the last comment

Soba is traditional japanese noodle which is called buckwheat noodles in English. There is a custom to have soba at a midnight on the 31st of dec in Japan. A lot of japanese see the old year out and the New Year in eating soba.
There is a custom to make soba in my house. My dad does is every year. To mix buchwheat, yam, and water like making bread or something, and cut thin. My mum cooks special soup which is made soup stock from duck. between you and me, his soba looks shapeless, but doesn't taste bad. moreover, it goes with mum's soup very well. Then, I and my brother always enjoy it.

I've got a mail from my brother, by the way, and he wanna take his girl friend to my house! WOW! That is exciting. My dad is looking forward to see her very much, and my mum is a little bit nervous. Is she feel jealous or something? Yes, might be, she denied strongly though.

Anyway, I think it is the last post in this year.Thanks very much for reading. I was always happpy to get comments.( except ad. I hope it won't come ) Because of this blog, I was be able to keep in touch with someone who couldn't meet in my daily life. Isn't it great?

See you in the new year. Hope all of you have a great new year!!

hanging around in Kokura at 5:00am

As I wrote yesterday, I went out for a drink with my friend of my uni. We met at 11:00pm, and stayed until 5:00am. My last train is around 11:00pm, so I used to rush to catch it. Then, my friend suggested to start later, and stay until my first train. It is better for her as well, because she always stays up until around mornings. She's got a part time job of nightshift.
That is the evidence that she overslept and I had to wait for her around 30 min. the meeting time was 11:00pm! How could she do it? I was surprised, though not angry at all. I was in a pub anyway.

We went to a pub, and then karaoke. The problematic thing was both of us didn't like singing. Why did we went to? Karaoke stores were only ones that we could find to go. all pubs, bars, and restaurants were closed. Of course, it was 4:00 in the morning.
We didn't sing at all but drank a glass of cocktail. She had a chocolate cake. It was surprising, but there were almost anything in Karaoke stores. sweets, variety of foods, soft drinks, cocktail, beer, sake and so on.

Then, we went to Mcdonald to have a some coffee. It was my first time to go to there just after it was opened.

After that, I went home at last. It was the long day, I enjoyed talking, drinking and eating, except I'm scared how much I put on my weight. Eating during nights is the worst thing. I had too much as usual.

ready to a next year?

It is the first day of my 6-day holidays. I went shopping with my mum in kokura. took her, correctly, because she haven't got a car license, and to carry a lot of stuff is pretty hard work.
Anyway, I enjoyed. we bought several groceries for a new year including a bottle of wine and sake. ( I swear it is mum's request!)
She's got a cold, and kept coughing in my car. I was sorry for her, on the other hand I was scared to catch her cold. sorry mum.

Then, I'm going out for a drink at kokura tonight. Sounds likd holidays, doesn't it?

on the 23rd

I forgot to post about something on the 23rd. There was a memorial serviceat my granma's house. In Japan, people do 49-day after his/her death, though it depends on thier religions. It shows that she has really died. It is still pretty tough her children including my mum. They need some more time, I guess.
Anyway, reciting a sutra we had supper. When it comes to this kinds of event, it is normal style. We have a lot of relatives, so I and my cousins, I mean youngsters!, had a lot of things to do. Actually, I coudln't have anything to eat until they've had done.

A cousin of mine, who were married last month, took his wife. She is pregnant, and her baby is bigger than before. It was great to see. They are expecting their baby who is a boy next spring. joy and sorrow. That may the way life. I wish there was only joy around the world.

merry christmas

One-day delay, though. How was your christmas?

I don't know if it is Japanese way, but people intend to think that chrstmas eve is more important than 25th. My family had a kinds of party on the 24th, too.
I went to Kokura to have a look my favourite shoes shop which was in secret bargain. That was the shop that I bought a pair of shoe for my friend's wedding last month. I expected to the shoes that I really liked. Unfortunetely, there weren't. Shame!! I couldn't find any I liked so went home. Oh, before that, I went to Isetan to get a cake for christmas. What I chose was a cheese cake, which is I love the most. I really don't care about christmas, but When it comes to christmas, I suddenly was in mood for getting one. A christmas magic!

