Culture Shock at its Finest

Picture Uploads

2011-05-21T21:06:00.004+09:00

I am pretty much bad at updating everything except for my Facebook status. So if you haven't found me there, good luck looking here. Sorry, I wish I were dedicated about these kinds of things but they are a bit hit and miss.

For springtime pictures, please go here!

And for pictures of my AMAZING trip to Cambodia, please go here and here! There are TWO albums because there are SO MANY PICTURES!!!!!

Here is a preview of the aforementioned albums.

Cherry Blossoms

Cherry Blossoms that covered the ENTIRE hill!

Shiraito Falls

The Reflection Pool at Angkor Wat

The strangling fig tree at one of the lesser temples
in Siem Riep, Cambodia

So where to next? I am debating between Morocco or Turkey.

Good News

2011-03-21T12:49:00.004+09:00

Second Harvest Japan Volunteers

I thought I would post some "warm fuzzies" that all this work is not in vain.

Power Restored to Nuclear Plant in Fukushima
Source: The Japan Times Online, Electricity restored at reactor No. 2, March 21, 2011

Survivors Found After 9 days
Source: The Japan Times Online, Pair found in rubble in Ishinomaki, March 21, 2011

Overzealous Foreign Media vs "Timid" Local Media and Finding the Balance in Responsible Journalism
Source: The Japan Times Online, Foreign media take flak for fanning fears, March 21, 2011

If you feel so inclined to donate so that food and supplies may be sent to those in the Tohoku Region, please visit the Second Harvest Website and make your donation.
Over the weekend, two trucks packed with goods were sent and we'd love to continue sending more!

Saturday's Truck

Sunday's Truck

If you live in the Tokyo area and would like to do more, OXFAM Japan will have the Tokyo Yamathon in which teams walk/jog/ramble the length of the Yamanote Line.
100% of the proceeds will go towards assisting those in the Tohoku Region.
As I am not an organizer (go Joey!), please visit the Tokyo Yamathon website for further details.

Basic Details of Tokyo Yamathon
When: Saturday 9th April 2011
Where: Harajuku Station
Meeting Time: 06:15 am
Starting time: 07:00 am
Participation fee: 6,000YEN (One team of three or four members)
Distance: Approximately 35 km

Ganbare, Nippon!!!!

After the Quake

2011-03-17T22:19:00.011+09:00

UPDATE! (March 18, 8:30pm, Japan Time)

You are probably hearing a lot of numbers and statistics thrown around on the news but may not have an idea what they mean in "real terms". This update is thanks in part to my friend, Sonja, and various articles from the Japan Times newspaper.

To put things into perspective (μSv/h = micro sieverts/hour):
Current levels in Shizuoka (my area) are about 0.04μSv/h and fall in between the normal ranges for Shizuoka (0.0281-0.0765 μSv/h).
By the way, WHERE is Shizuoka?
I am near that black dot on the bottom left of the map.
Source: The Japan Times Online, Embassies launch emergency measures, March 18, 2011

How can I compare this measurement to stuff I already know?
A chest x-ray would expose you to 50μSv.
A round trip flight between Tokyo and New York would expose you to 200μSv.
A stomach x-ray would expose you to 600μSv.

For more details, check out this chart (click to enlarge) and article!
Chart Source: Gakuranman PDF File
Article: The Japan Times Online, What Exactly are the Risks?, March 18, 2011.

So putting two and two together, I would be exposed to more radiation on a flight home than staying put in Shizuoka, which has always been my intention.

Currently, there are two measurements used in these statistics: microsieverts and millisieverts. The foreign media (non-Japanese media) are using the form that has the larger numbers for their own purposes of ratings and web clicks on their sites.
I also hear of people in Japan and abroad complaining that the Japanese government has been withholding information from the public. This kind of talk is not only absurd, but harmful. To make such a claim would be to say that the government is not working in the best interest of its citizens, tourists, and foreign workers.

But then why did the U.S. embassy ask for citizens to evacuate 80km when the Japanese government only required 20-30 km?
Hello, McFly? Anybody home?

Put yourself in this scenario: there is a natural disaster crisis that has left people without power, limited resources, possibility of further aftershocks and tsunamis, nuclear plant issues, and oh, by the way, you can't speak the local language very well.

The Japanese government has supported the U.S. embassy's call on this one and said that they would instruct their own citizens living abroad in the same manner in such a crisis.

President Obama is chartering planes to Japan to evacuate U.S. Citizens. Shouldn't that be an indicator that things are bad?
The indicators I go by are my neighbors, my fellow co-workers, and the Japanese government.
Life has been going on as usual, but perhaps with an increase in the amount of time co-workers are glued to their cell phones. This is because we cannot use web-based email, blogging, nor social networking while at work.

True, Obama is sending planes to evacuate family members of diplomatic personnel and the U.S. government will foot the bill. HOWEVER, for ordinary citizens, you will be required to sign a waiver that promises you will reimburse the cost of your removal from Japan. It is very likely you will not get to choose the location of your removal and to get to your desired final destination would require your own arrangements. Sounds like an unnecessary hassle and expense given the proofs I have already provided of my safety.

-----------------------END OF UPDATE-----------------------

By now, many of you are familiar with the Great Tohoku Earthquake. It's been all over the news and there are fears of nuclear meltdown.

First of all, everyone please calm down.

Many international news companies are blowing this out of proportion and comparing the Fukushima plant with Three-Mile Island and Chernobyl. A lot of this is exaggeration. Please take all news you hear with a grain of salt. I am not denying the dire circumstances, but I am asking that you take into consideration everything that you hear and PLEASE EDUCATE YOURSELF, myself included, about the situation before you start to lose your head.

For your entertainment, I am including a video that will hopefully explain in simple terms the situation in Fukushima.

I am putting my faith into knowledgeable people who are experts with nuclear know-how. I also am putting my faith into the Japanese government to communicate the truth of the situation to the Japanese people.

Have you heard the amazing things about the Japanese people? They line up in an orderly fashion outside supermarkets, waiting for their 10 items rations. They accept the round-robin power-outage rotation because it is for the best of the community, for the nation. They still go to the train station to commute to work even though the irregular power situation has caused fewer trains to run.
Today at work, a strawberry farmer came by to sell her fruit at discounted prices to cheer up the people in the neighborhood. By the way, they are delicious!

I have heard that President Obama is chartering planes to take U.S. citizens home. While that is a generous gesture, it is not one that I think I need to take. That opportunity is for those in the directly affected area. I am more than 300 miles away from the nuclear plant and radiation readings in Shizuoka have not been abnormal. Until I hear from my JET advisers and direct higher-ups, I will stay here in Japan to finish what I started.

I appreciate your prayers and messages of concern.

Also, I cannot immediately answer your emails and messages because my workplace has blocked all web-based email providers, Facebook, and blogging. Please give me time to process your message and prepare a thorough answer.

Lastly, I want to bring attention to those who are at the nuclear plant site. I don't know what levels of risk they are putting themselves into, but there is a chance they will come away with health issues. They are acting on behalf of the country. Whatever your stance is on nuclear energy, these people are doing their best to protect its citizens. For that, I am most grateful.

Flying by the Seat of My Pants

2011-02-17T23:26:00.006+09:00

I took a random, not-well-planned trip to Osaka and Kyoto.
Here are some pictures of that adventure!

That's my train! The Hikari 463!

The shink! By the way, "shink" is short for "shinkansen"
meaning bullet train.

And a little bit later, Osaka Castle!

Eskimo me!

Osaka Castle from a different view.

This is called a Capsule Hotel.
Obviously, my "room" is nothing but a capsule.
Not too bad and quite roomy for a little girl like me.

Shinsaibashi Shopping District.
It's especially popular with the young generation.

Shinsaibashi Shopping District

That's a mall. It's pretty sweet looking.

I was swept away by my friend, Junko, and her family to Kyoto.
And I FINALLY got to see Kiyomizudera,
one of the most famous temples in Kyoto.

Kiyomizudera

Because it was a 3-day weekend, the temple was crowded with visitors.

Thank you, Junko, for a wonderful trip!

Funny Things Students Say

2011-02-01T23:02:00.002+09:00

Today ~
Me : You aren't wearing a coat! Aren't you cold?
Student: Are you kidding? Look at me! I am a hot boy!

Last week ~
Me: Let's discuss this topic: "Who would be your perfect Valentine's date?"
Student: YO' MAMA!

A while back, reading students' compositions of Japanese Folk Tales:
"Then the God of the Stars said, "Oh no, you di'n't!"

During summer English camp ~
Student : If I were an animal, I would be a snake because I am a dangerous boy.

Golden Week 2011 Outlook

2011-01-25T19:43:00.006+09:00

Golden Week? Yes, Golden Week.

In Japan, Golden Week is (usually) a week of consecutive national holidays that provides a golden opportunity for people to travel abroad. This year, the holidays are as follows.

April 29th (Fri) - Showa Day. HISTORY LESSON! Japan divides its time periods according to the reign of the emperor. The Showa Period dates from December 25, 1926 to January 7, 1989 under Emperor Hirohito. Showa Day is ALWAYS on April 29th because it corresponds with Emperor Hirohito's birthday.
Side Note : The current period is called the Heisei Period and the Emperor's Birthday is December 23rd. I suppose on his passing that Day will become Heisei Day. Who knows?

May 3rd (Tues) - Constitution Memorial Day. The Constitution of Japan was put into effect on this day in 1947. Also, this is the ONLY DAY the Diet Building is open to the public. Ooooooo.

May 4th (Wed) - Greenery Day. As the name suggests, this day is to take in the joys of nature.

May 5th (Thurs) - Children's Day. Also known as Boy's Day, this holiday is to celebrate children's personalities and to wish for their health and happiness. You can often see carp-shaped kites/flags dancing in the wind.

SO! Why do I write all this?

I am THRILLED to say that I will be spending my Golden Week (taking Monday and Friday off) in CAMBODIA!

Did you read that?

CAMBODIA!!!!!!!

I guess the reason why I am so excited is because I will be the only one in my direct family to have traveled there. There's so much to see: Angkor Wat, Siem Riep, and beautiful beaches. I am from ARKANSAS and I will be traveling to CAMBODIA. I feel as though I am living the life of a celebrity. I dare you: go to the Google website and search "Cambodia" under images. Yeah, that's me in 3 months!!!!

Then I thought some more...
I've been fortunate to travel A LOT in my lifetime. By the time I get to Cambodia, I will have visited 26 countries by the age of 25! WHAT?! Yeah... TWENTY-SIX!!!

Somebody pinch me.

Hakuba Ski Trip 2011

2011-01-24T20:58:00.004+09:00

A while back (January 14-16), Shizuoka Prefecture ALTs and Yamanashi Prefecture ALTs met up in Hakuba, Nagano Prefecture for a weekend of skiing fun! The drive took about 4 and a half hours (forecast for almost 6 hours) thanks to good directions and generous speeding on the expressway. Shh! Don't tell!

We arrived about 10:30 at the Lady Diana Hotel in Hakuba. There wasn't much snow on the ground, but it was forecast to snow all night and all weekend.

This is what we woke up to on Saturday morning!!!!
Talk about a Winter Wonderland!

Sophie, Drew, and I are ready to hit the slopes!!!!!

Making some new friends with the Yamanashi ALTs.

My apologies that I didn't get any pictures of me actually skiing this time. The snow was coming down VERY hard and it was difficult to maneuver poles, gloves, cold fingers, and to keep my lens from fogging up all at once. We're meeting again in February so maybe I'll have better luck then!

Christmas 2010

2011-01-10T12:37:00.006+09:00

This year, I was able to come home for the holidays!
Here are some highlights of the trip.

Wood Fireplace! It smelled so good!

Mia (L) and Ally (R) on the way to get our Christmas tree!

Trekking through brambles

Loaded and ready to go back home!

(L-R) Abby, James, Curt, Mia, Kale, and Davis
in the front loader.

Wilson and I decorating the tree

Robertson grandkids Christmas morning
Mia, James, Archie, Abby, Hannah,
Ally, Davis, Kale, Curt, Emi

Family Picture!

Cheese platter with the Bakers

Making muffins!

Snack time!

Merry Christmas everyone!

If you'd like to see more pictures,
they can be found here

Christmas Spirit

2010-12-03T18:20:00.002+09:00

There is no way there will ever be a White Christmas in Shimizu, but a girl can still dream, ya?

Since the weather around here is still early fall-ish, the "Christmas feeling" hasn't sunk in yet. Yes, a few houses have lights up and Christmas carols play in the supermarket, but I just haven't gotten that bounce in my step.

Well that all changed the other day. At school, some of the third year students in the elective music course gave a performance of White Christmas on hand bells. I couldn't stop smiling throughout their performance as I was thinking of the loved ones who are waiting for me.

These kids are like my babies because we started together, and we'll probably finish together.
Love 'em!

My Own Horn

2010-12-02T09:06:00.003+09:00

Toot! Toot!

In the previous post, I mentioned that I attended a seminar. So let me elaborate.

Every year, the JET programme has Mid-Year Seminars (MYS) for all their prefectures. In Shizuoka, all 2nd-year and above JETs are required to present at this seminar. Since I am in my 3rd year now, I had to present. I could choose my own topic, choose to have a partner or fly solo, and debate whether I should risk the success of my presentation on Powerpoint.

I decided to be old-fashioned with a handout, magnets, posters, white board, markers, and a great Vanna White audience assistant. There was some great discussions, helpful participation from the audience (primarily first-year JETs and recently-transferred or appointed JTEs and Supervisors), and a lot of laughs. The 50 minutes alloted for the presentation suddenly seemed as though it wouldn't be enough time! I suppose that's a better "problem" to have than to have 15 minutes remaining and twiddle our thumbs.

