tsukareta atsui yo~

Eiko says...

I just showered off an insanely busy night shift at our cafe! We had over 20 customers ordering the dinner sets, the alcoholic beverages and otsumami all at the SAME TIME--literally! Well, they can go ahead and order away, but it doesn't mean that they'll get what they want the moment they order it. Unfortunately, some seem to forget that we are merely humans running the cafe.

I got a lot of:

"Can't you see that we're thirsty? Where's the beer I didn't order yet?!"

"We're drinking here! How do you expect us to drink without any food?"

"I ordered 5 minutes ago! I'm hungry!"

"Dude, notice that you're among 20 + customers with only one of me, trying to serve y'all! Take a hint and quit waving your glass at me! I also only have two hands. Patience would be very appropriate."

is NOT what I said, although I might have felt like it at one point or another.

Instead, the words that I found myself repeating over and over and OVER again were,

「大変お待たせいたしました。」

「大変失礼いたしました。」

「申し訳ございません。」

Also, the air-conditioning decided to go on strike or something because they started acting up, and soon, we had many customers complaining about the heat! Hell! It was cooler outside than in our little cafe, and that speaks volumes! If it really was cooler outside, than the customers sure had something to bitch about. I mean, counting all the staff and customers together, there were around 30 people in the cafe, it's Tokyo, people were drinking and eating, there was live music that everybody was grooving and clapping and moving to, AND the cooling system went bonkers! BUT! Just imagine how hot it was for me, and all the Marche staff who were on duty! We were all running around, taking and serving orders, apologizing for late orders, wiping up messes, washing dirty dishes, and making sure the customers were happy, SWEATING buckets! I soaked my shirt through! Ew!!

We really need to do something about our air-con problem. Like YESTERDAY!

On a happier note, Stephan brought home a ton of mangoes and watermelons that are just what you want to eat on a sweltering summer day. It's fruit heaven here at Lodge Home. I'm loving it.

Rufus

P.B. says...

One rainy night, a stray cat came to our house, crying its head off. I gave him some fish to keep him quiet, then, what do you know...he came the night after that and the next and the next, crying away. So now he stays all day on our front door, in hopes of someone to pity him and give him some food. Well,he never gets disappointed and that 'someone' happens to be me. I claimed him as my pet cat, and even named him after one of my favorite actors―Rufus.




There were some suggestions of calling him Puss in boots, or Berúthiel( from The Unfinished Tales, The istari, Notes, who kept 10 cats as her slaves), but really, it would sound too odd if I called him 'puss' or 'beru' after the psycho Queen, so I'll just stick with Rufus.

Well, that's all from Icthus home. See you all later...

who's ur prince, sleeping beauty?

Eiko says...

Remember how I mentioned in several posts that I have difficulty sleeping? Some people call it insomnia. Some people believe that insomnia is all in the mind, and that people are blowing the sleepless nights waay out of proportion. Whatever. I don't really care what you call it. The point is that as an 'insomniac' you can't sleep for one reason or another, and apparently, I had it bad. But do take careful notice that 'had' is a past tense. I can sleep quite well these days, and I couldn't be happier for it! I actually set an alarm clock these days to make sure I wake up on time! Those who know me well, know that this is nothing short of a miracle! Happy!

But! The strangest thing happened the other day where I experienced sleep paralysis--something that hasn't haunted me in a while. I kept falling in and out of the paralysis state, and I couldn't shrug off the sheer terror of the moment. I just wanted to wake up. I just wanted to be able to breath. Unfortunately, I haven't found a way to control the paralysis. I don't even know if you can. It just hadn't happened in a while, and came as a shock to me--a bad shock. I always firmly believed that, although science seems to have an explanation for it, it is a very spiritual experience--and not at all a good one. I'm interested in anybody who has learned to combat sleep paralysis, physically/spiritually/mentally. It's something I've done some research on, but never really could find a concrete solution to. I'm just happy it doesn't happen so often anymore.

Whatever. We're not going to dwell on something as negative as sleep paralysis.

To end this post on a happy note, my summer vaca is coming up fast, and I can't wait! I'm hoping to spend some good quality time with the people that I love, and I'm hoping to make the most out of it. Boris, hurry up and get your act together!! We're going to have a blast this summer!! *wink*

changes

Eiko says...

So here's the news.

I am moving out of Lodge Home with Yasu, Dawnie and Kippins into an apartment, sometime in the next 2 or 3 months. It's been a great stay at Lodge Home, and I've learned many new things, as well as stashed extra experience under my belt for the future. I was also able to build wonderful friendships here, which I will miss terribly. BUT! I would be lying to say that I'm unhappy about moving out. I feel like my stay here has ran it's course, and I'm up for some change and excitement! Whoopee!

