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

the last two days I've had trouble getting up - probably because I'm not sleeping well. I can't fall asleep until after midnight, and then wake up suddenly at 2 or 3 a.m. (for no apparent reason). Usually then my cat is awake and wanting attention, so I can't sleep right away, and inevitably I wake up again around 5 or 6, go to the bathroom, and then sleep until 8 or 9. Masahiko's been sleeping late too - guess we are both too inactive these days.

I had to force myself to exercise last night - I was going to do it all day, but kept finding reasons not to. First of all, I was finishing my book (The Bee Season, which I enjoyed, but thought it ended somewhat abruptly, and I found myself wanting more explanation for so many things). then I was making plans for my class at 4 p.m. (this time I had two students - one girl was still sick). so finally around 8, after playing around on my photo program trying to make icons for my journal (none are good), I did 30 minutes of floor exercises. I'm not sure they do any good, except to get me stretching.

I wanted to go for a walk today, but its pissing down rain (and I mean its really heavy - reminds me of Washington rain - steady and very wet). So if I can motivate myself, I'll do yoga and study Japanese.

oh, and on a final note I saw that the nominations were announced for the Academy Awards. I am so so happy for Brokeback Mountain, but so so disappointed that I won't be able to see it by the time the Oscars come around. It has to come to Japan if its nominated for so many awards, but it still might take some time. When I realized that I hadn't seen ANY of the movies up for awards this year, I realized that something is wrong with my life. I thought that living in Japan would be ok since I don't particularly watch American television shows, and I can adjust myself to weather and food. But MOVIES!! I miss movies so much - and realized that they are part of my life - a big part that has been missing for almost a year now!

Ha - this is funny!  People in the U.S. want to start buying Japanese heated toilets:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20060130/hl_afp/afplifestylejapanustoilettotocompany_060130082638

I've been using one for over 10 months now, and while the heated part is nice in the winter (though it does always remind you of how cold the house is), I am terrified to use the "washlet".  I am sure it feels quite nice, but I'm not sure I know what to expect...

and in other news, poor poor Tom Cruise has been nominated for a Razzie:  http://www.megastar.co.uk/movienews/news/2006/01/31/sMEG01MTEzODcwNDE4NzI.html 

Seems people just can't forgive him for being such a mega-asshole regarding his freaky scientology - and for his ridiculous performance on Oprah.  AS much as I hate Tom, though, I do have to admit he is not a bad actor. It think that his performance in 'War of the Worlds' has to do with the fact that the movie truly SUCKED.  It was really such a crappy movie, no one could save it (especially not that whiny little girl, Dakota Fanning)...  And as for Tom, he has made some good films.  In fact, I just watched 'Minority Report' the other day on TV (an awesome film), and he is very good in it.  Plus he was good in 'Collateral' and 'Rain Man."  But it is funny that his fiancee, Katie Holmes, is also up for a Razzie - she is truly a terrible actress... not to mention that she's dumb as doornails (I was lucky enough to see her on Leno and she looked so stupid).