Random Stuff

So, today I purchased a dry erase board that I can stick on my fridge to write reminders on and a few dry erase markers. I've never seen dry erase markers like these before. You have to click a button like you would on a mechanical pencil to make the ink run down to the tip of the marker...

I seem to be spending a lot of money on groceries. At least, I always feel like I'm grocery shopping. It's tough on me because the first 4 weeks here I've spent money on clothing I needed, paying fees, buying textbooks, and renting my bike. Money goes STRAIGHT OUT THE WINDOW. On top of that, I have seven days until I am to receive my food stipend. So, all the money I brought with me has been going towards feeding myself.

I'm kind of picky about food in the sense that I cannot live happily on rice and noodles every day. I like variety. Food also costs more here. I bought a bunch of grapes today because they were on sale for 198 yen. This was one tiny bunch of grapes...they were also kind of tart...and they also had seeds in them. However, grapes usually sell for around 358-458 yen.

When I make meals, I try to buy things that I can make in a large amount that will last me for several days. For example, I made chili tonight. I spent about 1400 yen, and I already had the meat (which I bought a pound of for about 290 yen). I bought two packets of spices, hot peppers, onions, garlic, beans, and crushed tomatoes. Thankfully, it turned out delicious even though I didn't use a recipe...also, I have enough to last for 3-4 days, and I still have leftover spices, peppers, tomatoes, onions, and garlic. So I guess it works out.

Oh, and this weekend we have some sort of festival where the university students can go in a parade, dress up, and hold a shrine. I kind of wanted to do it, but it's hard to take pictures when you're in a parade. Hopefully I'll get some good shots.

That's it for now!