We haven't exactly decided on an apartment yet, but we're hoping to get it within the area--something not too far away. But first things first! Step number 1 is getting a job. Yup. I'm still job-less. Pray that I find something convenient, well-paying, with tons of cool co-workers, a boss that doesn't yell at me and that's within a reasonable distance.

I was with some of our friends' kids today so that they could attend a Bible class 'noise and racket free', and since the heat was unbearable, and also because my legs were sore beyond words due to some running I've been doing recently for exercise, I decided that playing games and/or engaging our minds in educational anything would be unreasonable, both for me and them, mentally and physically. Well, thank the good Lord for Disney cartoons, because today, they were salvation itself! We had a video tape of Tarzan in Japanese lying around, and since it happens to be one of my favorite Disney cartoons, and also since I haven't watched it in Japanese before, I decided it could very well be an exciting experience. It WAS! Especially when the song 'Two Worlds' began to play....IN JAPANESE! Somehow, I was expecting Phil Collins to be singing it. What was I thinking? I was stunned, just staring, unable to do anything else. I mean, whoever was singing it completely ruined it! Oh, well. The songs aside, I liked it. So did the kids. I think our favorite part is when the gorillas trash the camp!

Okay, Disney stuff aside, it's HOT! Just the fact that I'm breathing is a miracle! This miracle is called 'modern technology'. (a.k.a air-cons ) Yup. This is how we survive the summers in Tokyo. It's either your electricity bill or your funeral expenses. If you put it that way, it's pretty easy to make the decision to turn the air-cons on.

ice coffee black

Eiko says...

Obviously, I'm blogging a lot less than I used to due to my comp crashing on me.

And I'm living in the effing SAHARA! Worse yet, I'm living in smelly, stinky, humid Tokyo!! The weather is unbelievable! The only time any sane person would go outside is past 7:00, and this is what I've been doing to clear my head of the heat and

the kitchen and the cafe.

I take a walk down to a nearby park, lie myself down on a bench, and stare up into the darkening sky and let the evening breeze blow the stress of the day away, with my favorite music and the sound of dancing trees complementing the moment. It works wonders, and I always feel so much better after my little 'park time'. Of course, I do have the little nagging thoughts of Adachi-ku perverts attacking me during my times out, but so far, I've been spared, and either way, I think my sanity is top priority. Alone time is a must!

But so is friend time. Aich, Izu and I had a Word date (sharing quo

tes and stuff) at Jonathan's over a drink bar, which was lot's of fun and totally necessary. Living with these two Sagittarius girls makes life very exciting! In fact, I live with 5 Sages right now, and it's the most interesting thing ever. They are definitely there own species. Yup.

Me and Aich at Jonathan's

never to wake up again...wahhh

Eiko says...

Everybody, a tragedy happened yesterday morning. My baby laptop put himself to sleep, never to wake up again. The doctors (a.k.a Sam and J.D.) are trying everything, but I can tell by the look in their eyes, and the tone of their voices that my laptop has permanently moved on to 'the other side'. I think he was tired and weary of this world. I should have hidden that pistol more carefully. Damn it!!

Anyway, I'm in mourning now, and I'm planning on mourning for a few more days. I mourn the loss of the lonely nights which I used to spend with my laptop, watching a film, browsing YouTube, blogging, etc. It will take a while to get used to 'single life'. I don't think I ever will. Which is why I'm planning on buying a new one!! That is of course, after I get a job and save up for one.

Speaking of which, I'm looking for a job, and I've got a few options. Be nice, pretty please, and pray that I get a good one.

New Stuff:

*David Stine left for the States a few days ago, and before he left, we all had a bye-bye party for him over beer and whiskey and stuff. Will miss his strange ways and addicting humor. Have a great time over there, David!

*A good friend, Yuri-chan, came over, and me and Aich had a girls night out with her over drinks and yummies. I haven't seen that girl in ages! I hope you find yourself some good luck in Nagoya! Come visit us again!!

*Me and Aich are presently going through a highly addicting TV series known as, "Desperate Housewives", much to Kenny Benny's horror and disghust!! He finds the series repulsive. I don't know what he's talking about!! Aich and I managed to find time to squeeze in 3 full episodes today, despite the busy schedule and all! Just shows that you make time for what you really want and believe to be important. We're insane!

*The lovable Dawnie and Yasu and Kippins are moving in the day after tomorrow!! I'm happy beyond words!

