Ask Kate

[katelynisspecial]

Oh, I loved the one about Rosaline! I loved the play, but always thought both Juliet and Romeo were relatively wimpy characters, so it was nice to see it from a strong feminine point of view. Funnily enough, now I'm reading a modern tale from Helen of Troy/Sparta's point of view! I'm also a fan of mythology.

The Romeo and Juliet anime, I actually have a few episodes of that on my computer, and it looks decent, though different. I also have on my to read list a library book called Shakespeare's Daughter and a book I bought for our Spring Break flight that is Hamlet through Ophelia's eyes.

The standardized tests are sooo easy, and they disrupt school enough to make an awesomely easy week. And next year, since I'll have passed them, I don't even need to come to school until 9:30 ^^

Well I heard the Da Vinci Code movie was awful, so I haven't seen it yet. Angels and Demons is the book about the DC's main character Robert Langdon, and takes place before the DC's events. It deals with Rome and Vacian city and the whole Catholic Church/pope system.

I'm taking Psychology next year... it's a course that also includes half a semester of sociology.

[Yuuji]

Originally Posted by katelynisspecial

Oh, I loved the one about Rosaline! I loved the play, but always thought both Juliet and Romeo were relatively wimpy characters, so it was nice to see it from a strong feminine point of view. Funnily enough, now I'm reading a modern tale from Helen of Troy/Sparta's point of view! I'm also a fan of mythology.

The only reason I know of the Rosaline one, was because of the R+J anime. So I had no idea it was actually good (but it now has the Kate (tm) stamp-o-approval).

And to consider Romeo and Juliet 'wimpy'? Ahhh, I bet our department's resident Shakespeare professor would like you. He likes to compare old text to modern conceptions and ideals.

And you definately read more books then me, I never knew of such an interpretation of the Iliad (Troy).

And don't get this Greek going on Mythology.

As for a crossover, you might enjoy the anime: Heroic Age. It's loosely based upon Hercules's 12 labors. So there are references to the true Heroic age (of our time) in it, which you (Being learned) might catch.\

The Romeo and Juliet anime, I actually have a few episodes of that on my computer, and it looks decent, though different. I also have on my to read list a library book called Shakespeare's Daughter and a book I bought for our Spring Break flight that is Hamlet through Ophelia's eyes.

Again, you know more books then I.

Although I must mention my favorite spin-off of Shakespeare was a musical: Hamlet-cha-cha-cha. Comedy, of course.

The standardized tests are sooo easy, and they disrupt school enough to make an awesomely easy week. And next year, since I'll have passed them, I don't even need to come to school until 9:30 ^^

*laughs*
Ohhhh...you're one of _those_ types, eh?

Glad you have the talent though, so enjoy the week!

Well I heard the Da Vinci Code movie was awful, so I haven't seen it yet. Angels and Demons is the book about the DC's main character Robert Langdon, and takes place before the DC's events. It deals with Rome and Vacian city and the whole Catholic Church/pope system.

Now I know the book you are refering too.

And I could not tell you if the movie was bad or not - I enjoyed it. But I did not read the book, so comparatively, it might have been a letdown.

I'm taking Psychology next year... it's a course that also includes half a semester of sociology.

Ah, cool.

First: Psychology was NEVER offered in my high school. Absolutely nothing of the kind (only things like 'typewriting' were offered as electives)

Second: Do you know the difference between sociology and psychology?

Third: Will your teacher be specifically trained in each field?

Cause I'm too tempted to have you ask them:
For the history of Psychology, do you believe that Descartes Dualism still holds a place? Or did the Logical positivists, Hume Empiricists and Kantian Idealists curtail that thought? Furthermore can Dewey's Progressive Instramentalism truly become Utopia?
And will you be teaching the course from a Behavorist or Behavoralist perspective?

......they'll most likely not have much of a clue of what I am referencing.

And thus, it might get you in trouble if you mention it.

[katelynisspecial]

I know that psychology is like the study of yourself and inside your mind and thought processes of the human mind....

And sociology is the study of people in groups kind of, and their development and stuff.

