Friday was the first day I rode my bike. That meant the universe was going to break me in the hard way. It takes about ten minutes to get from my host family's house to the university, and much of it is uphill, so when I'm tired and going back it's an easier ride. However, I wasn't technically allowed to park my bike in the campus lot without a permit sticker. So as soon as I arrived, I went and bought the ticket that I have to turn in with the application. However, the application also required that I have a copy of the bicycle registration paper, which I just happened to leave back at the house (definitely the universe at work). So, after my first two classes, with the four hour break I had, I rode all the way back (I'm out of shape right now, so I was tired and hot by this point), and then ride back up the hills. My legs felt like lead, but at least I didn't have to ride back a third time.
I had my second language placement test, which could have gone better, but also could have gone worse. I suppose I'll find out the results tomorrow.
Yesterday I decided to go out and take the pictures I have so far neglected to take. It started raining early in the afternoon, so I took the time to explore the library (which has books on otaku culture :P), but it closed before the rain stopped. Which didn't really matter in the long run, since it didn't stop raining at all. I've seen some people riding around with umbrellas in one hand (which is illegal), so I gave it a try (when in Rome...). After one minute I gave up and will never do that again. I need to find a rain suit, preferably one that covers my backpack and all the stuff in it as well.
Today was a hardcore gaming session. Not only did I spend most of the day playing a game, but Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver came out over here today, and Tatsuki's been paying as well, while Momo played some kind of sim game. I got to cook tonight's dinner, which was a big success. I made Zuppa Tuscana, and while it wasn't quite the same as usual since I didn't have exactly the same ingredients or any measuring tools, it turned out pretty well. The kids have already asked for me to cook it again, and everyone had seconds.
Tomorrow I'm going to go to the city office to apply for my long-term visa. The student ones that are how international students get over here are only good for 90 days, so we have to get this second one in order to stay throughout the semester.

Observations
Americans say kids nowadays are being raised by TV, but that's nothing next to Japanese kids. The TVs here (there are two, both in the family room) are almost always on, and Momo watches regardless of whether or not it's a kid's program.
In the U.S. there are epic razor blade commercials. In Japan, there are epic coffee commercials with flames and Godzilla as a mascot.
Since Smack ramen is no more, I switched to Sapporo Ichiban. Just yesterday, I saw a commercial for it, something that never would have happened back home. It made me pretty happy.
All of my observations this time have been about TV, haven't they?