Ergh!

I'm the worst packer ever!

I put one thing in my suitcase and then do ANYTHING else!!

I'm not one of these people that can pack everything the night before because I get paranoid that I've forgotten something. I don't need to leave my place until 12 tomorrow so I just wanna do everything in the morning.

I really have a ridiculous amount of clothes. It's so hard to choose what to take! I spoke to a couple of my friends in Oz a couple of hours ago - it's only been hitting a measly 25 degrees over there and there has been a bit of rain. I guess I shouldn't complain - it's better than the weather in Japan and at least Aussie sun is seriously strong so I should still tan very nicely!!

I'm just not really in holiday mode yet! I'm really excited to see one of my girls - we just had the WILDEST uni days causing havoc - it'll be so nice to have a catch up over a bottle or two of champagne!! =)

xoxo

Ruddy Northerners!

You know, I'm always getting cussed out for making fun out of Northerners.

I don't HATE them!! It's just some of the accents drive me insane because I just can't understand them!

And that lack of understanding shone today when I called up Lloyds online banking customer service to set up a payment. They had this thing where if you want to make a payment online, they want to confirm the recipient by phone. Since I live abroad, I didn't wanna have to deal with this because of the time difference and what not. Until now, i had just been carrying out the transactions over the phone.

So I called them up to see if they could set the payment up for me so that I would be able to just make the online payments with no grief in the future. The customer service that I got was from God knows where up North and I could hardly understand anything he was saying! When he tried to confirm my details, he got all the numbers wrong and I was like OMG I have a serious dumbarse on the phone and then the cheeky git got ratty with me when I asked him to repeat what he was saying.

Not my fault you have an uffed up accent love!!!!

I wish I'd been able to understand his name - I totally would have complained! I'm there telling people everyday that they need to use polite English when on the phone, but that incident today just reminded me of how we really aren't that polite!!! Especially not in customer service.

What a prick.

xoxo

GET IN!!!!

I just watched the X Factor final.

Even though I've actually warmed to her over the last few weeks (when she's actually singing not "rapping"), I am so chuffed that Cher got knocked out last night!! It would have been an absolute travesty if Matt didn't make it through.

I was actually a little disappointed with the duet performances. They seemed way shorter than usual and there wasn't so much singing together as there has been in the past. One Direction's duet with Robbie was actually the most entertaining one to be honest.

But man, last night was all about Christina Aguilera's performance. She absolutely KILLED it. I remember I say her at Wembley back in 2004 and she still NEVER fails to deliver. What a voice!!

xoxo

Feeling Good

I was coming up with a million different reasons not to go to the gym.

The fact that it is absolutely FREEZING outside nearly stopped me. But I forced my arse out the house and I'm so glad I did, for 2 reasons.

1 - I feel effing great now!!!

2 - I got on the scales and all these weeks of laziness have caused me to pile on more kilos than I thought ever possible in such a short space of time.

I'm off to Oz in less than 2 weeks! I can't be hitting up the beach with muffin tops and spare tyres.

Talk about the kick up the arse I needed to stop eating so much junk food! No more MacDonalds for the rest of year!!

(I reckon that'll last a week tops! :P)

xx

Will I Or Won't I?!

When something is RIGHT THERE....it's in your grasp....

What do you do?

Taking it has the mammoth possibility of resulting in a load of grief and drama. Neither of which I want or need. The thing is, it's just a POSSIBILITY. The worst thing that could happen. If you look at it from the other way, taking it could result in awesomeness and satisfaction and a secret to be taken to the grave.

Not taking it could result in months of kicking yourself for not taking the chance when it was RIGHT THERE. It could lead to those endless "What if...?" questions - and you all know I don't have the patience for those. But more than anything, not taking it would just lead to unbearable frustration.

I know I'm being a tease by not revealing what's going on. But it looks terrible in writing and it's just not worth the judgement! LOL! HOWEVER, you all know that I'm a crappy liar, so if anyone was to guess correctly, I probably wouldn't be able to deny it. You know me! :D

Such a dilemma!

xx

A Well Deserved Rest

Man, I went to bed so late last night and had the best lie in today.

I didn't sleep all the way through, but by the time I finally got out of bed it was around 1pm.

Nice.

I don't even remember the last time I did that. Means I missed out on my aqua aerobics session this morning but I haven't had a lazy day like this in ages. Just doing NOTHING. It's kinda tiring doing nothing though! Gonna have to have an early night tonight.

I can't believe how quickly time has crept up on me. In 2 weeks I will be in Australia. It's crazy! I feel so unprepared and not really in the right frame of mind to think about it to be honest. Obviously I'm looking forward to just relaxing in the sun and catching up with friends, but it still feels like it's a lifetime away.

xx

Come On Now

Man, I have some really stupid ideas sometimes.

I was actually considering doing something that crosses every boundary of moral behaviour.

Lucky for me that I came to my senses. Although I am highly ashamed that I was thinking about doing it in the first place.

Shame on me!

xx

Hmmmm....

Today has been really weird.

I'm just not really feeling myself today. I can't pinpoint anything exactly, so I think I'm just gonna blame it on tiredness.

And maybe a couple of other things that I don't really wanna write about now.

It makes it so much harder to work when you're not yourself because you have to put all your energy into acting. It's not the kind of job where you can just go into work, put your head down and get on with your work quietly. On days like today, I wish it was.

On a more positive note, I spent last night putting my bed together. I don't have all the new sheets and everything on it yet but OMG it's so soft and comfortable....it's a miracle how I managed to have such a disastrous first sleep in it!!! I woke up every couple of hours - I think it was paranoia that I hadn't set an alarm for work.

xoxo

IKEA Japan

Man, Ikea over here needs to get its act together.

You can't buy anything online!!! I had to trek all the way to Chiba to buy a bed and then queue for ages to get it delivered. What a pain in the arse!

I haven't been to IKEA in years. I was very impressed at the restraint that I showed - getting what I needed from the bedroom department and all the sheets and duvets in the market hall and then heading STRAIGHT to the self serve furniture section and then straight to the till. I didn't allow my eyes to wander in any other direction, hence stopping me from buying a whole load of crap that I didn't need.

So excited about my new bed! It's bigger, softer and I can't wait for my first sleep in it after it gets delivered this weekend. That is after when I can be arsed to put the whole thing together - lol!

I had a nightmare train ride home. When I got to the station, I just jumped on the train without checking where it was going. I just assumed that I'd gotten on the Keiyo line and that ends in Tokyo. In fact, I'd jumped on the Musashino line, which splits into two. I was so knackered and started to doze on the train and it was only after 40 minutes that I realised that I hadn't reached Tokyo yet (it should've only been a 30 minute ride) and didn't recognize any of the stations. That's when I checked the map and realised that I had wasted all that time on a crowded, stinking train going to the arse end of nowhere! When I got off, I realised I was in Minami-Koshigaya in Saitama!!! WHY didn't I check that I was on the damn Keiyo line?!!? ARRRRGGGHHHHH!!

So yah, I just got home and I'm absolutely knackered now! And it's getting late so I really can't be arsed to do all of the cleaning that I promised myself I would be doing today.

Oh well!!

xx

December December

This year has flown by.

I cannot BELIEVE it's December. When it gets to this point in the year, I always get really reflective and start promising myself that I'll do things different the next year. Of course, I never do. LOL!

In just 3 weeks I'm gonna be in OZ. That in itself makes me think about how quickly time has gone over the last few months. I remember talking to my friend and saying that it was only a couple of months to go - and now look! 3 weeks.

I have been waiting for this day off for AGES and I'm determined to make it a productive one...starting with the gym!

xx

Up We Go!

I just got back from another great training session.

And I am now an FM Instructor Certifier.

What is that? In more simple terms, sales-teacher-trainer.

The best bit about it is that I've been wanting to get into training for the best part of this year. It's just crazy that it's actually sales training - especially since I haven't even finished my own. I'mr eally looking forward to the variation that it's gonna provide to my schedule though - in my last job I was bored after a month and the novelty of being an ALT for a couple of years also wore of quickly....to the point that by the end of the first year, I really disliked my job. By the middle of the second year, I hated it. And by the end I couldn't stand it.

So yah, it feels good to actually like what I'm doing and developing all these skills that I didn't even know I had. I'm meeting some fantastic people along the way too and making some really good freinds.

Awesomeness.

xx

Booked

Yes, I know I promised but I couldn't go to the gym today.

First day of THAT time of the month.

Cramps.

Oooowwwwww!!!

Well, it's as good an excuse as any! Haha!

I spent this evening booking internal flights and buses for my trip to Oz.

I can't believe that it's only a matter of weeks until I will be there. So looking forward to getting a tan and just chilling on the beach with a book. Or 10.

:D

Uh Oh

I've been hit with the lazy bug.

I haven't been to the gym for a couple of weeks now. I was gonna go tonight but I'm just KNACKERED and seriously can't be arsed to go. Plus I don't wanna force myself to go and then be absolutely shattered at work tomorrow - it's just not worth it.

From Sunday. I promise!

Only a month to get my bikini body on!

From Sunday. I promise.

Yes.

xx

What A Weekend

I really had a great time this weekend in Seoul.

Catching up with a good friend, SHOPPING, clubbing, getting blind drunk, hardcore belly laughs - it was awesome.