During lunch break of the second day, participants in MYS could vote for the best elective workshop/presentation and the winners would be announced in the closing remarks.
Well toot, toot, ta, toot, toot! I got 2nd!

As a teacher, sometimes I feel that my hard work goes unappreciated by those that receive it. It can be a HUGE downer over a long haul (like the current second semester) and kill motivation. So it's nice to have my efforts recognized by others who work just as diligently.

If you'd like to take a peek at my handout, it can be viewed here at Google Documents. The formatting has gone wonky and this may be because the head JET doesn't have the font I used on his computer. Ah well, he was kind enough to upload all the handouts used at MYS so I am grateful because now I have even MORE resources to pull from in the future.... like third semester.

1 week and 6 days until I am home!

Anything you can do, I can do in Japanese

2010-11-24T10:07:00.005+09:00

I got this idea from a friend at the seminar last week. Any milestone in a foreign country is still a milestone, however big or small. I may be surprised by all that I -can- do on my own and now think that it is no big deal.

In no specific order or ranking...

1) I can order a pizza over the phone.

2) I can update my bankbook in Japanese (please see previous post about the lack of bank statements in Japan).

3) I can call the delivery man and make an appointment for him/her to pick up/deliver a package.

4) I can use the poster-making machine , copier , and fax machine at work.

5) I can fill out my own business trip form. (If you haven't seen one, they are ridiculously meticulous and complicated)

6) I can call a taxi and give him/her specific directions to my location, where I want to go, and how many people will be riding. Often times, I can even hold a casual conversation with the driver.

7) I can find almost anything at the grocery store. Corn starch still eludes me.

8) I can operate Microsoft Word and Excel in Japanese. Yes, I got skills.

9) I can read and comprehend a bus and train map and correspondingly, how to get around the stations. I have taken the wrong bus/train only ONCE in 2 and a half years.

10) I can make photo prints without assistance from a store clerk.

11) I can use the touch panels at sushi and yakiniku restaurants (pictures are very helpful).

12) I can recharge my commuter's card.

13) I can request out-of-state train tickets for regular trains, bullet trains, other luxury lines , and whether the ticket should be round trip or one-way.

14) I can have 3 drinks and not make a fool of myself. (While this is not a skill, after-work drinking is a bonding custom. To not participate in drinking may be interpreted as an indirect signal that the person does not wish to socialize. Before coming to Japan, I never drank alcohol.)

15) I can order sports tickets (specifically sumo tickets) from the ATM-esque machines at convenient stores.

16) I can tell the doctor my symptoms.

17) I can order contacts and update my prescription.

18) I can wire money home or to another account, but I have to brave the severe post office lady who raises her voice at me when I ask her to speak more clearly. I didn't say speak louder.

19) I can tell off my students for bad behavior. They seem stunned that I am capable of raising my voice since I am usually so bubbly.

20) I can write a New Years greeting card.

21) I can write a few kanji characters with a calligraphy brush. Of course, this is after practicing 12-20 times.

22) I can write my address in Japanese by hand. It takes 100-105 strokes of the pen depending on how clearly I write.

23) I can ask people to hand me items that are out of reach and to help me make change from a 500 yen coin or 1,000 yen bill.

24) I can order anything at Starbucks (and I guess any other coffee shop).

25) I can request permission to try on clothes or shoes.

26) I can use, read, and comprehend my TV's internal TV-guide.

27) I can hook up most electronics. Laptop to projector can still be a hassle.

28) I can operate a karaoke machine , find the song I want to sing , and input it into the machine.

Wow! I can do a lot! Before I came to Japan, I could not do ANY of these things. So maybe I won't pass the Japanese Language Proficiency Test in December, but at least I know that what I couldn't do before, I can now do. HA!

Super Mario Bros.

2010-11-10T20:14:00.003+09:00

As most of you know, I am a video game nerd.
Zelda, Ocarina of Time for 64 redefined gaming for me. That and multi-player Tetris.

Here is an excerpt from one of my student's journals.

"Now, Mario celebrates 25 year. But I have big shock. Mario is sink man! Cool hat man I was thinking. Overalls is stylish recently, so Mario have nice sense I was thinking. Before, what I thought is now a lie! I am in a shock."

Translation:
Super Mario Bros is celebrating their 25th anniversary. But I am in shock: Mario is a plumber! I thought he [just] wore a cool hat. Recently, overalls are in style, so Mario has good fashion sense. But, now I realize that what I thought before is wrong! I am so shocked."

I had a good laugh over this.

2010-10-25T10:17:00.001+09:00

Ugh. Ths blog stuff is not going over well, is it?

I am going rafting on Saturday (assuming I kick this cold before then) so I should have something to post.

I am so stressed at work. I am exhausted. I need more sleep.

A Good Week

2010-09-24T14:48:00.004+09:00

I am trying to stay positive.

Last week (September 13 - 17) had its extremes ups and downs. I went to work Monday and managed to put on "the mask of duty". But really, I was panicking inside. Thank goodness my first period class was taken over by the other teacher, Ms. Kobayashi. Tuesday was exhausting because I had 4 classes and couldn't focus my head to really teach the classes all that well. I went home feeling defeated. Wednesday was much better. I had two enthusiastic first-year classes and they really boosted my spirits. Thursday and Friday almost felt normal.

I haven't told my students why I missed the first week and a half of the second semester. I feel as though I will lose my composure if I do tell them. Also, for some reason, I feel like I should be inpenetrable when I am in front of them. Since being a teacher in Japan, I have only cried twice in a pity-party sort of way due to the stresses of work, an unmanagable class, or something like that. Both times were in the seclusion of my classroom on the 4th floor of the 2nd building so I highly doubt anyone else at school was aware.
As a high school student, I can only recall one time when a teacher cried in front of the students due to her own struggle with a chronic illness. I was floored. Then again, I could fully understand everything she said to me and that wouldn't be the case with my students, especially since my English while crying isn't all that clear.

This week was even better. Monday was a holiday so I spent the 3-day weekend at my aunt and uncle's place in Kamakura. I love going there because it is so relaxing. Sure, it was busy around the station and beach, but I spent most of the time with my aunt and uncle, reading manga, listening to the birds, and watching the sumo tournament on TV.

After the 3-day weekend, I came back to a 3-class work week. This is almost unheard of for me since I have a 17-class work week. Insane. Monday was a national holiday (Respect for the Aged Day), Tuesday was morning classes only in order to prepare for..., Wednesday: the school's Field Day. I didn't take any pictures this year, but if you would like to look at previous years' picture, they can be seen here and here. Thursday was ALSO a national holiday (Autumn Equinox) and it rained all day. But with the rain came Autumn. The temperature FINALLY went below 30 C and today is very cool as well. Since there wasn't much chance of getting out, I cleaned the apartment which has desperately been needing my attention. And today, I had 3 second-year classes and we talked/wrote about movies, books, comics, and TV shows. I had a lot of fun and the students took up the writing assignment enthusiastically. Sometimes students can really surprise you!

Tonight, I will have dinner with a good friend, Joe, and then spend some time at home tomorrow Skyping and relaxing and getting back to studying for another JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) in December.

By the way, I failed the July test, but only the grammar section. I am not too surprised since I didn't feel all that confident after the test. This year, the examinee must pass all three sections of the test. I passed kanji reading/vocabulary usage and listening, but my grammar was dismal at only 30%. So I guess I know what I need to work on.

Grief still comes suddenly. Before this post, I was looking through pictures of my nephews and nieces and thought just how precious family truly is. I am so glad I will be coming home for Christmas time for almost 3 weeks. Don't be surprised if I only stick around with them. If you want to see me, you may have to come see me on my turf at 1111. I love that address...

Loss, Shock, Grief, and more

2010-09-13T11:38:00.002+09:00

As some of my readers already know, my family has had a sudden loss.

Words seem really pointless to try to process my feelings and my grief, especially to do so on a public forum.

Now I am back in Japan, back to work, and don't feel like myself.

Deep breaths.

Still Around

2010-08-11T03:13:00.002+09:00

My apologies to my dedicated readers.

There's no excuse for my lack of posts except for the blatant admission of laziness. This summer is the 3rd summer I've experienced in Japan and it also happens to be the hottest of the 3. Naturally, such circumstances do not foster motivation for anything other than loafing around the house where there's A/C. Why I don't post pictures in the meantime? Perhaps I consider that "work" and since I am technically on summer vacation (though still required to go to school and explaining that system requires a separate blog post), I'd rather use my vacation for just that... a vacation.

But I am here, alive and well, and smothering in the heat.

4 Years from Now

2010-05-13T11:49:00.003+09:00

Wow. It just hit me.

The World Cup Soccer (Football) Tournament is this year. Do you know what this means?!

I am officially a has-been.

...

How did I come to that conclusion?

4 years ago, during the time of the previous World Cup, I was touring Europe with the HU Chorus. There were weeks of rain, international singing festival in Poland, the beauty of Dresden Germany, reuniting with college friends in Vicenza Italy, crepes in Lyon France, and a super long bus ride from Calais to Bristol.
My fleece pullover became my best friend because, unlike Arkansas, most of Europe is still pretty chilly in May and June. Close runner-ups were my Febreze fabric deodorizor and Shout Wipes. Remember those hideous asparagus outfits? Yikes...
Most memorable are the other members of the Chorus and the generous people who hosted us on our tour. In Germany, I seemed to bump into a lot of people who knew me as a child or knew my family. In Croatia, I learned a valuable lesson in friendship. In France, I fell in love with white peaches.

That was 4 years ago.

Now, I am teaching English at a high school in Japan.

I have been so blessed and priveleged to have so many experiences young in life. I hope that 4 years from now, I am still as adventurous and appreciative of the world and the people who make my life amazing.

Where will I be 4 years from now?

Long time, No Blog!

2010-05-11T09:15:00.003+09:00

*wipes the dust from her keyboard and screen*

Hisashiburi, y'all! Wow. It has been awhile since I have posted here!

Since Korea, a new school year has kicked off. I have 241 new students and this batch seems a lot more eager and confident to volunteer in class. This makes it a lot easier on me especially since OC is all about communicating!

But the first semester is a bit odd. I can never get into a groove. School starts but I didn't see the first year students for a week. Then two weeks later, we had a week's-worth of holidays so I missed a class here and another one there. Next week, we'll have midterms and 3 weeks after that is our school culture festival. With so many hiccups, it's a bit difficult to settle into a routine. Also, since all my classes are on different lesson plans, I am having difficulty making a midterm that is challenging enough for the students who are ahead without being impossible for the students who are behind.

For general grown-up talk, I finished my taxes last night. HALLEJUAH! I am glad I get a 2 month auto-extension since I live overseas because all those calculations of deductions from yen-dollars was a pain.

In family news, my parents arrive in Japan tomorrow! My dad retired from teaching business/commercial law, international relations, and some economics courses so now both parents have the time for an extended visit. They will be in Japan until late June, but only with me for maybe 2 weeks of the time. This weekend, we will be attending the May Sumo Tournament and next week, we will travel to the Northern Coast of Japan to Kanazawa. Of course, they will stopover at my place for a few nights and meet Kiyomi. We're set to go out to my favorite yakitori shop.

A short jaunt to South Korea

2010-03-29T17:08:00.004+09:00

Now that schools are on spring holiday, I can travel too!

YES! Sensei is allowed to take time off! About time!!!

For 3 nights and 4 days, I explored Seoul with Kiyomi.

We ate, we shopped, we ate, we saw shows, and just to shake things up a bit, we ate some more.

You can view my Facebook album, Anyohaseyo, to view my adventures there.

By the way, Anyohaseyo means "hello" in Korean.

Kam-sa-ham-ni-dah!

Pork Style Korean BBQ

View of Downtown Seoul from our hotel

Starting to Hate the System

2010-03-16T09:01:00.002+09:00

He's been hacking for two days. And he won't go home.

Well, he could go home, but he'd have to take paid leave.

But he's obviously very sick. And staying here at work, in the staff room, means that he's just spreading his yuck with every coughing fit.

Spring vacation officially starts Friday night. I don't want to get sick before my trip to Korea, but I am already feeling the yuck attack my throat and creep into my sinuses.

So, Mr. Hack-Up-My-Lungs-Sensei, please go home.

Faculty Trip to Nara and Kyoto

2010-03-08T22:12:00.001+09:00

This is mostly what I saw of Nara.

Stairs... upon stairs... and more stairs... oh! and in the rain too.

Hase-dera, the temple of stairs.
Park the bus in China, walk back to Japan, then climb a bajillion stairs to get to the temple.

In Nara, we didn't go to any of the famous places, such as the largest/oldest wooden building in Japan, the Giant Buddha of Nara, or the park with all the deer.
So I will have to go back again on my own dime.

In Kyoto, Kinkakuji!!!! A World Cultural Heritage Place.

BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!

For more photos, please visit my Facebook album

Olympic Party

2010-02-27T22:22:00.002+09:00

Before the Opening Ceremony of the Olympics, my friend Jessie hosted a slumber party!
And of course, what would be the appropriate Wii game to play?
Sonic vs Mario Olympic Games, of course!

Jennifer and Sally playing Table Tennis.

Jeff, Ben, and Jennifer getting pretty serious...

... about rowing!
The combination of button-pressing must be correct AND at the same time that the controller and nunchuck are pulled towards the body.

Yay for a slumber party!

Unfortunately, my battery died soon after this so I do not have photos (yet) of the delicious breakfast of pancakes and Opening Ceremony footage.

Daniel's Visit

2010-02-27T22:08:00.002+09:00

Yay for friends that come to visit!
Masamichi (Masa), Daniel, and I met in college. Since my mom is Japanese, my family often takes Japanese students under our wing to help them get settled and adjusted. Also, it never hurts to have a meal from the homeland.
So Masa and others often came over for a meal and as Daniel was Masa's suitemate, Daniel got to come along too! Post-graduation, Masa went to cram school for medical school, Daniel is teaching English in China at a university in Hangzhou, and I am teaching English in Japan at a high school.

