Ask Kate

[katelynisspecial]

I'm pretty much in, unless I fail the test to get in. But.. I passed really well on the PSAT, so this should go the same way ^^

It's extremely unlikely they would not let me go if I passed it. I've submitted the paperwork, waiting for a call =)

Yeah, about 15 months.
I wouldn't mind someone talking to me, if it's as polite as you say, lol! Might be fun to talk with some actual locals outside the group.

And yeah, that's about how much extra money I was planning on. I love hearing about Japan, your experiences and ideas!

Credit card.. I think my parents are going to load one kind of like a debit card sometime before I leave for college, not sure when. It would have kind of an 'allowance' on it.

Jetlag.. I just meant fatigue and kind of weird, sickish feelings from the time zones, and then going back to school as soon as I got home, no recovery time!

Hm.. new, new...

Oh! I signed up on a few penpal sites, I'm going to attempt to stay in better touch with letters/emails, because I really like doing it.. speaking of I'll have to be sending you another soon! I was disappointed, the majority of cards I sent out at xmas weren't returned, and I love mail xD
But then I did get one.. yesterday was it? And I was like.. ohh, gotta get on that better.

Aaaaaand. I ran the car into things in the garage on accident... *sigh* At least my dad's out of town, so he has time to cool off. And mom isn't /too/ mad. I ran into the riding lawnmower and got scratches and orange paint on the van. I was pulling in and hit the break and didn't feel it slow (didn't press hard enough) and so I panicked and hit the other one. Note to self, the gas pedal doesn't slow the car. It was stupid really.

9 days until I turn 16 =O
But I can't have my party until the weekend of the 25/26 because everyone's busy!

[Yuuji]

Originally Posted by katelynisspecial

I'm pretty much in, unless I fail the test to get in. But.. I passed really well on the PSAT, so this should go the same way ^^

Excellent!
And Congrats (on the PSAT)

It's extremely unlikely they would not let me go if I passed it. I've submitted the paperwork, waiting for a call =)

Rgr that

Yeah, about 15 months.
I wouldn't mind someone talking to me, if it's as polite as you say, lol! Might be fun to talk with some actual locals outside the group.

Oh, there will be plenty. I'm just talking about those who you might _not_ want to talk to. As for others (other girls, older people, those who work in your building, etc) there should be plenty of chances. But don't be surprised if they want to practice English with you!

And yeah, that's about how much extra money I was planning on. I love hearing about Japan, your experiences and ideas!

ah, good.
And I'm glad you do!
Of course, I did have a quite unique situation while in Japan. For example, I always had a translator available 24/7. I also never had to arrange where I had to sleep (but at least you don't have to scrub down the entire bathroom and shower, let alone clear out the closest, do the dishes, etc etc etc)

Credit card.. I think my parents are going to load one kind of like a debit card sometime before I leave for college, not sure when. It would have kind of an 'allowance' on it.

That's a good start.
Just not sure if you could use such a thing over in Japan.
But a normal credit card: Yes, you can. (And perhaps applying for a SONY card might cut some red tape over there). You just have to tell your credit card company that you will be over there for a month, otherwise their security system will trip, and deny the card.
Which is actually a good thing.

Jetlag.. I just meant fatigue and kind of weird, sickish feelings from the time zones, and then going back to school as soon as I got home, no recovery time!

Ouch, yeah...I know what you mean.
The joke a few years ago was: I need a vacation from my vacation!

Oh yeah....I think I mentioned this last year, but plan for days of doing _nothing_. Let yourself be lazy so you can 'recharge', or else by the end of the first two weeks you'll feel frazzled.

If this was pure vacation I would suggest only planning out 4 days (out of 7) per week. Let 2 days be 'roaming' days, for being flexible, and at least one day of doing _nothing_. This is the wisdom I have for spending 3 trips in japan. Cramming things in just wasn't worth it.

Hm.. new, new...