Seoul is a really beautiful city. A night the lights are just stunning. So many colours and just seriously pretty - in that respect it definitely has the edge over Tokyo.

While I was there, it was seriously reminiscent of when I first came to Japan. The lack of English there hits you pretty much right away and I was back to relying on gesture communication and broken words. How HARD is Korean to pronounce?! When I was walking around by myself, even saying "excuse me" to ask someone for directions went misunderstood. I just got blank stares back - it's crazy!

I hit the shops hard. Not clothes, not bags, not shoes....but....SKINCARE PRODUCTS!!! I am now in possession of so many high brand anti ageing creams and am soooo chuffed at how cheap they were. I loaded up on lotions, potions and make up in duty free - although I am NEVER gonna get it in LOTTE and pick it up at the airport EVER AGAIN. It was just long queues and chaos and at that stupid time in the morning that I was in the airport, that was the last thing I needed.

Back to the grind tomorrow.

*sigh*

xx

Off Again

Nothing like listening to slow jamz while packing for a break.

I'm leaving in 20 minutes to go to Korea. I AM excited but I'm petrified because it's supposed to be FREEZING over there. And you all know how much I hate the winter and the cold weather. Yet it doesn't seem to affect what I pack in my suitcase. I figure if you take a big jacket then it doesn't really matter what you wear underneath. LOL!

Either way I wanna go shopping and get some new clothes anyway so it's a win win situation. Haha!

See y'all in a few days.

xx

WWWWHHHHHAAAATTTTTT??????

I am completely and utterly dumbfounded by Simon Cowell on this year's X-Factor.

Where are the bitchy nasty comments that we all know and love?!

5 times in the bottom and he saves Katie AGAIN. Like seriously - WTF?! In the past, if someone has been in the bottom more than twice he's all over that and gets rid of them.

What is going on?!

I can't stand Katie and her attention grabbing antics. She just needs a punch in the face. And so does Simon for supporting her. And so does Cheryl for putting her through in the first place!!

Unbelievable! I wish I had the will to boycott the show! LOL!

xx

Wowzers!

My goodness me.

I've literally spent HOURS online trying to work out the best way to get around OZ. I've compared costs of a million different routes and my head is spinning.

BUT

I think I have it worked out. I've even looked at availability of hotels to make sure that I don't get screwed over when booking my bus tickets and flights. It's gonna be a bit of a whirlwind trip...well, the last 5/6 days will be anyway but you know me! I like to get in as much as possible! =)

Just really excited bout getting the chance to just kick back and enjoy the beach for a few weeks. Feeling way to white right now!

I've already been thinking about travel plans for next year as well. It's gonna be a big one that's for sure. The beauty of having such a flexible job....*sigh*

Now I need to plan my trip to Korea next week!

xx

The Colours of Autumn

These are just a few of the gorgeous pictures I took in Nikko.

I just wanted you to see the colours more than anything!!

So pretty.

xx

Nikko

So I told you I was driving up to Nikko on Wednesday.

What a wicked fun road trip! Even though I was up earlier than I would've been if I had gone to work, it was such a nice, smooth easy drive out of the city and into the countryside.

The leaves around the temples were gorgeous. Even though they had already fallen in the mountains, the drive up this crazy windy road was so much fun and I nearly hit a monkey that just ran out in from of the car. Even crazier was the weather. It started out gorgeously sunny and then around 3ish, it just got FREEZING. When we drove into the mountains, it started to snow. I was sooo not prepared for that.

I can't imagine doing as much as we did without a car. The station is so far away from the sights and even though there are buses, it must be such a pain to have to wait around for them. Plus the fact that some of the attractions out of Nikko city are really far away from the bus stops - I mean, who's gonna walk to an outdoor onsen in the arse end of nowhere in the dark!?

That was such a nice way to finish of the day. On the way back we made a stop in Utsunomiya and still made it back to Tokyo in good time. I've been knackered ever since though, coz I still had to get up at 5am the next day to go to work.

*sigh*

Can't believe how CHEAP it was to rent a car! So gonna go on another road trip before the winter bargain offer is up. In the meantime, I'll be off to Korea next week to hang out for a few days. It will be much needed time off.

Pictures to come as soon as I've charged my camera battery!

xx

Start As You Mean To Go On

I just got back from the gym and am aching but feeling awesome.

3 times this week!!! I'm so proud that I've been forcing myself to go - even though I feel sooo tired after work.

It's the initial getting out of the house that's the problem. Once I'm walking and when I get in the studio, I feel fine. I just hope this is the end of my month long bout of laziness! It's one of those things where you get motivated for a while and then all it takes is not to go once and then it escalates from there.

On a completely different (and random) note, don't you just LOVE it when you have a great smelling shampoo?! LOL! I can't stop sniffing my hair!

LMAO!

Night.

xx

OMG! It's REAL?!!?

I've never been one to wear real fur. In fact, it's actually against my morals to wear real fur.

So you can imagine my horror when I discovered that I've been wearing a real fur collar for about 3 weeks!!!

I was with a friend this evening and was showing her my collar and crooning about how unbelievably soft it was and she was telling me that she thinks it looks and feels like real fur. Everyone has been commenting on how expensive it looks but I hadn't thought anything of it...except that I'd made a much better choice than the other girls that I have seen wearing "fur" collars.

So I pulled it off to show her the label...which I had never actually read...and there it was written in Japanese...."CHINESE RACOON (REAL)".

Man, I threw it on the table so fast you would've wondered what the hell was going on. It was at least 20 minutes before I could even touch it again as I watched my friend stroking it and rubbing her face in it.

Yuck.

I only put it back on again because it's so cold outside! My friend is trying to justify it by saying that there are plenty of Chinese racoons out there. The collar is absolutely stunning and I love it so much, but I'm just absolutely disgusted with it right now!! It wasn't exactly cheap so I don't wanna just discard it...even if it is real fur.

I wish I never looked at that label now! Sometimes ignorance really is bliss!

xx

Back Behind the Wheel

As if it wasn't exciting enough that I'm heading up to Nikko next week....

...my friend and I have decided to rent a car and drive up there!!! Well, I'll be the one doing all the driving but you know what I mean! It's gonna be a really gorgeous drive as well - take in some stunning scenery, make stops wherever we like - much more interesting than taking the train!

It's mroe expensive but I definitely think that it'll be worth it...I hope. Just waiting to see if the car rental company are gonna be a little more flexible on their winter bargain pick up times!

I pulled out my Japan Lonely Planet for the first time in 2 years - so much to see and do here! I really need to get on it.

xx

Fighto!!!!

I FINALLY dragged my arse to the gym today.

For about 2 hours I found every excuse not to go but I just put myself through the motions and got my arse out of the door.

I have a feeling I should've eased myself back into in though instead of jumping straight back into the advanced aerobics class! It was so hard!! And even though I feel GREAT right now, I know tomorrow I am going to be absolutely exhausted.

But the fight for the bikini body has begun. In my month of laziness, I have managed to put on a kilo...not that I mind - it's all gone straight to my arse and for the first time EVER, I have a fabulously round and bouncy back off! Haha! At last! Something to shake on the dance floor. =) However, I need to tone up and get fit - stairs are killing me more than ever before.

You always just feel so great after a really hardcore workout - but tomorrow I have one hell of a busy day so I hope I'm not too knackered and aching after this evening's antics.

Night all!

xx

Once You're At The Top....

...the only way is down.

One minute you have everyone kissing your arse, but all it takes is ONE thing - no matter how small - to bring you tumbling down.

I saw it happen to someone I work with today. It's definitely opened up my eyes - it feels like it's almost a warning not to get complacent.

Warning noted.

xx

Oops I Did It Again!

I have a crush on someone I shouldn't.

AGAIN!

Actually, make that 3 people that I probably shouldn't.

LOL!

xx

Hehe!

I can't even begin to tell you how wasted I got on Tuesday night.

LMAO!!

My friends had to put me in a cab at like 5am - turns out my attempts at talking were just horrible slurring noises!

All this and I was still dressed in work clothes - how embarrassing! And brilliantly hilarious.

I had a blast.

Thanks boys!

xx

A New Level...

....of knackeredness.

I could barely keep my eyes open at work today and they seemed to get heavier as the day went on. On the train ride back home, I totally knocked out and now I am DYING to go to bed.

This is, it's not even 8.15pm! And I know that if I was to go to bed know I would knock straight out...and then wake up at like 1 or 2am. Which is so not cool given the fact that I'll be up at 5.15am anyway.

*sigh*

xx

*sniff* *sniff*

Urgh!

I feel rotten. Just, like, annoying runny nose and constant sniffing rotten.

And I know it's just gonna get worse. The cough will be next - dry, then chesty. I wonder how long I'm going to have to ride it out for.

I left work a little earlier today and decided to treat myself to a trip to the international supermarket, where I loaded up with Western goodies! Bagels, chocolate, cheese, HP sauce and more. No excuse not to cook now! I came back home and went to the local supermarket to stock up on vegetables as well and then cooked a green Thai curry for dinner.

Now I just have to keep it up! I always get short bursts of motivation to cook and prepare lunches to take to work, but then I get tired and we all know that when you get tired, you get lazy. And then all your food goes bad. But I'm determined not to let that happen this time - not after I spent about 13,000 yen on everything!