Cafe Marche News:
The little stage that situates in the right corner of our cafe is living up it's worth! Aside from Up Country's weekly performance on Friday and Saturday evenings, we are staging a variety of other bands as well, both secular and TFI, amateur and professional.
The music is one of our biggest attractions, and when we have live music playing, customers flock!!! On top of the music, the fact that we serve alcohol is a recipe for busy nights for the staff at Cafe Marche. The other night, one of our regulars invited 7 friends to chill out at our cafe to the live music and food and drinks. The same night, we had a family who reserved 6 seats for a Birthday special. That night was crazy busy! Aside from these two groups--who ordered up a storm,-- we had our usual customers, who kept us, the floor staff, very busy! Around the second session of music, we had intoxicated customers dancing jigs, hitting on the waitresses, and singing along as if they were at karaoke! Keeping tabs on orders that people randomly yell at you from across the room, and remembering who yelled those exact orders, in the midst of live music and dancing and horny men being horny, is NOT the easiest thing. But whatever. It can be fun.

We have our insanely busy days, where all of the Marche Staff feel as if they are going to go nuts, and we also have our insanely slow days, where we feel like we are going to go nuts because of sheer boredom. But considering the fact that we've only been in business for less than 3 months, I'd say we're doing a great job. Keep praying for us! This whole thing is a new experience for us. It's very exciting.

guess it

Eiko says...

Pictures are the life and breath of a blog! So here goes!

Tell me, peoples....

Guess what the thing that is sitting it's fat ass on our kitchen counter is?

If you guessed, 'a 16 kg chunk of Parmesan cheese', than you are correct! Because, what is sitting on our counter is indeed, a 16 kg chunk of Parmesan cheese!! It brings all of our taste buds great pleasure on many occasions. You want some? Come and get it!!

And guess what Ken is holding in his hand with great disinterest?

If you guessed, 'an eggplant growing a ****', than you are correct! Ken brought the super special eggplant all the way to my room, so I could take a picture of it before he amputated the special growth. All I can say is WOW! Waytago, Mr. Eggplant!

And some happy news is that Dawn and Yasu and Kippins are going to be residing here at Lodge Home!! I'm happy beyond words! Can't wait, can't wait! Yasu, Dawnie, if you come quickly enough, we still might have some cheese left! Quick! Quick! Quick!

uhuh uhuh

Eiko says...

I haven't been posting for a while, and I have no excuse whatsoever aside from having very little to blog about that would make an interesting read. That's a lie. But all the interesting stuff is private, and although this is my personal blog, where I have every rite to post whatever I feel like posting, just the fact that YOU are reading it makes it a very public thing, and some private things are suppose to remain private--and for good reasons too.

So, all the things in my life that's reader-friendly and un-private isn't so interesting. But since that's all I have right now, I'll make the most of it, and write it up anyway. Brace yourself! (or just skip this one all together. I'm simply blogging for the sake of blogging, and when people do that, their posts tend to be very difficult to read through. )

*My back is hurting less these days. I think I found out what the problem was! I decided to sleep without a pillow, and after 2 weeks of no pillow sleep, I've been having less pain.

*I've been more faithful with my exercise. My favorite work out video is still Shaun T's Insanity program. I'm fascinated by the fact that I can't really complete the work out. I like a challenge.

*I'm looking for employment somewhere. I wanna save up for one, and secondly, the Home is needing some steady income.

*And the minor identity crisis thingie mostly gone. I'm finding my footing again--somewhat.

And ladies and gentlemen, I want to draw your attention to an absolute masterpiece Akari drew! It's posted on our Art Blog! It's perfection itself! Words fail me, Akari, dahling! Keep this up and you'll be the best out of us all! Woo hoo!

hair dyed

Eiko says...

Over da Phone w/ Oli

"So, Oli, what kinda crazy gathering are you planning this time?"

"It's of the adult nature."

"Ah. I seee... Wanna expound on that?"

"Sure! So, here's the plan..."

And he shared the plan with me, and I started having second thoughts about going. But I found myself at the NODA gathering anyway. It was of the 'adult nature'. But I had more fun than I originally thought I would. So that was that, and it was good.

Anyhow, now that my hair is nice and short, I've been having the strongest urge to dye my hair a completely whack color. It usually takes me around 4 boxes of hair dye to get my hair evenly dyed, but now that it's shoulder length and layered, I figured I was up for a different hair color--something a bit more summer-friendly. But since I'm trying to get employed somewhere, and since I already work at Cafe Marche, I left the extreme colors like blue and pink and green out of my options, and I was only left with shades of brown. So I chose a relatively safe shade of brown, and since my hair is thick and stubborn, it only noticeably colored my hair. But the good news is that I like it, and most everybody else seems to be cool with it too.

I'll blog more later when I'm less spaced out and tired.

night.