This post is long way past its due. I'm glad kai managed to post something about the great and wonderful news of the realization of our dreams. Yes my friends, it has been confirmed. Kaisu, meganekodomo, and Jenny are going to Yokohama, Japan this June/July.

Sorry for my long absence, I think I owe you guys an explanation... So let me tell you my side of the story (warning, this might get long and nasty... prepare a pillow, eye drops, and lots of drinks):

A great tragedy has befallen me, and it started last February 15. It was a Friday and as I was getting ready for work, I suddenly felt an onset of chills. A teeth-chattering coldness that seemed to have seeped into my bones.

I decided not to go to work~ Woo~!

Saturday came and a fever started thawing my body, as my mom restricted me from attending my Nihongo class. I probably would've fainted halfway the journey there anyway~ Then Sunday woke me up with the fever still reaching the height of allowable human temperature...

The deciding factor announced itself on Monday when rashes began to creep through-out my body, starting with my face. Oh the horror I felt when my smooth skin slowly crumbled into pockmarked redness. But when we went to the hospital, the doctor said not to worry for it seems to be only a case of viral rash.

The next day, the rash invaded my chest and arms, my back and even my mouth! Ulcers started swelling inside my lips, gums and even inside my throat. My eyes began to swell as my fever reached an all-time high. My parents agreed that it's time for me to experience a hospital confinement.

I wasn't given a room until 10 PM, but it was worth it. It could've been a hotel room for all I know, if not for the tell-tale IV rack and the hospital logo plastered all over the bedsheets. It was soft, inviting and cozy. Warm lights, lounge chairs, and a floor to ceiling window with a great view of the metropolis. And a large bathroom too! I could've enjoyed the stay luxuriously if only there wasn't a 2-inch needle stuck up inside my vein.

The week dragged on as I spent the days asleep. Drifting into consciousness once in a while to either go to the bathroom or to slurp some of the hospital food. Tossing and turning, I was in so much agony. Mostly it's because of the mouth ulcers and the terrible tonsilitis, and the dextrose made my arm to swell so much that they had to transfer the IV to the other arm... ouch.

Then by Saturday, I was discharged. The fever's gone and I can eat well again, but the spots were still there. Obviously I wasn't able to go to the interview scheduled that same day. Actually while I was in the hospital, I dreamt that everyone got accepted and that I was the only one left... that really made me depressed...

Fortunately, the recruiter managed to move my interview schedule for Monday. And apparently, kai also got sick that day so she was scheduled to get interviewed on the same day with me. But come Monday, the marks were still there. I had to go to the interview wearing make-up (concealer actually, kai said I looked like a corpse... Better deathly than deadly).

Kai went in first then came out bearing the good news. I was next and was routinely questioned just like what Jenny said. Good thing we did some mock-up interview practices, so I was well-prepared for my answers. It went well, I even had the chance to talk to the company president in Japanese~ Hee hee!

I came out light-headed. All of us got accepted. We just had to wait for a couple of minutes before the orientation started. It was so surreal, here we are in a Japanese-styled Nihongo classroom (the interview and orientation were held in my Nihongo school) being oriented to our Japan job. Holding our contracts and salary breakdown documents, I was shivering not only from the cold aircon, but from giddy-ness as well. I don't care if the concealer wore-off, looking like a vassal of viruses. Our dream finally came true, and here we are being told that we might get a field-trip to Tokyo Disneyland! Woah!!

All-in-all it was a very hectic week for all of us. It was difficult coming back to work and picking up the tasks that I left off, especially if it was already partially done by someone else (thank you someone else!). Much so because I also had to give my resignation letter, because it's our company's policy to allot a month's allowance for proper transitioning of work.

I handed my resignation letter this February 28th, 2008 with a termination date effective as of March 28th, 2008. It was an experience I never want to experience again... I was shaking the whole time I was with our manager. Jenny already handed hers, only kai is the only one left to resign (ganbatte kaisu~!).

The Intensive Nihongo Training is scheduled to start by April 7th, and we are also expected to submit all the necessary documents before that date. We were warned that we might not get any chance to work on our documents during classes, so it's very much advisable to finish them up before we get chained up with our studies. I've almost completed mine, just a few more government offices to visit and forms to fill up, then I'm done.

*whew~*

If that wasn't a long story, I don't know what is. I'm not sure if anyone survived reading all those rantings, but I'm thankful you're even reading this part.

The countdown has began, it'd be March starting this weekend. We have a scheduled group pictorial this Saturday, and the first payment of our tuition is set on that date too. Things are finally rolling into place, I just hope we don't get squished flat!