Oh! I signed up on a few penpal sites, I'm going to attempt to stay in better touch with letters/emails, because I really like doing it.. speaking of I'll have to be sending you another soon! I was disappointed, the majority of cards I sent out at xmas weren't returned, and I love mail xD
But then I did get one.. yesterday was it? And I was like.. ohh, gotta get on that better.

Ah, cool!
(will be happily watching the mailbox)

Oh, btw....your b-day is the 14th, right? (memory fuzzy here). And I'll already have to say I'm going to be a bit belated this year. My parents health is not well, and (unfortunately) that need my attention first.

Oh yeah, if you go the penpal route, you probably might find yourself talking to people your age over in Japan!
Given 15 months, it might be a lot of fun making a friend or two over there, and then finally getting to meet them (they come to see you, that is).
Which makes me wonder again: How many days do you get completely to yourself over there?

Aaaaaand. I ran the car into things in the garage on accident... *sigh* At least my dad's out of town, so he has time to cool off. And mom isn't /too/ mad. I ran into the riding lawnmower and got scratches and orange paint on the van. I was pulling in and hit the break and didn't feel it slow (didn't press hard enough) and so I panicked and hit the other one. Note to self, the gas pedal doesn't slow the car. It was stupid really.

*chuckles dryly*
You mean like my mother did just 4 months ago?
She did something like it.

And yeah...that's where the whole 'protecting my child' thing comes from: Sure when everything is going alright, your child will do fine. The problem comes when something unexpected happens, and the lack of experience comes to the forefront. Trying to convince someone under the age of 20 about that usually doesn't work, and they just get pissed at the 'adults' for not trusting/believing in them -- which isn't the point. Of course it doesn't help that the 'adults' don't explain themselves very well, and usually just start barking.

I'm just glad it happened at less then 10mph, instead of on the freeway.

Remember: My wife was 20 when her back was broken in a car accident. And part of how it happened was because of inexperience - when things started to go wrong she didn't do the right thing which turned a bad day into a tragedy..

It's hard getting past the shock and embarrassment (I've been there too), but if you can remember what it was like while you were panicking -- you'll be able to recognize it sooner in the future (and trust me, you are going to live for at least another 7 DECADES, so there will be other times) and thus have a better chance of making the right decision.

Chaulk it up to experience (and some adults never learn).

9 days until I turn 16 =O
But I can't have my party until the weekend of the 25/26 because everyone's busy!

Well, that answers my previous question...now I have to do some math!
So let's see...you wrote it yesturday, so add 9....that means: April 10th!

[katelynisspecial]

Haha, but practicing English is no fun! Haha.
It reminds me of some of my penpals want me to help them learn English better, and I don't know how to teach someone English who already knows a lot, and I don't speak their native language(s). The only way I can see would be to correct them, but I think that would be rude. Hmm.

I'll have to keep thinking about the money thing, I bet it's something Intrax could have suggestions for. Since I wouldnt want to carry around that much in cash!

Yes, I definitely understand about not cramming things in on vacation. I'm good at spacing it out, whenever I go somewhere I always need time to just relax and not always be doing something or I get really worn out and frustrated.

I'm not sure about days completely to ourselves. I know on the weekdays after lessons we normally have a lot of free time, maybe just one activity in the afternoon. I really hope they don't have us on too tight of a leash, I want the chance to explore. But I think this is a good way to go see a little bit of everything.

Well everything seems to be alright with the car thing, my dad wasn't too upset, and I don't have to pay for it. My mom made me pull in again the next day and it went fine, haha. I just found out the 6 classroom lessons for part of my driver's ed total 24 hours O_O

And yes, the 10th!

[Yuuji]

Originally Posted by katelynisspecial

Haha, but practicing English is no fun! Haha.
It reminds me of some of my penpals want me to help them learn English better, and I don't know how to teach someone English who already knows a lot, and I don't speak their native language(s). The only way I can see would be to correct them, but I think that would be rude. Hmm.