Technical, no? xD

And no, no idea O_O

I applied for a job at King's Island, and have an interview after my birthday.
Did I already mention my Japanese language lessons for next year?
I have over 10 hours of driving now =D
Also, if I save $5000 in the next year, I get to go to Japan for a month next summer! (I'll give more details when you respond)

Sorry for taking so long~

[Zelor.eXe]

Originally Posted by katelynisspecial

I know that psychology is like the study of yourself and inside your mind and thought processes of the human mind....

And sociology is the study of people in groups kind of, and their development and stuff.

Technical, no? xD

And no, no idea O_O

I applied for a job at King's Island, and have an interview after my birthday.
Did I already mention my Japanese language lessons for next year?
I have over 10 hours of driving now =D
Also, if I save $5000 in the next year, I get to go to Japan for a month next summer! (I'll give more details when you respond)

Sorry for taking so long~

10 hours? how did you manage that? back the car in and out of the driveway each morning? XD jk! I know you dont much time.


$5k, you could buy a car with that. =P

[Yuuji]

Originally Posted by katelynisspecial

I know that psychology is like the study of yourself and inside your mind and thought processes of the human mind....

Psychoanalysis perspectives: The study of the Mind.
Modern perspectives: The study of behavior (this is still the safest bet)
Cognitive Behaviorist perspective: The study of behavior and consciousness.

The old Functionalist and Struturalists used to call Psychology the study of consciousness, but it lacked objectivity. (Then again, so does the concept of 'mind', but nothing stops a psychoanalyst)

And sociology is the study of people in groups kind of, and their development and stuff.

I'm no sociologist, so that sounds good to me.

Technical, no? xD

*heh*

And no, no idea O_O

Was just curious.
I've been hearing these horror stories about schools creating classes to make Administrators look good on paper, but never staff or supply the classes correctly.

I applied for a job at King's Island, and have an interview after my birthday.

Ah, cool.
I know how much you liked going there.

Of course, if the standard teenage experience happens: You might not like it for much longer (working at a place is MUCH different then going to enjoy yourself at a place. Just ask anyone who has worked at McDonalds if they want to go and EAT at McDonalds)

Did I already mention my Japanese language lessons for next year?

*blinks*
No!
What type? Tutor or class?
Is it something certified? (aka: will it look good in a resume?)
Is it a course that leads into higher courses, or can lead to the Japanese Language proficiency tests?

I have over 10 hours of driving now =D

Cool!
Is there a minimum expected before your test?
Furthermore, have you tried both highway and high traffic driving?
And did your parents take you out during the heavy snows and ice, and on purposely have you spin the car out of control in an open parking lot?
Both my parents and my Driver-Ed teacher did this. Once you experience it in a controlled setting, it takes a lot of the fear away when it happens for real. Thus you react better.

Also, if I save $5000 in the next year, I get to go to Japan for a month next summer! (I'll give more details when you respond)

Gimme details!

Sorry for taking so long~

No worries.
Thank you for still caring.

[katelynisspecial]

Zelor -- I could, but I already have one coming to me, and I'd much rather go to Japan, honestly. =P

Yuuji --

Haha, I absolutely refuse to work at any kind of fast food restaurant. If I got the job, I'd be checking seatbelts on a ride and making sure people fit the requirements. I have friends who worked there last summer and still went on their days off and are working there again this summer, so maybe it's not so bad?

The Japanese is through a PSEO course. Stands for Post Secondary Education Opportunity. Basically, though a series of paperwork, applications, and conferences with my counselor and parents, I got signed up. Basically I take 3 hours a week (Likely Thursday 6-9) up at a community college nearby. Real professor, real college students, real homework, etc.

I believe that... The 3hrs/week fall quarter is about the equivilent of a 101 level class, winter 102, spring 103 level.. Do classes work like that? I think that's what they said...

Anyways, I have to take a SAT like test to get in, and then have another meeting with the contact from the college, blah blah blah.. I have another friend doing it, so it shouldn't be so scary.

And best part... I'm not allowed to overdose on credits, so in order to take all three quarters worth of credits, I'm forced to drop 2 of the 8 courses I take in highschool. So basically.. I get to get out a block early EVERY DAY.. and only have the class ONCE A WEEK! Best deal EVER.