Even though I can afford it, I still resent paying such ridiculous prices for imported goods here. I was looking at cereals and other sauces and stuff and the prices are just extortionate! Especially when you think about what you would pay in Tesco back home! It's just really annoying, but at the end of the day, it boils down to how big your craving for stuff is. I'm not doing too badly but I did fork out the fiver for a small bottle of HP sauce. What a rip off! But sometimes, it has to be done.

Mmmmmm

xx

Snuffly

I've caught a cold.

And I know it was in Kyushu!!

When I went down there last weekend, I had absolutely no idea that it would be so cold! Seriously, in the evening it felt like we were already in the middle of winter. I didn't have enough warm clothes with me and resorted to borrowing suit jackets and hoodies.

I've been sniffing and sneezing all day. So not cool. It's not even just that - I hate the way having a cold makes me feel so run down! Even the energy drinks couldn't get me out of it today.

Definitely going to be an early night for me!

xx

E-Readers

Does anyone have an e-reader?

I'm really thinking about getting one.

Apart from the fact that I wouldn't have to lug a whole load of books with me on holiday, I reckon I would actually read more because I would be able to download new books at anytime - and at a cheaper price. I miss reading on trains - I don't have any new books and I haven't had time to browse online for some new ones either.

And I am loving the look of the new Kindle 3. I haven't really heard people talk about e-readers much and I haven't seen them about here so I have no idea how popular they are. What do you guys think?

I'm also leaning towards getting an iPhone. I never really cared about having an amazing phone before, but now that it looks like I'm gonna be hanging around for the forseeable future and I can actually AFFORD to own one, I'm thinking about it.

I can't decide if I want the iPhone or Blackberry....EVERYONE here has the iPhone and I prefer keys to touch screens....but then again, the iPhone can do so much MORE, not to mention the fact that it's WAY cheaper to run than a Blackberry over here.

HELP!!!

xx

Wildcards!!!

Yay to the wildcards in X-Factor!!!

DIVA FEVER ARE BACK IN!!!! Woohoo!!

So glad to see Treyc back in there as well - although I guess it would have been a tough decision between her and Gamu. Not sure that Danni brought the right guy back in and poor Louis didn't really have much of a choice! LOL!

I absolutely loved last night's show. I can't stand Storm or Nicolo with a passion but I really enjoyed the rest of the performances. Mary and Aidan absolutely SMASHED it for me but they were all soooooo good. Laughed my arse off at Wagner's performance and Diva Fever just made me grin - they're so much fun!!!

It's gonna be a great show this year!!

I got so caught up watching that I didn't make it to the gym like I planned.

DOH!!

xx

How Am I Feeling?

Tired, frustrated, anxious, excited, chuffed, full and I have a headache.

LOL.

Tired...well - you know why that is.

Frustrated because I'm not getting the results I want fast enough. I get there in the end but I want to be able to make things happen faster. Definitely a skill that's there but I need to seriously develop...kinda like getting that final hook instead of people walking away to think. I don't want them to think...I want them to make an instant decision. LOL - how many people do that? Really? It's normal for people to wanna think about something before splashing out so much cash on it, right? But I KNOW and I can see from other people that there is a hook - I just have to figure out what it is.

Anxious because...I dunno...I always feel a bit anxious when I'm going back to Kyushu. Even though I've only been back once since I left, it's going to be totally different this time. I know that I'm gonna be super anxious next time I go to the UK as well.

Excited...well, just because I really can't wait to see my friends that ARE still in Kyushu. =)

Chuffed because I finally got notification that I will receive some unemployment insurance from the money that I lost when my last company went bankrupt. It's not a lot and isn't close to the amount I actually lost but at least it's something and I'm looking at it as I kinda little bonus on top of my wages. Which means I'm going to blow the whole lot shopping!! If I can actually find anything to buy that is.

Full because I've yet again stuffed my face with crap. Man, I really need to get to the supermarket tomorrow so I can eat something that constitutes as a healthy meal.

No idea why I have a headache....probably because I'm not drinking enough water. LOL.

xx

How Is It...

....that I manage to sleep through the whole night for the first time in ages, yet still feel so tired today?

Exhausted.

It's really annoying as well that I still wake up so early on my day off. I know my body is used to the early mornings, but even when I go to bed late, I never seem to sleep in much past 8am.

Useless.

I can't tell you how much I'm ready for my break next weekend. 4 days off work and a whole weekend where for once, I can go out all night and drink too much and spend all my time with my friends. I was looking forward to it before, but now that it's drawing closer and closer, I'm realising more and more how much I really need this break. It's almost like it's the perfect time to take one as well.

Now that I don't have any bureaucratic crap to worry about, I will really be able to relax. Next month as well.....not to mention my well deserved two and half week break in Oz. I can't wait to get some sun and go black! I hate being this pale!!!!

Bring it on!!

xx

How Efficient

The Immigration Office have definitely upped their efficiency.

I remember when I went there a year ago, I had to wait for absolutely hours to be seen. I went in today and picked up my visa AND got a reentry permit in under 30 mins. I was probably in and out in about 20 now that I think about it. It probably had something to do with the fact that I got there later than I went last time - just before 3pm. It's definitely a risk because they close at 4 but it seems like most people try and get there as early as possible.

I'll remember that for future visits! Not that I should have to make any visits for a while...

...my 3 year visa extension was APPROVED.

I was surprised my company were willing to sponsor me actually - especially since I'm an itaku worker and not an "official" full time member of staff. Most eikawas only sponsor their teachers for a year so I'm feeling well chuffed today.

And for once I had a smooth exchange at the ward office for the first time ever!!! The woman in the pension department used simple Japanese to explain everything instead of bombarding me with all this tax jargon that I just can't get my head around without a dictionary. Thanks to her, I've just gotten out of paying the pension until next June. It was becoming such a bureaucratic headache to get myself exempt, that I was gonna just yield, so I'm so glad that she made it easy for me.

So exhausted. It's been a couple of weeks since I last went to the gym, so the 30 minutes aqua session this mornign has properly knackered me out. And since I'm gonna be working the next 8 days in a row, I'm gonna try and get an early night.

Haven't been sleeping so well recently, so I hope I can just knock out.

xx

Break Up Sex

Hehe!

I accidently on purpose taught this to a client today.

She was telling me about her (considerably) younger boyfriend who she is going on holiday with this week.

She was telling me that she thinks it's best for them to split up. She didn't know the term split up, so i asked her to give me another example of how to use it.

She turns to me and says...and I quote verbatim...

"I'm going to tell him my true feelings and if he doesn't like it, I'm going to strip".

LMAO!!! I just burst out into hysterics. She knows the word strip so I didn't have to tell her what she had really said. We were laughing for ages and then she tells that stripping would be a good thing at that time as well. LOL!!

Hence, the term break up sex!!! I just couldn't resist. I love this woman - it's actually freaky how alike we are, even though she's 9 years older than me. We both speak Spanish and adore Spain, we both are career first women, we both would be content with a partner instead of getting married, we both don't really mind if we don't have children, we both have the same attitudes towards men - using them as a plaything is PERFECTLY OK.....the list goes on!!!

When she comes back from Spain in a couple of weeks, I'm defintiely gonna suggest we go for a drink! I can only imagine how fun it would be! Plus we would have a choice of 3 languages to converse in. It's gonna be wild - I know it already!

xx

I Forgot!

On a completely different note...

I found out today that I might have made it 4th in the top 5 ranking for company sales among instructors last month. Just waiting for the figures to be confirmed but how awesome is that?

Feeling very chuffed indeed.

And a little embarrassed by all the praise. I'll never work out why I get so shy.

xx

Serious Shock!

Yesterday I was ranting how great Gamu and Treyc are and how I can't stand Katie and Cher.

I don't know what the hell Cheryl is thinking. Well, I kinda get it. Katie and Cher are unique but they don't have the vocal quality to win this. I am seriously shocked that Gamu and Treyc didn't make it. Unbelievable.

And I also can't believe Niccolo made it in over Marlon!!! Man, even I would've picked up the phone for that guy - and not just because he's hot! He has an incredible recording voice.

I feel so sorry for the ones that didn't make it through.

It's made me think that the groups have a real shot of finally winning this year. Seriously.

It's gonna be an interesting one.

xx

Spot The Talent

OMG is it right to be this excited about this season of X-Factor?!

I've never liked this many acts before!!

Faves are as follows

In the boys : Marlon and Karl (serious eye candy!!!) and Matt. Matt has just the MOST incredible voice

In the over 28's: not a hard one - Mary has by far the best voice and I like that quirky guy with the hat whose name I've forgotten!! Storm has a great voice but I just wanna punch him. Either way, no one in this category is gonna win.

In the groups: I LOVE Diva Fever!! They were really good in Marbella! And I love Twem but I doubt they'll make it through. Love the group F.Y.D or whatever they're called and the new boy band that was put together out of the solo artists. That new girl band that was put together are pretty great too.

In the girls: All of them except Cher and Katie. Those 2 do my head in!!!! I can't see the fuss about Cher....the other girls have so much more talent - Tracy and Rebecca are INCREDIBLE and so is Gamu!! Their voices are just outstanding that I could listen to them all day. Definitely a fan.

It's gonna be between the girls and boys this year!

Loving, loving, loving it!! I wish it was on all the time. LOL!!

xx

Tired

My goodness - this morning was seriously tough at work.