However, these boys really don't like to pose for pictures so I had to be sneaky.

On the riverboat in Yokohama.

On the subway to Shinjuku.

On the train to Akihabara.

In Asakasa. Actually, this is me.

Thanks for coming to visit, Daniel! Please come again. =)

Yuki Matsuri 2010: Snow Sculptures

2010-02-21T14:56:00.001+09:00

On Saturday, I went around to see the snow sculptures in Odori Park.

The 7th block of the Odori Park is always dedicated to some international display.
This year's highlight comes from Dresden, Germany, the Frauenkirche Church.
The church did not survive the bombings during WWII, but as far as possible, the church has been rebuilt using the original stones.

The Baekje Royal Palace of South Korea
This model is taken after the Empress' Palace.

My nephew, Kale, loves trains of all sorts so this made me think of him.

Chibi Maruko-chan and Friends
Chibi Maruko-chan is a TV show.
2 things are super cool about this show.
1) It takes place in Shimizu, the city where I live.
2) The creator, Sakura Momoko, graduated from the high school where I teach: Shimizu West!

Yuki Matsuri 2010: Sapporo Beer Garten

2010-02-21T14:41:00.001+09:00

32 Shizuoka ALTs (and friends!) went to the Snow Festival in Sapporo, Hokkaido from February 5-8th.

First Night of the Snow Festival was spent at the Sapporo Brewery having all you can eat lamb and beer for 2 hours.

Shinsuke (Shin-chan), me, and Kat.

Nick and Michael posing with their EIGHTH plate of lamb. EIGHT PLATES OF LAMB!

Adam and Ben also helped with the 8 plates. Amazing.

Long after everyone had finished eating, Neil was still going strong. Epic.

Thank you, Nicole, for making the reservations!

Pictures to Come

2010-02-19T13:29:00.002+09:00

There is so much to put up here that I haven't had a chance to do it until this weekend! Starting tonight, and after I watch my tape of Olympic figure skating, I PROMISE to put up pictures!

The end of the school year is nigh.... thus, I am completely swamped at work. Cheers.

January Photos

2010-01-29T23:59:00.001+09:00

For most of the pictures, please check Facebook
The Nagano Ski trip didn't make it to the Facebook album so those will be included here.

Starting off at the Bunny Slope

Brian, my ski-buddy!

Yes. With my short legs, my skiis stuck straight up when I sat on the lift. Fun times... fun times...

FRIENDS!!! Andrew, Brian, and Jaime!

Goings On: Too Much

2010-01-18T08:26:00.002+09:00

Perhaps I bit off more than I can chew.

There has been so much on my plate that since arriving back from Christmas vacation, I have had little time to sit down and type out anything unrelated to work, Shizuoka AJET, or sumo.

This past weekend, I thought to take a time out for myself and go skiing in Nagano. It was an eventful trip with many "memory moments" when you have to be optimistic and just chill, reminding yourself "We'll get home, when we get home". After a small accident, lots of snow on the roads, many missed turns and detours, and a dead car battery, I finally got home at 1:30 am this morning.

Recently, I have stepped in as an officer for Shizuoka AJET, an organization that plans events for all the JETs (and any accompanying friends) in Shizuoka. My job has been to finalize all Sapporo Snow Festival payments, rooming, the charter bus, and money. I've already dealt with people who are making changes to their plans, want refunds, drop-outs, a hotel change, charter bus meeting points and leaders and overall BAAAAAAHHHH!!!
On Friday, I am meeting with our travel agent to make the final payment for everything. I am counting on everyone to send in their money to the joint AJET account so that I can pay the travel agent. I hope people do not procrastinate too long. The actual trip is February 5-8.

This Saturday, I am going to the sumo tournament with 4 friends, 3 of whom need to pay me back for the tickets that I bought for everyone. Usually, I am not a stickler on payback times, but as I see these friends rarely, I'd rather get that money back sooner rather than later. And since I hold all the tickets, I hope they show up on time at the designated place so that we do not miss any of the action.

An elementary school sent letters from the students to answer questions about Japan. While there hasn't been a deadline mentioned, I have become stressed that I need to get this done in a timely manner. Preferably, I'd like to wait until March to send my replies, but as a fellow teacher, I know what it is like waiting and depending upon someone else.

Class starts in 10 minutes. Maybe I won't lose my head.

Food in Hawaii

2010-01-04T07:39:00.001+09:00

Southern Style Breakfast! - Buttered Toast, REAL bacon, Scrambled Eggs seasoned with Tony's Creole Seasoning, and Match-stick style hashbrowns. I love the South!

Gelato Ice Cream - Pineapple and Hawaiian Ice Mix.

Christmas Dinner - Honey Baked Ham, Mashed Potatoes, Caesar Salad,
Brown Sugar/Bacon Green Beans, Green Chile Corn, and Cranberry Fluff (not-pictured).

TEX-MEX! - Enchiladas (and excessive cilantro. Never was a fan), Refried Beans, Spanish Rice, Chips, and Watermelon.

MORE Hawaii Pictures

2010-01-04T07:33:00.001+09:00

Mom and I at Sunset

Sunset on the Beach

Boys Boogie-Boarding on the North Shore

Serious Waves.

More Hawaii Pictures

2010-01-04T07:28:00.001+09:00

Fishing at Sunrise

Stand-up Surfing with Paddles.
I really wanted to try that. It looks like it would take a lot of balance and muscle control.

Hanauma Bay - Snorkeling Point.

A-MA-ZING!

Christmas in Hawaii Pt. 1

2009-12-26T09:30:00.002+09:00

Sunset at the beach

Chinese Dinner - Two kinds of lobster, scallops and broccoli in garlic sauce, stir-fried greens, and steamed rice.

Waikiki Beach

Mama.

For more pictures, please follow this link.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2114151&id=71004761&l=3423ffe9b1

Mele Kalikimaka!

Weekend in Mito

2009-11-24T10:48:00.003+09:00

For Japan's Thanksgiving Weekend, I went to visit some family friends, the Tsuneki family, up in Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture.

Fall Plum Blossoms

The view over Kairakuen

Yutaka and Takuma Tsuneki

Autumn Leaves

For more pictures, follow this link.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2111828&id=71004761&l=0e21151f51

Sports Festival 2009

2009-11-04T08:49:00.005+09:00

Another year, another Sports Festival.

To see all 100+ photos of the day, please go here

A preview of the album.

All Grades Boys' Relay

Tug of War with logs 一年生 (Freshmen)

Tug of War with Logs 二年生(Juniors)

Homeroom Jump Rope Competition

Misako and Me.

Good times!

I made NABE!

2009-10-11T20:16:00.004+09:00

Nabe is Japanese stew. I posted about it before when I had the Nabe Party with my Chorus Club.

But this was my first time to make Nabe by myself!

What's wonderful about Nabe is that whatever veggies or meat you like, you can put in!

I think the soup base flavor is the most important ingredient of Nabe. I chose a salt-chanko soup base. It's one part base and two parts water.
For my veggies and meat, I chose shredded pork, Chinese cabbage, carrots, and tofu.

Common ingredients include shitake mushrooms, inoki mushrooms, and long green onions.

Since I live alone, what I made is called Hitori-Nabe, meaning Nabe for One.
So all that on the cutting board fit into this pot!

I am not sure the "proper" way is to put stuff into the pot, but I chose to put the meat and carrots on the bottom and let the cabbage and tofu be on top.
My reasoning was that the carrots would cook thoroughly and be tender and the tofu would absorb all the flavor from the steam.

And finally, nabe is a STEW. So it should be cooked on low heat and simmered for a long period.
So after 20 minutes, I had dinner! AND IT WAS DELICIOUS!!!!!

My new winter dish is NABE! Next time, I am going to try a kimchi soup base, which is Korean spicy pickled cabbage.

Silver Week (Sunday)

2009-10-07T23:00:00.002+09:00

Since I am shutup in my apartment due to a typhoon, I have had unexpected free time. YAY. So this means I can do more uploading of pictures.

Wow... my English has gotten so bad.

Please follow this link to see pictures from Silver Week (Sunday)
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2108524&id=71004761&l=27f8af4901

You're welcome.

Silver Week (Friday and Saturday)

2009-10-06T21:54:00.004+09:00

So more people check my Facebook photos than my blog so my photos will more than likely be posted on Facebook and a link will be posted here.

Please follow this link to see the first two days of my 5-day vacation in Tokyo with my Mom and sister, Andrea.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2107887&id=71004761&l=f50af60c83

I am currently busy preparing mid-term exams and I have 2 business trips coming up. October is gonna be CRAZY! AND there's the Sports Festival later this month. I hope...

Here is a preview of the pictures.

Festival in Meguro with my host family, the Sasahiras.

Going shopping for teapots

At the conbini (convenience store). So many drinks to choose from...

Atagawa

2009-09-06T18:35:00.003+09:00

I spent an awesome weekend (back in August) with the Sasahiras at their second home in Izu-Atagawa!!! It's in Shizuoka prefecture, but it's on the far size of the eastern peninsula so it took me just as long to get there by train as it took them to drive there by car from Tokyo! Ha!

Please follow this link to see the pictures.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2106449&id=71004761&l=f1ac2ab646

Even if you do not have Facebook, you can see these pictures.
Themes: Fireworks, Beach, Nature, Food (of course!)

Apartment 2.0

2009-08-22T15:02:00.005+09:00

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!

2009-08-14T10:22:00.007+09:00

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

2009-08-11T06:33:00.003+09:00

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

2009-08-06T12:37:00.002+09:00

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!

Summer Festival: Tanabata

2009-07-09T21:18:00.005+09:00

July 7th is a Summer Festival Holiday called Tanabata.

Story goes something like this.

A celestial maiden, Tanabata, comes to earth and while bathing in a pool, a man steals her heavenly robes. Thus, she cannot return to heaven. Sad. So Tanabata ends up marrying the guy. One day, she finds her robes! DUN DUN DUN! So she puts them on and returns to heaven.

Dude is sad.

But Tanabata told him that if he made 1,000 straw sandels to prove his love AND planted them around a palm tree, he would be able to see her again. So he made A LOT of sandels but unfortunately, he lost count. So when he planted them around the tree, the tree grew ENORMOUSLY and rose up far into the sky.

Dude climbed the tree and realized he was ONE SANDEL short. So he called out to Tanabata and they were reunitied. Awwwwwww.

But wait, the god of the stars is most displeased his daughter should be with a mortal. So he tells the man to tend the heavenly fruit garden, but may never eat anything. The dude is MORTAL: he's gotta eat. So he gives into temptation and then WHOOSH, the Milky Way comes between him and Tanabata, and they are forever separated. Sad awwwwwww.

However, these two can be seen in the sky as the stars, something and something else, and once a year, July 7th, they can be seen opposite each other from across the Milky Way. How sweet.

The End.

I met friends in front of the train station to attend the festival together. However, there were SO MANY people there, I could only get shots by looking up.
The sign says "Shimizu Tanabata Festival". I live in Shimizu in case you forgot.

A picture portraying the folk tale.

It's tradition that people write wishes on slips of paper and attach them to bamboo, symbolizing the wish to be reunitied and the role of the palm tree.
Honestly, if I were a star-crossed lover, the last thing I would want to do would be to read the wishes of other people on the ONE DAY I get to be with my soulmate. Just a thought.

More decorations featuring a beloved anime "Sazae-san".

After, friends and I went to the beach to enjoy some fireworks.
Yuuzo

Laura and Eri.

And just because it looks cool.

文化祭 (Bunkasai) - The Culture Festival: Fun Times

2009-07-09T20:41:00.003+09:00

The start of the Culture Festival! Here are 3 members of the Student Association, both vice principals, and the principal of my school.

Making anko (red bean) sweets

Hallway Decorations

Some of my juniors.

文化祭 (Bunkasai) - The Culture Festival: Shodo Demonstration

2009-07-09T20:33:00.002+09:00

During lunch break, the shodo club (calligraphy) put on a demonstration.

This one is actually backwards. I think it is supposed to be shodonchu.

I have no idea what this says.

文化祭 (Bunkasai) - The Culture Festival: Kyudo Demonstration

2009-07-09T20:05:00.005+09:00

After lunch, the kyudo club (Japanese Archery) put on a great performance!

The definition of miserable.

2009-06-25T11:27:00.003+09:00

miserable: adjective.
1. very unhappy: experiencing a serious lack of contentment or happiness
2. very unpleasant: causing or accompanied by discomfort, unpleasantness, or unhappiness.
3. contemptible: deserving contempt or condemnation
4. inadequate: inadequate, often insultingly or embarrassingly inadequate, in quantity or quality.
5. dirty or squalid: dirty, squalid, and lacking any comfort

I especially want to focus on points 2-5. I can be happy and still be uncomfortable.

It is 92 degrees today. There is no air-conditioning. There are no ceiling fans. There are no fans at all. No wind is blowing in through the open windows. And I am recovering from a summer head cold, chills 'n' fever, my own kleenex box, the works.

The rainy season has only begun and I'm already "miserable".

I am totally buying a clipfan for my desk in the staffroom.

A Brickwall of Homesickness

2009-06-22T09:52:00.005+09:00

It kinda hit me all at once.

I knew perfectly well that my mom had only the slimmest chance of coming to Japan this summer, and I told myself not to get my hopes up and I thought I hadn't. After all, I can be rational and logical. Of course, only after the fact that it's for certain she isn't coming do I feel the full effect of her absence.

