3.

Last time wrote in here was 20 days ago.
I really don't suit blogging. -_______-'
I'll write as events come into mind - my memory is deteriorating. Losing count of days.

Christmas Day.
I went to school. Yippee.
We did do something after school though - we, as in the girls in my class and the exchange student aka me.
We went to this cake buffet - it wasn't the amount of cakes that were there that really surprised me. It was the amount of cakes that my classmates managed to eat o.o I was literally stuffed after my second serving. But they went for their thirds, fourths and fifiths. and then an ice-cream dessert to top it all off. O_O Everyone started loosening their skirts as they went to get more cakes. xD Mind you, they are still thin as.
Random: The cakes - they had green tea cake! Lovee.

We went to this Purikura place after that. Packed with people - mostly couples and small groups of giggling girls all dressed up. - and then you have us, 13 girls wearing our school uniform trying to weave our way through the crowd. And of course there's the part of trying to fit everyone, and the school bags, into the booth. and into the photo frame. xD

My eyes turn out massive on the photos. It's like half my face - I look like an alien. So in one of the photos, I squinted my eyes - hoping that it'll turn out 'normal', it didn't fail but it wasn't successful either. After that, I left to go home with a few other girls, while the others went to dinner and so on. I couldn't believe they could still eat after that cake buffet. o.o

On the 26th, I went out to Kuzuha with 3 classmates in our class. I was notified about this outing 2 days before. o_o and it was like 'Ah, we're going out on the 26th.' It wasn't a question, lol. I found that quite amusing. Anyway, it was supposed to be 2 guys and me. But I asked this girl in my class to come along as well - I can't thank her enough (lol). She's helped me on several occassions so I'm really grateful. We went to the arcade, I insisted on racing, I came 2nd. One second difference, damnit. Walked around the mall, took the bus to a restaurant that they saw on TV, it was closed unfortunately D: so we walked to a nearby ramen restaurant. I tried a black sesame based soup + ramen. Liked it. We walked and talked for a bit more. It was getting dark and really cold, so they 'escorted' me to the station and I went home.

Went home, packed some clothes and returned back to Kuzuha station because I was lucky enough to be invited to this girl's (from another class) home for a sleepover. Apparently, Japanese families don't usually invite guests to their house easily, so I felt really honoured. The girl and her friend was waiting at the station - we waited around for her mum - she was driving us back to her home. Her mum is absolutely adorable.
Drove around a residential area that was famous for its Christmas Illumination. T___T Loved it.

and then blahblahblah - can't be bothered typing about everything. Dinner was curry + rice + salad and ice-cream for dessert. I better watch my weight - I would like to at least be able to fit into my school uniform. Didn't manage to sleep that night, they started 'girl talk'. and at 2 am - they literally jumped on me, at 5 am - they started tickling me. Annoying but it was fun/ny at the same time, haha.

Next day, we went to purikura and sight-seeing. and then at night, we walked around the mall. New Years Sale is soon! Going shopping on the 3rd of Jan. We taught each other random phrases, laughed like crazy. Met some of their other friends by coincidence. This particular group of her friends were like 'HEY!' in this stereotypical American (?) style. So I was like 'YO!' back. - I have no idea why I did that. I'm doing the most ridiculous things here. Well, everyone bursted into laughter. Probably, laughing at me. Most definitely.

and then blahblah - I went home. Exhausted.

Going to a 'concert' tonight - I think it's one of those band performances. o.o

I'm writing Japanese new year cards - taking me a lot of time. T_T The Kanji is so hard. and I'm decorating each card separately. Writing around 30 cards. T_T My host mother printed hers. (....)

That's al I'm going to write for now. o.o It's getting boring. xD I don't like recounting things much. lol

Happy holidays everyone! Take care!

Edit: I realise I don't so cheery in my posts - but I'm actually really satisfied and grateful. I'm more than halfway into my exchange - and I don't want to leave. D: so yes, I just have difficulty expressing my feelings. ^^"

2.

Good morning~
The following are bits and pieces of my journal entries up to now.
Meaning I've filtered it..a bit, lol.

