I'm Alive, I Swear

I thought I’d fill you all in on what I’ve been up to recently… What? It seemed like a good idea to me, at the time.

In Pictures? Why Not?

First: When going through some old stuff at the beginning of the month, I found the greatest “Thank You” card I’ve ever been given.

The greatest "Thank You" car I've ever received

A little background: This was back when I was still studying Japanese at University (if you’re ever looking for a Japanese tutor round thee parts, contact me and I’ll point you in the direction of the best in the business). I had graduated the year before but I wanted to continue studying, so I kept going to the class (and paying, obviously).

I was asked by the Japanese tutor if I would mind helping out some new Japanese students (as in students from Japan) with their studies. I had no reason not to, so I agreed. A few days later, I was put in contact with a whole bunch of Japanese students. I tried to help them all out t the best of my ability. One of the Japanese students, Yuka, seemed to take it a little more seriously than the rest. We built up a rapport and, over a few weeks, I began helping her out almost exclusively.

We’d meet at <non-specific-caffeinated-drink-store> near where we both lived. We’d talk about this and that – the weather, places to go, etc. – all the while improving her English (and my Japanese, as well). Anyway, time came for her to leave for Japan – she was on an exchange programme – and she presented me with the above “Thank You” card.

A Close up of the message portion of the card from Yuka

Of all the sentiments Yuka expressed, I think I like the un-intentional spelling mistake the best. It comes off completely cute, at least it does in my opinion.

The un-intentional spelling mistake just makes this card for me

Then: it snowed. Like, a lot.

I know that this might not look like much, but considering that this is the UK...

I mean, like, a lot.

Snowman? Ha! Try Snow-Gate

Then: I bought myself a new mug for work. A Muppets mug.

This is the mug compared to the size of the carrier bag I got with it. This shot doesn't do the mug that much justice, but it takes 1.5 litres of water/coffee/juice

My new Muppets mug and carrier bag.

I’d gone into the Disney store the week that The Muppets came out over here (We had to wait 4 months, but boy was it worth it), saw this and bought it on impulse.

I remember trying to be charming and flirty with the girl that served me. But, as always it either came off creepy or stupid… no aloof would be a better word. I remember doing an impression of Kermit at one point (the video for OK Go’s version of The Muppet Theme was playing at the time), and I mentioned that my favourite Muppet was Gonzo (when she asked, by the way. I didn’t just blurt it out) and that my favourite Sesame Street character was Grover (that I did blurt out, for no real reason).

Either way, she didn’t seem offended, and I didn’t get jumped by security on my way out. So, all in all, I call that a success.

And today: I received my copy of Tokyo Jihen’s final album.

£20 for a 5 track CD, AND it has some kind of weird DRM on there that means I have to use EAC and rip at 0.5x just to get a clean copy for my iPod. Totally worth it, though

This (and the next thing) took 4 working days to get delivered from Japan

It’s a 5 track CD, and cost me £20 (it’s listed at 1700 Yen, before tax). But it’s totally worth it. Tokyo Jihen are geniuses. It’s just a shame that this is their last album – you’re looking to hard, if you don’t spot the joke/reference on the album art.

I also got a book