I don't even think I went to bed that late last night but I was absolutely exhausted this morning. It took all my power to stifle my yawns throughout the first 7 lessons and a load of my clients commented on how tired I looked. I couldn't even attempt to hide it.

Really looking forward to the long weekend that I'm treating myself to in 2 weeks.

2 weeks?! I can't believe it's come around already! But I'd be lying if I said I wasn't excited about going back to Kyushu. Not necessarily where I was living but I'm proper chuffed to be going back to Fukuoka. Seeing friends, shopping and walking around Canal City. I went shopping here on my day off - man shopping in Japan really sucks!! I wasn't feeling ANYTHING in the shops...except Chanel...not that I'm in a position to be spending that - not yet anyway! LOL!

xx

No Judgement Please!

My God, I am absolutely LOVING this season on the X-Factor!!!

So intense and there are so many AMAZING (and annoying) acts in there this year!

I wish I could watch the live shows instead of having to wait for days for a decent stream online.

HOOKED.

Don't judge me!

xx

Awesomeness!!

I am having the greatest week!

Not only is it gorgeous weather on my day off, but I've booked my flight to OZ, the bar I designed is opening tonight, my sales success rate at work is impressive, I'm on top of my bills FINALLY, I've landed a 3 year extension on my visa and I have money to go shopping!

Isn't that great?!

What an amazing feeling! It's like everything has just come together right at the end of the month.

Now I just have to deal with the ghastly trip to the Immigration office and run a whole load of errands today before I can hit the shops. Not that I can go mad mind you. I send a big fat portion of my pay check back home and after paying all my bills, I'm not actually left with that much to play with. Plus, I have to keep some for my trip back to my Japanese hometown next month. Might restrict myself to just a pair of shoes today. Or not! :P

xx

Just Gets Better

HOW much are you loving this new season of Gossip Girl?! Hopefully as much as me!

Only 2 episodes in and I am just as hooked as I ever have been. So in love with that show.

On a different note, I went to Shibuya last night to see my friend's bar which I designed. Well, i chose the colour scheme and all the materials for the bar, floor, chairs, etc. I've never tried my hand at anything like that before and to be honest...

....WOW!!!

I never anticipated that the place would look so good! I was so shocked and felt so proud of my friend and even myself for making such great choices given the small budget that we had to work with. I am so excited for the opening and I really hope that everything works out! Should be getting the flyers tomorrow, so I'll let you know all the details!

Come down and join us for a drink!

xx

When Did THAT Happen?!

Pay day today! Yay!

So I was online looking for my flight to Oz and I decided that I would check my UK bank account to see if I needed to transfer any money to pay for it.

Yeh I do!

I had no idea that I was overdrawn! I haven't been overdrawn for years so it was a real shock to see that on my statement. Definitely my trip to America that did that - there's no doubt about it. I know I spent a fortune over there. And then there's the £150 I had to shell out to renew my passport - complete daylight robbery! On top of that I have monthly payments to the student loans company coming out. Which reminds me I have to send back the forms for assessment again.

So much crap to sort out and only one day in the week that I can do it. I wonder if there will ever be a time that I will be on top of EVERYTHING and can actually do NOTHING with my day off?

Not this year, that's for sure. But hey, it's all worth it. I find it very satisfying to know that I can kinda choose how much I earn every month so I won't complain.

xx

A Vote Of Confidence

There is nothing more motivating than hearing that people have so much faith in you.

When work gets tough, you can't help but feel a little demotivated, but all it takes is the right words from the right person and you're all set again.

It's all good.

xx

Missions

I really hate having to go to the Ward Office.

You would think given the number of foreigners that live in my area that there would be more services available in English. The signs are in English - that's about as far as it goes!

I had to update the information on my gaijin card because I got a new passport. That's no problem to do in Japanese. Then came extending my health insurance - again, no lingo problems there. Then I had to go to the taxation counter.

STRESS!!!

I just don't have the vocab to deal with that kind fo stuff! They gave me this form to fill out with no English guide and I had to sit there with my dictionary trying to figure out what all the kanji was on this form. And NO ONE could help me - I would have been extremely tolerant of horrific broken English if it gave me even the slightest hint. It's only because the form was so detailed! It took me ages to get through everything.

But I did. And I can't even begin to tell you how tired I was after I had finished! I went there straight from the gym, so I was already a little bit tired but that really knackered me out!

At least it's all done. Nearly.

I have to go back once I get my visa extension. A long, boring wait at the immigration office to look forward to. Lucky me!

*sigh*

So ready to crash.

Night.

xx

All Clued Up

I'm feeling great!

I've just got back from what has been the most useful training session I've had since I joined this new company. I haven't had to take in that much new information in a long time and you know what? It was really refreshing to actually not know the answers and to have to try and work stuff out for a change.

The session was about Business Strategies and I learnt all about different theories and business strategies and how to analyse people and companies based on their visions and mission statements. It was really, really interesting and so useful! I can't wait to actually apply some of this stuff and incorporate the theories to see how they work out.

So now, I'm all clued up about Strategic Planning, Management Theories, E.I., PEST and SWOT Analysis, and the theory behind the Thinking Hats. I found it that interesting, that I'm actually gonna check out some books about the theories! Kinda geeky but it's all transferable knowledge and I'm looking forward to developing my business skills - not just for now but for the future as well.

Exhausted but I really enjoyed today. There were only 2 of us so I couldn't hide behind anyone else and just listen. I was forced to think and analyse different case studies and come up with solutions and suggestions - most of which I didn't even realise I had the ability to do! Now I know the ability is there, it's definitely something that I want to develop further. I've had this trainer a couple of times before and he commented that he noticed I was happier when I could take something concrete away from a session - when I actually learn something NEW instead of recycling the same old stuff over and over again. I totally agree with him and this is definitely a new direction for me.

Looking forward to putting theory into practice! Gonna be a little tough at first I reckon, but it's definitely a way to make work more interesting for sure.

xx

Feeling Fabulous

Man, I have been missioning it all day!

I was up early (as we knew I would be) and I just started dealing with all the stuff that I have been putting off for ages - sorting through documents, getting documents filled out and posted, printing out and copying stuff, furikomis, cleaning, laundry, tidying up.....I even went to the gym, the bank, the supermarket and now I'm sorting through my clothes.

Tired, but it feels great to finally get this stuff done. I've gone through my wardrobe and there is so much stuff that I haven't even worn or I've only one once or twice. What a waste that it's just sitting there - if anyone wants any new or hardly worn clothes then let me know! Otherwise I guess I'll just send it back to the UK or to a charity shop. Just need to work through all the draws now! I had a massive clear out before I moved to Tokyo but I wanna go shopping after I get paid for some autumn/winter wear so I need to get ride of some stuff. I always tell myself that I will wear something and then I never do, so I figured I may as well bite the bullet and get rid of stuff now. I mean, if I haven't worn something in a year, what are the chances that I'm going to wear it now, right?

xx

Oh Yeh!

So I tested out the new trainers on my work too and from the gym.

They're a little tight, but now that I've worn them, I can hardly hand them back and ask for a bigger size! I'm just hoping I need to break them in a little.

It's like walking on air cushions! I definitely had a spring in my step when I was walking and the funny thing was that by the time I got to the gym, my calves were actually aching a little bit! Not sure that's a good thing right before a 40min step class but it definitely feels good to know that I'm making my muscles work after such a long break from the gym.

And I really enjoyed my step class today. FINALLY the instructor has changed the CD that she uses and we actually have some modern dance and hip hop in her class! Other classes have better music but I definitely like this instructor the best. And she's definitely upped her game with her choreography - the routine was actually a bit tough for me today! Great workout...and now I'm knackered!

I'm so glad I don't have to wake up to an alarm today. Even on my day off I get up at 8.30 so that I can go to my aqua aerobics class....well, I get up but I don't always make it to the class! LOL! But yah, tomorrow I can sleep in as late as I like. But to be honest, I'm not too hopeful. Probably be up before 9am knowing me. I just don't think I can sleep in anymore...although, I'm gonna give it my best shot because I can definitely use the rest. Plus, there is a whole load of stuff that I WILL do tomorrow.

Roll on a productive day!

xx

A Kick Up The Arse!

Man, sometimes I really love my job.

And today was one of those days! I got the kick up the arse I needed to stop being so lazy and get to the gym. Who would've thought that the motivation came from one of my clients.

How did he do it?

By giving me a pair of Reebok Easytone trainers!

They're going crazy for them over here! They're trainers that tone vital muscles in your legs when you walk. There are pockets of air in the soles that apply pressure to the right points that when you work, certain leg muscles work.

How awesome is that?

I really wanna see if they work and what better way than the 20 minute walk to the gym! I'll let you know how they feel when I get back!

xx

Frustrated

As my eyelids were getting heavier and heavier throughout the day, all I could think about was getting away.

I am badly missing the beach and the adventures that come with being on holiday. The people, the food, the walking around in a bikini with no make up, the sun, the heat, the not wearing a watch because time doesn't matter, the sleeping in (what is that again!?) and more than anything...the RELAXATION.

I've mentioned a million times how much I've been working my arse off. The problem is, once you get a taste of earning that much money, it's hard to cut back on your hours and accept less. But I know that I HAVE to....not just because I'm knackered but because now that I have the flexibility to travel ANYTIME I want, I really should start making the most of it. I think a trip every month is order! I'm all set for this year in that respect but it's exciting now that I've fully realised that I can leave and take a break WHENEVER, literally WHENEVER I want.

