it's not life that matters but the journey...

Today is Wednesday, and its morning.  the weather is beautiful these days, though yesterday there was a sudden, very brief downpouring of rain while we were driving.  It lasted maybe 5 minutes and then the sun came out again.  There's a lesson there that I've heard before:  if you don't like the weather, just wait a few minutes.  It will likely change!

The days are not too exciting right about now, but I'm relaxed and feeling pretty good.  I miss my cat, but it will be just another week and he will be in our house.  Already some of our plans for next week's holidays have fallen through due to a misunderstanding.  We were supposed to go to Nagano prefecture for two days to stay at a friend's cabin.  Another friend invited us, though, without being sure that it was okay with the person who owns the cabin!  Unfortunately, she doesn't have room for us, so we will go at the end of July for the fireworks and O-bon festival. 

So, now on to my theme of the day . . . English, or lack thereof . . .  Each time that Masahiko and I go out shopping or driving around the city, I have been meaning to keep a record of the fractured English that I see. When I was living in Japan before, I had intended to do the same, and I thought that I would get so many examples that I could make a book. But alas, my great plan failed (due to my laziness, and the fact that I just forgot to write down examples as I saw them). So, this time around I will try again . . .

for now, I can only share two hilarious examples that you are sure to see if you visit Japan at some time. Now see if you can guess what this store is trying to sell: HARD OFF

for those of you whose minds are in the gutter, I'm sorry to inform you that it is not an adult video store or a strip joint.  In fact, it is not an adult store of any kind, its quite harmless. and here's the background:  there is a chain of discount stores all over Japan, and one sells books while the other sells things like televisions, stereos, and other electronic devices. These stores sell items at seriously reduced prices, as the names of the stores are intending, I guess, to announce. The stores selling electronics are called HARD OFF, while the book stores are called BOOK OFF .  My first thought seeing the name of the bookstore, however, was that it was an especially good epithet for fending off would-be harassers or attackers.  "Hey, you #@**#, BOOKOFF!!!"  If he heard you yelling this, he would leave you alone for sure!  I'm not sure what I thought the first time I saw the huge sign for HARD OFF, though I never would have thought that they sold televisions!  If anyone has a theory of how they might have come up with this name, please let me know.  Meanwhile, I am thankful that I have a guide for my journey through Japan so that I can interpret the incredibly bad uses of my own language! 

Next time I am out and about, I will find more examples for you to enjoy!