True, true....and until I took college-level language, did I truly learn some of the grammar rules of English (like knowing what the definite article is).

On the other hand, there are plenty that wish to practice 'conversational' English. No culture that I know of speaks the same way as they write. For example: Do you truly speak in sentences? Or usually one long run-on? Grammatical or not, that's what it takes to speak the language, and its not really found in any book.

Just tell them that is what you will try to do (you yourself can be a good judge of 'how' someone speaks something, rather then having to know the rules for writing (let someone else take care of that)).

Oh, and don't forget to tell them it's how North East Americans speak......they don't speak the same way down south, or out west. Close...but, well', y'all know what'cha mean, yo?

I'll have to keep thinking about the money thing, I bet it's something Intrax could have suggestions for. Since I wouldnt want to carry around that much in cash!

Intrax?

And yeah, the money could be a problem (especially be prepared that a) Their bills are larger then our bills, so you might need to buy a cheap Japanese wallet. Our wallet's won't hold them.
And b) Their first paper bill starts at 1000 yen ($10). Thus $5, and $1 are in coins. So plan to carry a coin purse of some kind!).

Traveler's checks are one option.
But I still found the best option was the Credit Card. We paid 70% of our bills that way.
This is the good side of having more then a year to plan.

Yes, I definitely understand about not cramming things in on vacation. I'm good at spacing it out, whenever I go somewhere I always need time to just relax and not always be doing something or I get really worn out and frustrated.

*laughs*
Well I am certainly not!
This was something I learned the hard way, and I still haven't gotten it right yet!
So if you are blessed with that kind of control/patience - then your vacations must be a lot more fun then mine!

So please pardon me if I repeat that piece of advice. It cost a lot to learn, so its still fresh in my mind. I'll just have to remember that you don't have the same weakness.

I'm not sure about days completely to ourselves. I know on the weekdays after lessons we normally have a lot of free time, maybe just one activity in the afternoon. I really hope they don't have us on too tight of a leash, I want the chance to explore. But I think this is a good way to go see a little bit of everything.

*nodnods*
It's definitely someone you'll need to inquire about.

And then after that, take the time to study up on the railroad system surrounding your area.
I believe there are a couple of sites on the web somewhere, where amateurs lead you through using one of the automated railroad machines. To use the tickets, just watch anime. It's basically the same (remember the beginning of Aoi Yori Aoshi? Where Aoi tried to use the ticket? It's practically the same thing)
Also, 4 times out of 5, there is a booth nearby with a person in it to help. Usually in uniform. They treated us as politely as any Japanese, so I appreciated that. Unfortunately, hardly any could speak English (which wasn't a problem as I had my translator with me at all times), but might it might be something you run into a problem with.

'Course, some of these problems might be moot if (by good luck) you meet a friend over there in the next year, who could come and visit you and show you the sites.
(Preferably female friend....yeah, I worry)

Well everything seems to be alright with the car thing, my dad wasn't too upset, and I don't have to pay for it. My mom made me pull in again the next day and it went fine, haha. I just found out the 6 classroom lessons for part of my driver's ed total 24 hours O_O

*phew*
Glad they were forgiving.
Just don't forget the lesson --- face it, breath, and next time you'll avoid the next time, or at least lessen it.
As you can guess, that's also advice I had to learn the hard way. Took til my fifth problem until I got comfortable with 'the car isn't doing what it should!'.
Course most of those problems featured bad weather and ice.

Er, what do you mean: 6 classroom lessons/driver ed/24 hours?

I didn't need driver's ed to get my permit, I took it for the insurance reduction (cost). It was simply a class, like any other.
Therefore, I do not understand your references.

And yes, the 10th!

Alright!, I still can do math!

I say this that in the last 6 months (probably due to stress) I've started to go grey (blah!). I don't even have signs of any wrinkles yet...but this grey hair......(only in front). *sigh*
Makes me hate people like John Edwards, y'know? (He was the last person to drop out of the Democratic race - he's over 50, but his hair is perfect. Probably colored, but his roots surely don't show)

[katelynisspecial]

Rawr..

