And that brings me up to today - 30th December.
Luang Prabang is a magical place. So lush and green. We went swimming in a waterfall in Pakse and as gorgeous as it was, I have a feeling that the waterfalls up here are going to be even more gorgeous and amazing!
Even arriving in Luang Prabang yu can feel the difference. You can see from the off that this place receives way more tourists - there are way more restaurants, guest houses, and people! The biggest shock regarding the tourists is seeing how many families are here. You wouldn't think that Laos would be a popular family destination but they are literally everywhere! It's kinda annoying because some of these kids look way too young to appreciate where they are. Or how lucky they are to be in such a beautiful place as this!
We went around the night market last night. I bought these cute, humungous and ultra squishy slippers which are going to be perfect in those cold winter nights in Tokyo! Of course I loaded up on Lao silk scarves - absolutely love them and the colours are so vibrant.
Today we're taking it easy - we're gonna take a walk around the city and then make some plans about what to do with the rest of the time here. There are so many options with different things to do so it's a little overwhelming, but we've decided to hit the adventure stuff - mountain biking, maybe a bit of kayaking. I want to go to the elephant village but I don't believe in riding them. I guess I'll just see exactly what's going down before I make a decision about that!
More to come!
xoxo
Friday 30 December 2011
Sick, Sick, Sick
Apart from when I went to Cambodia, I have managed to enjoy over 4 years of travelling around Asia without getting sick.
Well - my luck was bound to run out sooner or later and on the 28th, it did.
I can't tell you what caused it. It could have been the anti-malaria meds I'm on, it could have been the coffee I accidentally drank (don't ask), it could have been the ice I also accidentally drank or it could have been something I ate. But on the night of the 28th I was in and out of the bathroom all night violently vomiting and with painful stomach cramps.
Luckily for me (and for my friend), I'm not one of those people to just give up and feel sorry for myself. I had litres of water on hand and rehydration salts. As much as I hate those things, I was forcing myself to drink them and mustering every bit of strength to fight it. We were flying the next day and I sure as hell didn't wanna be caught short on a transit day!!
I took it easy yesterday - I ate the blandest meals, took a day off the anti-malaria meds and stayed away from booze. A bit shitty seeing as it was my friend's birthday, but we're going to celebrate tonight instead. Feeling much better today but still gonna be keeping an eye on what I eat and drink so there is no repeat! Trust me to top it all off by today being that time of the month too! HAHA - too much info deshou! Sorry!
xoxo
Well - my luck was bound to run out sooner or later and on the 28th, it did.
I can't tell you what caused it. It could have been the anti-malaria meds I'm on, it could have been the coffee I accidentally drank (don't ask), it could have been the ice I also accidentally drank or it could have been something I ate. But on the night of the 28th I was in and out of the bathroom all night violently vomiting and with painful stomach cramps.
Luckily for me (and for my friend), I'm not one of those people to just give up and feel sorry for myself. I had litres of water on hand and rehydration salts. As much as I hate those things, I was forcing myself to drink them and mustering every bit of strength to fight it. We were flying the next day and I sure as hell didn't wanna be caught short on a transit day!!
I took it easy yesterday - I ate the blandest meals, took a day off the anti-malaria meds and stayed away from booze. A bit shitty seeing as it was my friend's birthday, but we're going to celebrate tonight instead. Feeling much better today but still gonna be keeping an eye on what I eat and drink so there is no repeat! Trust me to top it all off by today being that time of the month too! HAHA - too much info deshou! Sorry!
xoxo
Four Thousand Islands
On boxing day we set of for a 2 day tour and stayed on a small island in the Mekong at the most southern point of Laos.
The trip started with a visit to Wat Phu - the oldest Buddhist temple in South East Asia. It's older than Angkor Wat is is a crumpled heap of ruins which you reach after climbing crumbling, steep stairs!
Then it was a long car ride down to the point where we hopped on a boat for a 2 hour trip along the Mekong and around the Four Thousand Islands. The sun was blazing and the scenery was gorgeous but I'm not gonna lie -my arse was CANING by the end and I was dying to get off!!! LOL!!
We rocked up at this tiny island called Don Kone. It's not where most people stay but it has a better quality of accommodation and we were only there for one night. It was a shame really because even though we had the evening to relax, it got dark really quickly and everything shuts down so early that you're forced back into your room and my friend told me that I was knocked out by 9pm!
I have to take a moment to talk about the sunset that we saw on that island. Easily right up there with the best sunsets that I have ever seen it my life. My pictures look like postcards - I've taken so many and they are absolutely impossible to edit so I'm going to put them all up onto Facebook when I get back. Breathtakingly beautiful watching all the colours change and the palm trees and boats turn to silhouettes. You're gonna die when you see them, I promise!! I would have loved to spend the whole day on the island to get more time to look around, but by 8.30am the next day, we were on the move again. We took a bikeride to some gorgeous waterfalls and then it was back onto a boat to see the biggestr waterfall in SE Asia before stopping for a delicious lunch and heading back to Pakse.
Pakse really is a boring, sleepy little town. It's only known for being a transport hub to the South. There is literally nothing there so once the sunsets, you can drink a bit but then with the curfew, there really is nothing to do later at night. Something which is becoming increasinly annoying! I'm just wondering what the deal is on NYE!!!
Fingers crossed!
xoxo
The trip started with a visit to Wat Phu - the oldest Buddhist temple in South East Asia. It's older than Angkor Wat is is a crumpled heap of ruins which you reach after climbing crumbling, steep stairs!
Then it was a long car ride down to the point where we hopped on a boat for a 2 hour trip along the Mekong and around the Four Thousand Islands. The sun was blazing and the scenery was gorgeous but I'm not gonna lie -my arse was CANING by the end and I was dying to get off!!! LOL!!
We rocked up at this tiny island called Don Kone. It's not where most people stay but it has a better quality of accommodation and we were only there for one night. It was a shame really because even though we had the evening to relax, it got dark really quickly and everything shuts down so early that you're forced back into your room and my friend told me that I was knocked out by 9pm!
I have to take a moment to talk about the sunset that we saw on that island. Easily right up there with the best sunsets that I have ever seen it my life. My pictures look like postcards - I've taken so many and they are absolutely impossible to edit so I'm going to put them all up onto Facebook when I get back. Breathtakingly beautiful watching all the colours change and the palm trees and boats turn to silhouettes. You're gonna die when you see them, I promise!! I would have loved to spend the whole day on the island to get more time to look around, but by 8.30am the next day, we were on the move again. We took a bikeride to some gorgeous waterfalls and then it was back onto a boat to see the biggestr waterfall in SE Asia before stopping for a delicious lunch and heading back to Pakse.
Pakse really is a boring, sleepy little town. It's only known for being a transport hub to the South. There is literally nothing there so once the sunsets, you can drink a bit but then with the curfew, there really is nothing to do later at night. Something which is becoming increasinly annoying! I'm just wondering what the deal is on NYE!!!
Fingers crossed!
xoxo
Christmas Day!
Merry Christmas!
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas from Pakse in Southern Laos!
Christmas Day and we were up at 4am to catch a 6am flight from Vientiane to Pakse. Even though I was tired, I was excited to move onto the next place on our trip - ready to leave the city behind and get back to nature. I reckon it's coz we took such an early flight that the experience was super smooth and stress free. We got to our hotel and found ourselves, yet again, victims of falling for the clever photography online. Don't get me wrong, the room is more than sufficient and very reasonable priced - complete with a Christmas menu which we laterfound out was served on Christmas Eve! HUH?!
The weather down here is absolutely gorgeous! It's nice to feel the warm sunshine first thing in the morning. Yesterday in Vientiane was a little cold and windy but it was great for walking aroumd and doing a spot of sightseeing. Really looking forward to chilling out and watching some gorgeous sunsets.
Have a great Christmas Day!
xoxo
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas from Pakse in Southern Laos!
Christmas Day and we were up at 4am to catch a 6am flight from Vientiane to Pakse. Even though I was tired, I was excited to move onto the next place on our trip - ready to leave the city behind and get back to nature. I reckon it's coz we took such an early flight that the experience was super smooth and stress free. We got to our hotel and found ourselves, yet again, victims of falling for the clever photography online. Don't get me wrong, the room is more than sufficient and very reasonable priced - complete with a Christmas menu which we laterfound out was served on Christmas Eve! HUH?!
