Flying jerky patterns like snowflakes in the air

I have become the serial killer of the fruit fly world.

I never wanted this to happen. But they just keep coming back; multiplying every few minutes or so. I don't how it’s possible; when I took a shower this evening, I killed about 7—when I came back to get ready for bed, there were about 10 more new ones. They tend to congregate in my bathroom; why, I don’t know—there are no open containers; there is nothing but make-up soaked Q-tips in the trash can. I don’t even feel safe buying fruit anymore—I started drinking juice drinks instead of buying anything that grows from the ground—I mean, I’ve already been reduced to a diet of carbs (mainly noodles and white bread, with the occasion bits of rice when I get sushi). But then…oh, dear—the bananas were on sale for 99 yen—99 yen!—I was having guests spend then night, and fruit is just so expensive that I couldn’t possibly pass it up.

And now I am paying the price. This morning, I was twice awoken by the sound of

buzzing near my ear—I am unfortunately so light a sleeper that fruit fly buzzing wakes me up—but considering the infestation that is going on right now, it’s a miracle I could sleep at all.

It’s not helped by the fact that Japan runs its citizens through a labyrinth of details when it comes to trash collection. I have included a sample collection schedule to give you an idea of what I have to do—but let me say that I would much prefer this simple, complimentary English schedule to my (more brightly colored, as well as more elaborate) schedule. It also doesn’t help that I rarely no what idea day it is if it’s not Friday (the night I have to go to bed early because Saturday is early up day), Saturday (day before weekend!), Sunday (weekend start ☺!), or Monday (weekend end ☹ ). The problem is that this slightly shifted schedule has not been something I have easily become accustomed to, and so my trash collection grows, and my 9x12 feet apartment suffers.

On the plus side, I have seen some of the other very intense bug life that exists in Japan—and considering the number of stag (or other) beetles, spiders, and moths of all sorts I encounter on my way home, I should be grateful that my nemesis (nemesises?) are no larger than 2 mm.