And so have classes.

Classes for the new semester started yesterday. It wasn't a very good start, since it was raining the whole day. I had to wake up early to finish rewriting my essay for Japanese IV. I started writing it the day before yesterday (yes, I'm still a UP student at heart) and and I finished with 3 pages and half of the 20x20 原稿用紙 (genkouyoushi), that is, 1400 characters on my experiences during the spring vacation. But I'm afraid it's too long again. Last semester, I sort of overdid my presentation for Japanese III, and instead of giving a 15-minute presentation, I ended up giving a 20-30-minute one. My classmates found it interesting, though.^^;

I thought (because the schedule from J3 said so) that we were supposed to have a Kanji review test, too, but it turns out, it's not until next month. Yatta! I wasn't able to study at all so I was worried.^^;;

After our Japanese class, we had to rush to Building 8 for the Summer Semester Orientation. We only had ten minutes in between the J3 class and the orientation so we didn't have enough time for lunch. They gave us the AIKOM Summer Semester booklet, as well as the Todai book and pamphlet for classes, and then Kibata-sensei talked to the ten students taking the Independent Study course, and those include me. They gave us the contact details of our advisers, so that we can talk to them asap about our topics, and then told us about the monthly meetings aka progress report dates.

As soon as the orientation finished, third period started. I went to the second floor (we were on the third) to check the class under Prof. Carter, a visiting professor from Australia. The course was titled Cultures of English-speaking Nations in the AIKOM pamphlet so I was thinking of trying it since it may be related to my degree program, but as it turned out, it was about Multicultural Australia, meaning, the professor will talk about Australia, Australia, Australia, and yes, you guessed it right, Australia. So I decided to go back to the third floor and take the class about Japan's Modernization and its Issues. It's Takada-sensei again, but I guess he's more bearable since I will be learning about Japan, not Australia.;P

Fourth period was literature (again) but this time, our professor's kind of an "otaku." She kept on talking about works that have anything to do with manga, even mentioning Ikebukuro West Gate Park. Well, the course is about contemporary literature, after all, so I guess it can't be helped? But before you go thinking that I will also be jumping on the bandwagon that is IWGP, I am thinking of taking a regular course in English, which is Introduction to Sociolinguistics. This will help me in my undergraduate thesis after all, so I guess I will bid farewell to Otomo-sensei's class. I'm still not sure yet, though, since the course description's written in Japanese, so I will consult with Ellis-sensei first on Monday. It's time to get serious with my studies here. I did come here with the intention of gathering data for my undergrad thesis so I hope I can take at least one subject here in Todai that can help me finish that last requirement. Last semester should be enough goofing around with subjects that aren't related to my major at all.^^;;

By the way, I got all A's in my classes last semester. But take a look at the equivalent. A=100-80. Very motivating, yes? D: Well, at least I didn't get a B. Just imagine how mortifying that would be?XD

Yoshi yoshi! o(^-^)o

I saw my grades today, which pulled me back to reality that even if I am , quoting Klao, or more appropriately, Frederik Schodt, in "dreamland Japan," I am, still a student of the University of the Philippines. I had 3 2.25s this semester, which pulled my GWA down to 1.85, a .1 difference from the "Graduating with Honors" status. My GWA for the sem was a depressing 2.0. Fark, I really did screw up this time. So next year when I come back, I have to study really really hard to pull my grades up.

*sigh* Now, I'm wishing I really am a student of Toudai, where the assignments and term papers are counted by words and not by number of pages. Then again, I wouldn't be able to speak straight English.x__x;; The students in Toudai are intelligent, fine, but when they are asked to speak English now and then, they're all shrinking in their seats. Most of my Japanese classmates are all relying on us to answer the instuctor's questions. They don't even bother reading the assigned readings. Whut.

So yeah, in a temporary state of depression. I hope tomorrow will be worth the 3,000 yen I shall be spending. WE DEFINITELY MUST GO TO UENO ZOOLOGICAL PARK AND TOKYO TOWER. They're (the Filipino exchange students here) are planning to go to Asakusa, so this will be the second time for me. Then off to Ueno Zoo to see some pandas, and then! TOKYO TOWER! Since I'm going out anyway, I should be able to enjoy these tourists spots as much as I can.:3

Even though my classes start at 1pm, I woke up early today to finish my paper in Eng 120.x_x"

Classes ended at almost 6. Uguu~ I hate Mondays. We have to squish ourselves in the train because it's sooooo crowded.T--T

The professor for the last class was sooooooo boring. But that's already given since he can't speak very well because the right side of his face is paralyzed. But to read his lecture like he was giving some sort of speech? Myuur. He said he was an ambassador before. Ok, that explains it.=_="

But... ureshiiiiiiii~ We got our relocation allowance + stipend for October today! That means I have 220,000 yen in my bank account!XD Wai~ I'm moneyless no more!XD Now I have to pay all my expenses before I can shop for my denshi jishou.>_<"

I'm also done with my research proposal!!! Whee~ \\\\(^O^)////

And lastly...

HAPPY 3RD MONTHSARY, TERRY~! <3

Uwaaaah~ Tsukareta!!!

