It's my birthday eve!
I know that's not a real thing, but I am starting to get into the birthday spirit after a long week!
I weaseled my way out of school early today and headed to the decent grocery store, a twenty minute drive away.
After that I got my dishes done, started a load of laundry, and now I plan on watching lots of TV, drinking some hard-to-get Belgian lambic (fruit ale=yummmmmmy!), and making zucchini bread and chicken chowder.
Stan will be over soon. Looks like a great birthday eve!
Tomorrow morning I am planning on opening my birthday present from Lindsay, only going to work for a half day, and then I'll have my yakiniku and karaoke party in the evening! Yay, birthdays!
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Thursday, November 15, 2007
美人薄命/Bijin Hakumei
I learned a new saying yesterday, when I was talking to some teachers at one of my elementary schools, and trying to explain what a sinus infection is, without knowing the word. One of my teachers said "Bijin Hakumei" (美人薄命), and then explained it as meaning that beautiful women are frail. I laughed and denied the beautiful part, but then she said that she and I suffered together, so we both laughed more.
A beautiful woman is called "bijin" ( 美人)in Japanese. It's kind of weird to call someone a "beauty" in English, but it's not odd in Japanese. One of my town's catch phrases is even "Bijin no machi" (美人の町), which means a town of beauties.
But I digress. Sayings like "Bijin hakumei" are called "yojijukugo", or 4-character idioms. I always like learning them, because they are made up of only 4 kanji, but they carry a lot of meaning. It would be hard to express as much in such a compact way in English. You can read a few more "yojijukugo"
here.
I learned a new saying yesterday, when I was talking to some teachers at one of my elementary schools, and trying to explain what a sinus infection is, without knowing the word. One of my teachers said "Bijin Hakumei" (美人薄命), and then explained it as meaning that beautiful women are frail. I laughed and denied the beautiful part, but then she said that she and I suffered together, so we both laughed more.
A beautiful woman is called "bijin" ( 美人)in Japanese. It's kind of weird to call someone a "beauty" in English, but it's not odd in Japanese. One of my town's catch phrases is even "Bijin no machi" (美人の町), which means a town of beauties.
But I digress. Sayings like "Bijin hakumei" are called "yojijukugo", or 4-character idioms. I always like learning them, because they are made up of only 4 kanji, but they carry a lot of meaning. It would be hard to express as much in such a compact way in English. You can read a few more "yojijukugo"
here.
Thanksgiving is coming!
Although I'm in Japan, where American Thanksgiving obviously doesn't exist, Lauren and I are planning a night of pumpkin pie, turkey and other delicious treats with our friends! I can't wait!
I always spent Thanksgiving with my family growing up, but I haven't had a chance (or the motivation) to celebrate it in Japan before now. I'm looking forward to that stuffed feeling with no American football racket in the background!
Every year I remember the excitement of my younger cousins when my brother and I would arrive at grandma's house, and feeling amazed at how much food one family could produce. Without fail, my grandma Marcia would serve cottage cheese, and chastize us for not eating enough of it. As much as I love, cottage cheese, I never understood the point of it at a dinner with so many yummy, homemade foods!
I wish I could see my grandma Marcia this year, but she passed away several years ago. I suppose Thanksgiving will be the perfect time to think about all the wonderful times I had with her, and to be thankful for the memories.
Although I'm in Japan, where American Thanksgiving obviously doesn't exist, Lauren and I are planning a night of pumpkin pie, turkey and other delicious treats with our friends! I can't wait!
I always spent Thanksgiving with my family growing up, but I haven't had a chance (or the motivation) to celebrate it in Japan before now. I'm looking forward to that stuffed feeling with no American football racket in the background!
Every year I remember the excitement of my younger cousins when my brother and I would arrive at grandma's house, and feeling amazed at how much food one family could produce. Without fail, my grandma Marcia would serve cottage cheese, and chastize us for not eating enough of it. As much as I love, cottage cheese, I never understood the point of it at a dinner with so many yummy, homemade foods!
I wish I could see my grandma Marcia this year, but she passed away several years ago. I suppose Thanksgiving will be the perfect time to think about all the wonderful times I had with her, and to be thankful for the memories.
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