Yesterday I met up with Tanya in Yokohama station. We went for lunch at this nice Italian restaurant in the Bay Quarter shopping mall(next time we are going Ask a Giraffe). While chatting, I was saying how recently in Tokyo I am able to navigate the streets a bit and I know how to get places without relying on trains.  After lunch we decided to be adventurous and walk to Minato Mirai. I have never actually walked there before, I always use the subway but it is so close, and it was really nice to just walk a bit. Found are way over and I showed Tanya the Minato Mirai branch of the toy store where I work. There was a huge line of kids and parents waiting to enter the kids play area, and I wanted to show Tanya all of the cool stuff they have, so I went up to the staff and told them I work in Harajuku.  They proceeded to give us staff badges so we could go anywhere in the store(I am a VIP hahaha). The Minato Mirai Bornelund store is amazing, so much to play with, mats to jump on, humongous ball pool and climbing nets, and the classroom is larger than mine. However, there are so many customers there all of the time so it is really noisy and busy all of the time. I am kind of jealous that Jairo gets to work there though, I wouldn't mind going there once a week. Wandered around the MM area for a while and then headed back to Yokohama station. Even though it was kind of cloudy, and because of Golden Week there were crowds everywhere, it was a really nice day.

Today I am most likely meeting Patricia for lunch and then who knows.

I'm kind of shocked no one has read "The Sound and the Fury", it is one of the most amazing books I read in high school, and while it was assigned reading, I read it again on my own. Faulkner is great and everyone should read it.....I think now they are doing an off Broadway version as well.

Thursday I hung out in Nihombashi organizing the classroom for the new year, and then headed to Odaiba with Miu. We met up with Chizuru and Lindsey for a Hawaiian festival there. It was fantastic, hawaiian food and dancing. It was nice to meet Lindsey too, seeing as how she lives in my neighborhood, and she is pretty cool(another New Englander). Gotta go back to Odaiba during the day and wander around, great area and good shopping lol.

Spent the day in Nihombashi yesterday. It was nice hanging out with Atsuko, Minako, and Yuki, however for some reason I couldn't stand the two foreign teachers. I had never met Julie and Mary-Anne so I thought it was going to be great to meet two other teachers who do Mikihouse, and while they were both very nice, they were a little strange and young for their age. Julie seemed to have interesting stories to tell but she would laugh at just about anything and Mary-Anne seemed just a bit childish and her interests are just different from mine. I mean this was the first meeting so normally I would give someone a chance and just wait and see, but for some reason I just immediately couldn't stand these girls and I really wish I had chosen to go to the office instead. They could very well  be amazing teachers for all I know, but I doubt we will be heading out for a drink any time soon.

 to Kua Aina last night and had an amazing pineapple burger also bought this great new watch for just 3000 yen. Today is lunch with Tanya.

If all works out the work crew is coming out tomorrow night and crashing at my place and then we are all driving to the safari park in Shizuoka Monday, but at the moment it doesn't look like that is going to happen because Grant might not be able to make it. Either way I am just excited for a short Golden Week break and it will be nice to relax.

The faucet to my washer thinks its a fountain on occasion, or maybe more of a garden hose. It doesn't feel satisfied until my entire door, the neighbors door, and the entire front balcony is drenched with water. I think there are some problems going on in its head and it may need a visit from a shrink.

I love going to the dry cleaner. I have never loved this errand before, but now I love going there. The cute little old man who owns my dry cleaner is so chatty, and he gives me presents, so I can't help but love going there.

My neighborhood is so much prettier than my last one. There are flowers and trees everywhere, really feels suburban.

Yesterday on the train to Fuchu there was a woman who could have been a regular on the "PIGS IN SPACE!" skit on the Muppet Show. I mean I thought apes and humans were supposed to have the strongest physical resemblance but I guess I was wrong....some of us resemble pigs.

I bought a 1000 yen bag of granola cereal today, its a good thing I like it.

Aside from being able to purchase pasteles and beets from the Brazilian market, getting to see the cherry blossoms on a sunny day, riding a long rolley slide through the woods, and getting to hang out in a very  picturesque part  of Japan, it was just lovely to hang out with P, Mike, and Ridwan. Now that I have seen Nagano, I definitely want to go back, it really is gorgeous, and I also really want to go to Rockahukkahhimilaya because clearly there is more I have to see. Hopefully there will be more of these weekend trips to come. I may have  a lot right here in the Kanto area but I am learning more and more that each region of this country has its own unique charm to be discovered.

Went to Marui yesterday and bought shoes......yes shoes! Well they are sneakers but I am still amazed. So I think I am officially a 26.5 but checking the inside of the tongue it says US 8.5 hmmmmm. Either the label is wrong or my feet have shrunk but literally "if the shoe fits wear it", and it definitely fits.