TV commercial made her feel like eating them. WOW! What a big power it has. Anyway, I went get them in Kurosaki in the evening. There were only few people, though I expected a long queue. Probably A lot of people have already bought them, or TV commercial hasn't worked well except my mum. Anyway, I was glad to buy them easily. We had some glasses of champagne. Then, how was chickens? She was happy with them. Good for her. surprisingly, it was the first time for her to have them. I don't like a junk food very much, but I enjoyed them too. Actually eating that kinds of stuff sometimes is not bad at all. Anyway, my quiet christmas eve was done. I was at the library all the next day. It was successful to back to reality this time. Yes!

snow again

It is snowing in this morning. No doubt it is freezing. This is the worst season to go to the uni in the evening. The air conditioners in the classrooms are not warm enough, so I can't take off my coat. Moreover, on the way home, I'm always feel cold.
Fortunetely, today is the last day of classes in this year. I have about 2 weeks holidays. Yep, next year is coming soon.

By the way, it was my friend's birthday yesterday. I called her to say 'Happy Birthday!' She's having a baby next spring. I'm looking forward to seeing them.

still cold

Of course it is. the winter hasn't done yet, but it is gettin colder.

I don't know what I write. It is sometimes happened. words, word, word....no, nothing. I haven't done anything special. shame!

The only thing I've got an exciting event is I'm going out with my friends next week. I hope I have something to write today.

Friday dinner

I and my friends went to my friend's house to have dinner on Saturday. She prepared dinner for three of us. It seems quite hard work. Thanks masami. As you can see, she is such a nice cook. I've had enough. too much eating again. What I like the most was a dish that chicken and beans boid with tomatoes. it looks mexican called ... I can't spell it, anyway but wasn't spicy at all. I loved that.
Her husband was out, so we talked loong time.
I've written about her in my blog. She's just pass an exam, and going to the university from next spring. Remember? She'll be a student, the same uni as mine.
Although, I had to go to work next day, we stayed until... let's see..1 o'clock at least. We had really nice time. wanna come again.
I don't have to say that, but just in case, I was very sleepy all the next day!

snowing!

I wasn't surprised because it has been cold enough to snow these days. On the way home from the uni on Saturday, it already has started to snowing. I was a bit scared to drive because of the strong wind. It was just like a snowstorm. freezing, freezing!!

As a weather forecast, the snow lay a little bit. Well, I can't see that it is really December! Too cold to be. It reminds me of English winter. It must be freezing as well.

When I went to the library as usual, there were only few people. I understand that. It was too cold to go out. I wanted to stay at home all the day, but I have to do my essay. The only thing that I really wanna is I have days off during new years holidays!! That is why I'm into my essay thing right now. ( please cheer me up)

I really do mind the cold, so hope it will be better this week.

* just incidentally, there is a picture of my garden. you can see the snow, can't you? looks cold, but kind of becautiful!

great hear from England

My English parents mailed me on my birthday. It was sweet of them. I really appreciate that they always remember my birthday. My English dad is under treatment, but he'll be all right, so I was relivef. To be honest, I've had a hunch that something had been to them. I can't explain why, I probably was too sensitive because of my granma's death. Anyway I was glad that I was wrong.
She says that my English is getting better. Of course it made me happy. On the other hand, however, she is not right Im afraid. I haven't improved my speaking. I'll tell you the secret, this blog takes long time to write for me, so please read with caution! ( just kidding)
I wanna surprise them when we can meet again.

a new coat

My parents gave me such a nice coat for my birthday. warm, cute and light one. cool! It means that I've got one little pleasure in cold mornings. To wear new or favourite clothes is one of the great happiness for me. One of the tips to get over such a freezing winter.
Yeah, we have much colder winter than usual this year. I need courage and spirit to get out of my futon( bedclothes) every mornings. I feel like that I wanna tuck my up in bed forever!!
The time of my waking has been getting late recently, but it cannot helped. How can I get up as usual?