Now that's what I've been waiting for. I mean, I know that I won't get paid for any time off that I take, but who the hell cares when you get out there and see the world?! This year has been kinda slow in terms of the number of trips that I normally take...hang on...has it? By the end of the year I would've been to Kyushu twice, Singapore, Malaysia, the States, Korea and Oz. That's not actually too bad now that I see it written down on paper.

I sit there day in and day out and I listen to what other people are doing. The trips they're planning, their plans for the weekend, their goals and projects at work. It makes me realise that I still have a whole lot of the world to see. At 30 countries I don't think I'm doing too badly but it's nothing really compared to what is out there.

So, if anyone fancies a lil adventure, then let me know!! Life is for living - people always tell me that they wish they could just up and live in another country or leave and travel the world. Well, you know what? You CAN! The other thing stopping you is YOU.

xx

It's ON!

You all know how much I LOVE planning trips.

I was checking out flights for Oz today and ended up booking a flight to Korea instead.

Don't get it wrong - I'm still going to Oz - but I can't pay for the ticket until I get paid anyway so I have to wait for that one.

How exciting!

Also found out that my company have finished their evaluations and will be sponsoring my visa. I'd be so screwed if they didn't - especially as it runs out in November. Cutting it a little too close for my liking, but hey - I got the result I wanted in the end. =)

I decided to treat myself to a pizza to celebrate all this awesomeness. I only devoured a medium this time though - 8 slices instead of my usual piggish 12. Hehe!

xx

Ergh!

Ergh - last week was kinda tough.

A load of family drama and man problems.

Bleurgh..........

It doesn't help that on top of all of that I'm just tired.

I don't really wanna get into a whole load of details about everything, but you know that guy that I said I liked but I didn't want to? He's driving me absolutely CRAZY!! Trust me to be attracted to the most frustrating guy EVER! I swear I just need to start all over again with men - seriously!

I've been on a money saving mission and haven't been out too much this month yet. I'm surprised how much I went out last month given my dire financial situation but I'm getting to a point where I'm getting bored of spending so much time at home. I spend the whole day in front of a computer at work so when I get home, I don't wanna spend hours online or in front of the TV. I think it's time to get out there and start having fun again.

But do you know how tempting it is to just go and show up on this guy's doorstep?! Of course, you know I wouldn't humiliate myself like that but it IS tempting.

何すればいいかなー

I HATE waiting.

I really hate it.

Ergh!

Stupid men.

xx

I WANT!

Have you seen Cheryl Cole's new video?

I WANT that dress! The one that she's wearing right at the beginning. HOTNESS!!

Man, I would look soooo good in that LOL!

I've never been a massive fan of Cheryl to be honest but this new song is annoyingly catchy and it's all about that dress for me! Hehe! I actually quite like the tacky lyrics as well.

I wonder if I could get someone to make that dress for me....

All budding designers can contact me!

xx

X-Factor!!!

Season 7 has started!

And I am loving it already. The auditions are always the best bit and there were some right crackers in there this year!

Everyone always cusses out reality shows but I've always liked the ones that support talent. Having said that I only mean X-Factor and Project Runway. I've only ever watched one season of American Idol and that presenter guy is too annoying for me! But where would Leona be without X-Factor? Who knows if she would have been discovered without it.

So yah - something else to watch at the weekend!

I knocked out so early last night. I'm still working hard everyday but I'm trying to get to bed just that little bit earlier to make the next go go a little more smoothly. It seems to be working so I'll keepo my fingers crossed.

Man, I am DYING to go shopping! I haven't been for months (well, since June) and I just wanna get a whole new wardrobe. The only good thing about winter is the fashion. That's it. Can't wait to be back in skinny jeans, boots and chunky knits again! That look really is timeless.

xx

I Think...

I MIGHT like you.

And I don't want to!!!

DOH!!!!

xx

Miss Productivity!!

I killed it today!!

I got so much done and treated myself to a large Domino's pizza.

I swear I have got even greedier with age - the whole thing (all 12 slices) was gone in 8 minutes. 8 minutes?!! Surely it's not healthy to eat that fast!

Oh well! Hehe!

It's such a great feeling when you get on top of all the stuff that has been screaming for your attention for months. I didn't get everything done - laziness will always prevail - but I'm still proud of myself! I did everything from working out to cleaning to handwashing to doing my nails to sewing. But now I'm just too tired to do anything else and I have a busy day ahead of me tomorrow.

I even squeezed in a few sit ups this morning! =D

Starting the month as I mean to go on!

xx

=)

There is nothing like a good sleep to prepare you for the day ahead.

OK, well I was still up early but I feel so READY for today! I have a whole load of things to do but this is the first day off in over 4 weeks where I won't have to cut my day short to go and meet someone or help someone out. So today - no excuses! I'm getting all this shit done!

And it's all starting at the gym!

xx

Phew!

I'm so glad August is nearly over.

Although it may have been the hottest summer I've experienced in Japan, I have dealt with it a billion times better than the last 2 years.

What a difference it makes working in an air conditioned office instead of sweltering in a classroom.

Although I am still sweating my arse off at home - I want to use the air con as little as possible - not only because it messes with my throat, but because I'm scared of what my friend told me about cockroaches getting in. Yuk!

I can't believe it's September already! Time just flies something stupid.

But things are just getting better and better so I can't complain. Even if I am knackered all the time.

xx

Miss Pathetic!

Don't jump to conclusions - I'm talking about me!!!!

LOL!!!

I got home from work today and when I turned on the bathroom light, there was a cockroach RIGHT THERE.

You know I'm crap with bugs.

Like really crap.

Out came the girly squeal and the ghastly thing ran under the cabinet. I ran upstairs desperate to find some bug spray...and made do with furniture cleaner instead!!

But it didn't work.

Man, those things move FAST!! And every time the thing moved, I just screamed and broke out into a horrific sweat. I knew I wouldn't be able to go to sleep knowing that it was there so I called a friend to help me.

I know, I know and I admit it - I'm just a pathetic girl when it comes to these things!

It took my friend less than 5 minutes to get over here armed with bug spray and a shoe. She and her friend barely flinched as they killed the thing while I was hiding on the staircase in case it came running out. I'm never convinced they're really dead so they took it outside - I didn't want it anywhere near my house.

God, I'm so grateful.

I have no idea why I'm so bad with bugs. I was absolutely mortified when my friend told me that cockroaches get in through the air conditioning - OMG!!! I'm so scared to have it on now! I always wondered how they managed to get in.

Talk about being paranoid! Think I might just grin and bear the heat! I'm scared a cockroach is gonna come and fall out on my head!

Gives me goosebumps just thinking about it!

=(

Why do these horrid things exist?!

xx

Impressive

I am getting seriously good at keeping my mouth shut.

I read a friend's note on FB and I just couldn't stop cringing with how pathetic she was making herself sound. I was wondering if she even read back over what she wrote...she can't of done, otherwise she would had realised how self absorbed, petty and immature she sounds.

I started to write her a message telling her that it would be in her own interests to take it down because she doesn't realise how it reads to other people and that she is also blindly unaware that the person who she was bitching about was actually 100% right in her reaction. Then i just deleted it all.

Why bother getting involved in other people's drama?!

F*** it!!!

It's just easier to keep your opinions to yourself sometimes. Even though it kills me to see someone being so "me, me, me" in the worst possible pathetic way.

Some people eh?

xx

A Lie In?

OMG I am so looking forward to having a lie in tomorrow.

If sleeping until 8.30am counts as a lie in.

I'm really curious to see what time I would naturally wake up but I really need to get my lazy arse to the gym, so I have to set an alarm. I haven't been for like a week and my laziness over the last 3 months is BADLY showing - in the form of a gut.

Yuk!

I was sitting at work today, wearing a belt and I just had this mammoth roll sticking out from under it! I couldn't believe my eyes! If ever I need motivation to get to the gym, that was definitely it.

xx

Noooo!!!

OMG!! I'm going crazy!!!

What to do!!!!

I can't!!!

I won't!!!

I WILL NOT CROSS THAT LINE!!!!

But OMG HOOOOOWWWW much do I want to!??!!?

xx

大丈夫かなー

Man, I really need to get off my lazy arse and start cooking again.

I honestly don't remember the last time I ate a vegetable.

Don't turn it dirty! :P

Seriously though, my diet is absolutely shocking! I eat so many cakes and loads of fast food - it's so unhealthy, yet I feel way to lazy to actualyl do anything about it!

That will all change tomorrow! I WILL go to the supermarket after I've been to the gym. That's just reminded me - I need to send off my passport to be renewed as well. All this stuff that I just keep putting off....*sigh*

That's the downside of being busy all of the time.

xx

I Did It!!!!

It might have taken a year....and I might be working my arse off....

...but....

I AM FINALLY EARNING MORE THAN I DID AS A JET!!!!

Finally!

And the thing is, I don't even mind being this busy. I get to meet new people every day and even better, I actually learn something new!

In a good spot right now!

=)

xx

Happy Anniversary!

I have been in Japan exactly 3 years.

3 years!

I can't believe how fast time goes. And how old I'm getting!

I never really had a plan before I came here of how long I would stay. I had just always said that I would move to Tokyo after 2 years of living in Saga and then just see what happens.

