A smile can give you genki

Yeap, you have not misread the sentence. Genki is an adjective in Japanese... and it means fine. So for example, "Watashi wa genki desu." translates to "I am fine." and I have seen this Japanese word used as shown in the title above several several times. :) It's really so interesting to observe and see how the Japanese have incorporated EL into their daily life, or vice versa.

I am smiling because I am so genki. Actually I feel very relaxed now and I could have chosen to go to bed early today. Instead, I am eating corn... sweet, lovely, tasty corn on the cob! Sometimes, I just don't want to hit the sack. Tonight is just one such night.

These last few days have been super hectic for me, especially Sunday and Monday. Still, I am glad I chose to go through it regardless of the result. I had to finish 3 important pieces of documents all in Japanese and it's really a tremendous learning experience for me. One of them was an essay of 1500 words and it stretched me!!! Yet staying at home the whole of Sunday just to do it was a super-nice and fruitful experience. This kind of feeling of sitting down, concentrating on studying and writing for an entire day has been long forgotten.... The last time I spent such long hours studying was 5 years ago when I took JLPT 2!!!

Anyway, I am so relieved everything turned out well and the documents were sent out just in time. Many many many thanks to those who helped and encouraged me! ありがとう！

And then there was the "Open High School" event on Tuesday and I must say I am so so so proud of Nishi and Komatsu who did their Show-N-Tell in front of the large audience. It was really brillant and I believe they must have grown quite a bit too through this experience, reason being they had to present everything in English and it's really no simple feat for the students here. Many of them crumble, fumble, stumble... when you try to even get them to stand up in a class to answer a very simple question or make a really short speech. Therefore I know that Nishi n Komatsu must have really practiced very hard, memorizing everything, rehearsing over and over again... n it was so funny and heart-warming to see both of them so nervous and yet eager and excited.

Anyway, here's to these 2 boys! (Photo uploaded!)


And then I had a farewell party from the ESS (English Speaking Society) and man... I was so thrilled. I received a Yukata from them!!!! It's so pretty and it's not cheap too.. Arigatou!! And Koike sensei played his guitar and sang "Imagine" pitch-perfect! And Kurokami sensei baked plum cupcakes and Hiroko's sister baked a lovely chocolate cake... and there were so many different snacks and drinks too... Nice and cosy. :) Thank you ESS!


Koike sensei on his guitar


Pretty Yukata


ESS members... and we have grown from a mere 3 people to this many! Amazing! And there are a couple of missing first-year students in this pict too. Way to go!

And this must be the best gift I have received from the students so far... Maluco painted this for me and even framed it up... Really very very touched. Thank you dear Maluco. I really like the picture. And I will definitely miss her gentleness, her diligence and superb attitude in OC2 class, her thoughtfulness, her joy ... her genki!! Her smile gives me genki too! :) Let's keep in touch ok!!!!!


Can you find "God of Smile" in the painting?


A smile can really make a difference. :)

Ok, that's all for now. I must now decide whether to hit the books or the bed. Wahahhahaha. :)

All for Salmon!

Hmmm, I just made quite an amazing discovery on the net and you can say I am a suaku or what, but salmon makes your skin glow!!! I was wondering if I could eat salmon skin cos I noticed that many Japanese leave the skin aside and I got a little worried cos I just finished all the skin off my salmon fish head and so did a search on google. Found out lots about this nutritious fish!

Anyway, the point is if you wanna have nice skin, eat salmon!!!

All along, I have always known that salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids and they are good cholesterol and very healthy for your heart, but I never knew you could get beauty treatments from this fish… supple skin, wonderful complexion, less fine lines and wrinkles, decreased clogged pores, etc, etc etc... I am so glad I like fish! And salmon most of all…

It’s really nostalgic to think about it. In Singapore, mama would cook salmon for me like 3 times a week and it’s done Chinese-style, steamed, with slices of ginger, sesame oil, soya sauce and a little rice wine. Here in Japan, without her TLC, I just buy salmon fillets, fish heads or the bellies off the supermarkets and microwave them and then add some soya sauce or sprinkle some ajitsuke (pepperish-tasting salt). It takes less than 10 minutes and then I can indulge in my salmon treat! And I have been eating salmon everyday, almost… and I suppose it’s true… Steve commented that the bottom of my feet is now less coarse and this is surprising cos I walk more here. I din even realize this myself and did a check on my feet yesterday. There really is a difference cos it used to be so gross in the past, what with all the ji yens.. and dead flakes.. shan’t gore you out here anymore.