I wonder how long my new coat helps me to ge positive... It is December, and this winter has just come.

next event

It's christmas, of course. I've got something from my relatives in Germany. Just incidentally, it was delivered on my birthday, so I misunderstood it was my birthday present! They don't know when it is, so it was impossible. Anyway it was such a sweet gift from them.



A lot of chocolates and candy!











I love whisky bonbon the most. I was going to post a christmas card to them, but I need to write something to thank them. She is my mum's cousin and have been living there for over 10 years old. Her husband is German and he speaks English fruently so we can have a communication. Last time they came back to Japan, they dropped my place and we had such a nice time. They are so hard worker that I always think 'I have to do more' It is too hard to mimic them, but I try.
Hopefully they'll come back to Japan next year. I'm looking forward to seeing them again.

great news

A friend of mine passed a entrance examination of the university. It was great news! She's going to my university from next spring. Her department is economy which is different from mine, but I still feel something congenial in her. She is a working wife, so will be very busy.
A lof of working wives have many housework and their husbands just help them. Some men even don't help. I'm wondering why, it seems impossible to manage both works. I wanna my husband to do housework if I have a job. Well, I know it is not time for me to worry: I don't have any plan to get married now!

Anyway, I hope her husband helps her well and she can keep doing her big tasks. Congratulation, Masami! Going the uni and doing the work at the same time are pretty tough, but kinds of fun.

birthday mood

Does it make sense?
Now, it is time to stop walking on air. I really thought so, but my coworker gave me something for my birthday this morning. It was such a sweet of her. some people don't like having birthday because it means they get older. In my opinion, however, as long as someone could celebrate me, I'm welcome to have birthday!

Anyway, it's 12th and my birthday has already gone so I need to remember that there are a lot of things to do such as an essay. God, essay!!

still birthday

Another present from my friend. His presents were a bottle of MOET champagne and CD. He is fond of music, so it was nice choice. I didn't expect he knew my birthday, so it was such a nice surprising. Moreover I had a mail from my host family in England. To be honest, I've worried about them these days though I can't explain the reason. Probably I was too sensitive because of my granma's death. Anyway they were fine unless my english dad is under medical treatment. He will be all right. It was great hear from them. I always feel happy that they could keep in touch with me for a long time. I hope we will have a good relationship in the future as well.

It was time to be back to reality, as I had to take an exam on Saturday. However, I couldn't. I don't wanna the result of the exam.

my birthday

A friend of mine gave me something for me.



Can you see that? It's a pot-pourri in French. We call it pot-pourri in Japan too, and I don't know what it is called in English. Anybody? It is a sweet-scented stuff. I can smell rose fragrance. Moreover, it looks cute as well. That is a very sweet of her.



I went to Kokura yesterday. I just hang around there. When I went home, there was a bunch of flower. It was from my dad. He give it to me every year. I love that custom. He chose cyclamen this year. such a luxurious stuff.



Then We ate out for dinner with my parents. I had such a yummy french. Acually it is a cusual restaurant, I couldn't see it is french restaurant but just pub or something. However I was wrong. These dishes tasted just great. We had them with chopsticks, it was good for us too. I dont mind using a fork and a knife, but chopsticks are easier to eat.

Oh, one more great thing. A friend of mine gave me a ring to say happy birthday from Tokyo. Moreover I had several mails or calling from my friends. It is a very sweet of them. Thanks guys! I had such a great day today. I wish I had 2 or 3 birthdays in a year...

Ｈａｐｐｙ ｂｉｒｔｈｄａｙ to me!

It is my birthday, and I turned 28 years old. Time flies! 28 years old... it sounds adult, but Im still childish girl. Some friends have already mail or call me to say happy birthday. It is always great to hear from my favourite. Thanks guys!
Anyway I dont work today. Well, neither work nor study.

