365 Marbles

I’m a shopaholic. When I see something I like, I think about it for a second and then either cave in or fight it. I did not do much fighting today... Probably because I felt safe about the amount of money I had left orz;; Why did I withdraw more cash at the last minute before I got to Japan... Everything’s so cute and neat in Japan... I just can’t resist sobs. 

Auntie said she was going to take me out again but I didn’t know what time my younger cousin was going to be done with his baseball practice so I waited idly... More Tumblr and manga reading for me. Why didn’t I just play Phoenix Wright? I have no idea. I sat around for 3-4 hours again. I really can’t wait to sink into a sofa again my goodness. My butt’s forever sore.

I waited probably for another hour as my cousin got his haircut. I wish I just went to a cafe that was across the street instead of just sit around with other moms. My neck feels so stiff. 

At least I went to buy more clothes. I got 2 tops and some cute at-home pants for myself and another version of those pants and a light jacket for my sister. I hope she’ll be okay with my color choices... Her tastes have been changing but it’s like getting closer to my tastes...? Ah well. I got her a bunch of stationary too. She should be happy. I still feel bad that I haven’t gotten that much for my dad. I’ll just print out a bunch of pictures or make a video just for him for like Father’s Day or something. I gotta film like crazy tomorrow morning then since my uncle says we’ll head out around 9am when my flight is at 2:15pm. Well, it’ll take like 2 hours to get to the airport anyway. But I like having enough time to figure out where I’m supposed to go and then settle down for a bit. 

I should have taken a picture of my suitcase. I can’t find a good phrase in English so it’s: ギリギリ OK.... Like barely okay. I packed up all my souvenirs and like half my clothes are going to have to be squeezed in. At least I have space in my carry-on backpack ahaha... Too much shopping. I hope they won’t get too banged up. I’m so glad my mom got me to pick the bigger suitcase. Dodged a bullet. I think I’ll pick up souvenir snacks at the airport to make up to my dad and coworkers a bit more... Sigh.

Late morning today. Had some toast, egg, spinach, and ham. The color variety is so nice. Gonna miss that after I get home. 

I made more progress in Phoenix Wright: justice for All. I decided to use walkthroughs to speed up the process... I just can’t wait to finish it. What’s going to happen?? Maybe I can finish it tomorrow. Or on the 10 hour plane ride back. Whooo knows... Maya I’ll save you!...

Then my dad requested me to take a picture of a coast he used to go to as a kid. I did my best but there wasn’t much.

“Never forget that day.” (something along those lines...)

Next, we decided to go to Ishinomaki’s coast. The water is beautiful.

Got saltwater sprayed all over me as I tried to get a good shot of the water splashing against the rocks. Being the coast, it was really windy... My glasses and the camera lens got all messy ;w; but it was a nice scene. Auntie wanted me to show me something I guess but she hasn’t gone by in 4 years that she was shocked that the usual shops she’s used to see weren’t there. A lot of construction is still going on. It’s kinda sad but I keep seeing “がんばろう” and other supportive messages. Not giving up is important. I shouldn’t be negative about the progress neither. 

Picked up my younger cousin and went home. Chilled and watch some anime and youtubes. Apparently an earthquake happened in San Diego so my friends suddenly started messaging in the group chat. My dad sent me a message too. I hope everything is okay. It was small for them but it was larger for downtown. Uweehhh.... It’s kinda funny because my dad was worried I would be caught in an earthquake here but nope. Glad it wasn’t serious for them though.

I like how my excitement has died down more and more. Now I’m just waiting to get home tbh... sigh. Still glad I came but it’s too long. Peoples struggling back at home and I can’t just sit here and not do anything about it orz

Auntie told me she was going to take me out for lunch at 12:30pm so I waited for like 3 hours reading manga as I was home alone again. Hikaru no Go has some complicated language but the characters, man. I might watch the anime later. I mainly just want to see Sai animated. . . UM WOW I thought Sai was a female the whole time. News flash. Such a pretty person omg. Fooled again. Oh Japan. 

I’ve gone past the cafe several times and I’ve always wondered about it so I’m glad I was able to go. It serves “Asian” food but it looks like mainly Vietnamese and Thai. I got this chicken and vegetables dish and it was good. The soup was good too. The interior is so nice though. We sat on the sofas. The owner also gave us free ice cream! 

It was very rainy today. I haven’t seen that much rain in a long time. oh, always sunny socal. It was pretty nice. Gonna be really warm tomorrow though... Hurray.

Because of the rain, it’s not like I could go on a walk so I was stuck at my usual spot on the right side of the kotatsu, near the TV, by the sliding doors that lead to the hallway. My butt hurts. 

I finally decided to continue PW: Justice for All. Never a good idea to come back to a trial after not playing for like 4 months... Probably longer tbh. So lost. But I finished it in like 4 hours. They’re so long. But so interesting. It looks like I’ll be starting the last chapter for that game? Hello Edgeworth? Then I can finally start the third gameeee (I bought the trilogy). 