Yeah, and I really enjoy the fishy taste and smell and texture of salmon… any part of salmon is good for me… I love salmon!!!!!

And you should have seen the huge salmon fish head I devoured just now… eyes n bones n jaws n all… wahhahahhaahh... but with my failed attempt at capturing the curry rice this noon, I thought I better put up a more palatable-looking pict of salmon... Doesn't it look absolutely tantalising and mouth-watering? Just imagine the fats oozing out from the salmon flesh, filling your whole mouth, the taste lingering on your tongue and mmmmmmmmm, so so so fishy, heavenly and tasty.


MmmmmmmmmmmmmM......

I am a Salmon Advocate.
Choose salmon. Eat salmon. Live salmon!
Salmon your way to a healthier, younger-looking you!

Break-Time

Decided to take a break while getting my stuff in order. This morning, it's pretty foggy out there and I woke up super early again... wahahha, this time to go relieve myself.

So fast!! It's almost 12 now and I just had a very delicious beef vege curry rice. I told Steve I would make curry rice for him when he was here but we never got down to that cos we were always on the run, or out, or full from eating outside... anyway, look at my creation. Nothing so fabulous but nevertheless I enjoyed it very much.


Upon looking at this picture, i realized it doesn't look even a tad appetizing.. ahhahaha... And I was already eating it before I decided to snap a pict, so it's quite messy. Anyway, cannot eat this kinda stuff everyday. Not very healthy!

And the Japanese have all sorts of instant food, including instant canned ramen... which i hesitate to try though there have been pretty good reviews. Anyway, instant curry or stew usually never go wrong!

And this is an interesting vending machine. What does it sell? Errrrmmmm... some books.... (Pict taken courtesy of Steve)


We were plagued by the rain for most days when he visited but nevertheless, thank God for his protection... at least we weren't caught in the typhoon! It happened in areas all around us but eluded us!























Happily-wet, saying good-bye at Bola Bola, the ryokan we stayed in in Kyoto. It was so clean and cosy, definitely worth the price. Only about 2500 yen per person per night. That's around $33 only! And we were situated in a very convenient location, with 24-hr eateries, places of interest, combinis, public baths, everything. Highly recommended!!!!


Nicer-looking food... Here, especially in Kansai, pple like to eat rice and noodles together. Quite incomprehensible to me initially, but since I am someone who likes variety, I got to like it more n more.

Taken at a Japanese restaurant at Harajuku. Good place and what you see is Katsu-don (Fried pork cutlet with rice) and Soba (Wheat noodle soup). This is meant only for one person. HUGE!


And this is Nihon Teishoku (Standard Japanese Meal). There's a serving of multi-grained rice, salmon, potato salad, Akashi Takoyaki (very delicious), Miso Soup and some tsukemono (like pickles and preserved veges). And of course, a cup of tea.


In church with Beth n Nozo. Wahahahha... I love this couple. They are absolutely fantastic and generous people. Nozo blessed Steve with a brand new pair of Oakleys. Sigh (A happy sigh)... They really try to make a difference in the lives of the people around here and I pray that God sees the desires of their hearts and that they will be blessed beyond their wildest imagination.

ありがとう！


Ok, that's all for now... Mata ne!

Saturday Morning, 21st July 2007

Another Big Decision
Another Step of Faith
Another Level Up
Another Adventure in Him

ありがとうございます

My heart is still thumping as I write this, though I feel slightly calmer now... I just gave my farewell speech to the school and halfway through, I really felt so choked with different emotions...