The weather down here is absolutely gorgeous! It's nice to feel the warm sunshine first thing in the morning. Yesterday in Vientiane was a little cold and windy but it was great for walking aroumd and doing a spot of sightseeing. Really looking forward to chilling out and watching some gorgeous sunsets.
Have a great Christmas Day!
xoxo
Laos: 23rd December
Today was out first day in Vientiane. When we left the hotel the temperature was absolutely perfect. After a less than satisfactory breakfast - ants on my friend's coffee cup (seriously?!) - we were soon realising that paying for a 5* hotel doesn't mean you're gonna get quality.
We set off on an exploration of the city. Laos National Museum was this absolutely stunning building - colonial architecture, slightly decayed and just a photographer's paradise. We walked around as the sun was blazing down on us to the Patuxai - a replica of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. It was so beautiful and gave us views all over the city. We then took a tuk-tuk to Pat That Lung, which was this stunning gold stupa - shining so brightly beneath the cloudless blue sky. It was miles away from the freezing cold of Tokyo and the lack of tourists just made the whole experience that much more enjoyable. After a mammoth lunch, we found ourselves in a food coma and headed back to the hotel for a nap.
Before that though, we headed to the Settha Palace hotel - you should Google it. It's the best hotel in Vientiane and is absolutely stunning, complete with London black cabs. We had seen some promotional offers online and even though it was pricey, we decided that it would be the perfect way to end out holiday here. We went in and spoke to the manager who agrred to give us a corporate deal at $165 a night down from $217! Merry Christmas!
After our afternoon nap, we decided to walk down to the Mekong River to see the sunset. It wasn't what we were expecting, but I was more than impressed with the whole chilled out vibe amd we enjoyed spirits and beer before heading back to the hotel at 10.30pm (the bars have an 11.30 curfew). It was a bit frustrating being forced to go back to the hotel so early, but we still had a good time and met some interesting people!
xoxo
We set off on an exploration of the city. Laos National Museum was this absolutely stunning building - colonial architecture, slightly decayed and just a photographer's paradise. We walked around as the sun was blazing down on us to the Patuxai - a replica of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. It was so beautiful and gave us views all over the city. We then took a tuk-tuk to Pat That Lung, which was this stunning gold stupa - shining so brightly beneath the cloudless blue sky. It was miles away from the freezing cold of Tokyo and the lack of tourists just made the whole experience that much more enjoyable. After a mammoth lunch, we found ourselves in a food coma and headed back to the hotel for a nap.
Before that though, we headed to the Settha Palace hotel - you should Google it. It's the best hotel in Vientiane and is absolutely stunning, complete with London black cabs. We had seen some promotional offers online and even though it was pricey, we decided that it would be the perfect way to end out holiday here. We went in and spoke to the manager who agrred to give us a corporate deal at $165 a night down from $217! Merry Christmas!
After our afternoon nap, we decided to walk down to the Mekong River to see the sunset. It wasn't what we were expecting, but I was more than impressed with the whole chilled out vibe amd we enjoyed spirits and beer before heading back to the hotel at 10.30pm (the bars have an 11.30 curfew). It was a bit frustrating being forced to go back to the hotel so early, but we still had a good time and met some interesting people!
xoxo
Laos: From The Beginning
Hey guys!! Hope you all had a fantabulous Christmas and are gearing up for the New Year!
So right now we're in Luang Prabang - no joke - this country is truly magical but I'm going to start from the beginning for you! I started keeping my blog on paper - not that that lasted long but here's what I had!!
22nd December:
After a mad day of travelling, we've finally made it to Laos.
Narita airport was absolute madness this morning. Last year when I went to Australia, I left on the 19th December so I obviously missed the peak of the airport rush. When we arrived, we were literally gawping at the queue for the ANA check-in counter. I swear, I have never seen anything like it. We flew Thai airways which wasn't as bad but we still had a 40 minute wait.
Thai airlines...man, what a DISAPPOINTMENT! I don't know why, but I had the impression that it would be an awesome airline. Not only were we surrounded by coughing, spluttering and snoring Japanese businessmen, there were NO individual screens on the seats, so we spent the 6hr 45 min flight absolutely BORED SHITLESS! The movie that was showing on the main screen was cack - plus I couldn't really see it anyway. My friend and I resorted to practicing kanji, drawing animals (he does the BEST lion) and playing hangman - all of which we tired of very quickly. The first meal was just OK, but our "snack", about an hour before we landed, was this shitty sandwich - one with processed meat and the other was stinking tuna! And you all KNOW how I feel about tuna! That one went straight back to the attendant - right before the monster next to me let out a tuna burp! Eeeuuuuwwww!!!!
On the plus side though, when we were disembarking, the attendant in first class gave me a spare flight comfort pack! I will definitely make use of that on the way home!
We had a layover in Bangkok where we headed straight to Mango Tree for some yummy Thai food. Then it was off to Boots to pick up some Ibruprofen! Don't laugh- we all know that Japanese painkillers suck- definitely goingto stock up on more on the way back.
Arriving in Laos was much smoother than expected and the strength of the yen has made us super rich! We arrived at our luxury boutique hotel to find out that our room had been upgraded. It's absolutely huge but doesn't have the "luxurious" feel that you would expect looking at the reception area. I guess that's how it always goes in this part of the world though.
We haven't made any concrete plans so I'm just looking forward to mooching about and taking my time to see the sights tomorrow.
xoxo
So right now we're in Luang Prabang - no joke - this country is truly magical but I'm going to start from the beginning for you! I started keeping my blog on paper - not that that lasted long but here's what I had!!
22nd December:
After a mad day of travelling, we've finally made it to Laos.
Narita airport was absolute madness this morning. Last year when I went to Australia, I left on the 19th December so I obviously missed the peak of the airport rush. When we arrived, we were literally gawping at the queue for the ANA check-in counter. I swear, I have never seen anything like it. We flew Thai airways which wasn't as bad but we still had a 40 minute wait.
Thai airlines...man, what a DISAPPOINTMENT! I don't know why, but I had the impression that it would be an awesome airline. Not only were we surrounded by coughing, spluttering and snoring Japanese businessmen, there were NO individual screens on the seats, so we spent the 6hr 45 min flight absolutely BORED SHITLESS! The movie that was showing on the main screen was cack - plus I couldn't really see it anyway. My friend and I resorted to practicing kanji, drawing animals (he does the BEST lion) and playing hangman - all of which we tired of very quickly. The first meal was just OK, but our "snack", about an hour before we landed, was this shitty sandwich - one with processed meat and the other was stinking tuna! And you all KNOW how I feel about tuna! That one went straight back to the attendant - right before the monster next to me let out a tuna burp! Eeeuuuuwwww!!!!
On the plus side though, when we were disembarking, the attendant in first class gave me a spare flight comfort pack! I will definitely make use of that on the way home!
We had a layover in Bangkok where we headed straight to Mango Tree for some yummy Thai food. Then it was off to Boots to pick up some Ibruprofen! Don't laugh- we all know that Japanese painkillers suck- definitely goingto stock up on more on the way back.
Arriving in Laos was much smoother than expected and the strength of the yen has made us super rich! We arrived at our luxury boutique hotel to find out that our room had been upgraded. It's absolutely huge but doesn't have the "luxurious" feel that you would expect looking at the reception area. I guess that's how it always goes in this part of the world though.
We haven't made any concrete plans so I'm just looking forward to mooching about and taking my time to see the sights tomorrow.
xoxo
Thursday 22 December 2011
And We're Off Again!
The day before I travel is always a mad rush.
I'm always working until the last minute and then spend the whole evening packing while my friend just chills.
It's part of the fun of getting ready for it.
We are so totally excited - it only really hit me yesterday that we are leaving tomorrow and now that we have a better idea of what we're gonna be doing in Laos, it's just made the excitement double!!!
See ya on the other side!!
xoxo
I'm always working until the last minute and then spend the whole evening packing while my friend just chills.
It's part of the fun of getting ready for it.
We are so totally excited - it only really hit me yesterday that we are leaving tomorrow and now that we have a better idea of what we're gonna be doing in Laos, it's just made the excitement double!!!
See ya on the other side!!
xoxo
Tuesday 20 December 2011
Rush Rush Rush!!
Where the hell does all the time go!!!
I'm going away in 2 days and I couldn't be any further from being prepared!
