My fitted sheet. . . does NOT fit. . .

engrish of the day.

It's not REALLY Engrish, in the traditional sense. But you'd NEVER see an ad like this in the states.

he's just so. . . happy. . .

"If You're Awake, Call My Room. . . I think I found your shoe by the elevator. . ."

In Japan, I've noticed, Some things are bigger. . .

And some things are smaller. . .

(Actually, MOST things are smaller. . .

the refrigerators, the beds, the tupperware, the PEOPLE. . . )

. . . And SOME things are more EXPENSIVE. . .

(that's 1 for 880 yen, which is roughly $8.80, really about $10.50 with the exchange rate)

Actually most prices are pretty comparable to anything we'd pay for in California or New York, which are expensive places to live anyway. . . Sometimes you'll notice ridiculous prices for produce, like THIS guy right here. . . Or apparently certain things are hard to come by. . . like fitted sheets for anything larger than a (short) twin sized bed (the biggest fitted sheets--smaller than a full size bed but larger than a twin--averaging 3500-4000 yen, so about $35-40, at ikea). . . but more often than not I'm pleasantly surprised to find that most things are very affordable.

HOWever, i do NOT want to pay $40 for a FITTED SHEET. And ESPECIALLY not one I'm going to use for 7 months, and then ever again. ESPECIALLY especially when it feels like SANDPAPER! Oh yeah, nice sheets are ALSO hard to come by here.

But you know what's NOT hard to come by here. . . ?

Engrish of the Day!!

(I really don't know what it says, but it is a child's shirt... probably for a kid about 2 years old... Yikes!)

Uncle Henry Auntie Em.

Winds. Winds like I've NEVER heard woke me up last night. It literally sounded like SCREAMING.

Then this afternoon I went downstairs to take out my trash, and almost lost my shirt. The WIND. Almost blew my Tshirt off. . . I mean, WHAT?!

Oh, and E-Village almost caught on fire. Probably cuz some dumb dumb Disney kid ashed in the trees on a windy day. Kids, DON'T burn my house down!!

ENGRISH OF THE DAY!

(This doughnut is a small doughnut

like the baby)

Konnichiwa!

Here I am, children! For the next 6 months, THIS is where it's at for your daily dose of Engrish and your daily dose of Michelle happenings. And there's never a dull moment. I've already caused an explosion in the Cast Member convenience store and given myself an eye full of salad dressing. . . I've been trying not to cry on the floor of [the equivalent to] Best Buy because no one speaks English and I don't know how to fix my internet issue. . . yes, children, THIS is where the fun is. But let's start with the basics before we get in over our heads.

So far working at Tokyo Disneyland has felt like summer camp. All the Disney kids live together in dorms. We travel together. We grocery shop together. Braid each others hair. And everyone knows who we are because, ah yes, WE AREN'T ASIAN.

I've already had a crazed Disney fanatic facebook friend me, and I haven't even debuted yet. . .

I'm living outside of Tokyo, in ShinUrayasu. . . one train stop from Maihama, where the Disney parks are. It's more suburban, but replace track homes with apartment buildings. . . and it's SO CLEAN! And people just LEAVE their bicycles out without locking them, and NO ONE STEALS THEM! So besides the crazy fans that follow you to the train station and try to give you gifts and paparazzi your life to the point that you can't even go into the park anymore for a day of fun without being harassed, life in Japan is pretty safe.

All us Disney kids live together. Which is a blessing and a curse. Everyone is so wonderful! But I hope we all still love each other by the time the contract is over. Seven months is a long time to spend with the same 20 kids. . .

It's hard not knowing the language, but I want to take full advantage of being here and learn as much and as quickly as possible. I'm taking these next two weeks to focus on learning the show, which is obviously important. I just hate not being able to fully and properly communicate with people.

Usually I get nervous and just end up mumbling things at them instead of saying the common phrases I've learned. "Gojah-zausshta..." (Translation: jibberish)

And then I think, what would I do, if someone foreign in MY country just mumbled jibberish at ME. . . would I know or would I think they were just speaking their language, which I don't understand. . . I mean, I'm PRETTY sure they know I'm talking nonsense. . .

Everyone is really wonderful though, even when I'm pretty sure they know I'm talking jibberish, they are very kind and patient with you.

****

We tried on wigs and make up with our final costume fitting today. They look AMAZING! I wish I could take pictures. Basically it's a drag queens DREAM. A purple sequins floor length gown with long black satin gloves, and blang blang fuh daaays, child. . .

I can't wait to open!

****

It's getting kinda late, so I'll just leave you with your

ENGRISH OF THE DAY!

(Delicious Sandwich:

It is a sandwich made with love by the use of the bread selected carefully. Please take it.)