Kita

So, I've finally arrived in Japan. I've been here about 5 days or so. Although, I'm not really sure where to begin. I'll post a more detailed entry later, with some pictures and the like.

But, for the record, it is very different here.

I ordered my plane ticket to Japan today... the days are counting themselves down.

See You Tomorrow

I thought I'd make an update on my progress so far.

As of now, I'm officially accepted to study at Sophia University in Tokyo for the 2008-2009 school year. When I received the official confirmation e-mail at work, I couldn't concentrate at all for the rest of the day. Even accidentally crashing patients into a wall at times (I work at a hospital, pushing patients and specimens around). Although, as I learned from before, being accepted is only half the battle. Until I've boarded that airplane to Narita, and settled into my seat with my violin at my side, will I feel like I truly have made it. Although, if my plane does end up crashing... well, at least I was finally on my way towards accomplishing one very significant lifetime goal. Who would've thought showing a boy Godzilla when he was 4 years old would have bloomed into something like this?

I love boxing. I love the atmosphere. I love the mentality. It's hard not to be motivated when you walk into that gym door. Everyone is there to train hard, to become stronger. It's the kind of environment that just motivates you to continue fighting, even when you feel like you've spent up all your energy. Also, for the past few weeks I've felt a new sort of vitality. I have a lot more energy than I used to, and just feel stronger overall. There's something about boxing I can't quite put my finger on... but it's really something good.

I started playing music with Night of Fungi. This is very interesting music, that I really enjoy. Although we're just babies right now, I hope Night of Fungi matures into a nice healthy mushroom one day. We intend to record this summer before I leave. I've also been talking to a couple guys from Japan, who I may end up playing music with as well. That's something else to be excited for.

The future is mysterious and exciting right now. Most of all, I wish for luck as I apply for Financial Aid to be able to pay for this trip abroad. Otherwise, I'll just try again next year.

Until next time...

また明日！

Accepted.

Accepted.

Blue balls

I got an e-mail a week or so back informing me of my 'conditional acceptance' into the Japanese program through CIEE. I'll know within the month whether or not I'm fully accepted to go to Japan for the next school year. The whole 'conditional acceptance' thing was like auto-blue balls. Damn.

I also started boxing. If you're a nerd, you'll get the allusion that my current title has become. If not... well, dang. Boxing, so far, is everything I've asked for. I go in the ring for the first time tomorrow. I'm filled with this sort of nervous anticipation. I've never fought someone, let alone practice fight someone. What will I bring to the table? I guess I'll find out soon enough.

If I were President...

So, my mom found a paper I wrote for school in 1997. The prompt was "If I were President." Here's what I wrote:

If I were President I would be a race car driver. I would go to the track once a month. I would go on 10 foot ramps and then I would eject out before the car crashes. I would hide from the audience and then... poof! I am out. I want to be a race car driver because I think being race car driver is fun. I want to be a president because I will be able to help America.

What I found even more interesting was my brainstorming page. You've all probably done this in elementary school, where you put the main topic in the middle, circle it, and draw lines from the circles where you write down your ideas. I brainstormed three ideas from the prompt "If I were President."

• I would be a pilot because I could do loopy loops
• I would be a astronaut because I could do the moonwalk and jump super high
• I could be a race car driver and really fast

I most definitely was a child prodigy.

The Battle Begins!

My study abroad adviser interviewed me today. Just a couple more materials to be sent off to CIEE, and we'll see if I get accepted into Sophia University's program for the next academic year. The whole situation is making me really excited!

Although, on the way to turning in my study abroad materials, a car tried to run a red light right as I was crossing the crosswalk. I kind of made a "what the fuck?" look to the driver and motioned towards the obvious red light above my head. Regardless, when I was out of the way, the driver continued to run the red light. I'd rather not get smashed by a car before I even get the chance to study abroad. What's even weirder, as I was walking away from the campus after turning in my materials, another car ran a red light at a cross walk that I was simultaneously crossing. And when I came to another crosswalk on a different block I became a little more apprehensive, which was good, because this time a car came in relatively fast and stopped over the crosswalk line right where I would've stepped out. This is no time for any attempts on my life! Dear Mr. Assassin, would you mind purging me on a date that is after July 2009? I'd like to spend a year in Japan before my life comes to its bitter end!

With that said, I'm going to be extra careful around things that may paralyze/kill me from the time between now and when I ship off to Tokyo. Regardless, words cannot explain this feeling of excitement inside, as I soon find out whether or not I will be spending the 2008-2009 academic year in Japan!