13 Random things

1. Since moving to Japan I have begun to love cleaning my apartment/Ayuko's apartment not for the actual act, but for how clean and tidy it looks afterward. Strangely enough I always hated cleaning while I lived in the States and I feel that finally having my own place to call home is what has brought on this odd love.

2. I am a self professed nerd and lover of many things decidedly uncool, yet somehow I am still a highly functioning member of society. I am actually slightly unnerved by the hardcore nerds who seem unable to function in social situations because they have fallen so far into the other worlds they love. It is called a hobby and not a lifestyle for a reason :P

3. I love reading and often have to deal with Ayuko pestering me as I read because she gets bored with me just sitting there in silence. However, I tend to only read science fiction and fantasy for pleasure and can be perversely difficult about trying new genres. I just know what I like I suppose.

4. The reason I am writing this note at all is because my friend Sarah tagged me in her note, so I suppose I should say that while she is definitely the most at odds with my own social groups back home she is also one of my favorite people ever. I can nerd out with her in safety and often end up thinking she is the big geek! Also when she read this she just went, "awwww", I promise it.

5. I have been living in Japan for almost two years and have truly enjoyed my time here so far. I have finally started to dedicate myself to studying Japanese in more depth and might possibly attempt a Masters in Japanese when I go for my MBA.

6. Speaking of MBAs I attempted to help Ayuko with a marketing project today and was forcibly reminded of just how little I do know about business and the intricacies involved. Needless to say I will be studying hard when I do go for that MBA.

7. This is taking longer than I thought.

8. Up until my company went bankrupt last October I had fairly poor financial skills and didn't really plan things out in advance. However, I now pride myself on being very financially aware and spend free moments thinking up how I can save or more efficiently use my money. Part of my drive to earn an MBA revolves around never wanting to be in a financially precarious situation again, as well as making sure Ayuko never has to worry about that.

9. I like to think I am very modern in my views towards women and equality thanks largely due to my strong mother, yet I still insist upon chivalry when it applies. Simply because a woman is capable of opening a door or hefting a heavy box by herself doesn't mean I can't help out. I think there is a big difference between respecting a woman and still choosing to help, as opposed to holding oneself above them due to some misguided physical or mental beliefs.

10. I am currently preoccupied with obtaining a copy of Fallout 3. That is all.

11. I am in love with a miss Ayuko Hayashide.

12. My first dog will be a doberman who will be accompanied by some toy dog of Ayuko's choosing. We are thinking of naming the doberman Fluffy or some such, with the toy dog named Killer or something.

13. I think the Japanese are massively incompetent for not insulating their buildings. I mean honestly the logic isn't that hard to understand.