This & That

Last week was almost the same every day: Work, gym, piano practice, work, gym, piano practice, ...

But it was a short week actually! Or... unfortunately, because it was Pia's last week at work :(((

We tried to see each other as often as possible but of all weeks she had to work her last days as a substitute with the most horrible schedule. I was so sad...

On Friday then, we had a small Farewell-Party for her. At first we went to Wataminchi and enjoyed lots of food with 2 hours of Nomihodai.

We were eight people at first but after the dinner Kerstin and Ella left so the remaining six of us went to Karaoke.

Karakan was so expensive that evening! Maybe coz it was Friday night and it was Shinjuku, but still... 2000Yen for one hour? They had to be kidding us!

So we decided to go to Karaoke 747 which is the very cheap alternative. 

We drank more inside the room, sang the Beatles, Disney and what not, drank, sang, drank... That's how our party ended.

The boys singing Bohemian Rhapsody

That next day Jerry asked me to help him out in the office and since it was Pia's last day of Saturday work, too, I agreed. But unfortunately again, we didn't see each other much that day.

Later that day I met up with Shun T. who returned from Germany. I got a cute Omiyage from Hamburg (apparently his favorite German city): a bag full with candy.

Kuddelmuddel (jumble/mess) candy with chocolate filling

After that I went to practice the piano again. There is this really nice place in Myogadani, which is called Piano Presto. I am going there almost every day since mid December. 

You can use Piano Presto in three ways:

Either you are teaching, taking a lesson or renting a little room (with or without music instrument). 

I am only using the rental services.

Well, the rooms are tiny (exactly 2.73m²)!!! 

And every time I step inside I need to make sure my eyedrops are with me otherwise my contacts will stick to my eyeballs like superglue. The air is really dry and there are no windows of course. (There is a heater/air conditioner though. I really don't know who would turn on a heater in that tiny claustrophobic room, are they suicidal??)

Anywho, I usually use the upright piano, which is only 1080Yen for one hour. There is a grand piano, too (1620Yen), but it doesn't really make a huge difference on which to practice (I know, I'm not a real musician, DUH!).

Hello eye-drops!

After practice I went to my piano lesson (which is in Todaimae). Finally got the programs for the recital on the 24th! I am very scared, anxious and want to throw up when thinking about it. I am really looking forward to being through with Beethoven though (for now)! 

Also, I already got my new projects starting from February. I had the choice between Mozart - Turkish March and Chopin - Waltz in D flat major (also called Little Dog Waltz or Minute Waltz). Well, since I adore dogs... no just kidding, I chose Chopin because I really love this waltz! I know, I will never master this piece fully, but I will try my best and this time without any pressure!

I am actually even thinking about having my nails done again. I haven't done it since I've started practicing like a crazy person. But yesterday I was browsing the web and found this adorable design!

And it's my favorite color, too! It's fate for sure

Anyway, which one do you guys prefer??

Frederic Chopin

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

That same Saturday, Kei and me had a date and because I needed to wait for him for 30 more minutes, I went to Karaoke Ban Ban in Yotsuya. I love love love going to Karaoke by myself because then I can just sing whatever I like without taking care of anyone's feelings and song preferences. Lol, sorry my friends...

I forgot to tell the receptionist that I want to sing using the DAM machine so I got the Joysound one instead. Which was stroke of luck! Why? Because I found the favorite of all favorites, my absolutely favorite song of Bon Jovi "The Hardest Part Is The Night". I think I was singing with tears of joy (-sound) in my eyes.

So 80s... so good

After the Karaoke, Kei and me went to the Wara Wara close by. He hates it but I love it and since I'm a good girl I'm getting to choose! The food was delicious and the Nomihodai was long!

Why do I suddenly have the urge to drink Umeshu soda?? It's 3pm!!