities to shine, and I am also sure my darker self will rise to the surface from time to time, but no one is without their imperfections, and there's no logic in trying to hide them.
I hope you'll patiently join me on this journey-before-the-journey, and occasionally show your support.
And so we begin...
This blog will have many purposes, chiefly among those being my plans for a journey to the beautiful country of Japan. It has been a dream of mine since I was a child, and I've made a decision that before I leave this earth, I WILL get there. This blog will document the steps I've taken to get to that goal, and once I get there, I will detail the events of my journey.
Also, this blog will serve as a general rant-and-rave forum on my everyday life, from the incidental to the consequential. My inner geek will have plenty of opportunities to shine, and I am also sure my darker self will rise to the surface from time to time, but no one is without their imperfections, and there's no logic in trying to hide them.
I hope you'll patiently join me on this journey-before-the-journey, and occasionally show your support.
And so we begin...
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