Nervous

My entrance examination will come in one week. Honestly I feel nervous. It feels like I still have many things to learn, but not have enough time. Although the fact is I have started preparing myself for the exam since 6 months ago.

Last weekend I tried to escape from my overwhelming exam's preparation. My husband took me to Nagano for weekend getaway. It was fun. We saw snow monkey, experienced heavy snow, and took enjoyable walking around the historic onsen area. This short holiday was very relaxing for me, before I have to come back struggling in Tokyo.

Fortunately I get great supports from everyone, including from my academic advisor, which is the most important part to pass the examination. Not to mention support from my husband is not less important. It is only the fact that I have to pass this examination, unless my scholarship will be discontinued, makes me feel this examination really determines my future.

Halal food

As a moslem, I am required to eat halal food only. Halal food contain no pork and pork related ingredients, as well as alcoholic products. And for other meat products, the animals (chicken, cow, sheep) should be slaughtered in islamic way.

However, I and my husband now live in Japan. Moslem is minority here, and not easy to find halal food anywhere. Many common meals may contain a bit 'sake' for taste (many soy sauces have 'sake' in the ingredient), or emulsifier and food stabiliser of which could be derived from pork fat.

I realize it is very difficult to avoid non-halal food here. So, I only try my best to provide halal food for me and my husband as much as I can. Mostly we cook. Fortunately we both love cooking. Cooking at home also can save much money, comparing to eating outside. But sometimes cooking is inconvenient during busy days or in traveling.

First post

Today I start my English writing to increase my ability how to write good article in English.

Now I am learning Japanese intensively everyday, and surrounded by people who speak Japanese only. Therefore, I don’t want to loose my competent in English. Speaking in English is not so difficult for me, but writing is another thing. Even in my own language (Indonesia) I still cannot write well. I regret that I didn’t take seriously in composition class in my school days. Now I realize that to be able to produce good writings will be my only way to survive in my dream career as researcher and academician.

So everyday I will try my best to write anything in English. Whether it’s only daily life things, or perhaps something serious or work related articles.

Wish me luck.