My back hurts because I tripped on the bus yesterday and jarred it, and I've already been having lower back problems, it runs in my family. So I'm just laying down today.

I've been busy with birthday preparations.. last night for dinner we went to a Hibachi Grill place because my family is busy on my actual birthday. It was really fun, I got to kiss an egg, and I caught the little chicken piece in my mouth that they tossed at me. Then they sang me happy birthday and if you're happy and you know it clap your hands in Japanese and I got fried ice cream.

I opened presents from my immediate family, my sister renewed a magazine subscription, and my brother got me some DVDs. From my parents I got CSI season 5 and also a really pretty necklace.

Tomorrow my friends plan to bring me cake since my birthday party isn't until the 26th (everyone's so busy!)

And I've got a job interview on Friday, if I didn't already mention it.

Also, your letter is in the mail! I sent it on Monday.

[Yuuji]

Since by the time you read this it will be tomorrow, let me be the first to say:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!

Originally Posted by katelynisspecial

Rawr..
My back hurts because I tripped on the bus yesterday and jarred it, and I've already been having lower back problems, it runs in my family. So I'm just laying down today.

Understood, and I've gone through my own back problems - let alone my wife's situation, so I know a lot about what you mean.

BTW, when you heal up here's a suggestion: Try to work on your core (aka: all stomach muscles, including sides). I know its crazy, but (combined with stretching) most of my back problems eased up once I started exercising again - or more to the point, I started to go to these 25 minute Ab classes on campus.

Basically put, your stomach muscles can take a load (thus the strain) off your back.

It more then just situps, and since I have a huge presentation about B.F. Skinner tomorrow (having fun, but its a lot of work, thus tiring), I need to be brief today. So ask more about it later, if I forget to bring it up myself.

I've been busy with birthday preparations.. last night for dinner we went to a Hibachi Grill place because my family is busy on my actual birthday. It was really fun, I got to kiss an egg,

Cool!
It sounds like it was a lot of fun (and I love Hibachi myself)

Although....'kiss an egg' -- that I do not follow.

and I caught the little chicken piece in my mouth that they tossed at me.

*laughs*
No, they never slung food my way.
Sounds like he was a skilled guy.

Then they sang me happy birthday and if you're happy and you know it clap your hands in Japanese and I got fried ice cream.

In Japanese?
All the Hibatchi places out here are run by Koreans and Chinese. Truly Japanese people worked your restaurant??

I opened presents from my immediate family, my sister renewed a magazine subscription,

Cool.
Was this NewType?

and my brother got me some DVDs. From my parents I got CSI season 5 and also a really pretty necklace.

Ahhh, I didn't know you were a CSI watcher.
I'm assuming finding time to watch Anime has dropped (due to everything that you do).
For myself, I found this site: Anime-Sensei, which has a nice list (including current) animes. They are all .rmvb, but most of are good, if not surperb, quality, so I do not mind as much. Furthermore a good portion of them are at an immediate download site, rather then megaupload. So its another benefit.

I still find time to download and watch a few episodes here and there. It's my bedtime ritual. Otherwise, time is hard to find.

Tomorrow my friends plan to bring me cake since my birthday party isn't until the 26th (everyone's so busy!)

*heh*
Cool.

What kind of cake, btw?
Our favorite was Ice Cream Cake.

And I've got a job interview on Friday, if I didn't already mention it.

Oh, no! I knew you were going to have an interview, but not when.

Best of luck!!

Also, your letter is in the mail! I sent it on Monday.

I know.
I have it right here.
Thank you for the surprise!
And mean, here comes your B-day, and I get the surprise in the mail. (:
(I've been resisting sending you any further mail, because you were seeming a bit guilty in that you hadn't been able to respond to my previous letters yet. And email was working just fine)

Wish I had time to talk about some of the items you brought up (China, Nanjing, all those penpals!)

