Well, let's see. I have about 2 hours left to kill. What can I tell you about?

Yesterday I gave the 'attitude' speech. I whipped those little freaks into shape, I did. Actually it went well, I think. They laughed at the proper parts and I saw a few people nodding their heads in agreement with some of my points. That, plus a couple people told me it was good after I was finished. So hey, maybe public speaking is in my future. Or not.
It was fun, though. Like I told them, it's all about perspective and taking pleasure in the little things.

Speaking of little things....I wish they'd turn up the damn air conditioner in this building! For the love of god, why must we suffer?!

Mom called the other night (she'll love it that I am writing this-ha ha). Said she was watching the news in the morning before work and that there was a report about an accident at a nulcear plant here in Japan. She called at 6am her time, 10pm my time. She said, and I quote her exact words as well as I can remember, "Marcus, there was an accident there in Japan and you need to have the announcements translated for you so you'll know what to do."
At this I said, "Umm, what are you talking about?" I was thinking, "What accident and what announcements is this loony lady refering to?"
So then she proceeded to tell me what she had just seen on the news. I had heard on the news earlier about the accident at the nuclear plant but it said that the people killed were killed by escaping steam (ouch!) and that there was no danger of a radiation leak. That, and it was hundreds of kilometers away from me. Granted she didn't know all this but I found it all rather amusing nonetheless.
I also found it funny that she remembered the public announcements and that she was urging me to go bother one of my Japanese speaking friends to translate it for me. Only thing was there were no announcements! Kofu was safe from the steam.
Have I told you about the public announcements over here? I think I've mentioned them but in case not....yes, we have loudspeakers throughout our neighborhoods over here and perhaps two or three times a week they are used. They are attached to poles and are LOUD! What do they say when they make announcements? Well, I've asked that very question to certain friends of mine and apparently they say things like (please hear all of the following in your head in a loud, slow and deep voice), "People of Kofu, there is a typhoon on the way. Be prepared. Stock up on water and batteries and bring in any small pets you may have." Or "People of Tokoji (that's my area of Kofu), tonight there will be a meeting regarding your garbage collection days. Please attend if you wish to have your voice heard. Oh, and also, there is an elderly man missing. His name is Yasuo Katayama and he is 87. He was last seen at the beer vending machine buying an Asahi Super Dry tall can. His family is worried about him. If you have any information regarding his whereabouts please notify the police." Or "People of Ichikawa (Amy's town), we have just planted the rice. Rest assured that this year's rice crop is now underway and that your bowls will remain full throughout the following year. If you are hard pressed for entertainment in this god forsakken town, as many of us are, you can meet down at Yamada's rice field, across from the smallest of our 67 shrines, and talk to others while you watch the rice grow. Spots are going fast, though, so book yours in advance."
Ok, I may have gotten off the topic there, but you get the idea. They make announcements regarding many different things. I think it's a great idea cause I remember living in Ohio as a youngster and if you didn't have the tv or radio going you might miss the fact that your area was having a tornado watch/warning and before you knew it you might be swept away. Here, there is no way in hell you'd miss an announcement because not only are they loud, but they come and go in waves.
First I will hear the loudspeakers down the street give the announcement. This would be sufficient but just in case I didn't hear them the first time they do it again. Only this time it's over the speakers mounted to my futon, I mean, outside on a pole much closer to my apartment. This is the announcement that interupts my sleep, my tv viewing, my music listening, and/or any conversations I might be having. It's like someone is at my screen yelling into my place, "MARCUS! Just in case you missed it the first time we'll say it again....PEOPLE OF TOKOJI, WE ARE NOW AT WAR WITH ICHIKAWA!"
Then after the man has left the window, he quickly runs down the street and makes the announcement over some loudspeakers that I can still hear but are not nearly as close. And then after that I have to hold still to hear a fourth announcement from somewhere over yonder.
All in all it is a good way to inform us all of some impending doom (or a misplaced old person), or rather it would be a good way if I could understand one word of it beside the city/town name.
Perhaps I'll just rely on mom. She speaks English most of the time.

I will be climbing Fuji soon. My appointment with the fifth station (where you stop driving and start walking) is set for 10pm, August 28th. Why a night climb? In order to be able to watch the sun rise, of course. Should be fun.
It will be me, Amy, Tomoko and perhaps Yuki. Tomoko and I have done it before so we know what we are getting into. Not sure about Yuki and I know Amy has never done it. I'm not sure if she knows how long the climb is. I remember from my first time here that it ain't no short jaunt up a hill. It isn't remotely technical in that you don't need ropes, a helmet, or a net, but it is a long, long walk up a steep trail. And it seems to go on and on and on. This time I won't be fooled by those fake tops, aka. areas where you look up and see the trail end and think, "Oh look! My suffering is nearly over!" only to get to that point and see the trail continue up to another fake top that you think must be real. Nope, not this time. I'll just keep climbing and when I can't go up anymore, I'll assume I've reached my goal: 3775.63 meters above sea level (12,387.2 feet for those of you metrically challenged).
Sun rises around here around 4:30am so we can't be too much longer than six hours. I know I can do it. No problem. Just hope Amy does ok. She's not much into running around in the mountains. I know she can get to the top. I just don't know how fast or slow she'll be. But if I have to, I'll bring rope and tie her to me and pull her up. Or on second thought, maybe not. Then I'd have to listen to her telling me to slow down the whole time. Hell, maybe I'll just see her at the top. Don't tell her I said all this though, as she might push me into the crater when we get there.

Until next time.....