The apartment is somewhat organized. Piles have been consolidated, and surfaces have been cleaned. This national holiday proved to be the perfect day to clean and  prepare for the week ahead. Tonight will be cooking and getting tomorrows bento ready for the office.  I am hoping I have enough work to spread out over my two and a half office days this week, if not maybe Jairo, Grant, or Anthony will be there to chat. lol and as I write this I receive a message from Anthony asking if I will be in tomorrow hehe. Miu, Jairo, Anthony and I are planning a day trip for golden week. Shizuoka seems to be the front runner though we are not completely sure, either way it should be fun!

One of the teachers at my company lives in my neighborhood, however we have never met before. She is good friends with Chizuru who works in the office and though Miu schedules all of her lessons, they have never met either. So we are all going out on Thursday, kind of like a blind date only not. I do hope I like this girl because it would be nice to have a friend in the neighborhood. I like Chizuru so that is a good sign right?
 
My dream last night involved me missing my lessons in Nihombashi to stroll around the city with Michael Kors. Minako wasn't upset at all, just a tad jealous and the moms were asking all sorts of questions. I don't think he is a popular designer here but I really admire his work. The dream finished when I was woken by the sounds of the guy next door hammering away at the wall........at 730 on a holiday morning! Oy to the vey!

Mokomichi is on fuji telebi tonight. As much as I tell myself Japanese tv is silly and crazy, Mokomichi is tall dark and cute, even as a robot boyfriend lol.

Thursday went for dinner with Anthony and Miu, I think Anthony is opening up a bit more which is good, and he has a great sense of humor. We met up with Jairo, Brian, Brent, and Yuri in Ikebukuro and went to Doma Doma(haven't been there in ages it was kind of strange going there with my current co-workers as I associate doma doma with Nova). It was great hanging out with everyone, I just wish I wasn't such a worry wart. When I lived and worked in Yokohama, I never worried too much about last train because I knew I could always take a cab and it wouldn't be too much. Now that I am in Tokyo every day I haven't quite figured out train schedules and distances from my house so I worry too much. I left Doma Doma around 1015 and headed to Shibuya to catch the toyoko which of course was so early because there were still three or four trains to Motomachi after the time I arrived. As Jairo taught me the other night I am a Dona Angustias.
On Saturday I was coming home from dinner and bowling in Kamioooka and encountered a man in Yokohama station with a clear bad filled with lettuce leaves. Not heads of lettuce but individual leaves.......I 'm pretty sure he was not coming from the supermarket.

I also went to the Northport mall on Saturday to do some shopping and have some Amy time, even though it  is  on the complete opposite side of the city, I  think I like it because it reminds me of Kuzuha......how weird is it that I miss a mall? Goodness. There were these famous old dudes performing there and while the crowd was forming to watch them, I headed into all of the deserted stores and got a few good deals, the whole mall had a 10% off sale. I was a little sad to see that my favorite coffee shop was closed and I am hoping just for renovation, though it looks like it is gone for good, probably the one time you will hear me say: damn you Starbucks!

Sunday I spent the day lounging, went to the supermarket and payed some bills. Around 730 I met Marcella in Yokohama station and we headed to the 202 bus to our old neighborhood. Went to No Border for drinks with some Japanese friends. It was so weird to be riding the bus through hodogaya again. Only went to No Border once since I moved and that must have been back in December. When we arrived, Winnie was performing solo with acoustic guitar. I have only heard her sing and play with her band so it was great to see her up there solo. She is really great. Hiromi and Takeshi performed a couple of songs as well and it was great because there weren't so many people. Even though No Border is really small so it is always an intimate setting it is usually packed to the brim so last night it was just a few of us which was cool. Donna, this girl who lived in my apartment before I did was visiting from Australia. It was very cool to meet her because she doesn't speak very much Japanese at all and yet she has become friends with all of these Japanese people and really proves that language differences do not have to be barriers when it comes to friendship. Even though Ryu and I have met several times we have never really chat for any long length of time before and last night I come to find out he was born in Hirakata and he lived near Koreon station! He also lived in New York for a few months. His English is pretty good, but what really separates him from other non native speakers I know, is that his pronunciation is just flawless. I love chatting with this group of people because even though I am considerably younger than everyone, for some reason we have so much in common, especially when it comes to music. Ended up staying till 230 AM and taking a rather expensive taxi home, but I have to say it was a great night.  Especially concerning Winnie and Hiromi, it is so nice to know that even though we don't get together that often,   I have two people really worrying and caring for me. They are my Japanese older sisters and I am so happy we are friends.

Today I worked in Fuchu Isetan Mikihouse which was fun! The kids are a riot, really funny mix of personalities, and I think it is going to be great.

