Looking for Hiragana all around me

Lately I look out for Japanese written all around me. The only way I recognize it is when I see hiragana characters written. Riding the subway I look at the ads and the advisories from the MTA to see if they are written in Japanese. When shopping I look at the labels on the clothing and the shoes to see if there are care instructions in Japanese. I try to recognize words in movies where Japanese is spoken (like in BABEL, the only things I understood without closed captions was when a question was asked).

Self-Introduction (HIRAGANA)

はじめまして　エリザベタ　です。
Columbia だいがく　の　ひしょ　です。
しゅっしうん　は　New Jersey です。　
ロシヤ　から　きました。　
たんじょぅび　は　はちがつ　じゅぅさんにち　でぅす。　
どぅぞ よろしく。

Self-Introduction

Hajimemashite Erizabeta desu. "Columbia" daigaku no hisho desu. Syusshin wa "New Jersey" desu. Roshiya kara kimashita. Tanjôbi wa hachi-gatsu jûsan-nichi desu.

Dôzo yoroshiku.

Midterm Exam

i can't say i love exams, i doubt many people do. if i must be tested then i would like to be tested on the following criteria:

1. my understanding of what i am seeing/reading: reading comprehension type questions preferably in romanji since i still cannot read hiragana comfortably.
2. practice of speech/accent: a practical speaking portion to an exam.
3. matching of vocabulary to their english translations from one column to another.
4. short answers and some multiple choice.

...not so easy...

The japanese class is fast paced and is taking a lot of effort from me to keep up with. Since this language is so different in the alphabet, the sound, the grammar - everything it is basically difficult to relate it and committ things to memory. I often wonder how the other students handle it in addition to a full class load. Personally I am doing the best that I can and dedicating as much time to it as possible. The homework is taking a lot of time but it is easy to follow and the repetition is helpfull. The vocabulary and the hiragana at this point are the most difficult aspects. I am having a hard time memorizing both but will continue to practice and put forth an effort.

Why Japanese?

1. Because I already have a strong foundation in Romance and Slavic languages with Spanish, French, Russian, and some Italian, and I want my language skills to be well rounded (globally).
2. Because I have a friend who took Japanese and I thought that was hot.
3. Because Japanese movies are scary (at least the ones re-made in America).
4. Because I study karate.
5. Because it sounds good to my ears.
6. Because my job pays for it.
7. Because I am ready for a challenge.
8. Why Not?