See you in Japan minna~ Watch out for our new blogs! ^___^

Wow, this place is half-dead. ^_^V

I was super busy with a lot of stuff (had a lot to do). I was thinking of making a new Media Box article, or a Hawt Seat feature perhaps, but decided against it. Instead...

In spirit of Megane-kun's sickness (WTH?!) I shall share my own experience about being so darn sick I was stuck in the hospital. For 6 days actually (and darn proud of it?!). Now that I think about it (this has nothing to do with Japan, so gomen ne ^^) I was on the verge of dying back then?

I was sick for two days, plagued with fever and rashes and mind-shattering headache. I thought it was one of those stupid cases of my anti-bodies not doing their job and letting me get sick, but by the third day I can barely eat anything, let alone get up from bed. So I was brought to the clinic, had my blood checked, and guess what?

I HAVE DENGUE.

And since yours truly was super stubborn, (and afraid of hospitals) I refused to be confined for the next 12 hours until I was forced by mom and dragged to the hospital. Wait, I puked the first hour I was at the E.R. waiting to be admitted, with the I.V. stuck in my hand. I had to suffer for how many times being pricked countless of times for blood samples. (The normal platelet count is 150 to 500, 150 being the extreme LOW. When I went for the checkup my platelet count went down to 140, and when I was finally admitted to the hospital, it reached 42. HOORAH! My older brother told me if the count were to go down, my sickness will be incurable and I'd probably die. I was laughing at him that time. XD I had 4 bags of 'blood' transfused to me. It HURTS to get a BLOOD TRANSFUSION! Oh right, add to that, I also had UTI. =p)

I won't go into much more details but yeah, I was stuck there for 6 darn days (add to that the 3 days I was at home). Until now I'm thinking where I encountered the darn mosquito carrying dengue. So I'm a bit cautious about going to places which are not so clean, in fact I freak out whenever I see mosquitos. It was so hard spending 6 days in the hospital, without internet, without any entertainment, anything to pass time. Plus I had to settle for noodles and crackers in the duration of my stay there (because hospital food sucks).

Did that scare you? Because my medical bill sure did scare me. XD

And ohh...

Once upon a time, when I was sick, there was this one person so very important to me who told me to take care of myself (I had a super high fever back then, and still I was working). "Kiwotsukete ne". That phrase sure did wonders to me. Made my heart warm and all that cheesy stuff~

So Megane. Take care! Kiwotsukete ne! (I have no idea if that's the right spelling, but yeah) I hope you get well soon~! <3

I was cupid for a day!

Well I'd like to call myself that even though technically I was a "messenger", or maybe you can even call me a "delivery girl", but anyway, I was busy for quite a while, bringing happiness to people, single or not! this Valentines Day! I was on a mission! Har~

Ok, so as part of the IBM Club, yours truly, together with some officemates and friends alike, distributed roses to selected people for Valentines! Greeting them, leaving notes along with the flowers, it actually feels weird. It's good to see them having big smile on their faces and seeing their happy reactions when they receive the flower, but then not everyone received something today (including me *cough), and as much as I want to give them something, I can't. Too bad. I know how they feel. XD

Though I've yet to see those romantic "ohhhh~" and "uyyyy~" from my fellow IBM-ers so far, its still the 14th, who knows? But so far the most romantic I've seen for the acitivity we did today was a guy, sending a bouquet of flowers for 3 times, at certain hours (the first one at 11 am, the second one at 2 in the afternoon, the third one at around 5 pm) and along with it comes a piece of note, a specially composed message for his wife. I find that really really sweet. *hopes she'd have the chance to experience that someday*

I now feel itchy all over (especially my face), with gold dust, glitters and other stuff from the roses I've been holding for hours now rubbing off me. At least they don't have thorns. ^^ Being around a huddle room full of roses, red white and pink, and bouquets gives me that overwhelming feeling.

MY FEET HURTS!

Q: What IS the Japan job?
A: Programming/Systems Engineering

I won't give much details because of personal reasons (to not have some competition during the job application hehe). But once we do get accepted, I can refer anyone out there who wants to try and get the job too~

Here are the qualifications that you must have in order to be even considered for the job (found on their website).