One year has gone by just like this and I have learnt so much and received so much from Japan. Thank you Lord, for blessing me with this tremendous year. I felt so much suddenly halfway through the speech because I know that really, it's not just about being in Japan, teaching or merely just experiencing the life and culture here. I believe there must be something more to it... something more in store for me, and I was overwhelmed by gratitude and thanksgiving.

感謝しかない気持ち。。。今少しい落ち着いていくけど。。。日本のこと大好きになってくる。さっきスピーチの途中ですごくいろいろな気持ちが溢れてきた。

甲北の皆　ありがとうございます。

My new Denshi Jisho

I am so thrilled to lay my hands on this sleek, shiny and new gadget... What is this thing about gadgets and men, or heez, women? Hmmm... spent quite a number of days carefully considering which new model to get and tada... this is my new toy!!! Got it last Sunday at Akihabara with Steve and today, today, i finally decided to open the package, gingerly taking it out... I suppose this is what the Japanese call こだわり。。。

10 days

Steve's came and gone back to Sing... So fast... was quite sad yesterday but I am so glad I feel much better now. It's been a tremendous time. Thank you Lord, for everything.



昨日彼が帰ってきた。瞬間に本当に寂しかった。。。十日間と一緒に過ごした時間は　喧嘩もあったけど　私は本当に幸せと思う。説明が難しい。。。六時ぐらい時　一人で帰ったつもりなんですけど　ジームに入ってった。その後も兵庫達と一緒に食事した。気持ちも元気になった。：Ｄ　今の私はまた元気になる！

And now, it's on to the last part of JET! Cleaning apartment, getting everything in order for the new ALT... and then it'll soon be over. :) そんなに速い。。。本当にいつの間にか時間が経ってちゃった。。。

そしてこのＪＥＴが終わったら　私も日本語学を勉強する。今の気持ち時々緊張けど　楽しんでいると思う。がんばって　オレンジ！！

のんびりのんびり朝

今日は年休を取って　ステーブの為に　アパートの掃除するつもりです。また二日間　偶然的に七夕で会う！：D　日本語で書きたいけど　多分長い時間がかかるので　今度は英語しよう！でも　少しいだけ日本語で書きたい。。。最近本当に幸せです。いろいろな人に祝福されまして。。私ね本当に日本人の心がとても温かいと思う。これが日本の一番大好きなところです。：D　英語で今スタートです！

I've decided to take a one-day nenkyuu today hmmmm.. cos I have too many off days left! Wahhahaha. And I think that's really good, especially towards the end of the contract. I can then pack the house, get everything in order... and I am so proud to tell you now that I think my house now is really clean, spick n span!

And what's more, today is sunny... so all the laundry is done too. Lalallalala.

Meaning to update this for some time, but I have no time! It's fun to plan the travel itinerary, but my eyes are really criss-crossed now... yet, the process is fun though after staring at the Japanese kanji for long, you can really feel very very tired.

Thank God for Lasik... really never regretted the decision to go for the operation. Yesterday we had a health check-up for the teachers in school, and my eyes are good! It's so important to have a clear vision!

Yup, for the last 2 weeks, I have been so blessed. Everyday, something wonderful happens... Let's see how much I can spew here! Last night, just last night, close to 11pm, a puffing Mr Watanabe knocked at my door... You must remember I live up at the highest level and there are no lifts... and he brought for me one of my all-time faves... MA PUO DOU FU!!!!!!

I was so excited I thanked him profusely. I love MPTF you know... sometimes i buy the instant MPTF sauce and then throw in the toufu and add all sorts of veges.. Well, Watanabe sensei was really funny.. He told me it may not be so delicious, then upon 2nd thoughts, he said it should be quite delicious cos he is actually a good cook! I am 100% sure it is delicious just by looking at it... and when i opened the lid, man... hahaha... i called mummy straightaway to share with her this ooooiiiishiiiiiii dish!!!!


Maybe I can save some for Steve till he arrives... hurhur, but i highly doubt so...
And thank you so much Watanabe sensei!!!!!


And this is DA MAN.