Things are moving along so great now that it's impossible for me to tell you how long I will be here...or where I will be next!

How exciting!

xx

Non-Stop

Today has been mad, busy crazy.

When I checked my schedule last night, I thought that I would only have 6 classes this morning.

When I got into work, I saw that I had a whopping 10 classes in a row! First thing on a Monday morning >_<. Definitely not what I was expecting but coz I went to bed at some stupid early time last night, I didn't find it too bad. Although I definitely won't be doing it again.

Then after work I had to come home and prepare for my private lesson, sort out some bills and now I'm off to the gym. I really can't be arsed to go but I think I'll just do one lesson instead of my normal 2 and then come back and crash. You always sleep so well after you've worked out, so that's why I wanna go.

Busy, busy. I can't wait until my day off on Wednesday!

xx

Already?!

Man, I can't believe it's Sunday again already!

The week always feels like it's going so slowly, and then BAM!! Another weekend's over and before you know it, it's Monday again.

I had a great night last night. It wasn't anything major - my boy was up from Kyushu, so we went out for dinner and then hit up my fave reggae joint for a couple of beers and a couple of rounds of darts.

I AM the darts queen!!!! LOL!!!

Whooped both my friends' arses last night! What a smug, satisfying feeling. Hehe!

Gearing up for another busy month at work, but it will be nice to see some results come pay day at the end of the month for all the hard work over July. So many people are on holiday right now, so the bookings are coming thick and fast, but I'm worried that once those people come back, it's gonna be slow again. We'll see. The only thing I'm concerned about is losing the cash!

Ready for some fantabulous news?!?!

PROJECT RUNWAY HAS STARTED AGAIN!!!!!

LOL - not what you were expecting right?!

Gomen!!

But seriously...

....YAY!!!!

xx

大丈夫！！！

LOL.

When I think about the reaction that I had yesterday after seeing my ex, I feel like laughing.

It feels so over the top - such an overreaction.

And then I realised.

It's ALWAYS gonna be like that every time I see him. They say that you always love the first person that you fall in love in - maybe that's it, right?

Coz today I'm fine. I don't feel anything - it's almost like I never even saw him yesterday.

Weird huh?

xx

A Big Mistake

Tonight I think I might have made a really big mistake.

No, no, it wasn't a mistake....it just feels like one. Does that even make sense?

I had dinner with my ex.

I don't know why I did it. The worst part is that it was me who suggested it. In a way I wish he would've said no. But he didn't. I think I thought that maybe it would be the last time I see him. He's getting married and moving back to Kyushu and...I dunno...I thought it would be like a final goodbye.

We got on better than ever. It felt like I was just catching up with an old friend. Except it didn't feel like friends - it kinda still felt like we were together. You know when you are just that comfortable with someone? That's what it's like with him. And the crappiest bit is that I know he still cares. I saw everything that I fell in love with and it was so hard just sitting there trying to make myself not care, trying to be angry, fighting against every single feeling that I had. But I just couldn't do it.

He told me about his fiancee. I told him I didn't want to know. But he told me anyway - and I KNOW that he is settling. He's happy....but it's not what we had. He even turned around and told me that if we had met now that we were both older, it would have worked out. He said that he regrets what he did to me and how it ended and that it was all just a real shame. We were too young and selfish back then but we are both so different now.

I could see it as well. We both definitely have grown up...and he's right - I could FEEL that it would've worked if we hooked up now. But he's engaged and now there's no chance of that happening - even if I wanted it to. Which I don't. Maybe.

I dunno, I just feel this massive sense of loss and regret. My heart feels so heavy but I don't have any tears left to shed over it. I accept it but it doesn't mean that it hurts any less. I'm still annoyed that it does hurt. And then I realised...

...I THINK I might still be in love with him.

>_<

Yay!!

I have a day off today!!!

So it means I have to work all weekend - but WHO CARES?!

I just got back from the gym and after a hardcore aqua session I am feeling great! =) Now I have to do all that other crap that I have been putting off for months...like sorting through this every increasing pile of bills and reminder letters that I haven't even opened.

I worked out that it will probably take me until the end of the year to get out of this ghastly financial mess that I'm in. And that means spending the majority of my salary paying these bills. I can't wait until September pay day because that will be my first full month's paycheck since March. Crazy, ne? I can't actually believe I've been surviving in Tokyo on under 140,000 yen a month. It just goes to show that you can if you have to. And I've still been going out and stuff - it's not like I've had to become a hermit...not completely anyway! :P

Gonna make a start on all this crap while I actually have the motivation to do it!

Ciao for now!

xx

What's Going On?!

OMG everywhere I turn someone is getting married or engaged this month.

Did I miss something? What is it about July that is making everyone pop the question??

Maybe everyone's visa is running out? :P

Relax! I'm only kidding!!!

But seriously, I'm losing count of how many people have gotten engaged this month - it's crazy!

Maybe it's an indirect sign that I should be thinking about settling down...hate to disappoint, but that's not going to happen anytime soon!

I went on a date last night with this guy from New Zealand. We were out and suddenly everyone started going crazy and asking for his autograph and picture. I looked at him and was like 'Er...something you wanna tell me?!' He just looked at me and grinned. I asked him if I was supposed to recognise him or something, coz I'm not joking - people were going WILD!! Turns out he is some shit hot famous rugby player!!! LOL!! I don't know a damn thing about rugby - nor do I care!! Hehe! Still, it was kinda cool. And we did have a really good time so I know I'll be seeing him again. There are few words to describe how stunning he is as well. =)

xx

OUCH!

Last night I got a message from my ex.

I hadn't spoken to him in god knows how many months so I didn't even bother replying.

Then when I got home after a fabulous evening out with my girl, the phone rang and it was him.

They always say curiosity killed the cat. I couldn't resist - I HAD to know what he wanted. So I picked up the phone.....WHAT A MISTAKE!!

He had called to tell me...

....that he is getting married.

OUCH!! >_<

In any other situation I would probably actually be happy for him. But then he told me that he had only met this girl 6 months ago and they have only been dating for 2 months...and she lives in Kyushu so he hasn't even spent that much time with her.

WTF?!

So I'm like why are you telling me this?! He told me that he had proposed recently...and then it clicked. He's just turned 30. And he had always told me that he wanted to be married by 30....a lil mid life crisis maybe that he's just gone and rushed into this?! Makes sense.....but to be honest I can't say I care...I'm just SHOCKED.

And disappointed that he isn't marrying someone that he is crazy about I guess. It just feels WEIRD and put a damper on what had beena really great night. If I thought he was getting married for the right reasons that I would be so happy for him - honestly. But I just have this niggling feeling that that's not the case and I'm annoyed that he told me.

Ignorance really is bliss sometimes.

xx

Jade Is WOW!!

That is the feedback that my manager received about me from the girl that did my training yesterday.

=)

やった！！

You all know that I was really worried going into my sales training.

Not just because I've only been at the company for a short time but because I was worried my lack of sales experience would show.

In a nutshell?

I absolutely killed it.

And that's not just me being bigheaded - the feedback that I got absolutely blew my mind and embarrassed me to the max. I've never been good at taking high levels of praise and today was no exception. It wasn't even just the praise - after the exam I was told that I was the 3rd person in over 300+ trainees to ever get a perfect score on the post training test.

Wow.

It's insane!!

And extremely flattering at the same time. Don't get it wrong - this was no written exam. It was a practical exam in which we had to actual present in front of someone and show them how we would conduct the meeting.

I wasn't even aware of the natural people skills that I possessed until today. And just thinking about them makes me blush to be honest. It really is so flattering - I have no words for the feeling.

Onwards and upwards - I'm really excited about where this job is taking me!! And the best bit is that I can feel that I will actually go somewhere in this company. Something I never felt as an ALT and something I felt in my last company but I knew would take years to happen.

I can't believe how much I love my job right now. What a great feeling! =)

xx

£££

I may not actually get it until the end of next month, but I am FINALLY earning some money.

And even though next month still won't be a full pay check, it's more than I have earnt in a long time.

I know I'm working hard and some people think it's crazy how many classes I have a day but I believe that it will pay off in the long wrong. A few months of hard slog and then I should have established myself enough that I can cut back on my schedule and have my clients come with me.

At least that's what I'm hoping.

I start my sales training tomorrow...it's exciting but I'm so bored of training sessions and I really have no idea how this one is gonna go. I really can't wait until the weekend when I can try and catch up on my sleep.

And that sunset pic is still taking my breath away. I hope you guys appreciate it as much as I do.

xx

You See?

Check out the picture above.

This is the sunset we saw on Monday while we were having dinner at a cute little restaurant in Zushi.

You can see Mount Fuji, that rock and a pine tree which is over 100 years old.

There are no words for that sky. It's STUNNING.

Enjoy.

xx

Blinder!!!

Man I have just had the most awesome 3 day weekend.

My boys were up from Kyushu and even though I was completely knackered, deprived of sleep and hadd a destroyed liver, we made it out every night and just had the best time.

ageHa on Friday night was OFF THE HOOK. Easily the best night I've had there by a mile. I never even thought I'd make it until 5 because I was working all day and just shattered. But it was so great to just be out with my friends and we just ripped up the dancefloor and got wasted.