After my Japanese class this morning, I had to rush back home and do a whole load of laundry and clean my house. It's so hard to keep up with everything - bills to pay, furikomis to make - my "To do" list just keeps getting longer and longer. The bad thing about it is that I now only have tomorrow to do EVERYTHING. And I'm gonna be working from 10 through to 7 so that really means tomorrow night is gonna be a mad rush.
Even tighter since I just checked my flight time and I need to be at Narita at like 9.30am. Thank God for the Skyliner!!! I can now get to Narita airport door-to-door in 1 hour 10 minutes. SWEET.
But I still have so much stuff to do!!!!
Just a quick one - I have received so many gifts off my clients this year! Sure, I did get a few last Christmas but they have been coming in every couple of days so I'm super chuffed. Totally love pressies!!!! Even just Christmas cards are enough - it's nice to feel appreciated for a change!! HAHA!!
I got something super cool today. It's like this rubber man figure bent at the waist. When you make cup noodles, you put in on top to stop the lid from flapping up. And we all know how annoying it is when that happens! I had to buy noodles especially so that I could try it out. The arms turn white with the heat and just the sight of it cracks me up!
Props for originality!!
xoxo
I'm going away in 2 days and I couldn't be any further from being prepared!
After my Japanese class this morning, I had to rush back home and do a whole load of laundry and clean my house. It's so hard to keep up with everything - bills to pay, furikomis to make - my "To do" list just keeps getting longer and longer. The bad thing about it is that I now only have tomorrow to do EVERYTHING. And I'm gonna be working from 10 through to 7 so that really means tomorrow night is gonna be a mad rush.
Even tighter since I just checked my flight time and I need to be at Narita at like 9.30am. Thank God for the Skyliner!!! I can now get to Narita airport door-to-door in 1 hour 10 minutes. SWEET.
But I still have so much stuff to do!!!!
Just a quick one - I have received so many gifts off my clients this year! Sure, I did get a few last Christmas but they have been coming in every couple of days so I'm super chuffed. Totally love pressies!!!! Even just Christmas cards are enough - it's nice to feel appreciated for a change!! HAHA!!
I got something super cool today. It's like this rubber man figure bent at the waist. When you make cup noodles, you put in on top to stop the lid from flapping up. And we all know how annoying it is when that happens! I had to buy noodles especially so that I could try it out. The arms turn white with the heat and just the sight of it cracks me up!
Props for originality!!
xoxo
Sunday 18 December 2011
ANTM Night Part 2!!
What fatties me and my girl are!
We absolutely stuffed our face this evening with prawn crackers, fajitas, sweets, biscuits, waffles (OK - that was just me) and wine.
It had to be done - it was ANTM night!!!!
My goodness me, the All-Stars season was absolutely amazing!! What a runway show! Honestly, this season has just been incredible and not only were the final prizes insane, but the stuff that they got to do was incredible! Making their own perfume, writing their own song and making their own music video, designing their own dress - WOW!!
I was so gutted when it got to the final and they announced that Angelea had been disqualified! What a waste! Rumour had it that she had actually won, but bragged about it on her FB page, hence breaking the contract about leaking information about the show. Silly girl!!!! She so deserved to win as well....but not as much as Lisa!! That girl is incredible - such a superstar!
And now I really need to go to bed!
xoxo
We absolutely stuffed our face this evening with prawn crackers, fajitas, sweets, biscuits, waffles (OK - that was just me) and wine.
It had to be done - it was ANTM night!!!!
My goodness me, the All-Stars season was absolutely amazing!! What a runway show! Honestly, this season has just been incredible and not only were the final prizes insane, but the stuff that they got to do was incredible! Making their own perfume, writing their own song and making their own music video, designing their own dress - WOW!!
I was so gutted when it got to the final and they announced that Angelea had been disqualified! What a waste! Rumour had it that she had actually won, but bragged about it on her FB page, hence breaking the contract about leaking information about the show. Silly girl!!!! She so deserved to win as well....but not as much as Lisa!! That girl is incredible - such a superstar!
And now I really need to go to bed!
xoxo
Saturday 17 December 2011
A Welcome Break
My goodness me, what a year.
The last couple of months have been a tough end to what has been a very tough year.
This holiday next week couldn't come at a better time. I am so ready for it, I feel like I need it and I'm hoping to come back to Japan with a clearer head and a more positive attitude.
My emotions have flown all over the place over the last couple of months, as I have battled back and forth with trying to work out what the right thing to do is. To be honest, I still don't have an answer and I'm hoping that I can go away, get away from it all, and then be able to figure it all out from the outside - not stuck in the middle, surrounded by nonsense. I don't know who's telling the truth, I don't know who I'm supposed to listen to. I feel confused and there's no better remedy for all of this than getting the hell away!!
I spent the last couple of days trying to work out what exactly it is that has triggered my temper so much. Apart from the fact that people have left me feeling so disappointed in them and let down....I dunno...I haven't reacted so strongly in a workplace since....ever. Never done it. I've worked on my temper a lot over the years and promised myself that I would never, ever let people in the work place see it. And I haven't....but over the last couple of months, I can feel it dying to get out.
So why now?
I can honestly only pinpoint it to one thing. It's gonna sound weird to so many people but to others like me who live to travel, I'm appealing to you guys to understand. I think it's because...
....I haven't been on holiday for 4 months.
I told you it was gonna sound weird...and probably even spoilt....but let me explain.
Last year I went on holiday regulary - whether it was abroad or even just a lil day trip in Japan. What you have to understand about eikaiwa teaching here is that it very quickly becomes repetitive and for people like me, who crave diversity, it doesn't take long to feel like you're trapped, leading to feelings of dissatisfaction, impatience, constant annoyance and just....ARRRGGGHHHH!!!
I think that's what happened. Honestly. Taking constant trips breaks it up - work your arse off and then take a break. That was how it has always been for me in this company. It's perhaps the most attractive thing about working there - being able to choose your own schedule and taking off as much time as you want, whenever you want. You don't get there anywhere else. So doing the same thing continuously for 4 months has driven me to see too many negative things around me - things that I knew were there but could easily ignore before. But...I dunno...I just kinda snapped and now I have more wrinkles than ever!
LOL!
Dying to get away and come back with a better perspective.
And I'm gonna make sure I get my regular breaks next year so I don't have to go through this again!
Roll on 2012 - I am so ready for you!
xoxo
The last couple of months have been a tough end to what has been a very tough year.
This holiday next week couldn't come at a better time. I am so ready for it, I feel like I need it and I'm hoping to come back to Japan with a clearer head and a more positive attitude.
My emotions have flown all over the place over the last couple of months, as I have battled back and forth with trying to work out what the right thing to do is. To be honest, I still don't have an answer and I'm hoping that I can go away, get away from it all, and then be able to figure it all out from the outside - not stuck in the middle, surrounded by nonsense. I don't know who's telling the truth, I don't know who I'm supposed to listen to. I feel confused and there's no better remedy for all of this than getting the hell away!!
I spent the last couple of days trying to work out what exactly it is that has triggered my temper so much. Apart from the fact that people have left me feeling so disappointed in them and let down....I dunno...I haven't reacted so strongly in a workplace since....ever. Never done it. I've worked on my temper a lot over the years and promised myself that I would never, ever let people in the work place see it. And I haven't....but over the last couple of months, I can feel it dying to get out.
So why now?
I can honestly only pinpoint it to one thing. It's gonna sound weird to so many people but to others like me who live to travel, I'm appealing to you guys to understand. I think it's because...
....I haven't been on holiday for 4 months.
I told you it was gonna sound weird...and probably even spoilt....but let me explain.
Last year I went on holiday regulary - whether it was abroad or even just a lil day trip in Japan. What you have to understand about eikaiwa teaching here is that it very quickly becomes repetitive and for people like me, who crave diversity, it doesn't take long to feel like you're trapped, leading to feelings of dissatisfaction, impatience, constant annoyance and just....ARRRGGGHHHH!!!
I think that's what happened. Honestly. Taking constant trips breaks it up - work your arse off and then take a break. That was how it has always been for me in this company. It's perhaps the most attractive thing about working there - being able to choose your own schedule and taking off as much time as you want, whenever you want. You don't get there anywhere else. So doing the same thing continuously for 4 months has driven me to see too many negative things around me - things that I knew were there but could easily ignore before. But...I dunno...I just kinda snapped and now I have more wrinkles than ever!