We got to know each other a little better thru the OOUUUUUSOUJI... the compound cleaning. Well, this took place last Sunday and I am so glad I could be a part of it. Once a year, all the residents staying in this compound gather together for a massive cleaning exercise... I call it exercise cos IT IS... It's quite tough! Especially on the knees.. cos you have to weed off all the unruly grassy, shrubby growths! Very tiring! But for me, it provided such a good opportunity to mingle with the neighbours and I did make some friends! I think this clean-up is really good. Promotes togetherness and community civic-mindedness. :D This lasted for abt 3 hours and at the end of it, we were rewarded with snacks and drinks and ... errrr.... even beer.


So here are some picts.

Errr, taken towards the end, so not more grass left. Tells you I worked hard though. ;D



Can you see Takarada sensei? He's a really busy man and shoulders many responsibilities. He was one of those in-charge for the Souji.



The kids getting excited over the snacks and drinks


And Watanabe sensei gave me an EGG... and I made SUAN LA TANG!!!!! Hahahahhahaha.


My Suan La Tang

It's quite tasty and healthy too. Fresh veges, salmon, egg... and whatever I could find in my fridge... (siew mai)


No stamina to write on... so tired now... hahhahaa. It's actually very fun to experiment with food. I am starting to like cooking a little more now!

And at the end of the day, I looked out of my window and peered at the apartments opposite mine. I always like to imagine how different families live their lives... i dunno, just imagining them having dinner, watching tv, doing the everyday-things makes me happy. It leaves me a very sweet and nostalgic feeling... it was about 7pm then, the sun was setting, families were getting ready for dinner... いい感じだね。。



And this last pict was taken yesterday on my way to school. It's tsuyuu here now so it was raining quite a bit yesterday. So sweet right, the little kids trudging along slowly with their colourful umbrellas. :)


And now, it's MPTF time!
Wahhahahahahahaha.

Thank you, Pippi

She drew this picture for me... I love it...
I am so touched... it's beautiful and I love the myraid of colours, the orange in the blue.

ありがとう。。。

日曜日の朝の感じ。。。

六時半に目が覚めた。一年前の私にとっては　朝早く起きるのは　本当にやさしいことではないのに　今日本に住んでいる私は　不思議に　毎日速く起きることができる。：D

昨日、おととい　私はすごく嬉しかった。ほんとうに喜ぶが心から溢れてきた。。説明は難しいなァァァ。イエス様　感謝して　感謝の気持でさえほかにはない。
ありがとう。。。

このポーストは短いです。今勉強の時間だから。九時ごろ　職員住宅の年一回の大掃除があるので　私も参加する。皆と一緒に協力して　初めてです。幸いにいい天気だね！楽しんでいる！その後　自分の家の大掃除するつもり。これが難しい。ふふふ。

頑張ります！

とても良い一日を！

My favourite Kouhoku Class!

Tonight, I just dun feel like sleeping so early. A bit excited and happy. Why? :D Cos tomorrow is Friday and more than just that, it's officially the last day of lesson for me as a JET. Next week, exams begin... so this week is the last teaching week for me. Hmmm, actually I do have another lesson on Monday on the 5th period, but I really dun consider that a proper, usual lesson cos I know I will be having so much fun with this class, so much so that it seems more like PLAY rather than WORK. Suddenly, I remember this very interesting quote Pst Phil said. (Actually I had to re-listen to his "Loyalty" message so that I can write out exactly what he said.)

You've got to do what you love and love what you do. If you don't do what you love, start to love what you do or else change what you do until you are doing what you love.

I simply love the way he puts it. Don't you?

Yup, back to this class. It's my favourite class on this entire JET programme and I so enjoy meeting these 8 students and teaching them together with Nakai sensei. I am going to miss them! Personally, I think I do better when I teach motivated students. I get so genki and excited when they try and one of my greatest and happiest moments as a teacher here was hearing Hako (the only thorn among all the roses) making a great effort to eliminate all the vowel sounds during the oral test. Really, WAY TO GO!