18/11/10
On the plane right now. Just settled down in my seat. I'm sitting in 47A - window seat near the middle of the plane. Hasn't exactly hit me that I'm leaving for three months. There's this Japanese lady (I think she is Japanese) sitting next to me. Eeek. Shall I make conversation? >

I hope mum can sleep tonight. I'm going to stop writing now, we're about to take off. Signing out, 9:52pm. (Syd)

20/11/10
Sorry, I didn't write anymore on the plane.
Arrived in Japan at around 6am. Oh yeah, when I was leaving the Sydney airport (customs area), this particular customs officer was like 'Konnichi wa'. He probably thought I was Japanese, cause I was wearing this name tag that said 'Angel, Japan.'  I just smiled, bowed and left.

[Cut the recount on orientation. Can't be bothered.]

hmm, I don't feel like writing about everything that has happened. I'll just write about whatever comes into my head. I'm on a shinkansen right now, going to Kyoto fromTokyo. Ticket cost ~135,000yen. I'm listening to a song of FAMA's. When I look out the window, I feel like I know this place, weird. I can't believe this is actually happening. Everything feels so surreal. I don't really feel homesick yet.

[Enter cheesy stuff that I prefer not to be published on the internet.]

I haven't been able to go on the internet, I even woke up early today to go on the internet but I couldn't connect to the hotel's network. Damn it. Haven't had the chance to tell family I've arrived safely.

We're about to arrive at Nagoya now. The other exchange student, Krystal, is getting off. I wish her the best of luck with her exchange. Hope she achieves her goals..

[Enter more cheesy stuff.]

This man just sat next to me (another passenger). I wonder if he can read English cause I'm writing on those foldable tables that you can use to put your food on when eating. My host family, counsellor and school teacher is at the local station to meet me. Nervous. I wonder what their expectations are. I just glimpsed at the man's notepad. He knows English. Maybe I shouldn't have written that sentence here... Signing off now, lol.
Ciao.

The rest of journal entries are private. xD In other words, this blog post was basically rubbish, lol. My bad.
But to Bich, Helene and Nessa - the journal is nearly half filled now. Thank you for the present.

1.

Sorry for the lack of posts.
Only just managed to fix my internet yesterday night.

Last post was the night before my first day at Tachibana.
Maybe I'll type out some sections from my journal. Later.

Right now I'm in bed - students just finished the last exams yesterday and we have 3 days off.
My class can be considered as the top class in the grade - the 'top' classes get winter vacation lectures. (?) The teacher responsible for my exchange at the school said I do not have to attend school during that period. But I told her I want to...I don't know what I was thinking. 1.5 hours of maths, science, history etc classes. Actually I do, if I don't attend those classes, I go to school for only just a bit over a month. I want to spend more time with my classmates rather than lounging at home. Oh yeah, I have do maths all over again. It's on a whole different level. and this is the ichi nensei (equivalant to Year 10 in Aus). I got 10/50 in my first maths exam. *facepalm

On my first day at school, doing the self-introducory speech was one of the most nerve-racking experiences I have had so far. and it wasn't like I had something difficult to say in my speech. Basically my name, where I came from, why I came etc. I had to do a speech in front of the staff during their daily staff meeting - all the teachers including the principal were there. Apparently it was well done, - but then, maybe it was because they didn't expect much from me. xD

A second speech was done in front of my class. My hands were shaking even more during this speech. But there was this guy in the class, Hiroshi, he had a big smile on his face. Made me laugh, and calmed me down a bit. I've managed to memorise everyone's names. Students run up to me, tell me their name and ask me what their name is everytime I see them. T_T I've been improving lately - been passing those random tests.

I did another speech yesterday in front of the whole grade and all the teachers in the school hall/auditorium. (It's huge. Looks like a place where orchestras would perform in) I got told that I was going to do a speech literaally 5 mins before the actual assembly. T____T Three Japanese exchange students that went to Australia for a year returned and I thought it was only them that were doing the speeches. I practiced with them on their speeches and then the teacher comes up and tells us that we have to leave for the hall soon. - said that while looking at me as well. Luckily, I've met most people from the grade already, thanks to my HR teacher, so they know who I am and probably noticed that I'm not a 'speech' person.

I like my uniform here better than the one in Australia. Though the short-waist jacket is...
Oh, sports. Totally different from Australia. We are running marathons and up those long staircases of shrines and temples built on top of mountains. x___x but its all good fun. My PE teacher is kind, likes to torture us and see us suffer. ... Lol, though he did let us jog slowly for bit because I was like TIME-OUT.ONEGAIII.