On top of that, yesterday was Father's Day. I suppose Father's Day was doubly sentimental... maybe even triply (tripley?)... since I had spent Father's Day at Camp Tahkodah for almost a decade. Of course, my thoughts are towards Daddy, but I get a little nostalgic thinking of the 2nd Sessioners that are being visited by their parents, getting to swim in Salado Creek, walk along the Lower Darn, etc. I am kinda jealous of their youth and carefree-ness.

So today, Monday, I am having a hard time being motivated at my job. There are 2 weeks until final exams and maybe 2 weeks after that to come up with random activities before the end of the first semester. I think it is 10,000 shades of idiotic to have final exams and then STILL have classes after. Final Exams are called Final Exams because they are FINAL. THE END. CLOSURE. DONE. FINITO. ETC. -.- Ugh.....

And have I complained yet about how Japanese teachers don't get summer vacation? Yeah... I have to use my last 5 days of paid vacation to host a friend. Definitely looking forward to the visit, but certainly NOT looking forward to using paid vacation when there are no classes, no students at school, but teachers gotta be there. D-U-M-B, DUMB!

To end on a positive note, I bought a really cute teapot. I broke the lid of the previous one and Japan doesn't sell teapot lids. It is the same color as the blue serving dish Granddaddy gave my mom. Mom, if you are reading this, I really want that bowl, the bamboo tea set, and the piano. I can settle for just the piano though ;)

Superstitions

2009-06-12T19:58:00.002+09:00

To get my students out of a slump, I had a culture lesson about superstitions. I suppose I could've waited to use this until Halloween, but it's also the Culture Festival soon, so here is some culture!

Japanese superstitions, the good and the bad (but mostly bad).

If you whistle at night, a snake will appear.

If your naval is facing the thunder when it claps, the Thunder God will capture your naval.

If you find a tea stem floating upright in your tea, you will have happiness all your life.

If you cut yourself with a nail, you will not be able to be with your parents on their deathbeds.

If you do not eat all the rice you are served, your eyes will be taken out.

A certain combination on a yellow license plate is supposed to be lucky.

If you step on an ant, it will rain.

I don't remember many of the good ones... the bad ones seemed a lot more interesting.

Adventures in Shopping

2009-06-01T13:41:00.005+09:00

The last vestiges of Spring are lingering in Shizuoka. The rainy season is supposed to start soon, but we have had lazy, hazy days lately with only random sputters of rain. This has left the area warm in the daytime and cool at night.

And I am STILL wearing black pants to work.

So I thought I needed to update my spring/summer wardrobe. Since I could only bring 2 suitcases with me, I was very minimal on "dressy clothes". But I am one of those people that sizes are hard to find in EVERYTHING, especially shoes and pants.

But I am so tired of pants. And summer is approaching, why would I want to wear pants to work? So my goals for the next shopping trip were to 1) try new stores, 2) get more dresses 3) find things in COTTON! For some reason, Japan really likes to blend materials which aren't necessarily breathable. And just to note, Americans sweat a lot more than Japanese. Lucky them.

So I went into the city, not really knowing where to go, but there was a handy "popular sites" map in the underground walkway, so I headed to Matsuzakaya and Marui Department Stores.

Now, when I think of a "department store", I am thinking of ONE store, like Dillards, JCPenny, Kohl's etc. No, in Japan, a "department store" is equivalent to a mall.

Matsuzakaya was hugely disappointing. Enough said.

But Marui Department store.... *insert angelic chorus*

They had two buildings but I only had the time (and energy) to explore one. And I spent most of my time in a new found sanctuary: the Gap.

Now, the Gap has always been pricey. But hey, their goods are high quality, easy to accessorize, and can be used in various outfits. I think I tried on their complete collection of girls clothing (which they had a GREAT selection) and came away with two dresses, a white peasant top, two tanks, a long polo, and a jean jacket/shrug all in COTTON! *second angelic chorus*

FYI, I look super cute today with brown headband, grass green shin-length cotton dress, dark jean shrug, and brown sandels in gladiator style.

Thank you, GAP.

Picture Update Pt. 5 - SUMO

2009-05-29T21:16:00.005+09:00

I have been watching sumo ever since I can remember. My Japanese grandfather moved in with us when I was 5 so we asked Japanese friends to tape the tournaments and send them to us. Since I have grown up watching sumo, I am not at all bothered by the "large men in cloth thongs" as my brother-in-law says. ;)

So perhaps for a small young lady such as myself, it would seem out of place for me to be attending the tournament IN PERSON.

The tournament lasts for 15 days, usually starting on the 2nd Sunday of the month. A wrestler will only fight one bout a day. The lower division bouts are done in the earlier part of the afternoon, while the professional makanuichi division takes place starting around 4 pm. The tournament day ends about 6pm.

Last weekend, I went to Tokyo where my host family had managed to get rare tickets for the tournament. The tournament happens 6 times a year, every other month. The tournament is in Tokyo 3 times a year (January, May, and September) and also takes place in Osaka (March), Nagoya (July), and Fukuoka (November). Sumo is so popular that tickets become sold-out very quickly.

I requested for the Sasahiras to get tickets on the NEXT TO LAST day of the tournament, usually the most popular day to attend other than the last day. We sat in the nosebleeds, but I was thrilled just to BE there in person! I am a faithful, dedicated fan that watches the tournament everyday on TV, but like with most sports, there is nothing like being in the live crowd.

This is Baruto. He is from Estonia and is in the 3rd highest rank of sumo wrestler: sekiwake. Maybe you can't tell in this picture, but he is REALLY tall! I would estimate he is 6'3".

This is Asasekiryu. He is Mongolian and is in the upper Maegashira ranks.

We can't see his face, but this is Kotoshogiku, also in the Maegashira ranks.

And lastly, the famous dojo. Fun fact: No females are allowed to enter the dojo. So what will Japan do if they ever get a female Prime Minister, since the Prime Minister presents the Emperor's Cup to the winner of the tournament?

Picture Update Pt. 4 - Shimizu S-Pulse Soccer Game

2009-05-29T21:06:00.002+09:00

Shimizu has a soccer team called "S-Pulse". I went with some friends to a game and we won! We are not very strong but we have supremely dedicated fans. I am reminded of the HU Bisons basketball games and those who dress in black, painted faces, and tend to sit on the ends under the goals.

Unfortunately, Shimizu S-Pulse colors are Orange and Black. I look AWFUL in orange so I only bought a sweat towel to swing around and hold up proudly as we sang the team song at the end of the match.

Picture Update Pt. 3 - Golden Week with the Noguchi Family

2009-05-29T20:43:00.003+09:00

The second half of my Golden Week was spent with the Noguchi Family. Emiko-san (not pictured) was also a student at Harding. My mom tends to take in anyone of Japanese descent which has been a great blessing because now I have so many connections in Japan! Plus, they all remember me as a spoiled brat, so it is good to visit to show that I have grown up (at least a little).
The Noguchi family live in another prefecture to the east of Tokyo called Ibaraki. It was a great contrast to go to the inaka (countryside) for a few days after living in a suburb and visiting Tokyo Metro earlier in the week.

We mostly relaxed at home which was FINE with me and I played with the Noguchi's children, Hannah and Aito.

The main "event" was to visit the daibutsu (Great Buddha) statue. The daibutsu of Kamakura is older and thus more famous than this one in Ibaraki, but the Ibaraki is the tallest statue in the world according to Guiness World Records.

I am not sure if I believe that... I am thinking of the Jesus statue in Rio...

Hannah and Mr. Yoshiya Noguichi.

The Great Buddha statue.

Hannah and Aito in front of the poppies.

My favorite flowers: iris.

Another landscaping picture.

Thank you for a wonderful visit!

Picture Update Pt. 2 - Golden Week with the Imoto Family

2009-05-29T19:59:00.002+09:00

Golden Week -- 5 consecutive national holidays that many Japanese use as an opportunity to travel abroad.
Basic Facts:
1) The week usually falls between April 29th to May 5th.
2) Showa Day is to remember the former Emperor during the Showa Era, Emperor Hirohito
3) Constitution Memorial Day is to honor the signing of the 1947 Constitution of Japan.
4) Greenery Day is to honor nature and many people go to view the mountains, parks, and woods.
5) Last is Children's Day, often referred to Boy's Day. Girls have their own day on March 3rd and Boys have their day on May 5th... so 3/3 and 5/5. Easy to remember. Girls celebrate by displaying a traditional collection of dolls in the household. Boys celebrate by flying koi fish shaped kites in front of their house.
6) This year, we were also given a "substitute" holiday. On this day, many families travel home from their adventures and rest before having to return to work.

For my Golden Week, I met with two families that are special to my family. The first family I visited was the Imoto Family. Mrs. Imoto (Miho-san) was my Japanese tutor when I was in first and second grade at the Academy. She taught me to read, write, and speak in hiragana, katakana, and vocabulary. They went to Harding University to study and became friends with my family. After two years, they moved back to Japan with their son, Naoya. I was eager to meet with Miho-san to show her how much I have improved in my Japanese and to see Naoya, who was only a baby when they went back. Now he is almost a high-schooler!

The Imoto Family live in Tokyo, on the outskirts, so we spent a day exploring the Imperial Gardens. The palace is, of course, closed to the public. However, the East Gardens are open to the public. I had read that it was in the Top 10 tourist spots to see and I was anxious to see spring's arrival. So we spent Saturday at the East Gardens.

Here I am at the main entrance.

Beautiful flowers.

Beautiful landscaping. The pool is filled with water lilies, but unfortunately, they were not yet in bloom.

Azalea flowers. They grow much larger than the ones in front of my house in Searcy.

A picture with Miho-san on top of the old watch tower. New Tokyo in the background and Old Tokyo under my feet.

Thank you for a wonderful visit!

Picture Update Pt. 1 - Cherry Blossoms

2009-05-29T14:55:00.003+09:00

Dear America,

Please plant more cherry trees. Thank you.

The following pictures were taken at the park near my apartment.

Cherry trees surrounding one of the 2 large ponds.

The usual "Peace" pose.

The most beautiful blossoms: snow white.

Ohanami: The tradition of going to view the cherry blossoms. Often involves a picnic with co-workers and/or friends, alcohol, singing, and lanterns by night.

I am reminded of Anne of Green Gables when she talks about "The Avenue" vs "The White Way of Delight".

Internet Restored!

2009-05-25T10:57:00.002+09:00

Actually, it has been restored for almost a week, but a lot has happened since last Tuesday.

1) Two business trips
2) Mid-Term Exams and essays a mile high to be graded.
3) Sinus Infection. Welcome allergy season.... not.
4) A wonderful weekend in Tokyo with the Sasahiras
5) Going to the sumo tournament on the penultimate day. Very good choice.
6) Going to a famous restaurant with the Sasahiras (Dozeu)
7) Going to church and the bazaar (crafts fair?) afterwards.
8) Enjoying the final day of sumo on TV
9) A bullet train trip home in the misty rain.
10) Playing catch-up on movies via DVD rentals. I finally saw Wall-E. Cute.

And even before the internet was restored, I have been having many adventures which hopefully will be posted during the weekend when I do not have any plans other than grocery shopping, laundry, and CLEANING my apartment.

Insurance Revisited

2009-05-14T15:06:00.003+09:00

As with most culture shock, the shock is only initial. It's kinda like jumping into a cold pool. That first plunge from toes to head (or head to toe if you dive) gives a tingling, rushing sensation that is uncomfortable, but after about 5 minutes, the body adjusts and makes do with its environment. I know there is a biology term for that adjustment, but I can't think of it right now.

So my insurance.

After losing a filling, getting a temporary one, getting a new, permanent, silver filling, having both upper back molars reshaped, took an x-ray, and had a full-scale cleaning, I still only had to pay about $100 in all. So I guess my insurance isn't all that terrible.

I think the most fascination part of the process was during the cleaning when the dental hygienist rubbed my teeth with purple ink and then made me rinse. Afterwards, she handed me a mirror and when I smiled, I was stunned to see purple streaks between and along some teeth. But I had just brushed! So then she took a model set of teeth and larger-than-usual toothbrush and showed me how to improve my technique.

I never knew what my parents paid, or didn't pay due to insurance coverage, for my dental check-ups in the States. However, I am relieved to know that I can get a full cleaning/check-up for under $30 thanks to my insurance. Next appointment is the day before my birthday, which by the way, is September 10th.

I should get my internet back next week. If I could moonwalk, I would. Then again... if I could dance, I would.

Culture Shock; April 2009 Edition

2009-04-20T10:25:00.003+09:00

So there are things that I have become quite accustom to, and other that still need adjusting.

For example, insurance.

Granted, I didn't choose my insurance; it's just what is provided by the program. And I really shouldn't complain, because for my first job at age 23, having ANY kind of insurance is a plus.

But get this "logic"...

So dental insurance in Japan DOES NOT cover preventive visits. Translation: I cannot go to the dentist to have a check-up/once-over/cleaning and have my insurance cover it. The insurance company will only cover me if I actually have a problem.

Dear insurance company,
That is the stupidest policy I have ever heard. No wonder people in Japan have such bad teeth. They have to be in PAIN first! a-HEM, if you are in pain, it is too late!

By the way, I lost a filling on Saturday (dentist offices are closed on weekends) and won't be seen until Wednesday. While I am there, that dentist better give me the WORKS: x-ray, cleaning, new filling, etc, etc, etc, etc, and my insurance better cover it ALLLLLLLL.

I have been living off yogurt and soft foods like ramen noodles and chicken noodle soup. I am reminded of my horrific wisdom teeth experience... oi vey.

Otherwise, life is really good. More to come later when I get my internet back.

End of the School Year

2009-04-13T22:40:00.001+09:00

I know I am not supposed to have favorite classes, but I do. Does that make me a bad teacher?

