Hyper Quit?

I had basketball practice yesterday like I do once every week since June and I think that may have been my last. Actually for the past couple practices, I've been less and less motivated to go. I thought maybe I didn't like basketball anymore, but yesterday I realized clearly that a select few on the team have made it less fun. I play basketball because I like the sport, its great cardio, but mostly so I can have fun with others who have the same passion as me. The select few on the team have been getting more serious which is fine by me, but over and over I hear them criticizing others even though they make the same mistakes themselves. Last night, I found myself getting criticized non-stop. I owned up to some of my turnovers and changed my play accordingly, but this one dude made it a huge deal and he actually made a lot more turnovers than I did. I'm a big believer of the term "practice what you preach" so this double standard I was given really bothered me. Its sad, because I really do like everyone on the team, and I get along with most of the players there, but if it isn't fun, then I don't think it is worth continuing. If I do ultimately quit, I don't know if I would want to find another team to join. This is the second Japanese team I've played with and both times, this type of situation situation has happened.

Luckily, I did find a couple of courts in my area, I think I may just shoot around whenever I feel the need to ball and hope to play some pickup games there instead.

Bon enkai season

The Bon Enkai (end of the year part) season has begun in Japan. I already had a small one but plan to be a part of a few more before the end of this month. In the U.S. people usually get worried about packing on the pounds from the family and friend get-togethers but in Japan its the year end parties where everyone indulges in fatty foods and drinks liters of alcohol.

Speaking of food, I went to a friend's birthday party last week at one of Ikebukuro's newest high-end Chinese restaurants and I must say I was pretty disappointed. I usually do not find bad food in Tokyo, but this place, at the particular price point which was about 100 dollars per head was terrible. The main protein course was too salty and the yakisoba took forever to get to our table (I think about an hour of waiting) and when it finally arrived, it was bland a cold. The service wasn't bad but it wasn't better than what you get at like a Denny's. The only positives I could find during my dining experience were the view, it was on the 59th floor and the dumplings. Not the best I ever had, but definitely juicy and tasty. Pictures of those two below. I do not think I will ever go back there again.

Gym + onsen = Awesome

This month a new gym opened up close by. It is much better than the previous gym I went to. The men's locker room doesn't have the constant stench of dirty armpits on a hot summer's day like my old gym. All the equipment is also brand new and the staff seems a bit nicer. The best part of the new gym though is the proximity to my place. I can finally walk to the gym as opposed of taking the train like I used to.

I also discovered an onsen (hot spring) last week. The place is also somewhat brand new being less than a year old. Yesterday, I made it a double event, going to the gym and then relaxing at the onsen. Let me tell you, it was awesome. The only drawback was that it seemed everyone in Tokyo decided to go to this onsen and I found myself squeezing myself next to a bunch of old naked men. I have always tried to go to the onsen when it is least crowded so I can take my time and have some privacy but unfortunately, with work and all, the only time I can go to this particular onsen is the peak time. After the onsen, I ate at their cafeteria which was pretty good and reasonable. They also served soft ice cream which I love.

I think I will make this a weekly thing. Work out and then unwind at the onsen. I won't lie and say everything has been good in Japan but these are the types of things make me happy that I'm living here.

Christmas wonderland

It seems every year Christmas in Japan gets bigger and bigger. Walking to the office in Nishi-Shinjuku for me is like walking in a Christmas illumination wonderland. Everything and anything is decorated with some ornament or is illuminated. Tokyo itself is already very bright but it really is refreshing to see everything decked out like this. I haven't decorated anything "Christmasy" since high school and do remember that it was fun putting up the lights and setting up the tree; however, it was a huge pain in the arse putting everything away. I feel bad for the people who have to clean up all the decorations after new years.

All nighter

It was a busy weekend. I was out on the town all night which I haven't done in quite some time. The day started out with a friend's wedding. It was really nice. The ceremony and reception was in Roppongi. After the wedding activities, I met up with an old friend that I haven't seen in a few years. It was really cool seeing him again. We hung out with a couple of his classmates until the trains started back up the next morning. We were all drained at the end, including my friend who had to quickly go to Narita in order to catch his morning flight back to the U.S. I am glad to say that he made it all right. Anyways, here are some of the pictures from that night:




The most unique Chapel I've ever seen.



Decor was beautiful, food was delicious, service was surprisingly sub-par.



Nice tasty drink while waiting in the lounge area.



View of the city from my table.



Lots of nice cars in the hotel. Too bad I don't own any of them.



Tokyo tower view with a Christmas twist.

Nice day at Komazawa park

Enjoyed a nice day at Komazawa park. There were a lot going on that day, including an Ultraman festival, half marathon, and a local college American football game. Fall is definitely in the air and I'm trying to take full advantage before it gets too cold.

Hiroshima weekend

Life is moving on as expected. Work is still kicking my butt everyday. The weather has gotten colder and I have gotten sick, again. As my grieving period ended and everyday routines getting established again, I looked towards Hiroshima for a new start.