Depite a stinking hangover on Saturday we made it out to Akasaka for lunch and then hit up Akihabara where we went to a maid cafe. Definitely an experience not to be repeated!! Then Roppongi in the evening. I'm not really a massive fan but we went to my favourite reggae bar....and then I was responsible and came home coz I had to work on Sunday.

Sunday night we met some of my friend's friends and went to an izakaya in Shinjuku before meeting some people in Nichome. Another experience my friends probably don't wanna repeat in their lifetime but I still think it's great that they were seeing all these different sides of Tokyo!!!! Sorry boys!

On Sunday we went down to Shonan beach in Kamakura. It was a whopping 36.2 degrees and I loved every minute of it!! After that we went to meet my friend's mum in Zushi, where we went to a stunning restaurant and got to see the most perfect sunset over Mount Fuji and the beach. It took my breath away. I'm gonna upload the photos later but you're gonna cry when you see it. It was THAT beautiful.

Good times. It just sucks that it had to end with a goodbye - one of my boys is going back to New Zealand next month. But it's all good - I know I'm gonna see him soon so I didn't see the point in getting ridiculously upset. Pah! More like I didn't wanna get back on the train with huge red puffy eyes! LMAO!!!

I really LOVE Tokyo!!!!

xx

Done by 1

15.45 and I'm at home.

Now THAT'S what I'm talking about!!

Start work at 7am, have the last lesson finish at 1.40pm and home by 3.

I wish I could afford to work like that everyday.

I was supposed to work until 4pm (which would still have been nice) but I didn't have any lessons booked. I know that if I hung around I could probably gotten one more...but it would've been at 4pm and i didn't wanna wait around.

Think I'm gonna have a nice snooze now before my private at 6pm. Then I'll be all refreshed for the gym later!! Maybe. LOL.

xx

Poor Alex =(

I just watched the latest episode of So You Think You Can Dance.

I absolutely LOVE watching this show! I think it's coz I just love dancing and I love watching all the different styles. The greatest thing about it is that ANYONE can dance. I remember the winners of season 4 and season 6 were a hip hopper and a crumper - neither had had any formal training and there they were doing all these different styles of dancing. It's amazing.

Anyway, in the last episode, Alex, who is a stunning, trained ballet dancer, did the most INCREDIBLE routine with Twitch from season 4 to a Tabetha and Napolean number. I absolutely ADORE these choreographers. It was such a good move to bring them into the show. The routine was stunning, the dancers were stunning and it is definitely up there amongst my faves across seasons 3-7.

In rehersals this week, Alex ruptured his achilles tendon which means that he was automatically in the bottom three. Because the injury was so serious, naturally they had no choice but to disqualify him from the show. I mean, it makes sense - the guy can't dance - but it's just DEVASTATING and I feel for him so badly because he forfeited his place at a top ballet academy to go onto the show and now he's injured and can't continue. And it's awful for the viewers as well because I LOVE watching him dance and when he dances, especially contemporary numbers, he is absolute stunning and exquisite and is just beautiful.

But I don't think anyone will forget that hip hop routine. In fact, I think I'm going to watch it again now! Must be the 100th time but I just can't get enough of it.

I wish Adochike was out - he's really starting to irritate me!

xx

Nope, Not Yet

What the hell?!

How am I not over this stupid jetlag yet?!

I was in bed at like 10pm or something last night and just listened to music until I fell asleep. And then I woke up at 4am...and then 6.30am. I set my alarm for 8.45 so that I could get up and go to the gym (I am DYING to work out again!!), but when the alarm went off, I jumped up to get in the shower and then suddenly felt REALLY sick. I thought I was gonna throw up. I decided it was coz I was hungry and went out to get breakfast but it didn't help. So with a sigh, I crept back under the covers and tried to get some more sleep.

I woke up again at 10.30.....and then my alarm went off at noon. And I am STILL feeling exhausted. Does it get worse as you get older or something? I don't remember it being this bad when I came back from the UK last year. Having said that, the time difference is greater and I haven't done the States-Japan flight before.

I'm just debating now whether I should stay up or go back to bed for a couple of hours before I start work. I won't finish until 10pm tonight, so the last thing I want is to be feeling like crap...even more than I do already. I wanna go out and get some food though because I refuse to get caught in the trap that I have been during the last couple of months, where I NEVER eat at home.

I'm absolutely broke so I think I might head out....

...after a bit more sleep?

xx

Jetlag

Man, I am really struggling with this jetlag lark.

Normally I'm OK coming back to Japan, but I'm feeling just as bad as I did when I arrived in NY. I stayed up until like 11.30pm yesterday trying to keep my body clock in check, but then I woke up at 6.30am and by 8am, I gave up on sleeping.

since then I've been feeling knackered all day. I went back to bed for a couple of hours at noon and then again at 4. I've just woken up and I didn't have a clue whether it was coming up to 7am or 7pm!! And I STILL feel shattered! So glad that I took the day off work today - but it's back to teaching tomorrow and I'm just hoping that I feel better than I do now otherwise it's gonna be a long and hard day in the office!!

xx

Big Ego

Man, my head swelled to like 50 times its normal size when I was in the States.

The compliments, the constant being hit on, the dates...how could it NOT?

The best thing I heard?

From a cop.

I was walking around the financial district and this policeman comes up to me and says really seriously "Ma'am, you want to be careful".

The look on his face and the tone of his voice mad me panic because he was so serious and I couldn't work out what was wrong. I started checking my bag, my skirt, everything! Then he smiles and says to me...

"You're going to kill people with thar smile".

*Groan*

I was like a kid in a candy shop in Miami. I had no idea where to look! A city crammed with gorgeous mixed race guys with those light eyes that just KILL me every single time. Such a sucker for those boys - it was awesome!! Hehe!

In NY I saw something that I have never seen before in my entire life. I actually left a guy PROPERLY speechless. I saw it's never happened before because you normally see it with young boys but this guy was like in his 40s and couldn't say a damn word. Me and my friends were looking at him like WTF?! Pull yourself together. It was hilarious and proper weird at the same time. Definitely a first. He couldn't even say a single word, stuttering, going blank and unable to string a sentence together. He turned his back on us to compose himself but when he turned around and I flashed him a smile, it happened all over again! LOL!

But yah, now that I'm back in Japan and surrounded by homogeneousness, my ego has very much deflated.

=(

Probably a good thing! That kind of attitude gets you nowhere!

Like I really believe that!

xx

Back, Black and Broke

It feels like I've been away for ages and not been anywhere at the same time.

I've just had a wicked couple of weeks. Exhausting. But fabulous. I'm trying to stay up and got o bed at my normal time to try and make the jetlag a bit easier. I read for the entire duration of the flight, getting through 3 of the 4 Twilight Saga books. Pretty impressive, huh?

I saw Eclipse while I was in NY. Not the norm I know, but at 8 dollars a ticket, how could I resist! Plus it's fabulous to know that I've come back to Japan and no one else has seen it yet. I absolutely LOVED it - the best one so far by a mile. By a billion miles. It was absolutely hilarious to hear every single female in the cinema gasp when Jacob was on screen shirtless for the first time. My god - I was on Team Edward before and have jumped so fast onto the Jacob bandwagon!! The most PERFECT skin and the BEST back!! It was impossible not to inhale sharply every time he was on screen.

I've gone a bit Twilight mad to be honest. I was so bored on the flight on the way over and so determined not to let that happen again that I bought 6 books at the airport, including the entire Twilight Saga series. Set me back a small fortune but it was entirely worth it. Never has a long haul flight passed by so fast. I love books that you just can't put down. But now my eyes are burning with the lack of sleep. Just a little bit longer untill I can sink my head onto the soft pillow....every bone in my body is screaming at me to rest but I just can't bear the thought of waking up at some stupid time in the morning and then not being able to get back to sleep. Coz that really sucks.

xx

One More Day To Go!

One more day and I'm free!!

My days of teaching kids are finally over! No more songs, no more puppets, no more wailing brats running around, no more kids picking their noses or scratching their arses and then trying to touch me - NO MORE!!!

I actually feel kinda bad when I'm standing there saying my goodbyes to the parents and they're crying and I just have this massive grin on my face because the end is getting closer and closer. I won't even have time to process everything because I have to get home asap and then start packing! Everything suddenly seems to be happening so fast - it's crazy!

Now that I've had a little bit of time to actually thinking about it, I can't believe that I'm gonna get to see my girls next week! It's so effing exciting and I know that I am just gonna have the best time with them - hanging out and catching up. It's like the perfect time to be taking this break - right after finishing this awful job that I've been struggling through for the last eight months. And then when I come back in July, it's a whole new start and I'm looking forward to being all refreshed for it!

I got to speak to my boy in Kyushu last night. I haven't spoken to him for a while and just hearing his voice put a massive smile on my face. I miss him a lot and even though he's leaving Japan this year, I know I'll be seeing him again. I just wish that I could spend some one on one time with him before he leaves. It's not gonna happen coz when he comes up to Tokyo to say goodbye next month, he's gonna be coming with a friend so I won't get the time that I want with him to say goodbye privately. But hey, it's the last time that I'm gonna see him before he leaves so it's better than nothing!

I feel like I've been really productive today. I had a couple of rare free blocks in my schedule and used that time to get all the info that I needed for Sunday all printed out and ready to go. I finally managed to catch up and reply to all those emails that have been sitting around in my inbox for weeks. I love it when you get shit done. It feels really, really good.