There haven't been any big problems with my host family yet. Thankfully.
I try to help my hsot mother as much as possible. She works for 6 days a week. and I can tell from her hands that the work is not easy. I prayed for my host family when I went to a shrine in Fushimi Inari.

You always see a person sleeping over here. On trains. In classrooms.
Sitting on a train, five minutes later, you might find a stranger leaning on your shoulder, asleep.
Oh, trains. They are as packed as rumoured during the rush hours. On one of my first days to school, my jacket got stuck between the doors but the door opens on the other side on the train station I wanted to get off at. =____=  Had to drop everything and yank the jacket out. *chuckle*
My Asian face doesn't make me stand out as a foreigner. but my actions definitely do. I've gotten lost so many times I've lost count - and it's always to somewhere thats like an hour away from home by train. Thanks to all the students' kindness, I am always tagging along with someone now.

I am really grateful for being able to meet certain people during the exchange so far.
I cannot thank them enough.
These people have changed me, although they mighnt realised.
I've said things, done things, that I would not have done in Australia.
I don't want to leave yet. I want to come back for university - if I make it.

Argh, results in 5 days.
I'm going to be in Tokyo Disneyland/Sea in 5 days.
= =
I know, great timing.

That's all for now. The post is all over the place - just writing as the thoughts come.
Oh Bich, I've read Clockwork Angel for 2 times now. (Y)
Hope you guys have a great time! Stay safe, get tanned, and take a lot of photos!

I'm learning something new everyday here.
My fortune told me to persevere.
Fighting!

#!

Arrived safely.
Limited access to the internet.
Will make a blog post as soon as I can.

Had orientation with JFIE on the 19th.
Met my host family on the 20th afternoon - after a shinkansen ride for 3 hrs from Tokyo.
Going to meet school principal today.

Just got my luggage just then.
Gotta go,
stay safe and take care everyone! :)

3 days! + pre-departure pack + a special thank you to asian group + WG.

3 days! o_o oh my, the days have gone so fast. but yay! 3 days! :D

Okay, I have received my pre-departure pack :) which contained the following:

• E-ticket number and itinerary. Departing at Sydney on the 18th of November, 10pm and arriving at Tokyo at 6:15am. The flight goes for a bit over 10 hours - I doubt I would be able to sleep. Just turn all groggy and half conscious. ^^;
• ISIC card which stands for International Student Identity Card. It has a photo of my face laminated on the card , looks quite dodgy IMO. xD I just went on its website - apparently you can get discounts for a range of services and products - YAY for discounts. xD
• Pre departure, transit, arrive and return information.
  - Meeting at the airport at 7.
  -There are 13 exchange students departing that day from Sydney and other cities. I have been talking to a few via msn - hope it helps with easing any awkwardness, which I usually get cause I'm just...socially awkward. > >;

That's about it. My luggage is pretty much all set. I still need to activate my Travelex card so mum can send me money if I run out. ^^" I better do that tomorrow. :/ I think that's pretty much it. ^^

-------------------------------------------------------

Non-exchange section:

Thank you to the ASIAN GROUP + WG for today's mini surprise farewell party.

Quite unexpected - definitely a shocker, lol.

Although its not like I'm leaving for a year or something, I just wanted to say that I am very grateful to have met every single one of you. We are like a mini family, we have our times of disagreements but also moments where we're just laughing together for no apparent reason. We've developed our own inside jokes and although we may not go out as much as other groups, being the studious (or lazy people) we are - we've made some memorable moments that I will cherish forever. :)

Special thanks to:

Bex - for starting the idea for the party. Hope we do keep in contact with each other, you're one of the few primary school friends that I've managed to keep frequent contact with. Sorry for all the days I've been absent in Ancient, and thank you for getting all my work. ^^"

Dang - Your presence at the party was a surprise itself. xD I don't think you read this blog but oh well. Thank you for the times you've given your words of wisdom to me - although you may have not realised it, lol. Please invite me to your future wedding in France, O-Professor Dang. :)

An - Thank you for taking part in planning the party. :) I will remember the times in 10O, those random drawings you did in my diary (I still have them), DT times and haha, I still have the video of us in Ms Ibby's room telling the 'JELLYBEAN STORY!!' LOL.

Cassie (WG) - First thing I think of is that advertisement we did with Nessa at the park about that chocolate bar - what was the name of it again? o-o Lol, from our ad, I don't think we'll succeed in the filming/acting industry, it was kinda a fail lol, but we had a good time and thats what matters 8) Thank you for today~ and all the best for the future.

