First Post
June 20th, 2006
Konnichiwa!
Sorry it took a while to write my first post, 20 days to be exact – with many reasons (or excuses, whichever you prefer). But mainly, it’s just because I needed time to get myself used to living on my own here in Japan.
For those who don’t know, this isn’t my first time in Japan. I was here 6 years ago, March 1999 to January 2000. I was a 15 year old exchange student then, living with a japanese family in Tokyo, and with a japanese vocabulary that is almost just the same as a menu on a japanese restaurant. I was young and naive – but adventurous and a kinda crazy. It was an amazing experience that contributed so much to who I am today.
But even if this isn’t my first time in Japan, this is still my first time living on my own. Though I have been living in Alabang with my granduncle (brother of my lolo) for a couple of months at a time, that doesn’t count as living on my own. That lifestyle comes with ‘free’ dinners at my cousins’ place and ‘free’ laundry service every weekend back home in QC. It also comes with a fully furnished room, kitchen and bathroom, and family that is readily available / accessible in case of emergency.
So now I’m living on my own in the land of the rising sun. The most common question people as me: “How are you? Kamusta ka naman dyan?” This is how I answer…
“Surprisingly, I’m doing good. I’m doing good.”
I understand much more Japanese now that I had 6 years ago. So it kind of removes the “thrill” from many things. Like, for example, riding a train/bus without being sure that it’s actually going where you want to go. Or, ordering from a menu without knowing exactly what you will be eating. It was like that before, but not so much now. But yes, since we got here we have been on the wrong bus for a couple of times now (three times i think, the buses are confusing here in Mito), and have ordered things that surprised us (so far, so good) – but generally speaking, that doesn’t really happen often. I think we can make better guesses now since we know a bit of the language and culture. It’s not much of a challenge anymore. It still is – believe me – but not as much.
Living alone isn’t that bad either. Remember all the college hype of wanting to move out and living alone? It’s not much. Again, the “thrill” isn’t quite here. Trying to figure out how things work – like the washing machine, the electric stove, the shower, internet connection, etc – is tons of fun. hahaha, its a trip! But the whole experience isn’t as scary or as hard or as whatever as it is all hyped out to be.
So this goes out to all the college/single guys who are still living with their family and is itching to move out and live on their own: the bachelor life is overrated.
(cynical ba ang dating? hehehe)
Seriously, nothing much has changed. Except of course, that I now have to do my own laundry, buy grocery and cook my own food, wash the dishes, clean the house (and keep it clean), etc. It’s fun, it really really is. But don’t expect much. I expect to get tired/bored/used to it soon. That’s it, and there’s really nothing else to it. Freedom is Power, and with great Power comes Housework.
So my life so far is doing good. It’s not really that tough. Though I wanted it to be – the harder the challenge the better – but I guess, since I also have work to concern myself with, this is just right.
So there you have it, First Post. I will be writing more often now, but probably not everyday. I have a lot of things I want to share, just finding the time is difficult. Just visit my blog often, and leave a comment when you do : ) Thanks.
Continue to pray for me as I pray for you. God Bless.
Ja, Mata Kondo
(aight, until next time)