The weirdest thing happened to me last night. I was sleeping, but I was totally dizzy. Not dizzy in my dream or anything. Actually dizzy, which also made me nauseous. It felt like I was in vertigo or something. So I woke up and then went back to sleep. But it happened several times! sooo weird. Is that even possible?

O-M-G!

Ok. Di linked to a youtube video in her post that I have to post here as well....



Ok. That is one part of the Tokyo culture that I really don't have to experience. I mean. Seriously, the latecomers actually look like they still want to get on the train!!!

On an unrelated note, Earth Day's coming up (April 22). Here are some ideas of how to celebrate. :)

Can someone just tell me?

Tipping is such a confusing custom! I mean. I get the whole restaurant service 15% thing..that's pretty ingrained now. But services are still kinda fuzzy for me. Like...I hear so many things, I totally don't know what's what anymore. I think I'm pretty confident that tip is needed for all American service providers (hair stylists, etc.), but what about Asian ones? Like the nail salon...my hair stylist? This post is prompted by a recent reminder that I really still have no idea what's accepted tipping behavior. It's even worse when I don't have spare 1s to give tip without having to ask for change (AWKWARD), on top of which, clear communication is crippled by our mutual shaky grasp of each other's native language!

I've heard that for Asian hair salons, you don't need to tip. Or you don't need to tip if your stylist is the owner...Or you don't need to tip as much..maybe 10%. Is that TRUE? I really wish I could just ask outright and somehow not come off as a cheapo or something. Then I'd know for sure if I'm offending by not giving a tip...or if one is totally not expected...how much is acceptable/generous...or what! I really don't mind giving tip. I just want to know for sure if I'm supposed to or not & how much. Does anyone know the right answer??