Jan 7th, 2010. On school, jobs, and health

Dear loved ones, Jan 7, 2010

School starts on the 11th, I cant wait! I miss studying and critically thinking all day long. I also love being able to continue discussions outside of class with my friends and english student.

Im kinda worried about school this semester though. Im taking 5 classes (even though one of them is a yoga class) and two of those are upper level poly sci classes. I feel that I am going to need to spend a lot more of my free time doing schoolwork, writing papers, and studying. Even though it will be a challenge, I know that I am gong to have a great semester.

I was actually thinking of not working at the restaurant anymore. Let me tell you an alternative for money before I explain my reasoning.

I spoke with McKenna's boss at her english school for students. She said I would be able to do a program called KBC (Kindergarten base camp... I think it stands for that at least). Where, twice a week, I will go to Japanese kindergartens and have an hour long "English session" with the children. In this session I will lead them in songs and games that teach basic english lessons and words. I will get paid $60.00 for each hour session. at two times a week, I would receive around $480/month which is nearly enough for rent. I could rely on student loans to take care of the rest.

I would much rather do this than continue working at the restaurant for many reasons. The first is to save my health. Last semester my body suffered tremendously because of my job. I would work from 5-11pm not getting home until midnight. Everyday, instead of dinner I would have one small slice of pizza or nothing at all. When I got home, I would be so tired that I would have a bowl of instant noodles before bed. the next day I would wake at 6:30 to get ready for classes. This busy schedule took a huge toll on my health. I was dreadfully skinny (as you all saw when I came home for Christmas) and stressed out.

Other reasons for me not wanting to continue this job is the time cost. I would get home from classes at 2pm and leave my house at 4pm for work. This gave me two hours at home, which I could allot to eating lunch and maaaaybe a short study session. Regardless, it was not enough time, and my school grades suffered because I could not devote the time to finishing homework and studying for exams.

As I mentioned earlier, I will need even more time this semester to cope with the workload of my classes. This is impossible with the job I currently have.

I learned a lot from that job, and my confidence in speaking and understanding japanese improved greatly, but at a severe cost to my health and school performance.

Moving on to another subject for now:

Health!

My goal this semester is to eat. Ive been eating so much since I've been here. Almost as much as I was in America over the summer. I need to gain weight. I need to get fit. This is something that my body will thank me for later on in life.

My new years resolution this year is regarding health. But its not one of the cop out promises people make to themselves that never get followed through like "go to the gym".

I feel that set phrases like these are just that:phrases. They have a negative connotation to them, eluding to the inevitability of failure. Our brains are conditioned to hear these phrases and add "one day" "eventually" or "soon". This only translates to saying "never". In saying such phrases like " I need to go to the gym" or "I need to diet" we set ourselves up for failure of following through.

I would like to elude to a quote whose author is unknown to me. "Goals without deadlines are just dreams" I really like this quote as it has helped me in my battle with procrastination. In my new years resolution, instead of saying it in a future tense such as "I will" or "I need to" I am saying it in a present tense. This way my brain does not automatically react to the resolution as an impossibility.

Am I rambling too much? its been a while since I've sat down and wrote what's on my mind. I cut to the chase. My New Years resolution is this: "I do not eat premade lunches at convenience stores." In Japan we call them obento. They are very convenient if you do not have food for lunch. However, they are unhealthy and expensive. They cost around $5 each, and consist of 50% rice, 25% fried meat, 25% pickled vegetables. In order to improve my health and the weight of my wallet, I do not eat these anymore. (See how I word it? I think it helps to follow through)

If you've read my post up to this point, please comment! I want to hear what everyone's New Year's resolution is! Thats all that I have today, Until next time.

I miss you, my dearest loved ones,

Tony Radosti

Life is Wonderful

Life is wonderful.
I feel like I have undergone metamorphosis. I am no longer the boy I was when I left America to find myself in the Japan, but I am now that man that I was searching for. Everyday I am cultivating my character. Physically with good diet and exercise, mentally with a good book, and socially with a romance interest.

I am seeing life through open eyes, and I am loving every glimpse of it. School is wonderful, my only complaint is that my classes are a little too easy. I am thinking of taking 5 classes instead of 4 next semester.

I am in love. Mckenna and I have never been better together. We make delicious meals on the weekends, study together during the week, and enjoy the sights of tokyo as a pair. She has stolen my heart and wont let go. I honestly cannot recall another time when my heart has this way.

Life is simple, I am happy with a quiet day at the apartment filled with good food, and a good book. I have just finished reading Dracula and also The Hound of the Baskervilles, a Sherlock Holmes novel. I have already read 9 books since January, others which are Frankenstein, Metamorphosis, and the Hitchhiker's guide series.

Here are pictures!


Tokyo Dome City
This day was so much fun, I went with Mckenna to an amusement park. I really love how the roller coaster goes through the ferris wheel!

Squid for lunch and Ice cream for dessert!
Friends

Mckenna and I Mckenna and my roommate June

These strange fashion mascots. zombie kitties??
Birthday Celebration

Yummm my birthday celebration. We dined on all you can eat cake!

Sweets paradise: I really want to take Danielle and Alexis here
Home made food

Some good home made meals! Banana pancakes for breakfast and homemade spaghetti bolognese and garlic bread

Imperial Palace




Outside of the imperial palace. Unfortunately it was closed on this day. I must go again and get pictures for you all. Look at the swans!


Kamakura









This was an incredible trip! 2 hours from Tokyo by bus, we visited a Buddhist temple and practiced Zen meditation with a zen master! I felt free afterwards.


To everyone out there reading this, you have my love. To all of my family, thank you for your love and support as I learn to enjoy life to its fullest here (especially thanks for putting up with the long time spent with no contact). I love you all dearly, and I think of everyone daily.
Yours Truly,
Tony

Flat Alexis

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

Haircut

My Room.

This is my bed. It's a queen size, perfect for my height. The big mosquito net adds a really beautiful effect.














The opposite wall of my bed. This shelf contraption has candles, books, toiletries and a desk area.









Candles and incense. The candles are good lighting at night, much better than the blinding single fluorescent light that comes with the room.

These combined with relaxing music add a great feeling to the room.

The wall in between the bed and shelf. I really like the Japanese style window cover things. They slide and there is glass behind them.









Another view of my bed.












Boring view of my door and closet. The closet is big! Its a couple feet deep and can fit all of my clothes with extra room.










Pictures and cards from my family. I am always thinking of you.











That's all there is to see of my room, I've yet to show you the living room, bathroom, kitchen, and balcony. Ill save that for another day. Finals this week, I will be busy studying. Wish me luck!

With much love to everyone,
Tony.

Its been a while

Another post coming soon, help me fill my fridge!