With following skills and conditions:

• OS: WINDOWS, UNIX, LINUX, RTOS (VxWorks, TRON, REX, etc.)
• DB: Oracle, PL/SQL
• Language: C, C++, JAVA, C#, etc.
• Development and/or testing of cellphones, car electronics system and Business Applications
• Age: Below 35 years old
• Sex: Male / Female
  Hiring on “Single Status”
• Embedded software and Programmable Logic
• Japanese Language skills is very advantageous
• Working Place: Tokyo / Osaka
• Employment Contract: 1 year / renewable
• VISA status: Engineer
• Salary: ¥220,000 / month (after first 6 months, salary adjustment depends on performance)
• Transportation expenses distinction

I actually saw this ad before I applied for my first job but deemed that I still need more experience. Although when my aunt referred me back to this company, I did a more in-depth Internet scourging for any info concerning this offer and found out that:

"Experience is preferred but not required"

^^^THAT have set my hopes soaring high above the standard soaring height for human souls. And thus started the legacy of our 2 weeks agony of waiting till February 23rd.

We're currently studying again previous lessons we had back in college; a refresher, so to speak. Good thing we have a bit of reading materials left from different points of our lives... just waiting to be dusted off and its pages opened. It's also a nice thing to point out that whatever we haven't understood back at our computer labs are now quite easily understandable given the experience we've accumulated during our short stay at our current companies.

We now know a lot more than we did back then, and that's what's important. Because from what I've heard is that this job requires dedication and passion; from its steep learning curve to the demanding conditions.

We have no qualms (that I know of) regarding these facts. We just need a chance to prove ourselves, to show that we can do what those Jap programmers can do... or better! Computer Science and Information Technology evolves every day, we're aware of that. And because of such, we're ready to evolve along with it.

Writing this entry, I've assured myself that I am ready and that I am worthy of this job. I deserve to be selected (of course, along with Jenny and Kai) and be a programmer for embedded software. I admit that the reason I applied for this job is that because it's set in Japan. Well that may be, but another reason is because I want to learn~

Yeah, corny as it may seem, being an I.T. professional demands constant growth and experience; thus the many-tongued programmers speaking different kinds of programming languages. I remember back when we were in our 1st years, a prof told us that if you know and have mastered 3 (programming) languages, then that would have been impressive by itself. And considering that C++ is the first major programming language taught to us during college, it certainly is a nice little treat that we'll be doing the exact same thing in Japan. Of course, I expect that 'that' won't be the only language that we'll use~

So yes, I'm ready. We're ready. Yet we're still getting ready, because I still haven't realized just how 'surprising' life's surprises can be... until now.

Just wow... imagine, Japan?! @__@;

 

Everything that happened last night is still fresh in my memory..such a sudden shocking mind blowing news. THIS IS IT..we're just a few steps away from our dreams. Ok so what if (hopefully) i pass in the interview..(that would be the make or break for all this craziness)..first would be to give my resignation letter which will take 30 days to take effect..then i'll convince my mom to lend me money so i can pay all my debt and of course the tuition for the Intensive Japanese language course. Luckily Meg's family are willing to support me for the 3 months of study since i'll be jobless at that time. Probably next month we'll be busy gathering all the documents required..oh i have to get a passport asap..*geez* ..so much work, sacrifice and risk but heck..this opportunity doesn't come often in a life time...hahaha..this time i don't have a plan B.

OH Yes..Japan, We will definitely come!!

Ahhh, the sudden development!

OED has expanded suddenly, thanks to the inspiration Meg and I got from Yui Aragaki's beautiful yet depressing song, Heavenly Days. Honestly speaking, the song made me depressed the whole day (its Megane's fault!) I was motivated to write a short story, with the help of Megane's superb 'story telling' technique.

Would this story be enough to rival Koizora?

XD

Anyway, we decided to open up a new blog, an extension of OED, where we unleash our creative, and in my case, writer side. Yup. If you're sick and tired of our Japan rantings, then you can go ahead visit our "alternate world", the one we call CLOUDED PAGES.

My short story, entitled Kaita Koi (thank you Meg for the wonderful title), is currently posted. It's not yet finished, maybe in a day or two. It was heavily inspired by Yui Aragaki's song, and that equally depressing picture (thanks again Meg, you provide wonderful inspiration!) he showed me earlier today.

I'm not gonna spoil it for you, but it's gonna be heart-breaking. The story, I mean. *zips lips* You'll probably think of something along the lines of "What could have been...." or "Maybe..." or "What if..."

Please visit our site!

Arigatou, Megane-san for complying with my request.

*cough*

Since I've been into manga these days, and made quite a few (I mean 2!) posts about mangas I think deserve a good read, we have come up with a new 'segment' to spice up OED more! All hail the saviour Kai-sama! *cough* *cough*

Corny Simple as it may sound, Mangarticle (I know, very creative~) will be a place for my manga rants and recommendations. So if you have time to waste spend reading sappy cliche cute stories with a very good dose of bishies, then you should read my Mangarticles!