Had curry tonight. They’re feeding me too often and I’ve barely moved so I’ve gotten chubby sobs. Good motivation to exercise after I get back home orz;;;; 

I tried packing all my souvenirs and I’m amazed. It all fits on the most part. My luggage is like 85% souvenirs (40% thanks to all the Pokemon goodies) and 15% my clothes and etc. I’m grateful. 

Just got Friday and Saturday and then off to the airport on Sunday. Feeling a little bittersweet (maybe it’s the cafe au lait) but I can’t wait to get back to the comforts of my home and work my butt off. In all meanings. Exercise, part-time job, cosplay, and supporting my friends and siblings. Can’t wait to get busy again.

I really had nothing else planned for the rest of my trip. I think I’ll be satisfied after seeing a shrine or temple or something. I sat and read manga for a good 2-3 hours I think. Took small breaks in between, kinda wanting to video chat with someone, but I wasn’t sure who was available... Maybe tomorrow. 

Towards noon, I decided to go outside and take some pictures. It was cloudy so the colors aren’t vibrant but they still turned out really nice. I like this new camera. The quality is so much nicer than my old point-and-shoot. I shouldn’t show off their house too much so here are some flowers:

So many flowers here. They’re pretty. I also like the macro setting. I should experiment more. 

I guess here are some miscellaneous shots:

((I still want to take some sunset and possibly starry sky shots but hmm ://// ))

After lunch, granny took me to see grandpa’s immediate younger brother. I don’t remember them at all and vice versa but it was nice. I thought I was burnt out from interacting with people but they were interesting to talk with. I think their very adult daughter(?) was there but she was nice and pretty and also fun to talk with. She teaches tea ceremony stuff and she served me some matcha tea. She served us some sweet snacks to counter the bitter tea. It was pretty nice. Then, she and the brother’s wife went around trying to find something that I could take home as a souvenir. I was taken back by how much they were trying to give me. I went back to the house with 2 traditional mugs, a maneki neko glasses pouch, two small stuffed owl dolls, a coin purse, and a small drawstring pouch. I will definitely take care of them and also share them with people that I’m sure that will as well... But wow they kept telling me to invite them to my wedding and that when I next visit, I should come with my boyfriend omg. So embarrassing. All these S.O. talk ever since I got here. Pls. 

Then granny took me to see where one of my uncles work. He works at a community center and I think the chief..? Kinda got lost in translation but he works hard. There’s a window you can look through and she told me to peek and wave hi or get his attention or something. Also embarrassing so I let her go first and then I just greeted him with a nod. Uwah. 

Mmmm and dinner was okonomiyaki. Auntie asked me what I wanted to eat while I was here and I mentioned that. Apparently they’ve never done it at home so it was an experience. I helped prepare the batter and exercise-deficit-me had a hand-cramp after. But it was still very good. So full. 

I think my legs are used to falling asleep at this point. They go numb so easily. Sitting on the ground is tiring. My lower back also aches. Can’t wait to sink into a sofa. 

It’s 8:25pm. Watching baseball in the family room. Probably will take a bath soon. I dunno. 

I like how I always open with my morning. Well, I finally did it. I used my terrible morning attitude to stay in bed longer. I finally got up at like 9am. I felt kinda bad but I really need a moment. I’m not used to getting up early every day. Grandma’s relentless tho... She first vocally tries to get me up. Raises her volume a bit. And then taps my shoulder. Removes my blanket a little. Pokes my face. I got kinda ticked off because omg please leave me alone and threw the blanket over my head. She came back maybe 15 minutes later to tell me breakfast was ready and I told her I’ll eat later. I did feel really bad about my attitude but I really needed some time for myself. I’m too introverted for this. Plus I’ve been really independent from my parents and go at my ‘own pace’ so it’s kinda difficult for me to have others tell me how to live in a sense..? Idk how to word this feeling... But I got my rest. Kinda. Felt bad still. 

Everyone was out and grandma was busy tending her field so I decided to sort out my souvenirs and see if anyone was lacking. I had nothing for my dad. I mean I had the clothes and my relatives did get stuff for them and I do have snacks but I don’t have anything specifically for him like I do for everyone else orz;;; I got 4 days to figure that out ahhh.... 

I got my new friendo tho. sticker uzai www

It’s so derp and adorable. My favorite combo~

Then did laundry again. By myself this time and I was so nervous and confused but I somehow managed. It’s so awkward air drying your undergarments.

After, went out for lunch with grandma. She tried 2 places but they were closed for some reason and we finally got to this little spot that got built in the area that was also affected by the tsunami. Many of those portable shelters-buildings-things everywhere. I’m glad they’re rebuilding and have shelter for people but it’s still a sad sight.

The food was good though. It’s next to the beach so it specialized in seafood.

Seafood ramen. It was perfectly salty and very good and interesting. Gochiso-sama. 

They won’t stop feeding me here so when we got home, I had some bavarian cream. I have no idea what this is. It was like a cheese purin..? 