And it's part of my official college transcript.

We have to do 50 hours... at least 10 at night. Then we have to do 8 hours incar with an instructor, and 6 drivers ed classes plus the test. I'm aiming for getting my license mid-May, going to get in some major time on family trips, etc. I've driven on the highway (stop and go AND regular), in fog, the dark, and in huge rain storms ._. No snow though, my mom got in an accident recently and is totally paranoid.

This is the exact trip, looks amazing for a first time, IMO. And it'll be next summer, so I'll have already had my Japanese language lessons, bonus.

High School Study Abroad - Choose Your Cultural Adventure - Japan - Summer Cultural Exploration

I have three friends who REALLY want to go and are also saving. So I hope that at least one of them will have the willpower to save/permission to go. And if not.. I'm willing to do it just with the group I don't know already.. I mean, it's Japan!

I have to save $5000 + spending money, my parents will pay the other $2300. Not bad if you think about plane tickets, food, board, lessons, and all the events.

[katelynisspecial]

Also, I'll be in San Diego this week, and I may or may not have net. If not, I hope to see replies when I return!

[Yuuji]

Originally Posted by katelynisspecial

Yuuji --
Haha, I absolutely refuse to work at any kind of fast food restaurant. If I got the job, I'd be checking seatbelts on a ride and making sure people fit the requirements. I have friends who worked there last summer and still went on their days off and are working there again this summer, so maybe it's not so bad?

Ah, I know the job now!
And yeah, if you have friends who can tell you when to duck (in other words: prepare you job-related things that aren't in the manual) then it sounds more like an experience, then a job.

The Japanese is through a PSEO course. Stands for Post Secondary Education Opportunity. Basically, though a series of paperwork, applications, and conferences with my counselor and parents, I got signed up. Basically I take 3 hours a week (Likely Thursday 6-9) up at a community college nearby. Real professor, real college students, real homework, etc.

Er, wait....does that mean you are definitely, 100% _IN_?
Seriously?
Because I've never been able to receive any official lessons in Japanese, all that I have is self-taught (and badly too boot).
Therefore, I'm thinking 'envy' right now.

I believe that... The 3hrs/week fall quarter is about the equivilent of a 101 level class, winter 102, spring 103 level.. Do classes work like that? I think that's what they said...

Basically, yes. Though how exactly things work at each University (and whether or not you can transfer credits) is always open for individual differences.

I just hope the instructor makes it fun (or at least digestable)

Anyways, I have to take a SAT like test to get in, and then have another meeting with the contact from the college, blah blah blah.. I have another friend doing it, so it shouldn't be so scary.

Ah, so you are only signed up to take the test? Not that you're in yet?

And best part... I'm not allowed to overdose on credits, so in order to take all three quarters worth of credits, I'm forced to drop 2 of the 8 courses I take in highschool. So basically.. I get to get out a block early EVERY DAY.. and only have the class ONCE A WEEK! Best deal EVER.

*grins*
That doesn't sound bad at all.
It's just my opinion, that education-related issues like this are not usually this wise. Overdose would normally have happened.

Better yet, you might be tempted to start looking over raw-manga.

And it's part of my official college transcript.

Bingo!
Bonus points!
(and yeah, these things matter)

We have to do 50 hours... at least 10 at night. Then we have to do 8 hours incar with an instructor, and 6 drivers ed classes plus the test. I'm aiming for getting my license mid-May, going to get in some major time on family trips, etc. I've driven on the highway (stop and go AND regular), in fog, the dark, and in huge rain storms ._. No snow though, my mom got in an accident recently and is totally paranoid.

It sounds like you are covering most of your bases (Too bad about the snow, but fully understandable considering your mother's experience)

But all of this instructor time and driver ed time -- is this Ohio Law stuff? Or something your parent set up?
In New York we had to take an 8 hour class, full of films (yeah, films, like using a projector) from the 1960's and 1970's. Even the state-licensed instructor made fun of them (not much, but enough to take the edge off). I took that 8 hour course on May 7th, the day after my 16th birthday and thus the day after I got my permit.

This is the exact trip, looks amazing for a first time, IMO. And it'll be next summer, so I'll have already had my Japanese language lessons, bonus.

