Today was a day of successes. 

The list is ordered in importance...

1. Went out by myself in Kasukabe in continuation of Japanese social research, if white, you're

cool, or at least willing to do things like cross the street when there are no cars even if the light says don't walk. Accidently walked into a Chinese restaurant and met a really cute girl working there probably with her parents. Tomorrow we will meet for a little chit-chat. For a visual, she is a younger, skinnier pey fen. and of course, could I ever actually date a Japanese? maaayybe....... 

2.  I farted, and people heard it. This is important. I was reading my first manga book, a pretty famous Shin Chan, the author is from the same city so I felt it was necessary. and speaking of "brown", this is so far the brownness comic I've read. Farting in public only seemed appropriate.

3. I laughed while reading shin chan. it took me 30 minutes to get through 18 pages, but well worth it. a sign that japanese is less and less a "foreign" language. 

4. I was invited to not one, but two 'conpas' (company party??) at work.  One next week, a farewell/welcome party, invited by the vice principle under the condition that I speak only japanese. no problem. Although costing 5000 yen, I'm extremely excited to experience my first work related drinking social.  The other is a secret, English teacher only 'conpa'. I'm pretty sure the teachers are trying to hook me up with a part time english teacher who is the same age. she's alright, but doesn't really say anything. either way, the seclusive aspect, maybe 4-6 people, most likely the youngest teachers, has me excited for this one on the 8th.

5. Met up for the 2nd time with my first friend in Kasukabe who is actually Turkish. He makes a damn good meat burrito for 350 yen.  were working on going out soon to "talk to the babies".

6. According to my friend who was dispatched to a remedial school, mostly 'tards, wrote in his blog today that a kid shit his pants in class. i like this story, (japanese accent).

7. I got a big "kakoiiiiiiii" while exiting the local 'combini' when using a little bit of Japanese.

8.  I'm now a member of the percussion section in the high school band. although something like soccer, rock climbing, or kendo may be cooler, I get to jam on a drum-set after practice, as well as talk with the students. 

This all happened today,  by far the most successful day to date.  and i'm as enthusiastic about it as Owen Wilson in Bottle Rocket. 

-peace