Misc.
I've never been night running in Tokyo before. The whole world looks like it's on fast-forward even more than before. I only jogged for 20 minutes tonight but it was enough to convince me that I can and will do it again.

Today was great simply because I did nothing. And even though I did nothing, I feel like I've accomplished more than ever. I spent time with my family and even made them an oatmeal breakfast in which *I* was disappointed by they said they liked. I chatted with Justin online, watched maybe 4 episodes of Chobits, studied for a few hours and took a long nap before dinner. Then I jogged, which was a wonderful way to wake up.

It's gotten cold outside, still only in the 50s or so, but it actually feels like winter. I'm pretty sure that I'll need to buy a "real" coat if I want to survive through March, especially with a trip to Hokkaido in the mix. Another unwanted expense, though I've seen plenty of coats that are thick enough and affordable at under $150. This year I'm buying an actual well-fitting down coat. Forget the bulky thing I've been wearing years past.

My room has gotten considerably chillier and nosier in weeks past. With the building right in front of the house gone, all the street noise and light comes into my window without a buffer. Certainly not what I signed up for but not a *huge* problem either. I can sleep fine anywhere provided I'm not stressed. Stress is the real problem. Still, it's slightly obnoxious that the street lamp across the street now falls on my floor and that I can hear every bus stop and empty at the stop not even 30 feet away.

It's interesting to learn about Japan through osmosis. I get so much more out of simply being here than I do out of any lecture or seminar I've been offered. Now, for example, when I watch something as trite as an anime even I understant 80% more of the cultural nuances than I did before. It's amazing what immersion does to a person... and that *outside* the language learning experience. My feelings about culture here are completely different than they were before I left.

I apologize if I offended anyone with my political post. No, wait, I don't. What I said was honest, if jaded. I do love America. I just don't feel patriotic about it, especially with our continued "liberation" tactics. You wouldn't think it but here in Japan there is SO SO SO much more TV coverage of the Middle East and SO much more visual evidence of the stupid things that are happening there both on "our" part and the Iraquis. I'm simply sick of the Bush administration. I want that d!ckhead out of office before he gives me even more of a "guilt by association" complex. GUH.

Not a cheery way to end a post, so instead I give you several pictures of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office. This sucka is right near my house... I can see it from the upstairs balcony and walk there in half an hour. There's a nice view from the 42nd (??) floor.