Selena - First of all, thank you for eating that wasabi today xD Although we haven't known each other for that long, it's been a pleasure to meet you and to tell you off for always txting in Business. You are very welcome. :) Thank you for coming today - hope you have an awesome holiday and best of luck for the future.

Steph - I haven't met you for a long time also (relatively), I still have quite a few things to thank you. Thank you for all the times you took initiative to talk to me, although it may not have been your intention, I'm very thankful cause I know I'm not the most talkative person at times. > <; and thank you again, for reading this blog and leaving a comment. ^^" Good luck with your results, I'm sure your hard work will pay off. :)

I'm too sleepy to finish all my thanks, lol It's 11:23pm, going to sleep now. ^^"

G'night~

8 days! + Non-exchange related post.

8 days!! 

My last post was quite disorganised - kept on having interruptions. I said I was going to 'continue the post' but I'm not in the mood right now. o.o; Apologies. I will definitely update the blog again when I receive the pre-departure pack which should arrive within this week :D

That's the end of the exchange-related part of this post. ^^; Sorry, I basically said nothing in this part.....oh wait,

It's not the end of this section, haha. Just received an email from SEA (organisation I'm with) about how we're not allowed to bring laptops. Mobiles are alright but you have to sign this declaration form (about how you will abide to the rules etc). D: Damn, I was planning to bring my laptop - for Skyping, blogging and holding all my photos and videos in the case where my camera runs out of memory. 

But thinking about it logically, (aka comforting myself lol), it's only for three months and it's not like it's for a year - so I guess I understand why they established a rule like this. But I still want to keep blogging throughout the exchange, I don't know how I'm going to manage that. D: Wait, I'm supposed to be thinking positively lol I was actually like 'oh, that's alright, I guess' when I read the email but Bich reminded me about this blog. Hm, I'll somehow try to find a way around it but I don't want to go on my host family's computer cause it's their computer....and it's also in the living room (well, it looks like it is when I skyped them) so I'd probably be disturbing them during Skype.  Dilemma, dilemma.

As for the mobile,  I'll see how it goes... although I'm sure my mum will urge me to take it with me. > >;

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Non-exchange section:

A little message, 

I'm not very good with expressing my feelings with words. 

But all I can say is, thank you guys. You know who you are - thank you  so much for today. 

It means a lot to me. It really does. 

haha, oh the cheesiness *shivers* I shall stop now, I can't stand it myself. Bye.  xD

9 days! + Update on Skype-ing with Host family!

9 days left! *drum sound*

- but that's not the main topic of this post.

It's currently 12:28am (9th of Nov,Sydney, Aus) as I type this sentence. and I've just returned from my Skype video call with my younger host sister, Chika, and host mum, Yuka. *crowd cheers* Yes, thank you, somehow I managed to not faint and remain calm enough to type this post.

Prior to the video call, being the paranoid person I am, I prepared a few generic questions/greetings/phrases that I thought I could use - yes, THOUGHT I could use, but only ended up using 2 out of the whole list. Some words were in Kanji that I was quite familiar with so I THOUGHT I had no problem reading but I blanked out during the call and ended up making random pronunciations. Why, oh, why Angel? 

For the first few minutes of the video call, I was just like o_o and started doing my little self-introduction. Then I went on saying thank you like a million times while furiously bowing at my laptop. > <;; When I sort of calmed down, I totally forgot about my list of prepared questions and winged it. I think I have a clearer idea on what to get for my host family now - oh, I can confirm most of the items on my list. (e.g. Tim-tams, oh and add Macadamia nuts).

Oh and yes, I think I did some embarrassing things....

- and it's now 8:45pm (9th of Nov). Didn't get to finish my post. Glad I didn't cause I would have listed out all those embarrassing things I did - all I can say now is, that I was trying to use all this random body language actions that popped into my mind to express what I wanted to say cause all the Japanese I've ever learnt just disappeared from my mind...fail. Oh, and they have a dog! - I think his name was Yu-kun.