LOL!
Dying to get away and come back with a better perspective.
And I'm gonna make sure I get my regular breaks next year so I don't have to go through this again!
Roll on 2012 - I am so ready for you!
xoxo
Friday 16 December 2011
Ufffff!!!!!
Kk you know I blogged a lil while ago about my horoscopes being scarily accurate?
None of them...not one single one....has been more accurate than today's one.
I'm not joking - there wasn't a single part of that that wasn't relevant. Wanna see it?
"You may be feeling neglected and forgotten, Gemini. It may seem that even the universe is overlooking your virtues and weighing you down with obligations and problems. You may be wondering why the people around you have it so easy, while you have to struggle and climb just to keep from sinking. You may not want to hear it - or you may not be ready to hear it yet - but a big part of the problem is your own attitude. Once you figure out how to embrace faith and a belief in the goodness of the universe, you will see your life start to change for the better. "
Freaky.
And a lot easier said than done Mr. Horoscope! It's hard to have faith when you see everyone around you have all this shit fall into their laps. I have worked my effing arse off all year and got so little back in return. Unfortunately it's not in my nature to just sit back and wait for something to happen, but it looks like I might just have to listen to the stars!
Can't hurt right?
xoxo
None of them...not one single one....has been more accurate than today's one.
I'm not joking - there wasn't a single part of that that wasn't relevant. Wanna see it?
"You may be feeling neglected and forgotten, Gemini. It may seem that even the universe is overlooking your virtues and weighing you down with obligations and problems. You may be wondering why the people around you have it so easy, while you have to struggle and climb just to keep from sinking. You may not want to hear it - or you may not be ready to hear it yet - but a big part of the problem is your own attitude. Once you figure out how to embrace faith and a belief in the goodness of the universe, you will see your life start to change for the better. "
Freaky.
And a lot easier said than done Mr. Horoscope! It's hard to have faith when you see everyone around you have all this shit fall into their laps. I have worked my effing arse off all year and got so little back in return. Unfortunately it's not in my nature to just sit back and wait for something to happen, but it looks like I might just have to listen to the stars!
Can't hurt right?
xoxo
Thursday 15 December 2011
Nightmares
I just have to tell you about one of the uffed up nightmares I had the other night.
It was literally a horrible night's sleep because I seemed to have one bad dream after another, but I can only remember one.
I was in my parents' house and asleep in bed. I was trying to sleep but couldn't because the door was open and the light from the hallway was shining through. I leaned over and slammed the door shut, and suddenly saw this mammoth shadow and heard this thumping noise against the door. I opened the door and this tiny little kitten came running out pass my mum on the hallway.
Then this humungous, fat black and white striped cat came plodding out after it. Me and my mum were so grossed out, looking at this lump like it was the dirtiest thing in the world. We were disgusted. I tried to kick it but my foot just bounced off it's disgustingly huge, flabby belly and it didn't budge.
And then I woke up!
What the hell was that all about?!
xoxo
It was literally a horrible night's sleep because I seemed to have one bad dream after another, but I can only remember one.
I was in my parents' house and asleep in bed. I was trying to sleep but couldn't because the door was open and the light from the hallway was shining through. I leaned over and slammed the door shut, and suddenly saw this mammoth shadow and heard this thumping noise against the door. I opened the door and this tiny little kitten came running out pass my mum on the hallway.
Then this humungous, fat black and white striped cat came plodding out after it. Me and my mum were so grossed out, looking at this lump like it was the dirtiest thing in the world. We were disgusted. I tried to kick it but my foot just bounced off it's disgustingly huge, flabby belly and it didn't budge.
And then I woke up!
What the hell was that all about?!
xoxo
Wednesday 14 December 2011
Awwwww
So I had a nice lil afternoon skype sess with my baby boy in Miami.
HOT HOT HOT HOT HOT HOT HOT HOT
Why is it that EVERY SINGLE TIME I meet I guy that I get on so damn well with, he's either taken....or lives in another country.
*sigh*
The other amazing thing about this guy is not only is he a professional massage therapist, but he's a singer. Mainly rock but I've heard him jam out to reggae and mix his rock with some kinda Caribbean flavour.
He was actually jamming with his friends when I called him and I got to watch them all having a great time, joined together by their love of music. It looked like they were straight up having a blast.
Weird how I only met him that one night and still manage to have such a strong connection. I was gonna go out and see him in February, but now that I've decided to do my CELTA, I won't be able to go. I'm gonna try and get him over here though. He wants to come but he's scared he won't be able to leave.
I was kinda thinking the same thing about going over there in Feb.
Hmmmm....
Why don't those kinda guys exist in Japan!??!?!
xoxo
HOT HOT HOT HOT HOT HOT HOT HOT
Why is it that EVERY SINGLE TIME I meet I guy that I get on so damn well with, he's either taken....or lives in another country.
*sigh*
The other amazing thing about this guy is not only is he a professional massage therapist, but he's a singer. Mainly rock but I've heard him jam out to reggae and mix his rock with some kinda Caribbean flavour.
He was actually jamming with his friends when I called him and I got to watch them all having a great time, joined together by their love of music. It looked like they were straight up having a blast.
Weird how I only met him that one night and still manage to have such a strong connection. I was gonna go out and see him in February, but now that I've decided to do my CELTA, I won't be able to go. I'm gonna try and get him over here though. He wants to come but he's scared he won't be able to leave.
I was kinda thinking the same thing about going over there in Feb.
Hmmmm....
Why don't those kinda guys exist in Japan!??!?!
xoxo
Tuesday 13 December 2011
Talk That Talk
OMG I am ALL OVER Rihanna's new album!
I swear she just gets better and better with time! And her new video for "We Found Love" is off the chains.
Youtube it!!
She is definitely my fave artist of the year. I'm still listening to "Loud" and loving it as much as the first time I heard it.
I downloaded "Talk That Talk" this morning and haven't listened to anything else all day. Early faves are definitely "We Found Love", "Drunk on Love" and "Where Have You Been". That album completely has me bopping along on the train - definitely one that you can't just sit still and listen to.
Guaranteed to put you in a good mood - I didn't feel the usual resentment about going into work after listening to it. If you haven't heard it already, then check it out! The lyrics alone are enough to bring a smirk to your face!
♫ Suck my cockiness, lick my persuasion.......I love it when you eat it ♫
LOL!
xoxo
I swear she just gets better and better with time! And her new video for "We Found Love" is off the chains.
Youtube it!!
She is definitely my fave artist of the year. I'm still listening to "Loud" and loving it as much as the first time I heard it.
I downloaded "Talk That Talk" this morning and haven't listened to anything else all day. Early faves are definitely "We Found Love", "Drunk on Love" and "Where Have You Been". That album completely has me bopping along on the train - definitely one that you can't just sit still and listen to.
Guaranteed to put you in a good mood - I didn't feel the usual resentment about going into work after listening to it. If you haven't heard it already, then check it out! The lyrics alone are enough to bring a smirk to your face!
♫ Suck my cockiness, lick my persuasion.......I love it when you eat it ♫
LOL!
xoxo
Monday 12 December 2011
The X Factor 2011
I have been way behind everyone else this year with the X Factor.
I only started watching it like a week ago, but completely caught up and I have just finished the final.
Good for you girls! It's fantastic that a group finally won, but it's even better than it was a non-slutty looking girl group! Truth be told, I was actually rooting for the complete HOTTIE that is Marcus, but hey, fair play. The girls were great. And my friend told me he was gay anyway! LOL!
No really - well done Little Mix! I absolutely adored their renditions of Nicki Minaj and En Vogue. I loved the fact too that they weren't all slagged up to the nines like the girl groups normally are. It defintiely makes them more relatable. Seeing them perform with Tulisa as well - she got to prove that she could sing too.
So what did we all think of the contestants this year?!
Misha B over Amelia Lily any day. But I can kinda get why the public wouldn't connect with her. That level of talent combined with that level of confidence can put a lot of people off. There's no denying though that she was absolutely incredible and rumour has it, she has been signed by no other than Missy. GET IN GIRL!
Amelia Lily - yeh, she can sing....apart from when she decides to absolutely shout her way through most of the songs. I always have to turn down the volume when she's on. Not feeling her at all really!
Sophie - one word - YAWN!!! Could anyone be more boring?!