2008-2009 HR 23 and I just clicked. We were able to have lots of fun in class and still get a lot done. They made my classroom atmosphere so much fun and Mondays didn't seem so treacherous since I would see them 3rd period. I will miss them this new school year.

Here we are doing the "Daigo Pose". Daigo is a Japanese pop-star/TV guest star whose only reason for being famous is that his grandfather was a former Prime Minister. Daigo makes a trademark pose that looks like Sign for "I love you" but reversed with both hands crossed. Kinda cool looking. By the way, I am in the middle.

And then we had the "Baka-Kao" pose. Baka in Japanese means "stupid" and kao is "face". I have this picture on my desk at school and it gives me a good laugh in the morning as I start my day.

Thank you HR 23 for making my first year so great!

Back from the Grave - Yuki Matsuri Part 5

2009-04-13T22:21:00.001+09:00

So what would a vacation be without a sweet photo of the view from my Sapporo Sheraton room?

There is a family-fun area on the outskirts of Sapporo called Tsudome. I tubed down the second-from-the-right slot. I think I squealed the entire way down too.

I think James, Rae, and I waited a good 1 hour for 10 seconds of fun.

Totally worth it says I.

And the famous Ramen Street in Japan.

Butter-corn Ramen. Why are the Japanese obsessed with corn?

Back from the Grave - Yuki Matsuri Part 4

2009-04-12T21:17:00.000+09:00

The Snow Festival is the IT winter event in Japan. Here I am standing in front of the Tokyo Disney Castle (not quite to scale). The kanji to the left of me is yume which means "dream".

And accompanying Disney characters. Sorry, Donald got cut off a bit.

Honoring Kousuke Kitajima, gold medal winner of the breast stroke and thus Japanese hero.

Half-snow and half-ice sculpture with interior lights. SUGOI!!!!

Back from the Grave - Yuki Matsuri Part 3

2009-04-12T21:01:00.000+09:00

Rae and I toured Sapporo Tower after our meat coma.

And here is the view by night. Sweet huh?

View of Odori Park, place of the snow sculptures.

Back from the Grave - Yuki Matsuri Part 2

2009-04-12T20:50:00.000+09:00

So what does it mean "Genghis Khan Feast"? It means 2.5 hours of all you can eat grilled lamb and veggies and drink bar. Seriously, it was A-MA-ZING!!!

It's so beautiful!!! *shiny anime eyes*

This is HALF the group that went to the Yuki Matsuri.

The other half is sitting behind me. I am such a cheese... Oh, and the bib is a must. And I did NOT drink beer. Ew. Gross. I drank Coca-cola.

Back from the Grave - Yuki Matsuri Part 1

2009-04-12T20:39:00.001+09:00

Hokkaido is known for its white chocolate so my friends and I went to the factory. Outside there was a tube snow slide. Rae is having a good time.

Inside, I definitely felt like I should be singing songs from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Thankfully, neither myself or my friends came close to temptation by our greed.

At the top of the factory was a cafe. We had hot chocolate and dessert during afternoon tea while a blizzard stormed outside. It was totally white!!

My strawberry tart was even tastier than it looks in this photo. Be jealous.

Misuse of the ALT

2009-03-04T16:08:00.004+09:00

JTE: Jill-san... uh... would you be so kind to help me with something?

Me: *in the midst of grading essays about eco-friendliness and final exams* Certainly. What kind of help do you need?

JTE: Ah. I am so glad you said you would help. I need you to help me with a test.

Me: Oh, like recording?

JTE: *starts to look nervous* No... uh... I need you to... to... well... *hands me books and some papers* ...Here are the test materials for tomorrow. Please make a test for me and leave a copy on my desk before you go home.

Me: Uh... (Teacher's name)... why is it that you need me to make this test?

JTE: Oh, well.... *a lot of deep-breathing through the teeth* Well we do not, uh, have classes today.... so.... I am taking nenkyu to go home early.

Me: (Teacher's Name) ... let me make sure I understand what it is you need "help" with. You need ME... to do YOUR work... so you can go home EARLY? *gestures to the piles of papers on her desk*

JTE: *pause* I see. Well... thank you for your help. I will see you tomorrow.

If this JTE really is going to be my Supervisor next year, I might try to catch a deadly disease.

Yuki Matsuri (Snow Festival) Preview

2009-02-17T12:50:00.003+09:00

Because I really need to update...

This was taken in Sapporo, on the northern island of Japan, Hokkaido. Every year, they have a snow festival. There is a lot to do there, but this is just the "appetizer course" before I get more pictures loaded up.

The snow sculpture behind me is a replica of the Namdaemun Gate in South Korea that was burned down last year by a crazy arsonist.

Let the Update Begin! Part 5

2009-02-03T21:12:00.002+09:00

So before school started, the chorus club had a nabe party. Nabe is a winter dish that you make at the table. It's like... make-your-own-stew. It's REALLY good and really comforting to eat in the winter time when the cold sets in. So since the teachers had to be at school to work but classes hadn't started yet, we had a nabe party for lunch.

Here are our two MCs.

We played a game where 3 cream puffs were actually stuffed with wasabi (extremely strong green horseradish) instead of cream. But you couldn't tell from the outside which were the bad ones. I think my face is hilarious because I was picked as the "teacher" to participate in this activity. Then we ate them whole and the rest of the students had to guess who were the ones with the wasabi-puffs.

Thankfully, I was not a victim of a wasabi-puff. Poor Yuki, Akiho, and Hayato tried to keep a straight face to keep the game going.

My Nabe Party table from left to right: Chisato, me, Yuki, Hayato, Sayaka, Koharu, Aki, and.... I'm embarassed to say I'm drawing a blank on the last one. Hopefully that'll be fixed soon.

And all the students in chorus club! Fun times!

Let the Update Begin! Part 4

2009-02-03T19:47:00.002+09:00

During break, the chorus club went to 2 hospitals to sing. And they wanted to sing one Christmas carol in English. So here is my contribution to the Christmas Spirit.

There is one yakitori shop in Shimizu that I love. "yaki" means "grilled" and "tori" means "chicken" and together -- grilled chicken. And it's usually served on a long bamboo toothpick. Of course, you can order other things than just grilled chicken... I prefer the pork and green onion myself.

So after the chorus concerts, Kiyomi and I went to said yakitori shop. The shop is really close to school and really small. Here you can see the bar where I am sitting. To the left (not in the picture) are 3 low-sitting tables that seat 4 each.

The shop is run by a husband and wife. It's called Jiro's but that's the husband's father's name. Still haven't figured out what to call them so I just say "Okusan" and "Ojisan" -- Ma'am and Sir.

So above the shelves, are long rectangles of wood. On them are the things you can order with the price at the bottom. You may have to click on the picture to enlarge it to see the writing.

This is Jiro's son. The shop is "old-fashioned" style and is really cozy inside and the couple is REALLY NICE. I feel like a favorite niece when I come in.

So after a few sticks of meat, Kiyomi and I usually order yaki-onigiri (grilled rice) and miso soup. Jiro usually adds aji (fish) as well. So this is before we ate...

And this is after....

Let the Update Begin! Part 3

2009-02-03T18:35:00.003+09:00

Awhile back, I wrote about my shock at the different standard of dress just to go shopping in Japan! Here are pictures to prove the contrast...

Omotesando Hills is a shopping center filled with all the names you'd see on 5th Avenue in New York. And I was wearing THAT!

Just to prove my point... I am standing between Chanel and Bvlgari... in jeans and a fleece pullover. If I knew what kind of "department store" I would be visiting that evening, I would've worn something else, of course!

Inside... there were Christmas decorations up... only... unlike any Christmas decorations I had seen. Swarovski crystal chandeliers and Christmas trees adorned the plaza.

So the next day, I tried a different outfit when we went to Roppongi Hills for lunch. I felt a little more at ease but I refused to wear dress shoes when I knew I would be walking all day. My face looks deranged in the first picture... I think I was holding back a sneeze...

Let the Update Begin! Part 2

2009-02-03T18:14:00.004+09:00

After the autumn leaves trip, I spent a 3-day weekend in December with the Sasahiras. We went to Harajuku, famous for its cos-play dress and the new H&M that opened up.

Famous street for costume-display (cos-play). It was too crowded to take pictures once we went down the street.

Enjoying the Christmas decorations in front of Gap.

Tokyo is FULL of people... seriously.

The new H&M in Harajuku. Waiting time to get inside is 2 hours.

Another HUGE Christmas tree across the street from Gap.

Let the Update Begin! Part 1

2009-02-03T18:06:00.003+09:00

In November, Kiyomi and I took a drive to Yamanashi-ken, just to the north of Shizuoka. On the drive, we were able to see some beautiful countryside and some autumn leaves.

So much for New Years Resolutions

2009-01-22T12:22:00.002+09:00

So much for thinking I would blog more...

Just another note to say I am alive, that my camera is almost full, and that EVENTUALLY (whenever that is) I'll post more pictures.

This weekend, I am headed to Tokyo to see a friend from college, Masamichi. My family practically adopts any Japanese student as their own and Masa was no exception. So he is home for break and I am NOT passing up an opportunity to see a familiar face! And to increase his already cool-factor, he lives in the same area where my mom grew up! So we plan to go see my Mom's old school, Keimei, among other things.

I will be home soon... how exciting.
Snow festival in 2 weeks!

Hard Times and the New Year

2009-01-08T08:54:00.003+09:00

Just a quick post to let you all know I am alive.

December was a very rough month for me physically and emotionally. Let's see, I...

1) fell down the stairs of my apartment
2) got food poisoning probaby from an okonomiyaki street vendor whereupon I had to go to the hospital to get an IV and blood taken
3) got a really bad cold on Christmas Eve that lasted so long that I...
4) missed my snowboarding trip to Nagano whereupon the emotional stress of first christmas away from home, lack of sleep, a mixture of cold/sinus medications, and overall self-pity probably...
5) gave me an arrhythmia at 2 in the morning where of course, I freaked out, stayed up all night in fear that I was about to die and...
6) went to a clinic of internal medicine for an EKG first thing in the morning and rested in bed all day but...
7) experienced such severe homesickness and lonliness that I called Kiyomi and...
8) asked to stay at her place until I...
9) celebrated a restful New Years at the home of my friend's cousins in Hamamatsu.

After such a horrid "vacation", surely you, faithful reader, can understand why I am never spending Christmas/New Years in Japan again. I am coming home next year.

Now that I am back at work, things have been looking brighter. My chorus club students invited me for a Nabe Party during lunchtime and I have enjoyed just being around people again... even if I can't necessarily talk with the teachers, at least I am not alone.

The hard times are when I leave school. Sunset is about 4:45pm which makes me FEEL like I should go home. But that would be insane. So I try to give myself something to do but there isn't much to do other than go to a bookstore, the stuffy public library, or go shopping with the intention of window-shopping which never turns out that way and I spend money that I wasn't planning on spending. I'm not hurting for money, not at all, but that doesn't mean I should spend it just because I have it.

Thankfully, this weekend is one of those "National Holiday" weekends so I will be spending it with the Hidakas and my friend, Sonja. This holiday is "Coming of Age Day" which in Japan is 20. Hopefully I will have the chance to post pictures of New Years, the Nabe Party, and this second Kamakura trip when I get back.

One request: Please pray for me to make it until I get home in the spring for my much-needed vacation.

Update and Holiday Plans

2008-12-14T17:43:00.003+09:00

Sorry I have been MIA for 2 weeks. Just recently, I fell down the flight of stairs in the picture above. Thankfully, I only fell from about the 6th step from the bottom, but I fell on my hip and now have a brilliant purple and yellow bruise (not ever to be pictured). I also banged my head on the side paneling and couldn't focus my eyes for a good hour. Thankfully, after this incident, the school has requested the government for funding to install a rail. I knew that the first time I saw these stairs, but I guess an accident has to happen for there to be a perceived "need".

In other news, I have finally settled my holiday plans.
December 22-26: Work at School.
The exceptions are the 23rd (Emperor's Birthday and thus a national holiday) and I will only be working half a day on the 25th as a few staff members want to take me to lunch. Whee!

December 26-29: Hakuba, Nagano-ken with other ALTs.
Think 1998 Winter Olympics. Hakuba is rumored to be THE place to ski/snowboard in Nagano. I have skied before, but with my short legs and thus "displaced" calves that are huge thanks to some genes from the Robertson side of the family, I have trouble closing up the ski boots. So, I fully intend to try snowboarding... for the first time... in JAPAN!

December 30-January 2/3(?): New Years in Hamamatsu
My friend, Sonja, has a cousin in Hamamatsu, a city in the western part of Shizuoka. Said cousin invited Sonja and I to spend our winter vacation with her since she has a newly built house and of course, wants to see Sonja.

So why am I not spending the holidays with my family? Good question. I could be really spiteful and hold onto resentful feelings but Santa is watching... so the short version.
There was a change of plans regarding a friend coming to Japan to see me. So I kinda had to scramble. There was no possible way I could afford a ticket home to the States so I had to look at options of Christmas and New Years in Japan. The Sasahiras had already planned to spend the holidays in Hawaii, my Uncle Nobi recently got offered a teaching position in MALAYSIA so he and Aunt Keiko are spending the holidays there checking out the situation, and that left me with either staying in Shimizu the whole time or traveling around Japan/the Shiz. Staying in Shimizu would've been utterly depressing, as if only getting a week off isn't depressing enough, so I will be out and about, hopefully not breaking my neck on the slopes, and spreading merriment over Japan.

This is the last week of TEACHING for the fall term. After the closing ceremony on Friday, I will have a bonenkai (end of the year drinking party) with my teachers. Hopefully I don't make a fool of myself.