I have a wealth lots of mangas hidden somewhere in my computer and CDs when I manage to find them. I used to enjoy one-shots more since its short and well, short. But these days I go for the series types, as long as the story's able to sustain my interest. Let's see... I'm thinking if I should go read:

홍가네 (Hong Ga Ne)
My Prince-sama

Both are incomplete mangas (and I hate waiting). So if I don't find anything suitable to read over the weekend, I might stick to these two. Expect a rant recommendation post soon!

Q: What happened to Meganekodomo?!
A: Company secret policies and all that. So hush.

I can't talk about work here or anywhere... So this'll be a mighty short post indeed~

To make a short story shorter, I got busy. Work, meals, and sleep used up most of my days... except now. Because I'm done doing the things I was supposed to do~ Woo!

So here I am using my precious non-work time to post about something I can't even discuss to anyone. I'm not sure how long I'll be 'free' but tomorrow's not busy on my schedule, so I guess you can expect a regular flow of entries now.

I have a handful of Connoisseur-ing entries I have to make. SO watch out for those too! ^___~v

Q: Why is there a Kaisu in OED?
A: Our kingdom needs at least one of her 'species'

And by species I mean fanatics. Super excitable fanatics, characterized by their random hyperventilating activities followed by usual screeching, screaming, and probably a howling or two.

Also known as a fangirl.

She and her people worship men and women (mostly Asian--Japanese/Korean/Taiwanese/Chinese) who they deemed gods and goddesses. This ascension to holiness isn't explained much to me by those whom I have witnessed during their raving instabilities, but to what I understand, they more of idolize the sacred women and is rather more benevolent in comparison to their complete and utter obsession to the sacred men.

These sacred men are the estrogen-filled human species known as 'bishies'. The fangirls offer their very lives to worshipping these bishies because of their godly abilities namely: singing, dancing, acting, or just by simply existing with their finely shaped eyebrows, straight noses, kissable lips, and smooth skin (blegh indeed). Their hype and fervor in faith is unmatchable. So much do they dedicate theirselves to these womanly men that they spend 23 hours of the day singing (or typing) praises and adoration in various languages!

And as such, kaisu is such an important part of the OED; Her being the supply depot of Asian info and by being a Japan-o-philiac herself. Undeniably, her contributions and fixation to the universal knowledge of entertainment is vital to our cause, if we were to even consider being part of one of the major cultural melting-pot in the world: Japan.

Thanks kai for always keeping as up-to-date, may you be blessed with new PVs, albums, concerts, and more kissing scenes between bishies. ^__~v

==========================

Kaisu: If I were to convert my fangirlism energy and enthusiasm to something concrete and measurable like numbers, in a scale of 1-10 (10 being the craziest heighest), I can proudly parade the number 9.

Fangirlness: 9/10

Q: Why is there a Jenny in OED?
A: Let me begin with a story...

It is an unpresumable fact that Jenny, the hailed wanton/anarchy-loving psycho girl, is an anomaly. Being a co-author of OED (One-Eyed Daruma) gives her an unattainable standard of authority, given only to those worthy of being mentioned by the great Meganekodomo himself. Yet, does she deserve it? Why is she a member of OED even though she doesn't blog much? (currently with only 5 posts)

It started with an epic story concerning a TV show and a psycho girl...

"Psycho girl"
~ a Jenny story

In the beginning, there was a TV show: a TV show that showed Japan. A girl watched this show throughout her school days, up until she became swamped with life's unfairness and unpredictabilities and turned into a psycho.

What happened afterwards is so unimportant and most likely irrelevant to Jenny being Jenny that I've decided to forget it... *concentrates* Done.

Now where was I? I can't remember... Anyway, her psycho-ness resurfaced when she suddenly encountered Meganekodomo and Kaisu during her college years. It was by then that the trio's super-Japanese-loving-power reached critical mass and imploded within themselves; creating a vacuum of pure idyllic energy reaching out, obliterating all logic, and forcing people to beg them for mercy.

It is with utmost coincidence that Meganekodomo was also a child anointed by the TV show to which (for the purpose of sharing it with everyone) was named, WINS Oh Tokyo! Kaisu didn't have the privilege of viewing said show for reasons unbeknownst to anyone in the planet (an educated guess leads to the fact that maybe she didn’t have cable TV back then), and as such, she’s currently prescribed to a healthy dosage of all the episode of the show uploaded in a website somewhere. 

To make a long story short (may it be a little bit too late anyway), the reason she’s an author here is because she’s a die-hard fan of Japan and that the three of us has been friends for such a long time… roughly 5 years.

Such is the story of a crazy woman… And to be honest, her name’s not really Jenny. But that’s for another entry. ^__~v