Janet - absolutely, 100% cannot STAND that girl's voice! Remember Rebecca last year? Now HER voice was unique in a stunning way. Janet's was unique in a way that made me skip through her performance...EVERY TIME. HATE IT. And her! LOL!
Craig - amazing talent but he would never have won.
Frankie - annoying weak voice. I always wanted him to be better than he actually was. Love a rebel though!
That other boy that was the first one kicked off. The fact that I can't remember his name shows how memorable he was.
Kitty - hated her. And loved her at the same time! Incredible voice but horrid personality and her costumes....you're not Lady G lovey!
Johnny - tried to hate him but I warmed to him after a bit! Love his sense of humour - he had me cracking up every time he was on!
Sami - another YAWN! Like Sophie, she has a great voice and nothing else. Skipped through her performances as well - mainly coz the song choice was terrible. Poor girl didn't really stand a chance with Louis as her mentor.
Jonjo - really EFFING YAWN!
2 Shoes - LOVED them! How hilarious are those girls! And that one had lipstick all over her face at the end of their first performance! LOL!
Nu Vibe - young and annoying. Nothing special.
The Risk - yeh, they weren't too bad actually. Great vocals - I actually thought there were gonna go a lot further.
And so it's over for another year. And now I'm going to have to start on The X Factor US just to stop myself from watching ANTM without my girl here! ANTM night part 2 is going down next Monday! GET IN!
xoxo
I only started watching it like a week ago, but completely caught up and I have just finished the final.
Good for you girls! It's fantastic that a group finally won, but it's even better than it was a non-slutty looking girl group! Truth be told, I was actually rooting for the complete HOTTIE that is Marcus, but hey, fair play. The girls were great. And my friend told me he was gay anyway! LOL!
No really - well done Little Mix! I absolutely adored their renditions of Nicki Minaj and En Vogue. I loved the fact too that they weren't all slagged up to the nines like the girl groups normally are. It defintiely makes them more relatable. Seeing them perform with Tulisa as well - she got to prove that she could sing too.
So what did we all think of the contestants this year?!
Misha B over Amelia Lily any day. But I can kinda get why the public wouldn't connect with her. That level of talent combined with that level of confidence can put a lot of people off. There's no denying though that she was absolutely incredible and rumour has it, she has been signed by no other than Missy. GET IN GIRL!
Amelia Lily - yeh, she can sing....apart from when she decides to absolutely shout her way through most of the songs. I always have to turn down the volume when she's on. Not feeling her at all really!
Sophie - one word - YAWN!!! Could anyone be more boring?!
Janet - absolutely, 100% cannot STAND that girl's voice! Remember Rebecca last year? Now HER voice was unique in a stunning way. Janet's was unique in a way that made me skip through her performance...EVERY TIME. HATE IT. And her! LOL!
Craig - amazing talent but he would never have won.
Frankie - annoying weak voice. I always wanted him to be better than he actually was. Love a rebel though!
That other boy that was the first one kicked off. The fact that I can't remember his name shows how memorable he was.
Kitty - hated her. And loved her at the same time! Incredible voice but horrid personality and her costumes....you're not Lady G lovey!
Johnny - tried to hate him but I warmed to him after a bit! Love his sense of humour - he had me cracking up every time he was on!
Sami - another YAWN! Like Sophie, she has a great voice and nothing else. Skipped through her performances as well - mainly coz the song choice was terrible. Poor girl didn't really stand a chance with Louis as her mentor.
Jonjo - really EFFING YAWN!
2 Shoes - LOVED them! How hilarious are those girls! And that one had lipstick all over her face at the end of their first performance! LOL!
Nu Vibe - young and annoying. Nothing special.
The Risk - yeh, they weren't too bad actually. Great vocals - I actually thought there were gonna go a lot further.
And so it's over for another year. And now I'm going to have to start on The X Factor US just to stop myself from watching ANTM without my girl here! ANTM night part 2 is going down next Monday! GET IN!
xoxo
Sunday 11 December 2011
お疲れ様でした！
My goodness me, I am so knackered after a really busy day!
Since I've been back from work, I've slowly been scoffing my way through all of this chocolate, feeling gutted that I missed out on the shabu shabu party that my friend organized.
I was there, at the station with everyone, and I got a call. And then decided to go to work. Why? I need the money. Let me rephrase...I WANT the money. Giving my huge plans for next year, I really need to get hold of every penny that I can get. And it was well worth it, I can tell ya.
My work in Ginza is proving to be more problematic that I ever imagined. I swear I work with a whole load of children with big imaginations which allow things to escalate into this huge imaginary episode that I just can't get my head around. I honestly, 100%, don't get it.
And to be honest, I'm really getting to the point where I've had enough of working with children. In my head I have a mental timeline that I will wait to see if those people are gonna change. And if not, I'm out.
I won't be ganged up on and the lack of support that I'm receiving just goes to show how people that are supposed to be objective, don't know how to be. I haven't even done anything except keep my head down, so how this has gotten to this mad stage is beyond me.
Enough is enough.
Stupid children.
Grow up!
xoxo
Since I've been back from work, I've slowly been scoffing my way through all of this chocolate, feeling gutted that I missed out on the shabu shabu party that my friend organized.
I was there, at the station with everyone, and I got a call. And then decided to go to work. Why? I need the money. Let me rephrase...I WANT the money. Giving my huge plans for next year, I really need to get hold of every penny that I can get. And it was well worth it, I can tell ya.
My work in Ginza is proving to be more problematic that I ever imagined. I swear I work with a whole load of children with big imaginations which allow things to escalate into this huge imaginary episode that I just can't get my head around. I honestly, 100%, don't get it.
And to be honest, I'm really getting to the point where I've had enough of working with children. In my head I have a mental timeline that I will wait to see if those people are gonna change. And if not, I'm out.
I won't be ganged up on and the lack of support that I'm receiving just goes to show how people that are supposed to be objective, don't know how to be. I haven't even done anything except keep my head down, so how this has gotten to this mad stage is beyond me.
Enough is enough.
Stupid children.
Grow up!
xoxo
Saturday 10 December 2011
Retro Sweets
I got an Xmas stocking from my lil sis delivered today.
And it was rammed full of retro sweets!
When I say retro sweets, I'm talking about all those kind of penny sweets and stuff that you could buy in the newsagent back in the day when we were kids. I had no idea you could even buy some of this stuff anymore!
So what kind of retro sweets am I talking about?
Sherbert dip dab
Sherbert fountain - you know the one - the liquorice stick in a whole load of sherbert
Candy sticks - I remember I used to pretend they were cigarettes!
Rainbow drops
Fizz Wizz - that popping candy that you pour into your mouth and it makes all those crackling noises
Drumsticks - guaranteed to make your jaw ache from all the chewing
Love hearts and the love heart lipstick shaped one. Classic.
Sherbert powder lolly
Pink shrimps - I still LOVE those!!
Rainbow dust - a tube full of what is basically flavoured sugar
Fried eggs
Those pink and blue bubblegum flavoured fizzy bottles
A range of fizzy gummy sweets
A humungous gobstopper
Fizzers and parma violets - never was a fan of the latter
Old school gum balls
Candy necklaces and bracelets
Blackjacks and fruit salads - again, never was a fan of the latter
Amazing right? A whole stocking of stuff guaranteed to rot my teeth and make me fat.
I am gonna be hitting the gym so hard next year, I swear! I dunno what's happened over the last 6 months - I've just gotten so lazy!
xoxo
And it was rammed full of retro sweets!
When I say retro sweets, I'm talking about all those kind of penny sweets and stuff that you could buy in the newsagent back in the day when we were kids. I had no idea you could even buy some of this stuff anymore!
So what kind of retro sweets am I talking about?
Sherbert dip dab
Sherbert fountain - you know the one - the liquorice stick in a whole load of sherbert
Candy sticks - I remember I used to pretend they were cigarettes!
Rainbow drops
Fizz Wizz - that popping candy that you pour into your mouth and it makes all those crackling noises
Drumsticks - guaranteed to make your jaw ache from all the chewing
Love hearts and the love heart lipstick shaped one. Classic.
Sherbert powder lolly
Pink shrimps - I still LOVE those!!