A New Standard of Dress

2008-12-03T11:29:00.003+09:00

When I "went out" in the States, I wore nice jeans, a "cute" top, and tennis shoes for my feet's comfort sake. If I was up for the challenge, I wore dressy shoes and hoped I wouldn't get blisters from all the walking during shopping.

In Japan, this is not good enough.

This past weekend, I went to Tokyo to visit the Sasahiras again and my Okaasan took me to some really upscale department stores. Blue ribbed sweater, light tan khakis, and tennis shoes looks good, right? WRONG. I never felt so out of place. And then I was carrying around my navy fleece pullover. Who wears a pull-over in Japan? It looks like it's only me. I had assumed that since it was Saturday, the universal day-off, that people would dress more relaxed. I think their idea of more relaxed is leaving the suit jacket in the car, because I was getting looks saying "Where did you come from? Your frump drawer?" No. My frumpy clothes are sweatpants and a t-shirt. If I were actually in them I might have been barred from entering the complex at all!

So Sunday, we went out to a second department store just for window shopping and lunch. I dressed in black pants, a red ribbed turtleneck sweater (called polo-sweaters here), and my black ballet flats. I didn't get any snarling looks so I think I passed the second time around. However, getting dressed up EVERY TIME just to enjoy a lazy afternoon shopping doesn't make the outing as much fun.

Maybe for those of you who come from cities bigger than Little Rock (and there are A LOT of them), this may seem normal to you. For me, I am longing for the next day I can wear my jeans. I think they are gathering dust in my drawer...

Kamakura Adventure Pt. 4 - Sunday, Nov. 2

2008-11-27T23:03:00.008+09:00

So at the first of this month, I went to Kamakura to visit my Aunt Keiko and family and at the end of this month, I am finally completing the posts. Ha ha ha!! I'll try to keep the commentaries short but still have lots of pictures.

A small shrine on the way to Kamakura Station.

Me in front of the Daibutsu a.k.a. The Great Buddha of Kamakura.

The Great Buddha statue used to be inside a building. However, a huge tsunami came a long long time ago in a galaxy... oh wait... anyway, it came and washed away the building, but the Great Buddha remained. Dun dun dunnnnnn.

There are so many customs in Japan, religious and traditional. Here, the man is being "cleansed" by the smoke of the incense. Ironic... smoke is cleansing...

Another custom: toss a coin into the slotted box, clap twice, pray, when you finish the prayer you put your hands down, and bow a little towards the "altar".

Outside the Great Buddha Park, everyone was walking around with these HUGE rice crackers and seaweed. So of course, for the novelty of eating such a snack, I bought one and ate it ALL. Seriously, the osembe was as big as my face!

Early Sunday evening or late afternoon, Hiro and I took a walk around to see the burial site of Crown Prince....... somebody. Japan has many "eras". Right now, we are in the "era" of Heisei. Previous to this was Showa and before that was Meiji and before that, I do not know. But WAY back when, there was the Kamakura Period and that was when this Crown Price was buried. But to see the burial site, we had to hike a ways. See pictures below.

It seems that other families can be buried here too other than just the royal family.

If you thought my apartment stairs were bad (see "Apartment" post in August), these stairs were probably worse. They were terribly uneven, slick with moss, and slippery with humidity. They were the first "Stairs that will kill you".

And we were rewarded with our efforts with a view of Kamakura. You should probably click on the picture to see a larger image.

Coming home, Aunt Keiko really "wow-ed" me with a dinner of yakiniku (grilled meat) and veggies. I've slept since my visit at the first of the month, but I remember being in awe of how many packets of meat she kept pulling from the fridge. Meat, particular beef, is EXPENSIVE in Japan so she really gave me a treat of beef and pork yakiniku. Twas so good.

Thank you Aunt Keiko, Uncle Nobi, and Hiro for having me early in November. It was a great trip and I can't wait to visit again! Maybe I will see you next in Malaysia!

Amazing Week!

2008-11-20T11:48:00.002+09:00

...and it's not even over yet!!! XD

Monday -- Shizuoka Tokubetsu Shien Gakkou (Shizuoka School for the Disabled)
Once a month, I visit the Shizuoka School of the Disabled and help out their English classes. I LOVE going because the students are SO EXCITED to see me and every lesson consists of songs, dance, and of course, English. What is even better is that all -I said ALL- my students want to volunteer in class! How refreshing is that?!

Tuesday -- The Day from *insert expletive*
To my surprise (and ridiculous delight), the Day from #$%&! was really a day from close to heaven. My morning seniors diligently worked on their tour guide poster project and my sophomores (often the little demons of my teaching career), were almost angelically good as they designed their show-and-tell posters and wrote out their dialogue. It was a moment where I am sure my jaw hit the floor after class.

Wednesday -- Fun Sophomores, Cooking, and English Conversation Lesson.
So that you do not get the wrong impression, not ALL my sophomores are the minions of the devil. In fact, my Wednesday sophomore class is probably the rowdiest, but they work hard in class so I do not mind nearly so much now boisterous they can be sometimes. Because they are a little higher level that my Tuesday sophomores, I had them do a speech as well as a poster. I heard and advised speeches in the empty room next door while the JTE helped students with their poster designs and grammar stuff in my classroom. Only 2 groups of the 20 were not prepared to rehearse and there were some AMAZING speeches. I think I teared up after class with pride.
On Wednesdays after school and club activities, the music teacher, Kiyomi Fujiwara, comes to my place for supper and an English Conversation lesson. In turn, she assists me in my Japanese and trades recipes. A cooking lesson for me is planned in the near future. Kiyomi can already speak English well enough that I can understand, but since she vacations often in the States, she has asked me to help her conversation skills. So I made spaghetti with meat sauce, buttered bread, and salad. She stayed for 2 hours and it was a great time! If there is anyone that I would consider a "friend" at work, she is certainly at the top of the nominees.

Today, Thursday, -- Sophomore Field Trip
Normally, I have 3 classes on Thursdays. 2 of the 3 are sophomore classes back-to-back but all sophomores are gone today on a field trip to a local kindergarten. I think they are helping out with their Sports Day Festival. Since all sophomores are gone, the school is a lot quieter, the teachers are relaxed since fewer classes are meeting, and the weather outside is GOR-GE-OUS!
An hour ago, Kiyomi invited me to the main office for early tea time and to talk with the office ladies. I see the office ladies everyday, but since they are not in the teachers' room, I do not often get to speak with them unless I get a fax or it's "Pay the Rent" Day. And they are HILARIOUS! We had hot milk tea and sweets for about 20 minutes and at the end, my sides and cheeks hurt from laughing and we had set up a dinner outing for next Tuesday.

Tomorrow is pay day (hallejuah) and because of this amazing week, I am going to splurge on myself for once on Saturday at Pion, a 100 yen shop, and maybe a few rounds of tokens at the arcade in JUSCO. Sunday, I am going to a violin concert in the city with some of my students. Monday is a national holiday so I will be spending it with Kiyomi. We will drive to another prefecture for a huge early-Christmas sale. Then Tuesday I have the dinner outing with the office ladies.

Term is almost over! I cannot believe it!!!

Just Average

2008-11-15T22:32:00.002+09:00

From a GPA that would rival Hermione Granger, it has come a bit of a shock to me that I am doing so poorly on my Japanese Language Course provided by CLAIR (another acronym for yet another JET organization).

And then I realized, I am not doing that "poorly".

I should be a little more realistic. Everyone struggles with language learning so to be making no mistakes would actually be the EXTREME exception and not the norm. Plus, I got arrogant and bit off more than I can chew by choosing the Intermediate Course instead of the Beginner Course. And by the way, CLAIR doesn't allow you to change courses.

I have 6 monthly tests over the course of the year and I must earn a grade of 70% or higher on all of them to receive of Certificate of Completion. I can ask for teacher's help, but I feel a bit guilty doing so because they are so busy. I want to be honest about my level of Japanese comprehension on the tests, but I do not want all this time and energy go to waste by failing them (less than 70%).

So this part is more of an encouragement note from my November 15, 2008, 10:40pm self to the other self in the future, whenever it is that I should read this post again.
1) I am good at reading comprehension.
2) Japanese grammar is the least of my worries. People will understand me even if I can't remember which particle to use or if I moderately botch a verb conjugation.
3) Practice makes perfect. I will understand these concepts better if I can manipulate a situation where I am forced to use the new things I am learning.
4) Ask for help. There is no shame in getting assistance or further explanation.
5) I need to learn to accept that in this area, I will be just average. 70% or above is what the goal should be and I should be satisfied with myself for at least trying to learn something new. Frustrating myself to make a 90% or an "A" is not going to make this process enjoyable. I am going to have to bury my past "Hermione Granger" accolades and focus on the now.

Kamakura Adventure Pt. 3 (Saturday Evening, Nov. 1)

2008-11-05T23:06:00.008+09:00

After lunch, Hiro, Sonja, and I went around Akihabara, the electronic center of Tokyo. One of my "missions" of the weekend was to get a denshijisho: an electronic dictionary. There were stores in Shimizu with them, but none came with English directions! So surely, I would find a model I liked with minimal English directions in TOKYO, right? And I DID! Pictures are still to come.

In the evening, Hiro took Sonja and me to a Meiji Shrine that was to be lit up for a festival. Before the main entrance were a BAJILLION lanterns with the names of sponsering companies of the festival. Here Hiro and I are in front of the many many lanterns that couldn't all fit into the picture!

Japan has two main religions: Buddhism and Shintoism. Since this is a SHRINE, it is associated with Shintoism. If it were a TEMPLE, it would be associated with Buddhism. I only know a few facts of either religion so please do not ask me for intense details!
Here is the main entrance to the shrine.

This is the entrance to the main courtyard area.

The place was PACKED with people!!! There was to be entertainment on the stage at 6:30, but we had dinner reservations at 7pm so we couldn't stay to watch.

We were able to see a little bit of entertainment at the lantern area. Different groups participated in the dancing and this group had castanet dealies.

So dinner was probably at the most stunning place EVER. After visiting the shrine and the festival, we hopped on the train again to Ebisu. Out of the station, we took about 6 moving sidewalks across on walkway to Yebisu Garden Place.
How to describe it? Imagine Branson Landing Outlet Mall in Missouri or Easton Mall in Ohio but already decorated with Christmas lights on NOVEMBER 1!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What?! Yeah, that's what I said when I saw them.

So we walked a ways enjoying the lights, and then there was a HUGE building on the right, we went inside and stepped inside the elevator. But the elevator only had three buttons: 1st floor, 38th floor, and 39th floor. Seriously?! This is wild! And I suddenly felt under-dressed in my green khakis, t-shirt, and blue hoodie. Stepping out on the 38th floor looked like a grand hotel lobby... but unlike any hotel lobby I had ever seen. Every door off the carpeted hall led to a restaurant!!! And what spectacular views of Tokyo by night!!!

So Hiro treated Sonja and me to shabu-shabu. In the table is a hot plate. On the hot plate is a huge pot of water with kobu (a form of seaweed). Then green veggies are added into the broth followed by thinly sliced meat, usually pork. "Shabu-shabu" is the onomonapeia for the squishing sound made in the water when the pork is swashed in.

And for those of you who have eaten out with me, you know that despite my little size, I can eat A LOT. And of course, this was no exception. We had a curious appetizer of rare meat, salad with egg/cheese dresing, cucumber salad, two servings of green veggies, and 5 racks of pork. Oh, and I had plum wine!! It was delicious. Of course, I chose to have it diluted in soda water since I really didn't know what alcohol would do to me yet, but I managed fine without getting red in the cheeks or whoozy in the head. I felt so... "grown-up". Tee hee!
Here Hiro is serving out the meat. Sorry for the blurry picture.

This picture cannot capture the amazing taste of pork and veggies in sauce. When will Japan make scratch-n-sniff digital photos? I dunno. But this was heaven after weeks of sushi and salmon at my apartment in Shimizu.

Afterwards, Hiro joked "So when we get back to Kamakura, we'll go have some ramen." Bwa ha ha ha ha ha!!!! I was surprised I managed to waddle back to the station.
And one last video... if you listen closely at the very end, you can hear Hiro saying "Jill! Stop eating!"
Thank you for such a great day, Hiromasa!!!!

Kamakura Adventure Pt. 2 (Saturday Afternoon, Nov. 1)

2008-11-05T22:35:00.006+09:00

So the first full day of my Kamakura Adventure was spent with my cousin, Hiromasa. On my father's side, I have 16 blood-related 1st cousins. On my mom's side, I have 2 cousins. I see my dad's side fairly regularly since we live in the central nexus of the family but I rarely see the Japanese side of my family. So this job has made a GREAT opportunity to spend time with them.

So Hiromasa works as an accountant in London, but he got transferred for awhile to the Japanese branch of the company (please correct me if I'm wrong, Hiro, who is probably reading this) for awhile. And the company set him up with a great apartment in Tokyo. His rent is more than my monthly salary!!! Of course, Hiro says this has more to do with the apartment being in Tokyo, but after I got to look (enviously) around his place, I think it kinda makes sense.

This is Hiro's living area. Notice the A/C above the windows. It's a bit empty because he's going back to England at the end of the month and has been packing up. Oh, and he also has an A/C unit in both his bedrooms too. That's THREE A/C units in all...talk about luxury...

His bedroom has nice inset ceilings.

And because Japan is the land of electronic amusement, I had to take a photo of the toilet controls. BWA HA HA HA! On the very top, there are two buttons: small flush and big flush. Then the buttons from left to right (stop, light mist, mist, bide, and something I can't read). Oh, and did I mention that the seat is heated?

