I am in Japan, and not very happy

Sorry!!! I know it's been 2 months since I updated this blog!! To be honest, I completely forgot about it since I've been here! Until Megan mentioned I had one. And THEENNN I remembered! Hahah! Thank you Megan!

Alright, for those of you who were wondering about my life, I will fill you in on the most important things:

1) I am in Japan. I don't like it very much. For one thing, the other people (the other "foreign" students) SUCK. They're all socially awkward and geeky and talk about NOTHING ELSE but porn and anime. Seriously. I have only made about 2 good "friends," although we don't really hang out that much. I spend my weekends usually catching up on sleep and reading. So much "me" time!! Except when Greg comes to visit, which is about once a month. He helps keep me sane. I have had quite a few break-downs since being here.

2) Japanese college is EAAASSSYYY. Seriously. I have SO MUCH FREE TIME. The myth that Japanese college is easy is TRUE. My teachers are very lax and I haven't had many stress-out moments since being here. I never realized how tough/intense American college was til I came to Nanzan.

3) Due to not receiving any proper nutrition since being in Japan, my body has started suffering. The myth that the Japanese diet is healthy is very false. Japanese food has no. nutrition. at. all. I used to only take a one-a-day vitamin, but now I take a one-a-day vitamin, 2 calcium supplements, 9 fiber pills, and 1 iron pill. Every day. All because my gums have started receeding and bleeding. I think I might have gum disease. But I went to the japanese dentist who told me "you are fine. you're just 'stressed.'" STRESSED??????? I'm sorry sir, where did you get your dentistry degree? Online? That's what I thought. (Note: the Japanese medical system is not known to be wonderful. That was proven when I went to the doctor and the dentist over here). I'm still bitter about all of that. Also, my nails have become weak/brittle and my body refuses to properly digest things (which is why I started taking the fiber and iron pills). What the hell, Japan? Your food sucks.

4) My host family, you ask? Well, when they're not overly criticizing me for not properly doing things, they ignore me. Completely. Things used to be ok but they've become progessively worse these past couple weeks. I decided to move into a dorm next semester. The stress from living in this hell-hole is killing me. Although my heart goes out to you, Megan. I know your situations not too fantastic at the moment either. *hug*

5) Although a lot of stuff here isn't too great, I do have some good news. I have met one of the most amazing people on earth. Her name is Ryoko. We met on the train and became fast friends. She lived in america for 10 years so not only is her english flawless, she also knows how to make American friends. Since our meeting, we have become close friends. She has helped me so much with going to the doctor and the dentist, and her family took me out to dinner last night too. She is awesome and I hope to continue being friends with her even when I move away to live 30 miles away in the Nanzan dorm next semester.

Note: I commute to school every day. I live far away from school, too. About the same distance that columbus is from wittenberg. It takes me an hour and a half one-way. Everyday. I am about ready to pull my hair out. Not to mention that trains here are CROWDED. And everyone is catching swine flu like it's the latest dance craze.

6) I am coming home for winter break. Why? I need healthy food. I need my parents. I need my friends. I need to go to the dentist. I need to see Sammy. I need to be around english. I need to know that all of my efforts in poop-land (aka Japan) are not in vain. Maybe next semester will be better. Not only will I live right next to campus, I will also be in control of what I can eat. Which means no more white bread (which is all they have here. It's shit), no more white rice (calorically empty, nutritionless), I can finally drink milk which will help strengthen my teeth and gums, I can work out at school, and I can be with my friends as long as they want when they come to visit. I can finally be happy. Adjusting to Japanese life this semester has been tough. I miss America. But I am still thankful that god has blessed me with ryoko's friendship.

Alright, that is my weepy update for you. I don't like Japan very much (although I am kind of happy I am here. It's definately less stressful overall) and the food is delicious yet provides no nutritional value. I miss America. Can I come home now?