Rainbow dust - a tube full of what is basically flavoured sugar
Fried eggs
Those pink and blue bubblegum flavoured fizzy bottles
A range of fizzy gummy sweets
A humungous gobstopper
Fizzers and parma violets - never was a fan of the latter
Old school gum balls
Candy necklaces and bracelets
Blackjacks and fruit salads - again, never was a fan of the latter
Amazing right? A whole stocking of stuff guaranteed to rot my teeth and make me fat.
I am gonna be hitting the gym so hard next year, I swear! I dunno what's happened over the last 6 months - I've just gotten so lazy!
xoxo
Friday 9 December 2011
Xmas Pressies!
I only ever get Xmas pressies from my family when I'm in Japan.
Today came through the care package from my mum.
It was rammed with chocolate, Dove, Imperial Leather bubble bath and pyjamas.
I'm not to get all snug in fleecy pyjamas, but winter here is not the season to be sleeping starkers!
And I'm not joking - the bubble bath smells DIVINE!! It's "midnight blooming jasmine and cotton milk" and I can't wait to have a soak tomorrow night!
xoxo
Today came through the care package from my mum.
It was rammed with chocolate, Dove, Imperial Leather bubble bath and pyjamas.
I'm not to get all snug in fleecy pyjamas, but winter here is not the season to be sleeping starkers!
And I'm not joking - the bubble bath smells DIVINE!! It's "midnight blooming jasmine and cotton milk" and I can't wait to have a soak tomorrow night!
xoxo
Pretty P****
Before I tell you about the exciting news today, I have to tell you want happened when I went for my Brazilian yesterday.
My usual beautician has gone back to Argentina, so today was my first time with the Filipino lady.
Man, she didn't hang on - got stuck right in and finished in record time!
But, in the middle of waxing, she just turned around and told me that my lady part was super pretty! And she actually used the words "super pretty".
LMFAO!
Me: Errrrrr.....*embarrassed giggle*.....thanks!
Beautician: I see so many every day, but none are as pretty as yours.
Me: Errrrrr.....*embarrassed giggle*
LOL! She actually left me speechless - I had no idea how to respond! Of course, I have been told before (^_-), but I never expected it to come from the lady I was paying to rip all my hair out!
HAHA!
xoxo
My usual beautician has gone back to Argentina, so today was my first time with the Filipino lady.
Man, she didn't hang on - got stuck right in and finished in record time!
But, in the middle of waxing, she just turned around and told me that my lady part was super pretty! And she actually used the words "super pretty".
LMFAO!
Me: Errrrrr.....*embarrassed giggle*.....thanks!
Beautician: I see so many every day, but none are as pretty as yours.
Me: Errrrrr.....*embarrassed giggle*
LOL! She actually left me speechless - I had no idea how to respond! Of course, I have been told before (^_-), but I never expected it to come from the lady I was paying to rip all my hair out!
HAHA!
xoxo
Tuesday 6 December 2011
NO WAY!!
Just before anything, I just wanna say that I had 3 more brownies today and they were even more awesome than they were yesterday!
And also, for once I can actually say that I had a great day at work! Obviously because I was presenting and training and in my element.
Love it!
Now, onto business...
DID YOU SEE THE LASTEST EPISODE OF GG?!
I am BEGGING that they haven't killed off Chuck! I can't take it! He's FINALLY hooked back up with Blair and then they have a massive car crash?! It can't happen!!!
There isn't a more perfect couple than those two!
That show has turned so dark this season. I'm absolutely loving it, but it seems EVERYTHING is bad! No one is having an ounce of good luck! How depressing. But, such is life!
xoxo
And also, for once I can actually say that I had a great day at work! Obviously because I was presenting and training and in my element.
Love it!
Now, onto business...
DID YOU SEE THE LASTEST EPISODE OF GG?!
I am BEGGING that they haven't killed off Chuck! I can't take it! He's FINALLY hooked back up with Blair and then they have a massive car crash?! It can't happen!!!
There isn't a more perfect couple than those two!
That show has turned so dark this season. I'm absolutely loving it, but it seems EVERYTHING is bad! No one is having an ounce of good luck! How depressing. But, such is life!
xoxo
Monday 5 December 2011
ANTM Night!
Uffffff...I am SO stuffed!
But I had an absolute blast tonight!
My girl came over for dinner, dessert, wine and most importantly....
....cycle 17 of ANTM!!!
Good Lord! If you could have heard us shouting at the TV! You would have thought we were crazy! LOL! Definitely makes a change from shouting at the TV by myself that's for sure!
On the menu tonight was: squid, avocado and mushroom salad, tomato and avocado salad and then a chicken and vegetable stir fry with rice. Accompanied with a few glasses of rose and then homemade brownies and Haagen Daaz (how do you spell that?!) ice cream for dessert.
The brownies came out the oven and my girl was like "Shall I cut these into 6?"
LOL! "You pie!!! Cut them into 12!!!"
Not that it really made much difference - we ended up scoffing 2 each anyway! Now I'm stuffed and feeling a little bit sick. They were cooked perfectly - moist and gooey and awesome.
Mmmmmm.....
Now I can't watch anymore of ANTM until she comes back!
That's OK though - I need to catch up with the X Factor before everyone REALLY starts spoiling it for me on Facebook!
Great way to spend a Monday evening.
Thanks girl.
xoxo
But I had an absolute blast tonight!
My girl came over for dinner, dessert, wine and most importantly....
....cycle 17 of ANTM!!!
Good Lord! If you could have heard us shouting at the TV! You would have thought we were crazy! LOL! Definitely makes a change from shouting at the TV by myself that's for sure!
On the menu tonight was: squid, avocado and mushroom salad, tomato and avocado salad and then a chicken and vegetable stir fry with rice. Accompanied with a few glasses of rose and then homemade brownies and Haagen Daaz (how do you spell that?!) ice cream for dessert.
The brownies came out the oven and my girl was like "Shall I cut these into 6?"
LOL! "You pie!!! Cut them into 12!!!"
Not that it really made much difference - we ended up scoffing 2 each anyway! Now I'm stuffed and feeling a little bit sick. They were cooked perfectly - moist and gooey and awesome.
Mmmmmm.....
Now I can't watch anymore of ANTM until she comes back!
That's OK though - I need to catch up with the X Factor before everyone REALLY starts spoiling it for me on Facebook!
Great way to spend a Monday evening.
Thanks girl.
xoxo
Sunday 4 December 2011
JLPT Day!!
8.30pm and I'm absolutely exhausted!!!
Today was the JLPT!
I was up at 8am and I'm not joking - even at that time I was feeling insanely nervous.
A hearty breakfast and a quick review later, I was ready to walk out of the door. If all else failed, at least my make up was looking really good today!
The uni wasn't as far away as I thought actually. I got an express train from Ikebukuro and was at the right station in under 20 minutes. It wasn't hard to find the building - I just followed the humungous crowds of Chinese people! HAHA!
I was at the test site at 11 - the doors didn't open until 12, so I was hanging around outside with everyone else. No joke - I was literally shaking with nerves. And what made it worse was I was one of only a handful of people looking at a text. I gave up after a bit coz, well, there really was nothing that I could do at that point. I ended up talking to this German guy who comes to Japan for 2 weeks every month. What does he do? Only works for the effing UN!!! Social development for developing countries!!! So amazing. I was talking to him and he was telling me that if I wanted any kind of work in the UN or Foreign Office, Japan is NOT the place to base myself. Definitely something to think about there.
So the doors open and I make my way into the test room. Over 100 people in that room and I was the only Westerner. The other candidates were all Asian, with the majority being Chinese. Of course. The girl in front of me just would not give up talking to me!!!
A funny little story:
Girl: Nihao.
Me: Er....nihao
Girl: *a whole load of Chinese*
Me: Huh?
Girl: *even more Chinese*
Me: 中国語全然分かりません。(I totally don't understand Chinese)
Girl: なんで中国語話せないの？中国人でしょう？(Why don't you speak Chinese? You're Chinese right?)
Me: えっ？冗談でしょう？ (What?! You're joking right?)
Girl: あれ？中国人じゃないの？何人ですか？ (Huh? You're not Chinese? Where are you from?)
Me: イギリス人ですよ。 (I'm English)
Girl: ええ？！本当に中国人みたいね。 (You totally look Chinese)
Me: 私と話さないでください。(Don't talk to me, please)
(I wasn't being rude here - the woman was reading the instructions and we were all supposed to be quiet and not talking. This girl wouldn't shut up and I didn't want her to get me into trouble!!)