I'm feeling really, really good. I'm tired and piling on the pounds because I've been eating like shit for the last 2 months and have barely made it to the gym, but life is good. I'm gonna get on that the minute I get back! Now that I can make my own schedule, I can work around my classes at the gym so that there's no excuse for not going. May as well start working on my bikini body for December now!

Apologies to South Beach in advance for tortuing you with the sight of my spare tyres!

xx

On the Up

I am soooo knackered.

But I am really liking the direction this new job is going in.

Barely a month in and I have been approached to do corporate sales meetings and I start training for them next month when I get back from the States.

Sounds kinda nice, huh?

I've been told that it's ridiculously early for me to be asked to do something like this but the managers think that I'll be a natural at it and so are willing to take the risk on me. I guess it's a little bit intimidating but there is no way in hell that I'm gonna turn it down - the bonuses that come with successful meetings are INSANE. And I need the money more than ever! So yah, it's really exciting and flattering to already be moving up. I'm looking forward to getting started.

My students are definitely not making my last week at work easy! I started the day off with a 40 minute screaming tantrum and had a headache for the rest of the day. I guess it didn't help that I was already knackered but only 3 more days to go and I can walk away from teaching kids. The thought of it alone puts a massive grin on my face. I'm just at that point now where I am so exhausted at the end of every day, that I just can't wait for it to be all over. And since there's been an end in sight, it has been much easier to just not care. I stopped lesson planning a long time ago and that alone has given me more time to wind down between classes. Whoever said that you couldn't just wing it?! ;-)

Life is good. I just need more sleep!

xx

What A Punk!

K, so i really have a nap before I head out again so I'm gonna make this short.

Robert Green is a PUNK.

I just watched the highlights of the England - USA game and I'm just like shaking my head. I can't believe that he made such a blundering mistake - I mean, it's so damn EMBARRASSING!! There seemed to be loads of chances for goals in the match on both sides - I'm kinda annoyed that I couldn't watch it live, but with it kicking off at 3.45am and having to work at 10am, I just decided it wasn't worth it to be knackered all day. And now that I've watched the highlights, I'm so glad that I didn't bother!

Fools.

Korea on the other hand thrashed Greece - I was watching that match while I was having dinner in a Brazilian restaurant last night. Man, that was soooooo good! And I'm really excited because I have a DAY OFF tomorrow so it means I can go out on the town tonight - FINALLY!!! Yay!!! Not that I have the money but it's gonna be a super cheap nomihoudai deal so it's all good!!

Really knackered but still loving my new job. I can't believe that this time in a week I'm gonna be in the States. I really need to get off my arse tomorrow and actually start doing some prep for that!! It just feels like I don't get a chance to do any of the things I need to do recently but I'm hoping come September, things would've settled down a little bit and I can get out of this working 7 days a week lark.

Now about that nap...

xx

Craziness

Man, I don't know where the time goes.

Next Sunday I'm off to the States and I couldn't be less prepared! I just haven't had the time to organize a damn thing! Looks like next week is gonna be a last minute rush to get everything sorted out.

I'm the last couple of weeks at one of my jobs and I just can't wait until that last day where I walk away from teaching kids full time. I'm grinning my arse off at the thought of it and it just can't come soon enough. I am feeling a bit bad sometimes when I see the parents' reaction to me leaving and it's nice because they are telling me stuff like I'm the best one that's been there (so far) or the only one that control the problem kids and stuff like that. And even though it's true (:p), that is no way near enough to make me even consider staying.

On the other side of that, the new job is going really well. I'm really enjoying it and it's made me realise how much I've grown as a teacher since my ALT days. I have clients telling me how much they enjoyed my lessons and that I'm really good at what I do and it's a great thing to be able to say you know what, I'm damn good at what I do.

And I'm really starting to believe I am.

What else has been happening...

Oh yeh - my birthday! LOL!

So I spent the day working at the ghastly school - I didn't do anything to celebrate until last weekend.l A friend flew over from Kyushu and some friends and I hit the town in Shinjuku. It was a good laugh and I was so excited about rocking this new dress that I bought in Singapore. Hot, hot, hot! But yah - it was good times.

I saw SATC2 on Monday - it was a friend's birthday so I took him out. I LOVED that film! But it was really sad because it made me realise how much I miss the glamourous lifestyle that I had in London. Of course it wasn't on the same level of glam as the film but I was used to VIP treatment and you just don't get that over here. It also made me realise that I wanna bring glamour back!!! No more dressing down for me! HEHEHEHE!

And another bit of VERY recent news - as in like this happened a couple of days ago....I met a guy. Kind of. Maybe. Dunno yet. But it's looking good and it's actually kinda freaky because we have mutual acquaintances - can't be arsed to get into the whole thing but it's exciting to have someone I actually LIKE on the scene. The down side...he has a girl. The up side...she's not in Tokyo!! ;-) I KNOW I KNOW!!! I won't.

xx

Genki Genki!

I have no idea while I'm feeling so genki today!!

I had a ridiculously early morning again, leaving the house at 6am and then I came back home, took a nap and got ready for one of my private lessons.

My student is a florist and back in September when I met her, she asked me what my favourite flowers were and I told her that pink lillies were my faves. So today she showed up with the most gorgeous bouquet of lillies as a birthday present for me! I was so touched and the flowers were stunning! I think since that moment, I haven't been able to keep the smile off of my face - especially because if I turn around, I can see them and they smell gorgeous and are just so pretty.

I love flowers - I don't receive them often enough!

Have you seen the finale of 24?! Over the last couple of days, I have been catching up with all my online TV and it's still the best show ever! Absolutely bawled my eyes out in the finale. Like I do with every finale!! LOL!!

Anyway I am absolutely knackered so I'm off to bed!

Night!

xx

Sod's Law

Of course my birthday has to be on a Tuesday this year.

Tuesday.

The day that I go to the school I HATE. Teaching the students I HATE. Talking to the parents I HATE. Working in the place I HATE. Typical.

Happy Birthday to me! PAH!

I handed in my notice last week stating that my last day would be July 17th. I only told them this far in advance because I want them to find someone to replace me ASAP so that I can leave earlier. And I know they would want me to leave before I go on holiday so that they don't have schedule complications with the next teacher...but it remains to be seen if they can find someone in the next 3 weeks. Luckliy for me, I have been told that I am now a priority to replace because trust me, they do not need the complications that me taking my holiday to the States is gonna cause.

I've got my fingers crossed so tight because I don't think I can last at the Tuesday school much longer. I literally am at the point where I might actually thump one of the kids. I hate losing my temper, but it's also very short and this kid has been pushing all the right buttons for the last couple of months and despite my 'advice' that he needs to move to another class with a different teacher, my reputation as being the best teacher for discipline has stuck and his mother doesn't want to move him.

If I see him in my class on Tuesday..on my BIRTHDAY...I am gonna be FUMING and my manager better have a damn good explanation ready for me.

On a lighter note the new job is going well. It's gonna take a while for me to build up a clientele but already I am feeling much happier about going to work! I get to wear nice suits because I don't have to worry about rolling around on the floor and messing about with kids. And it's so nice not to have to worry about all the stupid things that you have to when working with children, like classroom control and all that bullshit. I cannot WAIT to be out of that environment once and for all. Defintiely at THAT point.

F*** teaching children man. It leads to nowhere.

Onwards and upwards. I won't miss it.

xx

Urgh!

I've had one hell of a day.

Actually, the last two weeks have been so ridiculously busy, I don't even know where to start.

Yeh I do..

I got a new job. And Sat, Sun, Mon from 10am-7pm I was training for it, which meant that I haven't had a day off for nearly two weeks. And it's not looking much better over the next few weeks to come. More new information, more training and more interviews. I badly need a break - I postponed my bday celebrations for a week just so I could relax for just one evening...although I still need a have an insanely early night because I'm gonna be working on Sunday.

I've decided now that the money that would come from working two jobs just isn't worth killing myself over. so my resignation date is creeping further and further forward - it's just that I wanna see how things go for a couple of weeks at the new place before I take the plunge. On the other side of that - it's better to get straight into the whole thing - the sooner that I can get established, the sooner I can start building up my clientele and moving up the ladder.

I feel so unprepared for my trip to the States as well - I haven't had a chance to look into anything yet and that's normally so unlike me!!

I cannot believe the chaos I had to deal with today in one of the 3-4 year old classes I was teaching. I'm not joking - it was absolutely hell. The temptation to smash this little boys head into the wall was overwhelming. And the worst part of it was that when the class was finally over, the mum grabbed her kid and left so quickly that I didn't even get a chance to speak to her. All I can hope is that she was really damn embarrassed and would bollock that devil child when they got home. Like that's going to happen, but I can hope, right? Either way, I'm definitely gonna get my manager to call the mum and speak to her over the phone - quite simple really - he MUST move to another class. No way I'm putting up with that bullshit - that brat needs a damn good hiding!

Urgh! I can't even stay up and watch an episode of something online because I have to be up so ridiculously early tomorrow. I hate being in this transitional period because it's just chaos and I feel that I just have no time to sit back and relax. I hope everything settles down soon because I just feel exhausted.

On that note, I'm off to get ready for bed. First day tomorrow! Time for all that training to go flying out the window! I HATE first days!

Wish me luck!

xx