But I only have time for one question:
How many Japanese penpals/contacts do you have?

I hope you have a fun day (and that means your back is under orders to get better quick!).

Take care!

[katelynisspecial]

Thanks for the birthday wishes!

My mom took me out for ice cream, and my friends got me a giant butterfly balloon.

I bookmarked the anime site for when I have time!

My favorite kind of cake is HOMEMADE white cake with vanilla frosting =P
I don't really like storebought much, mom's making mine this year.

Well, I've exchanged messages with a few different people from Japan, but as for consistency, not much yet. The names that I've exchanged at least one with are.. Natsuko (which looks the most promising!), Ryu, Aoi, Asano, and Tatsuro. Several more I've messaged but they haven't responded.

Hopefully I'll get some more, and they respond regularly. ^^

I have quite a few from other places in Asia and that area... such as China, South Korea, etc.

[Yuuji]

Originally Posted by katelynisspecial

Thanks for the birthday wishes!

Welcome!

My mom took me out for ice cream, and my friends got me a giant butterfly balloon.
I bookmarked the anime site for when I have time!
My favorite kind of cake is HOMEMADE white cake with vanilla frosting =P
I don't really like storebought much, mom's making mine this year.

Rgr, rgr, and rgr that.

I'll have to remember: Vanilla (unlike the chocoholic which is typing right now)

Well, I've exchanged messages with a few different people from Japan, but as for consistency, not much yet. The names that I've exchanged at least one with are.. Natsuko (which looks the most promising!), Ryu, Aoi, Asano, and Tatsuro. Several more I've messaged but they haven't responded.

Messages in which form? (electronic, email, a site like this one, IM, etc?)
Understood about consistency.

And I figure they are talking to you in English.
How good are they?

Hopefully I'll get some more, and they respond regularly. ^^
I have quite a few from other places in Asia and that area... such as China, South Korea, etc.

Cool.
I wonder how penpals are done these days.

[katelynisspecial]

Some of all of them really! Natsuko through email, and she's so awesome, hehe. We're going to do snailmail soon. Ryu is email/msn, Tatsuro is msn, Aoi was PM through a site like this, and Asano was public messages on a board like this, hehe.

Most of them are pretty good, Natsuko... I would never guess this was her second language. And the others are good too, though there's the occasional "WTF" moment. Or sometimes I have to explain what something I write means.

And I got the job!

[Yuuji]

Originally Posted by katelynisspecial

Some of all of them really! Natsuko through email, and she's so awesome, hehe. We're going to do snailmail soon. Ryu is email/msn, Tatsuro is msn, Aoi was PM through a site like this, and Asano was public messages on a board like this, hehe.

Cool. Very cool.

And yeah, it's actually required of ALL Japanese students to take English as a second language. (though I think you already knew that).
So at least for writing, they have a good foundation (though most admit, like American students, they forget most of what they learn a few years past high school).
But they do not really have a chance to speak with anyone. So in writing: good, speaking...usually not so good.

Now...
When are they going to start returning the favor?
(i.e. help you with your Japanese)

Most of them are pretty good, Natsuko... I would never guess this was her second language. And the others are good too, though there's the occasional "WTF" moment. Or sometimes I have to explain what something I write means.

Yeah that rings a bell, when I began shooting the breeze with 'em they tended to not hold a candle to an American with knowing which metaphors I was using.

Although you can probably parse what I was saying above, a Japanese person would most likely try to translate directly.
And bells, breezes and candles (as nouns) have nothing at all to do with what I am saying.
I like to call 'em: Verbal Kanji.
(in revenge for trying to learn Japanese Kanji, which doesn't seem to hold to any rule. You have to learn each one at a time, hardly any shortcuts)

And I like how you said: WTF moments.

And I got the job!

Congradulations!!
When will you learn about your position?