| Saturday, December 5th, 2009 |
| 8:39 pm |
I'm officially cold
Ok, after something like 10 months living without heating (on the basis I didn't need it,) I'm now officially cold so I've turned on my radiator and closed my curtains (I usually have them open so that I can look at the moon[1] during the night.) Depression has been slowly getting a tighter grip on me which is exceedingly annoying. Have also discovered that after weeks of not smiling, the muscles in my cheeks have gotten stuff and prefer not to work which means I have difficulty smiling which makes it harder to induce my "Happy" hormones so I smile less and that starts the vicious circle over again. Mother is so worried about the dramatic change in my emotional behaviour that she thinks my tumour might be of fault which is entirely plausible considering it's part of my pineal gland which controls the regulation of the hormones that gives me emotions. However, with the lack of any physical side effects of my condition, I'm not so convinced but I'm overdue my yearly brain scan so I'm going to my GP on Wednesday to get a check up and then get him to get in touch with my neurologist in Oxford to arrange a brain scan. Don't have any sake in the house that has any reasonable effect on me so am lacking anything to help me relax and I don't like the dark thoughts from my past that keep resurfacing and that I find I'm talking to myself a lot more while walking. I did, however, manage to walk from the Moondogs Cafe back to my house today which was a nice long walk which helped wake up my endorphins. Must do that more and help stave off my depression. [1] When there's a clear sky. Current Mood:  depressed |
| Sunday, November 8th, 2009 |
| 5:17 pm |
Iname chan
 Some people just look beautiful... Like me really :D Current Mood:  blah |
| Monday, October 26th, 2009 |
| 9:13 am |
My aim for the next 5 months
With the prospect of meeting all the bosses in Kumamoto next time I go to Japan, I've decided to cut back on everything and am trying to live on 40 quid a month so that I can pay off my overdraft, get back to Japan, give my talk and see if they like me enough to see my potential and offer me a job. If all goes to plan, which it won't, I hope to have enough money for a ticket in April. This time, no travelling from A-B via the rest of the alphabet. It will simply be fly to Tokyo, stay the night, get my haircut in Denenchofu before flying to Kumamoto, work my magic for a week before going to my other compulsory prefecture, Niigata for a week to see a heavily pregnant Azusa, the Yamada family and the Hasegawa family for a week (will have to stay in business hotels but that's ok as they're cheap in Niigata ken) before heading back to Tokyo for a few days before returning home. Very little sightseeing, a lot more relaxing, writing more for my travel book and will be trying to get into Kumamoto and Niigata newspapers (which will be simple... sort of) if not TV as well. That aside, body still bursting with energy for some reason so I'm going to try walking the 8 miles to town and back at least 2 times a week. I know I can do it which is the annoying thing but if I'm to get my weight down and save money on the rip off bus fare. Still, challenges like this are what I thrive on and having something to aim at really helps focus my mind and get my life into order. Current Mood: determined |
| Tuesday, October 20th, 2009 |
| 6:36 pm |
Exercise
Woke up this morning and had a very nice surprise, scales say I weight 11st 9lbs. Since leaving for Japan I've lost 7lbs apparently which is fairly good going but I still want to be 11st so I'm now trying to do as much exercise as possible. One thing that Japan has done to me is give me bags of energy and an inability to stay still! This is very annoying as I woke up this morning and thought, "I'm meeting Adam and Mieko in town today. I think I'll walk to town." I walked to town, a bit down Oxford Road and then back again. About 8 miles or there abouts and I got 2 sodding blisters on my feet! I am not amused. Eating no junk food and smaller portions also helps. I had better lose weight this way or I'll be well pissed off! Current Mood:  tired |
| Thursday, September 24th, 2009 |
| 10:07 am |
Now that's new
Currently in the middle of nowhere in a hotel in Shiga ken. Connected to the interview via network cable and started a torrent. A couple of minutes later it had finished and a couple more minutes later, I had finished 1:1 upload. I'm getting a 2 meg download and 1 meg upload here. I ain't seen that before! It's the upload rate that surprised me the most. Current Mood:  surprised |