For those of you who know my family, we tend to adopt people. Sonja McNeir has been a lifelong friend because both our mothers are Japanese women married to American men and we live only 30 minutes apart back in the States. Regularly (about twice a month), our mothers would meet up with other Japanese women in the area since we were little so we saw each other often. Then Sonja came to the JET Programme. I really have her to thank for encouraging me to apply and look where I am now! Since she has been here 2 years, my mom shared all her contacts with Sonja, including my aunt, uncle, and cousins. So Sonja came with me on this Kamakura Adventure and her presence made the trip all the more enjoyable! Here we are at the lunch at a really good (yet very impersonal) ramen shop.

Never give your camera to a guy-cousin. He will always catch you at the most unflattering moments. ;) Here I am upholding a Japanese custom of slurping my ramen noodles. It's polite to slurp the noodles because it is a compliment to the chef that I am thoroughly enjoying the meal.

Not all restaurants are this impersonal where I do not even see the server and have "Jeopardy boards' separating me from my company. I'll mark it under "quaint Japanese situations".

It's the Little Things...

2008-11-04T23:30:00.003+09:00

...like ordering pizza.

I do not know why, but I was feeling a mixture of extreme laziness, slight feverishness, and overall gloom coming home from work today. Today was an okay day at school, nothing sparkling or glittering with accomplishments unless you count survival.

But weeks ago, I got an ad in my letterbox about a "Chicago Style" pizza place that delivered! And what was more, it came with a coupon! I had stuck it on my mini-fridge via magnet for safe-keeping, and got inspired/brave enough/desperate enough, to use my minimal Japanese to try to order pizza.

I explained to the man that I was a foreigner but I understood some Japanese. He was so nice and patient as I gave my cell number, my address, and tried to describe the kind of pizza I wanted. When we finally understood each other and got the order through, I thanked him thoroughly and realized I was bowing while on the phone!! HA HA HA!!

So I got a small "pepperoni" pizza with pari-pari crust (thin crust) and it came in about 15 minutes VERY hot via a moped with a thermal box on the backseat.

Please excuse the frumpiness. The pizza was SO GOOD though!!!!! I am tempted to do it all over again tomorrow, BUT, I have chicken marinading in fridge so I better cook it for supper.

Kamakura Adventure Pt. 1

2008-11-03T22:33:00.003+09:00

So I got back from visiting my Aunt Keiko and her family in Kamakura about 6 hours ago, but I returned to a cluttered apartment and am 2 days behind on my Japanese studies. So I promise to post amazing pictures of the best 3-day vacation (so far) once things slow down (when will that be?)

Second Culture Shock Meltdown

2008-10-28T07:57:00.004+09:00

OF COURSE, as Murphy's Law would have it, if something CAN go wrong (at the most inconvenient time), it WILL.

Well guess what?

My hard drive crashed.

HELLO?! This laptop is not even 4 months old yet!
Not to mention that the week I need my laptop for almost every class... of course, the HD would decide to crash now.

Well it also crashed at 11:30p.m. so I couldn't call the HP-Japan Technical Support People, I couldn't look up emails, BUT I do have internet on my cell phone (THANK GOODNESS). So I phone-emailed my parents, my Prefecture Advisor, my Head of English JTE, and a family friend in the electronics business. Thankfully, all of them got back to me within 10 minutes and began to help me out.

So I will call the HP-Japan people after my first class with the help of a Japanese Teacher of English (JTE) and hopefully they will uphold the U.S. Warranty. If they do not, esssentially I am screwed. If they do, HALLEJUAH, because they will send me a box, I put my laptop in the box, I fill out some paperwork about the problem. They find the problem and in 2-3 business days after the problem is found (AND BETTER BE FIXED!) they will send the laptop back to me.

I suppose it is not a full-out meltdown like I had last time... but if the phone call this morning does not go well, I am sure you will hear my wails from 8,000 miles away.

Oh, and by the way, it's Tuesday...

======================================
Eons Later... (10:44 am)

So my HD did NOT crash.

So what happened...?

I use my laptop too much.

According to the lady at the HP-Japan place, if I run the laptop too long on battery or just plugged in without shutting down regularly and giving my laptop a rest, my computer will not start up. What happens is that all the electric charge is stuck inside the computer and needs to be released. So I turned off the laptop, unplugged it, took out the battery, waited five seconds before replacing everything again and VOILA! It works!

But I am still going to order an extended-care package from Japan... like... tomorrow... or today... or something. Sheesh...

What's the Big Deal?

2008-10-25T19:08:00.003+09:00

So I am learning new things everyday...

Yesterday, I learned that beer tastes worse than it smells.

Seriously, people, why do you drink the stuff?

Having faithfully and honestly kept the contract of an HU student, I was not exposed to alcohol until moving from home. This came to a shock to my new JET friends who were so surprised that even 2 years past the legal drinking age, not a drop of beer had touched these lips. And although Mom kept sake in the house for cooking, I was never tempted to drink any of it. To me, it wasn't worth risking my place at HU to experiment with alcohol. Maybe I just have more resolve than most.

Of course, I have had wine for communion in Europe, and that also wasn't a pleasant experience, but my first "drink" was at the Welcome Dress-Up Karaoke Party in Kakegawa. I had what my brother, Wilson, calls "fru-fru" drinks: fruit-based drinks. The first was a shu-hi. Yuck. The second was a Cassius Orange. More acceptable.

But beer.... UGH! It smells awful, it smells worse on a person's breath or clinging to their clothes, and it's even more awful still actually swishing around upon the palatte.

It's not that I think drinking alcohol in-of-itself is "wrong". But I just do not understand what the craze is about. Yes, it is enjoyable to go out with friends, celebrate a birthday, eat out at an awesome restaurant, fellowship, end off the evening in a karaoke booth until midnight singing and yelling classic 80s and 90s music into we're hoarse, and then dash to the train station to catch the last train home. It makes for a very memorable, pleasant experience to be with others.

I'll stick to my Calpis Waters and juices though. I wouldn't mind trying more "fru-fru" drinks though like a Mimosa (orange juice + champagne.... I think).

GREAT days DO exist!!!!!

2008-10-22T16:10:00.003+09:00

I had a GREAT day at school today!!!

I just thought I should let you know and add as a little reminder to myself that I have a great job with really great students (most of them) and a really nice, supportive group of teachers. So here is the short version of what made today so fantabulous.

Morning meeting--
I got invited to go with all the teachers to a play tomorrow. School will end a little before lunch with some shorter periods and then all the teachers will go to the culture center and then an enkai (drinking party?) afterwards. I will probably just drink a lot of juice.

2nd period--
I have one of my favorite junior classes on Wednesday. They are not the smartest, but they always greet me enthusiastically whether I am in the hall or at class. And they work REALLY hard! Today, we (the JTE and I) returned the midterm tests and then had a celebration of awards about the Olympic project. And then the students proudly put up their posters around the room. Before dismissing the class, I told them about the next project--commercials--and the kids really ate it up. They cannot wait to watch American commercials next week (a little bit of super bowl, herbal essence, diamond ring commercial, gillette, a little bit of everything).

4th period--
I have a good sophomore class. Again, they are not the smartest, but they do all activities in class with great enthusiasm. I (and I am sure they too) got really bored with reinforcing grammar points previous to midterms. So their project will be show and tell. I introduced Japanese-exclusive items to them today in the form of a Jeopardy game. They LOVED the game and it built their confidence to see pictures of things they KNEW. Then I had them do a worksheet activity of American-exclusive items that required them to talk to other students to get the information. And then they could draw too. Of the 8 pictures they had to draw, I really enjoyed looking at their interpretations of bison and cowboy. HA HA HA! So the sophomores will be in pairs and do a show-and-tell of Japanese-exclusive items like Anpan-man (anime), shitajiki (plastic sheet used between pages when writing), sumo-wrestling (Japan's national sport), and so on.

6th period--
Because my juniors are doing commercials next week, I had to clear some things with the head of the computer department. We met during one of his free periods in my classroom to setup my laptop to the school network and check to make sure the links worked. And come to find out, the head of the computer department speaks English! What?! He totally surprised me!
I have come to decide that secretly, all the teachers can speak English, but have been commanded to make me try speaking Japanese as much as possible. And it's good practice for me anyway so I can't really complain.

Okay, so that wasn't so short of an update as I thought, but it was a REALLY good day and tomorrow will be good too because it'll be an opportunity to spend time just with the teachers and not worry about classes!

The "I Can't Do This" Morning...

2008-10-20T09:56:00.002+09:00

It is sad that I start looking forward to the weekend on Monday.

I keep trying to pinch myself that I am in Japan, a place I have always wanted to be, and that I have a really sweet set-up paying only $150 in rent a month, getting lunch everyday, getting to see so many things, studying Japanese with the help of native speakers, etc.

And yet, when I come to school, I feel so insignificant and incapable of managing the task set before me: teaching.

Today is another one of those mornings.
I do not feel fully prepared, my room is a mess thanks to some students who eat in there, I had to confiscate another cellphone, and I have yet another Tuesday ahead of me.

I am debating with myself to either do a new seating arrangement of the whole class, of only particular students who need to be moved, or not at all.
1) If I do the whole class... that is A LOT of work. And since I do not know my students very well, this could turn out to be more of a disaster than the original plan. Maybe if I make it clear that this is a temporary setup...
2) If I only do the particular students who are disruptive... I am predicting/paranoia that the students will go home and tell their parents what happened. Hello? You are disrupting my class, openly disrespectful to me and to the JTE, what did you expect? Of course, in a passive-aggressive country, this may be considered more of a bold move than option #1. I am tired of being passive-aggressive. I want to say exactly what has been burning in my mind for the last 3 weeks. The students wouldn't understand all the words, but I am sure that the tone of voice and the deadly look on my face might communicate better. My patience is coming to an end...
3) If I do not change a thing about seating... I will be pushing insanity if I thought that this situation will resolve itself on its own. I would love to wait until the next term, but I am not sure that I would feel any more eager to do this than in December or January.

I am so homesick.

And just thinking/typing/reading that almost got me crying.

No matter how I feel now, tomorrow is coming, so I might as well brace myself for it.

Billboards

2008-10-14T21:10:00.003+09:00

I have been in Japan a little over 2 months, and I just noticed that my town of 60,000+ does not have a single billboard. Especially contradicting ones.

Not that I have been avidly looking for billboards, but it was just something I noticed on the long bus-ride home from JUSCO that I wasn't having to combat visual pollution to see the gorgeous scenery of rolling hills around me.

Epiphany... I mean, RIGHT NOW.

What if, like everything else in Japan, billboards are smaller and shorter than their American counterparts?

I must investigate this phenomenon.

Frump Night

2008-10-13T23:44:00.005+09:00

This is probably the greatest creation known to man.

And it is always shared with my best guy-friend, State.

It started last fall but I am not really sure why. Maybe because I was fed up with State catching me when I was frumpy.

Frumpy (adj): meaning without make-up, messy hair, and clothes resembling sweat pants, worn-out t-shirt or otherwise embarrassing attire to be seen wearing in public, but honestly, the clothes and get-up are very comfortable.

I think Frump Night began around fall mid-terms tests and the Homecoming musical. Musical rehearsals were going from 6:30pm-11pm at least 3 nights a week and mid-terms were just around the corner.
So to take a break from it all the rush and demands, State and I planned a movie night in our "frumpy" clothes and to eat only comfort foods, aka, junk food. For the first night, we watched "Pride and Prejudice", the Keira Knightley version while eating Ben and Jerry's ice cream.

Since the first successful Frump Night, State and I agreed on some rules.
1) Frumpy attire must be upheld.
This could be athletic shorts, sweat pants, tank tops, old t-shirts, or hoodies. I usually rocked a ponytail, sweatpants, and a tanktop or hoodie. Here are some screenshots from an anime that can relate to how I look when I am "frumpy".

2) No make-up, no cologne.

3) Because State and I are hopeless romantics, only chick-flicks and romantic comedies should be watched with an occasional suspenseful thriller thrown into the mix.

4) There will be no talking about classes, homework, tests, or school-related duties. However, possible school-related romances were encouraged to be discussed.

5) Only junk food shall be eaten.
I usually enjoyed something salty like popcorn or potato chips or osembe with a glass of iced Dr. Pepper. State liked his sweets so he would eat ice cream or something my mom would offer him that we had in the house like chocolate-chip poundcake, mocha ice cream pie, cheesecake, you name it.

Since coming to Japan, I have not had an official "Frump Night" since usually it takes two people to enjoy the momentous occasion.

For my faithful viewers, you are perfectly welcome to have and or create your own "Frump Night" agenda so long as you give credit to the creator: me! :D

Tagged by Jessica Grasham

2008-10-08T21:48:00.003+09:00

Here's the rules:

Grab the nearest book.
Open the book to page 56.
Find the fifth sentence.
Post the text of the next two to five sentences in your blog along with these instructions.
Don’t dig for your favorite book, the cool book, or the intellectual one: pick the CLOSEST.
Tag five other people to do the same.

From 彼氏彼女の事情 (Kareshi Kanojo no Jijyou)
さくら：　教室’からカバン持ってきてくれ３分で (You have 3 minutes to get my bag from the classroom)
たけふみ：　えーーーーー？！(WHAT?!)
さくら：　んだろ (Do it.)
たけふみ：　わかったよ... (Yeah... fine...)

I tag Alex Ritchie.

Universal Characteristics

2008-10-07T10:27:00.002+09:00

It is my 6th week of teaching and even though I have made this discovery in the 2nd week, I thought I'd share it with you all anyway.

No matter where I go, how far from home I am, or what new culture I am in... students will remain universally the same.