Slightly lactose intolerant-me was slightly concerned but I was okay. Moo Land is like 5 minutes away and sadly closed today. But I have a vague memory of playing at the playground when I last visited Japan. Vague. 

It was a pretty simple rest of the day. Snacked and chatted with auntie. Read more of the manga. Had dinner. Bathed. Blog. 

I have no idea what I’m doing tomorrow or for the rest of the week since I’ve checked off my main items of seeing my mom’s mom and going to the Pokemon Center. Guess I’ll have to wait and see.

I decided to just stay awake at 7:00am and not have grandma wake me up today. I should just do that now. 

Today, I went shopping around Sendai Station. It was a nice change of scenery after being in the rural area for a week. My other uncle had a day off from work so he decided to take me. It was less than a 2 hour trip so it wasn’t as bad. Still socially awkward though. 

I probably spent well over $300 in total. I did not mind at all because everything was amazing. First was the Pokemon Center!

(only a couple of pictures because I was busy plus I realized there will be spoilers for friendos...)

But the place was so big. We walked around everywhere but he knew where everything was so it was mostly me trying to match his stride. It was a good exercise though. I’m so out of it because all I do is sit. 

I wish I could have taken more shots. But he was walking too fast;;; But it was a pretty nice urban scene. 

There was a super cute stationary floor and another one with a bunch of accessories and mascots and stuff and I could have spent all day there omg. 

I fell in love with this color scheme immediately. I didn’t buy it but I took a picture as inspiration. It’s so cute. 

After that, we had lunch. I had katsu curry and it was yum. Not spicy at all but it was still nice for a change. 

Then I got my AAA album! And he let me buy one more so I got a single. I’m so happy ahh~

I was fine with just ‘Eighth Wonder’ because it had two CDs but he said he’ll buy me another one so I chose their single ‘Aishiteru noni Aisenai’ /o/ shuutyikemen

I think this whole shopping spree took about 4 hours. I could have gone for longer but I had to snap out of it and realize he was probably tired orz. There was so much to see. 

We headed out and went to a rest stop an hour in.

He bought me a snack too. I’m too spoiled. I can’t bear it. At least I was able to a buy a bunch of stuff for my friends and family. And myself a little but mainly them. 

After we were closer to the house, he decided to show me the area that was impacted by the 2011 disaster. It’s been five years but recovery seemed a bit slow. 

The older looking bridge used to stretch out across the area shown in the panorama. There also used to be a whole town. But my uncle said it was all wiped out at once during the tsunami...

I forgot to ask what this says but it was a memorial near an elementary school that was up a hill. Reflected a little during our brief detour.

It was a nice day. I’m grateful for a lot of things. My younger cousin also decided to play cards with me today too. I also can see him watching Assassination Classroom on his 3DS. I can’t find the opportunity to talk to him about it ahhhhH... Well, I just told his mom. Real time. Auntie’s so easy to talk to. I’m glad. 

I think I’m going to chill tomorrow. Maybe take a walk. I’m kinda tired from the constant travel. We’ll see.

I thought Grandma2 lived just a city away but it was actually a bit farther. Grannny (Grandma1) woke me up and I thought it was the usual time for some reason but it was actually 6:30am. I felt refreshed though. Probably because I’ve been waking up at that time naturally but go back to sleep for another hour and feel bleh. Had breakfast and we left around 8am. This trip took 3-4 hours. 

I thought of it like a trip from home to LA but uncle took about 3 breaks in between. At the second break, we stopped at a cute little shop.

“Hosunaaru”. Idk what it means but it’s a nice local shop. Bought some souvenirs there for the fam. Had some soba noodles there. Thick and yum. The mountains surrounding it though. I can never get over how green it is here.

We went for another two hours before we decided to make a quick stop at a conbini. 

(Some aesthetic shots...)

We drove past Mount Iwate.

And got a little lost trying to find her house but we eventually made it. So much farmland. I’m too much of a suburban gal to handle the smell but it was an experience. 

It was great seeing her. I apparently last saw her when I was 3 years old..? But I have very little recollection of that. Two of my mom’s sisters were also there visiting. The eldest one looks like my mom with glasses and the younger one reminds me of my mom when she used to work with contacts and bunch of make up on. The only thing I felt really bad (to the point I almost wanted to cry a little. . .) was that I just couldn’t understand what Grandma2 was saying. Her dialect game is extremely strong. My first concern came when we talked on the phone the day before to let her know that we were coming. I couldn’t understand what she was saying and she knew since I could at least understand her say “well, looks like you don’t know what I’m saying”. Ugh my heart. I think it stung more when everyone else but me understood. They were laughing and responding like normal and I’m just sitting there :D???? Man. It was frustrating but the feelings of happiness from finally properly meeting each other went through... I hope my mom will like the pictures. She hasn’t gone back in so long. 

The drive back home always feels a lot shorter. Otsu to my uncle. 

Feeling kinda homesick and tired now so I think I’ll end this blog here tonight.