| Friday, September 18th, 2009 |
| 6:23 am |
Start the legend
Today, Adam returns to England. This afternoon, I leave for Japan. The 2009 legend of Mappy starts now. Have had my 6 cups of coffee and am now awaiting the call from my intestines that I can go to the toilet. Got up at 4:30 probably because I was that excited so that means I'll at least be slightly tired on the plane and may actually get some sleep considering I plan to have a vodka and lemonade just before I go to my departure gate and one with my dinner while in flight. Failing that or once I've woken up, I'll use the spod box to write my travel log and my new story which one 16 year old is apparently loving so at least I have 1 fan. It'll be interesting to see if my battery really will last 8 hours when I've got the wireless switched off, brightness turned right down and all but essential programs except for Open Office turned off as it claims. If it does then I've got something to do in-flight. What's slightly concerning is the pain while sitting down, it's not abetting and could pose some significant pain. Will have painkillers on me but still, I've never flow without taking some so this year will be a milestone if not a rather painful one. Before all that, I need to buy presents for people so I'm getting some Harrods biscuits and chocolates for Azusa's family. Must find something especially cute for Nozomi chan. Will also be going around duty free for a Panasonic Lumix TZ7 for less than £230 otherwise I'll get it from Japan. The language settings suggest the Japanese version will have English as an option so I've got a haggling chip to use. However, Dixons (or what was Dixons) in Heathrow are selling this camera for more than Amazon UK which seems daft so I don't think it'll be available unless they're open to bargaining. This week's Haruhi is Episode 00 so it was the film. I still liked last week's episode with the talking cat, he's proper hardcore. Anyway, updates will be sporadic from now on but there will be photos and massive high quality photos on request. I'll rock the LMC on everyone's behalf. cheerio, Mappy Current Mood: tired |
| Thursday, September 17th, 2009 |
| 11:03 am |
OMG!
I just realised that I'm going to Japan tomorrow!WOOHOO!
I'm very happy after what's been a stressful year by my standards. I have every intention of getting lost somewhere and move at 1mph in between travelling at the speed of light on the shinkansen. Will be looking out for Oh! Edo Rocket and Spice and Wolf goods. |
| Tuesday, September 15th, 2009 |
| 11:34 am |
Sad day
Keith Floyd and Patrick Swayze both passed away today and yesterday. Loved Keith for his wonderful comedy and I remember Patrick Swazye from Ghost and Dirty Dancing, the latter of which made me want to learn to dance. Current Mood: sad |
| Monday, September 14th, 2009 |
| 11:19 pm |
Revelation
Have worked this out. From Niigata to Kumamoto is very nearly the same as Land's End to John O'Groats. No wonder I'm so tired after each trip to Japan! |
| Friday, September 4th, 2009 |
| 7:33 pm |
So how much will I get for £250?
36'000yen compared to 50'000yen in March last year. That's really nasty! Pound doesn't look like recovering soon either so I better hold my breath and hope for the best. Current Mood: blank |
| Thursday, September 3rd, 2009 |
| 8:58 pm |
Anime night in Reading
Because Adam stood us up for a better offer [1] this week's anime night was in Reading though anime wasn't seen as we hung out in Reading. I got my £500 cheque back from Tom and he was kind enough to give me £50 for helping him out 2 weeks ago so now, not only am I out of debt (woohoo!) but £90 in credit! Yen continues to get stronger against the pound and I'm mildly kacking myself but that's OK as I've got a reasonable chance of coming home with little debt. In any case, I'll be leaving for Japan with £400 cash (50 50 yen and pounds as I'm testing a theory that you get a better exchange rate over there than here.) First, Tom and I went to Moondogs for a coffee and a chat and he also had a look at the art in there. Tom saw at least 4 pictures he really liked ranging from £35 to £350. He doesn't have enough money yet but will be getting something at some point. Next, we went to Gurkha Square for dinner where we had the same spicy dish of some sort. Nice chatting, nice meal, I rather enjoyed myself and at £13, it was reasonable for the quality of food IMHO. [1] Fair play, he is in Australia and attending a wedding Current Mood: pleased |
| Tuesday, September 1st, 2009 |
| 3:23 pm |
Major ARSE!!!!
