July 30, 2008

Zoo Day

My boyfriend and I went to Woodland Park Zoo a couple weeks ago. Last time I visited there was with my host family, and I couldn't see much because they had little kids. I don't blame them, though, since this zoo is huge! Even this time, just me and my boyfriend, we couldn't see all of it... Besides the size, it was pretty hot that day. AND I was stupid enough to wear heels (low but new, which makes it even worse!)…

Anyway, what I was going to say was I really like this zoo. I used to go to zoos in Japan when I was young, and of course I had a lot of fun. But after going to this zoo, my whole perspective of the zoo has changed greatly. This one is, well probably zoos in the States in general are, pretty different from the ones in Japan (if not they'd changed). This zoo itself is like a forest, and animals are not trapped in cages; they're put in the environment much more similar to their natural habitat. For the same reason, it’s refreshing to just walk around the zoo. A lot of trees and flowers also entertain your eyes :)

Here are a couple pictures I took at the zoo:

Giraffes looking for food (?)


A hippo wandering in the water


My favorite, jaguar, taking a nap in the shade
This zoo isn't only for kids; I honestly think adults (without kids) can also have a great time. Just don't wear heels, Ladies.. I know it's probably just me ;p

P.S.
To my boyfriend,
I'm really sorry for being cranky pants that day.. I just want you to know that I DID enjoy this date!


July 28, 2008

Thank You - Cont'd

My parents are very traditional Japanese people. I'm not saying that's bad or anything, but I'd say it was NOT easy for me to persuade them to let me come to the States. It wasn't money that they were worried about (maybe a little..); it was me and my safety. Although it's true that they were being a little overprotective and conservative, they still had good reasons to say "no" to my plans. In spite of how they really felt, however, they did approve my plan to study in the States. What I really appreciate is the fact that they've been supporting me in every way, not just financially.

Moving away from my parents has made me realize how important they are in my life and how much they care about me. I wouldn't have realized it if I'd stayed with them in Japan, and I'm glad that I came to know it before it's too late. I'm still not sure what I can do for them in return...They probably don't expect anything special from me, but I still want to show my appreciation somehow.


Mom and Dad,
--Thank you for supporting a stupid, immature girl who failed to think of any realistic problems because she was just too excited about going to the States
--Thank you for listening to my complaints and still telling me to do what I can/want to do
--Thank you for telling me it's always OK to come home but not forcing me to do so
--Thank you for caring about my happiness more than anything


When I have a kid or two in the future, I want to be just like my parents.



July 26, 2008

Thank You



Even if I say these two words a billion times
It wouldn't be enough

Doesn't matter if you don't like it or not
You always support and respect my decisions

You accept who I am and value what I want
I know this as a fact

And that's love

That's why I feel so lucky
To have you as my parents


Photo: My hometown (it made me realize I should take more pictures of my hometown)


July 24, 2008

British English

I like British accent. I think it's sexy; to me, it has the same effect as "guys in a business suit" (meaning they look sexier). It's kinda funny that it all started after I came to the States. I think it's because I didn't know or/and couldn't hear the difference between British and American English when I was in Japan. Make sense, right?

Well, it's not like I want to be able to talk with British accent (it would be cool if I could, but it's not likely to happen..). I just like listening to people with British accent. I seriously thought of applying for an exchange program to go to England. Yes, from a university in America. I don't know what I was thinking...I guess it was just me wanting something I didn't (and still don't) have. Or I was that into British accent ;p

Now here's my question: How does American English sound to British English speaking people (both native and non-native)? Cool or funny? Difficult to understand?? To be honest, I find it a little difficult to understand when people talk with British accent. On the other hand, I'm so used to American English that I can understand what people say even when I'm half asleep. So I'm really curious about how other people perceive or rather hear it. Maybe some of you can tell me??

Even though I sometimes have hard time understanding what they're saying, I still enjoy watching Sherlock Holmes TV series. Yup, the combination of two things I like; mystery and British accent :)


July 22, 2008

Love That You Once Had



It's funny how it is
How you feel about the love you've lost

Thinking of all the good memories
You wish you could go back in time

Forgetting all the bad memories
You think it was the happiest time in your life

Love lost in the past
It looks so beautiful because you can't touch it again
You want it so badly because you know you'll never get it back

Nothing is more beautiful than this kind of love


July 21, 2008

Sushi is Good!

Hi there,

Tonight, I had dinner at a Kaiten Sushi place, called "Sushiland Marinepolis." It's relatively cheap just like the ones in Japan (plates are from $1 to $3) ! And their quality of sushi is good, considering how much you pay. If you are in Seattle area and like sushi, you should totally go try their sushi!!

The funny thing is that I eat sushi more often than I did in Japan. I don't know exactly why... People here think the Japanese eat sushi everyday, so maybe I'm just trying to fit in that stereotype ;p Whatever the reason is, I enjoy having a lot of sushi! Besides, the fact that I can probably eat sushi everyday without getting sick of it proves I'm a Japanese person :)
Sushiland Website↓
http://sushilandusa.com/



July 20, 2008

The Thing about Where I Live

1. Seattle, the biggest city in WA, isn't that big compared to other major cities.
2. Many businesses were born in Seattle, such as Starbucks and Microsoft, yet there isn't much to go/see for tourists.
3. The weather isn't that great; it usually rains for half a year, and the summer is like 2-month long (I'm dead serious!).
4. Professional sports teams suck in general. I mean, look at the Mariners...*sigh*
5. Sonics, our professional Basketball team and the only team that was doing ok, is gone now (and what are we going to do with Key Arena?!).

Wow, sounds like a not-so-much-fun city, huh? Despite all the negative aspects, I love Seattle. Why? ..Hey no, it's not because the weather has been nice recently...well, it's helping a little bit, of course ;p Anyway, there are 2 big reasons.

One is that after spending all these years here, it feels like this is my second hometown. IT IS depressing and no fun to have so much rain throughout the year, but that makes you appreciate the sunshine more in the summer time :) Besides, the summer in Seattle is the best thing ever! The city is clean, and people are nice; it might not be a great place to visit for sightseeing, but it's a good place to live.

The other reason is for all the memories I have, both good and bad. It's not like everything has been perfect during these years. I've experienced a lot of hurtful moments, and I was in so much pain that I thought I'd die at times. Friendships and relationships. They're always complicated and confusing, right? But in the end, they taught me great lessons and helped me grow up. Most importantly, they taught me what love truly meant...but that's another story :)

I LOVE YOU, SEATTLE <3 <3

July 17, 2008

Hello World,

Well, this is the very first blog entry in my whole life, so I'm actually pretty nervous (yeah, you can laugh at me). Anyway, let me introduce myself.

My name is Nite. I've been living in Washington State, USA for...let’s say, long enough to graduate from a university here. I decided to start this blog ①because I love writing in English, and ②because I’ve wanted a place where I could write down all the things I don’t want to forget, such as what I do, think, and feel in my life. On top of that, I think it would be awesome if I could share my thoughts and experience with people out there :)

I’m not 100% sure where this blog is going, but that, we just have to wait and see ;p

Anyway, welcome to my blog!