Fall 2009

First of all, thank you to all of my family. I had a wonderful summer break back in the U.S, and I enjoyed everyone's company very much.

Fall semester has started, and I enjoy my classes very much. I have three classes on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I leave the house at 7:30 a.m. and get home around 7:30 p.m. That's right, Im our of the house for 12 hours, three days a week. Tuesday and Thursday, I have class from 10:20 to 11:50. After that class, I stay around school to study and finish homework.

Before I get started describing my classes, I'd like to fill you in on my morning routine. On Monday/Wednesday/Friday (MWF), I wake up at 6:00 a.m. On Tuesday/ Thursday (T/TH), I wake up at 7:30. After I turn off my alarm, I open my windows and take around 10 minutes to reflect on my dreams and mentally prepare myself for the day. Once my brain has eased out of it's sleep state, I proceed to the shower. After a shower, I make a big breakfast. So far, my breakfast has consisted of the same thing every day: 3 fried eggs with 3 small sausages, Coffee, orange juice, and a protein drink. After breakfast, I clean up and get my backpack ready for school.

My first class on MWF is Mosaics. This class is a partial introduction to philosophy combined with other classic pieces of literature. Our reading list includes, The Epic of Gilgamesh, Genesis from the Holy Bible, The Daodejing, The Trial and Death of Socrates, The Allegory of the Cave, Oedipus the King, and other similar pieces of literature. This is the class that I am looking forward to the most. Already in two classes, I've thought deeply on the subject matter, gotten engaged in the readings, and had an hour long discussion about the material with a friend outside of class. The instructure is fairly old, and went to college in the late 60's. He has an interesting way of lecturing that keeps me listening, but more importatnly, he creates a feeling in the classroom that encourages the students to engage in discussion.

After mosaics, I have a four and a half hour break. From 9:50-2:10. I've been taking this time to go to the local sports center to exercise. It costs only $4 per visit, and I can lift weights and also shower during the break. I figure since I am out for 12 hours on these days, I should use that time to continue my fitness regiment.

When my break is over, I go to Japanese Intermediate I. Not much to say here, continuing japanese with vocabulary, grammar, and writing lessons.

I have another 1.5 hour break after Japanese. At 4:50, I have the class U.S and East Asia Relations. This class is about the United State's influence in East Asia, and the foreign policies of those countries. I like this professor, he taught my International relations class last semester, he is very knowledgeable, and conducts class very well.

On T/TH I have one class: Comparative Politics of Developing Nations. In this class we look at the traps that hinder a nation's development. We also look closely at many of the least developed countries governments. The professor worked has 2 master's degrees in developing countries. She worked in the United Nations for 10 years, in cambodia, vietnam, the gaza strip, and African countries. I've talked with her privately about her work in the U.N. and she said that after the semester is over, she can help me apply to the U.N. she has connections with people that work there, and knows some ways that I can get in. I was ecstatic to hear this, as I have been recently musing at the idea of working for the U.N.

Things with McKenna are alright. Although we've broken up, our friendship is still strong. Its strange, we never talk about the break up or when we were together. Things arent much different though than they were, besides the lack of holding hands and words of affection. We've been going to an Italian restaurant almost every day. It is called "Saizeriya" and is the perfect place for college students. They have cheap and tasty Italian food, along with a drink bar. Endless refills of coffee, soda, juice, and tea, for only $1.80. One can stay as long as they need. Today, we stayed there for 4 hours, finishing homework, reading, and chatting.

That is about it for my life in Japan right now. Im very busy with classes that I rarely have free time. When I do, I try to relax by reading or writing. I miss my family and friends back home a lot, but Im having a great time on my own.

Love,
Tony