Other things that we talked about included:

• Plans for a family trip to Tokyo Disneyland! 8) * celebration dance*
• Chika-san (younger host sister) and her friends are planning to take me to a nearby amusement park around where we live (Hirakata City). Oh, I'm a bit nervous about meeting her friends ^^; 
• Chika also told me that the English teacher said 'Angel looks very cute.' - Well, he's going to get a nasty surprise when he meets me. > >; lol 
• Um, what else... oh yes, host mother said they don't have any particular house rules but that if I have any problems or concerns, to tell her honestly (ngaw! at how friendly she is). I also said that if she had any concerns about me, including any habits that she has an issue with, to feel free and tell me as well.
• and a lot of other random topics that came to mind. ^^; can't exactly remember... 

Okay, time to move on to the next topic before I forget,

I went shopping today for all the things I needed to pack including the omiyage. I shall announce that I was very satisfied with the results. 8) Bought most of the things I needed, just need to buy the food omiyage and magazines - then I'm pretty much done! (I think) 

I left the house at 10:30am and came back home at 6pm - lol, it was a long day today. I also bought some jewelery for Ayaka-san (Older host sister) - Thank you Steph for the suggestion!! 

Shall continue post tomorrow, too tired right now~

11 days!

Less than two weeks till departure! hurhur.

I don't have anything exactly special to report on but I've been emailing with host family - and I might be calling them on Skype the coming Monday! My host mum even went out to buy a headset so I can call her. (ngaw! moment) but I'm so nervous right now. Just thinking about it makes me have butterflies. I don't know what I'm going to be like when I'm about to meet them *faint*

-Yep, it's confirmed. Skype on Monday 11pm (Sydney, Aus time) ohcrapohcrapohcrap

Anyway, I'm going to be studying Japanese like crazy between now and Monday. D: But I'll probably end up blanking out and speaking random Japanese phrases that pops into my head. ;_____;

On another topic, I haven't exactly started packing - I swear I'm going to forget something important. Must starting packing now. noww. I can't imagine if I had to pack for a year exchange :S Let's not picture that. I just did - disastrous thought.

As for omiyage, I'm having difficulties on what to buy. ;____; I was wondering whether we're going to have to buy their Christmas presents too or do we buy that in Japan? Discussed it with Meagan (another exchange student, on the same program as me) and we've decided 'nahhhhhhhh' xD Lol, but it's mainly because it's going to take up a lot of luggage space (we only get to bring one item for checked in baggage). So yeah, but what to do about the gifts?

Here are some ideas that I've got so far from past exchange students and exchange forums etc:

• Tim-tams.- Apparently they have it in major cities, but it's expensive and they only have a limited (not really) rangeof flavours. (Original, Double Coat, White Choc, Caramel).
• Vegemite! - I don't exactly like Vegemite but hey, apparently it's an Australian icon and maybe (though I doubt it) they will like it. xD
• Nutella! - According to Bec (exchange student that is currently in Japan), they don't have it there, or at least, not near where she lives. Others have had said the same so far, so I'm definitely buying some Nutella. (Yay, I got something that's confirmed. ;___;)
• Wow, my list is all food so far. :S - non-food item: magazines! for host sisters. But there's not exactly a range of choice available. Dolly, Girlfriend....or K-Zone!!! xDD
• Music CDs - LOL. Those that know me know that I mainly listen to K-pop, Chinese, sometimes a bit of Jap, songs. So, I'm going to have research about what's 'in' right now in the 'Western' world. ^^; Ahh, I hope they don't ask me information about the artists....Must study! lol
• Australian calendar/photo book/memorabilia e.g. ...ehh, magnets? or little koalas/kangaroos?

That's about all I got.o-o; But I don't think any of this will be new for my older host sister, since she's been here before. :/ What shall I do? D:

---

Am I allowed to talk about non-exchange related things here? o.o;

'First' post!

Hooray! for renovation. ヽ(´∇｀)ノ

Deleted all my old blog posts - only keeping the ones that are exchange-related. 8)

Shall I do a little intro? Nah, I never know what to say in those.

How about a brief overview of my host family + host school etc.