Girl: 君はとてもきれいですね。いいなぁ。 (You are so beautiful)
Me: *no response*
Girl: *starts talking to her Chinese friend in Japanese about how "beautiful" I am.
Seriously, even when the test had ended, this girl was looking around at everyone's test sheet (including mine) and changing her answers!!! Mine defintiely wouldn't have been the best one to copy from, that's for sure!
The first part of the test was Kanji. The first question, no problem.....and then it was kinda hard from there! LOL! Of the 981 kanji that I know, in the first 5 questions, NONE of them appeared! DOH! I answered based on logic of the readings of the individual characters, but combined, I didn't have a clue.
What annoyed me about the first part of the test was that it wasn't really about the grammar. It was about the VOCABULARY. I have spent weeks studying grammar forms, so that when it comes to choosing the correct answer, I would be able to answer based on process of elimination through verb forms etc., so it wouldn't matter if I knew the meaning of the word or not. The section where you had to put the words in order was no problem, but the section where you had to choose the correct words was tough. I could read the kanji - I just didn't know what it MEANT. It used to be the other way around.
But through the whole thing, it was the reading that tripped me up. Not because I couldn't read it and not because I couldn't understand it....but because the OPTIONS for the answers were so damn confusing! I'm reading some of them and I honestly thought they were all right - but we only had to choose one. It was hard to try and distinguish between them because they were paraphrases of the text and there were some words in there that I just couldn't make out the meaning of.
Typical. I understand the damn text but can't figure out the options for the answers. DOH!
So in the end, it was kind of a guessing game. It left me with a lot of time at the end to go back and try to figure out those options clearly. I was then able to change a few of the answers to what I really believed were the correct ones instead of my guesses. So that's something - it's all down to not having enough time (or vocabulary) to really figure them all out.
Then it was time for a break - looks like I wasn't the only one who couldn't work out those options - a lot of people were bitching about it outside. I was just mad that all those grammar points that I had been so worried about didn't even come up. Looks like the way to go is just learning word list after word list. At least now I know!
The second part of the test was listening. This is my strong point, but after that first section, I was starting to panic about it. When the test started and we had completed the first 2 sections, I actually had to turn to the front of the booklet to check that I was really sitting the N2 test.
WHAT A JOKE!
Man, it was so EASY! I was like HUH?! Even though I know my listening is strong, I thought I would still struggle with that section because of the level. But no, it was no problem and apart from about 5-7 questions, I answered them all confidently. The only reason I didn't for the other 5 - 7 was because I kinda zoned out and missed the question! HAHA! I knew that was gonna happen at some point. But I'm not worried about that section at all - I know I for a good score.
So I really have no idea how it went. The problem with the test now if that you have to pass every single section. Before, it was just an overall score, with an overall pass mark. But now, even if you get 100% in one section and it pulls your overall mark up over the pass mark, if you fail any other section, then you fail the whole thing. You only need 19/60 for each of the 3 sections and then the pass mark is 90/180. Even though I'm not confident, I'm hoping I at least hit that 19! Let's see if that lucky guessing pays off!
Won't be hearing until February so we'll just have to wait and see!
xoxo
Today was the JLPT!
I was up at 8am and I'm not joking - even at that time I was feeling insanely nervous.
A hearty breakfast and a quick review later, I was ready to walk out of the door. If all else failed, at least my make up was looking really good today!
The uni wasn't as far away as I thought actually. I got an express train from Ikebukuro and was at the right station in under 20 minutes. It wasn't hard to find the building - I just followed the humungous crowds of Chinese people! HAHA!
I was at the test site at 11 - the doors didn't open until 12, so I was hanging around outside with everyone else. No joke - I was literally shaking with nerves. And what made it worse was I was one of only a handful of people looking at a text. I gave up after a bit coz, well, there really was nothing that I could do at that point. I ended up talking to this German guy who comes to Japan for 2 weeks every month. What does he do? Only works for the effing UN!!! Social development for developing countries!!! So amazing. I was talking to him and he was telling me that if I wanted any kind of work in the UN or Foreign Office, Japan is NOT the place to base myself. Definitely something to think about there.
So the doors open and I make my way into the test room. Over 100 people in that room and I was the only Westerner. The other candidates were all Asian, with the majority being Chinese. Of course. The girl in front of me just would not give up talking to me!!!
A funny little story:
Girl: Nihao.
Me: Er....nihao
Girl: *a whole load of Chinese*
Me: Huh?
Girl: *even more Chinese*
Me: 中国語全然分かりません。(I totally don't understand Chinese)
Girl: なんで中国語話せないの？中国人でしょう？(Why don't you speak Chinese? You're Chinese right?)
Me: えっ？冗談でしょう？ (What?! You're joking right?)
Girl: あれ？中国人じゃないの？何人ですか？ (Huh? You're not Chinese? Where are you from?)
Me: イギリス人ですよ。 (I'm English)
Girl: ええ？！本当に中国人みたいね。 (You totally look Chinese)
Me: 私と話さないでください。(Don't talk to me, please)
(I wasn't being rude here - the woman was reading the instructions and we were all supposed to be quiet and not talking. This girl wouldn't shut up and I didn't want her to get me into trouble!!)
Girl: 君はとてもきれいですね。いいなぁ。 (You are so beautiful)
Me: *no response*
Girl: *starts talking to her Chinese friend in Japanese about how "beautiful" I am.
Seriously, even when the test had ended, this girl was looking around at everyone's test sheet (including mine) and changing her answers!!! Mine defintiely wouldn't have been the best one to copy from, that's for sure!
The first part of the test was Kanji. The first question, no problem.....and then it was kinda hard from there! LOL! Of the 981 kanji that I know, in the first 5 questions, NONE of them appeared! DOH! I answered based on logic of the readings of the individual characters, but combined, I didn't have a clue.
What annoyed me about the first part of the test was that it wasn't really about the grammar. It was about the VOCABULARY. I have spent weeks studying grammar forms, so that when it comes to choosing the correct answer, I would be able to answer based on process of elimination through verb forms etc., so it wouldn't matter if I knew the meaning of the word or not. The section where you had to put the words in order was no problem, but the section where you had to choose the correct words was tough. I could read the kanji - I just didn't know what it MEANT. It used to be the other way around.
But through the whole thing, it was the reading that tripped me up. Not because I couldn't read it and not because I couldn't understand it....but because the OPTIONS for the answers were so damn confusing! I'm reading some of them and I honestly thought they were all right - but we only had to choose one. It was hard to try and distinguish between them because they were paraphrases of the text and there were some words in there that I just couldn't make out the meaning of.
Typical. I understand the damn text but can't figure out the options for the answers. DOH!
So in the end, it was kind of a guessing game. It left me with a lot of time at the end to go back and try to figure out those options clearly. I was then able to change a few of the answers to what I really believed were the correct ones instead of my guesses. So that's something - it's all down to not having enough time (or vocabulary) to really figure them all out.
Then it was time for a break - looks like I wasn't the only one who couldn't work out those options - a lot of people were bitching about it outside. I was just mad that all those grammar points that I had been so worried about didn't even come up. Looks like the way to go is just learning word list after word list. At least now I know!
The second part of the test was listening. This is my strong point, but after that first section, I was starting to panic about it. When the test started and we had completed the first 2 sections, I actually had to turn to the front of the booklet to check that I was really sitting the N2 test.
WHAT A JOKE!
Man, it was so EASY! I was like HUH?! Even though I know my listening is strong, I thought I would still struggle with that section because of the level. But no, it was no problem and apart from about 5-7 questions, I answered them all confidently. The only reason I didn't for the other 5 - 7 was because I kinda zoned out and missed the question! HAHA! I knew that was gonna happen at some point. But I'm not worried about that section at all - I know I for a good score.
So I really have no idea how it went. The problem with the test now if that you have to pass every single section. Before, it was just an overall score, with an overall pass mark. But now, even if you get 100% in one section and it pulls your overall mark up over the pass mark, if you fail any other section, then you fail the whole thing. You only need 19/60 for each of the 3 sections and then the pass mark is 90/180. Even though I'm not confident, I'm hoping I at least hit that 19! Let's see if that lucky guessing pays off!
Won't be hearing until February so we'll just have to wait and see!
xoxo
Saturday 3 December 2011
Eeeeeeekkkkk!!!
