I have roommates...

So, I've moved into my fabulous new loft...if you don't know anything about it, check out my flickr page. I moved in yesterday, and I found several guests already there...crickets. I've noticed a recent increase of crickets around town...at the studio, at my grandmother's, and now here. So, no surprise. But, I keep finding more of them...

I've done some research on the subject of cricket overpopulation. The University of Texas is experiencing the same problem all over campus. Apparently, the heavy rains and cooler temperatures have sparked the increase in the cricket population...fan-freakin'-tastic.

So, I'm trying to figure out how the hell these little suckers are getting in...it may be through the vents, I don't know. I though it was one way, and that's definitely not the case. The other problem: they've mutated! They fly, and they land on walls, and hop all over the place.

So, here's how my first night in the loft played out...I got back after R and I went to the ghetto Wal-mart, and put things up. I washed clothes and watched a little tv. I took a bath...I relaxed. I finally felt settled enough to go to bed. I climbed into bed, and all was well. Then, I heard a little click...then, a chirp. I thought that there's no way they can get past the barrier to their entrance in. I had an image of a ninja cricket kicking down the lid that I put in to cover up the hole to come on in...Then, I heard the jumping...they were in.

I get up, turn on the light, and see two crickets just chillin' next to each other having a little convo. I mean, cool...they were probably just out on a date having a martini and thought that this would be a cool place to relax and to get to know each other better. Well, party was over...the land lord was needing them to vacate. I squashed the party goers and went to bed. This morning, another one found it's way into my closet. I killed him. I heard chirping a bit later...there's another one in there somewhere.

So, crickets. Yeah, I can handle that. One friend recently had an infestation of maggots falling out of their bathroom vent...this I can handle. Place is great...I've still got more stuff to move. I have a lot of stuff to go through, and I can do that over the next week. I just want to get where I feel like I can have a functional living area. It's weird, but I haven't really felt like I've had a true home in a year and a half. Stillwater wasn't home...this is, though.

I did have the best sleep on my life last night...I didn't move. I woke up, and I was in the same position I fell asleep in. You know, I bought my bed and couch back in 2000, and I still love them! My bed is awesome, and my couch equally so. They've lasted a good long time and were more of an investment than an expense...nice.

Well, I'm off to move more stuff. I will have many gatherings at my place beginning next weekend...I can host parties again, yea!

Home Sweet Home!

Yes, we are home! I'm exhausted, so updates will have to wait till later!

Meg

Friday...

We have now moved to our new host group in the Shin-Koiwa district of Tokyo...closer, better, more fun! A coffee shop is about 3 doors down from the place we're staying...it's great!

Here's this week's recap:

Monday, we traveled to Kyoto at 4:39am. We got into Kyoto at 9:30am, and started to explore the city. I have numerous pictures of temples and shrines and gardens and...Japan! I'm uploading them slowly...keep checking on them!

That night, we spent the night in a hotel near Kyoto Station. It was beautiful...traditional tamami mats, futon beds, Kimono robes...fabulous! Check my photos on this, too! It was simple, yet perfect!

Tuesday, we woke up and tried to find internet...not happening! So, we found a place that you can get on a Japanese computer, but some emails sent from the computers were sent in Japanese. Oh well...Then, we got on a train and traveled to Osaka. We went to a wonderful place called, "Spa World." Yes, it was just that...8 floors of wonderful spa treatments for less than $10 US. You could get more things for more money...I ended up spending about $50 there...We made it back to Kyoto, but missed our train. Our rail passes expired Wednesday, so we caught the moonlight train to Tokyo and tried to sleep. We got into Ome around 7am, and relaxed for the rest of the day.

So, on Thursday, we packed up and traveled to Shin-Koiwa, and were treated to a wonderful dinner by our host group.

That's pretty much it! Kyoto and Spa World were fabulous...I'll blog about those probably when I get back in more detail!

See you guys soon,

Meg

Sunday is the day of rest...

Hello again! Yes, all is well...I've just been too busy and tired to write!

It's Sunday evening now, around 7:30pm. We spent the entire day in Ome, and I'm happy we did. It was extremely humid today, and we walked quite a bit. I'm exhausted! Let me recap the last few days:

Thursday-Ome all day, then went into Tokyo for a few hours.

Friday-We went into Tokyo again, this time to perform. We performed in Ueno Park, which is one of the largest parks in Tokyo. We performed right in front of a very large fountain near the National Museum. After that, we explored the Ueno area in separate groups.

Saturday-Kyoto. We got into Kyoto mid-afternoon, which meant we only had enough time to visit one of the many beautiful places in the city. We went to Noji Castle...it was gorgeous!

Also, went by the Golden Temple, but it was already closed...Headed over to Gion corner to see real Geisha. They were beautiful, but moved too fast to take a photo.

Sunday-Stayed in Ome. Relaxed...

Monday-On our way to Kyoto again!

I'm uploading photos to my new flickr acct right now...as I get more time, I put more up!

Good Morning...

It's now 8:41 am in Ome-shi, sitting on my mattress pad getting ready for the day. Life is better now that I've slept. Had eggs and toast for breakfast...good stuff! Everyone is up and ready for the day. Here's today's itinerary:

-Walking tour of Ome
-Rehearse show
-Free time

I went outside to take some photos of the view from our building...yes, I'm really in Japan!

So, I just decided to hop on a plane today...

...and fly to JAPAN!!! What was I thinking?!?! I'm so tired! I haven't slept yet, and I feel icky because there weren't showers on the plane. This the most exotic country I've been to...everything looks and feels so different. First bservations:

Japanese school girls do wear that uniform you see them in

Pretty much every car is a Toyota or Honda. (90% more Toyotas)

I have no clue what anyone is saying!!!

I don't have any Japan photos yet, because the train was moving too fast. But, here's one that'll explain pretty much how I've felt all day (demonstrated by Jason):

That pretty much sums it up till I can get some SLEEP!

Meg