I never had a problem with playing music in front of large crowds, being a self-centered bastard. But at times when I played shows in front of 10 people, or 2 label people; that's when I got self-conscious. The typical stage fright remedies I heard were to look slightly over the audiences heads, or (more commonly) drink varying amounts of Jaegermeister.

The reading test is murder, that's what everyone says. There is never enough time to finish, etc.

It's really no more difficult than any adult level reading passage. What I mean is, the reading section is not 300 pages long. What makes it difficult is the vocabulary. So your strategy is to learn all the words. Native readers aren't faster, just familiar with the words. Don't try to practice speed reading at the expense of vocabulary.

皆さん、お疲れ様でした。

Smart, cute, Japanese girls who write blogs are A-OK with me.

Smart, white guys who practice writing Japanese every day are also number one in my book.

If I ever decide to use that room in my apartment that has the refrigerator and microwave in it, I will make these お弁当 every day.

Initially, I was happy to note that my 1kyuu grammar book had a lot less grammar points than level 2, so I thought it might be a little easier to study for. However, as I am taking the practice tests, many of the answer choices are level 2 grammar as well. I have done ok so far, but I will have to go back and review level 2 grammar. Which is fine, there's a lot of 2kyuu grammar that I hear but never use. When I hear it, I think, "Ah, level 2 grammar that I completely forgot about." Then I get sad. Then I go study, and am happy again.

I'm a little torn because I am spending some leisure time reading English. It's about the same as I did in Japan, but I was surrounded by Japanese writing there. Some of the reading is valid: school prep, etc.; some is just a diversion: politics, news.

This comes from an article by Ed Jacob, which I recommend if you want a quick primer on the JLPT. I have pulled the most helpful tips for the test. First, regarding the nature of the test:

At the 1kyuu and 2kyuu levels, the JLPT is basically a vocabulary test. Of course you need to have a strong foundation in basic grammar, but it is not actively tested, and people with large vocabularies and bad grammar do a lot better than people with good grammar and small vocabularies.

I went to Arlington Heights by train/bus/train/bus to attend the annual natsu matsuri. I also ordered my study guides for the JLPT. I have noticed a small change in how I interact with Japanese people. I am no longer nervous that I will not understand something. This makes it easier to concentrate on what I say. The lady helping me was a sweetheart and we talked for a few minutes. Most of the conversation was praising me, of course.

I have started studying for the 1級. I can't imagine I will pass it, but stranger things have happened. I did the same thing when I took the level 2; I took a trial run when I knew about half the necessary Kanji and vocabulary. The next year I passed it. This time is a little different. I have a better grasp on comprehension in general, my vocabulary is probably 5 times what it was then. It's easier to understand written passages, even if it is full of words I don't know.

I heard "Honey White" by Morphine today. That song forever takes me back to my days in Atlanta, playing in my band and waiting tables. Waiting tables was a big pocket of cash every night, too much drinking and hooking up, and some of the best laughs. I met some great people from all walks of life: gay, jock, cheerleader, bodybuilder, stoner. We worked in such close quarters, we had to get along. The place was always full of drama, but the drama was what kept us coming back.

I helped my conversation partner move today. We will meet one or two more times, until she heads to Houston. Sad! I found her once I got back to the states, and she has exceeded my expectations, really letting me into her life. She has been really flexible in helping me in various areas with my Japanese, and knew how to explain things really well. Finding a replacement will be difficult. Plus she had no interest in learning English (doesn't need practice really), so it was all Japanese. Oh well.

Back to trolling the sushi restaurants!