*BAH_LINKS!*

Holy.....
Ok, so in about 15 months, right?

High School Study Abroad - Choose Your Cultural Adventure - Japan - Summer Cultural Exploration

I have three friends who REALLY want to go and are also saving. So I hope that at least one of them will have the willpower to save/permission to go. And if not.. I'm willing to do it just with the group I don't know already.. I mean, it's Japan!

Absolutely!
Yeah, friends would be nice, but aren't 100% necessary. Though dorms have their own things to deal with.
Besides, you still have me to give you a few hints (unless, for safety sake, they keep you on a short leash)

For example: You'll be 17 then. Age of consent is 14 in Japan. So be prepared to be hit on, at least once.
Of course 'being hit on' is a whole lot more polite over there, then over here. This goes from free food, having your picture taken, to a free ride to an event or location. If you feel nervous, pretend you don't speak Japanese at all, smile and walk away.
But most likely their be so polite that you won't realize what they were doing, until hours later. If you enter an arcade, be prepared for at least one Japanese male to try to start a conversation with you.

I have to save $5000 + spending money, my parents will pay the other $2300. Not bad if you think about plane tickets, food, board, lessons, and all the events.

True, true. Especially with how the dollar has weakened, let alone other economics.

Piece of advice: Plan for an extra $500.
This is for an emergency-comfort fund.
When I went to Japan for my honeymoon, I was suffering from a horrible illness. When we landed I was in complete missery (I hadn't slept for 40 hours, and when I did it was in fits), luckily we had some spare money and splurged on a convienant meal and a hotel room - $120. For the pain alleviated, it was worth the cost.

So you might need it for a Taxi ride due to horrible rain (instead of walking), or to buy clothes to deal with wierd weather (like a swimsuit, or (like I did) had to buy sunglasses), or to buy a loud fan, that not only cools you down, but makes noise which will drown out the traffic outside. Or say your camera breaks, you can easily buy a new one. Etc, etc, etc.

Oh yeah, second piece of advice: Credit Card.
I think you can have a credit card when you turn 16, right?
What my father did was this: He cosigned a card for me. I bought something, then made payments on it while it acued interest.
Even though the interest was only about $3, it established a credit history for me - which is good no matter what (I gave the card back to my father after I used it once, since I had no use for it).
By the time I was 18, I easiliy signed up for $1,500, and $2,000 cards. And unlike my brother, I never abused them.

Now, if you parents don't mind, they should sign you up after you turn 16, and do what I wrote above. Then you give the card back to your parents.

If its a decent card, keep it. If not, with you newly established credit rating, you should be able to sign up for a better one (more perks, rewards, cash back, etc).

Now you have a safety net while in Japan.

For although the stores get xenophobic, they will allow you to use your card once at each store (I can tell you more about that later, but flat-out, I was always able to use my credit card).

This has advantages:
1) You gain rewards and cash back for your purchases.
2) You don't have to keep so much cash on you.
3) You don't have to pay exchange rate fees when converting dollars to yen (and then back from yen to dollars when you come back)
4) It's another safety net.
5) Most credit card buyer protections still apply.
6) There are others, but my mind is blanking right now.

I'm also suggesting this because I'm betting you are the type (like me) not to fall into the credit-card trap. In other words, credit or cash, you'll budget no matter what. My family is still amazed that I pay off my credit cards at the end of each month.

Originally Posted by katelynisspecial

Also, I'll be in San Diego this week, and I may or may not have net. If not, I hope to see replies when I return!

Enjoy the Sun!!
Besides, there might be some nice Japanese places over there (I know there are in LA)

[katelynisspecial]

Just got home, I'll update more tomorrow, if I recover from jet lag X_x

[Yuuji]

Originally Posted by katelynisspecial

Just got home, I'll update more tomorrow, if I recover from jet lag X_x

*chuckles*
Understood.

Though I probably need to re-lookup the updated definition of 'jet-lag'. 18+ years ago, it was something biological that only really happened to those over the age of 40.

Nowadays, it seems to be something everyone faces when dealing with airline travel and time zones.

As for the question:
How was the trip?