Pound is plumbing against the yen so I couldn't wait for Tom to get my money back to me and have had to dive into my overdraft again to get £200 to change into yen before it got any lower. For near enough £202 I got a pitiful 29'000yen! I was neither amused nor impressed but that's the way the scrotum itches! I tried to find some razor blades for my Gillette Mach 3 wotsit and it'd cost me just over £9 to get a pack of refills while it'd cost me £6 just to get a new Mach 3 razor. More economical to get the refill pack but I'm now £421 in debt and 1 razor will last me a month. Doesn't work out in the long run but while I was on the street it rained and while I was indoors or on the bus it stopped so I'm wet and tired and thoroughly don't care. Mum and dad coming home tonight after everyone's gone to bed so that'll be nice. Have paid my very low rent so and since I'm so hard up, it's a bit of a blessing there is no anime night this week. Have spoken to Yumiko chan in Shiga ken via Skype so I've seen her face first hand and she's not a 40 year old stalker thankfully. Speaking of Skype, spoke to Adam over the weekend and he's doing reasonably good. Naturally because it's Australia (or more to the point, not England) he's got the good weather so my jealousy is only tempered by the fact I'll be going to Japan in 3 weeks Town centre was throbbing with teenagers for some reason. I guess it's the last week before they go back to school so they're making the most of it. Current Mood:  Wet |
| Tuesday, August 25th, 2009 |
| 8:40 pm |
Dentist
Today, went to the dentist and discovered I needed a filling which was VERY disappointing considering I've reduced my sugar intake by 90% since last month. The dentist gave me a white filling and because he heard me on the radio, he said I didn't have to pay for it which was rather nice. On the way back, Wati gave me a late birthday present. £50! Score! I'll definitely be going to Japan with over £500 in my pocket so I'm going to change half into yen over here and the other half when I'm in Japan as I seem to remember that I can get a better exchange rate over there. Not sure though. But, as things stand, I've got about a grand spending money while in Japan so I'll be minimising my debt on return and can save for my return visit a lot quicker. In other news, netbook is coming back by the end of the week and also someone on the iii.co.uk Dragon Oil forum who might be able to put me in touch with schools across Europe who serve children of active members of the armed forces: http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceFor/ServiceCommunity/Education/SCE/ServiceChildrensEducation.htmThe bloke said he'd getting in touch with me tomorrow so I've got my fingers crossed. Current Mood: tired |
| Saturday, August 22nd, 2009 |
| 9:28 pm |
Saturday
Went to town, put my £60 in the bank, officially skint again until Tuesday. I'm now £366 in debt but that get's paid off when I get my loan back from Tom and then add my benefits from Tuesday and I'll have £392 in the bank to go towards my holiday. That plus the £440 I'll be getting while in Japan and I'll have just over £800 spending money for Japan and I'm factoring in an extra £500 contingency if I happen to find anything I really like. Tonight, managed to do 10 sit-ups which I was moderately proud of. 20 leg extentions, right leg muscles still complaining but much better than yesterday. Generally had a crap day, mentally. Feeling plugged up all the time and in pain but plugging my way through it all. Writing proved impossible as I've hit writer's block again but at least I've got an idea of where I'm going with this chapter. Have also discovered the need to keep writing so that my story is fresh in my mind and I can keep on top of the continuity. Need sleep. Current Mood: tired |
| Friday, August 21st, 2009 |
| 12:29 pm |
Oh my
Went for a walk to Maiden Place to see if I could deposit £60 into my building society account. Sadly, cash deposits weren't available so went to ASDA and the Nationwide machine there, cash deposits not available. Will have to go in to town tomorrow to deposit my £60. While walking back, I remember watching the video Tom took of me and that I am so hunched. At that point I tried standing up straight as possible and suddenly I got a huge rush of dizzyness. I continued walking straight until I got home and now my head is spinning and I'm feeling very tired. |
| Thursday, August 20th, 2009 |
| 10:06 am |
I don't believe it!