The past week I have had many a moment where I craved water. I think it is fabulous when you have moments where you crave something so natural and simple. As I drink a large glass of water I am enjoying watching Sophia Loren try Smap Smap's "Italian" cusine. hehe

All of the kids appeared on Tuesday despite the insane downpour. I think I bought a total of three conveni umbrellas that day because the wind was killer. It was actually a lovely day of classes, after  a two week holiday I was worried it would be hard for the kids but they were all excited to come back and I think the moms were as well. The first class I had a new two year old who pretty much cried the whole lesson, and two trial kids who were fantastic. One of the kids was named Cielo, which is an Italian name, so we are thinking Dad might be Italian. The second class is probably my favorite class out of all my schools. The three boys just make me laugh and laugh and laugh and they are just too cute for words. Daisuke came running into the classroom and just started moving from one toy to the next, I think he was making up for lost time lol. The last class is two girls , one is new but the other girl Nanami is moving up and now coming to class without Mom. Ayako and I both thought this would be a difficult process but she was an all star, came running into the room, waived bye bye to mom and just started to play. It was just a fantastic day. Afterward I met up with Miu in Shibuya. We went to the Loft to get a present for Brian and then met up with her boyfriend for dinner. I can't express enough how much I love motsu nabe! Just so good, especially on a rainy day.

Wednesday was the first day that I actually got home at a reasonable hour, in a long time,  I think around seven thirty or so. Incredible really.

Thursday Colette  came to observe my lessons. I really appreciate having someone come to observe, because sometimes you can't see what your faults are or even your strong points. She said the lessons were great which was nice to hear and it was great to have her there for the day. Afterwards we were supposed to meet up with some people and go to the Baystars/Giants game, but unfortunately the game was canceled due to rain. So we all went to Chinatown instead and had dinner and drinks. We ended up going back to Yokohama station and headed to the Green Sheep for a beer. Went home that night with a massive headache but it was nice to go with people.

As of last week Brian lent me this fantastic book about an ultra marathon runner. Basically he trains to run 100 miles vs. the normal 26. The most amazing guy with so much drive, he pushes himself to the limit, and now has run over 200 miles races and his most recent accomplishment is running a marathon a day in every state of the US. You read this novel, and suddenly nothing you do seems challenging. The book helps you to realize that all of the drama or challenges you think you face in your life seem like an ant sitting beside a airplane in comparison to what this guy has achieved. Really amazing story. I mean who else can say they ran a marathon to the south pole, or finished the Badwater marathon in Death Valley?  Just incredible.

Yesterday was busy. Spent the morning in the office chatting with the Asaka boys, Brian, and his new replacement Anthony. Had Indian curry for lunch(I think I am seriously addicted) and then headed to Funabashi for two lessons. Observed Michaela's lessons which I will be taking over come May, and then headed back to the office to meet up with some co-workers and head out for Brian's going away. So of course I have been to many a gaijin going away party, but this was my first going away party in real Japanese office fashion. There were so many kanpais, everyone there made a speech, including me which was scary. We had a bonzai clap at the end, and presented gifts to Brian. It was so nice going out for drinks and really yummy food with some of my bosses and co-workers and it felt really comfortable and relaxed which was nice. I really love this job. Brian is such a sweetheart and though I know we will catch up in NY at some point I hope he returns to Japan. I can't express how grateful I am that he was in the office almost every day, and I was lucky to have someone to chat with a listen to my problems and stories. He provided so much information and was just the go-to guy for a lot of things and I really will miss his presence. Anthony has big shoes to fill! Jairo and I rode the train home together and I found out he had to do a year of service for the Colombian army and was sent to Egypt because he speaks English well. He has some really amazing stories to tell, and I will have to inquire more about his adventures next time we get together.....which may be today actually.

Speaking of adventures, it seems Kathryn and I will be heading to Taiwan in July and every time I think about it I just get more and more excited so this morning I am going to research some cheap flights and hotels/hostels.

Tomorrow was supposed to be a day in Odaiba at the Nagisa music festival, however it looks like it is going to be a rainy cold day, so we decided to skip it. I will get to Odaiba someday, just not this weekend. Kinda bummed but oh well.

Current Music: Matt White Band: Love

It is pouring down rain. My first day back at the Bornelund toy store and it is pouring down rain. I do not have appropriate shoes for this kind of weather and I am dreading the five minute walk to the station, and not because I know I will get wet but because I know that I will get wet and then have to show up to a job where all of the moms are going to call and cancel because of the weather and Ayako and I will be stuck there until 6............well hey we will finally have our long lunch. 

 Yesterday was fabulous. It was 19 degrees outside, the sun was shining, and I was in such a good mood.

I grabbed my frisbee and some snacks and headed to Yokohama. OOH so on the Sotetsu line I was sitting between an African man and a transvestite! I mean seriously when does this happen?!?!? It was almost like one of those classic jokes" A black guy, a Jew, and a transvestite were sitting on a train...."

