Apartment 2.0

Before...





AFTER!


Happy Anniversary in Japan to me! New bed set + reading lamp + tatami chair.

Thanks goes to Nitori, the amazing home decor store!

Earthquakes! Tsunamis! Typhoons! Oh My!

Here's a piece of advice: If you are looking for a thrill, move to Japan. If you want to live into your golden years, move someplace else.

Here are some of the "thrills" I have been experiencing this week.

Tuesday Morning.

The earthquake shook my apartment so much I had to crawl on hands and knees to hide under my computer desk in the spare room. I think the quake lasted 8-10 seconds.

When the quake was over, a tsunami warning came on the news. Apparently, it amounted to nothing. But hey, I am a first-timer on these things so just say the words "tsunami warning" and I will start panicking.

Thursday morning.
Another earthquake in the ocean that did not affect my area, thankfully, but still close enough to be a cause for worry.

Thursday evening.
Earthquake No. 2 of the day. My apartment shook a little and I dove under the futon blanket/mattress that I had just brought in from airing. Lasted maybe 5 secs.

You may have also heard on the news that Japan has suffered landslides from these earthquakes and due heavy rainfall in the west. And don't forget our seasonal typhoons... I think No. 9 just passed to the south of Japan this week.

I used to live in Tornado Alley; now I live in Natural Disaster 3-Ring Circus of Fire.

Did I mention Mt. Fuji is right outside my window?

How I know I live in Japan

1) I was woken up at 5:07 am by a 6.6 earthquake.
2) A tsunami warning was issued for a 0.5 m prediction.
3) A typhoon is making its way east to the south of the main islands.
4) In August, the temperature is in the mid 90s and work keeps the A/C at a "cool" 83.

While I have sick-days, can I get a "scared out of my pants by natural disasters" day?

http://www.jma.go.jp/en/quake/20090811051326391-110507.html

Summer Vacation Photos

I can't please everyone.

But it has been a year since I posted any photos on Facebook. Also, Facebook is now allowing 200 photos in an album.

If you want to see what I've been doing SINCE Tanabata, please follow the link below. Even if you do NOT have Facebook, you CAN see my pictures via this link.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2104173&id=71004761&l=c38a93db57

Some are repeats and some are new. Please feel free to leave a comment.

Enjoy!