rainy days in tokyo

Not a lot to report from the Tokyo front, except that it has been raining since Tuesday.. I guess it would be normal if I was in London. Apparently, according to the news yesterday morning, it is said that September is the month of rain. So we have another rainy month to contend with in Japan. Here was I thinking it was June! Ho hum..

Other things that have been going on. A brighter note, I was quite pleased with my assignment (the one that I had no real idea what I was getting myself in for and considered even pulling out!!), I ended up with 75%! Was I wrapped! So looking forward to finishing the second assignment. Due 6th Oct! Not that far away and still have yet to finish the draft. Not stressing yet, and not planning too either. Have the official exam for it on the 7th Nov. Novemeber looks like it's going to be turning out to be a test month that is for sure. Two other tests to be done within that month too. All good though, and they are all to do with Japanese so can't complain. Just have to make sure I study from now on - hard!

Met up with a recent newly-made friend, M, the other day. Lives in the same apartment building in the exact same amount of space that my apartment has. It's amazing how different one's apartment can be, just by the interior and the little difference in interior. Her place looks really cool, kind of a Frenchy-English taste to it, whereas mine is slightly on the Oriental/Japanese side. We both really like each other's interior's so it is always fun to go over and hang out. Always amazes me at how the interior of a room can be so different by just a few different touches. Most impressive. Always have been interested in interior design, and have always considered to go down that path. Guess I am waiting for the opportunity. All to do with the timing I guess.

Have been drinking a lot of green tea (about 3 cups a day, I think for the past 4 or so years). Not a day goes by without having a cup of green tea. Speaking of which, it was listed up on the 3 best things to take. That and salmon and blueberries!

(This is one of my favourite photos. I took this at an ocha-kai (tea ceremony drinking event) at Seikeien in Kanagawa prefecture. We drank from the same beautiful (most likely very expensive ma-cha bowl). I wonder what the perhaps conservative ladies in the kimono's thought about having a foreigner wearing jeans (!!) (I didn't know it was a really formal affair) there. Must have been quite perculiar. I guess it sure comes down to not what you know, but who you know with this event..

This weekend, is a long one. Monday is a public holiay. A celeb party to go to on Saturday night, Sunday perhaps a day in the country and a hot spring and on Monday a hot & cold stone therapy facial planned, followed by a look at some poodles perhaps.. As well as writing my assignment, which may be planned to do on the Sunday if I don't decide to take off to the country.

Tomorrow, am a bit nervous, as the owner of the apartment is coming over to check the flooring that squeaks. Not that keen about her coming over, but some how I agreed to her to come over and check it out. Oh dear, I wonder how much she will actually inspect it and if she will complain how I have the apartment??! Don't feel like any problems dealing with the apartment.
Will give you an update on how it goes.


> Green tea is rich in antioxidants that reduce inflammation and protect cell membranes. It has been proven to reduce the damage of sunburns and overexposure to ultraviolet light, which in turn reduces the risk of skin cancer. Green tea is also high in polyphenols -- compounds that eliminate cancer-causing \nfree radicals. Recent research by scientists at the Medical College of Georgia shows that the polyphenol most abundant in green tea.
Salmon -- along with other fatty fish, walnuts and flaxseed -- Essential fatty acids such as omega-3s\n help keep cell membranes healthy by keeping out harmful substances as well as allowing nutrients to enter cells and exit with waste products. Omega-3s also reduce the body\'s production of inflammatory agents that can damage the skin. \nIncreasing consumption of omega-3 fatty acid-rich foods such as salmon\n will help keep the skin supple and youthful.
Blueberries are considered by many experts to be the highest food source of antioxidants, which target free radicals that can wreak havoc on skin cells. The antioxidants and phytochemicals (plant sources of nutrition) in \nblueberries neutralize DNA-damaging free radicals, reducing cell damage. When skin cells are protected from damage and disintegration, the skin looks younger for longer. Blueberries are also an excellent source of soluble and insoluble fiber, healthy skin. Essential fatty acids such as omega-3s help keep cell membranes healthy by keeping out harmful substances as well as allowing nutrients to enter cells and exit with waste products. Omega-3s also reduce the body's production of inflammatory agents that can damage the skin. http://www.newstarget.com/antioxidants.html

The world is but a canvas to the imagination.
Henry David Thoreau