 Visited my friends at the cupcake place and ordered a box of twelve, and then headed to Shibuya to meet up with everyone. Met up with Jairo, Miu, Brian, JP, and Brad went shopping for some snacks and beer, and then headed to Yoyogi Park. The park was insanely crowded today. There were people flooding out onto the streets of Harajuku and it was so loud and crazy. We managed to find the sakura trees and Grant and his fifty some odd friends had reserved a large spot. It was amazing. This is clearly the place for young people to enjoy the trees and of course drinks with friends. We hung out ate and drank with a gazillion people. There were dj's and drummers, guitarists, and people dressed like tigers and bunnies. I mean everyone and his uncle was in the park yesterday. While waiting in the bathroom line for forty five minutes, I bumped into my friend Jen. It was quite amazing actually. She and I used to be roommates back in Hodogaya, and I haven't seen her in ages. She also now has blond hair which is pretty unique for a Vietnamese girl from Boston! None the less, good to see her. JP and I decided that we would start running over and jumping into peoples group photos and huddles. It was quite funny actually and everyone laughed and took photos with us.

Around 5'oclock it started to get dark and Grant and our crew moved over to another party with some of his other Japanese friends. Round 2.
It was quite cool because by that time people were starting to leave and the park grew dark so it was kind of quiet and all you could hear were the sounds of the drums. I met lots of people who I have no idea what the look like because it was so dark. Some of Miu's friends arrived and we all left and headed to the Takoyaki stand. It was so good!  On our way out of the park, there was this guy playing on a conga drum and I had this huge urge to play, so I ran over and asked if I could join him for a sec. We both played together and it sounded so cool, and believe me I am no drummer girl but it was great, I feel like I got a new burst of energy.

One of Miu's friends used to work for SHIDIAX so we went there for karaoke and didn't have to wait in the long line. We learned that Brian is a very talented singer. And it was nice to listen to him belt out Aerosmith lol. I think there were about five different languages sung that night which was chou kakoi.

Made it home last night around 1230 with a massive headache, but all in all it was a fantastic day. Hopefully soon I will get up off my tush and post the photos to prove it.

So yesterday was just so cool, I really love my job. I was in the office all day, but it was the start of the new fiscal year so lots of things were going on.  We had this huge office meeting where the head boos and the department bosses all made speeches about how great we did last year and how we have to keep working hard. They also introduced the university students who will be joining the company after they graduate. It was so cool to be a part of the meeting and after many a head bob I left the meeting really feeling like one of the devoted Japanese employees. It was fantastic. Met the two Alts that we hired to work in Asaka wo are both really nice, and spent most of the day chilling at my desk coloring and designing art projects. This morning my right hand is killing me from all of the sakura I cut out, however I know the kids and especially the moms are going to like this project! Was leaving the office with Brian and Miu, when the big boss Nomisan hopped into the elevator with us. This is the first time we have actually chatted though I always see him at his desk when I am in the office. He always seems so inapproachable but actually he is a sweetheart and he was cracking lots of April Fools Jokes with us. Brian says he goes out  on a Friday night and buys sandwiches and snacks for all of the people who are working late and he has the cutest laugh. I feel more confident to say hello to him now which is good.
Today I am actually teaching but Monday and Tuesday I was in the office and tomorrow and Friday I will be as well so hopefully I can help someone with something because I am not going to have any work to do,  though I do enjoy just coloring and listening in on everyones conversations lol.
Saturday some co-workers and I are having a hanami party in Yoyogi park. We are all inviting people so it should be a big crowd, I am just praying the weather is nice, and that not too many other people had the same idea as us.
The sun is shining today, I have some of my favorite classes, and I am meeting Nanachan for dinner. The day is looking good.....ooh and so is my hair!

So three days ago I was going to the office this Friday for a nice relaxing day. Foreign teachers mtg. in the morning and the afternoon just planning my lessons. Two days ago I was told I am not going to the office I am going to Nihombashi. Meeting about trial lessons in the morning and then trial lessons in the afternoon. Yesterday I was told I will go to Nihombashi in the morning and then head to  the Jimbocho head office in the afternoon to help with interviews and then back to my office in Iidabashi for the remainder of the day.

Realizing that most of my more casual business attire is at the dry cleaners, I threw on one of my more formal suits. I have not worn this suit probably since September maybe even August, and wearing it today makes me feel insanely lucky that I don't have to follow that kind of dress code anymore, but at the same time I am kind of excited that now I am wearing it into Tokyo and to a huge office just like the business community here. Me in a suit, carrying my briefcase.....gosh who am I?!?!?

I had a dream last night that while walking down the street there were many families posing for pictures, and as I would come up behind the person taking the photo, everyone had serious faces, until I did a funny pose and made everyone smile for the picture.

I was funny and had the ability to make people smile, If that is not an amazingly stupendous dream I don't know what is.