Firstly, I am going on exchange to Japan for three months from November 18th - February 12th 2010. (Yes, I miss out on Valentines Day in Japan - nooooooo~ D: lol)

Host family

First of all, I'm so grateful for them accepting me! :')

Sooo, I'm going to be living in Hirakata City (between Osaka and Kyoto) with my host parents and, ...my two host sisters! Shall be interesting to see what it would be like to have a sister~ (although I wanted a brother as well, but I shan't get too greedy xD )

My older sister, Ayaka, lives at the university campus. She's been on exchange to Australia before, for 11 months - so I'm not sure what to get her. :/

Younger sister, Chika, looks so cute! - haha, she's 16 & she's in the dance club at school. That's all I know about her so far lol and yes, I'm going to go to her high school :) ...I promise I'll try not to follow her around too much just because I have a feeling I'm going to be a loner at school. ;____:

If everything goes as planned, I'm going to be staying with this host family for the full length of my exchange. ^^

View Larger Map

Host school

Kyoto Tachibana High school ^^

Private co-ed school located near Momoyama - (about an hour of travel)

The uniform is not too bad - not the typical sailor uniform depicted in manga/anime (;__:) haha, let's just say it looks quite - sophisticated?

School runs from 8:35am - 4:30pm on Mondays to Fridays, with an exception on Tuesdays with school ending on 3:40pm (yay for early day!) There's also school on Saturday - which goes from 8:35am to 12:40pm.

I have to bring 3 pairs of shoes for school. Black leather shoes, indoor sports shoes and outdoor sports shoes. T_T I'm going to buy a new pair of black leather shoes because my one is...dead. & I thought I didn't need to wear it ever again.... lol

& that's about it. :D

I have to start packing and buy some omiyage for my host family ;3

じゃ、またね～

Just got my letter of acceptance from SEA. :)

To be honest, I was getting anxious that I hadn't heard any news from them after 3 weeks since the interview, but all was well when I got called up to my Deputy Principal who informed me of my results and was quite worried that I was departuring before my HSC.  haha, I would not dare to miss the HSC.

'Thank you for...presenting yourself so well for the interview.'
-hurhur. However, my placement is not confirmed yet...

'...have now forwarded your application to our partner in Japan.'
- Yup. Still got to get past the organisation in Japan.

Oh& about the departure date - it's 'provisionally booked' for the 18th of November 2010.
...Which means I miss out on Bich's birthday. :X That's worse than leaving ON her birthday. Ahh crapp. I'll see if I can change it. I don't know how many green-tea ice creams I will be owing her if I miss out on her birthday.....

AND. it also means I might not make it to the Year 12 'celebration/schoolies'- trip. And I don't want to go telling my group that I'm going to leave earlier cos` I think I have troubled them enough - with leaving only 2 days after the formal when they can go in the 3 months of holidays that they have. I'll try to negotiate with SEA. :/

----

G'night.

PS; Welcome HOLIDAYYYS!! Although we need to study for trials, it feels good to have more than 5 hours of sleep per night, and no more assessments!! (besides English next term). Going to organise my study timetable for the holiday tomorrow. Too sleepy now.

G'night. again. xD

Had my interview today! - The interviewer was super friendly :) 
Hopefully, I did alright. Ended up just making the answers on the spot. ^^"
No lies, just thoughts straight from my mind, unlike what B recommended lol
But when the lady asked me 'how would you describe yourself?' - I was stuck cause I really don't know...

Otherwise, all is good.
Might go to one of the information evenings in the holidays - before the trials and all the hype. Hmm..

Ooo, & I can't wait for the acceptance letter! (hopefully, I will get one haha)

Photocopied my school report today, going to send it off tomorrow. :)

JF is going well. 2nd day!

Until next time,

x

Exchange interview tomorrow arvo!

Gahhh - so nervous.

Tomorrow's the moment that decides whether my dream can now become reality.

*panic attack*

Might update this later. - too panicky to type now. Hands are shaking. @@;

~Back. I just had a massive stomach ache. Too nervous? Probably.
I'm just looking over some answers that I made to a few generic questions.
But then I doubt I will remember it all tomorrow and probably just sit there- stupid mind blanks.

I was thinking, if, IF, I happen to make it in the program, God bless me, I want to video my daily routine/life and show the clips to my possible future host family. :) I think they will be interested - I definitely hope so.

Hm, I studied a bit more Japanese today. But the amount of English work due + all the other assessments are making constant chatter at the back of my mind. & Im getting panic attacks more frequent now. :X Not a good sign.

The Trials are also looming ahead and I am far from prepared. The subejcts of the most concern: maths, english, economics,....ancient history and business.
= =........okay, Im worried about all my subjects. Just so much content - I should've thought of that when I chose the subjects.