Yesterday, we had double Nihongo (like double Potions, yeah XD /dork). It went well for me, I think, because I was able to study the lesson the night before.=P The sakubun (composition) part was sort of embarrassing because I've forgotten most of the kanji I've studied, that's why I had to look at the denshi jishou (electronic dictionary) I borrowed from the AIKOM office. I really want to buy my own, because this one is really just a simple one. You just type in the English or Japanese word and it translates it to Japanese or English. Sore dake da. You can't look for a kanji character's meaning. So yeah, when I get my relocation allowance, after I send the Php40,000 to my aunt, I shall go to Akihabara and buy my own denshi jishou. I prefer one with an IME pad. =D

Next class was in fourth period, the seminar class thingy. I was assigned to lead the discussion next meeting. Actually I was asked to help Hide-san, and since everyone was declining the request, I simply said "ok" to Takada-sensei, and everyone went "eeeh~."^^;;;

Today we went to Asakusa and Ueno. Uguu~ We walked all day.x_x We went to Asakusa from Hinode Pier by boat, and then walked the streets of Asakusa. I got an omikuji and I got the luckiest fortune in our group. Ehehe~ Then took the metro train to Ueno and then walked agaaaaaaaaain to Hongo campus and another jinja. I finally saw the infamous clock tower and akamon of the Hongo campus!(^o^)/ Pictures here.:3

I was also able to meet my tutor, Matsumoto Kanako-san. She's a year younger than me, and gets lost easily.^^;; This morning, she was late because she took the train with the longer route in the Yamanote Line.^^;;;;; She's not that good in English, but that's ok since I'm not that good in Nihongo either. We can teach each other, ehe~ Too bad she's from the province, so she's not used to Tokyo yet (she's a sophomore). But we live in the same dorm so I can always ask for help from her.^.^

Too bad I wasn't able to join everyone in eating dinner in Ueno. I had to take our final exam for our Anthro 170 class, which I haven't received until now. They're all probably drinking right now... ii na~ I wasn't able to join our first night out with the AIKOM teachers, because of this.*sulks*

Did nothing all day yesterday except sleep. Started doing my Eng 191 at around 6pm. Only one part left.

Had a little accident in the kitchen this morning.x_x I was scared the smoke might activate the smoke alarm.^^;; Anyway, had three classes today. We're still studying keigo in Nihongo class. Second and third periods are Japanese Literature, and History of Science and Technology of Japan. We were given assignments already. Two novels for next Thursday in Lit class and 2 essays in the Science and Tech class. Tsukareta~

Must also start on my research proposal today and finish it tomorrow.

I received my bankbook and cash card today!(^o^)/ We're getting our money on Monday! Squee~

Haaaah~ I'm so tired... But I still have to finish my papers.x_x" *ded*

Almost forgot. My schedule for the autumn-winter semester:

Monday
1-2:30 Japanese III
2:40-4:10 Dynamics of Japanese Cultural History I
4:20-5:50 Aspects of Japanese Society: Japan's Diplomatic Policy

Tuesday
9-10:30 Japanese III
1-2:30 Relay Lectures

Wednesday
NO CLASSES WHEE!

Thursday
10:40-12:10 Japanese III
1-2:30 The Dilemma of the Modern in Japanese Literature
2:40-4:10 The History of Science and Technology in Modern and Contemporary Japanese Society

Friday
9-10:30 Japanese III
10:40-12:10 Japanese III
2:40-4:10 Seminar

Yesterday was the Sports Festival and Welcome Party here in Mitaka Ryou, organized by the  Mitaka Tutors.

The Sports Festival was in the morning. I joined the badminton tournament and won my first match. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to attend my next match because I was in the supermarket.^^;;

The Welcome Party was fun!(^-^)/ All the tutors, AIKOMsei, other ryuugakusei, and Japanese students were there. We had games, too. Unfortunately, Bldg. C lost in the games.^^;; The best part was the Bingo, where the Tutors gave away iPod Shuffle and Nintendo DS.(*o*)/ I wasn't able to get anything, though.o(T-T)o

Today, Klao and I went to Soka Daigaku's school festival. Soka Daigaku is where Mario-san's, Klao's classmate in Hapon, currently studying as an Exchange Student. Also saw Miggy, another AME member, Karen, my classmate in Hapon 12-13 and the Pinay ryuugakusei who's studying in Tokyo University of Foreign Studies. Took a lot of pictures, too!(^o^)/

I went to the wrong street, got on the wrong train and bus, all in one day. Passed the street where I was supposed to ride the bus to Kichijoji station. Got on the wrong train which was bound to Ome, meaning it won't go to Hachioji, where I will meet Klao and Kuya Ryden. Got on the wrong bus on my ride home. It won't stop at Shinkawa nor Shinkawa-dori which were the nearest bus stops to Mitaka Ryou. I was just lucky that the bus stopped in front of the City Hall, because from there I know the way back to our dorm. o(x____x;;)o

Research proposal's due on Friday, and I haven't started working on it yet. Wah~ Four more requirements to go and I'm free from the evil that is called acads in UP! Ganbare, Boomboom!(>o<)/

Yay~! I'm here in Klao's room in Tsuda College.

I thought we were going to Mitaka Ryou today to finish our Eng 191 requirement, but apparently we had a misunderstanding, so I ended up coming with her here in Kodaira. I'm not even wearing maong pants, just jogging pants.x__x" Wah~

Klao fed me! Yay~ Hurrah for real food!^___^

EDIT

Wasn't able to do my paper.XD We went to Kichijoji instead to buy keitai for Klao. Before that, I bought some things from 100 Yen Shop.

Also borrowed money from Klao to buy the Yoru no Picnic DVD. Yay for Mikako Tabe~!!! Doumo Klao~ I'll make sure to pay you when we get our stipend. My debt's accumulating to around ichiman, also because of the BuriMyu ticket.^^;;

I'll go watch Yoru no Picnic now.(^o^)/