If you want to be emailed these types of writings as I write them, email me at rob@robnugen.com

Date: Fri Jul 25, 2003 23:43:40 Asia/Tokyo

Okay.

After a month or so of depression, whining and sulking in my room and
giving my time to the internet instead of studying, doing what seemed
like nothing except wondering why in the world I am here instead of
with my friends, I feel better.

I've recognized that I let myself get stuck in the rut of Nova - work
work work and feeling stuck stuck stuck with no upward mobility except
becoming more proficient at the dumb Nova way of teaching, caring
nothing (or not much) about my students, blah blah blah.

It's *possible* for me to engage this culture without giving up my
soul to the whims of meeting people in drinking/smoking/gross social
situations (bars ("izakias")).  It's possible to change my housing
situation to one that suits my desires (Japanese chatter instead of
English chatter).  It's possible to find a source(s) of income(s) that
lets me care for my students.

- - - -

The revelation came as I glanced through some classifieds
online. They're just like classifieds in the US.  Please come give us
your money; we have the best deal in town, blah blah blah..  it's just
all in Japanese.

To start, as previously encouraged by my personal coach, I just began
to put my desire out there.  "I would like to live with Japanese
roommates instead of American roommates.  Do you know of anyone who's
looking for an American roommate?" etc, to several people that I know
in my Japanese life.

Some people poohpoohed my technique.  "What are the chances of someone
that you know knowing someone who needs a roommate?"  I dunno.  But
asking is better than pouting.

Just last night, Shin called me and said he'd take me on Wednesday to
register for guest housing.

(I'm making up the word register; I have no idea what the process
actually requires.  But we're going to Yokohama City Hall, or some
other government type place to begin the process of securing guest
house living for me.  Awesome.)

I have simply stated my desire: I intend to live in a non-smoking
environment, with sane native Japanese speakers (preferably male to
keep me focused) who are friendly and genuinely interested in helping
me learn Japanese conversation.  Internet access is a plus, and a
nearby train station is a plus.

- - - -

I have released as trivial the challenges of having recently set up
Yahoo! BB at my apartment, and having a place for janette to stay when
she visits.

- - - -

On the language front, I have recently determined that rote
memorization will be required to learn Japanese.  That's a no brainer,
but I had been like, "I already memorized so much!" where 'so much' is
probably 50 or 100 words.  I just gotta memorize more more more more.

So I'm carrying my flashcards with me again.

- - - -

I hope you're well.

- Rob!