Sunday, June 19th, 1988

Note:  This is a series of journal entries from my two years living in Himeji, Japan (1988-1990).  I'm archiving them electronically through my blog.  Last names have been deleted and replaced with first initial only.  For details on this series of blog entries, see this post.

Today was too busy for words.  I went to Hinomoto at 9:45, then taped my koto music together, grabbed my sambika, and went to Koro church, then ran back to Hinomoto for koto practice before the concert.

Machiko sensei and the koto girls!

The koto performance was really bad.  The kotos were out of tune, we all got lost in the music, and I was so nervous!  After the koto concert (Mr. M. and I did a pretty bad job on our duet too)(but I'm a gaijin, so I can get away with it).

After the koto concert I ran out to the karaoke festival, where I was the special guest, and knocked 'em dead with "Rise Again".  At least they looked like they enjoyed it.

my koto sensei!

Ree and me!

 Chinatsu

Then I watched Kidsland, more karaoke (Chinatsu was after me and she was great!), cleaned my office, etc.

At 4 we started taking things down.  I cut my finger.  It was actually fun taking things down!

I had to leave at 6 to go to M's for dinner and English class.  We talked socially most of the time and discussed future plans of the class.  Next fall I'm upping it to 2 classes a month.

I went back to school after, but they were done with everything.

the "clean up" crew!!

Mrs. Y. brought me home after.  We had a great ride...I think she's warming up to me!  She's actually very nice, and first impressions shouldn't set permanent opinions of someone.

Today is Father's Day I was reminded a few hours ago!

Saturday, June 18th, 1988

Note:  This is a series of journal entries from my two years living in Himeji, Japan (1988-1990).  I'm archiving them electronically through my blog.  Last names have been deleted and replaced with first initial only.  For details on this series of blog entries, see this post.

Well, today was technically my day off, but I had to go to school for the 2nd day of festival.  I rode in with K's, for Joyful Noise practice at 10, but as usual people poo-pooed until 10:30, then we realized we sang at 11:00 (actually it turned out to be 11:30) and rushed through everything.

After the concert we listened to Crestos.  Sachiko gave her testimony.  She did a good job!  I met Mrs. I. (Nobu's wife. She's really nice!).  I also got to see M's son.  He's two, and adorable!!

Mr. M. & I practiced our duet (koto & shamisen).  It'll be...interesting!  Then, I had a 1-2 hour koto rehearsal for tomorrow.  (I'm so nervous!)

Machiko sensei had a Peter Rabbit exhibit set up, so now I'm very interested in Beatrix Potter and some books about her.  I also want to see a ballet made in the 70's about Peter Rabbit.  It was made in England, and looks very interesting.

I rode the train home for Kayo T's lesson at 6.  It went well, and she brought me dinner.  Curry croquettes, with hamburger in them & a tangy soy sauce.  Yum!  How thoughtful!  I must get the recipe!

Friday, June 17th, 1988

Note:  This is a series of journal entries from my two years living in Himeji, Japan (1988-1990).  I'm archiving them electronically through my blog.  Last names have been deleted and replaced with first initial only.  For details on this series of blog entries, see this post.

Today was unusually busy for a Friday.  I rode the train in with Mr. M., we left Koro eki and were taken to school by Mr. F.  I then went to the chapel to set up.  I spoke & sang at high school chapel.  I practiced my solo with Mr. M. and Mr. N., then went to a long chapel assembly to kick off festival '88.

I ate lunch, then practiced w/Joyful Noise.

I practiced koto, then came home to teach my English class at Megumi.  I have another new student.  My enrollment is around 9 or 10 now.

Misuzu came back from Tsuyama last night.  She brought me a bonsai, some chocolate cookies, and two set of postcards!  Nice!

I listened to part of a synthesizer concert, bought a Japanese "Winnie the Pooh" book, some dessert sticks, and a coke at various student booth today.

All in all it was a crazy day.  With festival starting people were really high strung.

I catted with Chinatsu, Tomomi, Tomoko, Mari K., etc. before chapel as they were making sandwiches for their booth.  We were all high strung then!  (I calmed down after chapel, however).