Yesterday, developed strange ache in my right knee. It's not gone away and I've got a funny feeling I've pulled a muscle! I pulled a muscle, that means I did something strenuous which means I did some hardcore exercise :D Current Mood: tired |
| Wednesday, August 19th, 2009 |
| 8:19 pm |
Yesterday and today, did a lot of walking carrying a tripod for Tom while doing some acting (badly) in Stratford, Tottenam Court Hale, Northumberland Park and somewhere else. It's all for the Shooting People competition which I know little of but Tom really really wanted to do it to the point that he hired a very expensive camera, 3 lenses and a tripod that's more complicated than my mother's mobile phone. Filming wasn't as smooth as he had hoped due to various things happening that weren't foreseen but we managed to get stuff done. Things I've learned: - I don't cope well when getting up at 5:30am
- Tom gets more talkative as he gets more tired
- Understanding your equipment down to every single letter is good when dealing with expensive complicated cameras (i.e. I'll stay away from them.)
- Have LOTS of money if I want to make a film and need to rent anything (I had to loan £500 but should be getting that back later this week.)
- Plan everything down to the last tiny detail
- Expect everything to go wrong
- There is a peak time oneday travel card and it costs £39.50!!!!!
Am currently in a lot of pain, my eyes hurt, my head hurts, my right knee really aches for some strange reason but this week was my week of stretching my limits. Tom gave me £60 for my trouble. Minus the £39.50 for yesterday's travel and £19.50 for today's travel (went off peak) and this week I earned £1! However, considering how much Tom is spending on this project, I think it's only right I don't squeeze him for any more money. Managed to get home with 30 minutes to spare before my parents left for France. They had already packed the car but I managed to have a cup of tea with them. I think this will be the second from last time they visit the house before they actually move over there. Netbook still in for repairs which is annoying because I want to carry on my book but I'm in so much pain that I'd rather not move from my bed so I've commandeered my old computer (since the parents aren't here to use it) and will be in bed using that. I'm looking forward to not having to wake up at 5:30am tomorrow. Have done so for the past 2 days and I really don't like it. Current Mood: tired |
| Tuesday, August 18th, 2009 |
| 9:06 pm |
Ouch!
Today got up at 5:30am. Got back from London at 8pm. Tonight I shall mostly be dead. To be continued tomorrow. Current Mood: tired |
| Friday, August 14th, 2009 |
| 11:58 am |
This week in Spice and Wolf
Lawarence discovers (again) that he is no match for the cunning of a wolf god. Haruhi is finally new and building up to something fun. Anime night was amusing as always but no time for guitar wang this week which was a bit of a shame as, after last week's bash on Metallica Guitar Hero, I'm starting to get the bug. However, nothing more than beginner level. Indonesian relatives have gone, 3 year old monster with them. The house is SO quiet, thank you god! Speaking of which, my netbook got some sort of fault so I called Samsung to repair under warrenty. Forgot to delete my anime but did get rid of most of the smut I had on there and none of it was "bad" so hopefully no problems there. Bloke at Samsung who I spoke with turned out to be a trainee (church?) minister who had all the school contacts in West Lothian so I've kept in touch with him and sent him my details and information about the talks. Fingers crossed. Current Mood: tired |
| Saturday, August 8th, 2009 |
| 10:28 pm |
Productive Day
Had a nice quiet birthday except for the 3 year old terror running and screaming. Birthday haul: 4 bags of M&S chocolate covered nuts 1 money belt 3 sizes too big so I need to cut extra holes in it £20 Ride the Lightning CD, new wallet and 6 hours of tech support from Adam (thank you!) Now I don't have a big computer so I have to think about saving £350 to get me a nice desktop so that'll be something for me to aim at between now and xmas. Tanked up on sushi, need to sleep. Current Mood: tired |
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