And Nakai sensei is great too! It's been a tremendous school semester with him. Co-teaching with him has taught me many things. Now I understand perfectly why Tom said his OC1 1st year class last year was his best class. :)

Well, Nakai sensei has an amazing way with the students and he is very patient with them. He has creative ideas and he is very organised and plans his lessons well. Also, his laughter and mannerisms are really cool. Today, I heard him guffaw during a game we played. It was so funny. It was a hearty, boisterous and manly laugh... so infectious and contagious and the whole classroom atmosphere went up another notch. This OC2 class wouldn't have been the same without you, dear Nakai sensei. 本当にありがとうね、なかい先生。

So today, we had a great 2-hour lesson and at the end of it, we took many pictures and a video clip. Here are 2 pictures. Say Chiiiii-Zu!





Luma, Hako, Yuka, Pippi, Anne, Saho, Saori, Maluco,
一緒に頑張りましょうね！

UPDATES!

お早うございます！
最近　すごく忙しくなってきたので　あまりブログを最新のものにしなかったね。。。でも私は本当にこのごろいっぱい主イエスの祝福と恵みを受け取りました。本当に神様は忠実である。今朝の天気は少し霧気味けど　雨が降らないから　私も嬉しいです。今梅雨の時期から　時々雨がバット降ってきた。激しい雨の日はもしその時外にでっている場は　もちろん大変でしょう。でももしその時家にいると　とても幸せと思う。私はそんな感じが大好き。家に安全感があるし　雨の匂い雨の音とか　本当に皆の心を癒されると思う。そしていろいろな考え、思いもでって　祈りまして　幸せです。

私ね　最近まで　本当にもう一回学校に入ることがあまりはっきり考えなかった。けど福岡から帰るとそうするつもりです。今度ＪＥＴの契約を終わって日本語学院に一ヶ月間で集中して勉強します。これはどうしてかと言うと夢を持っているからです。最近一つ忙しいの理由はいい学校を探していることです。今申し込んだ学校はとてもいいと思う！私も先生と相談した。。今ね本当に授業のを楽しみにしている！

今少し疲れた！簡単な朝食を食べながら　書き続けます！
濃いコーヒーとチーズを添えているクラッカーを食べました。簡単でも嬉しいです。今も一つの大好きな聖書のみ言葉を思い出す。。。

ピリピ４書11-13節
生活に困っていたから、こう言うのではありません。私は、物が豊富にあろうとなかろうと、楽しく生きていくすべを学びました。文なしの時にも、何でも揃っている時にも、どのように生活すべきか知っています。満腹の時にも　空腹の時にも、豊かな時にも　貧しい時にも、どんな境遇でも満足する秘訣を見につけのです。なぜなら、力を与え、強めてくださるキリスト様に助けられて、私は、神様の要求を、何でも成し遂げることができるからです。

ふふふ。だから簡単な食べ物も満足してできる！感謝してできるです！




















Well, and now, I am really a little tired! Japanese language is difficult but fun. :) A brief translation of what I have attempted above... First I talked about the morning and the rain. It's the rainy season here and well, the rain here is quite different from what we have in Singapore. Hahhahah. The feeling is just different. When it rains, it isn't exactly those thunderstorm kind that we experience during the monsoon season.. these days, the rain here goes pitter patter.. a little milder than what I would have expected. However, weather conditions here are super volatile and unpredictable! It could be sunny in the morning, then suddenly, suddenly, BATTO! The rain pours! And then, after a while, it stops. Hmmm... what is challenging here is being out in the streets when it rains when the wind is strong. My umbrella has gone koyak many times... but haha, you can grab any nice cheap umbrella at the hyaku yen shops (the 100yen shops) or combini (convenience stores) that dot the streets everywhere.

And well, I love the feeling of being at home, cosy and snug, when there is a thunderstorm or heavy rain. Nothing beats that safe and protected feeling, knowing that I am warm and dry in my santuary up the mountains though the whole world outside is being trashed by the winds and storms. Hahhahaha. I dunno if you know what I mean. And of course, at the same time, you could read a good book, surf the internet, mull around the house, do housechores, be jolly and happy... and enjoy a good, steaming cup of coffee or cocoa!