&guess what? My trial timetable, according to the CSSA, is as follows:

2/8 - Eng1
3/8 - Eng2

[5 days]

9/8 - Maths + Business
10/8 - Ancient History
11/8 - Economics
12/8 - Legal Studies.

T__________T WTHHHHH. This is my last chance to boost up my ranks and this is my timetable. Now it's more like, try not to let the ranks fall as much. Boo.

Anyway, heading to bed early tonight

PS; JF - Started today! 頑張ります！


G'night.
x

Just got out of the shower - feels sooo good. :)

Careers Expo today at Randwick with B, H & N.
Awesomely fun.

Got drenched by pouring rain.
Splashed by passing cars.
Walked in ankle-deep puddles or a more accurate description, running rivers.
Skirt turned from light-grey to black.
Hair turned from clean and dry, to wet and soggy.
Shoes contained enough water that I now suspect there was a fish inside.
Jumper made me smell like a wet-dog.
We looked like 4 drowned rats when we arrived while everyone else inside was dry and sophisticated.

But...

We had the most hysterical time. Laughed so hard - maybe we were crying out our pathethic state - who cares.
Just made it in time for the bus - or else we would be stuck in the rain even longer.
Got some goodies - Socceroos scarf. 8)
Ate Japanese food. (:D)
Got some cold Emperor Puff's. (Bad thing?)
Just  made it in time for the express train - thank god. :)


Overall, we had a pretty adventurous day together. 

:)

Another phone call from SEA!!!
<3
Interview on the 8th of June kdfjjkljklxvjkljsifjos

HowdoIprepare?WhatshouldIdonoww?Willshelikemeeee? eeeeeek.

Fightingg! 只許成功不許失敗！

haha, ...this is more nerve-racking than my piano aural exam tomorrow. xD

...but way more exciting. :)

--[previewed my blog, realised my posts are getting shorter and shorter so here we go]--
Last post was on the 3rd....I have no memory of what has happened since then and I'm not bothered to catch up like Vanessa does. haha, she's a responsible child. :)

Well, today we had our year assembly and we got those talks again - which never fail to motivate me...for the first few days of listening to them lol. but anywho, the principal was reading out the names of people that she categorised into either: excellent, very good, satisfactory or, of concern.

And me, thinking of my marks in maths, business, and english (although I have improved in eng, ..I think), I was expecting to be in the 'very good' 
...hopefully not lower than that. (...sounds a bit...over-confident? >_<)
But yayy, I got in the excellent. :) haha even though this 'criteria' is not reliable as such, cos I feel that there are people that deserve it more than me. :|  + this does not equal a good ATAR if I dont get my act togther noww. D: *sigh* I'm tryinggg, I swearr. lol

That is all for nowww

happyhappydaytodayyy♪

Received phone call from SEA just then~!
*jump around like crazy*

'Is this Angel?'
' *squeal*..Yes!'
'We are calling to tell you that we have received your application form for Japan.'
' *squeal even more* Thank you very very very much!!!!! '
' -laugh- It's fine. '
' Thank you. Thank youuu~~~ *jumps around, does star jumps* '

... :) haha and yeah, they said they'll be sending me a letter soon about the 'next step'. SUPER EXCITED. すごく楽しい！超級開心！

One step closer
.
.
.
♥


-----------
Assessments coming up!
 
To do list:
> Re-edit all my half-yearly essays and hand them in.
> Find and study related texts for English.
> Keep on doing notes.
> Prepare for piano musicianship exam + aural exam.
> Prepare for business, economics and ancient assessment.
> Do Maths past papers.
 
Ahhh, who cares. Japan exchange!! Wooohoooootttt. <3 lol
Hope I make it in! > <;;

I miss Japannn~ ;3

Tadayima~♪　

Earlier on last week, I e-mailed SEA to confirm the language requirements for the Summer Exchange Program because I was a bit worried whether you needed 2 years of 'official' Japanese lessons. I received a reply 2 days ago (Tuesday):

'Dear Angel

Thank you for your email and interest in our programs.

With regards to your query, it would be a good idea if you send in your application to provide us with as much information as possible and show a copy of your Proficiency test and information on whatever study you have done. Our partner has stated that students need to know hiragana and katakana to be considered however most students are currently studying the language. If you can continue your self study as much as you can it should be fine for you to apply however the decision is up to our partner in Japan.'

- So hopefully I will be okay? Hiragana and Katakana is fine. Kanji is a whole different story - but being Chinese, I guess it is relatively easier for me to pick up?