Monday, June 13th, 1988

Note:  This is a series of journal entries from my two years living in Himeji, Japan (1988-1990).  I'm archiving them electronically through my blog.  Last names have been deleted and replaced with first initial only.  For details on this series of blog entries, see this post.

Today I mailed 2 pkgs. to Stephanie and had to bring back LaDawn's because it was too small.  So, Steph's b-day pkg. is on its way!  I bought a hot pad at Zoo (see emblem below).  It'll go in my dream "black and white and gray with red accents" apartment in the states.

I also went to A-Coop, and stocked up on some stuff.  I decided to make a card for Steph, so tonight I took pictures in various outfits, as places we could've gone had I been home (i.e. tuxedo- opera, suit- dinner, tie & nothing else- staying in).

Yukari called & cancelled our lesson.  I called United, and if what the guy said is true, I can fly round trip from Osaka to San Francisco to Chicago to Cedar Rapids for approximately 151,300 yen.  I hope, I hope (and pray earnestly!!).

I wrote chapel talk for h.s. chapel Friday.

Sunday, June 5th, 1988

Note:  This is a series of journal entries from my two years living in Himeji, Japan (1988-1990).  I'm archiving them electronically through my blog.  Last names have been deleted and replaced with first initial only.  For details on this series of blog entries, see this post.

Today I went to church at Hinomoto.  It was communion Sunday, and they used real wine (which I have long thought should be used, as it was at the actual happening).

After church I met Misuzu D. for lunch at McDonalds and shopping.

I found the magazine Kansai Time Out, which tells of happenings in the Kansai area.  I ordered the 3rd book in the Narnia series (Dawn Treader) at Maruzen.  I bought Pepperidge Farm cookies at Knick Knack, as well as Toffifay and Colgate.

 I started my collection of notebooks with one with a map of Paris on the cover.

Tonight, I wrote letters, cleaned, made ravioli and salad for dinner, did a load of laundry, cleaned the back patio, and so on.

Nao stopped by today to drop off my Japanese text and the tapes she borrowed, finally!

2018

My blogging has SERIOUSLY been LACKING this year.  This is my ONLY post, so far, in all of 2018.  When I started this blog, it was meant to be a record of my life....all of the events, activities, special occasions, and things I wanted to look back on over time.  It's not going so well...I guess I've just gotten tired of doing it.

While scanning the apps on my iPad this morning, however, I saw the tile I created for easy access to this blog, and felt an actual pang of regret...which COULD be a good sign for the THREE of you who actually read this (okay two...I'm counting myself in that big number of readers...).

So...in an effort to YET AGAIN be somewhat consistent....here's a quick recap of 2018, thus  far...Hawaii...influenza a...a musical DURING the school year (as a result of which I have instructed EVERYONE around me to slap me silly if I EVER consider doing again)...a REALLY long winter...a really rough school year (which FINALLY ended mid-June...with complete and utter exhaustion)...and being cast in the CHORUS for a musical that I'm seriously considering to be my "farewell to acting" performance.

Here's photographic evidence...

Of course there were other events, activities, gatherings with friends, and general pleasantness, but I'm trying to be brief.  Just wanted to touch base with the two of you (I already know what I've been doing).

Now...back to 1989...

Here's hoping YOU are having an amazing 2018...so far...as well!

Saturday, May 28th,1988

Note:  This is a series of journal entries from my two years living in Himeji, Japan (1988-1990).  I'm archiving them electronically through my blog.  Last names have been deleted and replaced with first initial only.  For details on this series of blog entries, see this post.

Today I finally got to sleep in, but mom & dad & Robin called at 6:30, so, so much for that!

I got up, read the paper, then got read & went shopping...bought some more plants for my office, and various other tidbits.  I bought 30 paper balloons to send to my kids at Stewart.  Hope they like them!

This afternoon L.L. & I went to a double feature at the movie theater.  Saw an Agatha Christie movie, something like "Death by Appointment", or "Murder by Appointment".  The 2nd feature was "The Woo Woo Kid" (about a kid during WW II who marries or elopes with 2 married women)- pretty good!

Tonight I called Kayo T. & set up a private lesson- Saturdays at 5...that's 2 students now.