Just incidentally, my birthday is the same as Princess Masako's. WOW! it sounds royal!

countdown

After I went back to home from the uni, I had a bath. It is time for me to go to the bed. Im an early riser. However, I changed my mind to post something in my blog. I'll turn 28 years old in an hour, so this is my last posting in my 27th. (Does it make sense?) Hope I have a good birthday tomorrow. Have a good sleep and see you tomorrow!

a ring

When I went shopping in Kokura last week, I found such a lovely ring. It is still in my mind. wanna it!! I have a day off tomorrow and it is my birthday. well, god says that I should buy it for myself?

When I find something I want, I can't stand and just buy it. It's my bad habit: I never be patient. That is why I'm bad at saving my money. How about this time? Let's see...I should be more paritnt, because I'll turn 28 years old tomorrow!

great to think to do

It is the busies season in a year for a lot of people. For me, it is not. (Im busy with my essay though) I'm not very social people, not popular enough to be invited or don't have a lot of friends...guess which the truth is.
Anyway some people have a lot of appointment for a drink or dinner. In japan we have a custom to have dinner or drink in December as 'bounenkai' which is called a year-end party. I haven't got any at the moment. no, I've got something. A friend of mine invited me to her house for dinner next week. It doesn't sound bounenkai because of just two of us, but we don't care. Yes!! I'm excited to go.
What is more? I'm eating out with my family on Friday night because it is my birthday. I have a day off, so I'm planning to do something on my own in the afternoon. All my friends have work. (of course it is just orginaly days!) my daily life is pretty busy, so I've decided neither to work nor study on my birthday.
Well, then what shall I do? having some tea? going to a cinema? hanging around in Kokura?

about my essay

I've been thinking about the topic of my essay. My class is English Theatre, and I can choose whateve we want about theatre. I think I'll study how racial discrimination have been described in an English theatre. 'The Merchant of Venice' is one of the traditional works, I guess.
I have to wrap up my essay by the end of this year, otherwise I have to go on during new year's holidays. What is the sad story it is. I really hope I won't do that.

It is still cold this morning. I gave up walking to the office. Well, that is why I always put on my weight in the winter: I keep refusing walking.
When it comes to cold mornings, it is veery difficult to wake up. To be honest, I've never be able to wake up on time these days. I mean I wake up, but never got up. I know it sounds so childish, but I bet Im not the only person, am I?

cold enough to freeze

What's wrong? It doesn't seem december, but February. It was tough work to get out of my house on Sunday..

When it comes to cold night, 'nabe' is one of the best dish. Nabe means pan in Japanese. I guess we call it nabe because a big pan is necessity.



there is a nabe on a portable cooker in centre of a table and we serve into the bowls by ourselves. such a delicious and a warming dish.
It is easy to cook. We just make soup stock and them boil vegetables which you like. In our house, make soup stock from fish and them put Japanese radishs, chinese cabbages, beansprouts, konjaks and so on. Japanese radishes are grow by my dad, so tasted wonderful! Then noodles were put into nabe. I love it. I've had enough, but couldn't help having some more, more and more... You see how I put my weight!




That is what my dad grow. Daikon (Japanese radishes) and Mizuna( I dont know what it is called in English)

On friday

This week seems much longer than usual. I guess my feeling is not so good. I've got a work tomorrow morning too. Gosh! After that, however, I'm going to Kokura to go shopping with my mum to get something for my birthday. cool! Well what shall I choose? There are a lot of things that I want to, so it is hard to choose one, but interesting task. I'm always welcome that. clothes, a ring, a bracelet, pieces, and so on. I should stop now because there are not enough space to write all! What a material girl I am...
My birthday is in December, so we have to rush to go overwise there are too busy because of a christmas shopping. My birthday is next week, I'll turn to 28 years old. It sounds adult, but I'm still a childish girl. when am I be able to an adult?? Nevermind.


I dropped my cousin's house on the way to my uni last night to give something to eat. She was find and she looked happy with my small gift.