Entries this day: Dream Living_in_Japan Lunch Rob_Update

Dream

8:03am JST Thursday 24 March 2005

Long distance riding on TJ Bike; I had passed the competition going down and then back up a hill and was at the Four Corners intersection in Tomball and was going to take a break, but a cute girl was like, "you're doing great!" and that energized me to keep going. I yelled back over my shoulder "thanks for helping me!" or something and she asked me how much further I had to go, and I was like, "to [zip code] 77019" (back home) and told her it would take about 45 minutes.

I suddenly came to a river about which I had apparently forgotten, but remembered I had crossed it before. A train tressel went across the river, but it was a bit different this time; a new section was being built and I could conceivably go all the way across, but I would have to ride about 1 mile on a 1 foot wide section of black rubber pads on which the rails would be set. I didn't think I'd be able to do that at night, plus there was a helicopter flying around looking for people trespassing on the tracks.

I had taken my pants off to ride TJ Bike through the river directly, but then the helicopter came, so I hid within the structure of the bridge supports. I knew they were shining a bright light, but I couldn't see it reflecting off my clothes so I knew they couldn't, but they were homing right in on me; they must also be using infra red, I decided.

Next thing I know, I had been taken before my dad who was like, "if you wanna eat a rat for a hundred dollars, that's your business, but swimming nekkid across the river is inappropriate."

And one of the helicopter guys was like, "man I wish more people wanted to pay $100 for a rat; I'd be rich."

I was angry that he thought my dad meant it literally. I barked at him like, "Don't you think that if I want to eat a rat, I would just go get one from the pet store? Doesn't it make more sense that I had planned to ride my bike across the river? I have been across this river several times before, before you guys were ever asked to protect your silly tressel; I don't need it, nor you to help me cross that river."

I totally shut him down and then left that scene and saw a movie poster advertising "Clint Eastwood as Dirty Harry and James Bond as 007, the early years: 25 years of tough guy filmmaking." I thought my dad my like a copy of that movie.

Living in Japan

10:21am JST Thursday 24 March 2005

Living in Japan can be like floating through a dream where every question is answered; every detailed thoughtfully preconsidered so that when the moment of question comes, there is no question; only an answer.

Or it can be like fighting some huge unthinking robot of mindless unstoppable madness, where nothing makes sense because the robot doesn't care what is appropriate now, only what was deemed probably a good idea back when it was originally considered. Everything must be squeezed into an impossible configuration to match what is allowed, and it results in a wack bowl of crap.

I often fight the robot. It's useless. That fuckin' robot is *big*.

- - - -

Today I got my status changed from worker drone to visitor. My worker drone status was good until 27 March. However, that was cancelled because I came today, which is before 27 March. The robot says, "you come in today; your new status starts today."

It does not start when the old status expires.

SO, Japan, you piece of shit robot, I'm leaving you. Either via P To Da B on 21 May (and then I'll come right back 100+ days later) or I'll leave you before my visitor status runs out (secret date).

- - - -

Oh, and the robot charged me 4000 yen for its services. Stupid robot.

Lunch

11:01am JST Thursday 24 March 2005

Had a nice spot of lunch after being handed a set of coupons for a nearby KFC. Five batter-fried pressed chicken parts for 180 yen. Bought a drink at the conveni: Royal Milk Tea (Coca-Cola bottling company). Went up a hill to see what I could see and sat on a bench kinda overlooking a parking garage and intersection. Lovely.

- - - -

As I arrived home, I got a call from Jesse and met him for lunch as well. He paid, which was a pleasant surprise. Unfortunately, he may have to look for a new apartment soon; I wish him well with that.

Rob Update

1:54pm JST Thursday 24 March 2005

Hello friends and family!

TJ Bike and I are closer to a big adventure; recently I bought a tent
and sleeping bag.  TJ Bike now has stickers that say "TJ Bike" and 
全然大変じゃない.  I have quit my weekday job at Gaba, and changed my visa
status to Visitor.  I will leave Japan sooner than later.

But first, *tomorrow*, I will find out if I have been accepted to ride
P To Da B's 49th Global Voyage!  I have been visualizing myself on
the boat, happily and positively affecting those people I meet, plus
playing Silent Football on a regular basis.  The itinerary is here:

http://p_b.org/english/voyg/49/itinerary.html

Again, it's not yet confirmed that I'll be on it, but I have quite a
good feeling about my chances.

- - -

The same day I find out about P To Da B, Sally and friends will come
to Tokyo for a 10 day visit!  She and her homegirls Kelly and Jasmine
all decided to visit Japan before the next big stages of their lives
(school, family, etc) so it will be like a huge party here!  They are
going to stay in my building, in the room next to mine, for quite a
better rate than staying in a hotel.  We plan to have an all night
karaoke party, visit Hakone, explore places around Tokyo, possibly
Kyoto, maybe Kamakura, have picnics under the lovely Spring cherry
blossoms, and generally have a huge blast!

- - -

Last mass email I said I decided to go over and help tsunami-affected
areas.  I looked for organizations that would support such a venture,
but they were generally too expensive; about 80,000 yen or US $800 for
2 weeks (including airfare).  Not exactly an efficient use of
money/resources as far as I can tell.  I may just go over as a tourist
and help their economy that way.

- - -

I'm increasing the speed with which I'm getting rid of stuff from my
room; I've shipped a boxful of stuff to Dallas and nearly gotten rid
of some big furniture (chest of drawers and shelves).  Next will be
more books and clothes.

It's strange to look around and see that it's not all that much stuff,
but it *seems* like a lot of stuff.  I'm not sure how that works.

- - -

After Sally and the gang leave on April 5th, TJ Bike and I plan to
take some practice trips around Tokyo during April, and then release
my apartment completely and ride around in May.  That will be until I
go around the world on P To Da B, or until I leave Japan by bike, if
I'm feeling up to the challenge.  I may just get tired and come home.

I hope this email finds you and yours happy and well.

      With Love
      - Rob!