You have the jocks, the "plastics", the nerds, the smart ones, the "not-so-smart" ones, the eager-to-answer question ones, the if-you-call-on-me-I-will-sink-into-the-ground ones, and the I-just-want-to-sleep ones.
And then you have the attitudes towards a particular subject.
-- I really want to learn English and I want good grade so I will work hard for it.
-- I really want a good grade, but I do not mind if I forget all the English I have learned along the way.
-- I really want a good grade... so you're going to give it to me, right? I know I didn't do the assignment, but that doesn't mean I -really- get a zero, does it? Sure, I was talking the whole time in class and not working as I should have, but... I was HERE, wasn't I?
-- I would be ASHAMED if I did not get a good grade so I will work hard and stress about it even though I really do not like English.
-- I really do not need this class... I think I will work on other homework
-- I really do not enjoy this class... I think I will sleep.
-- I really want to annoy the teacher and "be cool" among my peers so I will be disruptive in class.

And despite being 8000 miles away from the culture in which I was raised that I originally thought these titles and attitudes were culturally unique, they aren't.

But some things about me have changed:
1) I really do not mind if the students do not like me.
I just want my students to do their best and give their best in class. When students sleep in class, I am not offended that they may be uninterested in what we're doing. I am only disappointed that they do not value education and its possibilities.
And by the way, I was a high school student once too! There was the "schoolwork", then the homework, traveling to Little Rock for youth orchestra rehearsals, piano lessons, violin lessons, hanging out with friends and family, etc. So I do not blame the students for being sleepy. But that doesn't mean I will not ask you to wake up and do your best.
Being a teacher is a kind of stressful role. I have the responsibility to teach the students are core curriculum for them to pass when they take the entrance exams into college. Let's look at that sentence again: I have the responsibility to teach. I will NOT give you a good grade, it must be earned. I will NOT do anything less than give my 100% best effort to making activities fun, interesting, and an incorporation of concepts you are learning in your grammar class.

2) I am less up-tight about neatness and clutter.
My classroom will NEVER have straight rows and columns. I have conceded to that fact after spending tremendous effort the first week to correct the lines after every class. Instead, I am satisfied if rows are in the general vacinity and everyone has enough leg room. Plus, I have a group of students who help me clean everyday but Thursdays.

3) I have learned to separate a student's dislike for English from a student's dislike of me.
I sometimes catch my students giving dirty looks during class. This usually occurs after an assignment, worksheet, etc is given. The student isn't necessarily directing the dislike towards ME but rather that the student does not enjoy one of many things--having to work, having to practice, having to study, having to take English, etc.
And during the Sports Day Festival, I discovered that many of the students who gave such looks in class were really pleasant towards me. So it is not necessarily ME that they dislike, but rather the tasks set out for them. My advice to those students is "get over it"! Life will continue to hand you tasks and you can do them or you cannot and reap the consequences either way. School is just practice for such times to come.

5 yen, please!

2008-10-03T19:40:00.002+09:00

I've been fortunate and blessed in life to have had many opportunities to travel abroad and learn "cute" idioms of other cultures.

In Uganda, it is considered inhospitable to not fill a glass to the brim.

In Europe, ketchup and other condiments cost extra.

In Japan, as of October 1st, you must pay for eco-friendly grocery bags, 5 yen each.

体育祭 - Sports Day (Sept. 26)

2008-10-02T18:05:00.011+09:00

So I'm FINALLY getting around to posting some pictures from the Sports Day Festival at my school!
The pictures look small, but if you click on them, they should enlarge (I hope).

2nd year student sprints.
From left to right: Noboru (purple), Naoto (green), Kaito (yellow).

And then an obstacle course relay race.
First pick up a yo-yo in a spoon and race it to the other bucket. Then spin 20 times around a bat before running to the next person...

...who must blow a balloon and with a partner, carry the balloon between them to the next person...

...who must pop it...

...and then run through a net...

...and search for the gummy candy in a pan of flour...

Instead of skis, groups of 5 have their legs tied together in a rope and must run around the track. The colored ribbons are used instead of batons. The group then hands off the sash to another group from the same home room.

And then the "typhoon" relay race. It's called typhoon because students must spin around the cone before going on to the next cone and coming back.

When they come back, they pass the pole beneath their team's feet. Everyone must jump at the same time otherwise they'll eat dirt.

Then the pole is passed back over the team's heads and into the hands of the next row to run the "typhoon".

I never knew "Tug-of-War" was officially a sport, but it's quite intense. Whole homerooms battle it out. This is HR 15.

Faces of intense pain.
From left to right: Alex, Syuhei, Kyohei, and Shintaro.

The students seem totally different during Sports Day than in my classroom. I am glad I get to see this side of them and that they can see me cheering them on from the sidelines.
This is HR 33.

And HR 24.

And HR 23.

Even the teachers and coaches get into the festival. They especially want their own homerooms to win. I am not a homeroom teacher, but since I teach practically everyone in the school, I feel as though I can cheer for everyone without favoritism.
And HR 21.

And HR 15 again.

The faces of victory!

And a video. Yes, I am the one yelling really loud.

Organization Inspiration

2008-09-30T21:07:00.004+09:00

I wouldn't call myself lazy. But I can get in a rut and not pick up the clothes, wash dishes, or organize my receipts for about 4 days to a week before it drives me crazy. Then in one go I can make the apartment spotless. These are just some of the benefits of living alone because there isn't a second person to disagree with my organization style (or lack thereof).

So tonight's example is brought to you by the letter "A" for Awesome. I...
-- balanced my bank book
-- organized my bills drawer
-- set up a budget for October on an Excel spreadsheet and separated it into personal spending and education related expenses
-- did laundry
-- washed dishes
-- vacuumed
-- took a relaxing bath because fall is FINALLY HERE
-- and caught up with all my American TV premieres like The Office and Family Guy.

It is 9:20pm now and I might just go to bed early. Wow.

Bank Statements Revisited

2008-09-29T20:27:00.002+09:00

So I got it figured out.

In American checkbooks, I have pages to balance my account.

In Japan, they gave me a passport sized bank book. When at the ATM, I am supposed to insert the bank book, face up in a separate slot from my ATM card. Then when the transaction is finished, the computer inside types upon my bank book the transaction and ejects my bank book and cash card. I can request a receipt if I really need it.

To my delight, the ATM printed all of the transactions that I've made since my first deposit when I got here. So we're cool now.

I still have so much to learn about basic survival here...

Culture Shock: Bank Statements

2008-09-26T15:54:00.002+09:00

Guess what?

Japanese banks do not send monthly bank statements to its patrons.

Guess who doesn't have a clue about deposits being made on her behalf into her account?

Guess who will be spending the weekend with an Excel sheet, withdrawal receipts, and paycheck notices?

I do NOT like this system! I WANT A MONTHLY STATEMENT!

More pictures from Mikoshi Festival

2008-09-23T20:18:00.006+09:00

Here are some more pictures of my birthday weekend in Tokyo!

There is NO PLACE like home... well... home in Japan.

Yuri won a game like a pinball game. Get four balls in a row and win something special. Get four balls in a row three different ways and win 500 yen ($5)!

Because I was taking pictures of people fishing, I couldn't take pictures of ME fishing!

And everyone at the matsuri! It was SUCH a blast!

The birthday that never ends. =)

2008-09-21T20:45:00.002+09:00

I have been celebrating my birthday for a week and a half now! It's been great!

At church today, the services were a little shorter and the church threw me a small, birthday luncheon complete with party favors and a beautiful layered buttered cake with whipped cream icing and topped with fresh fruit like pineapple, kiwi, and peaches. I even blew out 23 candles!

I am much improved since the meltdown on Wednesday. School is going well and I have an ultra-short week because Tuesday is another national holiday (Autumn Equinox) and Friday is Sports Day so I will have to go to school, but I will not have to teach classes. The Mid-Year Seminar for all JETs only a few weeks away so I will be able to see all my friends again soon. I am very much looking forward to that ^_^

The weather here has gotten much cooler thanks to a "typhoon". I hear that Japan gets many of them and this one happened to be just a heavy rainshower. Arkansas T-storms are worse than what we had on Friday night. It rained a little more this morning and I have enjoyed sleeping with the windows open and burrowed under blankets at night.

So again... Happy Birthday to me!

"Hand and Foot" at Work

2008-09-19T12:17:00.003+09:00

Of course I am not REALLY playing cards (or To-ram-pu as they say in Japanese) at school, but I try to keep myself entertained at the workplace.

So in the card game of Hand and Foot, each player needs 26 cards at the beginning of every round. The cards can be taken from any number of piles, but there is a catch. If a player can collect exactly 26 cards by calculation of weight, height, and "feel", then that player's team gets 100 bonus points that round. If both team members get exactly 26, the team gets 200 points. Thrilling.

So at work, I have to make a lot of copies... A LOT of copies... I may be responsible for the deforestation of Japan. Well, I use recycled paper at least but still... I have 523 students. Did you get that? FIVE HUNDRED TWENTY-THREE STUDENTS! And one, ONE, me!
There are 5 classes of sophomores, 6 classes of juniors, 5 classes of seniors. Of the total 16 classes, I have 13 of them, but only teach 12 times a week because two classes only meet every other week. ANYHOW! The point is 523 students in all, approximately 37-41 per class, and I have worksheets and word banks and gamecards galore.

So in the copy room, I play a little "Hand and Foot". If I can pick up the exact number of sheets of paper that I need for a class, I donate 100 yen (about 94 cents) into my arcade fund. There is a fun arcade on the 2nd floor of JUSCO (Japanese Walmart) that requires patrons to buy tokens to play the games and some are very addicting. My favorite game is the dinosaur-digital slots-push over piles of tokens game. One time, I got a jackpot of 500 tokens! I only paid for 45 tokens and felt that I got my fair share of entertainment from them so I shared my winnings with a lot of elderly people sitting around me who were cheering when I won. The tokens can be redeemed for prizes and I THINK that there is a "black market" of sorts to exchange the prizes for money. But I am too nervous to ask about that... I know they are around the Pachinko places (another story, another time, but certainly worth telling).

What was the point of this post? OH YEAH! Hand and Foot at work... so in the copy room...

First Culture Shock Meltdown

2008-09-17T18:30:00.004+09:00

If there is anything more that I wish I had learned in college, it would be the practical things. I do not think I should've been given a college degree if I can't do some minor maintenance things around the apartment such as how to fix a flat tire, what to do if there is a grease fire in the kitchen, how to change my oil, how to check the circuit breaker when the lights go out, etc. Maybe there should be some kind of Life Skills certificate that we have to get in addition to our degree. Not that I want to pay for more hours of college credit... but I think it's a necessary bit of knowledge.

For example, today, I came home earlier than usual because I worked REALLY hard during the day so I could come back to my apartment in time to watch the high-ranking sumo bouts in the evening. Everything is going great: I have my snack, drink, frumpy clothes, start the washing, put away the groceries i just bought and all those domestic things. I was even going to cook a dish for supper that my mom often makes at home: sausage and broccoli. You see... I WAS...

I used the bathroom before heading upstairs and I noticed that it's running a little longer than usual. Then I heard splashing sounds. Not the rushing water of overflow but the pitter-patter of droplets falling. This cannot be good.

And it's not.

Water is dripping generously from the top of the tank and pooling onto my WOOD LAMINATE floor!!! Normally, I would call my Dad but um, hello?, it's 3am his time and I doubt he would know exactly what to do either. So first thing I tell myself is not to panic. I go outside to find the meter thing and maybe find a knob I can turn to shut off the water. I find it, it won't turn, it's too tight.

So I kinda start losing it, the way I start breathing shallow and fast. I run to my neighbor's apartment and ring the doorbell. She is the wife of a fellow Nishiko teacher and as a mother, maybe she'd know what to do. Yeah right, but that small difference of life experience might be in her favor.

She's not home.

Now I'm really getting upset. It's not as though I can call a plumber here and explain to him that my tank is overflowing and I can't stop it. So I try to call my supervisor... and my cell phone dies.

Tears start pooling in my eyes.

Two ladies are coming my way, walking their dogs and I ask for help in Japanese and mime gushing water and they both come over to help. One of them, blessedly, knew a little bit of English and she managed to turn off the water from the INSIDE by using a key instead of a screwdriver. The ladies offered to help me clean up but I couldn't ask for more so I bowed many, many times and kept saying thank you. I then moped up the floor and tried to calm down; I must've been on the verge of hyperventilating because my head was getting fuzzy and I was in a mixture of laughing and pre-crying.

So I started ANOTHER load of washing and I noticed I have some mail.

It was a postcard from one of my Mom's classmate's, Ta-chan. She was considerate enough to write a short letter in the basic Japanese alphabet form so I could read it, but I couldn't fully understand it. As I read it out loud, I began to cry: a big, long cry, the kind you can't control and then start wailing and then the sobbing and funny gulps and hiccups that follow.

I suppose this is what culture shock does to people. That hopeless feeling that I'm not in control, even of the most simplest tasks. There I was on the tatami floor of my bedroom, leaning back against the bed, sumo blaring on the tv, and sobbing over a postcard I couldn't understand; a mixture of gratitude for someone being so thoughtful to write me, someone so kind enough to help me with the plumbing, and an overwhelming sense of lonliness.

Please do not misunderstand me; I am so blessed to be here and am enjoying myself. There are highs and lows and this is just an example of an intense low. Hopefully the weekend will be brighter as some other JETs are planning to see the Batman movie. It would be my 3rd time, but I need to be people and new friends who can understand what I'm going through so I'm willing to pay for that.

Answered Prayer

2008-09-16T16:24:00.002+09:00

And I survived the day.

More than survived, I did it all with a smile on my face. Even when my students were loud and noisy, I kept on smiling because at least they were loud, noisy, and working on their worksheet.

All I could do today was say a prayer, "God, please help me through these next two periods. Remind me that the students are PEOPLE first who have feelings and interests and maybe English isn't one of them but that doesn't mean I shouldn't teach them with any less enthusiasm than all my other classes."

And I got some great ideas for next week consisting of students listening to American pop music and filling in the blanks with my advanced classes responding to how they feel when they hear that kind of music.