Lol @ sending a copy of my Proficiency Test Results. The marks are not too appealing. Especially the Listening Section. Utter horror. Am I allowed to only send in the Certificate and not the Results sheet? hahaha -no. I don't think so either.

Also, I better send my application soon - wouldn't want to leave it till the last minute.

Things to complete (for application form):

- Photocopy each school report from three years ago and onwards.

-Somehow get TEN smiling passport photographs.  <-- Are we allowed to smile? o_o!

-Create a collage of photos feat. family and friends etc.
-Withdraw $500 for deposit. T__T

I have quite a lot to do. :/ ....and I thought I was quite prepared.

I'll probably photocopy the reports on Monday - after my Legal Studies exam.

I don't know about the passport photographs though :/ arrgghhh.

And hopefully, I'll finish the collage within the first week of the holidays. Yayy!! Opportunity to get creativeeee. ♪　

-------

 To Ness:

Even though your reminders make me depressed, thanks for caring. ^_^;;

------

Can't wait for holidays to come. :X

Due to my endless list of unfinished work + the art of procrastination, I have dedicated some of my precious time on renovating this blog! *applause* It's not yet perfect, but I reckon it's a pretty good job for a person who had no knowledge of editing codes, getting a c-box, the whole lot. So yeah, I'm pretty proud. *pat on back, cheesy smile*
- Btw, I have hidden previous posts. Two of the posts were related to my preparation for the application form for my Japan exchange 2010. They were basically announcements that: I finished my Japanese letter [to possible host families] and that the exchange is pretty darn expensive (~$7800 - for 3 months).

Ciel + Sebastiannnn 8D (黑執事)

Anyway, school starts this Thursday. Meaning, the nightmare begins. To begin with, the dreaded meeting with my English teacher (2 story + n amount of essays due). If I manage to survive that - somehow - I definitely will be gone on Friday with the History Extension Proposal due. And if some kind of miracle happens and I'm still alive, the Economics assessment task on Monday will definitely be the end of me. The future is bright.

On the topic of English + blogs, I have decided to write my posts in full sentences, punctuation and proper English (with the exception of emoticons or other things with purposes for the sake of special effects.) The reason is that I have noticed that I have the habit of writing in short sentences with the most simplest sentence structures and words from my very limited vocabulary. It's not really a habit, more like it's the extent of my English capability. Laugh Out Loud. - I'll just write 'Lol'. Lol.

I am trying my best to make this post as lengthy as possible, so that I don't have to finish those essays of doom, therefore, I will just ramble about random things that are on my mind. How productive.

Birthday parties, or parties, overall. - I'm not a big fan of hosting parties, or going to parties for that matter [edit: big parties]. First of all, I absolutely suck at being the host. But the most important thing is that, even if I satisfy the wishes of the guests, I am not really 'enjoying myself'. Rather, I am fidgeting and thinking about each individual's needs and the aftermath of cleaning up and so on. While I am very grateful for the guests for coming, celebrating for me, I ,sometimes, think hosting parties are quite tiring. Especially the responsibility of keeping the guests entertained. I am not quite the entertainer - actually, I'm not funny at all. I guess I should improve on that. I'm going to have to host at least one party in the time of my life. Lol.

I hate missing puzzle pieces. - -;

As for attending parties, I am not into the whole dance party idea - with n amount of strangers brushing against you, waving their arms about, hypnotised by the glaring lights and pounding music. I don't know, I like one-to-one or small conversations, meeting new people - not under the company of friends, and I prefer small 'gatherings' with close friends than parties with 5879783497 'friends' from Facebook. *shrug* I sound so anti-social, lol. I don't think I'm anti-social as such but I'm not interested in 'meeting new people for the sake of meeting new people' - if that makes sense. o_O

About the SEA application form (to Japan), I've finished my Japanese + English letter. Mum has started on hers - she's writing in Chinese (cause her English is limited) and I am going to translate that into English. I'm not complaining about that, it's the fact that she's adding all these Chinese sayings/idioms (成語) and I have no idea how to express them in English. T_T I'm going to see if I can send in the Chinese version along with my failing-attempt-to-translate version - just in case if they have a professional translator.

Ah, I think this will be all for today - I'll end it with a quote:

'How does a project get to be a year behind schedule? One day at a time. ' - Fred Brooks

How true indeed.