Anyway, back to the creamer. So as I put the cream in my coffee, I started laughing out loud. See, I suddenly discovered I had a creep in my coffee! Well, not a creep, really, a "creap". Because, see, Romaji characters for the Japanese can be difficult. And well, they spelled cream (pronounced "kri-mu") "creap". Because "puh" is actually just the plosive version of "mmm". (I'm taking it back to Betty Ann and Speech for the Actor and IPA). And it makes sense when you understand Japanese pronunciation of foreign words, but to the casual eye, what is "creap"? It gets better, because then I tried to explain to my Japanese friends, sans translator of course, what a "creep" is. At which point I had to break the traditional touchy-feely barrier with Misuzu to demonstrate a creepy man feeling you up on the train. And used my hand to demonstrate a creepy, crawly spider or hand coming out of your coffee at Halloween. And basically, I just made a fool of myself (as I tend to when trapped all day in a ballroom with 25 Nihon-jin). And now for your enjoyment, is the little creap that caused all the trouble:
Now let's also rewind and talk about the earthquake. Why, in my sleepiness, for the past 2 times the shakin' has wakin' me (I know, wrong tense, but I like the rhyme), is the first thing that comes to my mind as a reason for the rockin' is that people next door are going at it so intensely my bed shakes through the wall? Because, I'd like to point out, I've seen the building layout, and I know that both rooms on either side of me are currently EMPTY. So why does my brain go there? Who knows? I guess I can just chalk it up to life as a hearing- and seeing-impaired individual whose alarm would have to be a bed-shaker. (Don't worry, these do exist, I'm not making it up!).
The day was a lot of fun, though I found myself wiped out halfway through it and wishing there was creap for the coffee. My Japanese improves greatly every day at Summer Party, though my English clearly deteriorates by the end of the day and I am always snacking on bad things for me. Ai-san and Lily, my fave translator, came to the third show and I hope I made them proud. (I didn't get any notes afterwards, so I'm gonna guess we got the thumbs up). The best part of the day was our first show when I walked out for my entrance and people literally hooped and hollered! Which is awesome because a) I can't ever remember getting entrance applause and now I feel like Angela Lansbury in Blithe Spirit, and b) our audiences are so reserved in general as Japanese, and then even more so because of the ballroom setting. Also, since EVERY SINGLE ADULT has a video camera running, I think they aren't even paying attention half the time. Seriously, since every show I've ever been in was not allowed to be videotaped, and now I'm doing a show with Mickey, it's so jarring every time to just see a see of red lights and video cameras. But I guess that means there might be some youtube clips to find down the road! Woo hoo!
In other news, the flu is becoming epidemic at E-Village and TDR. To the extent that BBB has had two days cancelled this week. (They NEVER cancel shows EVER. Not even 1. Nevertheless 2 days of 5 shows. WHOA). And currently there are both types. I rode the train home with an ill face character who said she was at the doctor and he said to another TDR employee, "Congrats. You have the swine." As in flu. Congrats?! I die. Apparently, the swine flu is now so minor in effect that they don't want it spreading here, but aren't too worried about you if you get it. Just congrats. HAHA. Let's hope I don't catch it though.
Also, Blair and I are postponing are Fuji climb till next weekend because the buses are fully booked and it's a special holiday weekend so it will be crazy and crowded. And there's no rush. So we are booking them for next weekend. Instead, we plan to travel to Nikko for 2 days and enjoy the mountain scenery, and maybe hit the Izu Peninsula and a white sand beach (AMEN) for 2 days next weekend as well. Woo hoo! I love traveling Japan!
And my final thought is about those crazy Japanese. Specifically the performers. They are MAJIDE, ne?! I must maintain a level of dignity, propriety, and professionalism (for my job's sake), but here's a little sampling. Just shenanigans backstage. Those hooligans crack me up. First off, Mickey and Donald hip hop it out for me every time before the show, and Donald crawls through my legs which is a riot. During the lottery today, the dancers outfitted me in Yuki's clothes (who was onstage) to make him smile. And we have a special treat prepared for a couple of the girls for their mutual birthdays tomorrow which involves boys in drag, "One Night Only", and me singing Happy Birthday Marilyn Monroe style whilst appearing with the cake. I wish there could be pics and video, but we are backstage and that is not allowed. And these, meanwhile, are the conversations I understand! I can't even talk about the stuff that happens that I don't understand. I'm literally just laughing along hysterically not having a clue. But I love it. And I think I will miss these crazy cats the most when I head to Gai-jin land at BBB.
But for now. Bed. Because another day at the hotel fast approaches.