Next up... Recently, I haven't been updating the blog much cos I have been pretty busy! Towards the end of the JET contract, must finish all the school work, set exam papers, email successor, sort apartment stuff, administrative matters... and that aside, I am going to study the language intensively for a month at one school here before jetting home. So need to search for school, settle accommodation, check out courses... lots to be done! And well, seriously, I have never really thought that I would go back to school again... and I am really excited about it. God has really brought me thus far and I know my adventure with Him has just begun. I have a dream and I am going to keep dreaming bigger dreams for Him and I am so looking forward to starting school. :)

And also, I have been busy meeting up with friends and and and... Steve is coming to visit! So have to plan the itinerary, check out the cheapest yet most luxurious accommodation, best way to travel, interesting places to explore... book stuff online, aiyah... many things to do, but I am so enjoying the process and I am getting happier and more excited by the day. I already told him I envisioned meeting him at the airport, imagining his coming out of the arrival gates, wondering how much he has changed... what hairstyle, what clothes, leaner and fitter perhaps! And wahahahaha... I leave the rest to your imagination. It is so good to have a hope to look forward to.

And then I wrote about eating breakfast. Hahhaha. I was eating Premier Brand lightly salted biscuits with cheese and drinking my Nescafe Expresso (Italian Roast) just now and enjoying, savouring every bit of it. It ain't the most luxurious or delectable spread, but I simply love it. I love its simplicity and then while I was eating it, I was reminded of these verses.

Phil 4:11-13
Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

I love it! In Japan here, I am truly learning to be content with whatever I have, despite the circumstances and situations. I want to continue to grow to be like Paul, to be able to be more content in all things! And I know I can do it because Christ gives me the strength. :D

And now, I am wondering what pictures I should put in this blog. Of course I dun necessarily have to... but it's nice to show you beautiful Japan. :D

Vending machines














Kawaii Menu























Kobe Kouhoku School Festival


Last year's Sports Day


Cows!!!!!





















Have a very very nice day ahead!

ガチャピン（Gachapin)

One of my newly-found friends told me one day I look like Gachapin! So I asked her what Gachapin is.... Here it is... Wahhahahahha.
























Do I look like Gachapin? Is there a tinge of resemblence?
























Hahahahhaa...

So I did a search on Gachapin... n here is what Wikipidia has to say about Gachapin.

Gachapin is a child dinosaur, a popular Japanese children's television character, usually accompanied by his friend Mukku.

Name: Gachapin
Age: 5-yrs old
Birthday: April 2
Birthplace: Tropical Island (Singapore?!)
Special Abilities: Sports
Secret: The energy balls on his wrists enable him to fly, dive underwater, and gives him strength and courage whenever he faces a challenging situation.


Ok... and last Saturday, it was the school culture festival... HUGE event and a real eye-opener for me. ESS did an international cafe... Some picts. :)

England and Singapore!
















Akane, Me and Hisako... Some of my favourite students in this school. Akane is such a warm and affectionate girl. She always comes to me and hugs me from behind. Ganbatte Akane. :D And Hisako just came back from Australia after a year there, so she will be rejoining Kouhoku soon. :)

Ok, i gtg soon. :)

欲しいィィィィィィィィィ

Updated!

This morning, I was awoken by "beep" "beep" "beeeeeeep" "beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep" of my doorbell and still in a daze, opened the door rather cheerily cos through my peephole, I saw the school nurse outside. I mustered a genki "Ohaiyo Gozaimasu" and she was so apologetic cos when she saw my face, she knew she must have awoken me from zzzzzz land.

It was already 10.00am! Man! First time I slept in till so late in J-land... and it was nice for a change. :D

Well, apparently, her veranda (She lives in the apartment just below me) got flooded because rain water seemed to be seeping down from my veranda to hers. It's the rainy and thunderstorm season in Japan now and last night, there was a huge storm. Lightning, thunder, wind... So the contractor came up to check my place... hmmm, i hope the problem will be solved soon anyway, cos i really understand now the inconveniences of a leaking pipe, unseen cracks, torn nettings, clogged toilet pipes, faulty flushing system, etc, etc, etc...

