wanna be a star
Since I arrived in Japan I've eaten more than five kinds of pasta, fish, stirfry, soup, stew, fried rice, onigiri (rice balls, yum! ^.^) and curry for breakfast. I've never had eggs once but it's probably for the best. Though I love tamago-yaki, I don't think I trust anyone's scrambled eggs but my own. Cereal is both rare and non-traditional fare. But I've had granola twice for breakfast and... mmm-MMH, the Japanese make a mean granola! If you're here and haven't bought cereal yet, try Calbee granolas. I've got one right now with azuki beans and sweet potato. My mom thought I might not like it because it was so "Japanese" but I seriously think it's the best granola I've ever had. I can eat a whole four-serving box in one sitting. YUM.

Strangely enough, the Japanese also seem to like yoghurt and make numerous varieties of both drinkable and eatable yogurt not available in the US. Like Aloe flavored, for example. It's good, believe it or not!

Oh, and Pocky! Not a snack but sustenance. So far I've found more than ten flavors: Almond crush, white and dark mousse, chocolate, white chocolate, two kinds of strawberry, pumpkin, choco-banana, coconut, "men's" (?? don't ask), super-crisp, mont-blache and strawberry ganauche. Pocky.... mmm... just finished another box.

I'm trying not to become a total fatass, really. I went to the gym again today but so far this week have only lifted weights and not done any cardio aside from walking miles upon miles and dancing. Therefore, I seem to be losing weight anyway. It's a good routine to keep up, since only lifting weights allows me to maintain strength and appearance while also releasing frustration and getting my lovely endorphin fix. I almost lost a bet I didn't make today though... I actually saw another white girl (from the CALPUC program) at the gym today. We were thrilled to meet and she managed to rescue me from a creepy Russian guy (damn pretentious gaijin males!).

I feel much more human today after accomplishing a decent amount of sleep last night. I wanted to sleep until 9AM but of course my body woke me anyway and then when I almost got back to sleep some major contruction started right outside my window. I figured it was something being constructed for one of the restaurants next door but didn't learn until just now before I got home that it was, in fact, the Ramen-ya being completely torn apart and vacated. How sad! I admit, though, I am curious what will fill in its spot.

As a result of sleeping more than six hours, my cold miraculously cured itself and my hands stopped shaking. A good thing, too, because I needed to look "alive" today for my modeling interview. This morning I dolled myself up after the first armpit-shave I've taken since I got off my antibiotics. I've got my fingers crossed to be cured now. Truth be told, though, I was getting a bit fond of being hairy. Yeesh.

I wasn't too impressed with the modeling agency. After I filled out paperwork, I sat downstairs and was unattended for at least half an hour. A few Japanese children came and went while waiting for sample photos to be taken of them and I bided my time somewhat tensely. Finally, they took some photos of me, in which I managed to actually break a natural smile thanks to the one cute kid remaining in the photo room. It also helped that there was a mirror behind the photographer so I could see if I looked too stupid. I froze a bit when he had me pose, though. Somehow I had expected to be more directed. Since I don't often "pose" myself, I was at a loss of what to do. I think I survived.

Once I got upstairs and talked to the woman in charge, I felt a little better. This agency is obviously not in the upper eschelon of high fashion (nor do I want it to be) but since I've seen it mentioned many places, I'm sure it's legit. I had my measurements re-taken and was surprised to find that they were much smaller than the conversions I had done myself which means either I've shrunk or my previous measurements were incorrect. Hmm. I'm not complaining.

What struck me most about the whole process was how much the modeling agency felt like any other temp agency. Basically, I'm hired out through them and paid through them by other employers. One thing that sucks about that is it takes me two months to get a paycheck from any given job. But as long as there are big bucks involved, I'm not complaining. Also similar to the process of temp application were the forms I filled out. I had to describe various degrees of capability in sundry sports, languages, and dances, etc., as well as indicate which kind of modeling I would or would not do. I think I'm pretty flexible except on "full nudity."

While I was in the office, I was also offered my first potential job. In a movie. In Japanese.

Um?

We're not talking "extra" here either, I gathered. They asked if I would play a villain(ess). Like catwoman, he said. Except she kills a lot of people.

Hooo-kay.

My contact information was given to the contractor, who will call me to see if the work is a possibility. My guess is that it's an independent, non-mainstream film and nothing huge to worry about but I still wonder if I'd even be able to ATTEMPT to pull off extended film work with classes and everything. In Japanese.

The language wouldn't be that much of a problem, I think, if I were able to see a translation of the meaning for emotional annunciation. My pronounciation is good and given the way that takes are usually done in films, I don't think memorization would be a problem. The real question is, can I act?

I seriously couldn't believe what the staff guy was saying to me. It all seemed so absurd. I'll bet 10 to 1 that it won't pan out though. If it does... I... um.... I dunno... WHEE!! I hope I get to wear a sexy body suit and I don't have to be the stringy, freaky sort of psychopath.

What the hell am I saying!?!?!?!

The whole experience was mega-surreal. Even taking the subway there and walking to the place by myself. I think I caused several accidents today. Seriously. I got more stares than ever before walking around in my trench over my short 1950s-ish dress with white heels. It was almost too warm for the coat... it's still 70 and sunny here... but I feel self-conscious baring my shoulders since Japanese women never do.

I'm glad for the opportunity to work now. It relaxes me a bit, having made even a small attempt. My "english conversation lesson" with the three Japanese is also simple and satisfying. Basically, they want me to tell them about America and ask questions on what they think. For forty dollars an hour. Coo', coo'.

I'm starting to be homesick now that the novelty of Tokyo is ever-so-slightly wearing off. I think most of the lowness is from the dragged-out, sick feeling I've had the last three days. But reading Rachel's last blog entry really made me miss Eugene, my life there, and my friends. Will I ever feel at home there again now that Justin is gone and I'm graduating in a year? I miss the Saturday Market, watching DVDs on our big-ass TV, making dinner for each other, sleeping curled up with Rupert, staying up late on the computer in the same room as Justin, being tired and strung out but oh-so-comfortable. It was a good life.

Eh, well, I can't say I don't like having perspective now. It certainly makes me appreciate all that I had, still have and will have in the future.

At least I'm not as stupid as some of the writers at CNN.com today. For SHAME! FOR SHAME!!!

"Russian television is reporting that the missing man had earlier wondered away from the group."

Please me you can spot that spelling error from a mile away. Before I "wonder" off to do homework, I'm going to eat some chocolate and write Christmas letters. All I really wanna do is watch a movie and go to bed.