Richard's blog

Sorry. I have been extremely slothful in the updating of this website and I really have nothing to say for myself in defence. Actually, I was sick for over a week and had to go to hospital for intravenous steroids so that, I guess, accounts for some of my lack of communication.

To reward your patience, there are some new photographs. Click on the chateau to see them.

SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO…

What have I been doing?

I have been to see some concerts, for one thing. I went to the Czech Philharmonic (passable) and also Helene Grimaud (borderline disappointing).

I tried natto, Japan’s “fun-to-try-on-foreigners” food, a slimy fermented bean concoction that no one should ever be made to eat, regardless of its health benefits.

I saw a really cool Woody Allen film, Melinda and Melinda, which I thoroughly recommend for anyone who doesn’t like bombastic Hollywood trash. It also has some superb acting, not quite including Will Farrell in a laudable attempt at not overacting.

I passed my observation for the end of my probation at work, which means my paycheck will be slightly bigger next month.

I read:
Nostromo by Joseph Conrad
Look Homeward Angel by Tom Wolfe
Glamorama by Bret Easton Ellis
The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri

What’s happening now?

I am watching the Star Wars movies in numerical order. Sometime in the next few days I am going to watch Episode Three. Star Wars acolytes tell me that my attempts to understand the films in their numerical order will only end in tears, but I am intent on my experiment, given that I have never watched any Star Wars movie from start to finish.

I have training for Kids on Friday. Anyone who knows me knows that I am quite clucky, but whether this extends to teaching the little bastards, we will have to see. One of my housemates rather unfortunately described Kids classes as “acting gay.” Maybe it will be fine

My Japanese is nonexistent as ever, although a recent push has got me to chapter four of my textbook. I have just returned from a scintillating exchange with the garment repair lady. She repaired some pants of mine for free, so I bought her some Tim Tams. Upon presenting them to her, she promptly handed me a piece of watermelon, and wouldn’t let me leave the shop without it, despite my most earnest protestations. I will have to content myself with the fact that the watermelon was worth ¥20 less than the Tim Tams…

I am working 12 days in a row, which has something to do with having worked two overtime days instead of having a weekend. I am rather mentally exhausted already, and there is still three days to go.

I am waiting for my good friend Zilla to finish reading HP6 so that I can read it.