Saturday night....10.05pm.
And I'm about to go to bed.
Problem number 1 - I'm not in the least bit ready to go to sleep.
Problem number 2 - Even if I was ready to go to sleep, I probably wouldn't be able to.
I've suddenly become a whole bag of jittery nerves! I never thought I would feel THIS nervous about doing this tomorrow, but no joke - I'm bricking it!
I'm not even sure why. The build up to this has been huge. HUGE. I have spent thousands studying all year....except that studying has been catching up with all the basics.
For N2? How long have a spent studying for it? 6 WEEKS.
6 WEEKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!
Crap.
Now I know why I'm bricking it. I couldn't be further from being ready. The kanji count for N2 is 1100. I have 981 (I did the kanji check today). Don't even get me started on the vocab count - from what I've been doing, I reckon I'm at 50%.
BUT the pass mark is ONLY 50%. And I KNOW I can get that, just from the practice tests I've done.
But I'm still nervous. So very, very nervous.
Ufffff.....
K, I'm gonna try and get me some shut eye.
xoxo
And I'm about to go to bed.
Problem number 1 - I'm not in the least bit ready to go to sleep.
Problem number 2 - Even if I was ready to go to sleep, I probably wouldn't be able to.
I've suddenly become a whole bag of jittery nerves! I never thought I would feel THIS nervous about doing this tomorrow, but no joke - I'm bricking it!
I'm not even sure why. The build up to this has been huge. HUGE. I have spent thousands studying all year....except that studying has been catching up with all the basics.
For N2? How long have a spent studying for it? 6 WEEKS.
6 WEEKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!
Crap.
Now I know why I'm bricking it. I couldn't be further from being ready. The kanji count for N2 is 1100. I have 981 (I did the kanji check today). Don't even get me started on the vocab count - from what I've been doing, I reckon I'm at 50%.
BUT the pass mark is ONLY 50%. And I KNOW I can get that, just from the practice tests I've done.
But I'm still nervous. So very, very nervous.
Ufffff.....
K, I'm gonna try and get me some shut eye.
xoxo
Cram Cram Cram
Zzzzzzz.....
This last minute cramming for the JLPT is making me sooooo sleepy.
I've been running through pages and pages of practice grammar exercises - the results are getting better as I go along.
It's so hard to try and remember everything. If I had more time, I would have been able to study all the verb forms that come before these grammar points, so that I would be able to answer most of these questions by process of elimination alone. But since I don't have the luxury of that ability, I'm started to worry about time management.
I haven't had the time to learn everything off by heart, so I keep coming up blank when I'm trying to remember what everything means.
But you know what? It's too late now. I mean - the test is tomorrow and I can't do anything about it, so I'm not gonna kill myself studying tonight. I've already pulled out of a friend's birthday party which I feel really bad about, so I'm gonna do a few more hours, fit in an episode of the X Factor and then have an early night.
I just hope that I'll be able to sleep!
This is it - this is what I've been studying all year for. If those results come back in February as a pass, the number of doors that will suddenly open up for me is huge.
Time has gone so quickly. I remember saying that I had only a month left. I'm just annoyed that I left all the grief at work interfere with my studies - it's not just my laziness you know! LOL!
Right - I better get back to it!
xoxo
This last minute cramming for the JLPT is making me sooooo sleepy.
I've been running through pages and pages of practice grammar exercises - the results are getting better as I go along.
It's so hard to try and remember everything. If I had more time, I would have been able to study all the verb forms that come before these grammar points, so that I would be able to answer most of these questions by process of elimination alone. But since I don't have the luxury of that ability, I'm started to worry about time management.
I haven't had the time to learn everything off by heart, so I keep coming up blank when I'm trying to remember what everything means.
But you know what? It's too late now. I mean - the test is tomorrow and I can't do anything about it, so I'm not gonna kill myself studying tonight. I've already pulled out of a friend's birthday party which I feel really bad about, so I'm gonna do a few more hours, fit in an episode of the X Factor and then have an early night.
I just hope that I'll be able to sleep!
This is it - this is what I've been studying all year for. If those results come back in February as a pass, the number of doors that will suddenly open up for me is huge.
Time has gone so quickly. I remember saying that I had only a month left. I'm just annoyed that I left all the grief at work interfere with my studies - it's not just my laziness you know! LOL!
Right - I better get back to it!
xoxo
Hit Me!
Miles behind everyone else, I've started on this year's X Factor UK.
I got so wrapped up with ANTM, that I haven't watched any of it.
Before yesterday.
I've just finished the first round of boot camp - DON'T TELL ME WHO'S IN THE LIVE SHOWS!!!
My goodness me, the talent is amazing! I was actually brought to tears by some of the voices of the contestants. Absolutely stunning. There is nothing more beautiful than a person who can touch you with their voice. Someone who, when they sing, make you feel every single word. Someone whose story you can feel through their voice. It's gorgeous.
So, so excited for this season.
Where would we be without music? I LOVE dancing. I LOVE music. I LOVE singing. I may not be good at it - but I sure as hell don't let that stop me! It's another one of the reasons I miss my car! I miss driving along with the music turned right up, belting out the words with my girl. LOL! I sing in the bath, I sing in the shower, I sing along to the music in my aerobics class, I sing while I'm cooking.
Surprised the windows in my house haven't smashed already! HAHAHAHA!
Think I'll go to sleep with a bit of Adele this evening!
xoxo
I got so wrapped up with ANTM, that I haven't watched any of it.
Before yesterday.
I've just finished the first round of boot camp - DON'T TELL ME WHO'S IN THE LIVE SHOWS!!!
My goodness me, the talent is amazing! I was actually brought to tears by some of the voices of the contestants. Absolutely stunning. There is nothing more beautiful than a person who can touch you with their voice. Someone who, when they sing, make you feel every single word. Someone whose story you can feel through their voice. It's gorgeous.
So, so excited for this season.
Where would we be without music? I LOVE dancing. I LOVE music. I LOVE singing. I may not be good at it - but I sure as hell don't let that stop me! It's another one of the reasons I miss my car! I miss driving along with the music turned right up, belting out the words with my girl. LOL! I sing in the bath, I sing in the shower, I sing along to the music in my aerobics class, I sing while I'm cooking.
Surprised the windows in my house haven't smashed already! HAHAHAHA!
Think I'll go to sleep with a bit of Adele this evening!
xoxo
Thursday 1 December 2011
M-O-D-E-R-A-T-I-O-N
I've never been good at eating in moderation.
But today was an exception!
I cooked 3 humungous meals at the same time last night and when I finished work today, I got home and was absolutely STARVING!!
BUT it was after 10pm and we all know that eating a crap load of carbs at that time is a recipe for disaster. So I was good and only had a small portion, followed by yoghurt.
I'm not joking though - it's coming up to 11.30pm and I am fighting the urge to polish off the whole lot. I'm not even hungry - peckish maybe, but it's coz I know it's there....waiting to be shovelled down....I can't stop thinking about it.....
BUT NO! I'm not gonna do it....I'm gonna treat myself to a HUGE cooked breakfast tomorrow morning instead. That is, if I can get up early enough to make it! I wanna wash my hair in the morning too, so it's definitely gonna be a tight one, but I have so much awesome food in the fridge that would make an amazing hearty breakfast guaranteed to fix me up until lunch.
Drooling at the thought of it already. Such a pie! Muahahahaahhaa!
Night lovelies.
xoxo
But today was an exception!
I cooked 3 humungous meals at the same time last night and when I finished work today, I got home and was absolutely STARVING!!
BUT it was after 10pm and we all know that eating a crap load of carbs at that time is a recipe for disaster. So I was good and only had a small portion, followed by yoghurt.
I'm not joking though - it's coming up to 11.30pm and I am fighting the urge to polish off the whole lot. I'm not even hungry - peckish maybe, but it's coz I know it's there....waiting to be shovelled down....I can't stop thinking about it.....
BUT NO! I'm not gonna do it....I'm gonna treat myself to a HUGE cooked breakfast tomorrow morning instead. That is, if I can get up early enough to make it! I wanna wash my hair in the morning too, so it's definitely gonna be a tight one, but I have so much awesome food in the fridge that would make an amazing hearty breakfast guaranteed to fix me up until lunch.
Drooling at the thought of it already. Such a pie! Muahahahaahhaa!
Night lovelies.
xoxo
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