Hahhahahaha... anyway, I don't really know what I wanna write about this morning. It's already 11.30 am and I just finished my breakfast/brunch and actually, i wasn't even thinking about updating the blog till i decided to just check how it's coming along and saw this person "Update" asking for an update, and I got so encouraged and happy.... and now decided to update.... What should be my blog title?

And get ready for a loooooong loooooooong update because suddenly, I just feel like typing away with my coffee in front of me, laundry waiting in the washing machine... and the rain ceasing... and the birds starting to sing.... lalalallala.

And after 2 hours, I am back again. Ziwei was talking me on Skype... and we yakked for 2 hours!!!! hahahhaha.... and now I am stuck under my kotatsu table... i need the toilet urgently!!!!
Will be back either in a jiffy or maybe tonight!

And I am back! It's 2pm... doing laundry now and just talked to Anpo sensei on the phone... I made a mistake! In my excitement.. also dunno what I was so excited about actually... maybe it was the looooong skype call with Ziwei... yeah, I told him I woke up at 12.00 when I was talking to Ziwei at 12.00.. or did I say 12.00? I also couldn't remember... whahahah.. anyway, yeah, he is prolly running hard at the gym now... maybe later I will go gymming too and bike or run or swim a little... then take a nice, loooooooong hot shower at the gym.

Ohhhhhhhhh... and talking about showers, how I love the onsens and public baths in Japan... It's so nice and so convenient; you can easily find one public bath and enjoy a good soak that will leave you refreshed and energised... very good and strongly recommended if you feel stressed out or tired... Well.. I really enjoy the public baths and onsens here but unfortunately, there is no such culture in Sing! Anyway, maybe next time I will write about onsens and public bath culture!


This is Anpo sensei and I at Arima Onsen. We went there after visiting the Fruit and Herb Garden last week cos there was practically nothing blooming at the Garden!! And man, were we disappointed... so anyway, we decided to go onsen! And this place is scenic and pretty... but i wouldn't really say the Kin Onsen that we visited was so great... cos it was really crowded and quite small. Hmmm.. but beautiful famous onsen village anyway.

Ok, some Fruit Garden Picts.... Unfortunately, nothing much we saw there... guess we went during the wrong season!!!
Still, thank God for beautiful roses.. :)


And the pretty entrance.


And me at Harbourland. Was there with Yuen Yee and we went shopping... Harbourland is one of my fave places here... by the sea.. lotsa restaurants, great view, lovely shopping crowd, big shopping malls, trendy shops, quaint pushcart stores, affordable prices, nice parks, good atmosphere, ferris wheel, romantic nightview, trusty MacDonalds, chic Starbucks, new stores, mountains and more mountains, LOVELY LOVELY HARBOURLAND!























A display at Comsa, one very "designer" kinda store that sells apparels, bags, accessories and also kitchen ware, cute household items, etc.. I think "Comsa" is not spelt like this.. probably it's spelt wrongly... heesh.... So many people were taking picts of this. It's really very impressive. And this store just opened recently in Harbourland... it's mega huge! Will definitely visit it again some time soon!


A close-up























Ok... last night, Beth and I talked for so long in the car. It was so nice to just talk to a good friend. We talked about our lives... about our future, about our dreams, about God... I really enjoyed it. Thanks Beth. :) And after cell group, we made some posters cos there is a flea market today and the Dream Girls are selling popcorn! Take a look at this! A very popcornish effort by Yori, Raimu and Me!


And I was at KICC... oh... so hisashiburi. Haven't been there for a long time. This was the place I used to be at to study Japanese last year and this is a view taken from the toilet, 20th storey. :) Really nice view right!

























And this morn, I woke up missing my cell group friends back in Singapore so much. :) It was so funny... some days, I wake up missing certain aspects of home so much! Today, I thought of cell group the instant I awoke! They must be all at Kel's house now.. wahaha. Ok. I am gonna stop writing now. Dear "Update", this update is specially for you. :)